Med glorian på sned (1957)

[bunniefuu]

Your Halo is Slipping

Book Publishers

Mrs Lovgren

"The Impotence of Modesty"
A novel

- Good evening.
- Good evening, sir!

- Looking good.
- Yes.

But then it's Saturday.

That shipowner, Englund,
was asking for you. He's over there.

I hope everything
is to your satisfaction.

Hey! Where the hell
have you been hiding?

I have other restaurants
to look after.

You take on too much.

Better to have one very good restaurant
than 3 average ones!

Just ignore him!

Yngve's in a complaining mood.
There's a stevedore strike in Rio.

- Anything wrong with the food?
- No... it was excellent.

But apart from that...

That violinist of yours...

What's it matter
if he played a wrong note?!

Just because he's good-looking...

You should have heard his Grieg...
enough to give you goose-pimples!

Have you finished ordering?

Just sitting, waiting for coffee.

Alright... see you.

Mr Lovgren! I want to speak to you
for a moment... I'll be in my office.

What if he gets fired now,
because of you.

If it's anyone's fault,
it's his own.

He might have a wife and kids.

Well, he shouldn't have a job
flirting with the female guests.

- You're jealous!
- Don't be stupid!

That's alright...
I think that's very sweet of you!

Come in!

- Sit down, Mr Lovgren.
- Thank you.

I'll get straight to the point...

I've had complaints.

Yes, about your playing.

It's not the first time.

I know you're a first-class musician.
You once were a rising star.

I know why you never lived up to
the expectations placed upon you.

You have to appreciate...

You've played here for 4 years.
You're a part of our image.

You're an asset to the restaurant,
a great asset.

Women come here largely
because of you, rather than the food.

You're much too kind.

I suggest you cut the sarcasm.

I'm sorry... it wasn't intended.

I'm aware of your merits...
but also your faults.

I've had enough of them.

Either pull up your socks,
or I'll have to dispense with you.

Understood?

I'll make sure there are
no more complaints, sir.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Mr Lovgren.

- Do you love me?
- Of course I do.

- But what about your wife?
- Don't talk about her.

If I can forget her, so can you.

Can you, though?

I can, here with you.

You're really quite terrible!

I can't help it...
I was born that way!

You should never have married.
You're not the right type.. like me.

No, I shouldn't have.

It was Birgitta who wanted to...

She IS the type.

She wanted to take care of me...

She saw it as
her mission in life.

If only women didn't have
such misguided ambitions!

It'd make things easier.

You talk too much.

So shut me up!

Sixten... wake up! It's 10 o'clock.
Coffee's ready.

Here's your dressing gown.

It's a beautiful day!

Don't go back to sleep!

I'll get up.

You were late last night.

I stayed awake till 1,
then I fell asleep.

It was a long night.

There was a function in the banquet room,
and they wanted us to play.

I didn't want to, but it meant
extra money for the guys.

I did it for them.

I understand.

On the subject of money...

No money talk this early!
You know that.

There are things
to pay tomorrow.

Do you want an egg.

Good heavens, no!

You eat too little in the morning.

Not at all...
You know I eat in the evenings.

What did YOU do yesterday?

I had some things to do in the office.

You get paid extra for that, don't you?

It's nothing to make a fuss about.

I'm paid well enough.

You can't work for nothing!

You should be paid extra.

You can't work overtime
for nothing.

Maybe I can talk to Dahlander.

Please forget it.

You tend to your job...
I'll tend to mine.

I was only trying to help.

That's nice of you
but it's not necessary.

How about we go out
to Strangnas for Sunday lunch?

No, I can't. I've got
a recording session at 2 o'clock.

What a shame.

When we were newlyweds, we always
used to go somewhere. Remember?

Newlyweds...

Sound quite strange now...

So long ago.

Now we sit with the
paper between us...

...like every other boring couple.

She talks, and he says "Mm mm"!

Did you hear anything I said?

It's dangerous to shut your love up
with these two enemies...

...time and habit.

Habit kills love.

That's silly.

A third of Swedes have
had a car for 20 years.

It says that here.
Where would they go with it?

That's true.

- I'm going to Strangnas.
- Hop in! So am I.

- What are you doing in Strangnas?
- My girl lives there.

That sounds so nice!

Not chick, bird, broad, or babe...

Just "girl"!

Is she pretty?

Well, I think so!

Have you ever been in love?

Yes, more than once.

It's the first time for me.

I really went overboard.

I get so I can't breathe...

And keep getting tears
in my eyes for no reason.

Does that mean
I'm really in love?

Yes, that'd mean
you were really in love.

Then one day it's all over.

Is it?

Doesn't it always end?

No, I don't think so.

Not if it's really true love!

Thanks for the lift.

Thanks for the company...
My regards to your girl.

Dahlander and Son... no,
Mr Dahlander won't be in till about 10.

- Hi... anything happening?
- I split with Charlie yesterday.

Not again?!
Why?

He called me a bubble-head.

Here's the cover
for "Frosty Nights".

- Why did he say that?
- I bought a pink hat for 65 kr.

