All language subtitles for A.Good.Woman.2004.WEBRip.x264-RARBG-English

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woman: When I was going
through my wardrobe,

I found an extra
hairpin on the floor.

Second woman:
That's nothing, I found
her hair in my bed.

* just another tragedy

* of a down-and-out,
i guess *

* for I am selling
the thing *

* that means everything
to my life and my happiness *

woman: Some women bring
happiness wherever they go.

Others, whenever they go.

I do both.

Husbands like
to see me come...

Wives prefer to see me go.

Woman, whispering:
There she is!
That's her.

Second woman: Whose husband
didn't she sleep with?

Who's she with now?

Who knows?

She's older than I thought.

Shh! Look, look! Watch.

This'll teach her.

I'm sorry, Mrs. erlynne,

but that account
was closed--

by Mrs. Fairchild.

I wish you'd told me
before I ordered
the Bordeaux.

What Bordeaux,
Mrs. erlynne?

Joe, you're
my kind of guy.

Is she behind me?

In the blue.

Charge it
to senator kleghorn.

That's Mrs. kleghorn
sitting next
to Mrs. Fairchild.

What a small world.

And Mrs. winters
on her right.

Oh. And getting smaller.

You wanna go out
the back?

No, no. If you
go out the back,

you'll never come
in the front, Joe.

A lady always leaves
the way she came.

Woman: Just look at her.

I thought my husband
had more taste.

So sorry to hear you're
leaving us, Mrs. erlynne.

I'm leaving you?

I'll prepare your bill.

* I ask you
to make me an offer *

* I don't know how much
it will bring *

* it isn't a lot,
but it's all I've got *

* fooled by
an old gold ring *

* it's known me
as poor as a beggar *

* and it's known me
as rich as a king *

* and it's
known me in hell *

* and in heaven as well

* fooled by
an old gold ring *

Mrs. erlynne: My sudden change
in circumstance

was not the only reason
for my departure.

The Italian coast
in summer attracts
the rich and famous.

I'm infamous and poor.

Close enough.

One door closes,
another opens.

Sometimes that door is
not the one you expect.

I saw my chance
and decided to take it.

[Indistinct chatter]

[Speaking Italian]

Meg, dear!
Come along, come along.

Ah, giuseppina.

[Speaking Italian]

[Speaking Italian]

It's the best
glove shop in the city.

She'll give you
a good discount.

But--but,
Robert, I...

Yes--no--now,
you go along,

I'll find your husband.
Don't worry. Go along.

This way, madame.

These are pretty.

Your hand looks
about right.

I beg your pardon?

My little sister.

She was adamant
about every detail,

but neglected
to tell me the size.

Would you mind?

Oh, no, of course not.

It's always a little
snug the first time.

Maybe you should
take off your ring?

It's my wedding ring,
i never take it off.

The other hand, then.

Ahem.

No need to button it.
You can see
it fits perfectly.

Contessa:
Lord darlington,
you depraved man!

What have you
been up to?

Ignore him, Meg, dear.
He's a great sinner

but an excellent
bridge partner,

or I would never
tolerate him.

Do you know
each other?

The year I spent
in the London office.

Margaret, I told
you about John.

You've, uh,
you've met?

No, not really.
It's nice
to meet you.

It's a pleasure,
Mrs. windemere.

Your wife was helping
me select gloves
for my mother.

Your sister, you said.

Either one.

We should have dinner.
Where are you staying?

The grand,
but we're trying
to find a villa.

So late in the season?
I warned you--

I know one that's
come available.

Lord darlington:
Isn't it an election
year in the wild west?

Who says
I'm running?

It's perfect!
It's beautiful!

Did I mention
the ghosts?

It's everything
i imagined.

I feel like a Princess
in a fairy tale.

You are a Princess.

That's 'cause
i married the prince.

I have her completely
fooled, poor girl.

If I could fool
a woman as pretty
as your wife,

I wouldn't
be a bachelor.

Now you've
made her blush.

Don't be silly.
Come and see
the paintings.

[Indistinct chatter]

Woof!

[Speaking Italian]

[Dog barking]

Come on.

[Speaking Italian]

Man: Lady plymdale?

Oh, is she the one
with the big...

Feet. Enormous feet.

Poor old plymdale.

Ace, queen, king, Jack.
No honors.

No, no, no.
John's yacht,
John's rules.

Have it.
Thank you.

Huge feet. Pontoons.

You know, if desire
had an antidote,

it would be those
pontoons of hers.

I grow ill
thinking of them.

How many times have
you been divorced,
tuppy?

3, 4? I've simply
lost count.

That's bigamy.

Bigamy's having one
wife too many.

So's monogamy.

One should always have a
proper basis for marriage.

A mutual...

Misunderstanding?
Exactly.

A man can't be happy
with one woman.

A man can be happy
with any woman...

As long as
he doesn't love her.

For a man who's
never thought of
getting married,

you seem to know an
awful lot about it.

I thought very
seriously of marrying.

That's why
I'm still single.

Here, here.

I just haven't met
the right woman,

that's all.

Look at Cecil,
still with edna.

One keeps one's eyes
wide open before
the wedding...

And half-shut after.

That's all
there is to it.

Exactly.

John?

I fancy raising
the stakes.

Oh! Lucky blighter!

You don't look
as if you're
enjoying yourself.

Oh, I am.
It's a very nice party.

Can I get you a drink?

No, thank you,
i don't drink.

You don't drink?

Do I seem like a prig?

No, of course not.

It's the way
i was raised.

In a convent?

By my aunt Julia,
my father's sister.

My mother died when
i was very little.

It's the only
picture I have of her.

My father never
remarried.

She's every bit
as beautiful
as her daughter.

Have I offended you?

I meant it as
a compliment.

You pay me
too many compliments,
lord darlington.

I'll stop at once.

Thank you.

Just so you know,
i meant every one of them.

You pretend to be bad,
but you're not, really.

