Original subtitles

-Allow me to introduce myself.

I'm William Sydney Porter, more commonly known as O'Henry,

and I'm a scribbler.

I write short stories about ordinary people.

You may have read one or two in your newspaper.

Now there's the first sure sign that we're heading into winter.

The cold wind brings more than falling leaves.

It brings the succulent odor of hot roasted chestnuts.

Thank you.

-Mille grazie.

-Now, I could tell you the chestnut vendor's story,

but it's too sad.

Today I'm in a mood for joy and love.

And so I'll tell you about Beth and Rudi.

There's Beth now, shopping with her Aunt Constance.

When she was orphaned three years ago,

her Uncle William Schuyler brought Beth

from her home in Waterloo, Iowa to live with him and Constance

in their Fifth Avenue mansion.

She's just 18.

Isn't she a beauty?

-Come along, Beth, dear.

O'HENRY: And the handsome young man on the right

is Rudy Miller, son of the burgomeister

of a small village in the Swiss Alps.

He and his friend, Franz Hollner,

have come to the United States to make their fortunes

before returning home to settle down

in a more familiar atmosphere.

-Franz.

-I know they haven't met yet, but they will.

They will.

In just a few short weeks from now.

Just you wait and see.

[music playing]

BETH: (SINGING) If you will come with me

I will share with you my vision.

And maybe you will see the way your future will be.

When all my prayers come true you'll

have peace and joy forever and ever more.

And one thing more for you, worth much more

than any treasure.

May you have the pleasure of the precious gift of love.

-I do wish you wouldn't play that, dear.

It can only bring you pain.

-But it doesn't, Aunt Constance.

It gives me comfort.

-Oh, well then I'm sure it would please your father if he only

knew.

-Somehow I think he does.

[chuckles]

-Very nice, very nice indeed.

Isn't it fortunate that we found out

that blue is Alfred's favorite color?

-Ah, yes.

-Really, dear, you might show a little more enthusiasm.

It isn't every girl who has the chance

to be the bride of Alfred Browning.

-Don't worry, Aunt Constance.

I'll be good, I promise.

-Well of course you'll be good.

There was never any question about you being good,

for heaven's sake.

Come on now, they're waiting for us.

Come here.

You're just beautiful.

Absolutely perfect.

-Psst.

-Aunt Constance?

-Yes?

-I'll be right in.

I've forgotten my handkerchief.

-Oh, but it's 2 o'clock.

And you know how your sister-in-law to be

is about punctuality.

She expects us to appear promptly at 2:00.

-You go ahead and I'll be right there, I promise.

What are you doing here?

It's your day off.

-I know, but I just had to tell you.

The lake in Central Park's frozen over.

-Oh, I wish I could go with you.

-Oh, have a headache.

-Have a headache?

I can't.

Alfred and Miss Browning are going

to pop the question today.

-How romantic.

CONSTANCE: Beth, we're waiting for you, dear.

-I've got to go.

Have a good time.

-Oh, it's a shame I can't be wishing you the same.

-Oh, here she is now.

-Either I'm fast, or it's three minutes past two.

-I forgot my handkerchief.

I'm sorry.

-Here, dear, do come.

Sit down by me.

-Beth, come and see.

Look.

There's a painted bunting out here.

They normally don't stray this far from the sea,

but with this early cold snap, of course--

-Alfred, do please come away from that window.

You know how susceptible you are to the influenza.

-Well, now we are all here.

Alfred has something he wants to say to you, Beth.

-I--

-Well?

-I-- that is-- it would do me great honor.

-Go on, Alfred, you're doing beautifully.

-Thank you, Miss Constance.

What I mean to say, Beth, is that your Uncle William

and my sister Agnes have decided that it would be advantageous

for us to marry.

-Well, Beth?

What do you say?

-I didn't hear a question.

-Well, she's quite right, William.

One could say that Alfred has issued a statement.

Perhaps a plan for a merger.

-I had no difficulty discerning the meaning

of Alfred's remarks.

-Nor do I.

-Alfred dear, go back and start again, just the way

you did before.

-It would give me great honor.

-Oh for heaven's sake, he's asking you to marry him.

-Yes, that's it.

I'm asking you to marry me.

-Is something wrong, dear?

-What?

Oh, no.

-Then perhaps you would favor Alfred with an answer.

-I thank you for your offer, Alfred.

And I shall be pleased to accept it.

-You mean we're engaged?

-Unofficially, of course.

The official announcement will be

made at the appropriate time and the appropriate place.

-You have made a wise choice, my dear.

I'm very pleased.

-Oh my darling, I'm so happy for you.

Now Alfred, isn't it your turn?

Or should I say, nephew?

-Does your head ache?

Mine too.

-I thought you had a headache, Alfred.

I could see it in your eyes.

Perhaps we should go home so you can lie down.

You know how delicate you are.

-Well, perhaps that is for the best.

Beth seems to be a little pale herself.

Perhaps they're both just suffering from excitement.

Oh dear, I know I am.

-Well, I hope you will excuse us, William.

On the whole I would say this has been a very successful day.

Wouldn't you?

-Quite.

[music playing]

-Wouldn't you like to learn how to do that?

-And who would be teaching me?

-I would be most honored.

-Go on with you.

If you could skate that fancy you'd

be out on the ice sure enough like your friend there.

-Mary.

I got away.

Come and skate with me.

-And have them two find out I know how?

Not on your life.

[laughter]

-Come on, it's more fun skating than talking

to two show offs like that.

-Now do you think I can teach you?

-Mary, let's go.

-Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?

-Look how I'm forgetting my manners.

My mother would be that ashamed.

Meet Franz Hollner and Rudi--

-Miller.

-Miller.

This is my friend, Beth Atherton.

-Are you also an upstairs maid?

