0001: #KANT - Akt 1

Probetitel

0002: THE BITTER TEARS OF

PETRA VON KANT

0003: A case history ...

0004: dedicated to him

who became Marlene here.

0005: With the special participation

of Irm Hermann as Merlene

0006: Marlene ...

0007: be more considerate,

0008: please!

0009: I've had such awful dreams.

0010: My head is so heavy.

0011: Like lead.

0012: The telephone!

0013: Quick!

0014: Mrs. von Kant, please!

0015: Of course... I'll wait.

0016: Squeeze me some orange juice!

0017: I'm dying of thirst.

0018: Mother?

0019: I couldn't make it yesterday.

0020: My work,... you know.

0021: No, I've been up for ages.

0022: It's true.

0023: I haven't a moment's peace.

But it has its good sides, too.

0024: Where are you going?

0025: To Miami?

0026: I'm so happy for you, Mother.

0027: Miami is lovely.

0028: And the people!

0029: Wonderful to know.

Just wonderful.

0030: Six months?

0031: Oh, Mother,

 I hardly know what to say.

0032: Six months in Miami!

How I envy you!

0033: I could do with that.

0034: Thank you.

0035: Start on the drawing!

0036: The sketch is on the easel.

0037: Yes, Mother. What was that?

0038: Of course I'm listening,

0039: but something's wrong

with the line. I'm sorry.

0040: Don't be cross!

0041: There really was a crackling.

0042: I'm not lying.

0043: Now you're being nasty, Mother.

0044: Yes ... I'm listening...

0045: I understand...

0046: How much do you need?

0047: 8,000?

0048: That's a lot of money.

0049: I can lend you 5,000, but not more.

0050: What with expenses,

and then Gabriele.

0051: Ask Tatiana, or perhaps...

0052: Yes, Mother.

0053: Marlene...

0054: I want you to write a letter...

0055: To Joseph Mankiewicz.

0056: The address is in the files.

0057: #Dear Mankiewicz ...#

0058: #my dear friend# ...

0059: comma ...

0060: #I'm afraid I shall be unable#

#to make payment...#

0061: period.

0062: #There are circumstances#

 #between heaven and earth ...#

0063: period...period...period...

0064: #But to whom am I telling this?#

question mark!

0065: #Hoping you will understand,#

#I remain your dear friend ...#

0066: #Petra von Kant.#

0067: I'll sign it right away.

0068: Come here!

0069: Take it down ...

0070: and be quick!

0071: Well!

0072: Hurry up!

0073: That drawing must be finished

by noon.

0074: Any mail?

0075: Karstadt?

0076: Karstadt wants me

to design for them.

0077: Marlene, did you hear me?

0078: It's the chance of a lifetime!

0079: Karstadt?

0080: Mr. Mller-Freienfels, please!

0081: My name is Petra von Kant.

0082: Petra von Kant speaking!

0083: Yes... I did...

0084: This week is full.

0085: I might manage Friday...

0086: One moment!

0087: Yes, I can squeeze it in on Friday.

0088: When?
Three o'clock?

0089: Fine! At three!

See you then!

0090: Those rats!

0091: Do you remember when I offered them

my first designs three years ago?
0092: They didn't want to know.

0093: How times change!

0094: The man was so servile.

0095: When I think...!

0096: At this time?

0097: My God, who...?

0098: Open the door!

0099: What does it matter?

0100: 10:30 already!

0101: Darling!

0102: Sidonie!

0103: My dearest!
-Petra!

0104: My God!

0105: How long...?

-Three years, my dear.

0106: How time flies!

0107: But you look absolutely stunning!

How do you do it?

0108: I have nothing on you...

0109: Your youth, your beauty!

0110: And Frank?

0111: I read about you two.

0112: In Australia of all places!

0113: And I said to Lester, "Poor dear!

Look what's happened!"

0114: We always warned you

about that man.

0115: We all have to make

our own experiences.

0116: I don't regret it one bit.

0117: No one can take away

the things you learn in life.

0118: On the contrary,

0119: they give you maturity.

0120: I don't know, Petra.

0121: When you can foresee the end

from the start ...
0122: is the experience worth the candle?

0123: Make some coffee, Marlene!

0124: Or would you prefer tea?

0125: Coffee would be fine.

0126: Have you had breakfast?

-Yes.

0127: I flew down from Frankfurt

this morning.

0128: I couldn't wait to hear

how you were bearing up.

0129: Whether you were suffering...

0130: People change.

0131: I was different once, I know.

0132: I wouldn't have known how to cope.

0133: The shame of it alone!

0134: I believed in the goodness

of the man.

0135: But marriage ...

0136: brings out the worst in people.

0137: I'm not so sure. Lester...

0138: Oh, forgive me!

0139: With all your travels, you never

got to know each other properly.

0140: But Frank and I ...

0141: we were inseparable ...

0142: and in constant fear

of our existence.

0143: That's when you get to know

what the other person's made of.

0144: Sorry, I didn't want

to sound bitter,

0145: but ...

0146: there would have been

some opportunities ...

0147: really wonderful opportunities.

0148: for that man and me.

0149: But it was not to be!

0150: Still dreaming of him?

 -No, Sidonie.

0151: I just regret the chances we missed.

0152: They certainly existed.

0153: It's very sad,

0154: believe me,

0155: when you realize

that the distressing things ...

