All language subtitles for [1992] Guy Maddin - Careful (EN)

##[Women Vocalizing]

##[Vocalizing Stops]

[Bubbling]
[Man Narrating]
Careful, Otto.

Don't spill it.

Hold your horses.

Children, heed the warnings
of your parents.

Peril awaits the incautious wayfarer...

and strews grief
where laughter once played.
##[Woman Vocalizing]

Think twice.

I'm sure you can live without that.

Don't get wet.

Nature has built for us
a beautiful world.

Allow yourself to drink in
its wonder safely.

Paths must be climbed with
the sure-footedness of a mountain goat,

but beware your skill at climbing.

The skill assures nothing.

A heedless heart
can be lured to dangerous heights,

and a sudden ice film...

or a single wobbly stone
can pry you loose from the path...
[Screaming]

And serenade you with the whistling wing
of the death plummet.

[Screaming Continues]

Then there is always the avalanche...
when the snow relaxes its grip on the slope...

and is dragged downward
under its own crushing weight.

The slightest sound...

- [Sneezes]
- Or any false move by anyone...

can trigger these deadly landslides
and sweep all into oblivion.

Guard yourself and your neighbor
against making that fatal sound.

Be vigilant.
Do you have your binoculars? Use them.

Silence. Propriety.

While clutched to its mother's bosom,
a baby in Tolzbad once lost an eye...

when a carelessly unpinned brooch
pierced right through the baby's eyelid.

As if infected with this carelessness,
the same baby, by then a grown swan feeder,

lost his other eye
when he got too close to a clock.

Caution is not enough for the blind.

It wasrt long before the swan feeder, too,
heard the loud song of the wind.

You should never hold a baby's face
near an open pin.

[Narrator]
Once, an avalanche,
started by a single bleat of a lamb,

uncovered all the graves in a cemetery.

The dead had been
so well preserved by the ice,

long dead youthful husbands
were revisited by their brides,
now withered and old,

and young parents by their old children.

Henceforth, before burial,

- all the dead had their hearts perforated
with the long nail of the coroner...
- [Hammering]

Just to be on the safe side.

And ever since,
to prevent a repetition of the tragedy,

all farm animals
have had their vocal chords severed.

Absolute silence is required of us.

Children, sit still.

The noise of your play must be muted
until you comprehend the risk you represent.

Keep a lid on it. Don't be rash.

I'll do it.
Don't stand so close to the walnut tree.

You'll catch a chill.
Don't put too much pepper on it.

After long research, I've discovered
the existence of mountain nodes...

rare and extremely hard to find places,
quirks of the mountain ranges,

where all sounds sent out
are perfectly canceled by their own echoes.

From here,
within these acoustic shadows,

no dangerous noises can escape
to unloose the crushing mass of snows.

Here cautious vent
can be given to stifled impulses.

We can sing, laugh and cavort.

But I must stress,

even though safety is assured
by the acoustic laws of the ranges,

we must not believe ourselves safe.

For always there is
the wild, uncontrolled sound of nature.
[Birds Cawing]

Terrifying time, twice yearly,

[Cawing Continues]
When the noisy flocks
of migrating geese pass overhead.

##[Woman Vocalizing]

[Rumbling]
##[Chorus Vocalizing]

##[Vocalizing Stops]
[Rumbling]

And where death passes its hand,
all will be white.

Careful, Tolzbad.
Careful. Careful.

Careful.!

But today is the day
of the Tolzbad spring concert.
##[Women Vocalizing]

Today, the feast of Saint Mathilde.
[Birds Chirping]

We have all crowded
within our prettiest acoustical shelter.

## [Vocalizing]

##[Continues]

##[Continues]

[Whispers]
Isn't your brother handsome?

This next part
is very, very difficult forJohann.

Hold tight, Mother.

## [Loud Note]

## [Holds Note]

##[Horns, Chorus Continue]

[Birds Chirping]

## [Continues]

##[Ends]

Sit still, Klara.
You'll ruin the picture.

Yes, Poppa.

Herr Trotta, I was thinking.

Yes, Johann?

Herr Trotta, I was thinking.

Perhaps you shouldn't say
what you're thinking.

I can't help myself.

I'd like to ask you for Klara's hand...
in marriage.

We've known each other
since birth.

Well, what do you think, Sigleinde?

Should we say yes?

