Summer Storm (1944)

[bunniefuu]

Excuse me my good man. Comrade.

I am not familiar in this neighborhood.

Could you tell me which is the Kharkov Times building?

Mr Kalenin. Mr who?

The editor. Mr Kalenin. He is my good friend.

He may have been your good friend, but he is dead.

How shocking. Good day.

A calamity yet.

Who then is the editor in chief? His daughter.

Which daughter?

If you knew him so well you would know he only had one daughter.

Nadena?

Nadena Kalenin?

The head of a publishing house?

Oh, my, my, my.

Young man. Would you ..

Would you take this in to Miss Kalenin please?

Please.

I am an old friend of the family. It's a matter of the greatest importance.

Alright.

He says he knows you.

I don't want to see this man.

Tell him.

A thousand pardons for this intrusion, mademoiselle Nadena.

You do remember me?

Of course.

Count Volsky.

Alright.

I beg of you. No longer 'Count'.

Though I bear the Soviets no grudge for taking my estate away from me.

Or more accurately from my creditors.

Why, things are different now in 1919, eh?

7 years ago, just a little girl chasing butterflies on my estate in Tyrneva.

And now an important publisher.

Oh.

Nadena. I was wondering.

That is, I have a thought.

It was just a thought you understand.

That you might be interested in publishing this.

We have a tremendous amount of manuscripts on hand.

But this is different.

All authors say that.

You misunderstand, Nadena.

I haven't even read it.

You see, my glasses were taken away with my estate.

To procure a new pair now .. would be ..

I am not the author.

Fedor wrote it.

Judge Petroff?

Yes.

It is I gather sort of an autobiography.

About the old days. We are all in it.

I imagine you and I.

And that girl, Olga.

Very well.

Leave it here and ..

We'll consider it.

A thousand thanks, Mademoiselle Nadena.

You will understand too. But just between us.

That I said nothing to our Fedor about bringing the manuscript here.

I understand. I will communicate with you.

Just with me.

There is one other thing.

It revolts me to mention money.

You know, I never used to care.

I find now that .. to live ..

Without working is becoming surprisingly difficult.

I see.

"Yes, comrade?"

Prepare 20 roubles for Count ..

I mean comrade Volsky.

"Twenty roubles?" Yes. Enter it as an advance.

Yes.

A cigarette before you go?

Well, perhaps I'd better. Yes.

Thank you.

I will take no more of your very valuable time.

Au revoir.

"At that time I, Fedor Mikhailovich Petroff.."

"Held a position as examining magistrate in the little summer resort of Tyrneva."

"In the district of Kharkov in Imperial Russia."

"I can remember as though it were yesterday."

"The sticky little courtroom of which the predominant feature .."

"Was the inevitable statuette of justice."

"How blind indeed this lady is my story will show."

"Suddenly the cr*ck of a whip cut through the dullness of the hour."

"Looking up, I saw Nadena Kalenin."

"Nadena, who spent the summer months with her parents in Tyrneva."

"Had completely won my heart."

"Closing my eyes."

"I see a rainbow."

"Formed by the sun's spectrum."

"Nadena and I are riding towards it."

"If only a small part of the past could be retrieved."

"If once more I could look over the lake its afternoon stillness."

"Or ride again through the sleepy marketplace of Tyrneva."

"With the old pastry shop with its guilt lettering."

"And its array of succulent wares in the window."

Look, Fedor. Real kisses.

The dream of my childhood.

Nadena, you're not only the most adorable girl in the world ..

You're also the most unusual. Why, darling?

Most of the women in my life prefer to take me window-shopping at a jewellers.

Were there many others, Fedor?

Millions.

How silly of me.

Of course, every woman who meets you must fall madly in love with you.

Fedor.

We'll be the talk of the whole village.

Well, it's too late to worry about that now.

"And I see myself, an engaged man."

"Riding through the thunder-laden oppression of a breathless afternoon."

"Towards County Volsky's mansion."

Judge Petroff, this is really an honor.

Count Volsky in? Yes. In the library.

But there is someone with him on business.

Business? The Count?

Gregory, your loyalty to your disreputable master does you credit.

But it is true. Mr Urbenin the overseer came to see him.

[ Girl's laughter ]

Urbenin must have grown considerably younger since I last saw him.

Even his voice hasn't changed yet.

Oh. Your Honour.

I am sorry.

No harm done.

At least I hope not, Piggy.

Fedor. You are a man of the world.

Now I ask you, is it reasonable ..

For the Lord of the manor to make love to the housemaid?

Why Piggy, I can assure you that it is constantly done in the highest circles.

Shame on you, Piggy. I can explain.

I sent all the way to Moscow Fedor for those enchanting garters.

And that capricious little, what is her name?

Clara. She wouldn't even let me put them on her.

You are right, Piggy. Life is hard on the aristocracy.

Monstrous of her to deny me an innocent little pleasure like that.

Life is such a bore anyway.

What are the lower classes coming to, Fedor?

Huh?

I tell you one of these days ..

Oh look. Champagne.

Have some, Fedor. Have some. Thank you.

You know, I have decided to give up drinking entirely.

That's a noble notion, Piggy.

Did your conscience dictate that? No. My doctor.

Mind you, I think it's very unhealthy to break a habit all of a sudden.

Things like that should be done gradually.

I quite agree.

Gradually we must disintegrate.

I shall swear off drinking too.

Here is to sobriety.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Fedor.

You're a genius.

Now watch me, Fedor. Look at me.

One.

Two.

Three.

Monkey see, monkey do.

And .. six.

Now Fedor, look at me.

My first.

We drink to ..

Oh, dear.

Things have come to a pretty pass when one can't even think of a toast.

Why not drink to my forthcoming marriage?

Marriage?

You?

Fedor.

That's impossible. Why?

Why?

Why? Why, because.

It would be the end of an era.

Of a regime.

It will be like the fall of the Roman Empire.

Tell me .. who is she?

Nadena Kalenin.

Kalenin? Never heard of them.

They have a publishing house. No money in it.

Naturally.

Her mother is depressingly bourgeois. Of course.

Rather irritatingly liberal.

Impertinent.

The daughter .. Yes?

The daughter is the enchanting girl I am going to marry.

Why?

Well, as much as I dislike those all-inclusive words.

I think it is love.

And to think of the brilliant and chic women you knew in St Petersburg.

What about the brilliant and chic women ..

That caused my exile to the brilliant and chic village of Tyrneva?

Don't you see that excesses can become desperately boring?

Especially in Tyrneva.

Of course Fedor, if you are marrying out of boredom I can understand.

You understand nothing.

You pitiful product of centuries of inbreeding.

Well, I am sorry old boy. Really.

I have nothing against the Kalenins.

It is simply that I will miss you, Fedor.

Now don't cry, Piggy.

I'm only getting married, not buried.

Let's go out into the garden. The heat is stifling in here.

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

Oh.

It's you, Urbenin.

Excuse me Your Excellency, but ..

The accounts.

Tomorrow, Urbenin. Tomorrow.

Every day I ask: Shall we go through the accounts, Your Excellency?