-Oh no, Beth's a parlour maid.

-Well, with your beauty you should

be mistress of the house.

-Thank you.

I'd really like to skate.

-That is precisely what you shall do.

Franz will take Mary, I will help you, and in no time

you will be gliding over the ice as

though it were your second home.

-That's very kind of you, but I--

-Oh, that sounds like just the ticket.

-So first we put our right foot forward.

So.

Glide.

[music playing]

Very good.

Just lean into me a little more here.

[chuckles]

-Do you think I might try it alone?

-Oh, one must have patience.

I doubt very much that you could manage.

Wait!

Miss Atherton, you will injure yourself.

[screams]

Are you all right?

-My hair.

Look what you've done to my hair.

[giggles]

-It is very beautiful.

I did it no harm.

-What do you know about it?

-Please, allow me.

[laughter]

-Go away.

Go away.

[laughs]

-I can't just leave.

-Go away.

-Please.

-Go away.

-I cannot just--

-Go away.

-As you wish.

-You've been a naughty girl, Fraulein.

You could skate all along.

-Oh.

-Danke schon.

-I've never met such a vain girl.

As though her hair falling down was the world's greatest

calamity.

Perhaps you see Mary again, you might give her

this to give to her.

-Oh, jawohl, mein Herr.

Why don't you give it to her yourself?

-I take you think I'm being a bit of a fool?

-Well aren't you?

-We meet two pretty girls who we'd both like to see again

and you're behaving like a Prussian aristocrat.

Come on.

-Slow down.

You'd think you were being pursued by the devil himself.

-I want to get home.

-Don't you think you're making too much of all of this?

After all, it was you who let him

think you didn't know how to skate.

-It was your idea.

-And working fine until you couldn't resist showing off.

[music playing]

[knocks on door]

-You forgot one.

You see?

She is conceited, rude, impossible, churlish girl.

-But adorable.

-I see nothing adorable in bad manners.

-This one has bad manners.

The one last week has too many freckles.

Sally's friend that I introduced you to talked too much.

You're impossible to please.

Sometimes I think you don't want to be pleased.

-Perhaps you can forget I am betrothed to Hilda.

I cannot.

-What's that got to do with it?

I have an arranged bride to be waiting for me at home too.

That doesn't mean I can't look at a pretty girl, does it?

Look, while I'm in the United States,

I work hard, send my money home.

And when I have free time, I flirt a little.

What harm can there be in that?

-Franz, if you fall in love with one of these oh so pretty

American girls, you will find out.

-Fall in love?

I'm not planning to fall in love.

-I did not know one fell in love only if one planned to.

-All right now, dear, all your guests are seated

and you wish the servants to bring in the first course.

So ring the bell.

Oh do sit up straight, Beth.

A lady never permits her back to touch the back of the chair.

Oh Mary, where's Margaret?

-She has the grip, mum.

I'm helping out in the kitchen today.

-Very well.

Then you can put the bowl in front of Miss Beth.

-Begging your pardon, mum, but how many are we serving today?

-24.

-Ooh, then I better get a bigger bowl.

-Oh, for heaven sakes, Mary.

It's all make believe.

-Oh no, Mary's quite right, dear.

It's imperative that you learn the correct dishes

for each occasion.

-I learned all that from my mother.

-Yes, of course you did.

After all, your mother was a Schuyler.

It's just that in her reduced circumstances, shall we say,

she didn't have occasion to entertain

on the grand scale which you'll be expected to maintain

as the bride of Alfred Browning.

-Mrs. Adams' driver is at the door, madam.

-Oh dear me, where has the morning gone to?

Excuse me dear, we'll have to finish this later.

-I won't be here.

It's my afternoon at the settlement house.

-Oh dear, well then we'll finish it tomorrow.

-Beg pardon, madam, but tomorrow you're

pouring at the orphan's tea.

-Oh goodness, yes.

There's so much to do.

How can I do it all?

I can't be expected to do it all.

[sighs]

-Will that be all, Mrs. Alfred Browning?

-Mary, I can't.

I just can't spend my life giving

dinner parties for Alfred's ornithological friends

and trying to please Miss Browning.

-Oh, it won't be so bad, you'll see.

Maybe after he has a wife, the poor man

won't be so frightened of his sister.

He might even perk up a bit.

-Do you really think so?

-No.

[laughter]

-A pox on your Irish honesty.

-Oh, would you have believed me if I had lied?

-No.

[laughs]

-Would you have a minute to come and look at my dress?

-It's finished?

-Mother's in the kitchen with it now.

She said To be sure and get your approval.

-Oh, as if Maeve O'Halloran needs my opinion.

She knows more about clothes and everything

else than I ever did.

It's beautiful.

You'll be the belle of the butler's ball.

Mrs. O'Halloran, you're a genius.

[chuckles]

No wonder they call you the best seamstress on Delancey Street.

-Oh, I was hoping you'd like it.

-Like it?

I love it.

-And you, Mr. Griggs, is it to your taste?

As a man, I mean?

-I can give it my unqualified approval.

-And last but not least, Mrs. Mooney.

-Oh, go on with you, Maeve O'Halloran.

You know I'm green with envy.

You're almost as good a seamstresses as I am a cook.

Which reminds me, would you come upstairs

and have a look at my ball gown?

Seems to have shrunk since last year.

-Perhaps it's your adipeux, Mrs. Mooney.

-Now don't go starting your highfalutin English talk

with me, Mr. Griggs.

-Finish your primping, Mary.

It's time to set the table.

-Oh, Mary.

[laughter]

-Do you think it's too American?

-What do you mean by that?

-Well, Franz Hollner's going to be my escort.

-Franz Hollner?

Oh Mary, how could you have asked him?

You barely know him.

-And he barely knows me, so we're even.