0156: by far outweigh the beautiful

things you feel.

0157: Did you quarrel...?

0158: Quarrel?

0159: Not in the normal way.

0160: Sometimes there was a coldness.

You feel it.

0161: Look...

0162: You're with someone ...

0163: in a car or in a room ...

0164: and you want to say something,

0165: but you're afraid.

0166: Or you'd like to be affectionate,

0167: but again you're afraid.

0168: You're afraid of losing points,

0169: of being the weaker one.

0170: It's a terrible moment ...

0171: when you can no longer go back

and start again.

0172: I think I understand what you mean.

Very vaguely, but...

0173: I know what you're going to say:

0174: the wise person gives in.

0175: No,

0176: once you're in the mire,

who can pull you out again,

0177: in terms of human relations,

I mean?

0178: It can't have been like

that for the whole three years.
0001: #KANT - Akt 2
Probetitel

0002: Of course not.

0003: At times,

0004: it was so beautiful that...

0005: There are moments

when you forget ...

0006: everything,

0007: including the fact that you could

resolve the difficulties,

0008: and find a common basis to...

0009: But we were stuck in the mire!

0010: Poor thing!

0011: It's easy to pity,

0012: but much harder to understand.

0013: If you understand someone,

there's no need for pity.

0014: You can help change things.

0015: Pity only what you can't understand!

0016: I see ...

0017: the whole thing has hardened you.

0018: It's a pity.

0019: I was always suspicious of hard women.

0020: I seem hard,

0021: only because I'm using my head.

0022: You're evidently not used

to women using their brains.

0023: My poor little dear!

0024: Petra! Please!

0025: I'm sorry,

I didn't mean to offend you.

0026: I just want you to listen to

what I say ...

0027: and not have a preconceived opinion.

0028: Of course!

0029: I can understand your bitterness.

0030: Did #he# ask for the divorce?

0031: No, I did.

0032: Not him?

0033: You...?

0034: Good heavens!

0035: That surprises you, eh?

0036: Poor little Petra ...

0037: who couldn't do without her husband,

0038: hopelessly in love,

0039: almost a slave...

0040: And #she# asks for a divorce.

0041: Terrible, isn't it?

0042: Did he...?

0043: No.

0044: He wasn't unfaithful.

0045: Adultery wouldn't have been a

reason for me to separate.

0046: For my part, the relationship

was a healthy one.

0047: We both attached more importance

to pleasure than fidelity;

0048: fidelity as a duty, that is.

0049: Mentally we were faithful

to each other, no doubt.

0050: There were other reasons

why it didn't work out.

0051: Of course, when things go wrong,

it turns to disgust ...

0052: and hatred.

0053: But that had nothing to do with

what was going on around us ...

0054: or with other people.

0055: Thank you.

-Yes, thank you.

0056: Go on sketching! It's urgent.

0057: Can we...?

0058: Marlene's been with me

for three years.
0059: She hears everything,

0060: sees everything,

knows everything.

0061: Don't take any notice of Marlene!

0062: Well, to get back to...!

0063: What estranged you both;

0064: what made you so sick?

0065: You see, Petra,

0066: Lester and I went through a time ...

0067: when it looked as if

everything were over.

0068: We were weary, disgusted and...

0069: You have to be wise,

0070: show understanding and humility.

0071: A woman has her devices. She just

has to know how to use them.

0072: I wasn't interested in "devices",

0073: especially not female ones.

0074: I had no time for conjuring tricks.

0075: Tricks, Petra?

-Yes, they're tricks.

0076: Dodges, cheating if you like.

0077: They lead to a loss of freedom.

0078: When I hear words like "humility"!

0079: Don't sneer!

0080: Don't sneer at me!

0081: Lester and I are really happy now.

0082: Humility paid off.

0083: He thinks he's the boss.

0084: I let him think so,

0085: but in the end I get my way.

0086: Listen, darling,

0087: I know what you mean,

0088: and it may be all very well

for you and Lester.

0089: Maybe this sense of compulsion ...

0090: is just what you need.

0091: But ...

0092: you see,

0093: Frank and I ...

0094: we wanted
to make our love beautiful.

0095: And for us, "beautiful" meant ...

0096: always knowing

what was going on ...

0097: in yourself ...

0098: and in the other person.

0099: We didn't want a humdrum marriage

with codes of behavior.

0100: We wanted to decide

everything anew,

0101: always be ...

0102: alert,

0103: always ...

0104: free.

0105: I don't understand ...

0106: why everything must be so

complicated when it can be simple.

0107: Codes of behavior exist for us

to use them consciously.

0108: Why keep having to

decide things anew,

0109: when we have tried

and trusted methods ...

0110: and they're good?

0111: We wanted to be happy together.

0112: You understand?

0113: Together!

0114: There's no tried and trusted model

I know for that.

0115: What turned it all into disgust ...

0116: when there was so much clarity

and understanding?

0117: Success, for example.

0118: The success I had ...

0119: and that Frank hoped for
and needed so much.

0120: That's how it began.

It was as simple as that.

0121: I'm sorry,

but success is no reason to...

0122: Men!...

0123: and their vanity!

0124: He wanted to pamper me,

0125: take care of me.

0126: Of course, he took me seriously ...

0127: and respected my opinions.

0128: But ...

0129: he wanted to be the breadwinner.

0130: And that's how oppression comes

about, quite automatically.

