Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948)

[bunniefuu]

Then you've made up your mind?

You are going through with it?

Why not?

For one thing, he's an excellent sh*t.

So I've heard.

At least try to get some sleep.

If I were you, no more cognac.

We'll come for you at five.

It'd give you three hours.

You will be here.

I don't mind so much being k*lled.

But you know how hard it is for
me to get up in the morning.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

[bell tolling]

I'm afraid this time,

Stefan has picked a
fight with the wrong man.

- I wonder if he'll be
here when we come back.

[Man] Who is it?

Brand.

[Man] Good morning, Mr. Brand.

Cheer up, John.

This is one engagement that I
have no intention of keeping.

Honor is a luxury, only
gentlemen can afford.

Pack my things.

Whatever you think I'll
need for an indefinite stay.

And I have a cab downstairs.

In about an hour, I'll
go out the back way.

I'm sorry, I won't be
here to see their faces.

Oh.

Did this come during the night?

Would you bring me some
coffee with cognac?

[dramatic music]

- [Lisa] By the time you read
this letter, I may be dead.

I have so much to tell you,
perhaps very little time.

Will I have ascended?

I don't know.

I must find the strength to write,

now before it's too late.

And as I write, it may become clear that

what happened to us

had its own reason beyond
our poor understanding.

If this reaches you,

you'll know how I became yours

When you didn't know who I
was, or even that I existed.

I think everyone has two birthdays.

The day of his physical birth

and the beginning of his conscious life.

Nothing is vivid or real in my memory.

Before that day in spring

when I came home from school,

and found a moving van
in front of our building.

I wondered about our new neighbor

who owned such beautiful things.

[Woman] Lisa!

Come in, Lisa!

Come in this minute, did you hear?

Lisa!

Yes, mother.

Who is going to clean that up?

Me, I suppose.

I haven't enough to do.

- [Man] I told you we shouldn't
tie it to the front legs.

[Man] You better get another rope.

[Man] Uh?

[Man] You better get another rope.

[Man] All right!

[Man] Get another rope!

This is the last time I move a musician.

Why does he have to play the piano?

Why not the piccolo?

Where do these go?

What?

Aha, in the study.

[Man] Hey, pal, where is that rope?

We are waiting.

[Man] I am coming.

Thank you.

- [Woman] Lisa, what
are you doing out there?

Come inside.

[classical piano music]

[Lisa] I didn't see you that day,

or for many days thereafter.

But I could listen to your playing.

I wish he'd stop that noise.

It's not noise.

Don't bite my head off.

It's Mr. Brand playing.

You call that playing?

Shh.

How old is he?

Who?

Him!

I don't know.

Quite old, I guess.

Oh.

You know the boy I was
talking to outside the school?

The bony one with the yellow
hair and the long nose.

One who lives next to the grocery.

I'm going to have to
do something about him

if he doesn't keep his hands to himself.

These things he does,
right out in the street.

Thank you, John.

I'll be home late.

You needn't wait up for me.

Thank you.

Good morning.

[bell rings]

Why, Lisa!

You're all red in the face.

You're blushing!

I'll get you for that!

[Lisa] Yes, I was blushing.

And hard as it may be for you to realize

from that moment on, I
was in love with you.

Quite consciously, I began
to prepare myself for you.

I kept my clothes neater,

so you wouldn't be ashamed of me.

Bow, two three four.

I went to dancing school.

I wanted to become more graceful,

and learn good manners for you.

Bow two three, and one two three.

And one, two, three.

And one, two, three.

- So I would know more
about you, and your world

I went to the library

and study the lives of
great musicians of the past.

Though I was not able
to go to your concerts,

I found ways of sharing in your success.

And as the months went by, I
began to know your friends.

Many of them are women.

Most of them.

Lisa!

Lisa!

Where are you, Lisa?

Aren't you going to finish your dinner?

I'm sorry, mother.

But I really lived for those
evenings when you were alone.

And I pretended you were
playing just for me.

[classical piano music]

And though you didn't know it,

you were giving me some of
the happiest hours of my life.

Then came a great day for me.

In the building where we lived

Thursday was rug-b*ating day.

Come on, let's help him!

Oh!

I've got to do my own rug.

I'll do it for you afterwards.

Come on!

Remember what you've promised!

I will.

Beautiful rug.

It's a beautiful rug, isn't it?