Really cute.
With white flowers.

I thought it made me look pretty.
All I got was "bubble-head".

It's him!

- Is the boss in?
- No.

Remind him about
"Courtyard Under the Elms".

There's only 300 left.

If he wants a reprint,
I'll have to tell the printers today.

I'll tell him.

Did you call me "bubble-head" or not?

It's nothing to do with anything?!

I haven't got time
for private calls. Goodbye!

He's softening up!

Why don't you just get married?

Don't be silly... with joint taxation?
And what would he call me then?!

"Darling" for example.

I know men who say "darling".

Darling this and darling that!

"Darling... do we have
to listen to the radio?"

"Darling... I hate
soft-boiled eggs."

They say "darling"
when they're irritated.

Please don't be mad, darling!

You aren't a bubble-head
and the hat was pretty!

It's best I tell you this now...
I don't want to be called "darling"!

I thought that would be nice.

No, I don't think...

Oh, good morning Mr Dahlander!

- Was that Charlie?
- Yes, it was.

It's all off again.

What shall we do
with Miss Svensson and Charlie?

They've been at it day and night
for 3 years!

Any messages?

A gent rang who's coming in.

Let's do the mail, Mrs Lovgren.

Kronstrand wants a decision for
a reprint of "Courtyard Under the Elms".

There's 300 left.

Do 2,000.
500 hard-cover.

Ask Mr Liljeroth to come in.

Here's the cover for "Frosty Night".

No... doesn't grab me...
What do you think?

You'd have to agree it's artistic.

Maybe so...
But it won't sell at all.

"Frosty Nights"
is such a dreadful title.

Makes me think of
long winter underwear.

- We should change it.
- Sjolander would go nuts.

Yes...
When he sees how badly it sells.

Now it's Charlie again!

Miss Svensson...
Get me Torben Sjolander.

You wanted me, sir?

Book a 15 x 2 ad for "Courtyard".

A review quote,
but no picture of the b*tch.

She looks terrible.

Am I interrupting? Here are the numbers
for "Sea Breeze"... 4,000 1st edition.

Hi... Torben!
I'm calling about the title...

We really have to change it.

Yes, I'm sure. Nobody wants
to read about frosty nights.

I appreciate it's symbolic...

but that doesn't make it
any more inviting.

Don't be so goddamned stubborn!...

Remember how it went
with "Cross-Draught"...

Nobody wants to read
wearing mittens.

Goddamned authors!

Any of you got a suggestion?

I haven't read it.

"Dying Fire"

"Sunset".

No. Too much like Hauptmann.

"Lost Voyage"... that's not bad!

At least we've
got off the climate.

We'll go with that.
We'll send you a proof next week.

We'll submit that
back to Soderberg.

New title... "Lost Voyage".

I'll check these figures.

See me after lunch.
And about that ad...

Just run it in the 'Dagens Nyheter'.

What's this then?

Looks like a manuscript.

Give it to Elving.

His vacation starts today.

So it does.

"Enclosed please find manuscript
of the novel "The Impotence of Modesty".

"For personal reasons I would not want
book published under my name..."

..."except under the name 'Eurydice'
or other fictitious name."

"Regarding remuneration,
I accept industry standards."

Nice of her!

"I may accept deletions,
but I will object to any rewriting."

Exactly!

"If the book is accepted, payment should
be made to the account of "Modesty".

"Yours sincerely.
Eurydice."

Certainly a woman,
and certainly trash.

Don't say that.
It just might be good.

In my 16 years here,

I've only ever had one
manuscript like that, that was any good.

This could be the second one!

Ask him to wait.

What did you say Miss Svensson?
Speak up... I can't hear you!

Drunk? I'll let you know
as soon as I'm free.

"The Impotence of Modesty"...
Is that from Shakespeare?

Remember Hamlet's scene
with Ophelia...

...where he compares the power
of modesty... not the impotence,

with the power of beauty.

You sound like my
teacher, Hagvall.

He was HagLUND!

Wrong again! If I didn't have you,
I'd have to shut up shop.

"The Impotence of
Modesty"... catchy title!

But the pseudonym
suggests a twit of a woman.

Eurydice was married
to Orpheus, wasn't she?

Don't tell me I'm wrong a again
or I'll never be able to say anything!

You were right that time!

Elving can read it
when he gets back.

That's 3 weeks away.

It's probably junk anyway.

What if it's not?

It may be something for autumn.

Can't you have a read of it?

No, I'm out for dinner today.

Shall I give it to Broberg?

He hasn't read anything newer
than Sjoderberg or Bellman.

He calls modern literature
"bubble-and-squeak with a hard-boiled egg".

So what shall we do with it?

Read it yourself...

I bet you'll give up
after 20 minutes.

Enjoy yourself!
I have someone waiting for me.

Please... Mr Dahlander!

You're the one who wanted it read!
Not me.

I'm not the person to judge it.

You most certainly are!

Tell me tomorrow what
you think. Send him in.

Off you go!

Hello there!
You can go in now!

Good morning... Anton's the name.
Karl Anton.