0131: It works like this:

0132: I listen to you ...

0133: and understand you,

0134: but who slaves away

and earns the money?

0135: One rule for him, another for me.

0136: My dear,

0137: at first, it was:

0138: "Everything you earn, my girl,

will be put aside for later."

0139: "A home of our own,

a sports car..."

0140: I agreed, because ...

0141: he was so loving, Sidonie.

0142: And sometimes

the love he lavished on me ...

0143: just swept me away.

0144: I was breathless for joy.

0145: Then, when he struck a bad patch,

0146: it was almost funny to see ...

0147: how his ridiculous pride was pricked.

0148: To be honest,

0149: I enjoyed it.

0150: Especially as I thought he knew

how ridiculous his behavior was.

0151: But he didn't.

0152: And later,

when I tried to tell him ...

0153: that it made no difference to me

whether a man was on top or not ...

0154: it was too late.

0155: As soon as I broached the matter ...

0156: he was like a wall, Sidonie,

0157: like a wall.

0158: Gradually the honesty began to die.

0159: I thought I was mistaken ...

0160: in him or myself.

0161: So then I called it a day.

0162: I stopped loving him.

0163: The last six months were excruciating,

0164: believe me, excruciating!

0165: He realized it was all over.

0166: He felt it at least.

0167: But he refused to accept it.

0168: He wasn't really intelligent.

0169: He tried to hold on to his wife ...

0170: if not wholly,

0171: at least in bed.

0172: That's when it turned to disgust.

0173: He tried a new technique:

violence.

0174: I let him possess me. I bore it.

0175: But...

0176: the man seemed so filthy.

0177: Petra!

0178: He stank!

0179: He stank of man.

0180: The way men stink.

0181: What had once had its charms ...

0182: now nauseated me,

0183: brought tears to my eyes.

0184: The way he took me!

0185: Petra, please !

0186: Hear the story out, will you!

0187: He mounted me like a bull

mounting a cow.

0188: Not the slightest respect anymore.

0189: No thought of a woman's pleasure.

0190: The pain, Sidonie!

0191: The pain!

0192: You can't imagine it.

0193: And when I... sometimes...

0194: Oh, the shame of it!

0195: I felt so humiliated.

0196: He thought I was crying for love

and gratitude.

0197: How stupid he was!

0198: He was so dumb!

0199: How stupid men are!

0200: You poor thing!

0201: How you must have suffered!

0202: I don't need your pity.

0203: He ...

0204: deserved mine.

0205: Understanding, kindness or pity,

0206: if nothing else were possible.

0207: He aroused no feelings in me.

0208: It became worse and worse.

0209: When we dined together ...

0210: his chewing ...

0211: sounded like an explosion.

0212: I couldn't stand it
when he swallowed,

0213: the way he cut his meat,

ate his vegetables,

0214: held a cigarette,

a glass of whiskey...

0215: Everything seemed so ridiculous...

0216: so affected.

0217: I felt ashamed for him.

0218: I imagined everyone else

must see him the way I did.

0219: Of course, it was hysteria,

0220: panic.

0221: There was nothing left to save.

0222: All over!

0223: Finished!

0224: The end!

0225: I'm so ashamed.

0226: There's no need.

0227: No need to be ashamed.

0228: You've tried to learn,

0229: tried to understand.

Whereas I...

0230: I think ...

0231: people are made to need each other.

0232: But they haven't learned ...

0233: to live together.

0234: That must be Karin.

0235: Karin?

0236: A delightful girl.

0237: I met her on the boat

from Sydney to Southampton.

0238: She wants to make a start

in Germany.

0239: Hello!

0240: This is Petra von Kant.

0241: I told you so much about her.

0242: Hello!

0243: Take a seat!

0244: Please excuse the mess!

0245: Things are a bit upside down.

0246: It doesn't matter.

0247: Some tea? Or a brandy?

0248: A brandy, please!

0249: Marlene, cognac!

0250: And you, Sidonie?

-No, thanks.

0251: Not this early.

0252: Funny,

0253: I imagined you much older,

0254: more ...

0255: distinguished.

0256: Is that the word?

0257: That is the word, yes.

0258: But why older?

0259: People who are so successful,

so famous...

0260: I don't know...

They're usually older.

0261: It's the exception

that proves the rule.

0262: Thank you.

0263: Cheers!

0264: It's time we were leaving, Karin.

0265: I'll give you a call.

I'm staying longer this time.

0266: Do that, Sidonie!

0267: Take care!

0268: Bye!
-Byebye!

0269: You have a good figure.

0270: You could use it to advantage.

0271: Get in touch with me some time!

0272: I'd love to!

0273: Coming!

0274: Let's say tomorrow evening...

at eight?

0275: See you tomorrow, then.

0276: Yes, till tomorrow.

0277: You've altered the sleeves?

0278: Yes...

0279: that's good.

0280: They'll like that better.

0001: #KANT - Akt 3
Probetitel

0002: That was the bell, Marlene!

0003: And I'm not ready yet.

0004: Open the door!

0005: I'll be down in a moment.

0006: Karin!

0007: How nice!

0008: Good evening, Mrs. von Kant.

0009: I've prepared a bite to eat.

0010: Marlene, serve the food!

0011: So here you are!

-Here I am.

0012: Enjoying it here in Germany?

0013: I was away only 5 years.