-Is his, uh, conceited friend coming along?

-Which friend.

-Oh you know, that Richard or Robert or Rudi what's his name.

-Oh, you mean Rudi Miller?

No.

Franz says he's got other fish to fry that night.

I do wish you were coming though.

There's going to be a dancing to a real live orchestra,

and singing, and a prize going to the prettiest girl.

-Which I'm sure you'll win.

-Oh, now that I think of it, it's

lucky I am that you won't be there to grab it from me.

At your age, you should be going out and dancing your heart out.

You're practicing to be old before your time.

I don't know what your aunt and uncle are thinking of,

arranging a match like that.

-They're thinking of my future.

They don't want me to run off with a penniless music teacher

like my mother did.

-Did that end up so bad?

-Bad?

My parents' house was the happiest place

in the whole world.

-Well then.

-That was different.

They were so much in love with each other

that nothing else matters.

A love like that just doesn't come along every day.

-Well maybe--

-No.

I don't want to talk about it.

My Uncle William's heart was broken

when my mother ran off with my father.

-Oh.

-That's what Aunt Constance said.

And even though he never got over it,

he was kind enough to take me in after my parents died.

And now I can make up to him for all the pain.

-I bet your Aunt Constance told you that too.

MRS. O'HALLORAN: I'll have this for you presently, Mrs. Mooney.

Oh Miss Beth, since you so kindly complimented me

on my sewing, I'd be honored to make something for you any time

you need it.

-Oh, thank you, Mrs. O'Halloran.

That's very kind of you.

But I don't think I'll be going to too many balls.

-Well there's more to life than dances.

No doubt the Lord intended for you

to find your happiness some other way.

-See you at home, mom.

-Bye bye.

[sighs]

[bell ringing]

-That's all right, I'm coming, I'm coming.

Just a minute, I'm coming.

Yes, oh, good evening.

-From Mr. Browning, madam.

-Oh, oh, thank you very much.

Aren't you going to the ball?

-Beg pardon, ma'am?

-The ball, the ball, the butler's ball.

Judging by my household, there isn't a servant

working in all of New York tonight.

-I don't dance, madam.

-Oh, what a pity.

Well, if you're ever in need of employment,

I do hope you'll come and see me.

-Thank you madam.

-Thank you.

Bye bye.

-I heard the bell.

I thought it was Alfred.

-Oh no, dear.

Ah, well, yes, in a way it was.

He sent you a note.

I do hope there's nothing wrong with the dear boy.

-Well, there's only one way to find out.

Oh, you look so pretty tonight, Aunt Constance.

-Oh, thank you, my darling.

-Oh.

Miss Browning isn't feeling well.

Alfred feels his place is with her this evening.

-Oh dear, then you won't be going to the concert.

And your Uncle William and I have

been invited to the charity dinner

at the Fifth Avenue Hotel for the Committee

to Collect Charity Bibles for the Deserving Poor.

Well, then we just won't go, that's all.

-You'll miss the caviar and the salmon in aspic.

-Oh dear, yes the salmon in aspic.

Well, perhaps I am being hasty.

But well then, dear, what will you do for dinner?

The servants are all busy getting ready

for that ridiculous party.

-Well I'm sure cook has something in the icebox.

I'll be fine, really.

-Hasn't Alfred arrived yet?

-Oh, he's, uh, he's not coming.

Agnes is ill.

Oh, William, dear, what shall we do?

-Whatever Beth wishes us to do, of course.

Would you prefer we stayed at home with you?

Or perhaps you'd care to accompany us to the dinner?

-No thank you, Uncle William.

I'm quite content to stay home.

I'll work on my music.

-Ah, now there's a dear, lovely, levelheaded girl, William.

She'll work on her music.

-Splendid.

Beth, will you?

-Yes.

-Thank you, darling.

-There you go.

-There we are.

Now, have a good evening and don't stay up too late.

Good night.

-Good night, I won't.

-Good night, Beth.

-Good night.

-Have a good time.

-Thank you.

-Don't you all look handsome.

-I thought you were off.

-Oh, I'm not going.

Miss Browning is ill.

-And you all dressed up and looking like a princess.

What a shame?

-It's not a shame at all.

It's a blessing.

Now you can come with us.

-Oh, I don't think that--

-Oh, don't be silly Mr. Griggs.

This isn't the old country.

This is America, where everybody's equal.

-More's the pity.

-Don't worry, Mr. Griggs.

I can't go.

-And why not, I'd like to know?

-I promised to work on my music.

-Oh, you'll have to come up with a better one than that.

-My aunt and uncle wouldn't like it.

-You'll be back before they are and no harm done.

-You'll find it very pleasant, Miss Beth.

There's a big buffet.

-And dancing and singing.

-I don't approve, but I do think you'd

enjoy yourself, Miss Beth.

And it would be my pleasure to escort you home

at any hour you might desire.

-There, it's settled.

Run and get your cloak.

-All right.

[music playing]

-What did I tell you?

Siobahn Flaherty's wearing her bedspread.

-Don't be silly.

She's wearing her drapes.

-How are the Vanderbilts doing without you tonight, Charles?

-Poorly, I'm afraid.

-You don't dance, do you Mrs. Mooney?

-What ever gave you that idea, Mr. Griggs?

[laughter]

-You look beautiful.

You both do.

-Thank you.

Did you have any trouble getting in?

-Of course not.

I just told them I was the escort

of the prettiest girl in the world.

-Aw.

-And they knew who I meant, by the way.

-I'm sorry you had to come alone,

but my mother trusts Mr. Griggs to look after me.

-Does that mean I can't take you home?

-Why don't we wait and see?

-Rudi.

-I thought you said he wasn't coming.

-I thought you said she wasn't coming.

-Come on.

[applause]

-Good evening, Mary.