Oh, it's just a rug.

Oh, you wouldn't know.

Say, what are we doing this for?

Shh!

He'll hear you.

Oh, he can't talk.

Well, he can hear, can't he?

Come on.

You're welcome.

Come on, Lisa.

I'll be right down.

What are you going to do?

Go away, I'll be right down.

What are you going to do?

Go away, or I'll throw you downstairs.

[Girl] Are you crazy?

[door creaking]

[door closes]

Lisa!

[whispering]

What are you doing up there?

Come dear, I have something to tell you.

It's really good news.

And I'm sure if you
think about it sensibly,

you'll be very, very happy.

Sit down.

Well, I can understand that
you must've been startled

when you saw Herr Kastner
and me in the hall.

Perhaps it was my fault
for not telling you

something about it before.

You see, dear, your
mother is not really old.

She can have admirers, too.

She can even well, be in love with a man.

Someday you'll understand
better what that means.

Besides you know how hard it is for us

to get along on my small pension.

Herr Kastner has a
comfortable business in Linz.

A m*llitary tailor.

And he has done me the honor
of asking you to marry him.

Besides, he is a kind man,
and he likes you very much.

I'm sure with his help, it'll
be much easier for you to...

Mother!

What is it?

Would we have to go to Linz?

Would we have to live there?

But why not?

What is there to keep us here?

I won't go!

I won't go!

Lisa!

What's the matter?

But what is it?

Lisa!

I won't go.

I won't go.

Now Lisa!

Do be reasonable and tell your mother.

[Lisa] I won't!

I won't!

Lisa!

[man laughing]

Twenty-five, twenty-six...

- Of course that will go
with us in our compartment.

Let's see We've eleven altogether.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,

eight, nine, ten, eleven.

And the trunks, dear.

Don't worry, dear.

I'll take care of everything.

The expressman promised
the trunks at...

[train whistling]

Oh, either I'd lost half a minute

or the station clock's ahead.

How much would that be, please?

It's up to you, sir.

Up to me? Good heavens.

One krona should be enough.

I promise you the trunks
would be here on time.

About the boxes

One, two, three, four, five, six.

Uh, how long will it take if we send them

through Linz third class?

[Man] Two weeks, maybe.

[Herr] Two weeks, very good.

Now each of these second class.

Third class

[Man] Each of these third class.

Third class.

Yes.

Ah, what did I tell you?

When you're going to do
a thing, do it one time.

That's always been my system.

Hello, thank you.

You can unload it here.

Our train doesn't leave until 12:00.

- Yes, 12:00, darling.
- Does it leave 12.



Oh yes of course!

I'd almost forgotten.



Now let me see.

I have to look my baggage here.

Please don't get excited, dear.

- Suddenly I knew I
couldn't live without you.

I didn't know what I had in mind, or

what my parents would do
when they found me missing.

All I wanted was to see you once more.

To be near you again.

To throw myself at your
feet, cling to you,

and never leave you.

Nothing else.

Nothing else mattered.

[bells ringing]

All right, all right.

Oh, it's you, Lisa.

I thought by now you are half way to Linz?

Didn't your train leave about...

I forgot something.

[knocking on the door]

These rooms where I had lived,

have been filled with your music.

Now they were empty.

Would they ever come to life again?

Would I?

Only you could answer.

So, I waited.

Waited.

For what seemed endless
hours I sat outside your door

trying to keep myself awake

afraid I might fall asleep and miss you.

Then.

[door closes]

[echoing footsteps]

[Man] Who is it?

[Brand] Brand!

[Man] Good morning, Mr. Brand.

[woman giggling]

I've got the key.

[woman giggling]

[Woman] What are you doing?

[door closes]

And so, there was nothing left for me.

I went to Linz.

You who have always lived so freely.

Have you any idea what life is like

in a little garrison town?

I was 18 now

and was expected to take
my place in society.

[bells tolling]

Come now, Lisa.

Don't look down at your feet.

Please be tactful and
let him do the talking.

But not all the talking.

Do you hear me, Lisa?

Good morning, Colonel.

Good morning, Colonel.

Good morning.

Frau Kastner, Frauline
Kastner, Mr. Kastner.

May I have the honor to present my nephew

Lt. Leopold von Kaltnegger.

I have the honor to kiss your hand.