0014: Yes, I'm enjoying it.

0015: Nothing's changed much.

0016: Things stay the way they are

in Germany.

0017: Tell me about yourself.

0018: Me?

0019: There's nothing much to tell.

0020: Oh yes there is:

0021: what you think,

0022: what you ...

0023: dream...

0024: Nothing much!

0025: I just want my little corner

of the world.

0026: Is that asking too much?

0027: On the contrary, Karin.

0028: That's what ...

0029: we live for:

0030: to fight for a place for ourselves.

0031: Do we have to fight?

0032: Of course.

0033: I had to fight, too, and hard.

Very hard.

0034: That's life.

0035: I always thought

I was too lazy to fight.

0036: Too lazy?

-Yes.

0037: I prefer to lie in bed,

reading magazines, novels...

0038: Maybe you haven't found the right

incentive for living yet.

0039: You're still young.

0040: Twenty-three.
-Exactly!

0041: You've so much ahead of you.

0042: Good things, bad, ugly,

beautiful things...

0043: Life begins at 23.

0044: Does it?

-Yes.

0045: Don't you think so?

0046: My God, I have so much

experience already.

0047: I'm married and...

0048: You are...?

0049: Yes! My husband stayed

in Australia.

0050: We had...

0051: It's all so complicated.

0052: No...

0053: Nothing is simple.

0054: Nothing at all.

0055: You have to understand ...

0056: what humility is.

0057: Humility?

0058: You see,

0059: everyone has his own theory

of the world.
0060: I believe ...

0061: you have to have humility

to be able to bear ...

0062: what you know.

0063: I have humility in my work ...

0064: or in respect of the money I earn,

0065: or the many things ...

0066: that are stronger than myself.

0067: I think "humility"

is a strange word.

0068: It reminds me of kneeling

and praying.

0069: I don't really know...

0070: Maybe these ...

0071: concepts ...

0072: are not suitable for young people.

0073: I'd have reacted

in the same way at your age.

0074: Thank you.

0075: Help yourself!

0076: Do you think you'd enjoy working

as a model?

0077: I don't know the trade

and what's involved...

0078: But why not?

-Fine!

0079: We must talk business.

0080: You can't just go down the runway

and think you know everything.

0081: You must be willing to learn.

0082: I am willing to learn.

0083: I want nothing for free.

0084: I could help you, of course.

0085: Later on, when you know the ropes,

0086: you'll easily find work.

0087: Thanks.

0088: You may have difficulties at first.

0089: Financial difficulties, I mean.

0090: You wouldn't earn anything

during training.

0091: I suppose not.

-I'll help you.

0092: That's an offer.

0093: That shouldn't be an obstacle.

0094: That's very nice of you.

0095: The nice thing about the job is ...

0096: that you get around a lot.

0097: I love big foreign cities at night.

0098: Are you fond of traveling?

0099: Depends! Yes, I think so.

0100: It can be marvelous:

0101: travel, new experiences,

0102: foreign cities, music...

0103: Do you like art?

-Art?

0104: I don't know.

-Theater, concerts, good movies?

0105: Oh, yes,

0106: I love the movies.

0107: Pictures about passion... and pain.

Lovely!

0108: We could learn together.

0109: That makes it easier.

0110: I was lucky to have parents ...

0111: who pointed out to me

at an early age ...

0112: the beautiful things in life.

0113: What were yours like?

0114: My father was a toolmaker.

0115: Very interesting.

0116: We didn't have much.

0117: Lot's of work and not much fun.

That's how it was.

0118: They didn't have a good life.

0119: A tiny apartment, three kids ...

0120: screaming all the time.

0121: But your parents devoted themselves

to you as a child, didn't they?

0122: Devoted themselves to us?

0123: We were in the way,

a nuisance most of the time.

0124: Poor child!

0125: It must have been dreadful.

0126: - No! -

0127: They meant it well.

0128: Besides, they left us in peace.

0129: It's better if parents

don't interfere ...

0130: with all the things

you have in your head.

0131: Even so,

0132: leaving children to their own devices?

I'm not so sure.

0133: You know ...

0134: I have a daughter myself?

0135: I haven't always time

to look after her, but ...

0136: I know she's at the best

boarding school there is.

0137: It's a reassuring feeling.

0138: I liked school.

0139: Didn't you?

0140: No,

0141: I don't think I did.

0142: I know I was glad when it was over.

0143: Although I was fairly good.

0144: I'm sure you're very intelligent.

0145: Intelligent? Yes.

0146: But I didn't like learning

in those days.

0147: The things I was interested in,

I found easy.
0148: It was the same with me.

0149: I was unbeatable

at the things I liked.

0150: Funnily enough,

I loved mathematics.

0151: I didn't.

0152: I was always bad at arithmetic.

0153: It was OK at first, but later,

with those letters and so on,

0154: I was lost.

0155: Strange!

0156: Algebra fascinated me ...

0157: tremendously.

0158: Tremendously!

0159: Algebra?

0160: No, that wasn't for me.

0161: Never could understand it!

0162: Why stick a letter onto a number?

0163: I still don't understand.

0164: It's not important.

0165: There are more important things

in the world.

0166: I loved gymnastics,

0167: and athletics in summer,

0168: or games, like handball.

0169: I wasn't keen on gymnastics

on the apparatus.

0170: I always had better grades

in summer.

