Original subtitles

Watch out. Golder is a scoundrel.

Golder is a great man.

Mr. Marcus is waiting in your study.

I thought you and he had a falling-out.

My dear Soifer...

are you having dinner with me tonight?

I'd love to.

I'm in no hurry to head home to Mrs. Soifer.

What now?

I told you no yesterday before I left for London.

Wasn't that enough for you?

Come now, David.

We've been partners for 26 years.

It's been fifty-fifty down the line...

and yet...

now...

Your memory's failing you.

What about that Mexican oil deal last year?

Have you forgotten all those millions

that made their way from my pocket to yours?

And yet we were partners.

Oh, you know how business is!

Now you need old Golder.

You know the Soviets will negotiate with him.

Don't deny that for a year now

you've been negotiating a deal

with General Petroleum behind my back.

The Soviets are going to negotiate with General Petroleum.

No.

General Petroleum had an option,

but it ran out last night.

So you know about that too?

You see?

General Petroleum is finished.

The Russians will sign

with Tübingen and me.

Fifty-fifty, Golder!

I need money desperately.

Everyone needs money, my friend.

So you mean...

you'd ruin me financially?

I don't care.

Bastard!

That's right.

Isn't Mr. Soifer tired of walking on his tiptoes?

It's a habit now.

This way I don't wear out the soles.

- May we eat now? - Yes, sir. It's ready.

Does a Jew need all this to live?

What were you doing in London?

I was buying emeralds.

Splendid ones!

Now, that's money!

Better than all your filthy paper.

Diamonds neatly locked up in a safe.

You sit on your millions

like an old hen.

And you throw your millions away.

I enjoy it.

Sure. Today a billionaire, and tomorrow as poor as –

As Soifer!

Or as young Golder arriving from Poland 40 years ago

with his frockcoat and sidelocks.

That's life!

What about...

Marcus?

That's taken care of.

You work too much.

You should rest.

Yes...

I'm a bit tired.

And I'm fed up.

I'm leaving for Biarritz tomorrow.

Ten days of rest

or I'll collapse.

Is your wife down there now?

Yes...

with Joyce.

I haven't seen your daughter in a long time.

How old is she?

Seventeen.

I hope she doesn't look like her father.

She's a beauty.

She'll make a good match.

Yes...

she'll have money.

How's business?

I just had a bad setback...

but in 12 days I'll be meeting with Tübingen in Berlin.

Then I'll see the Soviets in Baku...

and old Golder will be back on top.

A telegram.

Here's the sort of news my wife has sent me

for the last 30 years.

NEED MONEY – GLORIA

150,000 for rent on this place.

One million for furniture.

And who lives here? Just me.

They never come here.

But they'll go to Deauville, Biarritz, Cairo, Venice.

It's the fate of all men:

We work ourselves to death so our wives can get rich.

Take my wife.

The other day she buys a new hat.

Seventy-two francs...

for an upside-down pot.

If at least she got some use out of it,

but she won't wear it for more than two seasons.

And at her age!

What's that?

It can't be!

What is it? Bad news?

The idiot!

You don't just go kill yourself.

Marcus!

Didn't you have a tiny part in causing his ruin?

His ruin?

Ruin! Hah!

You start over again!

I've started over 20 times!

Is this why we knock ourselves out?

To come to this?

What a fool!

Whose car is this?

It's Madame's new Rolls.

She was tired of the Hispano.

Miss Joyce isn't here?

No, Miss Joyce has guests.

Too weak, Fred. More gin.

Yes, Miss Joyce.

You still owe me a fox-trot, you know.

No, my little Fishl.

Why not?

I don't like old men.

Hey, now!

Well...

you'll come around.

Give me a Manhattan.

Come to my place tonight?

I'm too tired.

But you're never too tired

for Joyce.

You're being ridiculous, my friend.

You prefer them young and dashing, eh?

Be quiet!

Men my age are more reliable.

Alec!

I'm going to get some air.

Fishl!

Take my place?

And the amazing thing is... she believed him!

Gloria!

Yes?

I swear.

Stories like that make me thirsty.

- Monsieur just arrived. - Very well.

You wouldn't happen to have

a little spare change? - You lost again?

Lady Luck is certainly not on your side.

I forgot to tell you, sir:

Your room is taken.

Madame said to put Monsieur in the laundry room.

Flatterer!

Go to my room and get my handbag.

It's on the dressing table.

- No, I want Mumm. - I'm all out, sir.

No Mumm?

