Original subtitles

Angela.

Remember that it's our child.

-Welcome, Angela. -Thanks.

Don't look so grim, Petra. You're behaving as if you were the father.

Everything will be fine and you'll be so pleased with us, Angela.

If you keep your word.

-My word? -That I can stay awake.

I want to know what's happening.

-Are you really going to wait? -Yes.

I'm warning you. I've a lot to do before I let this child see the light of day.

Hello.

These endless corridors. It's like a prison!

The women are released, but for us it's a life sentence.

Don't worry. We'll look after her.

-I'll examine your wife, Mr. Holmström. -I'll wait here, Jacob.

-Good morning, Tord. -Good morning, miss.

Mrs. Holmström.

Go ahead.

I can't do much unless you take your drawers off and lie down.

I would think it's dead. We'll have you admitted and see.

Nurse? Admit Mrs. Holmström for an operation.

Yes, Doctor.

Please get up.

If it's money you're looking for, don't bother.

Miss von Pahlen has taken care of it.

Mrs. Holmström?

I have good news for you.

It's dead.

-No. -Oh, yes.

What else did you expect? You and all the others.

Adėle.

Please,

leave me alone.

I have to stay on anyway.

And where is my child tonight?

And where is my child tonight?

Come back, don't forget As l still love you yet

-Would you like a toffee? -No thanks.

That's what you call motherly love.

I scurry up and down day after day, just so the kid will come out.

He's probably far too snug where he is.

He needs a smack on the bottom.

If he has a bottom. Are you sure you don't want a toffee?

Don't, then.

There they sit like broody hens.

You have to be everything to them. Father, priest, nursemaid and lover.

Even a friend, though that's asking too much.

Off you trot now, my dear.

Where's my wandering child tonight

The child l have so long sought

Who once made me so happy and bright

Whom I still love so much

And where is my child tonight?

And where is my child tonight?

Come back, don't forget

As I still love you yet

Fresh air. Freedom!

You'd think we were tied to them by an umbilical cord.

It's certainly not easy to cut it.

-You're not dependent on them, Jacob? -Good Lord, no!

But they know how to use an umbilical cord

to nourish our vanity and strangle our independence.

Take a wise man's advice, Sam. Be wary of women.

They serve one purpose, anyway.

Thirty seconds of heaven, 30 years of hell!

Doctor, can't you stop the church bells ringing?

They keep me awake all night!

Exactly. They even want us to act like God the Father.

And don't we?

We commit our dear friend to the grace of the Almighty.

It is assuredly his wish that we first and foremost

think of the little daughter he leaves behind him.

And this in such a way, that we, filled to the utmost with tenderness,

try to ascertain what we are best equipped to offer her

and to generously open our hearts and our homes to her.

And care for her to the utmost extent of our capabilities.

One and all will take upon them their share of responsibility

for this little girl's maturing into a woman.

Thereby thinking not only of the bare necessities of this temporal life,

but rather what her immortal soul demands.

To lead and help her and give her the strength

to endure the torment and struggles of life on this earth,

so that she may choose the right path.

The path of duty.

Do you feel all right?

This is indeed a pleasant change for me. I mean being in the country.

I have quite enough to do as it is.

One must think of one's own children.

I'm convinced the family will settle this affair without issue for any party.

I've always said that the family should meet more often.

An extremely risky suggestion.

Come along, now.

Would you like some cake?

No, ladies. No pampering.

She has to learn that life is not a game.

-Wise words, Mr. von Pahlen. -We're a very wise family, Vicar.

We don't approve of emotions. They're too vulgar.

Ring if you need anything.

It's criminal of Petra to have such excellent cognac.

She probably keeps it in the medicine closet.

-Sacrilege! -Well, let's get down to business.

First, let me welcome you in the usual manner. Vicar, perhaps you would ...

Almighty God, we humbly beseech thee to bless this, our deliberation,

and to let us partake of thy wisdom and the true Christian love.

Amen.

We are very grateful to Mr. Gröndal for the legal work he's undertaken.

It only remains to determine what we are to do with the girl.

Whoever takes care of her won't suffer financially.

I can vouch for that.

Well, Jacob is our expert on children.

No, no, not on the home front.

A child in my house would be like the vicar finding the bishop in his bed.

-Very amusing. -We all have our obligations.

Let's not rush things. Have you spoken to the ladies, Mr. von Pahlen?

-Of course not. -No.

They would easily fancy that the child's best interest was a priority.

I was thinking that Miss Petra lives quite alone in this big house and -

-A very interesting thought, Vicar. -A stroke of genius, in fact.

Most certainly.

Need we put it to a vote? No?

