Original subtitles

THE NEIGHBOUR

Who's a good birdie, then?

It's 10 to 8 and time for the weather on Radio Vienna.

The late summer weather will hold;

in the afternoon, however, thunderstorms are forecast for the east of Austria.

Temperatures will be between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Leave the curtains today, will you? - Leave them?

My eyes, you know. So tired today.

It's not going to hold anyway.

They've forecast thunderstorms.

It's good coffee, Mr. Pawlik, thank you.

I'II leave the magazines for you. - Oh, yes,

thank you.

Well, it's time I was off now.

It's getting late.

Morning, Mr. Pawlik.

Do you think we'll get a thunderstorm?

And what'll it be today, Mrs. Schneider?

Oh, just some fiction... two romances, two military.

My husband says he doesn't want any more about the Russian campaign.

Tell me, is it true that old Mrs. Smekal's very ill?

What?

Who's been saying that? - Well,

I don't remember who I got that from.

She's just a bit tired all the time and that's all.

The things people talk about all the time.

Not a word of it true.

Yes,

don't they?

Nothing but gossip

all day long.

Huh?

Not much of a job, is it?

A woman like you deserves something better than this.

Oh, well, things can change.

Listen, I've got something to do right now but...

are you doing anything after work?

Can I see you then?

I don't have much time.

Well, then. See you later.

Good evening.

Evening. Won't be long. Elena's nearly finished.

What are you doing there?

Black nail varnish?

It doesn't suit you at all.

I've got someone coming... he likes me to wear it.

There are some funny people around.

Shall I get it now?

If you'd be so kind.

I'll pay now, too.

Time to wake up. Supper.

The news.

Meatloaf,

parsley potatoes.

Not bad.

Mrs. Smekal?

I'll ring the police.

You have to ring the police.

Well, she was quite an age, wasn't she?

And alone, more or less.

Excuse me, my mother wants to know what's happened.

Mrs. Smekal, the woman who lived here,

has died. - Dead?

Yes, dead.

Mr. Pawlik,

may I offer my condolences?

It must be a great loss to you.

My heartfelt sympathy.

Come on, have a cigarette. Can't do any harm.

One must always have the strength

to keep going.

Excuse me.

Good-bye.

Wait, I'll open the other door.

OK. - Thanks.

Steady back there.

Good night.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'd like two love stories for my sister, she's in hospital.

I don't have any love stories.

But there's a whole pile Iying there.

There - take them. Free. Leave me in peace and don't come back.

Where's your saucepan?

Aren't you taking anything with you today?

Not today, Miss Sonja.

And by the way, not tomorrow, either. - In fact, never again. -What?

I won't be taking anything with me ever again. - Oh. Right.

Would you tell them in the kitchen, so that they don't cook anything specially.

Yes, I'll tell them. Good that you told me. 'Bye.

Is anybody there?

Good evening.

'Evening.

What are you doing here?

What about you?

I'm from next door.

I knew Mrs. Smekal.

The door was open.

Walls need repainting every three years.

Look at the state this place is in.

My flat's repainted every three years.

Excuse me, but who are you exactly?

Excuse me...

I'm her son. - Her s...?

What, she had a son?

Yeah,

me.

Well. If that's so, then...

...my heartfelt sympathy. Pawlik's the name.

I always brought your mother her supper, ever since she couldn't get up anymore.

Yeah, yeah, OK.

Hey, what are you doing?

Leave that there.

Nothing's to be touched - understand?

They belong to me.

I always brought them for Mrs. Smekal. Free.

If you'd visited your mother at all you'd have known that.

Listen, I don't need any reproaches from you.

Well, Herbert, have you found a decent job yet?

Look at the way you're dressed, Herbert.

I'll give you a thousand schillings if you buy yourself a nice suit, Herbert.

That's all I heard, the whole time.

I won't stand for it.

There, keep that old rubbish.

I'm chucking everything out anyway,

the furniture, curtains...

I'll do it up,

the way I like it.

Really stylish. - Do you mean...

you're going to move in here? - Cheap flat,

large enough.

You know what that is?

It's shabby, that's what it is!

You never looked after her,

but as soon as your mother's... She's hardly...

you come here and...

the very next evening.

It's appalling. Outrageous.

Great.

And now get out! - How dare you!

I've more right to be here than you. - Get out of my flat, I said.