Dahlander.

I'm actually a painter, but sometimes
I amuse myself with a bit of verse.

When I'm not drunk, that is.

At times I let these two
diverse pursuits...

...combine into a higher unity.

The result is not only gratifying...

...but also quite surprising,
not least for myself.

I've called this little collection
"The Bloody Giraffe".

Let me have a look...

I know what I know...

I can't take criticism!

I can go berserk
if I meet resistance.

Then the little white lamb
must face a bloodstained dragon!

I'll read a bit... the title poem...
Hang on to that!

"The Bloody Giraffe"...
Here it is...

"The bloody giraffe knows no bounds..."

"Slowly seeking,
but relentless..."

What's this say?

...relentless is his walk
between enigmas...

"...harder to free
than locks from Apollo's head..."

Hot stuff, eh?

"His eyes are shut as tight
as mussels in the sea..."

"Yet he sees more
than million nebulae."

Hey... you're home!

I was a bit late as
had to pay some bills.

What are you reading?

This came from your office...
You'd forgotten it.

What
a terrible pen-name!

This is nothing to do
with you at all!

How would you feel about someone poking
into your attempts at composition?

Are you in a bad mood?

No, not at all.

But if we get an anonymous manuscript,
we can't let just anyone read it.

Am I just anyone, suddenly?

Not for me... for the company.

What are you drinking?

Scotch and soda.

At this hour?

Darling... a little whisky doesn't hurt.

Don't say "darling"
in that tone!

You should hear yours.

Sorry... it's been a day of rushing
and queuing... Impossible to park.

Did you make the payment
on the car?

Damn! I forgot.

You're impossible!

It won't hurt if I do it tomorrow.

You might have put the potatoes on.

I didn't know if we had any.

There's a bagful here
in the pantry.

I was thinking...

How about you quit publishing,
and just be a housewife.

It's too much for you as it is.

We can live on what I make.

We just get by now.

And I enjoy being a secretary.

I'd get sick to death
of being home all the time.

What about part time?

Dahlander would never agree.

What about another company?

I don't want to change.
I like it there.

As Dahlander's secretary.

Of course.

He's more important to you
than I am.

Sixten, don't start on that tack.

You just said you wanted me to
stop working for my own sake, not yours.

Let's stop arguing...
You can set the table.

If we eat quickly I'll have time
to wash the dishes before I go to work.

What if you stopped working
at the tavern and joined an orchestra?

We'd get free evenings then.

There's no way
I'd do that.

You see! We're both professionals
and we stay where we are.

Go and set the table!

- How is it with Charlie?
- We've made up again.

Does it never gets boring
with the constant ruptures and reunions?

No... it's nice...
It's like driving over hills and dales.

It makes you giddy
going up and down.

Marriage is just like drifting around
in the Tunnel of Love.

That's a very cynical take on marriage.

And you undervalue marriage's
possibilities to be mind-blowing!

Tell Mrs Lovgren I'm here.

Good morning. There are letters here
for you to sign.

Gyllendahls Publishing...

Torneman's contract.

The "no thanks" to Baroness
von Liewen's memoire.

That was terrible.

And the Moheda paper mill.

It says what you'd want to say.

Or you... which is just as good.

Yes... That can stay just as it is.

Did you get that
manuscript yesterday?

You forgot it, so I
sent a messenger boy.

Yes I got it.

Was it garbage?

It's no literary masterpiece...

...but it had a certain realism
that made it engaging.

What was it about?

About a marriage that breaks down.

The wife falls in love with another man
and dreams about him.

Not exactly original.

Maybe not, but...
How many plots are?

That's true enough.
What happens then?

Actually, nothing really.

Neither the husband nor the other man
find out about her love.

Come off it...!

That doesn't fill a
few hundred pages.

Readers want
something to happen.

Sex... snowstorms...
Something has to happen!

People are tired of inner conflicts.
They went out with the 40s.

It's a delightful small-town portrait...
full of crazy characters.

- So you're saying I should publish it?
- Yes. We don't have much else.

But this "Paris by Night"
is an embarrassment for the firm.

What would your father have said
about that cover?

He would have said "yummy"!

He never would have published it.

Ask Broberg to see me.

Would it be suitable
for a book club?

Yes, it's obviously written for women.

What are the men like
in the book?

The husband's a bit weak,
but underneath, he's nice...

a good person.

Sounds boring.

The other man is a go-getter,
wrapped in his work.

For him, women
are just for recreation.

That sounds dull, too.

You wanted to see me?

We're putting out "The Impotence
of Modesty". Mrs Lovgren likes it.

You can't publish it
only on my recommendation.

I won't take responsibility.

Don't be silly...

It's just a novel for women...
I trust you implicitly.

I'm telling I won't take
the responsibility...

I'm employed as a secretary,
not as a literary adviser.

Just a moment,
I'll fetch the manuscript.

You wouldn't read it would you?

No. No more cheap novels for me!

I got Elving's short version
of that prizewinning book.

It's down 200 pages
to 650.

650 pages on an Assyrian queen!