Excellent, then let's regard it as settled.

Gentlemen, your health!

Forgive me.

If you're discussing Angela, I'll take her.

Petra.

-Why didn't you say so before? -I didn't want to be selfish.

Really? I see.

It's the man's duty to go out

into the cruel world and battle for his family.

And now, on your 18th birthday,

dear Angela, we come to you.

-At last! -Shh, Stellan!

Now that you've grown up, you're free.

No more spanks on the bottom.

We all value freedom.

-None more so than I. -Freedom?

Your next big step in life

will be when you enter into holy matrimony.

-Even more freedom ! -Stellan!

We all hope

that you will fall for somebody

that the family can be proud of.

There's a rule in this family.

There are things that we don't approve of.

Quarrels.

Divorces.

Irritability.

-Honesty and truth. -Rudeness to the servants.

I said honesty and truth.

Your health, Father.

-I haven't finished yet. -But it doesn't matter.

You were going to say that Angela is off to a finishing school this summer

to learn womanly virtues.

So I say, here's to freedom!

How are the inseparables?

Angela and Stanny were a loving pair. Angela thought that Stanny was fair.

-Where's Cesar gone, Miss Fredrika? -He's such a naughty dog.

-Is he missing again? -He's getting too fond of the girls.

-Girls? -I think Cesar's in love, Miss Fredrika.

Let's sing hymn 64.

Unbridled now the passions are raging

Brazenly sins are committed

The world has suppressed modesty and shame

God is insulted, distressed

The conduct of Christians is so indecent

That the world itself is complaining

Of all the wicked examples

God, what laments must come forth

To be heard from your temples

Let us pray.

May the Lord keep our souls and our thoughts pure this night

and for evermore.

Amen.

Girls, go up to your rooms at once.

No nonsense in the corridors or stairs.

Henrik a, one more verse.

Off you go.

Cesar! Stop!

Stop it!

Cesar!

What are you waiting for, Stanny? Hurry up!

Angela, you don't have time to bathe.

You can cool off here instead.

You can turn around now.

You like Stanny very much, don't you?

That's good. You should always have a best friend.

But only if it's someone you can confide in.

Why, my dear, you're cold.

Such a little hand.

Have you seen what big, coarse hands Stanny has?

Real worker's hands.

Oh, I've hurt you, but I didn't mean to.

But I myself was hurt as a child.

That's why you girls mean so much to me.

I was very lonely.

I was a foster child, you see.

I was very unhappy.

They must be close by. Hurry up!

Angela!

Stanny!

Where is she?

Angela!

Help!

Help!

Did the doctor have rubber gloves on when he examined you?

He probably didn't. He's like that.

-The test showed that the fetus was dead. -Such bad luck.

A dead baby is much harder to get out than a live one.

Adėle, sit still.

-Thank you. What an excellent maid. -Yes, she is really excellent.

-Capital. -Thank you.

-Thank you. -I'm quite envious.

Yes, I was lucky. Adėle, offer the sugar.

-And how is your husband? -Thank you. He will be home soon.

-I'm glad to hear it. -A capital fellow.

Yes, isn't he?

-Thank you. -Yes, I was lucky.

Men always betray you.

You just knock on people's doors and they'll buy the sweets. It's nothing.

Here.

You'll do as I say.

I won't.

She's coming.

I won't.

Silverstjärna's sweets!

Who wants Silverstjärna's sweets?

-Whatever's this? -Can't you see? Sweets. They look good.

I'm quite envious of you, my dear, having all these sweets to yourself.

Just mind you don't get a tummy ache.

Don't talk to me about babies.

Five of them, I've had.

One died inside me.

Strangled, I think.

Another one just popped out as I was scrubbing the floor.

Daniel!

It's time to get you ready.

Men always betray you.

I won't.

-Why not? -Because I love you.

Everyone lets you down.

He let me down.

Who?

I suppose I'll have to tell you.

-Now that we are married. -What?

What is there to tell?

What is it?

I want you to know the truth.

Perhaps you don't want to hear it?

You're not the first.

I knew it.

It's all you men care about,

being the first.

His name was Daniel.

He was in love with me.

He was young and handsome

and rich.

He was something you can never be.

You must help me.

Help me then. Help me!

I love you.

I love you. I love you.

Don't leave me.

My dear, even if I wanted to, I couldn't go away.

They're not quite ready for us, so all we can do is twiddle our thumbs.

You run around poking your nose into everything. Off you go!

Get out of here!

No.

No, no!

-Where on earth are you going? -For a walk.

Women ! They're not only fat-bellied. They're fat-headed as well!

Just help me a bit.