There is no good or bad.

People are either
charming or tedious.

If I've been the latter,
i sincerely apologize.

I'd like us
to become friends.

We already are,
aren't we?

Well, not if you keep
flattering me

and paying me
silly compliments.

Define silly.

I want your word.

I find the best way
to keep my word

is never to give it.

[Man singing in Italian
throughout]

[Men speaking Italian]

[Speaking Italian]

Buon giorno.

Man: Look, it has to be
something really special.

Il compleanno?
My wife's birthday?

[Speaking Italian]

What do you think?

The sapphire
matches your eyes.

It's for my wife.

A man should never
buy his wife jewelry.

And why is that?

It makes her wonder what
he bought his mistress.

My wife has nothing
to wonder about.

She's a lucky woman.

If I were your wife,
this is what I'd want.

A fan?

Not for stirring the air,
for stirring the heart.

For centuries,
an erotic language
between men and women.

If a woman placed
it on her breast,

like this, it meant,
"i love you."

"When can I see you?"

"Wait for me."

"You may kiss me."

"We're being watched."

I'm sold.

Quanto?

No, non e in vendita.
Not for sale.

[Speaking Italian]

My mama...

Oro vero.

Real gold.

If you give
him everything,

who's going
to buy me an Espresso?

[Dogs barking]

Contessa:
Oh, my back!

[Dogs barking]

And Americans
everywhere.

You'd never know
there was a depression
in that country.

[Speaking Italian]

They don't shop,
they pillage!

And they
speak loudly.

Could the entire
nation be hard
of hearing?

Something in
the diet, perhaps?

But we
have American
friends, mama.

Well, they don't
need to know

what we say
about them, dear.

If everyone knew
what everyone said
of each other,

there wouldn't
be 4 friends
in the world.

I like America.

Name me another society
that's come from barbarism

to decadence
without bothering

to create a civilization
in between.

A tribute
to American efficiency.

There's
Mr. windemere.

Ooh, he must
join us, then.

Hoo-hoo!

He can't see
you, mama.

Who's that with him?

Looks like his wife.

No, I don't
think it is.

I can't see now,
they're getting
into the car.

It must be the wife
if she's getting
into the car.

It wasn't her.

Then I must
know who it is!

I think we should
mind our own business.

My own business
bores me.

I much prefer
other people's.

Poor little Meg,
she's so sweet.

And the girl
has no mother.

I want to take
her to my breast.

I had a similar thought.

[Chuckles]

I don't suppose
Mr. windemere

would be pleased
to hear it.

Marital bliss
is a great burden

to place on
2 people, tuppy.

Sometimes a third person is
needed to lighten the load.

It would seem
Mr. windemere
agrees with you.

[Man singing in Italian]

[Bell chimes]

[Woman singing in Italian]

[Bell chimes]

Meg: I can guess
what you were doing.

Shopping for
my birthday present?

I was right.

What did you get?

Not a thing. You're
too old for presents.

A hint?

A tiny speck
of a hint?

You have
to wait and see.

Perfume?

Stop it!

A book of poems?

Um, a dress?

A crocodile handbag like
the one the contessa has

with the little claws
hanging off the bottom.

No more guessing.

Robert?

Mm-hmm?

Promise we won't
end up like those

old married couples sitting
opposite each other

at dinner twiddling our forks
with nothing to say.

You, with
nothing to say?

[Whispering] I promise.

We'll always
tell each other
the truth?

Except
around birthdays.

Ooh! You're feisty.
What have you
been reading?

What do you mean?

No, it's nice.

Turn out the lights.

But I like to see you.

Please?

Mrs. erlynne:
I'll take them all.

Clerk: Buon giorno,
señora.
Excuse me.

Meg:
Yes, I bought a suit.

It's being altered
for Margaret windemere.

Clerk:
Ah, Mrs. windemere!

One moment, please.

Thank you.

Forgive me.

You're American,
aren't you?

I'm from New York.
Mrs. erlynne.

Rhode Island.
Mrs. windemere.

I need an opinion
from home.

Now, be honest.

Would you wear it?

Well, it doesn't leave
much to the imagination,
does it?

That depends
on the imagination.

Some men have
more than others.

I suppose
it's certainly
immodest.

Do you think
it's vulgar?

Some people might.

Is your husband
with you?

I'd love
a man's opinion.

I can tell you,
he's very conservative.

A woman doesn't
always know her
own husband.

Oh, I know Robert.
We've been married
over a year.

A year?
Practically forever.

Clerk:
Here it is, señora.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you very much.
Come back again
to see us.

Yes.

Good-bye.

You're not
taking the hat?

The color looks
perfect on you.

Don't you like it?

No, I have
nowhere to wear it.

It's not exactly
church on Sunday.

Why not?

Can you imagine
what people would say?

If we're always
guided by other
people's thoughts,

what's the point of
having our own?

It was nice
meeting you,
Mrs. erwin.

Erlynne.

Erlynne!

She was staying
in a pensione,

now she's in a villa
a few minutes
from the club!

He's there!

I can't help seeing him.

He comes and goes
all hours of the day.

Of course, in public,
she's always
with other men.

She wears nothing
but the latest fashions.

Somebody must be
giving her a very
generous allowance.

Woman: Silencio!

And she'll have her hand
in tuppy's pocket next

if he doesn't wake up.

She's nothing better
than a common prostitute!

All: Shh!

And Mrs. windemere
has no idea?

None at all.

[Boy singing in latin]

[Gasps]
Oh, terribly
sorry.

She must be on
the terrace.

[Gasps]

I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to frighten you.

Yes, you did.

Yes, I did.
What's that?

I'm making
a menu for my
birthday party.

What's Italian
for lobster?

Aragosta.

Aragosta.

Very good.

Now you've made
me hungry. Leave it.

Come on, everyone's
lunching at the club.

Ok, I'll get Robert.