And your answer is always the same: Tomorrow, Urbenin.

Urbenin, tomorrow.

I promise you.

Good afternoon, Your Excellency.

Fedor.

Fedor?

See, Fedor.

Urbenin is very competent as an overseer but he's just a peasant at heart.

A real skinflint from the Baltic. All he is concerned about is money.

And money is such a bother. Don't you agree with me, Major?

Oh my. Oh my.

Look. Rain.

A usual summer shower.

Better wait over here in the summer house until it's over.

Hurry, Fedor. You'll get soaked to the skin.

Look.

It's just a girl. Lots of them around.

There never can be enough of them for me.

[ Thunderclap ]

Thunder.

Hey!

Why do you run away, my dear?

You will be drenched.

So wait in here.

You will get soaked to the skin.

Come in, dear girl. Come in, come in.

Don't be frightened.

Your Excellency, I ..

I am so sorry.

I fell asleep.

I have to get up so early in the morning.

My dear girl, a perfectly natural thing to do on a day like this.

Oh, I remember you now.

You are the woodcutter's daughter. And your name is ..

Oh dear, dear. Olga.

Don't contradict.

Her name is Olga.

Think of it, Fedor. A year ago she was mere child and now she is ..

Turn around, my dear. Let's look at you.

Turn around. Turn around.

[ Thunderclap ]

Frightened?

My mother was k*lled by the heavenly electricity.

I didn't know.

It was in the newspapers, sir.

Then I must have missed it.

She is in heaven now.

Everyone goes there who gets k*lled by the ..

The electricity.

Adorable.

Did you read that in the newspapers too?

No, Your Excellency.

I can't read but ..

Father Constantine explained it to us the day of the funeral.

Then it must be true. Oh yes, sir.

I shall go to heaven too.

You mean that someday the lightning will k*ll you too?

Yes, sir. That is how I am going to die.

I will be wearing a crown like a princess of Babylon.

Babylon?

Haven't you ever heard of that ancient central city?

Father Constantine told me about it.

I see.

The dress shall be of rich silk.

The dress you are wearing is much prettier than any silken dress.

It can't be pretty. It's cheap.

Probably wearing a beautiful silk dress.

I'll walk to the summit of the hill and ..

Wait for the lightning.

I brought umbrellas, gentlemen.

What are you doing here? Go home.

This is no place for you.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

[ Thunderclaps ]

Say, Olga.

What is it?

Aren't you even going to kiss your poor old father?

Kiss you?

My daughter. I have been cursed with.

She won't even kiss her poor old father.

Yes, Your Excellency.

My name?

Olga Kuzminichna.

Olga.

Olga, my child. Come out here.

Why?

You have a visitor.

Who is it?

Mr Urbenin.

Isn't she a wonderful girl, Mr Urbenin?

My Olga.

She will make a fine wife for someone who can afford her.

Of course, I hate to lose her but ..

But the cost of living is so high these days.

I am not what you might call a rich man Kuzminichna, but ..

I would be happy to assist you in every way.

When the need arises.

The need arises every day.

Oh.

I have only two roubles on me.

That will do. For the beginning.

I came by because ..

I want to apologise Olga Kuzminichna.

I know I spoke sharply to you in front of His Excellency and Judge Petroff.

The judge?

Olga.

How many times did I tell you to stay away from the law?

Every time the law and I have met the outcome was painful for your old father.

I will milk the goats now.

What is it? What?

Excuse me. I forgot.

I hope they are the right size. I bought them this morning.

Oh, they are beautiful.

Oh, they are beautiful.

I shall only wear them to church.

I am really glad I ..

What do I have to give you?

Oh, nothing.

I am just happy if you like them.

Father says you can't get anything for nothing.

Do you want to kiss me?

I would be ..

Well .. I didn't expect that.

Olga Kuzminichna.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

You see, father?

Aren't they pretty.

They even have high heels too.

Did you pray for me, Nadena? I always pray for you.

I am afraid heaven is not my destination.

Who is that?

Just a girl from the Volsky estate.

She is pretty, isn't she.

Are you having luncheon with us?

I wish I could.

But I promised Count Volsky that I would lunch with him.

You don't like him, do you.

I've nothing against him personally but ..

He is everything that is wrong with Russia.

Utterly spoiled and ..

I never could understand why you two are such friends.

I tolerate him as I tolerate myself.

Your description of him fits me perfectly.

Oh, Fedor. With one slight difference.

I found somebody who can change me.

How long do you think it will take you?

Forever .. I hope.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Judge Petroff.

Going home from church?

Yes.

It is so warm today, I ..

I had to take my boots off.

It's much cooler without them.

Naturally.

Do you want a ride?

Oh yes.

That is if ..

Your Honour wouldn't mind.

Come on, climb up.

There we are.

Did you enjoy the service? Yes. I like going to church.

Seeing all the pretty ladies in their rich clothes.

The jewelled images of the saints.

The smoke of the candles.

The singing.

When I am rich I shall have music playing. Always.

Oh yes, I remember. You are going to be rich.

A princess of Babylon. Yes, sir.

Hello, Pyotr.

They belong to the Count.

All the land around here belongs to him.

He is a very rich man.

The other day, they were airing some of the Countess's dresses.

The ones she wore before she d*ed and ..

And lots of them had trains and ..

And she had forty pairs of shoes.

Some of them even had diamonds on them.

I wish these had diamonds.

Of course. Shoes with diamonds on them are much more comfortable, aren't they.

I don't know.

These are the first pair I have ever owned.

Did your father give them to you?

My father?

When he gets ten kopecks he spends it on vodka.

How vulgar.

I spend my money on champagne.

Champagne?

What does it taste like? I never had any.

Not unlike this.

Oh. My boots.

Thank you, Judge Petroff.

For the ride.

I live quite near here.

Thank you.

Gregory. Yes, Your Excellency?

What wine is that?

The '98, Your Excellency.

The year my dear wife d*ed.

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

Oh, it's you.

Your Excellency.

Tomorrow, Urbenin. Tomorrow.

Why interrupt me at this time? Can't you see I concentrate on my butterflies?

It's an outrage.

Urbenin. Look.

Look at that one. Isn't that beautiful? Isn't it?

I call her Sarah.

After Sarah Bernhardt.

The actress, stupid.

I caught her in the Crimea. The butterfly.

I caught cold catching her.

Urbenin.

When I say something witty.

You will oblige me by either laughing or leaving.

I am sorry Your Excellency, but I have something serious to tell you.

We have run out of champagne? Oh no.

The money?

Not yet, Your Excellency. But the way it is going it won't be long.

I'll look over the books tomorrow, Urbenin.

Your Excellency.

Yes?

I am going to be married.

Married?

You?

Urbenin, no.

Your Excellency, Judge Petroff. Fedor.

Fedor. Hello, Clara. Hello Piggy.

Don't tell me you're playing with your silly butterflies again.

What do you find to do all Sunday morning?

Well, church. Church?

Did you hear that, Urbenin?

You see to what lengths love will drive a person?

You're not the only one you know, Fedor. Really?

Oh no. My overseer here.