Miss Atherton.

-I claim this dance.

-May I have the honor of this dance?

-Of course.

[music playing]

-Excuse me, may I cut in?

-We don't do that here.

-I know, but this is my sister and I

have a very important message from our mother.

-Is this true?

-Oh, well, yes.

-Aren't you going to thank me?

-Thank you.

-I wasn't planning on being here tonight.

-I prefer to dance in silence.

-Votes for the belle of the butler's ball.

-I should like to offer this as a tribute to your beauty,

if not your manners.

-This is our dance.

-Is it?

-Well, I--

-I thought not.

-Ugh.

You are the rudest.

-Smile.

Judges are watching.

-I don't care who's watching.

-Obviously the lady doesn't wish to dance with you.

-Go away.

-I will not.

Permit me to--

-Oh!

Look what you've done!

Go away.

-I'll go to her.

-Don't cry, oh please don't cry.

-I'm not crying.

I just want to die.

I've never been so embarrassed in my whole life.

-If you ask me, you look more angry than anything.

-Men.

That awful man.

-He's pretty pushy.

I'll give him that.

-If he ever tries to come in the same room with me, I'll, I'll--

-And he deserves every bit of it too.

[laughter]

-Well wouldn't you be angry with him?

-That I would.

But it would be mixed with pleasure.

That man certainly finds you attractive.

-Don't be silly.

He hates me.

-Oh.

-And I hate him.

What time is it?

-It must be well past 10.

-I've got to go home.

-Her ladyship and himself won't be home for-- for a while yet.

-I want to go.

-There you are.

As good as new.

Please, Rudi wishes to apologize for this behavior.

He is terribly sorry.

-This has nothing to do with him.

I just have to leave, that's all.

-Then permit me to escort you.

-Don't be silly.

Why should I spoil the evening for you and Mary?

If you'll just get me a hack, I'll be fine.

-I'll get Griggs.

-You'll do no such thing.

-Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.

The judges have made their decision.

[murmuring]

-Please get me a hack.

I'll be right out.

-At least let poor Rudy apologize.

-Well, the judges find themselves at a bit of a loss.

They wish to give the award to a young lady whose name they

do not know.

[laughter]

So, will the young lady with the cascading tresses--

-That's you!

-Kindly step forward to receive her award

as the loveliest lady of the butler's ball.

[crowd murmuring]

-Are you sure you wouldn't like--

-I'm fine, Franz.

Thank you.

-As you wish.

-Where to, miss?

-27 Fifth Avenue.

[sighs]

-I have come to apologize.

I am sorry to cause you alarm.

But I am twice as sorry to have caused you embarrassment.

And I know I will not be able to sleep tonight

without your forgiveness.

-Whether you sleep tonight is no concern of mine.

-The fact that I have spoiled your evening

makes it a concern of mine.

-Very well.

You are forgiven.

Now will you please tell the driver to pull over

so you can get out?

-That is not good enough.

I'm afraid you are still angry with.

-Of course I am.

I've met you twice, and both times I've

been pushed and shoved and made to suffer

the indignity of having my hair come down.

With hair such as that, its descent

only serves to accentuate your beauty.

Never before have I seen hair of such luxuriant length.

Tell me, has it never been cut?

-No.

-Then whoever issued that command was very wise.

-It was my father.

And he did not issue commands.

I had scarlet fever when I was three.

And I had to have my hair cut off.

When it grew back, my father asked me never to cut it again.

And I never will.

-You speak of your father in a past tense, nicht wahr?

-Both my parents died when I was a child.

-Yesterday?

-I'm 18.

[chuckles]

-Forgive me.

-Now please get out.

-Yes, of course.

It is getting late.

-What time is it?

-It is 11 precisely.

-How beautiful.

May I?

-Of course.

-Oh, aren't you afraid you'll lose

it, carrying it in your pocket that way without a chain?

-I nearly did the other day.

A hooligan tried to take it from me.

It is my most precious possession.

My only link with home.

It belonged to my father and his father before him.

And well, I value it as you do your hair.

DRIVER: Whoa.

Here we are, miss.

-You're going in the front entrance?

-Oh.

No.

-I'm going skating at the park tomorrow at 5 o'clock.

I hope you will skate there at that time.

-I will not.

-Nevertheless, I shall hope that somehow you'll be there.

-You can hope all you want for all the good it will do you.

-Remember, 5 o'clock.

-Hey, where's my money?

Want me to take you back?

-How much do I owe you?

-That'll be $0.50.

-Here's all I have.

I shall walk back.

-Thank you, dear.

Beth.

Well, why aren't you in bed?

Don't tell you spent the entire evening sitting around

in that expensive dress.

-Good evening.

Did you have a pleasant time?

-Well, it was, um, passable.

But there was no salmon in aspic.

Anyway, dear, why aren't you in bed or at least undressed?

-Oh, I'm tired, my dear.

I think Beth's interrogation can wait until the morning,

don't you?

-No.

I mean, I'd rather tell you now.

I went to the butler's ball.

-What?

Oh, Beth.

You didn't.

How could you?

It just isn't done.

-Do I understand you to say that you went out

at night without our permission?

-It must be that Mary O'Halloran.

I told myself no good would come of a close relationship

between my niece and the lower classes.

-It occurs to me it would've been better if you told Beth.

-Yes, William, of course.

Oh Beth, dear, how could you let yourself

be led astray by that--

-It wasn't Mary's idea.

She even insisted that I leave.

-It doesn't matter whose idea it was.

Beth is old enough to know right from wrong.

I'm very disappointed in you, Beth.

I have been relatively easy in my mind about your behavior,

knowing that you've been brought up by my dear sister.

And then turned over to your Aunt Constance's, well.

I have not seen fit to deal harshly with you.

But now all that has changed.