And in future mind your own business, neighbour.

You owe me sixty schillings. - Oh, really?

That's a good one. - For her supper.

I fetched it for Mrs. Smekal from the pub.

Well, did she eat it?

No, she was already dead. I found her when I brought it round.

Well, then. I'm not paying for it. - But that's absolutely...

She didn't eat it so I'm not paying. That's my motto. Out!

Let go of me. You can't do this!

You lout! You'll regret this. You're a lout!

A lout!

...it'll be over soon,

you'll see,

it won't be for long.

Oh, look.

There she goes again.

Young Smekal's bit of fluff.

Every day at half-past five she goes off in a taxi.

Always in a taxi.

See...

it's not normal, I'm telling you. - So what?

She's probably going to work. - Well, yes. But what sort of work?

In the evening? By taxi? Oh, well,

it's none of my business. But people say she's one of those...

One of those what? -Oh, go on with you, Mr. Pawlik, you know what I mean.

Must be going, 'Bye.

Mrs. Schneider!

I'll tell you one thing.

She's not one of those. - Well, goodness,

I don't think so either. But you know how people talk. 'Bye.

Won't you come inside?

I might just have something for you.

Do you like animals?

What's Gerti.

Here's something to read for you.

When you've read them, bring them back

and I'll give you some new ones. - Thanks.

Ahah! You can even talk.

What's your name, then? - Agnes. Good-bye.

Bye-bye, Agnes.

What's the matter? You're closing already?

Yes.

Today I'm closing early.

But - why?

You'll have to come back tomorrow... Good-bye.

Good-bye.

So you want me to follow that taxi? - Yes, please. Hurry!

OK, if you want.

D'you want me to wait?

Perhaps she's going on somewhere else? - No, no. Please go. Go!

What d'you want? Need some change? - Yes, please.

Is Michaela on now - in there? - We don't have a Michaela.

But that's a photo of her! - That's Chantal. It says so.

Chantal's on next. Trixi's on at the moment.

Nice girl.

Er - yes. Thanks.

First time here?

I noticed straight away - all embarassed and shy.

But honestly, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Just looking at something young and fresh.

Forbidden fruit.

Look - I'm married, I love my wife, I mean that sincerely,

but she's got to understand my coming here. Nothing wrong with it.

Well then, go on...

just go in. Forbidden fruit.

Tell me, can you be seen inside?

No, you have to take a private cubicle for that.

But I don't want to be seen. - Well, then... don't bother.

It's nothing to be ashamed of, honestly.

Please would you give this to Miss Chantal.

I can rely on you? - Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

And who have we got here?

Were you coming to see me?

I've finished them. - Finished them?

You're a quick reader, aren't you?

Come on,

come in.

What's she called?

Gerti.

Oh, yes, I knew that already.

Can you whistle?

Try it.

Who's that?

That's me. When I was young.

And that's your wife?

That was my wife.

Is she dead? - No...

that is, perhaps. I don't know.

We didn't want to live together any more when I came back from the war.

Makes you nervous, that constant ticking.

all the time.

What can I get you?

Are you hungry?

I'll get you something from the restaurant, all right?

Yes, please. -All right, but you stay here. I'll be back straight away.

I'll just write a note for your mother

to say you're here.

Red, red, black, black, red, red...

Where's the black one? Well?

But I could have sworn...

Yeah, Luck's a fickle lady, isn't she?

Right, here you are.

That'll be fifty-six. Just like old times.

Hey, love - bring us another pint, will you?

Just a moment, this gentleman wants to pay.

Oho - my old neighbour, Mr. Nosy-parker?

He can wait, love, he's been waiting all his life and nothing's ever turned up.

That's your neighbour?

He's full of himself, your neighbour.

Thinks he's God's gift to mankind.

There'll be some people who believe him.

So, red, red,

black, black, red, red. And...

where's the black one?

Sorry, mate, lost again.

The world is full of mysteries.

The flat looks quite good, doesn't it?

I ran into my old boss the other day.

I could start there again whenever I want.

Don't be stupid! You're not a waitress.

Better than what I'm doing now, at any rate.

What's the matter?

What's the matter with you?

Come here.

Sit down.

You know we need to get the capital together.

What's the matter all of a sudden?

The job isn't all that bad, is it?

No, it's only...

if people find out and Agnes...