Funny old Urbenin has found himself a bride. And without even consulting me.

What is our peasantry coming to?

Now really, Piggy.

The peasantry has every right to marry.

In fact it is about the only right they do have.

Congratulations.

Nevertheless, I should have had some knowledge in advance.

Why Fedor, from time immemorial ..

We Volskys have always been considered the little fathers to our servitors.

When does the happy event take place?

Soon, Your Excellency. Before Olga Kuzminichna can change her mind.

Who did you say? Olga.

You remember, Fedor? Olga.

Yes, I remember perfectly.

Isn't he the sly old dog.

You know Fedor, you and I are chasing butterflies all our lives.

And he snatches the prize specimen right from under our very noses.

I do feel I should have been consulted. But ..

However. You have our permission. Thank you.

And Fedor. Urbenin.

You know, I will let the happy couple be married in my own private chapel.

Do you realize I haven't been in that chapel since my poor wife's funeral.

And this will be much more fun and much less painful.

And now. Lunch.

Fedor. Your Excellency.

I hope we will be able to repay you for your kindness.

Someday.

But he can.

In the coming revolution Urbenin can protect us.

He can use his influence to save us from hanging and have us decapitated instead.

I don't feel at all well.

Urbenin, you may go.

Your Excellency. Thank you. Thank you.

Revolution?

Fedor, you mustn't joke about it.

Now I can't eat one speck of lunch.

I hope I wasn't too liberal in offering the private chapel.

This is a democratic age. Why not give a grand wedding reception?

I shall offer my services as the best man.

You mean invite our friends? Our own circle?

Well, you are always craving novelty. Here is your opportunity.

The lord of the manor delights the cream of the area in honour of his servants.

I've been told it's becoming quite chic nowadays to be liberal minded.

It is the very last word, Piggy.

Our God.

Crown them.

With glory and honor.

Now I pronounce you husband and wife.

God bless you.

And now. Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you please.

A toast. Not the cake. That comes later.

A toast to the most beautiful bride that ever graced the table of the Volskys.

Olga.

My daughter.

That is the third time you have informed me of that.

You will oblige me by not spilling champagne all over me.

Oh, I am sorry.

And now I call upon all my friends to let joy be unconfined.

I know this is the happiest party I've had in this room since ..

It certainly is the most unusual party.

Isn't it, Isn't it.

Then you know life is such a bore one has to do something in self-defence.

I adore the unusual, the bizarre.

Oh, the cake. The cake.

300 eggs.

It's made from an old Volsky recipe used in our family since time immemorial.

You see my dear girl, nothing is too good for you.

This is a real honour, Your Excellency.

Olga. What is it?

You must cut it. I know what to do myself.

And now my dear you must let me guide your hand.

Oh, my. Your adorable little hand.

Urbenin, your wife has the hand of a princess.

Of Babylon.

And now, Olga.

Here we go.

That poor girl. I am sorry for her.

Even sorrier for the husband.

Why? What more could they want?

He could be alone on a day like this.

It is their wedding. Not a play performed for snobs.

I don't know. I think it was rather an amusing idea.

Oh, Fedor.

Go on, Clara. Go on. See that everyone is served rapidly.

Now. I have a great surprise for the ladies.

If you will look carefully under your dessert plates.

You will find a dance card.

At least there is one point on which you will have to admit I have good taste.

Forgiven?

I'm afraid I will always forgive you.

No cake for me.

I want vodka.

I can't stand that sweet stuff.

You know, every time I drink champagne I get the hiccups. Don't you?

I do not.

You know, I kind of like you.

Are you married?

I trust everybody is happy.

Nikolai.

Yes, my dear? Take me out of this place at once.

Of course, dear. What happened?

I hope you don't leave my humble abode.

The next time you entertain the riff-raff of the district, Count Volsky.

You will oblige me and my husband by not inviting us.

Well.

That's the last time I ask people with no sense of humor to my humble abode.

Horrible manners.

Are you married?

Your Excellency. Yes, Gregory?

The musicians have arrived.

Not so close, Gregory. Please, you tickle. Yes.

Thank you. You tell the musicians to start playing whenever they are ready.

Very good, Your Excellency. Something lively.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Before the dancing starts I want to call upon our silent bridegroom.

For a speech.

Hey you. Fill the bridegroom's glass.

Come now, Urbenin. Don't be bashful.

Your Excellency.

Judge Petroff. And ..

And all my friends.

Believe me.

I don't know what to say.

What I mean, is I still think it is like ..

Like a dream. Tell me.

How could I at my age and looking as I do.

Hope that this beautiful young girl would not refuse me.

I saw to it that she didn't.

Believe me I shall never forget this.

Best and happiest day of my life.

That is all. Thank you.

Now Urbenin, kiss the bride.

Kiss the bride. I'll wager there isn't a man in the room who doesn't envy you.

Well.

I don't know.

I was afraid something like this would happen.

Something has upset her. Fedor.

I think I will go and see what it is.

I'll go.

But, Fedor.

You've embarrassed her enough. I am the host.

And I am the best man.

Olga.

Now, now. You mustn't do this.

Leave me alone!

But you don't want to hurt Urbenin, do you.

No.

It is your party.

Don't you hear the music?

And dancing.

Shouldn't we go back to the others?

No.

Then you want me to go?

No.

Then.

What do you want me to do?

Ladies and gentlemen.

The dancing is in the ballroom.

This way.

Nadena.

If you will excuse me I have to find my partner.

I'm the host, you know. I must dance the first dance with the bride.

Where is Olga?

Of course, she hasn't come back yet.

And Fedor went after her.

We are both deserted aren't we.

So, shall we dance?

Thank you but I already promised this dance.

Oh. So sorry.

Well, if you'll forgive me I'll see that the ball gets started properly.

Now unless I supervise, things never get done around here.

Don't you think you should have danced with your host, Nadinka?

But papa, I really did promise this one.

Don't listen to your father.

Run along and find your young man before this dance is over.

Are you going to marry Miss Kalenin?

Yes.

Do you love her?

Yes.

Fedor, do you love me? Of course I do.

You can't love me if you love her.

I've thought of you morning, noon and night from the first time I saw you.

But it can't be.

It is better for both of us. I'll never give you up, Fedor.

You are married to another man.

I never even kissed my husband.

But Orlinka.

Fedor, darling. Yes?

Kiss me again.

You see, Fedor. Everything is going to be so wonderful.

Just the two of us together.

Always.

A mazurka, Fedor. Let's dance.

Nadena.

Please.

Don't try to explain, Fedor.

Explanations only hurt.

But you must listen to me.

Even the drunkards and petty thieves who come to my court are given a fair trial.

I'm not judging you, Fedor. You are not on trial. You're free to do as you wish.

One incident.

One moment of insanity and ..

You would cast aside the whole of our future?

That wasn't a mere incident, Fedor.

It was something in you which is stronger than either of us.

We could never be happy together.

So you won't forgive me?

But I do forgive you, Fedor.

Goodbye.

[ Door knocks ]

Fedor?

Oh, Fedor. I've been waiting for days.

Are you alone?