0171: Did you?

0172: No, I preferred apparatus work.

0173: It requires ...

0174: discipline.

0175: Another of those words

young people hate, I suppose?

0176: Discipline's OK as long as you're

having fun.

0177: But discipline for its own sake,

0178: or compulsion...

0179: I don't think that's good.

0180: It's funny, but ...

0181: I need a push to make me do things.

0182: Like needing money,

0183: or having to keep a promise.

0184: If there were no compulsion,

0185: I'd be totally lost at times.

0186: Yes, I understand.

0187: But it's better

if you can do without it.

0188: My Dad took us on a bike ride

every Sunday.

0189: The whole family pedaled away.

0190: Him in front,

0191: then Mom,

0192: then us three girls behind.

0193: He cycled like mad out in front.

He was a man.

0194: When we came home

we were worn out,

0195: and he was as fresh as a daisy.

0196: Then he had a row about nothing

with Mom every Sunday.

0197: Anyway, we all had to go along.

0198: Maybe I'd have chosen

to go along sometimes,

0199: but it was never fun that way.

0200: The thought of it is amusing,

though:

0201: Dad, Mom,

and us three girls on our bikes!

0202: Isn't it?

0203: Why... yes!

0204: It was brutal of your father,

0205: but that's not the sort of

compulsion I mean.

0206: I'm talking about the constraints

 people accept ...

0207: that they wish for and need.

0208: How are your parents?

0209: They're both dead.

0210: I'm so sorry for you.

0211: Both of them?

0212: Dad killed Mom,

then hanged himself.

0213: No!

0214: How terrible!

0215: Now you see me

in a different light.

0216: It's always the same.

0217: People like me,

0218: until they hear my story.

0219: Then it's all over.

0220: No, Karin. On the contrary.

0221: I feel...

0222: a great affection for you.

0223: Even greater now I've heard

your family history.

0224: We must make amends to you.

0225: Let's be real friends, hmm?

0226: Sure. It makes things easier.

0227: A bottle of sekt!

0228: She's a good girl.

0229: She does all my work for me.

0230: But tell me...

0231: How did it happen...?

0232: My parents, you mean?

0233: Quite simple!

0234: Didn't you read about it

in the papers?

0235: No, I can't remember.

0236: Dad drank like a fish...

0237: No, it wasn't like that...

0238: One day his firm told him:

0239: "Thimm, we're a competitive firm,

0240: "and there's no room for people

of your age."

0241: I'm not sure exactly.

I wasn't there,

0242: but it was something like that.

0243: He broke down, cried

and began to thrash about.

0244: Somebody from works security came

and threw him out.

0245: He went to his regular bar ...

0246: and got drunk.

0247: What else could he do?

0248: Dad always drank heavily.

0249: Then he went home,

0250: killed Mom and hanged himself.

0251: He saw no future for himself

and his wife.

0252: It's as simple as that.

0253: I went off to Australia, but ...

0254: things are not so rosy there either.

0255: You don't get anywhere

without pushing.

0256: All that's going to change, Karin.

0257: We're both going to do our best ...

0258: to make something out of your life.

0259: Wouldn't that be great!

0260: I've often given up hope.

0261: I had a bellyful with my husband!

0262: He made me slave and said

he'd make a pile of money.

0263: He said it was only a matter of time.

0264: He got on my damned nerves.

0001: #KANT - Akt 4
Probetitel

0002: Cheers!

0003: Cheers!

0004: Here's to us!

0005: That we use our opportunities.

0006: I can see you now,

0007: striding down the runway.

0008: I'll design a collection

specially for you.

0009: I'll make a top model out of you.

0010: You're beautiful, Karin.

0011: Do you like this kind of music?

0012: They're records from my youth.

0013: They either make me sad...

0014: or really happy.

0015: It depends.

0016: From the time

with my first husband.

0017: What a romance that was!

0018: Someone once said beautiful things

don't last long.

0019: There's some truth in that.

0020: Pierre was killed in an accident.

0021: He was a passionate driver.

0022: Pierre was...

0023: He was a handsome man,

0024: but obsessed.

0025: He thought he was immortal.

0026: But he wasn't.

0027: He'd been dead 4 months

when our daughter was born.

0028: It wasn't easy for me.

0029: But everything is predestined in life.

0030: I had to put up with it.

0031: People are terrible, Karin.

0032: They can bear anything.

0033: People are hard and brutal.

0034: Everyone is replaceable.

0035: Everyone!

0036: That's something

they have to learn.

0037: Where are you staying?

-At the Hotel bersee.

0038: In a hotel?

0039: That must be expensive.

0040: 27 marks, including breakfast.

-Exactly!

0041: Who can afford that for long?

0042: You can move in with me.

0043: It's cheaper and ...

0044: anyway it's nicer.

0045: I...
-You don't want to?

0046: I'd love to.

0047: I simply meant...

0048: Maybe I'll get on your nerves.

0049: I know myself, Karin.

0050: You won't get on my nerves.

0051: I know what I'm like.

0052: I'm often very lonely.

0053: We'll make it cozy for ourselves.

0054: If you think so...

0055: Yes, I'd love to.

0056: I love you.

0057: I love you, Karin.

0058: I love you.

0059: We shall conquer the world

together.

0060: I want to caress you,

0061: kiss you.

0062: I like you, too, Petra. Very much.

0063: But ...