Very pleased to make your acquaintance.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

Herr Kastner, I have the honor, Sir.

I'm very pleased to
make your acquaintance.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

Thank you.

Allow me to present our daughter, Lisa.

Lt. Leopold von Kaltnegger.

I've been meaning to tell you
for sometime how impressed

I was with your parade

the morning of the emperor's birthday.

Excuse me.

Do you like it here in Linz?

Quiet well.

- It must seemed very restful
after living in Vienna?

I liked Vienna.

Indeed.

What did you like about it?

Perhaps you were fond of the music?

Yes.

We also have good music here.

Every other Saturday
afternoon they gave a concert

on the Kursalon.

Oh, really?

- Perhaps someday you'll
allow me the honor

escorting you?

Very nice of you.

- When I was a cadet,
I took part of myself.

I played second trumpet.

Oh, how nice.

I must say I'm glad we both like music.

- You see there's nothing
wrong with a child

if she only meets the right people.

[bells tolling]

Up!

Up!

Up!

Up!

Up!

Up!

[Lisa] The Lieutenant was right.

Linz was a musical town.

So twice a month that summer we listened,

the Lieutenant and I.

Before the afternoon is over,

I'm sure we'll hear an announcement.

Nothing could please us more, Colonel.

Is that right, my dear?

Miss Lisa.

This is a subject which I wish
to bring up for some time.

I trust you'd forgive me
if I presume to mention,

I hope I have allowed myself.

It may be unnecessary
for me to mention that

ever since you first came to my attention,

I've been most favorably impressed.

Thank you.

And I have every reason to believe

that your parents are not opposed

on my keeping company that
is steady company with you.

But, Lieutenant, I...

Oh, please allow me to finish.

As far as my prospects are concerned,

you must be aware by now that

it's generally believed
by my uncle and others

that I have qualifications
for an outstanding

m*llitary career.

It's no doubt of that.

- Naturally, it's too soon to
discuss any definite steps.

We should know each other
for a reasonable time.

But, Lieutenant

I'm sorry, it's impossible.

Impossible?

Please don't ask me to explain.

I must insist.

Is there someone else?

Yes.

I'm engaged to be married.

[Leopold] Engaged to be married?

- I should've told you before,
but I didn't realize how...

But all the time you've been in Linz,

I haven't seen you in anyone's company.

He doesn't live in Linz.

He lives in Vienna.

In Vienna?

He he writes music, he's a musician.

But how can that be?

Your mother and father,

they had given my uncle
every encouragement.

They don't know about it.

You mean you're engaged to a man,

and your parents don't even know him?

Um.

I'm sorry, I.

Then, please.

It won't be long now.

Wine.

Waiter, the wine.

The wine.

[crowd applauding]

Up!

Up!

[festive music]

But I don't understand.

Lisa, what happened?

What happened?

Nothing.

But after all...

But you must've said something.

What did you say to him?

I only told him the truth.

The truth!

What do you mean the truth?

What did you say to him?

I told him, I wasn't free.

What?

- My poor parents, for
them this was the end.

For me, it was a new beginning.

Vienna, when I saw it again,

seemed to have taken on a new splendor.

All the time I've been away,

I thought of it longingly as your city.

Now, it was our city.

Madam Spitzer's where I found work.

It was the kind of establishment

where one learns many things.

[Woman] Miss Lisa, please.

Coming.

Hold your breath.

Miss Lisa, we are waiting.

Very pretty.

Yes.

Very.

[man knocking on window]

Very charming.

Very charming, indeed.

Do you think...

She's not like the others.

I don't understand that
girl but every evening,

as soon as the shutters are closed,

off she goes straight home.

Really?

[women giggling]

Madam Spitzer spoke the truth.

I was not like the others.

Nobody waited for me.

Off I went, not home

But to the only place that
it ever seemed home to me.

Night after night, I
returned to the same spot.

But you never noticed
me until one evening.

[street singers singing]

I've seen you before, few nights ago.

Right here.

Or you live near here?

No.

- You like to listen
to the street singers?

Um, yes.

Neither do I [chuckles].

I should introduce myself.

No, I know who you are.

I suppose sooner or later,

we'll have to decide
where we're walking to.

I have something I should call off.

I almost never get to the
place I start out for, anyway.

[restaurant patrons talking]

Pardon me.

Excuse me.

Very charming.

Thank you.