It cost us 10,000 at least.

We've no best-seller for autumn.

We say that every summer.

Yet always finish with 1 or 2
at the top for Christmas.

- Here you are.
- Is this really necessary?

Yes it is.

I'll give you an answer in the morning.

Here are the first copies
of "In the Wilds of Africa"...

The cover will sell them!

It's a c*ck-and-bull story!
Want one?

I hate jungle books!
I'd rather read a cookbook.

Mrs Lovgren... like one?

Take "Paris by Night"
Maybe your husband would like it.

c*ck-and-bull story...

c*ck-and-bull story...

John... Stop
drinking! I beg of you!

Palm wine never hurt anyone.

Go to sleep instead of nagging.

John, I cannot sleep.

I shall sit a while by the fire.

That Swedish major is enticing!

Do not be silly, John.

I am a modest housewife.
We both know that.

Oh, those crazy, reckless fireflies!

Oh, those crazy, reckless lions!

What are you reading, major?

The manuscript you gave me.

What do you think of it?

Oh, no!

You see, Lady Margareta,

you're no author...

You're a woman.

Let that be enough for you...

I love you...
Don't you realise that?

You mustn't say that,
Major Dahlander!

Yes! and you love me... I know!

I saw it in your eyes, that time
I carried you across the Jango River.

Now I will get revenge!

I've known this the whole time!

John!

Drop the g*n! You're not sober.

Sober enough to hit YOU!

Take my word, if you k*ll me,
you'll never get home.

Isn't that too bad!

Can't be helped.
Stand still!

Sixten, is that you?

Of course... what's up?

I had a dreadful nightmare.

You k*lled me...
Shot me, in the jungle!

Why'd I do that?

I don't know... what time is it?

3.15... I played poker
at Kurre's place afterwards.

Do you often dream I k*ll you?

No, thank goodness.

It was that ridiculous Africa book
I started reading yesterday.

I dreamt you were "Sir John"
and I was "Lady Margaret".

And we shot water buffaloes.

So there was just you and me?

No, there were natives as well.

Come to bed and sleep now,
or I'll be dead in the morning.

Good morning, Mrs Lovgren!

I have to say
I'm very disappointed in you!

Have you read the book?

Yes I have.

And thrown it in the fire?

Thrown it in the fire?!

You said yesterday that there was
a certain realism to the book...

...even if it wasn't a masterpiece.

Something like that.

- And you really believe that?!
- Yes.

Good.

I'm just fooling with you.

I was reading it till
2.30 this morning.

A delightful book!

It's no stylistic masterpiece...
the way it's arranged.

But it's full of humanity and charm.

Oh thank you Mr Dahlander!...

What for?

For thinking the same as me, I mean.

- Have you ever been in Strangnas?
- No!

I thought we should go there.

To do what?

Hunt down Eurydice.

In Strangnas?
Why Strangnas?

The manuscript was sent from there.
Can you come in the morning?

Yes... but I don't think
it's a very good idea.

Just because it was POSTED there,
doesn't mean she LIVES there.

She may have taken it there
to preserve her anonymity.

But I'm quite sure
she lives there.

The depiction of small-town life
fits Strangnas.

There are
lots of Swedish towns like that.

I'm sure it'd be hopeless.

I don't care. I want to find her,
and we have to start somewhere.

Why do you want to find her?

Just book 2 rooms
at the best hotel.

I'll pick you up at 10.
Bring clothes for a week.

I won't be back today...
I've things to do in town. See you!

So it's just you
and him going...

...just to look for this authoress?

What sort of person
calls themself Eurydice?

What's it matter
what her name sounds like?

So you're away for a week.

- That's what he said.
- What he said!?

And you just agree.

I AM his secretary!

If he said "We're going
to Hawaii for 6 months",

would you go along?

- And do a hula-hula dance for him!
- Don't be silly.

So whereabouts
is YOUR work boundary?

Is it Copenhagen, or Paris,
or the equator?

Sixten... Don't you trust me?

There's trust and trust.

"Opportunity makes the thief," they say.

Anyone can have their weak moments.

Are you speaking from experience?

That would be strange.

So now you throw it at ME!

I'm not off to Strangnas
with some bimbo.

When I'm in bed at
4 or 5 in the morning

when you come home,
I'm not feeling jealous.

Because I trust you.

That's ONE explanation.

So what's another one?

That you don't give a damn
what I do.

That would explain a lot.

I won't go, if you don't want me to.

No, you go. I
have to go to work.

I'll be late.
Get a good night's sleep.

It'd so yummy!

It's so yummy!

I am a disguised, rather weak
and deluded Eurydice...

Eurydice...

Place Pigalle and Chapelle
after 10 every night, is my domain...

...is my domain...

A skirt that is tight and
a boa of a fox... Eurydice

Eurydice

Sway your hips from the waist,
so the guys can all see... Eurydice

Eurydice

I Greece there one time,
Orpheus played a song... "Eurydice"

Eurydice

Now naught but whistles are heard,
harp strings are not stirred...

...when Eurydice wanders by...