If she finds out, then... - Nobody's going to find out -

how could they?

You've got to take risks if you want to get anywhere.

When we've got the money together for the nightclub, life'll be different, really.

It's worth it, isn't it?

Yes.

See!

But - will it work out?

I mean, will there be enough money? - Of course, it'll take quite a time.

You know

how we could get the money together more quickly,

but you won't do it.

OK, I'm not forcing you.

I've never forced you to do anything, have I?

No.

We'll manage it together.

Life will be different,

won't it?

Yes.

We just have to trust each other.

Yes, but the sky isn't red, is it? - Yes, it is!

D'you think so?

Well, you're probably right.

So you're one of those, are you?

You just wait!

Afternoon, Mr. Pawlik.

You shouldn't give her presents all the time, Mr. Pawlik. -It's only a small thing.

You're not ill, are you?

You look so tired. - No, no.

Perhaps a bit tired, you're right.

As a waitress you're on your feet the whole evening, you know.

Yes, I know.

She should be in bed by 9 o'clock.

I'll make sure she is, don't you worry.

Er...

I wanted to ask you something...

to ask you if...

I wanted to take you out, both of you,

to the Prater, perhaps,

and for something to eat afterwards.

You and Agnes.

That's very kind of you, but...

I have to work. - But you're free on Monday evenings.

How do you know that?

I told him.

Yes,

we talk about all sorts of things, you know.

And I thought we three could go to the Prater.

Or somewhere else. -That's very kind of you, but I really don't have the time.

Good-bye.

Don't be afraid - it's me.

I didn't want to frighten you.

Well, you made a good job of it. - I am sorry.

I just wanted to make you a proposal.

What sort of proposal?

No, not here.

Won't you come in for a moment... have a glass of wine with me?

No, really not. I'm tired and I want to go home.

I understand. Work and everything.

When can I speak to you? - We see each other all the time.

No, I mean speak to you properly, in peace and quiet.

You know, I've been thinking about it for a long time.

You're a woman who should be spoiled, who should be given flowers and...

I'm not badly off, Miss Michaela.

You should know that I've always lived alone... my needs are very modest...

As you can imagine it's come to a tidy sum over the years.

That's very nice for you.

But you're tired, I'm just keeping you, I'm sorry.

We'll meet in peace and quiet and I'll explain my proposal to you.

What sort of proposal?

It's the best for all of us.

You'll see.

Good night, Miss Michaela

and sleep well.

Good night.

The best for all of us,

not only for me.

For Agnes and for you, too.

Good night.

Sleep well.

I've told Turek time and again not to shoot at the pigeons.

He shoots the pigeons and then they rot in the guttering.

Honestly, we can't have that.

My goodness, it's Mr. Pawlik!

Why - what's happened to you? - Don't you like it?

Yes, of course.

It's lovely, isn't it?

Very smart. Makes you look younger.

Spoiling yourself for once, who'd have thought it?

Well, one's probably neglected oneself a bit over the years.

Good-bye.

I'll be along shortly for a couple of romances.

I'm closed today. You'll have to wait till tomorrow.

You're closed?

Yes. An important appointment.

Good-bye.

What sort of appointment?

Oh, look - there are still men around who know how to treat a woman.

Come in, go on through.

No. Today I just wanted to...

I just wanted to say good-bye to you both.

Say good-bye? Are you going away? - Well, yes, so to say.

I'm probably getting married.

No, what a surprise!

Congratulations.

Perhaps the ladies would drink a glass of champagne with me?

Yes, of course. We have to celebrate this.

Turn that rubbish off. I'll get a bottle.

Rubbish. The woman has no feeling.

Oh yes, she does. Miss Elena has a lot of feeling.

You can't fool me. - 'Miss Elena'.

No wonder the women go all weak,

with your charm.

Getting married.

And who's the lucky woman? - What can I say?

A very beautiful young woman

with a little girl, Agnes,

who I'm very fond of, too. - She's young as well.

You send shivers down my back.

Come on, pour the champagne... that's men' work.

I wanted to thank you

for everything you've done for me.

Oh, go on with you - that sounds as if you're dying.

You'll be round here again sometime. - No,

no... that's... that's impossible,

after I'm married. - You old innocent

there's nothing wrong with that.

How many of our clients are married, d'you think?

No, I have different ideas about that.

It's different when you're married.