- Anything else I can
do for you, Mr. Brand?

Will you please tell Baelisch,

I won't be at the rehearsal this evening.

Oh, congratulations.

Fritz, is the gentleman free now?

Just a moment, sir.

Don't you see I'm busy with Mr. Brand?

Now how about Lily?

Yes, there's Lily.

Yeah, there's Lily.

I mean if she comes, what
am I going to tell her?

Well, tell her...

- Well, I'll tell her
it was most important

and you had to work tonight.

That's it, that's fine.

I'm sure she will understand.

I'm sure.

Thank you.

Bye.

Stefan, I missed you yesterday.

I have to talk with you.

Later.

I saw the manage group at the concerto.

It's a young man I met.

His father owns half of
the Garden de Schönbrunn.

I thought perhaps it was something
for one of your concerts.

If you just go outside...

I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

[men chattering indistinctly]

Now, don't be frightened.

Even if it's not to becoming,

the lobster would be no intention.

I was wrong.

It is becoming.

Now let's see, when do
they have lobster again?

Friday.

How about Friday?

A week is a long time.

How about Wednesday.

We can get venison.

Oh, yes pheasant on Monday.

Could you possibly make it on Monday?

I've no engagement at all.

I don't, either.

We'll have dinner tomorrow night.

Wiener Schnitzel.

Excuse me, Herr Brand.

The lady in the next room,

if I'm not mistaken is
The Countess Rudensky,

wonders if you would do
her the favor of signing

her program of this afternoon's concert?

[Stefan] Certainly.

[Man] She said, Mozart himself

could not have done better.

[Lisa] How nice of her.

There you are.

Thank the Countess for the compliment.

Thank you, Herr Brand.

The note is not the least deserved.

- Four years ago when
you played the D Minor.

You remember that?

The morning review, also.

Compare too to young Mozart.

I was very young.

There was that much resemblance.

You like it?

Valpolicella, it's called.

The first vineyard you do
see when you come down

the other side of the Alps.

The Italians say, it's such a good wine

because the grapes have
their roots in the valley

and their eyes on the mountains.

Please.

Please what?

Please talk about yourself.

- I believe you really
want to hear about me.

Why?

Uh, never mind why.

The truth is, I've had
rather an easy time of it.

People accept my music very quickly.

Perhaps too quickly.

Sometimes it's easier to
please others than oneself.

What're you going to say?

You know you don't talk very much.

Well I can't say it very well.

But...

Yes.

- Sometimes, I felt when
you're playing that...

Go on.

That you haven't quite found what,

I don't know what it is,
what you're looking for.

- How long have you
been hiding in my piano?

Uh, never mind explaining.

I just assume you're a sorceress,

And that you can make yourself very tiny.

It might be a good thing to
have a sorceress for a friend.

Who knows?

You may be able to help me someday.

[Viennese waltz]

How could I help you?

- So, that's what you've
been thinking about.

You're a very strange girl.

Who ever you are, where
ever you came from.

Don't you have any problems?

Not important ones.

- It's been a long while
since anyone did that for me.

Stop here, please.

Woo Ah.

[Woman] Good evening, Mr. Brand.

Good evening.

Roses?

Yes, please.

Red ones?

No, red is the wrong color.

A single white rose would be perfect.

This is a special occasion.

Here you are, good night.

Good night, Mr. Brand.

Enjoy yourself.

Did I guess right?

Is it your flower?

From now on it will be.

Would you like me to close it?

No.

And now to the fairground.

[calliope music]

Do you think it would all be closed?

I hope not.

I never come here in the season.

It's more pleasant in the winter.

I don't know why.

- It's perhaps because
you prefer to imagine

how it will be in the spring.

Because if it is spring,

then there's nothing to
imagine, nothing to wish for.

- Is there anything
about me you don't know?

A few things.

For instance, I don't know

if one day they make a wax figure of you

and put you in there
because you'll be so famous.

Well, if they do,

will you pay your penny
to come in and see me?

If you'll come alive.

Now I see you as a little girl.

You do?

When my father was
alive, we traveled a lot.

He went nearly everywhere.

We've had wonderful times.

I didn't know you traveled so much.

Oh, yes.

- Perhaps we've been to
some of the same places.

No, I don't think so.

Where did you go?

Well, it was a long time.

But for instance, there
was Rio de Janeiro.