Modesty was once my aim in life...

Greek fashion determined my hemline...

Only room for one man
in my chaste abode...

Evergreen virtue
was my constant companion...

Sin was to me
something quite unfamiliar...

But one day I slipped
and now I do the same...

But I'll only go down for dough!
Ha-ha!

Why don't you get a divorce?

I need to find the right moment.

You don't want to, that's all.

That's not it.

When you've been married 6 years
it's not easy.

God you're weak!
You're like an old woman...

...who knows
she should have an operation,

but would rather
live with her pain.

But you're strong!

Thank God... I am!

And ruthless.

I divorced a man who deceived me.
I had proof!

I don't believe
Birgitta's deceiving me.

- I'd need proof.
- So get some.

I searched my husband's office
when he was away...

I found a letter from
a Swedish model in Paris.

Your wife may have a diary.

She sounds like
she might be the type.

I'm sorry. I slept in.
I slept badly last night.

- Bad dreams?
- Something like that.

Probably something you ate.

No, read... "Paris by Night".

Paris is such a wonderful city.

"The Unconscious Ego"
by Gottfried Schneider...

Is it a novel?

Popular-science psychiatry.
There's a pile of books in the back.

Can we be a bit less formal
out of the office.

- I'm Per-Axel.
- Birgitta.

So tell me...

Why are you so hell-bent
on finding this Eurydice?

Mostly out of curiosity.

What do you think she's like.

I'm not sure...

Blonde, ethereal and rather enigmatic.

Good heavens!

What's wrong with that?

Karin's secret
love... the surgeon...

How do you see him?

- An insufferable type.
- You think so? Why?

You have to admit...

It's pretty crazy that he's never aware
that Karin's in love with him.

Guys aren't so intuitive...
and he's so wrapped in his work.

He's an idiot...

with such a charming woman
by his side day after day.

But she's married.

Feelings don't take
that into account.

Her feelings do.

That's one of the reasons
I want to find her.

She has to rewrite the ending.

Absolutely not!

Think about it...

It's wrong psychologically.
It won't be accepted.

Nobody goes for a heroine
wearing a halo.

It has to slip a bit,
occasionally.

Dahlander and Son...

Mr Dahlander is away...

He left no address.

In a week...
I'll take the message.

A typewriter that's been repaired.

It's Mrs Lovgren's.
The door opposite the entrance.

Put it in there, thanks.

A typewriter for here.

Put it over there.

No, not with de Sica.
He's so old!

You can forget about Sophia Loren!

I'm leaving now...
Shut the outer door.

What did you say?

I'm not at all
jealous of her figure.

If you think so, we can
stop seeing each other.

Yes. When you say it like that.

What? The park?

Alright, we'll do that.

7.15... OK. 'Bye.

"The Impotence of Modesty"
A novel by Eurydice, alias Birgitta Lovgren

Hello... thanks again
for the other day!

Don't mention it.
It was nothing.

Who was that?

It was a boy who'd applied
for a job with us.

Could I have a cigarette?

Of course... I'm sorry.

So what happened then?

With what?

The boy who was looking for a job.

Him?

I asked my husband to put in a good word
for him where HE works...

He got a job there instead.

Of the company?

No, instead of publishing.

What does your husband
actually do?

I know absolutely everything
about Miss Svensson's Charlie.

Not a clue about yours.

My husband's with Radio Sweden.

News?

No, in the entertainment department.

Look at that woman
in the flowered dress...

- Maybe she's Eurydice.
- No... she couldn't be!

What about the one in glasses?

No... Even less likely.

Let's forget Eurydice tonight
and focus on each other.

How about a dance?

I'm out of practice.

My steps are early '40s!

What do you think?

I'd prefer it to be spicier.

I'm being sent up in it!

You're sure no hero!

She's in love with Dahlander...

She's Karin and
Dahlander's the doctor.

All so modest.

Maybe not so modest now.

She's written
to get rid of her frustrations.

Maybe she's doing that better
by going off with him.

Do you think...

My dear Sixten, the character
doesn't reveal everything!

If she's been
in love with him for 2 years,

do you think
nothing will happen?

In the present
circumstances.

On the other hand,
how interested is he?

Every guy is always interested.

If the girl is willing
and not too ugly.

And I can do nothing...
except swallow the bitter pill.

Let HER swallow the bitter pill!

How do you mean?

There is a way.
It's almost too exquisite...

But there really is a way!

- Hello!
- So there you are!

So how are you?

Great.
It must have been 22 in the water.

In the water?
I thought you were at the hospital.

Yes... I was there for a few hours...
talking with a lot of possible people.

Then I went for a dip
at the beach.

And your investigation?

Not a trace...

None of the nurses were married
to a musician or had literary ambitions.

Has anyone taken your order,
Mr Dahlander?

Not yet... would you like a sherry?

- Yes thanks!
- 2 dry sherries.

Can I offer you a
cognac with coffee.

I have a bottle
of Napoleon left.

1897... It's for celebrity guests.

That's terribly kind of you!

Are those local musicians
who play so well in the evenings?