Poppa, what do I know
about such things?

Johann, you have my consent.

Poppa!

[No Audible Dialogue]

Come, Sigleinde.
I do believe we're late.

[Sigleinde]
For what, again?

I thought I'd die.
Your eyes are so blue.

Johann, watch your tongue.
It's true.

You're as fresh and sound
as a rose.

Oh, Johann,
it's magic that binds me to you.

Ours is a magic that...
Curious feature
of life in this valley:

When two people who are in love
speak to each other,
however softly,

their voices carry for miles.

[Johann]
Forever.

Till tomorrow, Johann.

Don't lose your way.

Don't stay up too late, darling.
You need your sleep.

I'll never let you out of my sight.

Don't forget to wear
your sweater at the crevasse.

Good night.

Onufrij has made lamb tonight.
Would you like to set the table?

Watch how we set the table
at butler school, Mother.

You can time us if you'd like.

If we make any mistakes,
feel free to cane us.

As Frau Teacher says,
that's how you learn to be
more careful next time.

Why such a good mood, Johann?

Only because
Klara and I are going to be married.

And when are you
going to make your mother happy?

Sigleinde would marry you.

There shall be dancing.
Lower the sheepskins.

[People Chattering, Laughing]
Listen to that noise outside.

The villagers from Setsburg
are at it again.

One of these days, they pay dearly
for the shouting and carrying on.

God forgive me.

##[Dance Music On Phonograph]
[Johann Chuckling]

[Mother Chuckling]

[Both Chuckling]

You're the youngest.
You have to stay and take care of me.

[All Chuckling]

##[Continues]

Did you see the concert, Franz?
[Trap Door Closes]

You'll get sunstroke.

I've got good news,
my dear brother.

Klara and I are going to be...

picking idyllberries...

We're going to bring you a bowl.

##[Continues]
[Rattling]

What do we have here?
Christmas ornaments.

An inspiration.
You could draw these.

I'll give them to Klara.
She loves your drawings.

Bye for now.

[Mother Chuckling]
##[Fades]

Good night, Johann.

This has been
the happiest day of my life, Mother.

You deserve all the happiness
there is, my son.

Try not to sleepwalk.

Good night, Mother.

[Floorboards Creaking]

[Snoring]

Johann. Johann.
Look at me.

Help your father.

I am late for my wedding.

Listen to my heart.

It's dripping like a leaky tap...
ever since they punctured it.

[Liquid Dripping]

[Klara]
Johann.!

[No Audible Dialogue]

Mother.

[Whispering]
Johann.

Johann.

Johann.

Johann.

[Utensils Clinking]
[Faint]
Johann.

[Mother]
Johann.! Johann.!

Breakfast, children.

Are you ill, Mother?

No. Why do you ask?

Look. There's my hat.

It must have fallen on the floor.

You're the one that looks ill.

Let me feel your forehead.

Sit down. Rest yourself.

Tea is almost ready.

Look, Johann.
This napkin fold is called the lotus.

Not on the table, Grigorss.

But diligence is a butler's ally.
That's what Frau Teacher says.

[Swallowing]

Herr Bloomfeld
came along today.
His dog ran away.

A dog needs a good, strong chain.

Johann, you forgot
to change the air.
Sorry.

[Bird Chirping]

[Wind Blowing]

[Squeaking]

Hurry up, Johann.
We'll be late for butler school.

Come on, Johann.

[Mother]
Don't talk to strangers.

[Locks Clicking]

Good morning, children.

[All]
Good morning, Frau Teacher.

Today I have to talk to you
about something very sad.

You all know about the tragic accident
that happened on the...

on the Eiger north wall
in Setsburg.

Some of you even saw
the one who was rescued.

The other one no longer lives.

He will not come back to his parents.

He will no longer enjoy
the beautiful things that life,

which is so very, very precious,

may have had in store for him.

Never... gamble...

with... life.

You are butler students.

It is hoped you will be
punctual, faithful,

diligent, well mannered,

polite, earnest, hardworking,

zealous, always obedient
while you are with us.

Your appearance is, uh, inoffensive,

and I trust your conduct
will be so too.

Polish... until you can see
your own reflection.

Pluck those nose hairs, Fritz.

But I must insist you make an effort
to restrain all your movements.

Loud voices and clumsy feet
are not in fashion here and never shall be.