0064: give me time! Please!

0065: I'll give you time.

0066: We have time enough.

0067: We have so much time.

0068: Time to get to know each other.

0069: We shall love each other.

0070: Bring us the sekt!

0071: Did you cancel the flight?

0072: What?

0073: Did you cancel the flight?

0074: Why? Sorry, I'm still in bed.

0075: I'll do it myself.

0076: No, I'll do it. Let me get up.

0077: Why shouldn't I do it?

0078: I booked two seats to Madrid

on the 25th.

0079: For Kant and Thimm.

0080: Yes, OK.

0081: I'm afraid I have to cancel them.

0082: No, not just now.

0083: Yes, thanks.

0084: It's pointless cancelling

flight tickets.

0085: Either you turn up or you don't.

They notice in time.

0086: It's a matter of courtesy.

0087: You'll learn that some day.

0088: Thanks.
-Don't mention it.

0089: My shoes!

0090: Hurry up!

0091: I'm beginning to think

she's screwy.

0092: She's not screwy.

0093: She loves me.

0094: Well, have fun!

-Thank you.

0095: You're not going back to school?

Is that final?

0096: Why should I?

I won't learn anything.

0097: We never stop learning.

0098: You and your pearls of wisdom!

-It's just experience.

0099: Let me phone them and apologize

on your behalf.

0100: Then you can go back.

0101: It's worth finishing something

you've started.

0102: It always pays off.

0103: If you think so!

-Yes...

0104: I do.

0105: OK, then.

0106: Exactly.

0107: Fix me a gin and tonic!

0108: You drink too much.

0109: Be careful you don't put on weight!

0110: Screw you!

0111: Don't forget,

0112: your figure is your fortune.

0113: It's all you have.

0114: If you think so.

-I don't think so. I know it!

0115: Cheers!

0116: I love you.

-I do, too.

0117: Shit! "I do, too! I do, too!"

0118: Say: "I love you".

0119: Sure.
-Come on!

0120: OK. I like you.

0121: I love you.

0122: You have the loveliest skin
in the world.

0123: Do I?

0124: Yes.

0125: And the loveliest hair.

0126: The loveliest shoulders.

0127: And the loveliest eyes.

0128: I love you.

0129: I love you.

0130: Leave me alone!

0131: But why?

0132: I haven't cleaned my teeth yet.

0133: I don't mind.

0134: But I do.

0135: Stop it!

0136: I want to read.

0137: Please!

0138: I'll leave you in peace ...

0139: if it disgusts you.

-It doesn't disgust me.

0140: We can't play with each other

24 hours a day.

0141: We can.

0142: Oh, Petra!

0143: I could remain forever

in your embrace.

0144: Why do you have to be so cruel?

I haven't done a thing to you.

0145: I'm just trying hard.

0146: I'm not being cruel.

0147: That's easily said.

0148: You say you're not cruel,

0149: but when I need you,

you repulse me.

0150: Karin?

0151: Yes?
0152: May I...

0153: I just want to sit with you

for a while.

0154: Where were you last night?

0155: Where were you last night?

0156: I went dancing.

0157: Till 6 in the morning?

0158: What about it?

0159: They're not open that long.

0160: No?
-No.

0161: Who did you go ...

0162: "dancing" with?

0163: What?

0164: Tell me who you went dancing with!

0165: With a man.

0166: Oh yes?

0167: Yes.

0168: What man?

0169: A big black man

with a big black dick.

0170: I see.

0171: Want another one?

-Yes, make me another one.

0172: "Please"!

0173: Forget it!

0174: No, I won't forget it.

0175: But you could be more friendly.

0176: Here!

0177: Thank you, dearest!

0178: What was he like?

0179: In bed?

0180: For instance.

0181: Insatiable.

0182: Oh yes?

0183: Extremely!
0184: Just imagine, his big black hands
on my white skin!

0185: And... those lips!

0186: You know, those blacks

all have big, warm lips.

0187: Don't faint, darling!

0188: Stop staring, you silly cow!

Bring me the newspapers!

0189: No need to get hysterical.

The best is still to come.

0190: Don't be so mean!

0191: I'm not being mean.

I'm telling the truth.

0192: We always said we wanted to be

frank with each other.

0193: But you can't stand it.

0194: You want to be told lies.

0195: Yes,

0196: lie to me!

0197: Lie to me!

0198: OK, it isn't true.

0199: I was walking alone all night,

0200: thinking about us.

0201: Really?

0202: That's not true.

0203: Of course not!

0204: I #did# sleep with a man.

0205: But that's not important, is it?

0206: No,

0207: of course not.

0208: But...

0209: I don't understand...

0210: Really...

0211: I don't understand.

0212: Why?

0213: Why?
0214: Don't cry, Petra.

0215: Listen, I like you, I love you,

but...

0216: It's obvious:

0217: I need a man from time to time.

0218: That's the way I am.

0219: It doesn't affect us.

0220: I just use men, that's all.

0221: That's all there is to it.

Just a bit of fun.

0222: You were always talking of liberty.

0223: You always said:

"No obligations towards each other."

0224: Don't cry!

0225: I always come back to you.

0226: How my heart aches!

0227: As if someone had stabbed it

with a knife.

0228: No need for it aching.

0229: That won't help.

0230: No need for it #to# ache.

0231: He who uses "need" without a "to",

need not use "need" at all.