Your behavior tonight has shown a distressing lack

of restraint.

-Well, William, oh William, she'll

never go to butler's ball again, will you dear?

I can understand sneaking out to go to Mrs. Astor's.

But a hall full of servants.

-That's enough, Constance.

The social standing of the company

Beth chooses to sneak away to is of no importance.

What is important is that she's not to be trusted.

You will see to it she never leaves the house

unless she is properly accompanied.

-Oh Beth, I am surprised.

Mary.

No wait, don't go.

Please, come here, dear, I want to speak to you.

I understand it was because of you my niece didn't

stay at that, uh, that.

-Ball, mum.

-Yes, ball.

I commend your common sense.

-Oh, thank you, mum.

-Nevertheless, I must forbid any further association

between the two of you.

-Oh, my mother will be that upset, mum.

She loves Miss Beth like one of her own.

-Does seem harsh, doesn't it?

It's, um, it's Mr. Schuyler's wish.

-Yes, mum.

That be all, mum?

-Yes, dear.

You may go now.

Good night.

-Good night, mum.

Good night, Miss Beth.

-Good night.

-Oh there, my darling.

Now don't look so downhearted.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

It just means that you and I will

be able to spend every moment together.

We'll go shopping, Beth.

Shopping, dear, shopping.

With lunches at Delmonico's and petit fours and sodas,

and gobs and gobs of whipped cream.

-I don't like whipped cream.

-Oh, well never mind, I shall eat your portion too.

Anyway, yes, I think it would be proper.

We shall ask your uncle if it would

be all right to buy your engagement present now.

There now, what do you think of that?

Isn't that exciting?

-Yes, Aunt Constance.

-Oh, come on, darling.

-Aren't they beautiful?

-Watch chains, dear?

Why would you be interested in a watch chain?

Alfred doesn't wear a watch.

-Good morning, Mrs. Schuyler.

And what may we do for you today?

-Well, I'm here to buy an engagement present

for my niece.

-Of course.

Madam.

Was there something special you had in mind?

-Yes, Mr. Schuyler and I thought perhaps a simple string

of pearls.

Oh, unless you prefer something else, dear.

-And when Rudi told me.

I said he must be mistaken.

-There is no mistake.

The young lady was playing a cruel trick common

to people in her station.

-And you allowed it, which forces

me to change my estimation of you.

-I too would have thought better of you.

-Stop, both of you.

What you're saying to me, well, maybe I deserve it.

But all that stuff about Beth, that's just rubbish.

A cruel trick common to people in her station.

What station?

This isn't Europe, you know.

She's not a princess.

She's just a poor orphan being forced

to marry a man she doesn't love.

So she came out with me for a bit of fun.

-And represented herself as someone she was not.

-That was my idea, not hers.

-She did nothing to change my belief

she was a maid in this house.

-And why should she?

And why should I be standing here defending the two of us

like I'm in the docket?

I would prefer that you both leave.

-With pleasure.

-Foreigners.

-I really would prefer the pleasure

of watching you and Beth skate.

I'm afraid my inept performance on the ice

will only ruin your otherwise perfect execution.

-Don't be absurd, Alfred.

You know that skating is good for your weak ankles.

Don't lean on us, dear.

Put your weight squarely on your own two feet.

-I'm trying to, Agnes.

-You're doing fine, Alfred.

He's not leaning on me.

-Then I suggest the two of you skate together.

-Well, that might be unfair to Beth.

-Oh, nonsense, I'm sure Beth would enjoy it.

-Would you, Beth?

-Of course, Alfred.

-Perfect.

All right, Alfred, now you just relax.

And try to enjoy yourself.

-Ready, Alfred?

Your right foot first.

-Aha.

-Entschuldigen mir, mein Herr.

I have been watching your courageous attempt

to master the art of the ice skating.

I should like to be of assistance.

You see, I am a teacher of the sport.

-That's very kind of you, but it won't be necessary.

-Well, I beg to disagree with the Fraulein.

But if the gentlemen continues to fold his ankles in so,

he may do great damage to his foot.

-Now, you see, I've had weak ankles since childhood.

I doubt that any assistace you--

-Ah.

This is where you are mistaken, mein Herr.

If you will permit me, I will show you how to deal with them.

-Really?

Well, are you game?

-Alfred, I'm sure that if we just skate--

-No, I think--

-We assume the partner position.

Very good.

And perhaps you might hold the gentleman a little tighter,

Fraulein.

Good.

Now.

And whoa and heave-- and straighten those ankles, sir.

Zwei.

Sechs.

Hundert.

-Wait, the pain.

Stop.

Ah, the pain.

Stop.

That's enough.

That's enough.

-Go away.

-Oh, that was very good for the first lesson.

In no time you will be skimming over the ice like a bird.

-I doubt it.

-Oh, but you will.

Shall I show you how you will look one month from now?

[hooting]

[screams]

-It is very difficult to maintain my anger

when you are looking so beautiful.

-Your anger?

You were deliberately making fools of Alfred and me.

-And do not you think I deserve a bit of revenge?

-No.

What have I done to you?

-You allowed me to begin to fall in love with you.

Even though you're engaged to another man.

-I didn't mean to do all that.

-Nevertheless, you did.

-How did you find out I was engaged?

-You and your aunt came into the shop where I work.

I was sitting no more than five feet away

when she bought you a string of pearls

as an engagement present.

-Oh, Rudi, I'm sorry.

-After seeing your fiance, I'm relieved.

At least Mary was telling me the truth about that.

-About what?

-Well, you are entering into an arranged marriage.

-Well, yes.

-Well I certainly won't tell Constance you let a strange man

skate off with your fiance.

Really, how could you have been so imprudent, Alfred?

-It can't be.

-Alfred.

-It is.

-Don't mumble, dear.