Master has an occluded bowel.
Alert Herr Doctor Schmidt at once.

Try to see if you might find it
in your power...

to always...

set foot upon the floor
with the utmost care.

The Count
is exceedingly... sensitive about this.

Wrong.

Clean yourself
and try again.

Be quick, cautious, alert,
precise and silent.

I also recommend
that your comportment...

remain cold and serene.

Here are the bodies
of those foolish climbers.

What is the lesson?

[Both]
Never gamble with life.

Kurt.
She needs a light for her cigar.

Correct.

Hanz!
Remove the serving dish.

Correct.

Sepp.
Slide in her chair?

Correct. Ferdl?
Her fork has fallen on the floor.

Correct. Grigorss.

Plump the seat cushion.
Correct. Johann?

Remove her nightgown.

Wrong. You are butler,
good for naught...

save bed making, sand strewing.

Steady, man.
Kurt.

You're thinking too much of your Klara.
Groom his mustache.

Correct. Hanz?
The napkin is folded improperly.

Frau Teacher is very strict.

Brother, where are you going?

Klara's coming here to meet you.
Tell her I'm ill.

Tell her whatever you like.

[Animals Hooting]

[Trotta] No, I don't.
[Klara]
Yes, I will.

Easy now.
Oh, Poppa.

Watch your step.

[Wind Howling]

[Birds Squawking]

[Squawking Continues]
[Wings Swoop]

[Panting]
This is from Johann.

Eggs break very easily.
You'd best give it to Sigleinde.

Where is Johann?

J... Johann is ill.

The passions grow on high mountains...

and fling their red blossoms to the storm.

Perhaps the boy has mountain fever.

It begins innocently enough,

with dreams of mountains,
a peak round as a plump knee...

or a crest like a frosted bosom,
white as goats'milk.

Who can resist
the temptation to climb?

Into the folds one swoons.
The rocks will catch you
in a piercing embrace.

There is something terrible
about mountains.

When the wind passes over
anything else in nature...
long grass or flowers...

there is a brief agitation,
an anxious stirring,

and then the wind passes away
as if it had never been.

With mountains, it is different.

Look at the ripples,
wrinkles in the rock.

The fearful passage of the wind
is etched in the very stone,

like a scream that never ends.

[Mother's Voice]
Johann. Johann.!

You better put your name
on your new toothbrush
before some accidents happen.

[Tapping Drinking Glass]

[Animals Chirping, Screeching]

Franz, this is your father.
I have come back.

Are you still alive?

Nod if you are real.

I hear you nod.

Death has sharpened my ears,

but for some reason it has left me blind,
just as in life.

I cannot see what death is like,
but this is what I know.

Sounds of swans,
wings beating ceaselessly above my head,

night winds blowing against my cheeks.

Most of the time,
I remember nothing and have no thoughts.

Then a memory strays into my head,

like a lost traveler,
famished and pleading.

I dreamt I saw your footprints...

in the wet part of the underworld.

Why your footprints, Franz?

You, who have never walked.

I heard your footprints speak to me
in your voice.

You, who have never spoken.

I followed you here in my dream.
Am I awake?

I know that I am in your room
and that you see me.

Your brother's heart...
It is full of sores.

He dreams of his mother
like a bridegroom.

He is confused.
His virginity has become a curse.

One can get lost in love.

When I remember anything,

I remember how much
I wanted your mother's kisses.

My desire still lives
in this house, unsatisfied.

And your mother's desire,
also unfulfilled...

Johann has breathed it in.

Warn him!
I'm counting on you to warn him.

Warn him.

Warn him.

[Echoes Softly]
Warn him.

[Animals Chirping, Screeching]

[Birds Chirping]

Look at that butterfly.
How innocent it is.

Let us strive for purity
in everything,
even after our wedding.

Purity sickens me.
You can be pure for both of us.

Johann!
Klara.

Suppose that the sounds of angels
singing hymns to our virginal love...

was in reality a choir
from the deepest pit of hell.

What are you saying?
You frighten me.

Forgive my raving.
I have not
been sleeping well.

We live at a very high altitude.
You need rest.

Keep your mind
fixed on goodness,

as it always has been,
and all will be well.

Here.
Let me smooth your brow.

How our feelings play with us.

[Liquid Bubbling]

[Mother]
If you drop that,
you will be the one who cleans it up.