They're bringing in the hay this afternoon.

He wanted me to go with him and I wouldn't.

I knew you would come.

How did you know?

You had to. You love me.

Do I?

Why else would you be here, Fedor?

What would your Miss Kalenin say to that?

Nothing.

Oh Fedor, I'll make you happier than she ever could.

We'll go to Kiev.

Or even Moscow.

See the lights of the city.

Why couldn't we go to America?

Where nobody cares what we've been.

Huh?

It is a glorious dream Orlinka.

Unfortunately, dreams like that are expensive.

And local judges are grossly underpaid.

I don't know what you are talking about. I only know that I love you.

I would steal for you, Fedor.

I'd do anything for you.

Anything.

"The weeks that followed .."

"Remain in my mind as a phantasmagoria of violently conflicting emotions."

"For hours I would lie inert on the couch in my study .."

"Reproaching myself for the hurt I have done Nadena."

"I knew this association with a peasant girl was ignominious and dangerous."

"Yet the danger itself seemed only to expand the spell of her power over me."

"At times I even seriously considered running away with her."

"As she had so often suggested."

"Then again, the .."

"The possibility of such a retreat from all I valued, instead of .."

"Making me laugh, it angered me."

"And I would try to soothe my tortured nerves by .."

"Picking out some sentimental folk song."

"On the ill-tuned upright piano."

Fedor.

Olga.

You shouldn't have come here.

Don't worry about it, Fedor. No-one saw me come in here.

I've been waiting until that silly old servant of yours went to the bakery.

Aren't you pleased to see me?

Oh, Fedor. Don't be so rough.

You've crushed my new hat.

Isn't it pretty, Fedor? Look.

A little elaborate.

For a peasant girl, you mean?

Stop talking nonsense and tell me why you really came here.

Well, I ..

I am frightened, Fedor. Frightened?

Yes.

Last night I ..

I stole quietly out of bed.

And went to the window.

There was moonlight.

And a night mist like clouds around the cherry tree.

I ..

I drew two little hearts on the moist windowpane.

Yours and mine, Fedor.

And then.

Suddenly he was behind me.

Urbenin? Hmm.

I quickly wiped them off but ..

I am sure he saw them.

Fedor, if he ever finds out about us he'll k*ll me.

I know he will.

That poor devil.

I pity him.

You pity him?

Why?

Probably because when a man pities his rival he's preparing to pity himself.

I don't know what you are talking about.

I never told Urbenin I loved him.

It's not my fault if I'm young and he is old.

Then why did you marry him?

Because I hated dirt.

I hated being poor.

At least he was better than what I left.

So you moved from a pigsty into an overseer's house?

And now to this.

What is the next step on your path to the summit of the hill?

[ Door knocks ]

Urbenin.

In there.

Who is it?

It is me, Fedor.

Piggy.

Achoo!

Oh Fedor, I demand your hospitality. I am a very sick man.

I've had the most ghastly day. I've lost heavily at the races.

My rendezvous tonight with a charming lady has been suddenly cancelled.

I have caught a cold, I have no umbrella and it's going to rain.

And besides Fedor, I haven't seen you for ages.

Not since you broke off your engagement.

As usual, you are misinformed. Nadena broke it off.

Did she? Did she really? What impertinence.

Well, I can't say I'm sorry.

I always thought she was far too intellectual.

I am always suspicious of any woman with brains.

Yes. Well, much as I'd like to discuss the intimate details.

Why don't you, dear boy? Why not go and discuss it?

You know, I haven't been so warm and so comfortable all day.

Go ahead.

I'm sorry, Piggy. But I cannot ask you to stay.

I have to go to court to pass sentence on a petty thief.

Oh let him wait. He won't be doing anything for six weeks anyway.

Oh, I think I thought of that very quickly, don't you?

I have sort of a ready wit. I really do.

Well, perhaps you are right, dear boy.

Fedor, I've got to ask your advice about something.

Alright. But make it short.

Fedor.

That since the passing of my poor wife I have been a very, very lonely man.

Don't say you mean to get married again? Well ..

We Volskys have always fought against marriage until the last ditch.

Anyway, she is married already.

To a most unpleasant and a most unreasonable individual.

You know if I weren't the soul of discretion I could tell you who she is.

Her name is ..

No, I couldn't tell you that. No. But this I will say.

That of all the women I have ever met.

Including my dear wife.

No-one has ever affected me so deeply.

Are you listening? Yes, yes. Of course.

Where was I? Deeply affected.

Oh. Not that I have seen her so often.

A carriage ride now and then.

One or two exquisite moments in the woods under the moon.

Husband away, of course.

That's how I caught this cold, Fedor. But it was worth it.

But seriously.

There is something about her that is unearthly.

I don't know why I can't say who she is.

Some other time Piggy, please.

I can't understand it Fedor. You and I have been like brothers for years.

I wouldn't think of hiding anything from you.

And I know that you wouldn't hide anything from me.

Why, Fedor.

Why?

Why, you sly old rogue.

It reminds me of the old days in St Petersburg.

Now that your ..

Curiosity is satisfied perhaps you will do me the favor of getting out?

Oh, don't misunderstand, me. I am pleased. I'm definitely pleased.

And under the circumstances. That is, were I jilted as you were ..

Why, I'd do the same thing.

And knowing your taste, I will guarantee that she is really just a raving beauty.

Well I'll be leaving, Fedor. Leaving.

Now, speaking of sport.

I am having a sh**ting party at my place on the 16th and you must come.

Yes, yes. I'll come.

Now, depend upon me, Fedor.

I am the soul of discretion.

I won't say anything about anything.

Where is my umbrella, the one that I loaned you?

In the hall. In the hall, yes.

My, my, my.

I thought he'd never go.

I wonder who Piggy has fallen for this time.

How should I know?

Or care?

Mr Urbenin to see you.

Who?

Urbenin.

What does he want?

He didn't tell me.

Show him in.

This way, Mr Urbenin.

Hello, Urbenin.

Won't you sit down.

Thank you.

I'd rather stand. As you wish.

What can I do for you?

It is about my wife, Your Honour.

Your wife?

You have always been kind to me, Judge Petroff.

I have no-one to turn to for advice. So I ..

Oh, I see.

You want me to advise you about Olga Kuzminichna.

I am sorry that I waste your valuable time but you see ..

I know I am ..

I am too old for her. I am not rich or good looking, but ..

I love her.

And I could have made her ..

Not happy perhaps, but ..

Contended.

But you see, what chance did I have when he came along with ..

Fine words.

Presents and tricks and carriage rides.

Who are you talking about?

Count Volsky, Your Honour.

The Count? Yes.

So that's it.

What do you expect me to do about it?

No-one is a as close to the count as you are so I thought ..

Perhaps you might speak to him.

Life is full of strange ironies, Urbenin.

Pardon? I don't understand.

I am sorry, but I am not the man to speak on your behalf.

Well then ..

I will be going.

He has someone with him. He cannot be disturbed.

Alright. I will tell him.

What did he want?

Count Volsky called.

He wants you to come immediately.

He seemed upset.