-Do be quiet, Agnes.

I think I may have seen a snowy owl.

-Oh really, Alfred.

-I too have an arranged marriage when I go back to Switzerland.

It is not a charming prospect, but duty decrees.

-Did you really mean what you said?

About beginning to fall in love with me?

-I should not have said that.

Now we both know we're committed elsewhere.

-Not officially.

-Not officially.

Well, surely it could do no harm if you and I were

to meet, innocently of course.

-Of course.

Oh, I'm afraid that's impossible.

Except for the days I work at the settlement house,

my aunt doesn't allow me out of her sight.

-Where's settlement house?

-Rivington Street.

I entertain the immigrant children

while their mothers work.

[laughs]

-I too work at the Rivington Street settlement house.

See, I teach English to the German Austrian immigrants.

I arrive every Monday and Thursday promptly at seven.

-I'm afraid I leave at six.

-Perhaps I could arrive at 6:30.

-Then I shall stay until seven.

-Tomorrow's Monday.

-I thank you, gutige Fraulein.

And now, auf Wiedersehen.

-At least he seems a gentleman.

-Yes, perfect gentleman.

-There you go.

Oh, here's your mother now, Jan.

-He is a good boy?

-Very good, weren't you, Jan?

Perhaps you'd like to sit down for a moment.

You look so tired.

-Oh, no, I must go.

It is time I cook.

-But you've been out working since 7:00 this morning.

-First I cook, then I wash, then I sleep.

Is America.

Farvella.

-Goodnight.

-Goodnight.

-Goodnight, Jan.

[plays piano]

-Oh, what an awful noise.

-Spielen Sie etwas, bitte.

-If you want a song, you must ask in English.

-I.

-Would like.

-Would like.

-A song, please.

-A song, please.

-Very good.

Now say it all at once.

-I would like a song, please.

-Wonderful.

I'll sing for you the song my father wrote for me when

I was your age, all right?

All right.

[music playing]

BETH: (SINGING) If you will come with me,

I will share with you my vision.

And maybe you will see the way your future will be.

When all my prayers come true, you'll

have peace and joy forever and ever more.

And one thing more for you, worth much more

than any treasure, may you have the pleasure

of the precious gift of love.

-No one sang for me like that when I arrived from Europe.

-I am sorry.

[speaking german]

-It's time to go home.

Aren't you hungry?

Hm?

Goodnight, Liesl.

-Say goodnight to the Fraulein.

-Guten Abend.

-Guten Tag.

-Now perhaps you'll give me your attention.

I did not sleep well last night.

-Oh, I'm sorry.

-I do not deserve your pity.

With what I was thinking, it was a pleasure to be awake.

-And what was that?

-Well, that I had found a beautiful and exciting friend.

-Friend?

Oh, yes, of course, friend.

-I would rather use another word.

-No.

No, you are quite right.

We will be friends.

That's all.

Just friends.

-Yes.

Well, now that that is settled, will you do your friend

the honor of singing that lovely song again?

I do not remember ever hearing it.

-You couldn't have.

It's mine.

I mean, it's just a song my father wrote for me.

He gave it to me for the first time on my,

uh, my fifth birthday.

-The first time?

-Yes.

It was my birthday present every year.

My father said that no matter what other gifts I might get,

the one that was priceless was the gift of love.

And he wanted me to always have that.

-Your father must've been a wonderful man.

-Both my parents were wonderful.

And so much in love with each other.

And my father was right.

I don't think my mother ever regretted running off

to marry him.

He gave her what all this Schuyler money couldn't buy.

-I do not think your father would

be very happy with your marriage plans.

-If we meet after tonight.

-If?

-It has to be on the understanding

that we will not discuss either my marriage or yours.

We will only meet to-- to deepen our friendship.

Agreed?

-Agreed.

-There.

Of course that doesn't mean you can't tell me

about the young lady.

-The young lady?

Oh yes.

Hilda.

-Yes, Hilda.

-You are dark.

She is blonde.

You are adorable and petite.

She is--

[laughter]

--Wagnerian.

You have a voice like a thrush.

She sings like a turkey.

[laughter]

-You're making it up.

-Of course.

How else can I tell only a friend how wonderful she is?

-You mustn't.

-Where you are warm, soft, she is like a glacier.

[laughter]

[playing harp]

-Delicious dinner as usual, Constance.

-Oh, thank you so much, Agnes.

-You seem very quiet this evening, Beth.

Aren't you well?

-I'm fine, Miss Browning.

-She's just worn out, that's all.

Working at that settlement house all the time

as though her life depended on it.

-Oh, I do hope you'll stop all that after you and Alfred are

married.

There's no telling what dreadful diseases those immigrants bring

from Europe and Alfred is so susceptible.

-My wife tells me want to accelerate the wedding plans.

-Yes, if you had no objection.

-But I thought you and Constance and Beth, of course,

had your hearts set on a June wedding.

-Oh no.

June will be impossible.

-Really?

Why?

-Because I'm delivering my paper on June 3.

So of course we would have to set sail several weeks earlier.

-Paper?

What paper?

-I thought you knew.

I'm speaking on the white crested sparrow at the Royal

Ornithological Institute in London.

Surely Agnes would have mentioned it you.

I mean, it's a great honor.

-The white crested sparrow.

Oh, fancy that.

-You must be very pleased, Alfred.

-Doesn't it all work out beautifully?

What a honeymoon.

First England, then Switzerland.

-No.

Not Switzerland.

-Beth, Switzerland is an absolute must.

That's the home of Professor Einberg, the world's

foremost authority on forest birds.

-Well then, we shall have to start

getting ready for the engagement party right way.

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving and then we're

right into the holiday season.

-Yes, as soon as possible.

There's a lot to be done outside of the party, you know.