[Telephone rings]

[Ring]

Yes?

I thought you agreed
not to call me at home.

How can I seduce you
if you always bring
your husband?

Too slow!

[Both laughing]

All right.

Yes, yes,
I'll be there.

In an hour.

Meg: Robert!

Ok, in an hour. Bye.

Robert, it's quitting time,
we're going to lunch.

Can't. Sorry.

You're working.

Money never sleeps.

Bugger!

All paying jobs
absorb and degrade
the mind.

You've never
had a paying job.

I rest my case.

Cultivated leisure
is man's
true calling.

I'm going
to have to send some
telegrams in town.

I'll wait for you.

I'll be all afternoon.

I don't want you
to waste the day.

Do you mind, John?

Do I mind?

No, of course not.

Now, if you have
to escort that woman
to the opera,

please don't
sit with us.

Think of Alessandra.

Mrs. erlynne
has her own seats.

And who do you think
pays for her seats?

Her uncle just died.

She's come
into some money.

And Mr. windemere's
visits?

He's managing her
investments, of course.

You're so
fond of gossip,

you don't give
the truth a chance
to put its pants on.

It's not the truth
that's going without
pants, caro tuppy.

Would you mind
not smoking?

It makes me
feel so romantic.

Anything too stupid
to be said is sung.

How is that romantic?

And the women are
all so fleshy.

Excuse me,
that's my foot.

Right over here?

What did I tell you?

[Speaking Italian]

Fried anchovies and
clams in a bag.
Delicious.

[Speaking Italian]

Careful, it's hot.

You told Robert
we were going
to the club.

I have a very poor
sense of direction.

You have a very poor
sense of decorum.

I never use that word.
I'm not sure
what it means.

At the club, we'd
be with other people.

You're right.

Here we are,
in the sunshine,

eating fish literally
just off the boat,

when we could
be squashed
between lord tubby

and Cecil
the scintillating,

listening to one
or the other gripe
about his digestion.

While the contessa,
in a counter-medley,
wails that Alessandra

cares more for
the mating habits

of the blue-bellied
Finch than those
of her own species,

and the widow plymdale
bats her eyes longingly

at every passing
pair of trou.

All of which, mind you,
is time well spent
in my book,

so, yes,
i take your point.
I can't argue.

At the club, we'd
be with other people.

Afraid we'll be seen?

Set the chins wagging?

Do you know what
i find worse than
being talked about?

Not being talked
about at all.

Mrs. erlynne will
see you upstairs.

In her bedroom.

Thank you.

I won't be long.

[Whispering]
I won't be long!

Hee hee!

Robert:
This is expensive.

Nothing but
the best for you.

I know. I paid for it.

Heh heh!
Well, there is that.

Should we be drinking
this early in the day?

Well, somewhere
in the world

it's very late.

I don't want you thinking
i make a habit of this.

Is that why
you look so guilty?

I don't like
lying to her.

I should go.

She's only
gone to lunch.

This is all the cash
i have right now.

I'll set you up
with an account.

You can draw
on it directly.

I met Meg.

It was by chance.

It's all right.

She had no idea
who I was.

You spoke to her?

Mm-hmm. For a minute.

She's very pretty.

How did you two meet?

Was it love
at first sight?

I have to go.

I'm curious.

It's only natural.

There's no point
to these questions.

Do you love her?

Very much.

I'd rather
cut off my arm
than see Meg hurt.

Are you protecting her
or your reputation?

You don't
know me at all.

Darlington: Did he work
on your wedding night?

Meg: No! No.

He's...

He's very conscientious,

and I respect him
for it.

Suppose it wasn't work.

Suppose he had
a mistress.

Well, I couldn't
respect that.

Once a wife's
been betrayed,

she has the freedom
to do likewise.

No, that would make her
as bad as her husband,
wouldn't it?

Modern marriage thrives
on mutual deception.

Robert and i
are completely honest
with each other.

You should
make him your model.

I intend to...

From this moment on.

Don't you like it?

Oh, I'm saving it
for Robert.

He loves figs.

Share mine, then.

Can we go to
the telegraph office?

Um, he probably
hasn't eaten.

Dumby: Alberto?

Fabrizio?

What's his name?

Mario?

Barman...
Oh.

Whisky.

Contessa:
And another thing,

your Mrs. erlynne
has no principles
at all.

Oh, I like people
more than principles.

And people without
principles even better.

But lord Augustus,

she only wants you
for your money.

Now, why shouldn't she?

It's my best asset.

Oldish, fattish,

absolutely no brain,

heaps and heaps
of banknotes.

No need to put
yourself down, tuppy.

Your friends
can always do that.

Hear, hear.

[Sighs]

Down by the Marina,
strolling along,

pretty as you please...

Guess who I saw
with lord darlington?

They haven't
seen him today.

[Bell chiming]

[Engine starts]

Do you know where
my husband is?

I thought he left
after you, señora.

Robert?

Hey. How was lunch?

We went to
the telegraph office.

Where were you?

Well, we...

We must have just
missed each other.

[Singing in
foreign language]

Now I see uncle.

He's with
the American woman.

Contessa: Too much Rouge
and not enough clothing.

She's appealing
to the worst
in the poor man.

Darlington:
It's what women do best.

I heard
she left New York

without paying
her hotel bill.

Quite a scandal.

Who, someone you know?

Heh.

Someone you don't
want to know.

No. Steer clear.

She's the one
with lord Augustus.

You've met Mrs. erlynne,
haven't you?

No.

But I've seen you.

Ow!

Ooh, was that
your foot?

Wherever do you find
shoes to fit?

Lady plymdale: My feet
are in perfect proportion
to the rest of me.

Oh, yes, of course.

Though I will admit
they have a habit

of finding themselves
in peculiar places.

Those people are
staring right at us.

Tuppy: Who?

Tuppy: Oh, don't
worry about them.

It's my brother's wife

and her friend
lady plymdale.