What a joint! Well, go on then.

I'm tired of seeing you with that crazy old Lady Rovenna.

You know you're all that matters.

Play one of those new waltzes,

like last night at the casino.

Yes, Miss Joyce.

I love you more than you know

I'll follow wherever you go

How can my heart not rejoice

To hear your sultry voice

If my caresses you refuse

And another you choose

I love you so

I'd kneel to kiss

Your feet as you go

You call this caviar?

It's not fresh! It stinks like fish!

Say, Golder!

How's business?

Bad.

Pass.

Well, I'm fine. Things are going well.

That pearl fishery in Monaco –

didn't they throw you in prison for that?

They did indeed.

Appeals court and all that.

But things are better now.

Daddy!

Who's that old lady?

Which old lady?

The one dressed up like a jewelry store.

Who is she?

That's my wife.

Hello, sweetie.

Hello, Daddy. I'm so glad to see you.

I'm sure you are.

You need money, right?

Of course. It just slips through my fingers.

Listen, I didn't see you

at the airfield.

I simply couldn't go, with all these people here.

It's like a country inn when there's a fair.

Alec...

this is Daddy.

Do you like him?

He's nice.

He's a prince, you know.

They'll call me "your highness."

Would that suit me?

Splendidly.

"Your imperial highness."

A port.

This place is going downhill.

First time here?

So you're a regular?

I'm the fool who pays for it all.

Hello, David.

I must talk to you.

Did you find it? - Yes.

Hello, David.

You still here?

You know me: Part of the furniture.

Who's this Alec?

Good-looking, huh?

I mean where's he from?

He's the nephew of King Alexandre,

son of Pierre de Carèlu who was assassinated in '18.

Gloria, I'm going to go change.

Shall we go for a dip?

Sure! My bathing suit is downstairs.

You all right?

You didn't answer my telegram from last Thursday.

How do I look?

I lost some weight.

You look terrible.

You're pale as death.

Are you tired?

Yes.

Get some rest.

How's business going?

So-so.

You know I really need money.

Again?

"Again"?

How you annoy me when you say things like that!

You think all this costs nothing?

Your daughter, first of all.

Your Joyce!

That girl!

Money burns a hole in her pocket.

But you always have money for her.

You think only of her. You live only for her.

I don't count, right?

I'm supposed to live on thin air.

That's right.

Anything interesting in the works?

Yes.

What is it?

What is it?

You're getting on my nerves!

You know anything about business?

No? Well, then!

What are you worried about?

I'm still here.

Is that a new necklace? - Yes.

It cost 800,000.

A real bargain.

You know, I had one of my old diamond necklaces reset.

I'll have to buy five or six large diamonds to lengthen it.

One has to make do when one has no money.

My heart bleeds for you!

And how is Marcus?

Just fine. They buried him yesterday.

- He died? - Yes.

How?

He wasn't old.

He was ruined, and he killed himself.

What a coward!

Don't you agree?

What about his wife?

I saw her the day after it happened.

She was wearing pearls as big as walnuts.

What would you have her do?

Oh, I don't give a damn.

Naturally.

Anyway...

don't forget about my check.

We're dining at the casino tonight with the whole crowd.

Again?

You expect us to live like monks in a cloister?

Things okay upstairs?

Same old story. All our friends are pestering him...

The check.

Come here!

I've hardly seen you since I arrived.

Like how I look?

Like my new dress?

It's too low-cut!

What did you bring me from Paris?

Here.

That's all?

Isn't that enough?

- No, I want a new car. - And the one you have?

It's too small. I'm bored with it.

I want a Bugatti!

It does 95 mph! Can you imagine?

Well, you'll just have to do without it.

Daddy, buy me one. I'll be good.

I can't. Business is bad. Next year.

You always say that. Just find the money!

Enough! Go on now.

Allow me.

If you had the money...

would you buy me one?

- What? - The car!

Of course. But I don't have a cent!

- I'll help you make money. - What?

- Come play baccarat. - I'm exhausted.

You'll see. Everyone says I'm good luck.

I'll stay by your side.

You're going to win. I can just feel it!

Fishl told me a bit about it.

Your husband's business is doing badly right now.

Really? Is that what people are saying?

Seems he's counting on a deal with the Soviets

to get back on his feet.

I don't know. Something to do with oil.

But you know me.

I know nothing about business.

Banker bets 50,000. No one calls "banco"?

Place your bets.

No more bets.

Open bank.

We have an open bank.

Place your bets.

No limit on bets.