I'd smack your bottom if it'd do you any good or give me pleasure.

Be nice to me.

I'm taking you to bed where you belong.

I want the grandest flat in town. Do you hear, Per?

-Don't you hear? -Yes.

With velvet curtains.

Red velvet curtains.

Curtains.

And I must have a chandelier.

-Too expensive. -Really?

Yes.

Small gilt chairs.

Perhaps.

Promise?

Yes.

Then I want a gramophone.

Yes.

And silver.

Real silver to eat off.

Come, now. Don't be silly.

Promise me the silver.

Oh, hell. Hell and hell!

Well, well.

If he's deserted you,

we can always force him to pay.

He has violated you, has he not?

Perhaps you are expecting?

Well, in that case,

there's no doubt the law is on your side.

That you may have a miscarriage later has nothing to do with it.

The law must always run its course. You understand?

Well, that's settled, then.

It only remains to discuss the details

more closely at our leisure.

This evening, perhaps?

This evening?

Listen, this isn't what you think. It's an examination.

Don't leave me. I don't want to be alone.

-You won't be alone much longer. -I want company.

You'll have it too, but more of your own age.

In a moment you'll have no choice but to be our guest.

You're missing your station.

Angela. Angela!

-Did you meet him on - -I met him -

I met him on the train. Isn't he famous?

I'm sure I've seen him in the papers.

Do you know what he said?

Oh, why am I talking about him?

When I only want to talk about you and me and us and everything.

-These are for you. -Thanks.

You've no idea how much has to be done, Petra.

-The world's not up to much. -It never was and never will be.

You must not say so. I'll have to start by changing you first.

-You're far too sad. -No, I'm not sad.

I'm quite content in a melancholy way. It's my form of happiness.

Wait, miss. As usual, my husband is not here to meet me.

Come with us, then.

-I wrote telling him I was coming today. -It's no good getting upset for nothing.

You wait and see when you're married. There's no trusting anybody.

I'm only going to trust myself.

-Welcome home, Miss Angela. -Thank you, Tord.

-Why didn't you tell me you were coming? -You knew very well it was today.

The letter may have been delayed.

I was at the station, so it doesn't matter.

Yes, it does. A little truth wouldn't do any harm.

Just for a change.

No, I'll take it myself.

Home!

What's wrong with the world is that women always say that love is all that matters.

It isn't.

It isn't, is it, Petra ?

I refuse to task about love. I refuse to think about love.

Life's far too long to be unhappy.

Good night, Angela.

Let's always be like this, Petra.

Just you and I. I love you.

I love you. I mean it, Petra!

Marriage.

It's like falling asleep for the rest of your life.

I’m never going to marry.

He's as nutty as a fruitcake.

Perhaps they all are under their manliness.

Men, what are they anyway? I've quite forgotten.

Come on, Angela. You can ride with us!

The three things I need most as an artist:

My model, my mother and the devil's grandmother.

-She can't hear! -Phew, it's hot.

-It's a glorious day. -It won't last.

My model gives me inspiration, my mother gives me my complexes,

and I flirt with the devil's grandmother when I want to torment myself. Look.

Happy Midsommar! And she gives me money for it.

-You have no morals! -You flatter me.

-It smells of cow in the country. -Don't be silly. There's a dear.

Here we are, ladies!

-Welcome. -If you please.

Stellan, it does smell of cows!

-You first, Alexandra. -Why should I always go first?

Who's that?

Adėle. A woman, therefore married and therefore unhappy.

-Therefore - -Therefore you're getting insufferable.

I expect you're in love and you don't dare to admit it.

-Am I the lucky man? -Don't be silly.

-Can I help with the luggage? -Could you help carry this awful thing?

Why, Mother, she couldn't help carry Aunt Alexandra!

It's nice the whole family is here for Midsommar.

We're not celebrating here. We're invited to a castle.

-Well, the servants aren't invited. -No one will stop me from going.

-Aren't there any big, strong men here? -Why, Agda, I'm here.

Off you go, Stellan. There's a good boy.

-Why not come and see us more often? -You don't mean that.

-I wouldn't say it if I didn't. -You're just being polite.

-Don't forget who I'm married to. -I treat everyone alike.

-There you see, Adėle. -She never cared for anybody.

I love all women!

Even you, little Angela. Even if you're not yet a woman.

-Or are you? -No, not yet.

-You'll ruin your shoes, miss. -How thoughtful of you.

Thoughtful? I'm sure you can take care of yourself.

Not always. Do you have much work left to do, Tord?

No, not so much. But I usually say good night to the animals.

I hope they appreciate it.