Lord plymdale
passed on last year.

Liver, I think.

Mrs. erlynne:
Poor woman.

Oh, yes. Very sad.

Her hair turned
quite gold with grief.

Heh heh heh.

Erlynne, that's right.

Yeah, she--she came
into some money.

I made an investment
for her.

An inheritance,
i suppose.

Yes.

Ah, the woman
in the shop.

I told you,
remember? The dress.

No back and almost
no front.

You could
see everything.
It was indecent.

You're just not used
to Italian fashions,
that's all.

Oh, no, I'm sure
your wife is on the mark,
Mr. windemere.

Mrs. erlynne
is a notorious jezebel.

That's a slanderous
statement.

If you can't back it up,
i wouldn't repeat it.

Robert always
gives everybody
the benefit of the doubt.

I'm sorry. I--i just
don't like gossip.

Gossip's all right.

It's the moralizing
that's in poor taste.

Tuppy: She's got
her eye on me,

if you know what I mean.

So I wouldn't worry about
what they say about you.

It's all cats in a bag.

Mrs. erlynne: Why?
What do they say
about me?

That I'm
a wanton woman?

Brazen...

With a past.

A brazen woman.
Oh, dear.

Well, you're very
brazen yourself

to be seen
in my company.

Well, I've got a bit
of a past myself, you know.

Married and divorced twice.

Well, every experience
is of value.

And whatever you say
about marriage,

it certainly is
an experience.

People call something
an experience,

they usually mean
it was a mistake.

Ha ha ha!
I couldn't agree more.

We've all got a couple
of skeletons in the closet.

If they're
going to rattle,
they may as well dance.

You're absolutely right.

Mmm. Whenever anyone
agrees with me,

I'm sure
i must be wrong.

Oh, you like to be
the odd man out, do you?

Well, I'll never
understand women.

Women don't want
to be understood.

They want to be loved.

You're dead wrong
on that.

You're very
understanding.

That girl in lilac,
do you know her?

Um, oh, yes, yes.

It's Robert's wife.

Um, newlyweds.
All lovey-dovey.
Very charming.

Really?

Well, I wish she'd
stop staring at me.

She isn't at all.

Those women must be
giving her an earful.

You mustn't mind.

I don't as a rule.

Look, it's terribly
stuffy in here.

I can hardly breathe.

Shall we go?
Would you mind?

I can't think of
anything I'd mind less.

Good.

I can't believe it.

She's got him.

Poor tuppy.

[Music starts]

Shall I get a taxi?

Could we walk?

Why not?

Beautiful city.

The romans call it
the land of the sirens

from homer's odyssey.

Is that so?
Mmm.

Aren't you clever?
Heh heh!

I read it somewhere.

Oh, I like
a good read myself.

But nothing
too laborious.

I don't want
to tamper with
natural ignorance.

Heh heh!
It's the key
to happiness.

Do you really
think so?

Oh, absolutely.
Good health,
it's important,

but ignorance
is the key.

Too much knowledge,
and you're doomed.

Well, here we are.

Aren't you going
to invite me in
for a nightcap?

The sirens were said

to be half woman,
half monster.

They lured the sailors
with their songs.

The ships crashed
on the rocks,

and the men all drowned.

Oh, let's go in.

You can tell me
more about it.

Poor lady plymdale.

I think she
really likes tuppy.

Where do you
suppose they went?

Who?

Tuppy and Mrs. erlynne.

Probably back
to her apartment.

Probably.

Do you think he'll
invite her to my party?

I'll make sure
he doesn't.

Well, don't be mean
about it.

Of course not.

It's just...

I don't want anyone
to be uncomfortable,
you know?

Someone like that,
it makes things awkward.

[Sighs] Yes.

You can say
it's a small party--

private, just friends.
No investors.

All right!

Hey, it's not just
girl gossip.

John darlington
knows all about it.

He said her friend
is a married man.

It's disgusting--

you know what?
People like to hear
themselves talk.

Why do you insist
on defending her?

I'm not defending her.

Yes, you are.

Let's drop it.

It's just...

Well, should you be
helping her invest?

I mean, everyone knows
how she came
into the money.

It just doesn't
look right.

New topic.

Close your eyes.

Robert...

Close your eyes.

It's after midnight.

Happy birthday.

It's beautiful.

Heh heh!
Do you like it?

Robert...

Thank you.

I love you.

I love you, too.

[Chuckles] Oh, my.

Grazie.

Prego.

Mmm.

You like it?
Mmm-hmm.

Mmm.

Food is the rock

on which we build.

No love
is pure and simple

as the love of food.

Love is rarely pure,
lord Augustus,

and never simple.

I don't think
you've been in love,
Mrs. erlynne.

You may presume
to call me Stella,

but don't presume
to know my heart.

For your information,
I'm always in love.

Ha ha ha! Good.

Excellent attitude.

And you're
beautiful.

Smart, too.

Smarter than me,
i expect,

but that's not
saying much, I'm afraid.

No, I think I'll do
very well to marry you.

How very practical.

Oh, I've begun
too many romances

out of sentiment.

They always end
in settlement.

I could listen to you
all night, lord Augustus.

Heh heh! Tuppy, please.

You'll think
about my offer?

Men don't marry
women like me.

There aren't
any women like you.

At least, not among
the women that I've met,

and you can imagine
I've met my share.

I was married.

I didn't take to it.

People change.

You might
feel differently.

When I think of it,
i think of a room

where you can't
open a window.

Where there is no window.

Every day you wake up,
and the room is smaller.

You don't notice,
not at first.

It happens slowly.

In inches.

Then one morning,

you open your eyes,

and the room's so small

you...

You can't move.

You can't take a breath.

You have to get out.

You can't think
of anything else...

Or anyone else.

You married
the wrong man, that's all.

He married
the wrong woman.

It's late.

It's time for bed.

Sleep.

"...perchance to dream."

That's the bard, you know.