They're from Stockholm.
Nice to know you like them!

"Madame and Her
Dolls"... What's that?

Madame Tussaud's waxworks.

Well we've done the hospitals
and musicians.

What shall we try next?

We might as well go home
don't you think?

It's so nice here!
Don't you think?

- Yes, but...
- We decided on a week.

I need at least that,
to get my samba halfway decent.

Tomorrow we can
drive to Mariefred,

and Saturday have a look
at Gripsholm Castle.

Didn't Eric XIV eat
pea soup there?

There it is on the menu.

- Pea soup and warm punch.
- In this heat? Yuk!

It's delicious!

At the time, yes...
but afterwards!

I hate to think.

Madame Tussaud's Waxworks.

Wax women...

Welcome to our circle, madame!

Thank you, sire!

You're tired,
after being boxed up...

Have a glass of brandy.

- It's my own brand.
- Thank you sire!

- That feel better?
- Much better.

Have you come from far away?

From Greece.

My name is Eurydice.

There's that damned Swedish singer
with the lute again.

Erik... if you must sing,
give us something happier!

I'm insane and surrounded by
bad wax figures, I can only be bleak.

I long for little Karin.

Nurse Karin, you mean.

Play a samba for Napoleon!

So he means more
to you than I do!

You've been drinking, Erik!

Hot punch, yes...My
God, it was delicious!

Let's me forget
little Karin's betrayal.

She's such a modest girl.

Come on Erik! Play now,
or I won't give you any cognac.

Birgitta... wake up!

Sire... I can't take any more!

Birgitta... It's just me... Per-Axel!

Good heavens!

I heard you screaming
in your sleep!

I had such a crazy dream.

You poor thing!

You're very sweet.

Thank you.

Most attractive.

Thank you.

And very married.

Good night. Sleep tight.

You too.

For the last time...

Did you go home with her or not?

It makes a hell of a difference!

That was all I wanted to know.
Goddamned men!

- Did you find her?
- Who?

That woman author of course!

Broberg told Liljeroth...

So now all of Stockholm knows.

How was Per-Axel?
Did he make any overtures?

No! How could you think that?!

It would have been pretty normal.

Good morning P-A...
and welcome back!

Thank you, Miss Svensson!

Good morning, Mrs Lovgren!

Good morning, Mr Dahlander.
Your mail's ready.

I said "Mrs Lovgren"
to avoid misunderstanding.

Miss Svensson jumps to conclusions.

We should stay with that
in the office.

I felt lonely having my morning coffee.

That was funny... I mean a shame.

I guess your husband
was glad to see you.

Yes, he was.

Who did you say?!

Know who's here?

Eurydice!

What?!

Have her come in.

You stay here.

Good morning, Mr Dahlander...
My name is Mrs Alm.

I sent in a manuscript.

Please take a seat.

My secretary, Mrs Lovgren.

Good morning.

So you don't want to be anonymous
any longer. I'm so glad!

I thought it seemed silly.

Sooner or later
the truth will come out.

Have you read the book?

Yes. And I like the
book and it's author.

Are you Nurse Karin?

Yes and no!

Where did you send
the manuscript from?

From Strangnas.

But you don't live there?

I posted it from there
to throw you off the track.

Silly thing to do.

Can you prove you're Eurydice?

Please! Mrs Lovgren!

You're secretary is quite right.

One shouldn't be so trusting
as you and I, Mr Dahlander.

I took the precaution of bringing
the original manuscript.

So are you happy now,
Mrs Lovgren?

Of course. Excuse me a moment...
I'll be right back.

Energetic young lady...
concerned for the firm.

Yes... too much so, sometimes.

There was no detour?
The floozy lives in Gubbangen!

Yes I know.
She's my cousin's best friend.

Were you here
the whole time I was away?

Yes... what's happened?

Something has disappeared
from my office.

It was locked in my desk drawer.

Have any strangers been here?

One doesn't always know exactly.

I may be away from here for a few minutes.
Charlie might ring and distract me.

The outside door's left open.
Was it valuable?

In a way.
Don't mention this to anybody.

Yes, there's one other thing...

- I'd like you to change the ending.
- Absolutely not!

I know every author thinks that way,
but it'd really help your book.

- Mr Dahlander, I can't do it!
- No... that I can well believe.

Please! Mrs Lovgren!

We can do without that!

Draw up a contract
for "The Impotence of Modesty".

3,000 kr for the first 2,000...
16.6 percent for the rest.

Now about the ending, Mrs Alm...

If you think the book needs changing,
then I won't try and stop you...

But I'm not the one to do it.

So if I find someone else...

I'm not really happy about it...

but if they're talented...

...and don't spoil the literary quality,
then I'll go along.

Thank you, Mrs Alm!

You alright?

You seem troubled.

No, it's nothing in particular.

You've been acting odd
since you came home from Strangnas.

Did Dahlander
stop being friendly?

Do you have to keep on
about HIM?

I saw him at the restaurant yesterday,
with a disgustingly good-looking girl.

What's that got to do with me?