It's a different kind of relationship.

No, I'd never do that to my wife.

For heaven's sake stop being so serious.

We'll see.

What's the matter?

What's the matter with you?

Oh, she's got so much feeling.

Whenever she hears the word 'wedding'

she starts crying.

Happiness really affects her badly.

Right - let's dance,

come on, get up,

otherwise I'll start too.

See, it's good.

...and when I told him what I do, he didn't mind at all, quite the contrary.

Nobody's allowed to touch me

he gets murderous then, but he's quite happy for anybody to watch his superwoman.

There he is.

Hello, darling.

This is Michi. I told you about her, remember?

Well, shall we go for a drink? - No, I must get home.

OK - ciao.

Good evening, Miss Michaela.

Good evening.

I didn't recognise you at first. What are you doing around here?

I wanted to pick you up from work.

They were always from you?

Yes.

I'd like to speak to you in peace and quiet...

we never get a chance otherwise.

Could I tempt you to a coffee?

Who told you I worked here?

Nobody. - Then how do you know?

I followed you.

Have you told anyone? - Of course not!

I don't want anyone to know, d'you hear? Not because of me...

Soon you won't need to worry any more. - ... but because of Agnes.

You know what people are like. A child doesn't understand all that.

Things will be better for Agnes soon, as well.

Read this.

What is it?

My will. I'm an old man, as we know.

Why should I read it?

Because it concerns you.

Does this mean that I'm going to inherit something, or what?

Everything, Miss Michaela.

I haven't got many years left to live, and then everything will belong to you.

And what do I have to do for it?

I want us

to live together until then.

The three of us.

What?

You can't be serious?

Oh, yes I am. Perfectly serious.

I'm asking you to be my wife.

I'm sorry...

I'm very flattered and all that,

but it's absurd.

You haven't thought about this properly. - I've thought everything through.

Everything. Again and again.

It's the best solution for all of us.

The best solution.

I'm not so sure about that.

I know what's best for myself.

I don't get that impression. - What do you mean?

You can't possibly believe that this kind of life is best for you.

That job. Smekal, that lout.

That's not the best for you, let alone for Agnes.

What's it got to do with you? Why are you interfering in my affairs?

And who gave you the right to come spying on me? -But Miss Michaela...

I'm not a 'Miss'. I've had enough. Leave me alone!

Miss Michaela!

I'm sorry if I've annoyed you.

OK, OK, accepted.

I know it looks a bit strange. But it's only temporary,

you know.

We're saving to buy a caf� or something like that.

Then I'll stop, you understand?

But... with that man!

You can't love him.

Oh, yes

I do.

But why?

Who knows. It comes and goes.

You can't choose.

And you promise that this will stay between us. For Agnes' sake.

Yes. Yes, of course.

Then I'll go now. Good night.

You're tired from work. Edgy.

You must get some sleep, calm down.

And then think about my proposal again.

Mr. Pawlik. - Then we'll talk about it once again.

Would tomorrow afternoon suit you? At my place?

Just this once.

Well, all right.

I'll be expecting you.

Shall we say three o'clock?

I'll be expecting you.

Till tomorrow.

Wait - I heard something.

It must be her...

Yes, it's her. - Good evening.

I've been telling him about you.

This is Charlie.

Known him for years,

haven't I, Charlie?

You haven't got anything to drink. Shall I go down and get something? -Later.

What d'you mean, later?

That's a good question.

Look,

I'll explain. - You do that.

Let's go outside...

...and then we played and, well,

I lost.

20,000.

The stupid thing is,

he wants his money back now.

He won't take no for an answer.

Then...

give it to him. - There's just one slight problem.

We haven't got twenty thousand.

What?

But by now we should have much more... - Yes, yes, yes, I know what you mean.

But we've had a lot of expenses...

the flat... and all that.

Haven't we got any money put by? - No, we haven't, damn it.

And quite apart from that he's got powerful friends.

You know,

it can get very unpleasant.

And what are you going to do now?

I've fixed it more or less.

If he can...

well, if you and he...

then he'd forget the whole thing.

It's a fair deal.

I told you I wouldn't do that.

This is completely different, damn it!

Twenty thousand for one session, think about it.

Got any better ideas?

I know it was really stupid, what I did.

But you'll get us out of it.

It's not so difficult,

you'll see...

we have to stick together...