What's the trouble?

He thinks there are thieves in his house.

Was he sober?

He seemed so, but I would not take an oath on it.

Very well.

I'll go.

It is very strange. I can't detect any fingerprints at all.

Fedor, I have been robbed. All the family jewels. All of them.

All the rings and brooches, the necklace of real pearls that I gave my poor wife.

And worst of all Fedor, that fabulous collection of stick pins.

Nothing left at all. Nothing. Look.

Nothing but this silly little key.

Fedor, did you hear me?

Your Excellency!

We have searched everywhere Your Excellency but we couldn't find a thing.

But if you will permit ..

I have a suspicion. Yes?

Not that I want to say for sure but as I said to Gregory ..

Oh, never mind what you said to Gregory.

Judge Petroff here is taking entire charge of the case.

Oh, Judge Petroff ..

Don't you want to examine me or search my room?

It is near the stables. I would be glad to show you.

Stop this chatter. Stop it. This is serious.

Now, Fedor. As you know I have made a profound study of crime.

Here is a situation where speed is essential.

We must prevent the thief from communicating with his accomplices.

But what do you think?

Where is he going? Perhaps to my room.

Your Excellency.

Where are the jewels?

What jewels?

Are you going to deny that you stole from your great admirer, Count Volsky?

Why should I deny it?

I'm, not ashamed.

I did it for you, Fedor.

For us.

You seriously expect me to believe that? Why not?

After the carriage drives you have taken with him.

After the clothes he has given you.

You forget that I know Volsky.

And I am not completely gullible.

Fedor, I have never even let him kiss me.

He tried very hard.

Never let him kiss you?

That's what you told me about Urbenin.

You are just being silly and jealous.

Look at me.

When we sell the jewels we can go to America.

Only.

I'd like to keep the pearls if you don't mind.

I tried them around my neck.

Oh Fedor, They look like angel's teeth.

What is the matter, Fedor?

Why do you look at me like that?

You are so beautiful.

Why is it that you degrade everything you touch?

What do you mean?

There was a time when I could have ..

When the whole idea would have been fantastic.

But now I could almost run away with you and live on stolen money.

Why is that?

It is love, Fedor.

I don't believe it.

I have known love.

This is something different.

Then, why don't you go back to ..

To your Nadena.

I can't.

It's too late.

I can't go back as long as you are here.

I can't even try as long as you are here.

Where have you hidden the jewels?

And if I don't tell you?

Then I shall have to search the house.

No! Not the Holy icon.

Well .. what are you going to do now?

Report it to the Count. Why don't you?

Do you think he will believe you rather than me?

I remind you Your Excellency, this is my house.

You were never more mistaken in your life.

Why, this has been Volsky property since time immemorial.

Fedor, this man threatened me.

Olga.

You poor little girl.

You mustn't be so upset, Olga.

I tell you we have got to all be calm.

Fedor, I can't understand why you would come here of all places.

These are the jewels.

Why, these are mine.

All of them.

Why, of course.

Look, Fedor. Look. A wedding present from the Grand Duke Vladimir.

That is the one I wore on my honeymoon in Paris. Do you remember that time?

Enough of that.

Judge Petroff. Do your duty.

Arrest the thief.

I?

I was expecting something like that from ..

His Excellency.

I'm sorry to disappoint you Piggy but Urbenin didn't take the jewels.

Please don't call me Piggy in circumstances like these.

Why, who else could have taken them?

Oh surely.

Surely you are not suggesting that Olga ..

Olga now. Olga, please.

You mustn't take things so seriously.

It's just another one of Fedor's little jokes.

No, Fedor. I say there is the man. He has made difficulties for me all summer.

You mean standing between you and ..

Something you want?

Your Honour, he himself.

Or one of his helpers sneaked the jewels into my house.

You get out of here.

You pack your things and get off of my property.

Needless to say, my dear girl this doesn't apply to you.

Olga, I want you to ..

You keep away from him.

I forbid you to talk to my wife!

Watch him, Fedor.

Scum.

Pretending I stole his jewels because he ..

He wants to steal my wife.

Thank you, Fedor.

You weren't fooled by his trick.

Fedor Mikhailovich, you are an upright man.

You gave me justice.

Something very strange for a Russian peasant.

Let's pack.

How you must hate me, Fedor.

If you would even send me to prison just to get rid of me.

You hurt little Olga's feelings, Fedor. You really did.

I adore a joke myself but honestly I think you went too far.

What are we sh**ting tomorrow? Woodcock or snipe if we are lucky.

Urbenin, Fedor. A horrible person.

I'm glad I got rid of him.

You'd better use your twenty. You'll blow the birds to pieces with a twelve.

Don't worry about me.

I've never hit anything except an occasional gamekeeper.

And that girl.

A strange girl.

Who? Olga.

Of course, I know she is of humble origin. But ..

There is a curious distinction about her.

She is terribly unhappy.

Why don't you save your sympathy for her victims?

I know you are prejudiced, Fedor.

I know you don't like the girl and I can't understand why.

Believe me that husband of hers is a brute.

However, during the past few weeks.

I really believe that I have been able in my own little way.

To restore the poor child's faith in our sex.

How?

With a little gift now and then. A trinket.

I have to persuade the dear girl to accept them.

A word of encouragement here, a suggestion there.

See what I am presenting to her for our sh**t tomorrow. A hunting Kn*fe.

From my Caucasian collection.

Oh, be quiet.

Your drooling sentimentality turns my stomach.

Well.

After all, perhaps you are right.

There is no fool like an old fool, is there.

From personal experience I can assure you that saying is wrong.

Is it?

That's the way I've always heard it.

He b*at me!

Olga. Look.

How ghastly.

What did I tell you, Fedor? The man is a fiend.

He wanted me to go with him when he leaves tomorrow but I ..

I told him I didn't love him and ..

He started to b*at me.

Poor girl.

Now, now. Just be calm.

And I will get you some antiseptic.

You think I am lying. Don't you?

I will take you home.

To Urbenin? That's where you belong.

You mean a wife belongs with her husband. Is that it? - Exactly.

You weren't so particular about that before.

Were you.

Where are you going to stay tonight?

I haven't thought about it.

Come with me.

Polycarp will find some place for you to sleep.

In a prison?

Thank you, no.

I think it would be much simpler to stay here.

I am sure the count has plenty of spare rooms.

So that's why you came here.

Olga, you can't.

His Honoured Judge Fedor Mikhailovich Petroff.

Jealous.

Well, I have searched all through the medicine chest in my poor wife's room.

For the life of me I can't tell which bottle is antiseptic or which is poison.

Can you tell, Fedor?

Oh you poor child. See, Olga.

I've brought you some chocolates.

The dark ones are really luscious.

I think you ought to stay in this house for the night.

Don't you think so, Fedor?

Olga Kuzminichna is quite capable of making her own decisions.

I think this must be the antiseptic.

Oh, of course it is. Yes.

My word, is that the time?

It's getting late. Come, let me show you to your room.

It is my poor wife's room. Yes. May her soul rest in peace.

Goodnight, Judge Petroff.

I know my way.