Ooh! What's up?
Are you jealous?

What about you?
I'm hardly through the door,

before you start
talking about him.

Just a moment.

I've rewritten the ending
to "The Impotence of Modesty".

Can you take dictation?

You'd need to come over
to my place.

It'll take a few hours.

I don't have
a shorthand pad at home.

Alright, I can be there
in 15 minutes.

Can't he do without you any longer?

Stop it!

You're ruining everything
between you and me.

Can I drive you down?

No thanks, I'll walk.

If you wish.

"Kristoffersson stood at the station
and waited for her." Full stop.

"When she approached him, she said"...
colon... new line...

Open quote...
"I am free now." Full stop.

"His eyes were full of joy,

and he didn't
smile"... Full stop.

Shouldn't it be "BUT he didn't smile"?

No... Hemingway would have used "and".

I don't agree!
What's Hemingway to do with it?

Don't argue...
Just do as I say.

So...
"AND he didn't smile"... Full stop.

New line. "He grasped her arm
and they boarded the train". Full stop.

And that's where it ends.
What do you think?

Shall I say what I think?

You're against it.

From a literary point of view,
it's alright.

But why change it?
In terms of content...

It's a damned sight better
than the first ending.

Vera Alm agreed. The new love scenes
were among the most intense she read.

Is it necessary to explain everything,
page after page?

You might as well ask if
it's necessary to write novels.

It's not a question of WHAT is written,
but HOW it's done.

Where Karin is a cowardly air-head
and the doctor a wet blanket!

Did you say "cowardly air-head"?

You wet blanket!

Why call ME a wet blanket?

I put more emotion into the book.

Can I have a few days off?

Yes, but give me a clean copy
of this first.

Alright. Goodnight!

Birgitta...

Yes?

You and I shouldn't fall out
over this book.

After all... it's nothing
to do with us.

That's true...
I was silly to lose my temper.

I'm sorry... Good night!

- Per-Axel...
- Yes?

No... it was nothing.

Operation Birgitta...

Nurse Svensson...
Set up small operation ladder!

Wake up Mrs Lovgren!

What are you going
to do to me, doctor?

Just a small operation, Mrs Lovgren.

Operation?! Tell me the truth,
Dr Kristoffersson!

As you wish... an amputation.

I intend to remove your ending.

You can't do that...
I want to keep my ending as it is!

I know how you feel. But you must
respect my professional experience.

Let me have my way,
and you'll be a best-seller!

Dr Sixten... don't drink the ether...
We need it for the anaesthetic.

- I can play her to sleep.
- That's a good idea.

- Dr Alm... are the dashes ready?
- We're out of dashes.

We hung quotation marks on them.

That's no good,
but it'll have to do.

- Let me go!
- Impossible, Mrs Lovgren!

Nurse Svensson... start the typewriter!

I think I'll use a new method.

I'll cross out your ending!

Play louder, Dr Sixten, louder!

Yes, my little girl...
You've got yourself in quite a muddle!

Yes... haven't I!

What can I do, Grandpa?...
You're old and wise!

What you should do is...

Why did you write this calamitous book?

I don't know.

I thought it'd be fun...
with a bit of self-assertion.

Working off frustrations.

No... working off frustrations
won't do.

Then you wouldn't have made Karin
as inhumanly modest as you.

No... I have another theory...

It's not unusual at
the scene of a crime...

...that you find a clue
from the criminal...

A dropped button... a cap...
a glove...

Sometimes the burglar goes to the fridge
and eats or drinks something.

He does the same thing
after every crime.

Certain psychiatrists say
he leaves a clue on purpose.

On purpose?

Yes...

But naturally, he's not
doing it consciously.

It's the work of his subconscious.

Do you know why?

So he'll be caught and be able
to atone for his guilt.

Maybe that sounds far-fetched...

but there can be something to it.

What's that to do with me?

Your book... it's the same thing.

The book is the clue...
the dropped button, cap, glove...

You've written it so somehow
you'll eventually be revealed...

...and you'll atone for your guilt...
for mentally deceiving your husband...

...a guilt which you wouldn't be able
to cope with in the long term.

That may be...

But it doesn't solve either
my literary or personal problem.

What would you do in my situation?

It's obvious that it's Dahlander
whom you love.

Yes, I probably do.

But I can't just leave
Sixten, Grandpa!

You have to realise
he needs me.

Are you quite sure of that?

Perhaps he'd be happier
with another woman...

If I were you,
I'd bite the b*llet and go for it.

There'd just be scandal
and pain for me and others.

What would people say?

I'd be seen as inconsiderate...
and cheap...

...sacrificing myself,
my husband, my love...

...for an unknown future.

No, Grandpa... I can't do that.

I know that.

In every bookshop today...

Vera Alm's debut novel
"The Impotence of Modesty"

In a modest way...

"The Impotence of Modesty"
is a literary event.

For the ads we'll
use "A Swedish literary event."

Send roses to Mrs Alm.

I'll ring and
congratulate her later.

D.N. isn't so enthusiastic.

This is what it says.