-They have no feelings. -Perhaps they don't show them.

But you have feelings. That's the main thing.

Yes, I have.

Petra.

Stellan, go away.

Help me, Stellan. I have so many dresses and so few ideas.

Voilå!

No.

You knock before entering a lady's room!

A lady's room?

-Listen ! You treat me like - -Like what? Like what?

I won't say.

Women are suspicious if you treat them like humans.

I'm not a human. I'm a maid.

But, you see, tonight I'm a magician

and I've come to turn you into a goddess.

I don't want to be a goddess. I want to be myself.

Nothing here. Nothing there.

Abracadabra!

Come, come. You know the rules of the game.

Come on.

You see? All women want to be goddesses.

The minute they're just women, they die of boredom.

There!

Thanks, Stellan darling.

Come and sit. Sit here. Let's see.

Give me your little leg.

And the next one.

Can I put my dress on now?

-Here you are. -Thanks.

Charming ! May I have the pleasure?

I'm a goddess!

You're a maid and don't you forget it! Come on.

It's in the home we do our fighting, not on the battlefield.

-Just as long as there's no war. -Really?

You want our brave soldiers, your husband included, to be home lapping cream?

-Like castrated tomcats! -Not exactly.

-A soldier's isn't the only profession. -No, alas, there's the quack!

-The gravedigger! -Must we speak of these awful things?

-Yes, we men must. -That's how all trouble begins.

One never knows what to believe.

Happy Midsommar, Petra.

Come on, girls!

Listen, girls. You come with me. You can ride in my car.

Lilian and Alexandra in the first car.

-Dora will come with me. -No, Dora's coming with me.

One has to put up with things as they are.

I don't want to. I don't want to!

I'm as good as they are.

It's Midsommar for us as well. Cheers.

Oh, my darling.

My poor darling.

Let me bid you welcome, gentlemen, before we join the ladies.

In that case, perhaps I may propose a toast, if you're not opposed.

-To our common interests. -Yes, business looks promising.

-With war looming, markets look good. -In my business, there's never a slump.

A very popular object of investment, even if people regret it later.

-It's no joking matter, Jacob. -My dear Peter.

If you can't joke about sex and childbirth,

you risk taking women seriously.

I never do that. Has everyone got champagne?

Your health, everybody! And welcome to Midsommar.

The only time of year when we can behave as we really want to.

A charming speech, my dear.

But, unfortunately, it's not for you to make, but for me.

If I always waited till you got going,

I would have dried up like an old fig years ago.

Stanny?

Stanny, don't just sit there talking to your friend. Think of the other guests.

Madam.

Mother is jealous.

-Of whom? -Of us.

Stanny, don't let her treat you however she wants.

Think of what you said yourself. One must fight to be a real person.

I don't think I have the strength.

-Of course you do. Everyone does! -Angela!

-I finally found you. -Cecil.

You must come and say hello to Father.

What a charming little place you have, Mr. Landborg.

Yes, it's haunted as well. But perhaps you don't believe in ghosts?

Here she is, Father. Why didn't you come and visit?

-I couldn't. You must invite me first. -Cecil doesn't quite grasp these things.

I've tried not to enlighten him on society's conventions.

-Yes, they're so silly. -Yes.

They do have a function. To help those in situations that frighten them.

-We've talked of you all the time. -Have you?

-Your name has cropped up. -This is my Aunt Petra.

Father said you were so alike, but not at all.

Let's go and look around.

Which proves that the aim of marriage, as it is in war,

is to teach people the quickest way to hate one another.

My, my. Goodness, you look solemn.

Two small idealists, no doubt, who still believe in right and wrong.

Believe me, my children, not everything is black or white.

Mix them and you get a dismal gray color which is far more realistic.

I only hope that my son Bernhard comes.

He's my only comfort.

Well, and Stanny, of course,

in this gloomy world.

You're the one who should have much cause for celebration.

There's nothing like stimulation.

Even one's most depraved wishes suddenly seem innocent and pure.

One forgets all conventions.

One forgets one's age.

Would you like to see me intoxicated?

-I'm already intoxicated. -It's not the champagne.

It's youth.

There's Bernhard.

Good day, my darling son.

-I think we've met before. -Have we?

Or else I'm mixing you up with someone else.

Mother has so many friends.

Run off and play now.

-Is it me or the uniform? -Neither.

-Some champagne, Lieutenant? -With pleasure, but not from the bottle.

Dear friends, the noise you hear

comes from our own private zoological garden.

I have promised the animals a visit.

It's part of the tradition here on Midsommar's Eve.

-Quack! -Warmonger!

-Now, boys, don't quarrel. -This place is haunted, I can feel it.