I'm a bit
of a reader myself.

So you said.
Good night, tuppy.

I hate the taste
of tobacco.

Oh.

Well, that's it then.

I quit.
On the spot.

What else
can I tell you?

I'm a very rich man,
you know.

You're a very nice man.

Go to bed.

You know,
I'm glad I quit.

Filthy habit, really.

Good night.

Darlington: Is there
gonna be a lion tamer,

or is it just
the usual clowns?

Robert was afraid
it might rain.

I really just wanted
a few people for dinner,

but he said,
"you only turn 21 once."

I know plenty
of very respectable women

who, of their own accord,
turn 35 year after year.

I'm sure you can
be 21 as many times.

I think it's silly
to lie about your age.

You have
no redeeming vices.

I hope not.

Happy birthday.

The invitation
said no gifts.

That's why
i brought it now.

It's too expensive.

I--i know you don't
mean anything by it,

but it just--
it wouldn't look right.

Gold looks right
with everything.

Just wear it.
No one has to know.

Well, I'd know.

I do mean
something by it.

Please--
it's a gift of
friendship, Maggie.

Please. Now,
you'll hurt me deeply
if you refuse.

Now look what
you've made me do.

A little sincerity
can be a very
dangerous thing.

Any more of it
could be fatal.

Now just take
the damn thing

before I die
and ruin your terrace.

It's very pretty.
Thank you.

Where's Robert?

Off sending
another telegram?

Señora, the florist
is waiting
for his money.

He'll have to get it
from Mr. windemere.

I'm sorry.
Can he come back later?

Doesn't Robert
keep a checkbook
in his office?

Can you sign
on the account?

Ah, yes, of course.

Uh, tell him to wait.

I'll see you tonight.

People don't always
behave the way we expect.

In fact, it's really
just the opposite.

The truth is I don't
want to see you hurt.

What are you
talking about?

You may need a friend
one of these days.

When you do, I'm here.

Will you remember that?

Yes, of course.

[Gasping]

[Sobbing]

I came as quickly
as I could.

We're all so
distressed over it.

But you mustn't
take it personally.

Mrs. erlynne is
one of those women

that attract men

like a bee to a flame.

Eh?

A moth.

Bee to a moth. Mmm.

There must be
some other explanation.

[Sniffles]

I have an idea.

Shall we go for a walk?

Hmm?

Tesoro, when there's
marriage without love,

there'll be love
without marriage.

No, but Robert and i
married for love.

You married for love,
of course. And so did I.

But before
the year was over,

Benito was lifting
all kinds of petticoats.

I had to dismiss
my best maid.

Oh, no, no.

I remember.

I passed her on
to my cousin.

Oh, her husband
was so short-sighted,
i thought.

[Dog barks]

But he navigated
by scent, it seems.

So unfortunate.

Believe me, darling.

It happens to us all.

Undying love is like
the ghost in your villa.

Everybody talks about it,
but try and find one person

who has seen it.

Come on. Come on.

May I ask you a favor?

Anything at all.

About, uh, Mrs. erlynne.

Ah...

Very clever woman.

She threw me out
last night.

Knows what a fool I am.

Knows it as well
as I do myself.

She's meeting me here
for tea, though.

Oh!

[Glass shatters]

It's a great thing,
i tell you,

to come across a woman
who thoroughly
understands me.

Would you mind, uh,
not bringing her
to our party tonight?

That's the favor?

Well, Meg feels it might
make things awkward.

So it's true, then.

I didn't believe it.

I--i don't
believe it now.
You don't seem the type,

though I will say
Mrs. erlynne's
damn fascinating.

Hard to resist. But...

You're not serious,
are you?

I warn you--

you'll have to
fight me for her.

And I'm a man in love.

What are you
talking about?

This way, Mrs. erlynne.

Grazie.
Prego.

Come with me.

Where are you taking me?

Let go of my arm.

I have to talk to you.

I'm meeting
lord Augustus.

You must leave amalfi
at once.

Leave?

And go where?

You've paid my rent
here for the season.

I'll pay it somewhere else.

I want you on the first
plane out tomorrow.

I don't understand.
People are talking!

About us.

Ha!

I don't see the humor.

Bury a real secret,

and a false one
pops up in its place?

There's a certain irony,
you have to admit.

Mrs. erlynne:
I'm not ready to leave.

I'm enjoying
myself here.

Robert: I'm begging you.

Think of Meg.

If she knew that
you were her mother...

It would destroy her.

Meg, or the magnificent
windemeres?

Family scandal
is unhealthy

for aspiring
politicians.

I'm not the only
pragmatist in this room.

Pragmatist?

20 years...

And not a word.

You turn up when she
marries a man with money.

You call that pragmatism?
I can think of other words.

Are you trying
to hurt my feelings?

Do you have any?

That can't
be purchased, I mean.

How much...

To get you on
the first flight out?

I feel every time he's
kissed me it's filthy.

A lie every minute
we've been together.

How could he?

Every man
is born truthful,

and every man
dies a liar.

Now, whatever you do,

you mustn't make a scene.

It's too unpleasant,
and you waste energy.

No, of course not.
I wouldn't...

Crying is the refuge
of plain women.

Pretty women go shopping.

[Bell chiming]

Be on that plane.

I'll send the cash.

Dumby: Did i
hear you correctly?

That Meg windemere
is your daughter?

My daughter?

Robert's wife?

Yes.

How dare you.

She must be 20
at least.

Her mother?

Do I look as old
as all that?

No, no, no.

Of course not.

I, um...

I must've nodded off.
Mmm.

You were dozing.

Go back to sleep.

Come on.

Robert: Oh, no.
No business tonight.

We can talk another day.

Hey, good to see you.
Lovely party.

More champagne.

Welcome.
Have a great party.

Grazie.

Hey, Hubert.

[Sobbing quietly]

Good evening,
Mr. dumby.

Oh, good evening,
Mrs. stutfield.