Beautiful, exotic, real
with its botanical gardens,

its Avenue palms, Sugarloaf Mountain,

and the harbor where you can look down

and see the flying fishes.

We're in Venice.

Yes, we've arrived.

Now, where would you like to go next?

France?

England?

Russia?

Switzerland.

Switzerland.

Excuse me a moment while
I talk with the engineer.

- You and the lady, are
you enjoying the trip?

Very much.

We've decided on Switzerland.

There you go, thank you.

Oh, thank you.

Switzerland.

Switzerland.

Switzerland.

[blows whistle]

- So, you were looking
down at the flying fish.

Then what?

Aren't you going to finish the trip?

- Well, there weren't
any trips, do you mind?

You see, my father had a
friend in the travel bureau.

My father worked across the street.

He was an assistant superintendent

of the municipal waterworks.

And he used to bring folders home with him

with pictures in them.

We have stacks of them.

And in the evening, he'd
put on his traveling coat.

That's what he called it,
'cause I was very young.

And he would say, where
should we go this evening?

And I would say, Vera Cruz
because it's a beautiful name.

And then he would say,
um, it's summer there,

you don't want to roast
like a coffee bean, do you?

So, you never did get there?

No.

It was just like I tripped
the land of the midnight sun.

What stopped you this time?

The weather.

I thought of India.

But then father remembered
that it was the rainy season.

Your father was an expert on climates.

My mother used to say that

he knew what the weather
was everywhere except home.

What mountain was that?

That's the Matterhorn.

You've climbed it?

Mm-hm.

- Tell me when you've climbed
up the mountain, what then?

Well, you come down again.

[train whistling]

Tell me more about your father.

Well, then he finally did go away.

He had the nicest eyes.

Yes, I can see them.

Why do you like to climb mountains?

Well, I suppose because,

no matter how high you climb,
there's always a higher one.

- And you like to imagine
that the other one

is even more wonderful.

Like the spring in the park.

You know far too much about me already

and I know almost nothing about you

except you have traveled a great deal.

[train whistling]

End of the line.

All change.

All change.

What now?

Where haven't we been?

We have no more countries left.

Then we'll begin all over again.

There you are.

Thank you.
- Thank you.

We'll revisit the scenes of our youth.

[Viennese waltz]

- I don't know about
them but I'm going home

right after this number.

- Me too, if he is not
paying me 50 krona.

I'd like to play for married people.

They've got homes.

[applauding]

You are a sorceress.

Now I'm sure, how else
could we dance this way.

Unless we've danced together before.

And yet if we had, should I remember it.

[claps hands]

Please.

- Promise me something.
- Anything.

But I don't even know where you live.

Promise me you won't vanish.

I won't be the one to vanish.

- We're here.
- Thank you.

Thank you.

- Who is it?
- Brand.

[Man] Good morning, Mr. Brand.

Please be seated.

It will just be a moment.

Lisa, leave it on.

Someone wants to see it.

- Oh.
- New customer.

Looks like a good one.

It won't take one moment.

You'll like this one, I'm sure.

I'm sure.

I like it very much.

Very much.

How did you find me?

I'm a good detective, don't you think?

You are.

- I'm afraid we have to put
off our plan for tonight.

I couldn't go away without seeing you.

- Where are you going?
- Milano.

The whole orchestra is going.

We are to play at L'escala.

It's wonderful.

I've forgotten all about it.

It won't be long.

Just two weeks.

The train leaves at 5:30.

Do you suppose you could see me off?

- I'll try.
- I'll look for you then.

Good bye, thank you.

Good bye.

You will be there.

[Spitzer] How did it go?

He wasn't interested in the suit.

But Madam Spitzer, could I
leave a little earlier today?

- How early?
- About 5:00.

Yes.

Sure.

Thank you.

Congratulations, my dear.

[bell ringing]

Stefan, the train is leaving.

Just a minute.

How long have you been standing here?

I don't want to go.

Do you believe that?

I'll be here when you get back.

- Come on.
- Yes.

[Woman] Stefan, hurry, please.

I still know so little about you.

You like mystery.

- That a woman like you
exists, and I found you.

That's mystery enough.

Say Stefan, the way
you said it last night.

Stefan.

It's as if you've said it all your life.

- Better hurry, sir.
- Yes.

- Goodbye.
- Stefan.

Yes.