0232: I know I'm not as clever as you.

0233: I know that.

0234: You're lovely.

0235: I'm so fond of you.

0236: Everything aches with love for you.

0237: Want another one?

0238: I must watch my figure.

0239: Will you be seeing him again?

-Who? That guy?

0240: Are there so many?

0241: Come on!

0242: Well?
0001: #KANT - Akt 5
Probetitel

0002: No, I'm not seeing him again.

0003: I don't even know his name.

0004: Besides,
he said he's being transferred.

0005: Really a black?

0006: Yes. Why?

0007: Just so.

0008: He was really great.

0009: You'd have liked him.

0010: He wasn't really black;

0011: more brown,

0012: with an intelligent face.

0013: Some blacks have European faces,

don't they?

0014: I wouldn't know.

0015: They do.

0016: And he was one.

0017: He told me lovely things

about the States.

0018: Karin, please!

0019: OK, I'll shut up.

0020: I thought we'd sorted things out.

0021: You don't have to rave about him.

0022: You're hitting the bottle, too.

0023: What else do I have?

0024: Come off it!

0025: You're getting hysterical.

0026: I'm not hysterical.

0027: I'm suffering.

0028: You thrive on suffering.

0029: It's easy for you to talk.

0030: "People thrive on suffering!"

0031: It's true.

0032: I'd rather be happy, Karin.

0033: I'd much rather be happy.

0034: All this makes me ill.

0035: What does?

0036: Forget it!

0037: Tell me what makes you ill.

0038: You!

0039: You make me ill.

0040: Because I don't know

why you stay with me.

0041: Whether it's my money, or because

you have a better chance with me ...

0042: or because you love me.

0043: Because I love you, of course.

0044: Shit!

0045: Stop it!

0046: If you won't believe me...

-Believe you?

0047: It has nothing to do with believing you.

Of course I believe you love me.

0048: But I don't know.

0049: I really don't know.

0050: That's what's making me ill.

0051: Listen!

0052: #An outstanding contribution#

#to next winter's fashion ...#

0053: #was made by Petra von Kant#

#with her new creations.#

0054: There's a picture of you!

-No!

0055: Show me!

0056: There!

0057: Crazy!

0058: Not bad, eh?

0059: Tell me!

0060: Yes ... very nice!

0061: Very nice, very nice!

0062: It's fabulous!

0063: The first time

my picture's been in the papers.##

0064: I don't believe it!

0065: I love you...

0066: Come here!

0067: Forget it!

0068: I'll take it.

0069: Von Kant here.

0070: It's for you ...

0071: from Zurich.

0072: Zurich?

0073: Who do you know in Zurich?

-No idea!

0074: Karin Thimm speaking!

0075: Who?

0076: Freddy!

0077: What are you doing in Zurich?

0078: What brings you to Zurich?

0079: When?

0080: 3 o'clock in Frankfurt?

0081: Hold on, I'll ask.

0082: When's the next flight to Frankfurt?

0083: Half past two.

0084: The next flight from Bremen's at 2:30.

0085: I'll try to get a seat.

If not, call me from Frankfurt!

0086: I love you.

0087: That was my husband.

0088: Freddy's in Zurich.

0089: He's in Europe.

0090: Book me a flight to Frankfurt,

please!

0091: Be a dear!

0092: Please!
0093: Lufthansa?...

0094: Petra von Kant speaking.

0095: I'd like to book a seat

on the 14:25 flight to Frankfurt.

0096: Full up?

0097: - No. -

0098: There's room in the first class?

0099: Fine!

0100: Book the ticket in the name of

Karin Thimm.

0101: I don't believe it!

0102: Freddy's here!

0103: 45 minutes before take-off, I know.

0104: I don't believe it!

0105: You told me ...

0106: you and your husband...

0107: I thought you were through.

0108: That was ages ago.

0109: You might at least ...

0110: have told me ...

0111: you were in touch again.

0112: Freddy's my husband.

0113: Of course I've written to him.

0114: You said you wanted a divorce.

0115: I said maybe we'd divorce one day.

0116: Anyone can change their mind

in six months.

0117: You know what you are?

0118: No ...

0119: but I'm sure you'll tell me.

0120: You're a rotten little whore.

0121: Mean and rotten.

0122: You think so?

0123: Yes, I do.

0124: A nasty little creature!

0125: When I look at you I could throw up.

0126: You'll be glad I'm leaving, then.

0127: I am!

0128: But it's almost too late.

0129: I wonder why you didn't

work the streets from the beginning.

0130: It was less strenuous with you, darling.

0131: Yes ...

0132: I see.

0133: My God, how mean you are.

0134: How can you deceive

someone like that ...

0135: when you know they love you?

0136: I didn't deceive you, Petra.

0137: Oh yes, you lied to me.

0138: You weren't straight with me.

0139: That's enough.

0140: I said I love you, Petra.

0141: That wasn't a lie.

0142: I love you ...

0143: in my own way.

0144: You must admit that.

0145: I'd have reacted quite differently

if you...

0146: How can anyone be so mean?

0147: You knew how I felt,

0148: what happened to me.

0149: That's not true.

0150: I didn't know what had "happened"

to you for a long time.

0151: At first, you behaved

as if it were just fun.

0152: I can't help loving you.

0153: I can't help it.

0154: I need you. I need you so much.

0155: I'd do anything for you.