Daddy...

I'm right over here.

Don't bother me now!

- I'm not thinking of myself... - Right! You scoundrel!

...but the day he dies – - David? He's solid as a rock.

He'll bury us all.

More surprising things have happened.

Tell me: If he were to die...

have you given any thought to your situation?

Nine.

Eight.

- Six. - Winnings are split.

Place your bets.

Place your bets.

No more bets.

Place your bets.

50,000 first table.

100,000 second table.

Bank has eight.

Place your bets.

75,000 second table.

200,000 à cheval.

Bank has nine.

I'll keep going.

Any takers? 1,300,000 francs.

No takers? The game is over.

Old Golder wins a million!

You won!

I lost a million.

Then I won it back with 100,000.

Oh Daddy!

My Bugatti!

Oh, I love you!

Well? Is he going to die?

Not immediately, dear lady.

What's wrong with him?

Angina. Severe chest pains.

The window.

Why all the bells?

Who died?

Nobody, sir.

It's Sunday.

He could live for a long time.

Five or ten years with a careful diet

and plenty of medical care.

He'll have to stop working, of course.

No excitement.

Complete rest.

Stop working?

He could never do that.

Yes, he can.

But...

what will we live on?

Of course, you mustn't tell him anything now.

Wait until his chest pain has subsided.

I'll be back to check on him.

It's serious, isn't it?

It's my heart.

Of course not.

I don't want to die.

You're not going to die.

When can I get up?

Not right away.

You need rest.

Tübingen's expecting me

in Berlin.

Daddy, aren't you're feeling well?

Don't worry. You'll feel better soon.

What? I'm not hurting him!

Thanks for the Bugatti.

Are you happy?

Yes!

I love you more than you know

See you later.

Say good-bye to Daddy.

Ready?

Good-bye, Daddy.

What did I tell you yesterday?

Can you see us with this invalid on our hands for ten years?

Living, dressing, eating – it all costs money.

As far as I'm concerned...

I love this area.

I'd really hate to see this house get sold.

Are you crazy? What are you saying?

Just what I said.

It could happen.

The house isn't in your name, is it?

If I were you...

I'd try to make him understand.

Don't wait.

Make sure you'll have a roof over your head.

Monsieur is tired. He's going to sleep.

All right.

What is it?

How are you feeling?

Better?

What did the doctor say?

Severe chest pains.

It will pass.

Actually...

the doctor...

mentioned something.

Tragedy can strike at any moment.

You never know.

Are your affairs in order?

I'm your wife. I have a right to know.

Everyone says you're in trouble financially.

What would I have left...

if you should... die?

Creditors would hound me. I'm penniless.

I'm not dead yet.

Of course you pretend not to understand.

Enough! Be quiet!

You have angina, my dear.

You could die tomorrow.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Don't give me that look!

You could live another 20 years.

But we must face the facts.

To begin with...

you must put this house in my name.

You should have done it long ago.

I have nothing of my own.

Nothing?

You call this nothing?

This is worth a million francs.

All your diamonds and jewelry!

You have the nerve to say

I haven't provided you with a fortune?

Filthy brute! You haven't changed.

You're the same little Jew who sold rags and scrap metal

out of a sack on his back in New York City!

Look at you!

You're choking on all the money you've stolen from me!

Just look at yourself!

- Quiet! The servants can hear. - To hell with them!

You dare complain?

Remember the ghetto in Kishinev?

Your father's shop, the little money lender.

Shut up!

You weren't "Gloria" then, were you?

Havke! Havke!

You'd run in the snow with holes in your shoes

and your feet sticking out of your stockings!

Shut up or I'll kill you!

Havke!

And now you're Gloria...

with all your jewels and gowns and cars that I've paid for

with my health and my life!

You stole it all from me!

You think I don't know that you and Hoyos finagled

a 300,000-franc kickback when I bought this house?

That's right: You and Hoyos!

You're not getting...

another cent from me.

Don't talk.

It's painful just listening to you.

Yes, my affairs...

are in order.

As long as I'm alive, fine,

but after my death,

you'll get nothing.

I've seen to it that Joyce will get everything.

What?

I want Joyce to be rich.

You won't get another cent.

Nothing.

You're leaving everything to Joyce.

Perhaps you think she loves you?

She's after your money too, you old fool!

She would never hurt me.

She's my daughter.

She's all I have left in the world.

Your daughter?

Your daughter!

You sure of that?

You don't know that for sure,

you who know everything.

Your daughter...

isn't yours.