Use both hands.

##[Woman Vocalizing]

Don't spill the hot wax.

Chemicals can get onto your shoes,
then onto the carpet.

Watch your fingers.

Careful.

##[Woman Vocalizes]

Is thatJohann in trouble?

Can't you hear? Go to him!

[Swallowing]

[Swallowing]

[Button Clatters]

[Swallowing]

[Glass Breaks]

[Heartbeat]

[Heartbeat]

[Gums Smacking]

[Shears Cutting]

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Rumbling, Faint]

[Breathing Heavily]

[Wind Howling]

[Sizzling]

[Crying]

[Sizzling]
[Muffled Screaming]

[Screaming Echoes]

[Thump]

##[Women Vocalizing]

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

[Echoing Softly]
Mother, forgive me.
Mother, forgive me. Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.
Mother, forgive me. Mother, forgive me.

Please sew these fingers back on.

If my mother suspected
it wasrt an accident, it would finish her.

No more.

##[Women Vocalizing]

[Birds Chirping]

I learned today
I'm first in my class.

Count Knotkers always hires the best
of the graduating butlers to enter his service.

Can you imagine me waiting tables
and lighting fires in that castle?

Quite an honor.

Of course, thejob
would have gone toJohann,
were he still with us.

I'm sorry to mention his name.

One can't live in the past.

I must put all that behind me.

[Bell Clanging Softly]

I'd like to share my income
with your family.

I realize your father's experiments,
however valuable,
bring in very little money.

If you'd allow me
to do this small thing...

Thank you, my friend.
That won't be necessary.

I've accepted a job in the mines.
I begin work this afternoon,
as a matter of fact.

You in the mines?
Why not?

I'm as strong
as any man in the village.

Being in darkness all day
seems strangely comforting to me now.

Perhaps I could
accompany you to work someday.

You just have.
Ah, there's Poppa!

Hello, Grigorss.

Klara,
I do wish you'd reconsider.

Don't be silly, Poppa.

Mining's just like chopping firewood.

Besides, in the mines
you can sing
without starting an avalanche.

Very well. The least I can do
is escort you down on your first day.

Don't forget your helmet.

[Bell Clanging Softly]

[Metal Clanging]

##[Chorus Vocalizing]

- What will you be doing today?
- Oh, your sister and I
will take our usual walk in the village.

Perhaps I'll finish
my painting of her.

You still haven't
painted me, Father.
I'm still waiting for inspiration.

##[Continues]

Good-bye, Klara.
Take care now.

Good-bye, Poppa.

You forgot your gloves!

You forgot your gloves.!

You forgot your gloves.!
You forgot your gloves.!

[Metal Clanging]
##[Chorus Vocalizing]

You forgot your gloves.!

[Birds Cawing]

I'm Grigorss Bernoltz,
the new butler.

I'm Herr Schmidt.

Wipe your feet
before you come in.

I hope that's a clean shirt.

[Shoes Scuffing]

Does the Count wish to see me
before I begin?

The Count must never be disturbed.

If you do not stay out of his way,
you will have cause to regret it.

A word of caution.
Don't, under any circumstances,
go into this room.

No, Herr Schmidt.

Only the nuns are allowed in here.
Do you understand?

Yes, Herr Schmidt.
I think so.

Only the nuns.

This is the white bedroom.
The Count's mother rests here.

Since her illness,
nothing, absolutely nothing of hers
has been touched by unconsecrated hands.

Are your bowel movements regular?

Yes, Herr Schmidt.

I'm glad to hear it.

[No Audio]

[Klara]
Poppa, I'm home... from the mines.

[Chuckling]
Oh, how funny you look.
Poppa said you'd come home dirty.

He laughed when I asked if you'd look
like a chimney sweep from my fairy book.
Poppa laughed?

Look. I have something
to show you.

Poppa bought me this today.

He didn't want the sun
to burn my fair skin.

He spoils us so.
Doesrt he, Klara?

Come down to the river with me.
Right now?

I need your help
to clean off this dust.

[Water Flowing]

Come in.
It's too cold.

Take off your dress
and come in.
I can't clean myself.

What if someone sees us?

It's dark.
We swam together
hundreds of times as children.

Don't frustrate me.

Only for a minute.

Don't splash me.

I won't.

Start with my face.
Rub hard.