Well, that's OK then.

Where?

Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.

Have you got any sex magazines?

Are you mad?

Can't you see there's a child here?

Have you got any sex magazines?

We have to close early today, don't we? - That's right.

Your mummy said she'd come and see me.

Is she coming?

Did she say anything? - I told her to come.

Oh, you did,

did you?

I'm glad you didn't forget.

I wanted to speak to you anyway, about Agnes.

I don't want you to... - All in good time.

Let's have a glass of wine, come.

Have you lived here a long time? - Oh, ages.

High time it was redecorated.

Modern furniture, new wallpaper.

The small room would make a nice child's room. I'll show you afterwards.

That won't be necessary. But about Agnes - I wanted to tell you

not to put ideas into her head.

She's got all sorts of fantasies already. - What sort of ideas?

You know - that we're getting married and all that nonsense.

Does that mean

you haven't changed your mind?

What did you expect?

Find another woman if you're really set on getting married.

You could put an advertisement in the paper, or something.

But I don't want any other woman.

I want you.

I must go.

And don't speak to Agnes about it any more.

She'll only be disappointed.

Wait.

That's not you

talking now.

Who else is it then?

He's turned your head, that's all.

That isn't you. - I assure you it is.

And the woman who performs naked,

that's you as well?

Yes, her too.

Then take your clothes off.

What? - I said take your clothes off.

You don't want anyone to know what you do...

I won't tell anyone...

I won't tell Agnes, either...

Please take your clothes off, Miss Michaela.

Here?

I only want to look at you.

Just look at you, just me...

...alone.

You're a beautlful woman.

I never thought I'd ever...

Miss Michaela,

I didn't want to...

I didn't want...

Please forgive me. - Don't touch me, you arsehole!

Yes, yes, put your clothes on,

I'm sorry. I'd quite forgotten, I've got a present for you,

I'll just get it.

Please, do put your clothes on.

Wait, a little something for you... your perfume.

It is your perfume, isn't it?

Where did you get those roses? Why did you get them?

Oh, it was you.

You needn't wait for her, she's already gone. -What?

Why? -She went out the back entrance, so she wouldn't meet you.

You've really upset her. She's nervous all the time.

Why don't you just forget all that nonsense? - But it's for the best.

You don't know... -That's what you can't give her, grandpa, even you can see.

Anything the matter? - No, no. Everything's OK.

So - behave yourself, leave her in peace and find another woman.

Hi, darling. - Hi.

Wait!

Could I ask you to give her a message?

Tell her

I'm sorry

about what happened,

that I apologise

and that she should think everything over once again.

OK, I'll tell her.

You will tell her?

Yeah, yeah. Will do.

Sure.

Back already? Everything OK?

Let's go to sleep.

I want to move from here.

Yeah, yeah, tomorrow.

What did you say?

I want us to look for a new flat. - Are you mad?

Where'd we get the money?

You could find me something better paid.

D'you really want to?

Yes.

That's great!

You're being reasonable at last. - On one condition.

Yes?

In future the money stays with me.

Yeah,

but why?

Look, I'm much better at... - Only on this condition.

We want to get on,

don't we?

Agreed.

I'll see about it.

What's the matter? Why

won't you come inside?

What's the matter? Why won't you come inside?

I'm not allowed. My mummy doesn't want me to.

She's forbidden you to come?

Yes.

She can't do that to me.

I just wanted to tell you, so you don't think I'm angry with you.

Don't worry, everything will be all right again.

I'll speak to her.

I'll think of something,

you'll see.

I dunno where she is, I'm not interested. - But you must know what she's doing now.

Didn't she say anything? - Piss off. She's gone and that's that.

I'm her neighbour, you know. - Fine sort of neighbour...

Change of programme, gentlemen, change of programme.

The enchanting Susi will shortly be appearing on stage.

Yes, she's gone, went days ago. Where've you been? -I couldn't come...

You shouldn't set your heart on her like that.

Now you've got Helga - she's cute.

No, no. I must find her.

I must. - Well, if you must.

Perhaps the manager knows something.

The manager?

Where is he?

I'm sorry to bother you.

Yes?

I'm looking for...

Chantal. - And?

She worked here and now she's not here any more.

A beautiful woman,

blonde... - Don't know her.

But I saw her here only a few days ago. You must know... -Does she work here?