Thank you.

I think she will be alright.

I don't doubt it.

I'll see you tomorrow, Fedor?

Goodnight.

You wouldn't care to join me in a little visit to the Café Troika would you?

They have new gypsy band.

Not tonight, Fedor.

It's only ten o'clock. We could stay up all night.

It saves the trouble of getting up in the morning.

But what can we do all night? The usual thing .. drink.

Listen to the music.

Cry a little about the things we've lost.

Philosophise about the things we're going to have.

No, Fedor. No. Not tonight. I have to get some sleep.

Otherwise, I will just be a disgrace at the hunt tomorrow.

Well, see you in the morning.

Come in.

It was hanging in her wardrobe.

I must be the same size she was.

I just had to put it on.

Do you mind? How can I mind anything you do?

Isn't it beautiful?

Beautiful? Why it's breath-taking.

May I wear it sometimes?

I mean, really wear it.

But it was her wedding gown.

Well .. may I?

You mean ..?

Why of course you may.

Just as soon as we get your divorce.

You do love me a little Olga, do you?

And to think that I never guessed.

No, no, no. Not until our wedding.

I'd just love to hear you call me Piggy.

Goodnight.

[ Russian singing: ]

What is the matter with you tonight?

Don't you love me anymore?

Stop it.

Give me that.

Let's have something live.

[ Russian singing: ]

And this is what His Excellency calls roughing it.

Madame Urbenin.

No, no, no.

His Excellency wants Madame Urbenin to sit on his right.

Either side is too good for the likes of her.

Madame Urbenin. Ha!

The air she puts on.

You would think she is a countess herself.

So, jealous of the attention his excellency is paying to the fair Olga?

No. Just sick and tired of his excellency and you and the whole bunch.

There is not a real man among the lot of you.

Except of course .. Judge Petroff.

Yes. Yes.

I am going to have a swim. Hey. And let me do all the work?

I am not keen on serving lunch to the nobly born madame Urbenin.

Missed him.

You know I think there must be something wrong with this g*n.

My dear. You seem quite please that I missed it.

Tell me, Piggy. How can you enjoy sh**ting birds?

A gentleman has to do something. You have plenty to eat.

Why, of course.

If you were hungry, I could .. Hungry?

That reminds me. I've got to see if that lunch is ready.

Are you coming?

No, Piggy.

No?

No, I will wait here and ..

Look at the sky. The sky?

See the clouds.

Rain, don't you think?

Each morning a child sets them free.

To wander over the sky.

Well, who brings them back?

Oh, they are steered home at sundown by ..

Old men with red beards.

Red beards. How unattractive.

Well goodbye you strange child.

And don't forget to come when you hear the dinner-bell my little countess ..

To be.

Goodbye, Piggy.

Bang .. bang.

Do you hear that?

I bet the birds won't be worth the powder that is wasted on them.

Summer has been too dry.

The last snipe I snared were nothing but bones and feathers.

Holy mother of Kazaam.

Grant that she comes back to me.

That won't do you any good.

If you want to keep your wife you shouldn't b*at her.

That's a lie. I shook her by the shoulders, but I never b*at her.

Then you should have beaten her.

Women have no use for men who can't make up their minds.

I have made up my mind.

I know what I am going to do.

Bang. Bang.

Last year I was a beater and I got some of His Excellency's small sh*t in my ..

This year I am smoking his cigar.

Olga would be a fool if she came back to you.

I can't live without her.

She must come back to me.

If you want to waste your time run over to the woods.

Go. Ask her.

Oh, you hit something. Nothing much, old boy.

Poor little thing. Looks as if it d*ed of malnutrition.

Well, let's break for lunch.

I'm sorry Piggy but I shall have to go. I am expected in court.

Oh. But Fedor ..

Why, the party is given for you.

Oh dear.

Anyway, stay long enough to say goodbye to our little Olga.

I left her over there.

I'm sure our little Olga will be heartbroken. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Poor, Fedor.

He has never been the same since that romance with the Kalenin girl broke up.

Oh yes, tell me. What did happen there?

Where? Oh, I don't know. Fedor never told me. He wouldn't say a word.

But, entre nous, I'm glad it has.

Where were we?

Oh lunch. Lunch everybody. Lunch.

Oh, Fedor.

How nice.

I was just thinking of you.

Why so glum?

It is no use, Olga.

I can't live without you.

Let's go away.

Let's go away now.

Where will we go, Fedor? America.

Where everybody is equal?

I thought that is what you wanted.

Who wants to be equal?

That is all very well for failures but I am not a failure. I'm a success.

Does a countess associate with ..

Indians and buffaloes and wild panthers?

Countess?

What countess?

I am beautiful.

Mean want me.

They want to marry me.

Especially one man.

He is not handsome. He is not very bright but ..

He is the biggest man in this district.

He never put me below the daughter of some publisher in Kharkov.

And he never tried to send me to jail.

You marry Piggy?

Yes.

Why not?

Is that what you want?

Why shouldn't I be the Countess Volsky?

Of course, Fedor.

That wouldn't make any difference to us.

What do you mean, no difference?

Do you imagine that I'd accept ..? Yes, Fedor.

What do you think I am? I know what you are.

Proud.

Haughty.

But you can't stay away from me, Fedor.

You are too weak.

Oh, Gregory.

Lunch is ready? Yes, Your Excellency.

Find your places everybody and sit right down.

Good sport, Your Excellency? Don't be tactless.

Champagne Gregory, will you please. My throat is as dry as a bone.

I say, my throat is as dry as a bone.

I hear Your Excellency.

And Gregory, pour some Rhine wine in Madam Urbenin's glass will you please.

Yes, Your Excellency.

The food looks delicious, doesn't it. Doesn't it. Yes.

Try some. It tastes even better. Yes. And Gregory.

Gregory. Ring the dinner bell for madam Urbenin.

Certainly, Your Excellency.

Holy Father.

Our host does us well.

Very good. Thank you. Thank you.

I wonder where little Olga is. She must have heard that second bell.

Gregory. Yes, Your Excellency?

Go and find madam Olga, will you. Yes, Your Excellency.

I left her at my stand by the bridge there. That little bridge.

Yes, Your Excellency.

With a lot of gentlemen with red beards.

Olga!

Look.

Who is that? Can you see?

I don't know.

Urbenin.

Did you hear him?

The blood on his sleeves. Blood?

She is dead.

Dead?

Olga.

Your Excellency.

Your Excellency!

Gregory.

Ivan Ivanovich.

Your Excellency.

Olga Kuzminichna has been stabbed.

Good heavens.

There may be some hope. She is still alive.

She is still alive. Get the carriage. Hurry.

The carriage! The carriage!

Do you still pray for me, Nadena?

Oh yes, Fedor.

I need it badly.

We are leaving for Kharkov tonight.

Summer is over.

Do you remember the rainbow?

And the lake?

I sometimes wish I could go back to that summer day.

Now it is too late.

Have I hurt you a great deal?

Of course I have.

I didn't want to.

I'm not myself.

There's something in me. Something strange that drives me on until ..

Fedor.