It's too deep here.
The rock is slippery.

You silly girl!

I can't swim.
I'm getting out.

Clean my face!

[Trotta]
Is that you, Klara?

Cover your eyes, Poppa.
I'm helping Klara scrub herself.

This is most imprudent.
Klara, what is the meaning of this?

There's so much grime, Poppa.
I needed help.

Come to the house
when you've finished,
and we will discuss the matter.

The Count has summoned you
to his chamber.
What have you done?

Nothing.
You must have committed
some grave offense.

The Count never sees anyone.

[Gong Sounds]

Let a little light in.

So, you disappoint me.

I'm very sorry, Count Knotkers.

Raise your head.
I can't see you.

You look like
you've killed someone.

L... I feel so much shame
at having displeased you.

It was such an honor
to be chosen as one of your servants.

My poor mother is overjoyed...

that I'm working here.

Am I to be dismissed?

Please calm yourself.
I was teasing you
about being disappointed.

You've done nothing wrong.

I wanted to ask you
about your mother.

My mother?
Yes. Uh, my mother is dead,
as you must know.

We were very close.

She was a great lady.
It was difficult for me to think of
anyone else while she was alive.

You must know
that feeling.
Yes, I do.

But now... she's passed away.

Is your mother still
as beautiful as I remember?

It's a difficult question
for a son to answer.

I knew her very well,

in my rather
devil-may-care youth.

Has she spoken of me to you?
Only as a man to be looked up to.

My brother and I were taught
to include your name
in our night prayers.

I'm pleased to hear it.

You know, I've been shut up
in this castle for too long now.

I long for some companionship.

The villagers dream
of capturing a glimpse of you.

As they should.

Perhaps I will pay a visit
to your mother one day soon.

For old time's sake.
It would be a very great honor.

I hope she can bear up
in your presence.

She does not handle
excitement very well.

Yes, she is rather... delicate.

Well, convey my regards to her.

That's all. You may go now.

[Whispers]
8:00. Lights out.

Trouble once again,
my faithful Franz!

You must act this time
to save your mother
from a terrible fate.

A former rival of mine
will be entering my house.

Yes. It is my house,

whether anybody remembers
my place here or not.

This rival will speak words
of love to your mother,

and she will drink them in eagerly,
helplessly,

until she is mad for his touch,
for his breath upon her neck.

I see his cloak
draped over her nakedness...

and her forgetting everything
but tight, pinching fingers,

his greedy biting.

She will leave this house for good
and go to him.

You will never have her forgiveness.

And you will be sealed up
in this attic forever.

So act now, Franz,
while there is still time.

Can I help you
roll out the dough, Mother?

I'm making gooseberry pie.

My favorite.
And a brimming mug
of cow warm milk to go with it.

Tell me about your day...
at the castle.

I performed all my duties
with grace and decorum.

Don't boast, Grigorss.
It will make you careless.

And stop eating those gooseberries.

What would you say if I told you
I had an audience with the Count?

I'd say it was impossible.

You're full of secrets, Mother.

He says he knows you.

You have spoken to him.

I was a little troubled
by his way of talking about you.

How do you mean?

Oh, I don't know.

Familiar.

Almost flirtatious.

I realize he's the Count,
but you are my mother,

and with Father and Johann gone,
I am your protector as well.

What did he say about me?

You really loved Poppa, didn't you?

What a foolish question.
It's not like you
to have doubts about me.

I never doubt you,
Mother, only...
What?

I'm afraid to ask you this.
Then perhaps you should
think of it better.

Why do we keep Franz in the attic?

Why won't you let us
mention him in your presence?

[Breathing Heavily]

I have a hair ball in my throat.

[Whimpers]
I'll swallow it.

[Bird Squawking]

Franz.

Father.

Mother.

[Woman Whispering]

[Knotkers]
I stumbled around inside myself
again and again.

[Man Continues, Indistinct]

Zenaida. Zenaida.

Let me say that name.
That beautiful name.

Zenaida.

Zenaida.

Zenaida.

My mother disapproved
of our being together.

I couldn't go against her wishes.

But now that she's at rest,
I'm free... free to do what I like.

- Do I speak too boldly?
- Oh, let me be bolder still.

The night of
my sors tragic accident,

I dreamt that
you came into my room...

and kissed me once
sweetly on my breast.