Goodbye.

Won't be long.

I'll be back in two weeks.

Goodbye.

Two weeks.

Two weeks.

Stefan, how little you knew of yourself.

That train was taking you out of my life.

He was a married man.

Does he live here in Vienna?

If we knew who he was,

He might be willing to
accept his responsibility.

You won't tell us his name?

But you haven't the means
to take care of the child.

We'll get along.

It's your duty to tell us.

When a man does this sort of...
- I'm feeling tired.

Would you go?

You may wonder why I never
came to you for help.

I wanted to be one woman you've had known,

Who had asked you for nothing.

My deep regret is that
you never saw your son.

There were times during those years,

I prefer not to remember.

But this I can assure you,

Whatever the cost, he'd
repaid me a thousand times.

You would have been proud of him, too.

When he was almost nine,

as much for his sake as mine, I married.

You know who my husband is.

Johann Stauffer married me

knowing the truth about
us, and about our child.

Oh, how lovely.

Thank you, Johann.

What a nice birthday!

This, and Stefan home.

- You know, I'm not good
at saying such things,

but, Lisa, I want you to be
as happy as you've made be.

If I were really a deserving wife

I'd be ready on time.

You are happy?

You are?

Why shouldn't I be?

Let's say good night.

Hello.
- Still another talent?

- He has a lot of talents, but
not for finishing his milk.

- May I see?
- Mm-hmm.

Or for brushing his teeth.

Made in Switzerland.

- Switzerland must be a very
nice place, don't you think?

Who gave it to you, darling?

Herr Frank.

- Who is Herr Frank?
- His music teacher.

- He said that he thinks
that I've a natural talent.

For the harmonica?

No, for music.

Oh.

Good night, Stefan.

Good night, Sir.

Good night, darling.

Good night, mother.

Mother!

I'll be right down.

Yes?

You remember the last time,

first night I was home from school.

Mm-hmm, what about it?

- When you went out, you
let me sleep in your room.

All right, it's a special concession

because it's your first night home.

But hurry.

I'm late.

In just a minute.

There's no hurry.

- Good night, Sir.
- Good night.

You know, Stefan, it might be nice

if you could say good night, father

instead of good night, Sir.

But I've always said it that way.

- I think he'd like it if you
could manage to change it.

Suppose you said to me Good night, Madam.

It would sound pretty silly, wouldn't it?

Now, promise me that you'll go to sleep

and not wait up for me.

I promise.

Will you bring me the
program of the opera?

I promise.

Good night, Madam.

Good night, Sir.

After all when a person treats
you so much like his son,

he is in a sense your father.

All right, mother, if you say so.

Good night.
- Good night.

[calm harmonica music]

The course of our lives

can be changed by such little things.

So many passing by, each
intent on his own problems.

So many faces, that one might
be easily have been lost.

I know now.

Nothing happens by chance.

Every moment is measured.

Every step is counted.

Curtain.

Curtain going up.

Second act.
- Curtain going up.

Second act.
- Curtain.

- Curtain going up.
- Second act.

Second act.
- Curtain going up.

Look!

Isn't that Stefan Brand?

He played last week.

A concert tour?

Pleasure trip, most likely.

The way he's burning himself up,

it's a wonder he's still alive.

- [Man] 10 years ago,
he showed great promise.

[Man] Too bad.

With that talent, he could've
been a great pianist.

Perhaps talent is not enough.

Perhaps he's have too many talents.

- Lisa.
- Second act!

Curtain going up!

[crowd applauding]

Sorry, we lost track of you.

We were in the buffet.

You know the colonel and his cognac.

General Hersendoff was asking for you.

You've made a conquest.

My dear, you should have joined us.

[Mozart's "The Magic Flute"]

Suddenly, in that one moment

everything was in danger.

Everything I thought was safe.

Somewhere out there were your eyes

and I knew I couldn't escape them.

It was like the first time I saw you.

The years between were melting away.

I have a headache.
- I'll take you home...

- No, please don't, I'll
be all right if I lie down.

Please stay here.

Would you be kind enough to
give my husband a message.

He's in 17.

Not now, but after this act.

Tell him, I've decided to
go home and not to worry.

Thank you.

Call my carriage, please.

Yes, Madam.

- The side entrance!
- Yes, Madam.

Excuse me.

You must realize that
where there's a pursued

there must also be a pursuer.