Your Joyce isn't your daughter.

She's Hoyos's daughter...

you fool!

David?

The car is ready, sir.

What's today's date?

The 25th.

The 25th.

I've been sick for three weeks.

You're better now...

but you shouldn't be taking such a long trip so soon.

My daughter –

I mean, Miss Joyce –

is she here?

I believe Miss Joyce has been away for two weeks.

I'm so happy!

When we're married,

we'll travel like this all the time.

We'll go to India. What do you say?

We'll have a marvelous palace with tigers

and thousands of birds of every color.

We'll take Bobby along. Right, Bobby?

Aren't you going to say anything?

Cocktail, David?

This is madness!

It's like it's not my own house anymore!

What's this new caprice? Hoyos!

You're here? You're up and about?

It's an endless parade around here.

What's going on?

Are you selling the villa? Some people just came to see it.

You're selling the villa?

You're throwing us out? Answer me!

You're getting revenge, huh? Cutting us off!

That's it, isn't it?

You're richer than me.

But I don't need all this to live anymore.

In two weeks the house will be sold,

and you can all go wherever you want.

Thief! You belong in prison.

Old Golder...

is retiring from business.

Surprised?

Old Golder's through with slaving for others.

Jean will send my things to Paris.

I'm leaving you!

If you think we'll starve...

if you think I can't get by without you...

Our days of freedom are over, little Bobby.

Time to go home.

I wish this week could go on forever.

Our week of paradise.

Drive slowly, you hear?

I have plenty of time.

Rumor is that Golder stock is dropping like a stone!

What's going on with Golder stock?

I'm done for. Golder's gone under!

They all thought you were bluffing.

They fell for it.

The French-Cambodian Bank speculated on your stock

and went bust.

You can boast that you've driven quite a few into the ground.

I couldn't care less.

If the weather's nice tomorrow,

come to the Rue des Rosiers.

There's a little Jewish restaurant there

that makes the best stuffed pike!

You know I don't eat fish.

You don't have to eat. Just pay the bill.

You could at least do that much for a poor old man.

I'm exhausted.

Let's get a cab.

If you want.

I stay away from those bad habits.

Tübingen!

Is that you, my friend?

I'm glad to see you.

Have a seat.

What's going on?

Do I have to bring deals to you now?

General Petroleum has sent agents to Baku twice now.

The Soviets have categorically refused.

In six months...

we could have the entire Caucasus in our hands.

We'd have a monopoly on Russian oil.

I hope you've held on

to your shares of Teisk.

Yes.

We'll do this deal together.

Tübingen and Golder – a powerhouse!

No.

Why not?

I can't work anymore.

And I don't want to.

I'm ill.

It's my heart.

If I keep on doing deals, I'm done for.

What are you saying?

I worked myself to death for 40 years.

All I cared about was money.

At my age one doesn't need much.

You just need to live.

And I have enough to live on.

I'm 70 years old, Golder.

When the Teisk oil fields gush in 20 or 25 years,

I'll be six feet under.

But it doesn't matter. I'm not working for myself

but for those who will carry on

the Tübingen name.

Yes, but...

I have no one.

So...

what's the point?

What's this?

You have a child, the same as me.

I have no one.

No one.

I'm all alone.

No, you're not.

Pull yourself together.

In three weeks you'll be in Baku.

Only you can pull off this deal.

You know the Russians.

I'm staying at the Continental.

Good-bye, Golder.

Who is it?

You?

What are you doing here?

Come in.

I was about to turn in.

I see...

that you've done well for yourself too.

Gifts from my fiancé.

I'm getting married.

Congratulations.

You know who I'm marrying?

Fishl!

That's right! Fishl!

That filthy old man!

What about your great love...

Alec?

What could I do?

I have no money.

Mother gives me nothing.

Not a cent!

You wanted too much, my child.

Love...

money...

You can't have it all.

But nobody's forcing you.

Why are you whining?

It's your fault!

You got me used to always having money.

Now I can't live any other way.

It's your fault!

My fault?

I'm so unhappy, Daddy.

You can't imagine.

I want to kill myself.

You're trying to frighten me, aren't you?

I have nothing left.

Besides, you're not my daughter.

You know that.

Go to Hoyos.

Let him work for you. I've done enough.

I can't do any more. Go to Hoyos.

No, not Hoyos!

You know I have no one in the world but you.

I don't care

if you're not my real father.

Oh, it's awful!

For everyone else, Joyce is Golder's daughter.