Pray for me, Nadena.

However lost the cause.

Pray for me.

Goodbye.

My love.

Fedor Mikhailovich.

What is it? The count asks you come immediately.

Olga Kuzminichna has been stabbed.

What did you say?

Olga .. Is she dead?

She is dying.

Who is that?

Oh Fedor, I am so glad you are here.

My head is bursting you know. My nerves are completely shattered.

I'm running a temperature.

How is she? Who?

Oh, she is unconscious I think.

She is in the upstairs bedroom. My poor wife's room. The doctor is with her.

Fedor, really I can't believe it. Things like this don't happen to folk like us.

Poor little Olga.

So gay. So full of life. Stabbed with her own dagger.

How do you know it was her dagger?

It is missing, isn't it? Of course it was hers.

Oh dear, dear, dear.

To think only yesterday I gave it to her out of my collection of ancient weapons.

And you know what's going to happen? I've got to get rid of them. Every one.

I'll sell them. Give them away.

I am so sensitive. You understand, Fedor.

What a day.

I have sent for the public prosecutor.

Lunin? Yes.

He ought to be here any moment now.

But .. Fedor.

Supposing Urbenin should s*ab me before Lunin gets here?

Urbenin? Yes.

He hates me.

He is jealous. That's why he stabbed Olga.

What makes you so sure that Urbenin who stabbed Olga?

Well, who else could have?

Why, there was blood on his sleeve.

I never trusted him from the first.

Of course he is guilty.

Have you ever heard the saying ..

'Not the slayer but the slain is guilty'?

In the name of The Father.

And the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

She will live.

How is she, Father Konstantin?

Let us trust in The Lord.

Fedor Mikhailovich.

Will I be able to question her?

That is hard to say.

I have injected a stimulant.

But the loss of blood has been so great.

At any rate I am very glad you are here, Judge Petroff.

The entire household, including Count Volsky.

Has gone completely to pieces. I have been trying to get some ice.

But the servants seem to be either deaf or drunk.

There is no ice in the house.

Then go down to the village and get some, you drunken sot.

Judge Petroff, she has regained consciousness.

If you want to ask her anything, hurry.

No.

No.

Olga Kuzminichna.

Do you recognise me?

No.

Are you in pain?

Please. Only absolutely essential questions.

Kindly allow me to know my own business.

I am Petroff.

Examining Magistrate of the district of Tyrneva.

I have the honor to be acquainted with you.

You may remember that I was best man at your wedding.

Yes.

My wedding.

Do you feel strong enough to give evidence?

Evidence?

I must tell you that grave insinuations have been made against your husband.

Against me?

Do you still wish to give evidence?

I do.

Then ..

Mr Lunin, the Public Prosecutor.

Judge Petroff is just starting to examine the patient.

There's very little time. I understand.

From what I've heard downstairs it is a cut and dried case against the husband.

However, as he is her husband the law doesn't compel her to speak.

Pardon me colleague, but come to the point.

The point?

Very well, colleague.

Olga Kuzminichna.

Do you know how you came to be stabbed?

Try to remember the events of the past day.

I will help you.

There was to be a sh**ting party in the woods of Tyrneva.

It lasted about five hours.

Beg your pardon colleague but all this is irrelevant.

May I ask you with due respect.

Not to interfere with my method of interrogation.

Olga Kuzminichna.

Can you recall what happened during those hours?

Yes.

A man.

Came out of the woods.

He wanted me.

To go away with him.

I wanted to climb to the summit of the hill.

And then ..

He begged me.

I laughed at him.

Then he stabbed you?

The name.

Get the name.

Olga Kuzminichna.

Are you prepared to name the man?

His crime will not go unpunished.

There are three persons in this room besides me who will testify.

You needn't be afraid.

He loved me.

Her mind is wandering.

Who was it?

The heavenly ..

Electricity.

Olga.

Olga Kuzminichna.

It is no use. She can't hear us anymore.

She never was really mine, Judge Petroff, but ..

I loved her.

The blatant hypocrisy of the criminal always astounds me.

Anton Antonovich Urbenin. You are under arrest.

You are charged with the wilful m*rder of your wife.

But surely, colleague ..

The evidence is wholly insufficient to warrant an arrest.

Your magnanimity does you credit, colleague.

Suppose we allow the jury in Kharkov to decide that.

Get up and follow me.

But, Your Honour .. I'm afraid you have to go, Urbenin.

It is the night train to Kharkov.

The Kalenins are on it.

Leave me in peace will you.

Don't take it so to heart, Fedor Mikhailovich.

People are m*rder*d every day. Look at your newspapers.

Why don't you take a little trip to Kharkov and make up with Miss Kalenin?

She will forgive you, whatever it was.

You are just like your father the colonel.

You always get forgiven.

See that my letter of resignation is posted.

Yes, sir. Resignation?

How are we going to live without your salary?

That is enough. Keep quiet. No, I won't.

I won't stay here and see you make a fool of yourself.

If you resign, I resign too.

You've been resigning for the last ten years.

But this time I mean it, Fedor Mikhailovich.

I am not going to stay and see ..

Come in.

We've made a very important discovery, Your Honour.

What is it?

Do you know what that is, Your Honour?

The m*rder w*apon.

Where did you find it?

I found that in the possession of Clara Hanna.

You know, that Austrian girl that works for the count?

She tells some story about ..

A man that threw it in the lake while she was swimming.

Where is she now?

Why, I put her in prison. I don't take any chances.

Did she give you a description of the man she saw?

She stammered some nonsense but we'll find out. Let's go down and talk to her.

Tomorrow, Orloff. Late now.

But Your Honour, it is a matter of great importance. We shouldn't lose any time.

You heard what I said. Tomorrow.

Fedor Mikhailovich. I think Orloff is right.

You should question the woman before she has a chance to concoct some fairy tale.

Who's the judge here?

Will you both show me how to conduct my own business?

I'm only saying what I think is right. I know what is right.

You wanted to quit. Here's your chance. Now quit once and for all.

What?

I don't want to see you anymore. Get out.

You too.

I think we should examine her at once, Your Honour.

But you don't really want me to leave, Fedor Mikhailovich?

Get out.

Do you wish to make a statement? No.

You claim to have seen the m*rder*r? Yes. No, I mean ..

I did see him in way. I couldn't see his face.

So you lied?

No, Your Honour. I swear to heaven I could recognise him.

I am sure of it.

How could you recognise him?

I don't want to get mixed up in anything, Your Honour.

I only told Gregory about what I saw.

And what did you see?

Oh, I have seen a lot the last few weeks, Your Honour.

Since Mr Urbenin married that girl Olga.

And I have heard plenty too.

I only want to know what you saw.

You see. I was dressing after my swim.

I like swimming.

I always go to the lake when I have a couple of hours.

Confine yourself to what you saw. Yes, Your Honour.

And.

And suddenly, I heard footsteps.

I couldn't go out you see.

I wasn't dressed.

And.

And I saw a man come to the landing.

And he washed his hands in the water.

And then he threw a dagger into the lake.

And left.

But you didn't see his face.

What makes you think you could recognise him?