I've seen you somewhere, I know.

I followed you upstairs and
watched you in your box.

But I couldn't place you.

And I had to speak with you.

I know how it sounds.

I assure you in this case it's true.

You believe that, don't you?

- Yes.
- Thank you.

Now please, just a moment.

Is there any place we could have met,

that I might have seen you?

At one of my concerts?

It must have been sometime ago.

I haven't given any
concerts in Vienna lately.

Or anywhere else in that matter.

You don't play anymore?

Oh, it's not quite as final as that.

I always tell myself I'll
begin again next week.

And when next week comes, it's this week.

So, I wait for next week again.

What are you waiting for?

It's a very disturbing question.

My carriage...

- You can't ask such a
question and just walk away.

I have a feeling.

Please don't think I'm mad.

I know it sounds strange
and I can't explain it.

But I feel that you understand
what I can't even say.

And that you can help me.

Have you ever shuffled faces like cards,

hoping to find the one

that lies somewhere at
the edge of your memory.

The one you've been waiting for.

But tonight when I first saw you

and later when I watched
you in the darkness

it was as if I'd found that
one face amongst others.

Who are you?

Promise I'll see you again.

I must see you.

I don't know.

Johann, you don't think
I wanted this to happen?

No.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Lisa.

We have a marriage.

Perhaps it's not all you once hoped for

but you've a home, and your son

and people who care for you.

I know that, Johann.

I'd do anything to avoid hurting you.

But I can't help it.

And your son?

Do you think you can
you avoid hurting him?

He won't be harmed I'll see to that.

- There are such things
as honor and decency.

- I told myself that hundred
times this one evening.

- You talk as though it
were out of your hands.

It's not, Lisa.

You have a will.

You can do what's right,
what's best for you.

Or you can throw away your life.

I've had no hope but his ever.

[Johann] That's romantic nonsense.

Is it?

Johann, I can't help it.

I can't, please believe that.

What about him?

Can't he help himself either?

I know now that he needs me

as much as I've always needed him.

- Isn't it a little late
for him to find that out?

We're home, Sir.

Good night.

Good night, Sir.

- Lisa, if you do this,
you can never turn back.

You know that, don't you?

Yes.

I warn you.

I shall do everything in
my power to prevent it.

Hello, darling.

Wake up.

It's time to go on your own room.

Did you have a nice time?

Yes, darling.

Good night, father.

[Johann] Good night.

Did you hear?

I just said it.

Yes, darling.

Tell me about the opera.

Was it exciting?

How's that?

You're wonderful.

You're wonderful.

You've always been a wonderful boy.

You know how much that's meant to me?

Be so proud of you, always.

I know it.

[dramatic music]

[bells ringing, train whistles]

Don't worry, mother.

You'll see.

Two weeks will go like an express train.

You sure you're coming?

Of course, I promised.

You can even get my room
in the village for me.

- I'll get you the same
one you had last time.

The one with the balcony.

- Didn't I tell you that
compartment was quarantined?

I'm sorry, Madam.

This compartment had to be closed up.

I'll take you to the next car forwards.

- That's good, I'll be
near the locomotive.

I'll take the box.

Do we have two locomotives on our train?

We usually get along with one.

But I will talk to the engineer.

How about that one over there?

You can have two seats in there.

He's traveling alone.

Don't worry, Madam.

I'll take good care of him.

We leave in about a minute.

Better hurry and get your seat.

You'll see better if you sit over here.

And if you get chilly,
you can put up the window.

Yes, mother.

Stefan.

You know how I've longed
so for you being home.

And now I can't even explain but

maybe some day, very soon I'll
be able to give you a reason.

But now,

you just have to believe
that it's for your own good.

I don't mind going back so much.

Especially when you're coming so soon.

It'd be like two vacations.

All right, darling.

I'll show you the new walk we found

since you were there last time.

Better get out, lady.

[train whistles]

You'll write me often, won't you?

Yes, mother.

But I can't write very often.

Not in two weeks.

Goodbye, mother.

Two weeks.

[Officer] Make way, please.

Make way, please.

What is it?

What happened?

Someone hurt?

No reason to get alarmed.

They say it's a case of typhus.

Typhus?

Yes, typhus on the train.

Yes, madam.

Is Mr. Brand here?

Stefan Brand.

Brand?