Your face was still of that
handsome young man I longed for.

Oh, how many years,

in spite of all my troubles...

and heartache.

I cherished that dream, dearest Count,

as a sign from heaven
God has not forsaken me.

Why did you marry
that wretched swan feeder?

I cringe at the thought
of him sleeping beside you.

If you only knew
what I endured with him.

My first child,

Franz...

he smelled like my husband,
even as an infant.

I couldn't nurse him.

I couldn't nurse him
without thinking for a moment
how much I hated my life.

He never spoke.

He fell ill and had to be confined
to his sickroom.

I gave him to my husband.

"Feed him with your swans,"
I told him.

[Whimpers]
But my other sons,

Johann and Grigorss...

they are yours.

At least in spirit.

When I conceived them,
my thoughts were only of you.

I cried out to you, silently,

while my husband
blindly and clumsily labored.

Oh, my darling.

Let me give Grigorss a title then.

And let us wed as soon as possible.

We've wasted half of our lives.

[Jingling Softly]

Where are you
leading me, Daughter?

You'll see, Poppa.
Put your foot just there.

Here?
Just there.

Is Sigleinde still behind me?

Yes, Poppa.
I told her to be
as quiet as a snowflake.

Take off your blindfold.
Take off my blindfold.

My Lord.
Look at this.

What is this place?

It's my mountain hideaway, Poppa.

For weeks I've been
bringing things here.

I want to make a little home
for the two of us...
a home away from home,

where we can visit
and be close
and tell each other stories.

You could eat horsehair
at this little table.

Where's Sigleinde?

I want a special place,
just for the two of us.

Please, Poppa.
Grant me this one request.

I can't think about this right now.
What have you done with your sister?
She's walking in the forest.

Here. Let me show you my treasure chest
and the quilt I made for you.
No. She's lost.

I must find her.
Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Imagine. Only two weeks ago
your were lighting fires
in the basement...

and washing goblets in the kitchen.

Now you're wearing the uniform
of a high official.

Don't rub your eyes,
or this may all disappear.

How I wish it were that simple
to end a nightmare.

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Clinks]

Very recently,

Grigorss Bernoltz...

joined the ranks of my servants.

He dreamed,
like most servants dream,

of a long career
of faithfully discharged duties.

Tonight Grigorss removes
his butler's livery...

and takes seat at my right hand.

From now on, he shall be called...

Coronet Counselor
Grigorss von Knotkers.

I will bestow on him
all the privileges
of a firstborn son,

and I expect all of you
to regard him as my son...

and treat him with the same degree
of respect and deference...

that you owe to me.

His mother, Zenaida,

has agreed to be my wife.

This dinner has been arranged...

to make a public announcement
of our engagement.

If we seem overly hasty
to complete the nuptials,
well, so be it.

When is it more fitting
for a man and a woman...

to be impetuous
than when they are in love?

Grigorss, please join my side.

Your mother and I would like
your blessing on our union.

I'm sure you won't withhold it.

Do I have permission to speak?

[Knotkers] My dear son,
you no longer need permission.
Very well.

Since I've been granted a title,
I'm within my rights
to challenge you to a duel,

tomorrow on Mitterwald's Tongue
above the clouds.

Are you mad?

Perhaps this will
make your decision easier.

This is for shaming
the memory of my father...

and attempting to lead
my too easily tempted mother
from the path of virtue.

Get your coat, Mother.
Our business here is complete.

Grigorss, don't turn around.

I can't bear to look at you.

In the morning, I'll be dead.
Then you won't have to.

Let me tell you
what you've done tonight.

You've plunged a dagger
into your mother's heart.

You've ripped my skin off
and poured hot lead into my veins.

I'm sorry for any... inconvenience
I may have caused you.

Why have you laid
this curse on me?

Why?

Because you made
my poor blind father a cuckold.

Because I wanted to see
your seducer's smile die on his face.
Lower your voice.

We'll set off an avalanche.
What do I care?

[Rumbling]
Did you see him, Mother?
White with rage.

If I'd flung a dozen
more words in his face,
he'd have died on the spot.

Listen to me. Listen.

I'm still your mother.

You're my only child.

If you should die,
I will have no reason to live.

There's still some time
to stop this madness.

Come home with me.

[Sigleinde]
Poor Gerda, mountain wild girl.

To be chained so for our safety.

