All language subtitles for The Gift of Love (1987) 720p.en

-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]