"Whatever happened to the author
in the last fifth of the book?"

"After showing
tender-hearted everyday feelings,

she loses her inhibitions."

"The love scenes show not only
reckless disclosure"...

..."but are shocking and obnoxious.
What a shame!"

That's brilliant...
That'll sell 5,000 more.

Quote "shocking" in the ad...
and "reckless disclosure"...

- How big is the 1st edition?
- 3,100.

Do 6,000 more. That'll be 9,100.
Announce it as 10,000.

"Shocking!
Ruthless exposure of human lust" D.N.

15th thousand

Sixten....

Can I have a word?

If you play as badly tomorrow

as you did today,
you're out of this orchestra.

That's all.

We listen now to Vera Alm...

...who tells something of her first novel
"The Impotence of Modesty".

I started writing
"The Impotence of Modesty"...

...because I had a kind of need
to let the people of my childhood...

...Is that a live broadcast?
- Yes... from Studio 5.

I never thought my story
would gain so much attention...

The main reason for writing was
that it became a vital necessity...

...to let the book's main character,
Nurse Karin Ekdal...

...help me clarify
my own problems and conflicts.

"The Impotence of Modesty"
has no hidden meanings...

...but is full of reality...

The character who dominates
the first quarter of the book...

Don't believe anything she says!

My wife wrote
"The Impotence of Modesty"...

I stole the manuscript.

- "The Express" wants to talk to you.
- All right.

Speaking.

I've no idea. I tried to find her
last night. She's disappeared.

I'm convinced...
I believe her husband told the truth.

Ulricehamn is a small town.
Her grandfather was the district doctor.

Maybe why she's up
on the hospital milieu.

The husband in the book
is a restaurant musician.

I've no idea who the doctor is.

Me?! No... absolutely not!

Certainly.

It won't be 30,000,
it'll be 60,000!

We'll see.
I must get hold of her!

I've been a total idiot!

Who?

Have him come in.

Her husband's out there.
Best you leave us alone.

Good morning, Mr Dahlander.

Good morning Mr Lovgren...
Thanks for the free advertising.

I can hardly say
"Don't mention it, it was nothing."

I'd hoped to find Birgitta here.

No... I've been trying
to find her myself.

She's sure to be
at her grandfather's.

I... I actually came to apologise.

You've no reason to have
a guilty conscience on MY account.

I myself have had
some responsibility for the situation,

though I didn't realise it.

You must believe me.

We never should have married...

She should have married
a quite different type.

And I should never
have married at all.

So what has happened
was for the best.

Maybe it could have been
a bit less dramatic.

That was all I
wished to say to you.

Goodbye, Mr Dahlander.

Goodbye and good luck!

Thanks... the same to you!

Well, Vera Alm has confessed.

Poor old Sixten!

A gentleman to see you, Doctor...
Mr Dahlander... a publisher.

For God's sake don't say I'm here...

I don't want to see him!

I understand...
I'll get rid of him.

Show Mr Dahlander in, Hulda.

- You may go in, Mr Dahlander.
- Thank you.

Hello, Dr Petreus!

I'm looking for my secretary,
Mrs Lovgren.

She's not here.

It's some months
since she last visited.

You've read what happened.

Not a very savoury story.

You seem very eager
to get hold of her...

...is it in her identity as a secretary
or an author?

Neither of those...

I'm... in love with her.

That must have happened suddenly.

Not really...

In fact, I've been that way
since I read her novel.

I have to find her.

She's probably left the country
to escape the scandal.

Poor girl!
Must be hard for her.

- To where, do you think?
- No idea.

She's said that she likes Paris.
Might she be there?

That's very possible.

I shan't bother you
any longer.

If you come in contact with her,
please tell her what I've said...

That I truly love her.
I really mean it.

That will be passed on.

Were you thinking of going to Paris?

That can be worth a try.

I shan't give up looking.

"The Impotence of Modesty"
A novel by Birgitta Lovgren

40th thousand

Dahlander and Son...

No!.. hello! How are you?

No. I understand...
You can rely on me!

He'll be back today, I think,
on the morning plane... Yes... 'Bye!

Guess who just rang...

Welcome home, Mr Dahlander.

- The ads look good.
- Glad you liked them.

We can print another run of "Modesty"
and "Courtyard" before Christmas.

I have some suggestions.

- Anything new?
- No.

Just the usual.

Charlie and I have
taken out a licence.

Congratulations!
How did it happen?

He locked me in the pantry and
wouldn't let me out until I said yes.

I never realised for a moment
that Charlie could be so brutal!

Mrs Lovgren... heard anything?

Mrs Lovgren? Oh,
THAT Mrs Lovgren!

No. Not a whisper.

Is Broberg in?

No... that's alright...
I'll phone him.

Hi! I'm back.

Thanks. Nothing more.

Can you do something for me...

...an ad for a
private secretary...

You know what I need.

No,
it's obvious I have to have somebody.

Thanks for that.

Must she be blonde, ethereal
and rather enigmatic?

Otherwise, I'm available.

When she approached him,
she said...

"I am free now."