-I think we should start on the financial arrangements

no later than two weeks from now.

-Beth, aren't you excited?

A honeymoon in Europe.

Beth, I asked you a question.

-I'm sorry, I didn't hear you.

-I said, aren't you excited?

A honeymoon in Europe.

Oh, you're a very lucky girl, you know.

-Yes, I know.

I'm a very lucky girl.

-Rudi.

Rudi, over here.

-I had to work late, I am sorry.

-Oh, and now I have to leave.

I'm late as it is.

-Looks very festive.

-Yes.

Oh, you see that turkey there?

Liesl made it all by herself.

I don't think she understands about Thanksgiving though.

She seems to think it's a celebration in honor

of turkeys.

[laughs]

-You did promise me a dance.

-I can't.

I have to leave.

-You said you were late already.

Surely a few more minutes won't make that much difference.

Please.

Please?

-Just one.

[music playing]

-We said we wouldn't.

-How could we help it?

How could I help it?

You're so beautiful.

Not just you, your face, you.

-Rudi, please.

-Anything to show you how much you mean to me.

I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy.

-And I feel the same about you.

No.

This is wrong.

You have your duty.

And I have mine.

-You're right.

Of course.

-We must say goodbye.

Now.

-Not before we have one last dance together.

I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

-But we always planned to go home in April.

Three years, we said, and three years means just that.

Not two years and seven months.

-I know, but things have changed.

-Not for me, they haven't.

-Then you stay on.

-Don't be ridiculous.

We came together and we'll go home together.

-I was hoping you'd say that, because today I

stopped by the steamship office and we

can get two tickets on the Bremerhaven,

sailing one week from today.

-You think running away will help?

-In time.

Someday after I've been back home for a while

and I'm surrounded by all the old, familiar things,

all this will seem like a dream.

-And in the meantime?

-Well, in the meantime I will try

to feel like the unemotional Swiss who

hides the romantic I really am.

-Of course.

-Your aunt wants me to help you get ready.

Mr. Browning will be here any minute.

-Thank you, Mary.

-The whole thing's a crying shame, that's what it is.

-Mary, please don't start that again.

-And why shouldn't I?

Wouldn't you try and stop me if you saw me being pig headed

and throwing my life away?

-I'm not throwing my life away.

I'm just doing what's expected of me.

-And what about what you want?

-Oh, I like Alfred, you know that.

-Are you trying to tell me that you--

-No.

I'm trying to tell me.

CONSTANCE: Beth.

Are you ready?

-Don't go.

-I must.

-I do admire your business acumen.

That's a very handsome sum.

Not as large as Alfred's fortune, of course,

but handsome nevertheless.

-Oh yes, quite handsome.

-I simply followed the instructions

in my father's will.

If my sister, who's Beth's mother, you know,

married without my approval, her share of our father's fortune

to be held in trust for any children she might have.

And since Beth is around the issue,

the entire amount goes to my niece on her wedding day.

Assuming, of course, she marries with my approval.

-Ha, well there's no worry there.

-Of course not.

-Should we get on with it?

-Is something wrong, Alfred?

-Everything's wrong.

I find I don't like being treated like a commodity.

-I know just how you feel.

-I find this all very painful.

The last thing in the world I would want to do

is to hurt you.

You're a very kind person, Beth.

-So are you.

-Life can be very painful for kind people.

-That's true.

-We really don't want to be married to each other, do we?

-Well, I--

-Come on.

Out with it.

-Well, there is someone else.

-Well, for me too.

Well, not someone, but something.

It's my ornithology.

I had planned to spend my life in search of rare species,

in places that no old would want to go.

I know I seem timid sometimes, but when

I'm on the trail of a reluctant bird, I know no fear.

What about your someone else?

Didn't he return your love?

-Oh yes.

-Then why aren't you with him instead

of sitting here being sold to me?

-We were trying to do the right thing.

-Can it be the right thing to make the wrong people happy

and the right people miserable?

-Much better in this area.

-Isn't it fortunate, William, that these

two more than respectable sums are merging just

in time to enable us to buy that piece of property?

Most of Alfred's holdings are in stocks and bonds.

The majority, of course, is in Union Pacific.

-Aha.

No, don't you know?

Union Pacific went up three points on yesterday's trade.

-Three and a half.

242.

-It's for you, Miss Beth.

-Thank you.

[music playing]

It's from Rudi.

-Your young man?

-Yes, yes.

I've thought and thought but could think of no better gift.

Franz and I sail on the Bremerhaven today.

-Get your mistress's coat.

-Oh no.

-Oh yes.

Do as I say.

Here.

Put this on.

There's no time to lose.

-If you're going where I think you're going,

I'm going with you.

-But Uncle William.

-Never mind about Uncle William.

Now go on.

-Thank you.

-You've made me the happiest man in the world.

-Beth.

Go to your room.

-Please, Uncle William.

-Sir, permit me to make my position clear.

-You have made your position perfectly clear, sir.

I suggest you explain it to your sister.

I doubt she will react with joy.

-Yes, Alfred, what is the meaning of this?

-I would only hope not to cause anyone pain.

But from now on I intend to live my life to please myself.

As should everyone.

-Alfred.

-Agnes, I would like a word with you, please.

-Alfred!

-Agnes, now.

Come along, I must speak with you in the library now.

-Oh, William.

-Be quiet, Constance.

Beth, go to your room.

-No Uncle William, I will not.

I fully understand my obligation to you.

And I appreciate everything you've done for me.

But Alfred and I are not in love with each other.

I love Rudi.

-What you don't seem to understand, young lady,

is it that the amalgamation of your two fortunes

will make you a very rich woman.

-Rudi's leaving.

If I don't go after him, I'll lose him.

-I am telling you what I told your mother.

You go out that door, never come back.