-Don't speak nonsense, Alexandra. -Lost souls.

On Midsommar's Eve, the place is full of them.

-It's indeed an honor to escort you. -Well, you're in luck, young man.

It's not that I want to excuse myself. People never mean anything by it anyway.

I only want to explain something.

I married a woman who could help me in my work.

-One must accept that sort of thing. -I have done so.

But it took a long time.

-A very long time? -Yes. Many years.

You women have the ability to terrify us.

You're so bent on giving us everything.

It must end with us hurting you sooner or later.

Instinctively you know this. Perhaps you even want it.

-I loved you, Thomas. -You shouldn't say that.

-Does it make you afraid? -You say it as if it were still true.

Male vanity!

Men always think that their old flames can never forget them.

-Can they, though? -Yes.

I can, at any rate.

I have found a girl, perhaps a thousand years old,

I haven't exactly determined her age, preserved in a peat bog.

Her face is as pure and beautiful as when she was alive.

That face haunts me.

-I wish I knew what she was thinking. -Perhaps it's not so hard to guess.

If I was a romantic, I might believe she thought of love.

In which case, she died before she found it. Many people do.

Look around you.

No one told her that time is short.

Angela, don't forget.

-What is it you're not to forget? -Presumably to behave.

As I said, time is short.

One must treasure it.

When I see how people waste it,

I think of the girl who longed for love but didn't dare.

-Women are like that. -No, girls are.

The difference between a woman and a girl is courage.

Social life is awful.

I'm too old to have fun

and too young to keep away.

We should have asked her to stay.

Yes, I know, but I'm far too selfish.

We women must not be selfish.

We fight to become independent, then a man comes and ruins it all.

Sometimes I lie awake thinking of that girl.

She's so alone. Almost a child.

There's not much you can do in life alone, apart from dying.

-Do you always speak in riddles? -Angela.

-I like people to say what they mean. -Angela!

And I like it when people stop reasoning.

Feel, for God's sake. Feel instead!

My dear Mr. Möller, it's high time you joined the adults for a while.

Not so?

How are you, Jacob? You never say unless I ask.

Same as usual. Macson ignores my friendship with his wife.

Now and then he borrows money from me. Very civilized.

I'm a seducer, he's an upper-class pimp. One fine day I'll push him off the train.

-That's pure female logic. -It's a very contagious disease.

-And your wife? -She's an accomplice.

-Through her silence. -That's female logic, indeed.

Well, I'll be damned.

I think we need a stiffener.

I don't know what's come over me. I feel so funny.

-That's good. -I don't usually behave like this.

-Maids don't usually get the chance. -Cheeky!

Come on. We don't have much time.

-I must go back. -And I must have a rest. Sit down.

Why do you giggle all the time?

I don't know.

Come here.

-Aren't you going to be nice to me? -How?

Midsommar's Eve comes but once a year. It must be celebrated somehow.

-I think you're being a little cheeky. -I'd say you like it.

-Take your dress off. -It's brand new and so pretty and all.

Do you know how much it costs?

No, but I can guess.

Five?

Ten?

-Fifteen, 20. -That'll do.

That's good. Take it.

-For me? -Of course.

Thanks.

Be careful!

Careful with the dress...

when it is so nice.

Supper, blast it!

You've forgotten your hanky.

You can keep it as a souvenir.

-What about the money? -Keep it for now.

Why, there she is! Agda, come and sing for us.

She has an awfully pretty voice and music has nothing to do with class.

-Go on, Agda. Sing ! -Oh, the girl can sing?

-Yes, quite well. -Good night, my dear.

Well, sing something nice for us.

Jesus is my bridegroom dear I am yours

You are all that I want I am yours

The world that I have left

-What's that? -Your brother wants to buy you a dress.

It's sweet of you, Bernhard, but you can't get a dress for this.

Well, buy a new collar for the dog, then.

But keep him quiet. You know Mother hates him.

Mother hates everything I love.

Besides me.

May I also join the family conspiracy?

Let me tell you about the time I went to a ball dressed as a flower girl.

I rushed into the shop to buy some flowers

and the first thing I saw was Agda's breasts.

You know how I love fruit. I had to buy the lot!

No, family life's not my strong point. Enforced intimacy doesn't improve people.

Do you know of anything that does?

What's moving about under the table?

It must be one of Mr. Landborg's ghosts!

If there are any old ghosts for sale, perhaps I could buy one?

You can have one for nothing.

Here's to all ghosts, living and dead.

Why, it's only Stanny's dog!

They say the best thing about a man is his dog.

Your beloved animal is in the way again, Stanny.