Not any more, no. I said, a few days ago. - If she's left, I don't know her.

Shut your mouth. - No, excuse me, you misunderstood me,

I'm her neighbour and I must... - Even if you're her adoptive son...

I don't know the lady. Never seen her, never heard of her.

Show him the way out.

Must be a beautiful woman, eh? - Yes, she is.

And now you're looking for her everywhere.

Yes, that's what I'm going to do. - And you don't know where to begin.

No, unfortunately.

She's a fantastic woman, certainly worth looking for.

Unfortunately she's not here any more.

Can you tell me anything maybe? Do you know what she's doing now?

Come on, you can rely on me to know what happens to our girls.

I beg you, please tell me, I'm her neighbour! -Yeah, yeah, all right.

You'll be really glad to see her now. You can touch her now, too.

And where? Where can I find her?

What bad luck...

I've just forgotten.

It was on the tip of my tongue.

That's the tablets, they cost so much.

Oh, I see.

Another one of those.

You're looking for Michaela?

For Michi? - Yes.

How about it? I'm really good.

No, thank you.

I'm just looking for someone.

Many thanks.

Good evening. I wanted to know if Michaela's upstairs.

My name's Pawlik.

Smekal's woman? - Yes, that's her.

Can you tell me which room she's...? - You can't go up, mate.

Wait here.

It's an exception, you know.

Naturally I'll wait until the gentleman comes out.

And who are you?

I'm her neighbour.

So this is where you've ended up.

I wanted to apologise for the incident the other day

and beg you to... - Forget it. I have.

It'd be better if you went now. - I understand,

it's not pleasant for you,

this room here, what you're doing.

But I know you're not here of your own free will.

I would never reproach you for it,

I promise. -Of course I'm here of my own free will, what else?

No. no, I'm sorry, but he's talked you into it.

You're not one of those women.

Of course I'm one of them, it's quite obvious.

But not really, Miss Michaela,

why won't you come to your senses?

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to...

It's the excitement, you understand...

...nerves.

Think it over.

This here...

it's not you.

You won't give up, will you?

I think you're crazy,

You're crazy.

Well, everything OK?

Working hard, eh?

Not for much longer.

What's that supposed to mean?

That means that it'd be better if you disappeared with her immediately.

Come off it!

I've been here for thirty years, Smekal,

I know what works and what doesn't.

I told you it wouldn't work if you started playing the pimp round here.

But it's working all right, isn't it? - You're a moron, and you'll always be one.

Well, it's all the same to me.

Have you heard something?

Come on, tell me.

Trouble, or what?

Think of Agnes, too. I've become so fond of her, you know.

I'll be a father to her. She's a child, Miss Michaela, a child, she needs that.

Stop it. -You surely don't believe that that lout is capable of it.

He didn't even take care of his own mother. - I know what I'm doing.

No, you don't! You haven't known that for a long time.

Remember: it isn't for long. I'm an old man.

Then you'll be free again.

Well, well, look who's here.

Our neighbour...

hanging around the whores...

who would have thought it?

And him always behaving so proper.

But don't worry.

I won't tell anyone.

What does he want?

What's the matter?

What's the matter with her?

You're making her all nervous...

Come, on. I'm afraid we'll have to do without your custom...

Come on, get moving...

So what did he want?

He wants to marry me. - What?

And? Have you come to a decision?

We can't stay here.

Yes, so I understand.

Leave it to me.

He's forgotten his hat.

Honestly? He really wants to marry you?

And leave all his money to me.

Money? Has he got any?

He's got money.

Hm. I see.

You wouldn't think so to look at him.

Maybe you should pack it in for today.

I've got one more thing to do.

You go home, OK?

See you later.

Hi. - Just a moment, Smekal.

We've got something to talk about. - Oh? Really?

Not that I knew of.

But I'm quite sure we have.

Who are you? -I don't remember giving you permission to talk disrespectfully to me.

You think that's funny? - Listen,

you're talking disrespectfully to me.

Of course I think it's funny.

He thinks it's funny. - Yes

Listen,

I know what you want.

I wanted to come and arrange it with you anyway.

You wanted to arrange it.

You see.

That's exactly what I had in mind, too.

Can I come to you? Herbert's going crazy.

What's the matter with him? - He's crazy.

All right.

You'll be asleep in no time.

I wanted to bring your hat back, neighbour.