For everyone else...

and for me too.

You're the only one who's ever been good to me.

My fondest memories...

you're in them all.

Why did you come here?

I was at peace.

I was beginning to forget...

and that wasn't easy!

You can't understand.

I have nothing left.

I gave everything up.

You can do some deals.

No, I can't.

You can make money like before.

You love your Alec that much?

Oh, yes.

Ever since you were 12 years old...

you've always been in love with someone.

Yes...

but before I didn't know.

Now I know.

He's the one.

You're not going to let Fishl get away with this, are you?

You didn't raise me all these years

so that he could buy me!

So that he can tell everyone...

"I married Golder's daughter when she had nothing

but the clothes on her back!"

Tell me you won't let him!

That swine!

After all I've done for you...

to see you like this!

I love you, my child.

You can tell Fishl...

to go to hell!

You want money?

You'll have it.

Go see my lawyer.

He'll send you 150 pounds a month.

You'll have to make do with that for now.

But in six months you'll be rich.

Richer than your mother ever was.

Oh, Daddy, I knew it!

I'll be leaving on a trip.

When I come back, you'll get married.

To Alec.

If I should die while I'm away...

my lawyer will tell you what to do.

Sign whatever he tells you to sign.

Understand?

The Continental, please.

It really doesn't matter, you know.

You're still a swell guy.

I'm holding for the Continental.

How silly of me to cry.

I look awful.

Look at my eyes!

Is this the Continental?

Mr. Tübingen's room, please.

I've been waiting for 17 weeks!

That's too long.

We sign a contract today or it's off!

Of course. Sit down.

I'll read the last articles.

"Each oil field

licensed to the Tübingen Petroleum Trust Company

shall be rectangular in shape

and no larger than 100 acres

and shall not adjoin any other."

Strike that part right now!

Fine! I won't sign!

The interests of the proletariat –

The proletariat? To hell with the proletariat!

What are you saying?

Isn't the proletariat already winning?

Water!

Get me some water, for God's sake.

Water, you idiot.

Are you ill, dear friend?

Yes, but if you think that means you can cheat me,

you're wrong!

Cross out those articles or I'm leaving.

Not tomorrow, not ever!

The wells are gushing –

You've gone on about that for three days now!

I know what you're up to!

You wait till the last minute

to insert something that will give you a reason

to break the agreement later!

But you can't fool old Golder!

You! Sit down and write!

- We won't sign – - Then to hell with you!

"The Tübingen Petroleum Trust Company...

is allowed to build refineries...

pipelines...

facilities...

and anything else it needs to accomplish its work.

Duration of the concession:

99 years."

"Upon expiration of the concession...

all facilities mentioned above...

and all equipment...

shall become the inalienable property

of the Soviet government."

Fine with me.

That's 99 years from now!

I couldn't care less.

Sign it.

Joyce...

Stop this boat.

What?

Please! I'll pay whatever it takes.

You're mad, my friend.

What is it, sir?

Yiddish!

I'm not well.

- Are you ill? - Yes.

Shall I help you to your cabin?

Yes, please.

- Your first crossing? - Yes.

Where are you from?

Kremenets, in Poland.

I know it.

So... you're leaving?

Yes.

Where will you go?

Paris, to start with.

I have a cousin who's a tailor in Paris,

but when I get a little money, I'll go to New York.

You'll starve there. You know that?

What of it? I'm used to that.

And it won't be for long.

You think so, huh?

It goes on for years...

and years...

and then –

And then you get rich!

And then you die.

You die...

all alone like a dog...

the same way you lived.

Would you like me to stay with you?

Kremenets.

I was eight years old.

The synagogue...

Kremenets.

Are you there?

Listen to me.

No...

don't bother with that now.

In Paris...

go see my lawyer, Mr. Seton...

at 28 Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Write it down.

Seton.

Seton, 28 Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Repeat that.

And tell him...

David Golder...

is dead.

Repeat that.

David Golder is dead.

Good.

Give him everything.

My suitcase...

my wallet.

And tell him he's to look out...

for my daughter's interests.

Then go to the Hôtel Continental.

Write that down.

There you're to see Mr. Tübingen.

John Tübingen.

Tell him...

David Golder...

is dead...

and that he should do...

everything he can for Joyce...

for my daughter.

Tell him...

that I trust him.

That's all.

Give it to me.

Everything I have on me...

all the money...

is for you.

But swear that you'll do

everything I've asked.

I swear.

Before God.

Before God.

I swear before God.

Help!

Help!