One moment, please.

Fritz!

Um?

- Could you tell me has Mr.
Brand been here this evening?

- Oh, Mr. Brand is no
longer a customer of ours.

Not for sometime.

Mr. Brand these days is more
likely to be found at the Ritz.

Thank you.

Good evening, Madam.

I still have nice flowers left.

I'm closing up.

And I'll sell you a nice bouquet.

Very cheap.

I'll take those, the white ones.

Don't bother to wrap them up.

Doesn't matter.

[bells ringing]

[door opens]

Now, you can drive on.

[bell ringing]

Stefan Brand.

Is he in?

Thank you.

[door closes]

This is a surprise.

But I assure you're a very happy one.

John didn't prepare me for
such pleasant occasion.

I thought last night

the darkness might've
played tricks with my eyes.

You're even more
beautiful than I imagined.

Very kind of you.

- This is just the hour
for a bit late supper.

Or is it too late?

Oh, it makes no difference.

You're here.

As far as I'm concerned,

all the clocks in the world have stopped.

Excuse me a moment.

John!

John, I'm sorry to send you out so late.

Would you go out to the
corner, and get a few things.

We're going to have supper.

The usual things.

John makes life possible
for a hopelessly single man.

She fascinates you, too!

Do you remember

the Greeks built a statue
to a God they didn't know

but hoped someday would come to them?

But mine happens to be a Goddess.

And you've never found her?

For years, I never woke in the morning,

but what I said to myself,

perhaps today she will come.

My life will really begin.

Sometimes it seemed very near.

But now I'm older, and I know better.

- Even for yourself,
you don't play anymore?

- Oh, I remember last
night, you're kind enough

to be interested.

I forgot John locked it when I went away.

Nowadays, I'm away
quite a lot of the time.

I'll ask him for the
key when he comes back.

You're very lovely.

It's a beautiful dress.

Thank you.

How could you do that?

Give it up altogether.

- Well, if you're so
curious, I'll tell you.

One night I came back to this room.

I had given a concert like all the others.

Not bad, and not worse.

Afterwards, they said
all the usual things.

The things you say when you
are not really convinced.

So, I happened to look in the mirror.

This one here.

The young protégée was no longer young.

Certainly wasn't prodigious.

Since then, I found other things to do.

More amusing things.

I knew last night.

Didn't you?

I haven't even offered to fix you a drink.

[Lisa] Stefan?

Yes.

- I came here I have
something to tell you.

- If it has something to do
with you, I'm very interested.

It has to do with us.

- We can't possible be serious
this early in the morning.

At least not without a glass of champagne.

Won't take a minute.

Champagne tastes much
better after midnight,

don't you think?

Much better.

- [Stefan] I've just
came back from America.

It's a fascinating country.

The men are fond of money.

And their wives are fond of Europeans.

Must have been a wonderful trip.

[Stefan] Do you travel a great deal?

Well I suppose you won't believe me

but I couldn't get you
out of my mind all day.

No, I don't believe you.

If I only I'd known you were coming.

To tell you the truth,

I never dared to hope you
could arrange it so soon.

But you're so clever, you
managed so beautifully.

You know, you're a very strange woman.

Am I?

- [Stefan] Something
you've said last night,

it keeps running through my mind.

What was that?

- I'll tell you in just a
moment as soon as I get the ice.

Are you getting lonely out there?

Very lonely.

I come to tell you about us.

To offer you my whole life.

But you didn't even remember me.

Take you somewhere, young lady?

Anywhere at all?

It makes no difference.

I don't remember where I went.

Time will pass me not
in days, or in hours,

but in the distance that put between us.

Now I could think again.

I went to my son, but it was too late.

He d*ed last night of typhus

without even knowing I was there.

Now I'm alone.

My head throbs, and my
temples are burning.

Perhaps God has been kind and
I too have caught the fever.

If this letter reaches you, believe this

that I love you now as
I've always loved you.

My life can be measured

by the moments I've had
with you and our child.

If only you could've shared those moments.

If only you could've recognized
what was always yours.

Could've found what was never lost.

If only.

[Viennese waltz]

[bell tolling]

You remembered her?

Lisa.

Lisa.

[sound of horses' hooves]

Bring my things.

[bell ringing]

Ready, gentlemen?

[Lisa] If only you could've recognized

what was always yours,

could've found what was never lost.