I'm not intruding, am I? Good evening.

What's happened to you, Mr. Smekal?

A slight difference of opinion, that's all, it's not so important.

Could I come in for a moment? I've got something to discuss with you.

I've got a proposition to make to you.

Come on...

I won't do anything to you.

I only want to talk to you.

Not here.

Let's go somewhere else. Wait a moment.

OK, I don't mind.

What's the matter?

Be quiet. It's Herbert.

I've got to go somewhere with him.

Don't worry, he won't do anything to you any more, I promise.

Go over to your flat in five minutes, so your mummy won't worry about you.

All right?

All right.

...just a little push, ha ha.

Wasn't meant to hurt. - Yes, all right. It's forgotten.

You know, Mr. Pawlik, for me you're a real gentleman, somehow.

Really. You don't bear grudges, Rudi.

Oh, sorry - it's so confusing.

Couldn't we call each other by our first names? It would be easier talking.

Mine's Rudolf.

I'm Herbert.

That's much better.

Why didn't you look after your mother, Herbert?

I didn't know she even had a son. - Yes, I know...

Poor woman, I feel sorry for her.

Her greatest wish was for me to become a teacher.

Get a decent job!

But you know, to be honest, that...

that was always too ordinary for me, somehow.

That's not my sort of life, you see.

Let's go over there.

There are two types in this world,

see, that's my philosophy.

Either you're on top or down there in the dirt.

I just need a start, see,

Something to begin with,

then everything'll be fine. It's a cinch.

I always knew I didn't belong down there in the dirt.

You wanted to make me a proposal.

Exactly.

Our business.

Listen:

Michaela - you know what she's doing.

We've probably got to leave that place.

And for me she's sort of too good to walk the streets, you see.

And?

Well, that's why we need a flat for her.

Everything'll be done really nicely, no half measures, see?

The only thing is, I'm a bit skint at the moment.

Y'know - buying a flat, redecorating and so on.

I thought perhaps

Mr. Pawlik would like to invest a bit.

What do you think? -You mean that I should pay for the flat for you.

Well, yes.

Yes.

What is there to think about?

It's a good idea,

What do you think?

And what do I get out of it?

Oh!

Yeah, right. I nearly forgot:

my side of the bargain.

OK. First:

you'll get your money back, of course.

With interest. In a few months.

Go on.

Second: I thought,

well, you fancy her, don't you?

We could easily come to an agreement, that you and her could - every so often.

You know what I mean. We'd sort of share her a bit.

Does she agree to all this? - Sure. No problem.

Have you asked her? - I don't need to, you know.

She always does what I say.

I've never forced her to do anything.

She understands all by herself.

Hey - watch it, stop pointing that thing at me.

If you need more sugar...

No, thanks.

Well? Do they know anything yet?

He was a real lout if you ask me.

My husband always said that one wouldn't die of old age.

Have you heard, Mr. Pawlik?

Smekal's been stabbed,

last night. Over there in the park.

Oh? - He was shot.

Shot?

I thought he'd been stabbed. - No, no, shot.

Well, what do you say to that,

in our house.

He's in the morgue now.

Did you see her face?

As if she'd done it. - She's been through a lot.

Not to mention the child. - One feels so sorry for her.

What are you doing here?

I've come to get you. We've got to go to your Mummy because...

Herbert's dead.

He's dead?

Did it hurt him? - No,

it happened very quickly.

It didn't hurt.

And Mummy?

Well, she's still at the police station.

But we're going to fetch her now.

Excuse me, Inspector,

I wanted to enquire about Miss Michaela.

She's being questioned about the Smekal murder. -Well?

I wanted to ask whether we'll have to wait much longer.

Are you the father? - No, her neighbour.

Then I can't give you any information. - I've come with Agnes here, you see,

the little girl

of Miss Michaela.

Just wanted to know if she'd have to wait very long, you see.

Oh, I see.

Well, it won't take much longer, the way things look. -That's good.

Do they know who did it? - Well, it wasn't the woman at any rate.

Looks like some sort of pimp's affair. - Thank God.

Thanks very, very much. - But I haven't said anything, OK?

No, no, don't worry. I understand.

It won't take much longer.

Then we'll go and get something to eat.

The three of us.

So you're one of those, are you?

Just you wait...

Subtitles: TITRA-Laser, Vienna