-Oh William.

-Constance, be quiet.

-Uncle William, I'm sorry.

You're a dear, sweet man, and I-- I owe you a great deal.

But I must give you the same answer my mother gave you.

-It occurs to me, Constance, you've

not done a very good job bringing up that lady.

-William!

-Be quiet, Constance.

Griggs, close the front door and lock it.

[door locks]

-It's been a wonderful experience.

The streets may not be paved with gold,

but I'd like to come back someday.

Wouldn't you?

MAN: All ashore that's going ashore.

-You'll feel better once you sail.

MAN: All visitors please disembark.

-Look, why don't we walk around the deck

and see if there's some interesting young ladies about.

After all, it's the end of our bachelor days.

MAN: All ashore that's going ashore.

-Franz, take this to my mother and tell her I will-- tell her

I will write.

-You can't.

Think of your obligations.

-I am thinking of them.

Every penny I have learned is in this pouch

and it is going home as it should.

My heart, it is another matter.

Belongs to me.

[steam whistle sounds]

Goodbye, Franz.

-Hey Rudi, wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

What about your luggage?

[crowd saying "bye"]

[speaking german]

-I beg your pardon?

-I said-- are you sailing?

-Yes, are you?

-Oh no, no, no!

He's gone.

He's really gone.

[crying]

I'll never see him again.

Oh, Mary, how selfish of me not thinking of how you must

feel with Franz leaving too.

-Oh, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

We have to get you home.

-What?

Oh no.

No, I can't go home.

I can never go home.

-Never's a long time, as my mother would say.

But perhaps you're right for now.

You can come home with me.

My mother'll know what to do.

-Mary, I'll come to your house later.

I'd like to go to the settlement house first.

-Of course, that's just the medicine my mother calls for.

-Yes?

Oh, are you a butler?

-Please, I must find Miss Beth Atherton.

-Beth!

Oh, dear.

-What is it?

What is wrong?

Has anything happened to Miss Beth?

-Everything's happened.

Everything's happened to all of us.

Alfred has gone totally mad.

William has fired all the servants.

Agnes will never speak to me again.

And Beth is gone.

-But where is she?

-She's run off with some sneaky foreigner.

What's your name?

-Rudi Miller.

-Rudi Miller?

You're the one she's run off with.

Wait, wait, don't go away.

Please come back here.

Where is she?

What have you done with her?

[music playing]

-Late again, Fraulein.

I'm sorry.

Guten Abend.

-Beth?

My love?

-Oh!

-I knew I'd find you.

Beth.

What have I done to you?

You've left your home for me.

I have nothing to offer you.

I'm penniless.

-It doesn't matter.

-But it does matter.

-It doesn't.

-It does, yes.

-It doesn't.

No it doesn't.

-Yes it does, it does matter.

-No, it doesn't.

No.

-You're so beautiful, so adorable I

want to wrap you in furs and adorn you with jewels.

-I don't need furs and jewels.

-Beth, Beth, are you still here?

We was all getting worried.

-Mary, he didn't sail.

He couldn't go away and leave me.

Isn't that wonderful?

-Oh, the Lord works in mysterious ways.

-Oh, but he gave up his job and his room

and he sent all of his money home to Europe with Franz.

-I've arranged to get my job back.

And I shall stay here tonight until I can afford a room.

We must get married.

We must get married immediately.

-Yes.

But how can we?

We have no place for the wedding and tomorrow's Christmas Eve.

-Nonsense, you can come to our house.

There's plenty of room.

My mother says houses filled with love have elastic walls.

Oh come on now, let's go tell her the good news.

Oh, a wedding at our house.

This'll be the best Christmas Eve ever.

-But the arrangements.

-Oh, Mr. Griggs will arrange for a justice of the peace

and he can play the wedding march on his fiddling.

Oh, my mother will take care of everything else.

Just think, tomorrow you'll be Mr. And Mrs. Rudi Miller.

[music playing]

[wedding march playing]

[crowd murmuring]

[clears throat]

-Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the face of God,

in the presence of this company, to join this man and this woman

in holy matrimony.

For as much as these two persons have come hither

to be made one in this holy estate,

if there be any here present who knows of any just cause

why they may not--

BETH: (SINGING) And ever more.

And one thing more for you, worth much more--

BETH'S FATHER (VOICEOVER): For my little Beth,

who is as sweet as she is pretty.

BETH'S MOTHER (VOICEOVER): My only wish for you,

my darling daughter, is that you be as happily married as I am.

BETH: (SINGING) The precious gift of love.

-Do you, Elizabeth Atherton take this man, Rudolph Miller,

to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor,

and obey as long as you both shall live?

-I do.

[laughter]

[music playing]

[laughter]

-We're home.

Your hair.

What have you done?

-Don't look at me like that.

I had to.

It was our wedding night and Christmas Eve and my heart

was just bursting with love.

And there was this place, they buy hair to make wigs

and I had no money and-- oh, here, open this.

It's for your watch.

You know how you cherish it.

And I'm always afraid that you'll lose it.

[chuckles]

-Open it.

I too wished to show you my love.

I too had no money and I sold my watch.

[laughter]

I sold my watch to buy you combs for the hair you

sold to buy a chain for my watch.

[laughter]

-You look so adorable.

Even more beautiful than before.

-I love you so much.

[bells ringing]

-I promised you a story of joy and love, didn't I?

Well, for Beth and Rudi, it's just beginning.

Falling in love is easy.

But living happily ever?

That's the trick.

Rudi and Beth will because they've just

exchanged the most important of gifts, the gift of love.

All over this great city, even when it's not Christmas,

the gift of love is offered and shared.

And tonight, on Christmas Eve, the whole city glows with it.

Feel it?

It's all around you.

All you have to do is reach deep into your heart.

[music playing]