Cheers! Here's to all dog haters.

Dogs are far too like humans to be worthy of love.

Exactly, Mrs. Landborg ! Cheers to all dog haters!

Wonderful.

Come closer so that I can reach.

Wonderful. Quite wonderful.

You're here to enjoy yourself, Petra.

Try to be like the others.

It seems so easy to be feminine and weak. But I cannot.

There will come a day when you sit there all alone and bored.

-Just like the rest of us. -I long to be old.

I've been young for far too long. Nothing has really happened.

Aren't you lucky.

-Am I disturbing you? -Enormously.

I just had to get away from that awful supper.

I wanted to be with you.

-I saw when you left. -They won't like it.

-Be brave, you said. -You'll be sorry.

Don't be afraid of feeling, you also said.

-You're quick to learn. -I have a good teacher.

The teacher's ashamed as he can't refrain from lecturing ...

But that's why I'm here.

... when he should've said he has a wife in a mental home in Switzerland, a son,

and an unpleasant habit of disappearing when things get too heated.

All of the traits and alibis of a careless seducer.

And whose fault is all of this?

Yours.

You're an awfully troubling girl.

Am I?

Those people have told me for 18 years that I'm like them.

Now I want a new teacher and that's you.

I don't care if you are an awful seducer.

Of course I look forward to death.

It's the only thing that can make me change my opinion of life.

-Very funny. -No, very serious.

Our school system has turned out some extraordinary male specimens.

Men always have so much to talk about.

In any case, we don't want them here.

Don't we, darling?

Men's conversation is almost as dull as women's.

Stellan, be an angel and fetch my feather boa from my room.

-Which room? -My bedroom.

How dull the boy is on the uptake!

My feather boa in my bedroom.

Mother, perhaps he doesn't know where it is

yet.

We boys boxed and fought.

A thrashing is what we got every day. Very healthy!

Let's tell him where it is. My bedroom is the second door to the right.

-To the right. -To the right, yes. Not to the left.

That's where Father sleeps. Or tries to, at any rate.

-On the second floor. -Not on the third.

Though that would do. That's where the maids sleep.

Bernhard, if we didn't know you were an officer and not entirely accountable

that last remark might sound extremely coarse.

Stellan, my feather boa is on the bed.

-On the bed. -Yes, like this, you see.

A large one. You can't mistake it.

There's room for an entire regiment.

... driving policy that will reduce our country to insignificance.

-Does it matter? -Matter?

-In a civilized country, a man ... -What is it we're waiting for?

Oh, yes, the sunrise.

You've confused the poor boy.

He's wandering about looking for a feather boa in the left room

which your dear father shares with the maids.

I'd better go and help him.

-It suits you. -Yes, doesn't it.

What a sweet boy.

If I were you, I'd fall madly in love with myself.

I know.

It's a terrible problem for me.

I propose to myself constantly and can't decide whether to answer yes.

Oh, I would.

I'm sure you'd be very happy together.

-What if I were unfaithful? -Goodness.

What would happen if you caught yourself?

Wouldn't that be interesting?

I'd peep at myself through a keyhole

and be mad with desire!

Which knee is it I'm sitting on? Is it his or hers?

-Whichever you like. -Both, I think.

I like a mixture.

Champagne alone is so boring.

But add a dash of cognac

and a little sugar and what do you get?

Me.

I have to have a taste first, don't I?

Before I can give an opinion.

No, don't take it off.

It's a part of me. You can't be only yourself, now.

I never am.

-If I had your waist, I'd never worry. -Oh yes, you would.

This waist has landed me in bed with the strangest people.

Are you quite sure it was the waist they were after, my darling?

-Now you're my prisoner. -Even prisoners can have fun.

Someone's coming.

Are you afraid?

Never mind. We've plenty of time.

-How long are you staying? -Not so long.

-My painting things are in Stockholm. -Couldn't you fetch them?

Yes, If I had the money.

I always have some small change for my errand boys.

If they're good and do their duty.

You've killed her! You've killed her, you murderer!

-Quiet, Stanny! It was only a dog. -You don't understand.

Cut out all this noise! Do you want our guests to hear?

-The dog bit my hand. -Let me see.

I'll get blood poisoning. As if things weren't bad enough.

My dear Mrs. Landborg, don't spoil a splendid scene with needless chatter.

Come, I'll help you.

-Champagne is served on the terrace. -Splendid.

I hate her!

But hate can be enjoyable. Try it.

It's the only thing that makes family life bearable.

It's so close to love, but much, much more exciting.

Hold me tight, Bernhard.

You'll never grow up if you believe in family love.

Not even in yours?