Last party of the season,
i suppose.

It's been a delightful
season, hasn't it?

Oh, yes!
Quite delightful.

Good evening,
lady plymdale.

Well, here it is,

the last party
of the season.

Oh, I suppose so.

It's been a very
dull season, though,
hasn't it?

Oh, yes,
dreadfully dull.

Evening, Cecil.

Hello, dumby.

I suppose this will
be the last party
of the season.

Oh, surely not.

Probably 2 more at least.

Oh, I say, darlington,

I had the oddest
dream today.

A bit of it
has just come back to me.

So what are we drinking?

Where's the birthday girl?

Transforming herself.

Sausages and women...

If you want to enjoy
the experience,

never watch
the preparation of either.

Heh heh!

Ha ha ha ha ha!

[Indistinct chatter]

[Gasping and chattering]

Is that new?

Just out of the box.
Do you like it?

You might be a little cold.
I'll get you a wrap.

And spoil the lines?
Didn't your friend

teach you anything
about Italian fashion?

My friend?

I saw the checks.
Don't even.

Ah, lady plymdale.

So good of you to come.

Do you want another
glass of champagne?

I'd love some.

Let's get us both some.

Why don't you
ask me how I am?

I like people
to ask me how I am.

It shows a widespread
interest in my health,

and you can't imagine
how comforting that is.

Contessa: Lovely party, eh?

How are you, Cecil?

Oh, not well at all.

I--I'd like Alessandra

to meet Mr. hopper
from Australia.

Would you introduce her?

I--would you
just excuse me
for one moment?

Go with Mr. windemere.

Thank you.

She's my last, you know.

I will miss her.

But it's best to get them
out of the nest

before they turn on you.

Girls begin
by loving their mothers,

but as they grow,
they judge us.

Rarely do they forgive us.

[Sighs]

Oh, poor fool.

He'll never learn.

Which fool?
Don't make me choose.

Tuppy.

He's brought
Mrs. erlynne.

All the women
will snub her.
You wait and see.

She may have better luck
with the men.

It is because of men

that women distrust
other women.

Women don't trust women,

men don't trust women,

no one trusts women.

It's what binds
the hindu
and the catholic.

Oh!

Darlington:
I know I promised,

but I must tell you

how beautiful
you look tonight.

Well, if you must,
you must.

Ah.

I beg your pardon.

I was looking
for someone else.

Well, you found me.

Mrs. erlynne...

May I call you Stella?

Lord Augustus
is getting me champagne.

You and i
can trade favors.

Hmm.

Tempting, but no.

And I'd rather
he didn't see us

standing out here
under the moonlight.

He might misunderstand.

Hear me out.

Windemere's fortune
exceeds tuppy's.

Why change horses now?

You can have
what you want,
and Meg's free.

Free?

She hasn't the courage
to leave him.

But if it's clear to her

that he's with you...

He's not.

You've been buying
idle gossip, lord darlington.

You should get a refund.

Excuse me.

I--i had to invite
her, dumby.

The point is she's
a changed woman,
transformed.

You can--you can see
it in her eyes.

Do you think
she'd look at you
if you were poor?

Do you think
I'd look at her
if she were ugly?

Fair's fair,
exchange rates
and so forth.

Well, I know
she's had her this
and her that,

but if a man
can tolerate
his own past,

why not a past
in his wife?

At any rate,
it's wipe the slate.

Clean start.

She and I, we...

We understand
each other.

And you know
what they say,

every Saint
has a past,

every sinner
has a future.

And...

[Clears throat]

I'm going to ask
her to marry me
if she'll have me.

You know--you know
why they call it
an altar, tuppy?

It's where they make
human sacrifices.

[Snaps shut]

I had a dream about
Mrs. erlynne today.

Yes, well...

You couldn't help
it, I suppose.

She, uh, she is
quite the woman.

Heh. Heh.

But, um,
in the future,

please try to dream
of someone else.

Well...

Huh.

Don't you think
you've had enough?

[Meg gasps]

Lovely party.

Thanks for coming.

Darlington: Meg?

I have to change.

Did you see her?

Don't.

You're lovely.

It's ridiculous
on a woman her age.

Why didn't you tell me?

You said you
were my friend.

Men and women
can't be friends.

Meg.

No.

Can you stay
with him?

Can you...

Can you get into bed
with him tonight?

Tomorrow night,
nights after that?

You said
yourself, there's
no forgiving a man

who betrays
his wife.

And what will
you choose, false
degrading marriage,

or your
own true self,
free of compromise.

I've loved you
from the beginning.

It's the truth.

Moment you held
out your hand to me
in the glove shop,

I thought,
there she is.

And then,
suppose I'd walked
by without stopping?

Just the thought
of it...

I've never loved
anyone until now.

Stop.

Robert: John.
[Meg gasps]

Sorry, i--i
didn't mean
to startle you.

I'm looking
for Meg.

If you see her,
it's important.

Have you had a row?

A misunderstanding.

Try the bar.

[Applause]

Tuppy's given
up smokes for her.

[Chuckling] Women.

Women inspire us
to great things.

Then somehow
prevent us from
doing any of them.

Look at him,
he's proposing to her.

If she says yes,
it'll be his third
time up the aisle.

Hope trumps
experience, dumby.

It's god's joke
on the human race.

He's quite convinced
she's changed her spots.

Care to make it
interesting?

I told you
i was serious.

Hasn't anyone warned
you against me?

Oh, yes.
Everyone.

Put it away.

Now, you don't
have to love me
right away.

Think of
the money.

Suppose I marry you
and in a year your
investments go sour.

I'll be stuck
with a pauper.

On the other hand,
i could drop dead

on the golf course
next Tuesday,

and you'd
be left very
well-appointed.

Life's a gamble,
Stella.

I don't know
what to say.

Hmm.

People say
too much as it is.

Mrs. windemere
and Mrs. erlynne look
like mother and daughter,

don't they?