I saw his boots and his hands.

You see there was just a cr*ck in the wall and I peeped out and ..

Did you notice anything particular about his boots?

Or his hands?

They were fine boots.

And his hands.

They were not the hands of a working man like ..

Urbenin.

They were a gentleman's hands.

Oh yes.

On the left hand.

Or was it the right hand?

On the left.

He had a very beautiful ring.

And I ..

Very well, A ring.

Go on.

Describe the ring.

I don't know, Your Honour.

I ..

I can't remember anything.

Your Honour.

I ..

This was the dagger?

I can't remember.

Don't make me say you did it.

Let me out.

I swear I won't say anything.

I won't betray you. I won't.

Betray?

I don't know what you are talking about.

Believe me.

I could never give you away.

Anyone else but you.

Why are you frightened?

Fedor Mikhailovich.

I like you so much.

Always.

I won't say anything.

You can trust me.

Anton Antonovich Urbenin.

Raise your hands and show them to the witness.

Do you recognise those hands?

I ..

I don't know.

I can't remember.

Witness Clara Heller.

Were the hands you saw the hands of a peasant like those or not?

No. They were not a peasant's hands.

So they must have been a gentleman's hands.

Is that what you want to say?

Yes.

No. No.

No, not the hands of a gentleman.

Then they could only have been a peasant's hands.

Right?

I ..

I ..

Answer. Were they a gentleman's or a peasant's hands?

Answer the public prosecutor's question.

They.

They were not a gentleman's hands.

So they were a peasant's hands.

Thank you. That is all, Your Honour.

Witness dismissed.

You may return to your place.

But ..

But I ..

"I had impressed upon Clara not to incriminate Urbenin."

"But her slow peasant's mind wavered."

"And what she said confirmed Urbenin's guilt rather than cleared him."

"There was only one thing for me to do."

"With the only honest impulse I've ever had in my life."

"I rose to address the court."

Sit down please.

Order in the courtroom.

"A hundred times during the proceedings that followed .."

"I could have interposed my confession."

"But to my confused mind the chance I had let slip seemed lost forever."

"In reality, it was the will to live."

"Inherent in every human-being."

"That caused me to commit my second and more dastardly crime."

Anton Antonovich Urbenin.

Witnesses have testified that ..

On several occasions out of jealousy you threatened to k*ll your wife.

That is not true.

But you are an extremely jealous man. Is that true?

Yes, I was.

So the motive for the m*rder was there.

And having considered all the evidence carefully.

I am sure that the jury will find that this man is unmistakeably guilty.

For one of the most bestial crimes it's ever been my misfortune to investigate.

I couldn't have k*lled Orlinka.

I loved her.

Don't you understand? I loved her!

"I will hear that 'I loved her'."

"Until the end of my life."

"I will never forget the moment when the jurymen having reached their verdict .."

"Returned to the courtroom and their foreman .."

"A merchant or shopkeeper with a bony, bird-like face."

"Rattled off their decision."

"I'll never be able to erase the memory of Urbenin's blank and hopeless face."

"As he listened to the presiding judge."

"Sentencing him."

To lifelong forced labor in the salt mines of Siberia.

"Seven years have passed."

"Russia has d*ed and has been reborn."

"But my own world is irrevocably dead."

"I k*lled it with my own hands."

"As I am writing this I sit in a hovel in Kharkov."

"Hungry. I'll-shaven."

"And numb with cold."

"Reason tells me clearly enough .."

"That it's impossible to retrieve the things that I have forfeited."

"But hope still evokes a dream of bliss before me."

"And since we live by hope."

"That impossible dream keeps me alive."

It is getting late Nadena. I will mail the rejections.

Is that one interesting?

To me, yes.

What is it about?

Oh ..

You might call it ..

A love story.

Oh. Then let's publish it.

No. It would ..

It is out of the question. Then I had better send it back.

No.

No, leave it.

I will ring for you when I have addressed it.

Very well.

Look.

Fedor.

Vodka.

Beautiful divine vodka.

I wish it had been champagne.

However, that is not all.

Sausage. Luscious pork sausage.

Where did you get it?

May I offer you a cigarette, comrade Fedor?

Why thank you, comrade Piggy.

Don't tell me that the current policy has been reversed ..

And the aristocrats now steal from the revolutionaries.

No, no.

When a gentleman can no longer obtain credit.

He may as well pay cash.

I don't care how you came by it. I have no conscience where vodka is concerned.

To the good old days.

[ Baby crying ]

Comrade Tchelinin. What is it?

We would be very grateful if you would appease that charming infant of yours.

We are trying to work.

If you don't like it why not go back to your noble estate?

I can't.

It's been converted into a home for half-witted brats like yours.

That will quiet him.

Don't argue with them, Fedor. Don't argue.

Where were we? Piggy, this vodka is awful.

Well, it is an awful revolution, Fedor.

Tell me, where did you get the money?

You know the thing you have been so mysterious about.

That you have kept hidden even from me and never tried to sell?

My manuscript?

I got money for it, Fedor. Money.

She seemed interested. Maybe she will buy it.

Who are you talking about? Nadena Kalenin.

Nadena? She's the editor of The Times.

You fool.

You fool.

But Fedor.

Fedor.

Yes. I know I have changed.

You have.

I was expecting you.

You mean, you've read it?

Yes, Fedor.

You can't imagine what it means to live with a secret like that.

Every day, every night.

How many times I have tried to confess.

At Urbenin's trial.

That day in the church. I started telling you.

But the will to live is stronger than conscience.

Stronger than the pity that I felt for Urbenin as Olga d*ed.

Now at least, you.

The person for whom I wrote my confession.

Know the truth.

For seven years we have been kept apart by the memory of Olga.

Isn't that punishment enough?

But now.

What is to prevent us starting life over again?

Together.

An innocent man.

In Siberia.

Urbenin? How do you know he is still alive?

As a matter of fact he ceased to live when Olga d*ed.

But we are still young Nadinka.

It is no use, Fedor.

After I finished your story I knew there was only one thing for me to do.

What do you mean?

Send it to the police.

You needn't worry, Fedor.

I tried to send it but I didn't have the courage.

Do what you want with it and if it is any comfort to you to know it ..

I was too weak to give you away.

Nadena.

Was weakness your only reason for not sending it?

No, Fedor.

I wanted to give you.

One last chance.

To let me love you again.

Make up your mind, comrade.

I have letters to post too.

Wait! Comrade.

Comrade.

Something belonging to me was posted by mistake.

Too late now, comrade. I need it. I posted it to myself.

All the same, comrade. It's illegal. I don't care. I must have it.

Let go! I tell you it is against the regulations.

Help! Police! Stop thief!

Thief!

Stop him!

Stop, thief!

Everybody quiet.

Calm down now. Calm down, please.

You must have been mad.

What made you do a thing like that?

I haven't any ..

Electricity.

He's dead alright. Search him for identification.

Any luck?

0nly this.

This is of no use. It's only an old dance book.

Let's take him inside.

Break it up. Come on. Don't stand around. Clear out.

And you, hey!

Come on, play up.