You must find someone else.

Who?

Look. The sun is rising.

Let's cheer for the sunrise. One, two, three!

Well, such a peaceful Midsommar

will probably not be seen for many years!

I know what you want to tell me, Angela. But you don't dare for fear of hurting me.

You know,

I loved Thomas once.

He left me.

It was 15 years ago.

Anyone you like, Angela,

but not him.

Not him!

-I've brought some flowers. -I'm always glad of them.

-Did you see the sunrise? -Yes. Did you, Tord?

-Yes, but alone. -One is never alone on such occasions.

No, God is with us.

-I wonder whether God is with us. -Petra?

Is it because of Thomas that you never wanted to -

No, of course not.

It's because I'm a woman. A man can always do what he wants.

Or what he believes he should do.

-I'm not complaining. -Why don't you, then?

Thomas! Thomas!

-Idiot. -Tyrant.

Don't do that again.

But I'm just finding out how complicated happiness is.

-Happiness is only part of it. -But it's the whole world.

You said so yourself.

There ought to be one for every week we've been together.

I thought lovers forgot notions of time and space.

War! War!

It's war, Father!

-It's war! -Come here, Cecil. Don't be silly.

-War, war, war! -Quiet, you're frightening Angela.

She's not afraid. She'll come with us and help.

-Are we going to war? You promised. -We'll see.

WAR!

He won't come back, Angela.

But he'll write. Then I must go to him.

-Wherever he is. -There's a war.

He's at war with you, himself, and anyone who gets in his way.

-He won't marry you. -I'm expecting his child.

-Are you quite sure? -Jacob has examined me.

-Does anyone else know? -I have to tell him.

-It's his child as well. -No, Angela, it's yours.

Only yours.

All you need to think of is yourself and your child.

Our child.

Our child?

Do you also want it?

You look happy.

Has something happened?

What do you say to this?

I don't know what to think.

You surely don't think it's me? Do you know where I found it?

Up in the big house,

where it's all so proper and respectable.

That's right.

In Angela's room.

All these years you've respected those young ladies.

But I saw what they're worth, both of them.

That wonderful Petra.

She knows nothing, of course. But I'm going to tell her.

I'm going to tell anyone who will listen.

I'll pay them back for all the years I've been married to their filthy farmhand!

Hello again. How nice!

-Yes, isn't it. -Yes, so far.

-This dress is a bit unsuitable. -I'm making it just to cheer me up.

-Shouldn't you think of the child? -Why? He doesn't think of me.

-You won't have anything to put on him. -He won't be going to parties at first.

-Aren't there any mirrors here? -Of course, in the gallery.

-How much longer do you have? -I don't know.

I hope he jumps out one day, says, "Here I am," and goes and makes coffee.

At least your child will have a sense of humor. I wonder if mine will.

-Yours? -Yes, my child.

My artist, my explorer.

My girl.

I'd rather it was a girl.

-We can share clothes. I've too many. -How kind of you.

Agda? Come to the pavilion and sit for me.

If absolutely necessary, you can bring the child with you.

I have to work.

-Oh, Stellan. -Now, now.

Quietly, quietly. Don't mess about. You're no longer a little girl.

You're a mother-to-be, so you must be careful. Wait, listen to me.

I've had a talk with your interesting friend.

Wait, don't interrupt me. I'll see to it that he does the right thing.

Stop giggling, will you?

If I could understand why

an innocent boy like me should bother about a person

who can't watch a sunrise without losing her pants.

Sit still, Agda ! Or I'll lose my temper and you know what happens then.

Don't shout at me like that. I am a goddess.

-I have a message from heaven. -Goddesses don't bear revolting kids.

Shall I tell you something?

If you're going to tell me that Angela has a bun in the oven, I already know.

-Hello! -Hello.

Could I have a word with you in private?

No. What for?

Well, could we have a word without...

She's either not listening or she doesn't understand.

You're not engaged, by any chance, are you?

-You've come to quite the wrong person. -This is ridiculous. Can't we -

This situation amuses me enormously.

Do go on.

I am most troubled with regards

to the injured party I'm prevented from marrying.

Sit still!

Why so?

A family arrangement with considerable financial gain has come between.

In any event, she's a dashed charming girl.

I see.

So I have a proposal to make.

A life annuity of 10,000 kronor.

That sounds most tempting.

And what am I supposed to do in return? Keep out of this, Agda.

Simply marry her.

To Mother's maid!

She's your model.

The answer's still no.

I see.

Hold on.

-How much did you say? -Ten -

Well, perhaps 15,000 kronor?

-I accept! -You don't mean it.