They're wearing
the same dress.

Well, that'll be it.

Darlington: Come
away with me.

We could set sail
tonight.

Please.

Is this your idea
of a joke?

I need
to speak to you.

It's about darlington.

Follow me.

He's in love with Meg.

I know we said cash,
so I'm raising
the amount.

I want you
to leave now.

I'd be more concerned
if I were you.

You're not me.

And darlington's
not the problem.

The problem is
I've been lying
to my wife,

and I'm not
very good at it.

I can add up the rumors

and show her
a big fat zero.

I'm tuppy's girl.
Case closed.

I'll do
my own explaining,
just get out.

I'd like to say
good-bye to her.

You said good-bye
to her 20 years ago.

No second chances.

I'll leave first.

We shouldn't walk
out together.

You're the expert.

Count to 100.

Mrs. windemere.

Meg: Dear Robert,

I thought our marriage
was perfect.

I thought we would
always be together.

If you love
Mrs. erlynne,

you should be with her.

I feel so foolish.

Everyone knew but me.

Robert: Meg?

Meg?

[Sighs]

Meg, let me in.
I want to talk to you.

Please, open the door.

Th-there is
nothing between me
and Stella erlynne.

How can you think it?

She's old for god's sake.

She dyes her hair.

She...Paints her face
like an Indian.

She's a cold,
selfish woman.

Not at all attractive
once you know her.

Look, she was going
to damage someone.

A person who'd never
done her any harm.

She came here
with a secret

that would--would
have broken your heart.

Look, I wanted
to tell you,

i--i just didn't
know how.

Look, I was trying
to protect you,

you have to believe me.

She asked me for money
and I gave it to her.

I'm not proud
of being blackmailed,

and I didn't know
what else to do.

I should have told you
at the start.

I'm not lying
to you now.

I...

I love you.

And there's
no other woman
in my heart...

Or in my bed.

Meg, please open the door.

I--we've both had
too much champagne.

We can talk
in the morning.

Splendido.

Thank you for coming.

Man: Buena notte.
Good night.

Second man:
Lovely party.
Good night.

Robert: I--I'll see
you at the club.

There's the girl.

I thought you'd
fallen in with--

take windemere
to the club.

Keep him
out late, all night
if you can.

Get him drunk
if you have to.

Just don't let
him come home.

Why?

[Sighs]

What? What?

I like you, I do.

But if this is going
to work between us,

you can't do that.

What? Do what?

Where? What? Why?

I can't always
explain myself
to myself,

let alone
anyone else.

Well, good for you.

Takes the pressure off.

9 times out of 10,
men don't give 2 pins
about why,

they just feel obliged
to take an interest.

So, I'll do exactly
as you wish,

and I'll feel as if
we're married already.

Oh, can you get
yourself home all right?

Why, tuppy...

You're the first
man who's ever
asked me that.

I don't need
to be the first, Stella.

Just the last.

[Bell chiming]

[Door opening
and closing]

[Footsteps]

[Clears throat]

There's a taxi
waiting at the end
of the dock.

My husband sent you.

Your husband thinks
you're in bed

sleeping off a liter
of Perrier jouet.

Let's go.

He gave me money,
that's all.

I'm an old friend
of the family

and I had him
over a barrel.

Do you think I'm stupid?

Married to
a man you love

and running
off in the middle
of the night

with
an international
playboy?

Do I think
you're stupid?

This is none
of your business.

You think
just because

hems are higher
and woman can vote

that anything
has really changed
for us?

Friends will
stop calling.

He'll be
invited into homes
you're not.

You manage.

Don't compare
yourself.

It takes practice
and skill to live
without regret.

A marriage takes
your whole heart.

Selfish people
can't pull it off,

but you are not that.

You can succeed
where the rest
of us fail.

Why should
i believe you?

Don't believe me,
believe him.

He's been
faithful to you,

I'll swear it
on my life.

He told you to lie.

He doesn't even know
you're here.

He never has to know.

You want me to lie
on top of a lie?

Everything's spoiled
between us. I can't.

What's happened to you?
Let go of me!

Who taught you to
be so unforgiving?

You made a mistake,
don't make it worse.

You're hurting me!

You shut your eyes

to everything
that isn't perfect.

You're just asking
to fall into a hole.

Fine.

Go ahead.

Step over love
to pick up pride
and guilt.

What will that trade
be worth in a year?

In 20?

[Indistinct chatter]

[Gasps]

[Chatter]

Cecil: I've been
throwing buns
in that club...

Tuppy: Big boat,
darlington.

Does it really
have to be so big?

You know what they say
about men with big boats.

Yes.

Robert: I should be
getting home.

Tuppy: You'll take
a cigar, surely.

I thought you'd
quit for the love
of a good woman.

Cecil: Good woman isn't
exactly the moniker

I'd choose
for Mrs. erlynne.

You make her out
to be the devil's
handmaiden.

She's nothing
of the sort.

Dumby and i
are just concerned

for your future,
aren't we, dumby?

Devilish women
are a bother

and good ones
are a bore.

That's the only
difference.

Mrs. erlynne is
neither a bother
nor a bore.

Well, you change
your habits,

but I doubt she'll
change hers.

I've bet dumby
50 quid.
[Chuckles]

Tuppy: Now, now
enough of this.

I won't hear
anymore words
said against her.

She's everything
I've ever wanted
in a woman.

My dear tuppy,
in this world there
are only 2 tragedies.

One is not getting
what one wants,

the other is getting it.

The last is much
the worst.

The last is a real tragedy.

Marriage--
it has its pains,
ask edna.

Darlington: Celibacy
has no pleasures.

Robert: What would you
know about celibacy?

I can learn.

If it will
prove my love.

A woman who needs proof?

Before she'll leave
her husband.

[Sighs] John,
you are a cad.

We're all
in the gutter.

But some of us
are looking
at the stars.