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Bell Clangs]

[Trotta's Voice]
This is most imprudent.
Klara, what is the meaning of this?

I can't think about this right now.
What have you done with your sister?

Well, what do you think, Sigleinde?
Klara, what is the meaning of this?

Come, Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

[Rumbling]

Where's Sigleinde?

You'd best give it to Sigleinde.

[Rumbling]

Sigleinde. Sigleinde.

Johann.

Poppa.

Grigorss.

Grigorss.

[Bird Chirping]

[Chains Clink]

Lower the sheepskins.

We'll have music.

Remember...

when Johann and you and I...

danced together
the last time?

How happy we were then.

Yes, we were children of light.
Or so it seemed.

Now the night's come
to drown us.

Dance with me.

Hold me.

If I cannot believe in you,
all the women of the world
are painted like the harlot.

Shh!

It's all a bad dream.

You can beg the Count's forgiveness
in front of his servants.

He will spare your life
out of love for me.

Perhaps I can go away
to a distant land.

Wherever you go, I'll find you.

Mother always knows
where her son is hiding.

Does it mean so much
to you that I live?

Is it not the Count
whose life you fear for?

Precious child.

Look into my eyes.

What do you see?

Gentleness.

Pity.
What can I do to win your faith back?

I'll do anything.

There is one thing
you can do.

If you agree,
I will kiss the Count's feet,
plead for mercy...

and give my blessings
to your marriage.
Name it. I'll do it.

Accept Franz as your son.

Go to him. Embrace him.

Franz loves you.

When I leave, there will be
no one left to take care of him.

You are right.

There must be peace
in this home again.

I have done a great wrong.

It is God's will.

I believe you, Mother.

Forgive me.

Franz. Wake up.

You have a visitor.

My son.

My eldest child.

Is there still room
in your heart for me?

Oh.

[Sobbing]

Now I've told you everything.

Franz can begin living.

A great weight
has been lifted from me.

I feel revived.

You wear false comforts,
Grigorss.

What about your father?
Have you forgotten him?

Of course not.

Think of what the Count
has done to him.

His honor must be vindicated.

But I made a promise
to my mother.

You had no right to.

I could not love a man...

who placed anything
above his father's honor.

Not even his love for me.

Do you think
you could love me?

I had no hope
of you ever loving me.

I... could love someone
who has done his duty.

I've been blind.

Thank God I did not go down
on my knees to that monster.

I shall go to the castle at once
and arrange the duel.

Knives at dawn.

Here is the hair I have lost
in the past three months.

Take it. It belongs to you.

You will know why one day.

If you come out of it alive,

I will be here waiting for you.

And if you don't,
you will be waiting,

somewhere, for me.

Farewell.

[Chains Clink]

Have you no seconds?

No one in the community
would stand against the Count.

Then use Herr Schrammel here.

He'll be sacked otherwise
for dropping a teacup.

[Blowing]

[Blows]

[Blows]

##[Women Vocalizing]

##[Stops]

[Both Grunt]

##[Women Vocalizing]

[Both Grunting]

[Knives Clank]

[Grunts]

[Grunts]
[Groans]

[Choking]

[Zenaida's Voice]
Careful.

[Grunting]

[Knife Pierces]
[Groaning]

I curse my luck.

[Birds Squawking In Distance]

[Shouts]

[Birds Squawking]

[Squawking Fades]

[Wind Howling]

Home.

Home. Home.

[Door Opens]
Grigorss. My poor boy.
What happened?

Did you get caught
in a mountain storm?

Mother.

[Liquid Burbling]

Are you conscious?

Do you recognize me?

Where am I?
Safe at home.

I'm rubbing your chest
with the goose grease,

just as I did
when you were a little boy.

Do you remember how often
I promised you that when I grew up...

I would sail out in a big ship
and bring you back
all the treasures in the world?

Do I remember?
You were to bring me hyacinths
because I loved them so much.

And a palm.
Mother, I've done a terrible thing.

No. Last night is past
and forgotten.

The Count will forgive you.
You'll see.

I have an influence
over him still.

I killed Count Knotkers...

early this morning in a duel.

What?

What are you saying?
You're delirious.
There seemed no other way.

Your name was forming
on his lips when he died.

Two more seconds,
and he would have spoken it.

Here. Put this on.

Quickly.
What am I to do?