Why not? She's a dashed pretty girl.

Agda, we're getting married!

Wrong person again.

This is all so madly exciting!

-I say, where's the vicar? -Typical.

God always turns up when it's too late.

My dear Kisse, this is a most serious rehearsal.

I didn't ask you here to be your usual idiotic self.

Then I'll have to be the vicar's idiotic self.

Dear friends, welcome to the house of God.

-Count Stellan von Pahlen? -Yes.

-And this is the fiance? -Yes.

This is a very unusual wedding.

It's also most unusual to keep one's hat on in church, gentlemen.

I had to have a last look at the happy bride.

I'm not married yet.

Thanks.

It's been ages since I was kissed like that.

I don't think I'll get married after all!

-That's exactly what you'll do. -Agda?

Agda, calm down, at least until after the wedding. Come on.

Watch carefully now, my darling children.

Take small, small, small steps.

Remember, an entire Christian congregation will have eyes on you.

-No. Now I'm going to be myself. -Yes, of course.

My dear, beloved children.

This is the most important moment of your lives.

No matter that you've led a fast life with many other men and women.

Not me.

Very silly of you, in that case.

No matter either that you both intend to be unfaithful as often as you can.

Not me.

The bride is not only silly. She's a liar as well.

All that matters is that you now humbly promise,

in the presence of someone you don't believe in ...

But I believe.

-I believe. -In what?

In God.

It's your bad conscience, my dear.

All you have to do is promise to love one another for better or worse,

till death, or something equally as attractive, do you part.

Well, that's that. It didn't hurt, did it?

What about the ring?

I've seen that before.

-I don't think Gus ten would mind. -He gave it to both of us, my sweet.

Bernhard.

Please, give it to me. Kisse!

Kisse! Seriously, give it to me.

Give it here. Then I'm coming to get it!

Kisse, give it here!

Kisse, come on!

Wait, Kisse. I want it. Kisse!

Bernhard?

-What are you doing up there? -Celebrating my freedom.

They say everything's so different when you're married.

I don't feel any difference.

The only reason we got married

was to get what you've already got.

Did you hear that child crying in church? It means bad luck.

Bernhard? My husband won't give me any more champagne.

It's really quite awful as you say.

He insisted on marrying her. It was really noble of him.

If only other members of the family were half as decent.

May I ask when the happy event is to take place?

If we're lucky, it will be at the same time.

A sentimental little family gathering.

It's strange to think

that at this moment the German army is on the attack.

Machine guns rattling, bayonets flashing.

Just like at home.

Cake.

The war has certainly brightened up people's dismal existence.

The marriage ceremony was delightful.

Oops!

That's broken the bride and groom.

It's certainly a good picture of marriage.

You only have to poke it and it collapses.

-Adėle. -It wasn't my fault it broke.

Here you are, ladies and gentlemen.

You'll have to take the bits as they are.

Adėle!

Adėle, Adėle, Adėle.

May I remind you that you are a guest in this house?

Really?

So I'm invited to sit here and be polite and not say anything?

Who do you think I am, anyway?

Nobody says anything about the two uninvited guests,

curled up in the stomachs of those two.

You say nothing about that.

Why don't you drink to their health?

Because then all your talk of marriage and love would be tripe.

There isn't any love! It's just beds, filth and slime!

-Adėle. -Leave me alone. Let me go!

I must apologize for her.

Now look what a mess I've made.

Just when I could dress up for once.

-You drag me out into the dirt. -Go to bed.

You're kind.

A real man shouldn't be kind.

A real man

would give me a child.

Or kill me!

Mind my dress!

Poor Tord.

You never dare take what you want.

You should've grabbed your chance. Didn't you see Petra's eyes on you?

-Stop it! -Finally, a bit of fire in you.

Petra, wonderful Petra.

She's blue under the eyes, like someone who has to satisfy herself!

-Those are your tricks. -Because I don't have a real man.

Go on, then. Finish me off. That's what you want!

Kill me.

What was wrong?

The umbilical cord strangled it.

Kisse, come and help me.

Help me carry the bride to the bedroom.

Here's to the bridal couple!

I'm dreadfully sleepy, I'll sleep like a log. So, good night.

Good night.

On your wedding night!

He tried to trick me, but I showed him.

It was really you I married.

Hey, mind my nightie. It cost so much money.

Whose money?

So, it's all over.

It didn't hurt a bit.

You're all right. There's nothing that can hurt you.

Angela?

Angela, why do you run away from us the whole time?

-Are you unhappy? -No.

Are you happy, then?

No.

Don't worry. I'll be back soon.

-Jacob? -Yes?

Does one have to be happy?