* what men call gallantry

* and god's adultery
is far more common *

* where the climate's
sultry *

[all laughing]

That's the one
i bought Meg.

For her birthday.

Cecil: You sure?

Darlington: She must have
left it last week

when you came
for lunch.

She was carrying
it tonight.

Tuppy: One fan looks
very much like another.

John?

Darlington: I--i
have no idea.

Meg's not--
not here, is she?

No, of
course not.

[Gasps]

[Door closes]

What's that?

I didn't hear
anything.

She's downstairs.

Listen, Robert,
calm down.

You've had
too much--

don't make an ass
of yourself.

Bloody hell.

Too late.

Bloody hell.

We better put some
ice on that,

it's going to swell.

I thought it was mine.

I must have picked up
Mrs. windemere's
by mistake.

Tuppy, I swear,
i had no idea.

You owe Cecil
50 quid.

Sorry.

Seems I'm the ass,
windemere.

Not you.

I spent the night
on John's boat.

I had too much to drink.

Can I ask you
to forgive me?

I did something very
stupid last night.

I...

You're not
in my league.

I made a complete
ass of myself.

Ruined it
for poor tuppy.

Better now
than later, I guess.

Tuppy?

His engagement
to Mrs. erlynne is off.

What are you
talking about?

Last night
on John's yacht,

Mrs. erlynne
was waiting
in his bedroom.

Look, I was drunk,
i thought...

I saw your fan,
i thought that...

Oh, I didn't think.
It was her.

She said she took it
by mistake.

No, that's not true.

Oh, of course not.

Better count the spoons.

You were right
not to want her here.

I'd have expected more
from John, though.

Tuppy's his friend.

She didn't
take my fan.

I left it on--

[knock on door]

Woman: There's a telephone
call from America.

It's your father,
Mr. windemere.

Not now.

No, no,
I'll take it.

He'll worry.

I love you.

I love you.

And a woman brought this.

She's waiting downstairs.

Thank you.

[Clock chimes]

What are you
doing here?

We had
an agreement.

I came to return
the fan.

How is your wife
feeling this morning?

You don't get within
10 feet of my wife.

I only asked
how she was.

If you're here
to tell her
who you are,

it's better
coming from me.

It's my secret,
not yours.

You've kept it
very well.

20 years
is a long time.

It doesn't seem
to have been too
much of a strain.

You see a little girl
the right age,

you push the thought aside,

close the door.

Only at 3:00,
that in-between hour,

too late to do anything,
too early for dinner,

doors come flying open.

I don't believe
you feel anything
for her.

You--you care
about yourself,

no one else.

Meg: Robert.

Robert, your father
needs to talk to you.

He says it's import...

Mrs. erlynne came
to return your fan.

She was just
leaving.

No, don't leave.

I need to speak
with you.

But she'll
miss her plane.

Just a few
minutes.

Robert, your
father is waiting
on the phone.

He said it
was important.

Robert?

It would be
a great mistake...

To miss your plane.

I came to make sure
you got home safely.

Oh, no, you
can't leave yet.

You're my only
witness that
nothing happened.

Your witness?

I'm gonna tell him
the truth.

What you did
is your mistake.

Your sack of bricks.

You carry it.

You don't confess
and hand it off

to someone
who loves you.

But everybody thinks
you were having--

they'll think it anyway.
It doesn't matter.

That's not true.
It does matter.

It matters to tuppy.

I can't be
responsible
for ruining that.

You want to spoil
the one good thing
I've ever done?

It's only right to
tell him the truth.

You love each other.

That's your truth.

Why are
you giving up

your chance
at marriage
to save mine?

It doesn't
make any sense.

I'll tell you
the truth.

But first promise
you're not going

to make some
grand confession.

Swear it on whatever
you hold sacred.

I swear
on my mother.

Pardon?

She's my
guardian angel.

My whole life
I've wanted
to be like her.

I'm sure she
wouldn't hold you
to such a standard.

She'd be so
ashamed of me now.

We all straddle
the abyss, Mrs. windemere.

If we never look down,
how can we know who we are?

A mother could never
be ashamed of a daughter

who didn't fall in.

I hope you're right.

I've never been
more certain
of anything.

I swear then.

What is it you
wanted to tell me?

Nothing.

I'll miss my plane.

Good-bye, Mrs. windemere.

I hope
we meet again.

So do I.

Robert: Mrs. erlynne.

You didn't tell her?

No.

Why not?

She has a mother.

A photograph
in a locket.

It's
a fairy tale.

A kind, caring
mother who loves
and watches over her.

I'm not gonna take
that away.

And neither should you.

[Engine starts]

For one night I thought
you were in love
with another woman.

For one minute
i thought
you were in love

with another man.

Hmm.

She was right.

Who?

Mrs. erlynne.

She said,
"we can't shut our eyes

to everything
that isn't perfect,

otherwise we might fall
into a huge abyss."

We almost fell.

She's a smart woman.

She's a good woman.

Better than
i thought.

She insisted.

Who?

Meg.

Something
to remember her by.

And she explained
everything.

Everything?

Oh, yes, of course.
The flat tire, the dog.

The Brazilian taxi driver
with a pregnant daughter

who lost her purse.

And the only thing
i can say in my defense is,

that I have no defense.

I jumped to conclusions
and thought the worst.

Where is this old crate
going to?

Don't know.

Will you marry me
when we get there?

A man gets the wife
he deserves.

Mmm...

Well, I've been a very,
very bad man.

[Engine starts]

Captioning made possible by
lions gate entertainment

captioned by the national
captioning institute
--www.Ncicap.Org--

you know, John,
love's a battleground.

It was only
a flesh wound.

Men advance,
women resist.

We retreat,
and they block
our escape.

We can't win.

The sexes will never
understand each other.

Only because
they take such pains
to deceive each other.

Oh, hello, dumby.

Are you awake?

Am I winning?

Ha ha ha ha ha!