Get out from this house
and never come back.

You have killed my love for you.

Go. Do you hear me?

There is no goodness
left in the world.

Franz, I want you
to watch over me.

Look at your mother.
I'm rather clumsy.

Only you could help me.
Am I doing this right?

Yes, I think so.

There.

[Wood Clatters]

Klara.

Klara.

Grigorss, you've come at last.

Well?
He is dead.

I am an outcast.

All is not lost.

Come with me.
I have something to show you.

Oh, Klara, you're a wild one.

So are the reindeer
when summer is coming.

You must take the gondola across.
There's very little oxygen.

You may find yourself
gasping for breath.

You are not softhearted,
are you, Grigorss?
[Laughs]

[Yawns]
No.

I assure you that I'm not.

I have a dreadful secret
to share with you.

[Yawns]
About my father.

I'm afraid that in my present state
nothing could seem dreadful.

Could you marry me, Grigorss,

even if I were not... chaste?

Chaste?

My God, did Johann dishonor you...

before his accident?

No. His thoughts were pure.

He used to call me his golden fleece.

Who then?
My father.

[Yawns]

He ravished me in the woods.

[Yawns]

I refuse to believe it.

Look at this, Grigorss.
My mountain hideaway.

The two of us can be
outcasts here together.

We need never see anyone
but each other.

We can live on berries and grasses...

and small animals
we can kill with sharp sticks.

You can sleep in my arms
when the mountains blacken.

What about your father?
That won'thy, blameless man.

Are you saying he...
he took advantage of you?

Shall I show you the leaves
drenched in my blood?

That was not the wedding night
I had imagined.

You must never speak of this.

God has left this mountain
to the devil.

We have all joined his unoly dance.

This place can be ours,
Grigorss.

Here we can have
our own laws.

Here's my treasure chest.
Shells from the seashore.

A wooden flute.
Quilts that my mother made.

One dire thought occurs to me,

but it would freeze
my blood to utter it.

Speak.

You could kill my father.

Oh, Klara.
Or better yet,

I could throw myself off a precipice.

Then perhaps Father
would repent of his crime
and life could go on as usual.

Why should the victim suffer?

We shall have no more talk
of suicide.

Do you think your father
is capable of repentance?

The hardness of his gaze
makes me doubt it.

He asked me to come
to his room tonight.

He told me...
there would be no more pain.

Monstrous!

He must be killed.

A few hours ago,
I rid this mountain
of another villain.

I can still smell
his blood on my hands.

Soon I can wash these filthy hands
in the blood of your father.

There needrt be any blood.

Suppose we rode with him
in a sleigh through Uhlars Pass.

We could tell him
it was an errand of mercy.

He will not refuse,
because he's a Christian.

You will be driver.

When we get close to the place
where the mountain is nearest
the edge, you can stand...

and fire your pistol.

[Rumbling]
That will start an avalanche.

Father will be startled.

We will both leap to safety.

Father and the sleigh
will fall thousands of feet,

and his evil will be blotted out.

Let God decide what
a just punishment shall be.

Such terrible calm.

I feel like a trembling
schoolboy next to you.

Shall we do it?

I hear the angel's trumpet.

It is ordained.

[Footsteps Approaching]

[Footsteps Fade]

I love you.

[Echoes Softly]
I love you.

Have you known it long?

[Echoes Softly]
Have you known it long?

Yes.

[Echoes Softly]
Yes.

##[Woman Vocalizing]

##[Women Vocalizing]

[Bells Clanging Softly]

Good Lord! Did you see that?
You best be careful, Grigorss.

[Whinnies]

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Gunshot Echoes]

[Gunshots]

[Gunshot Echoes]

[Rumbling]

Klara.

Klara. Klara.

[Rumbling Continues]

[Water Dripping Loudly, Echoing]

[Rumbling]

##[Women Vocalizing]

Put out the lamps, dear,
and wait for me.

Has your fever broken?

[Breathing Erratically]

How did you find me here?

It's a mother's secret.

Sleep, my precious angel.

##[Women Vocalizing]

[Trotta]
The eldest brother's
journey now begins.

Lfhe could call out Grigorss's name,
Sigleinde might hear him.

She, too, is searching,
for her father.

Then she could dry her eyes,

and she and Franz could
continue their search,

together.

##[Women Vocalizing]

##[Ends]