0156: I want to exist only for you.

0157: You're all I have.

0158: I'm so alone without you,

0159: so very lonely.

0160: Lonely,

0161: without a whore?

0162: Forgive me, please!

0163: Try to understand

what's going on in me.

0164: Don't be so cruel!

0165: Get up! I'm in a hurry!

0166: Oh you rotten little rat!

0167: You'll pay for that.

0168: You won't forget that, ever.

0169: I don't know what I'm doing anymore.

0170: Please understand!

0171: Give me some money!

0172: For the plane and for Frankfurt.

0173: Freddy never has any money.

0174: Yes.

0175: I'm good enough for that.

0176: For paying.

0177: Oh my God!

0178: How much?

0179: Come on!

0180: - 500 -

0181: I'll give you 1000,

0182: so you won't be short.

0183: 500 are enough. Really.

0184: Take the thousand!

0185: What does it matter now?

0186: Marlene,

0187: drive her to the airport!

0188: I'm too drunk.

0189: You're really leaving me?

0190: Yes.

0191: No, this isn't von Kant!

0192: Yes?

0193: No...

0194: I hate you,

0195: I hate you, I hate you!

0196: If only I could die!

0197: Simply be gone!

0198: The pain! I can't bear it.

0199: I can't go on.

0200: Oh, God, what a bitch!

0201: The rotten little bitch!

0202: I'll show you one day!

0203: I'll make you suffer.

0204: You'll come crawling to me,

you little whore!

0205: You'll kiss my feet.

0206: I'm so screwed up.

0207: What did I do to deserve this?

0208: What did I do?

0209: I love you still.

0210: Don't be so cruel, Karin!

0211: Oh shit!

0212: I need you so much!

0213: Phone me, at least!

Phone me! Please!

0214: Just let me hear your voice!

0215: That's not asking too much.

Phone me!

0216: That doesn't cost you anything.

0217: No, the bitch wouldn't dream of it.

0218: She has it all worked out.

0219: She just lets me wait...

0220: It's so sordid!

0221: You nauseate me!
A dirty little slut!

0222: And I love you so much!

I'm crazy about you.

0223: If only you knew how it hurts!

0224: I hope you'll feel the same one day,

0225: feel all washed up.

0226: It'll look different then.

0227: You're so damned stupid!

0228: It could be so lovely,

just the two of us.

0229: You'll understand one day.

0230: But it'll be too late then.

0231: Much too late.

0232: I'll show you...!

0233: Happy birthday, Mom!

0234: Gaby!

0235: Isn't Grandma here yet?

0236: No.

0237: I've so much to tell you.

0238: Of course, my dear.

0239: Marlene, make tea for us!

0240: What a flight!

0241: It was so bumpy! I felt sick.

0242: Mom,

0243: it's ages since I saw you.

0244: Dearest Mom!

0245: Four months.

0246: Isn't Karin here?

0247: No.

0248: But she's coming later?

0249: I don't think so.

0250: Doesn't matter!

0251: I didn't like her particularly.

0252: - No? -
0253: Well, you know...

0254: She's rather...

0255: common, isn't she?

0256: No, she's not.

0257: It's not important.

0258: Mom,

0259: I'm so unhappy.

0260: Unhappy?
0001: #KANT - Akt 6
Probetitel

0002: No,

0003: I'm terribly happy, really.

0004: I don't know.

0005: It's all so difficult.

0006: What is, my dear?

0007: Mom ...

0008: I'm in love.

0009: You're...?

0010: How funny!

0011: You, in love!

0012: Your reaction is terrible.

0013: Terribly bourgeois!

0014: I'm sorry, my dear.

0015: You were always my little girl.

0016: I must get used to the fact

that you're growing up.

0017: Please do!

0018: Tell me about your boyfriend, Gaby!

0019: That's just it, Mom.

0020: He isn't my boyfriend yet.

0021: He doesn't even know I love him.

0022: He's so obstinate.

0023: For three weeks

I've been trying to flirt with him,

0024: but he just snubs me,

0025: behaves as if I didn't exist.

0026: It's so difficult.

0027: It'll work out, Gaby.

0028: Believe me!

0029: He's so handsome.

0030: You've no idea how handsome he is.

0031: He's very tall,

0032: slim,

0033: has long fair hair ...

0034: and looks a bit like Mick Jagger.

0035: How do you know?

0036: I'm not saying.

0037: You're so clever, Mom.

0038: You're the cleverest mother

in the world.

0039: Who was it?

0040: What's up?

0041: Don't cry!

0042: What's happened?

0043: Nothing, Gaby!

0044: Nothing's happened.

0045: Stop crying!

0046: There's nothing wrong at all!

0047: See to the cake and cream!

0048: Get the hell out of here ...

0049: and see to the cake!

0050: Or are you deaf?

0051: Get out!

0052: Why do you treat her so badly?

0053: She doesn't deserve any better ...

0054: and she likes it that way.

0055: She's happy like that, you see?

-No.

0056: You don't have to worry

about servants.

0057: I don't want to argue with you

on your birthday,

0058: but I want you to know

I don't share your opinion at all.

0059: That's OK.

0060: Children have a right

to develop their own ideas.

0061: Isn't that what they say today?

0062: I'll go!

0063: May I announce:

0064: Baroness Sidonie von Grasenabb!

0065: My dear!

0066: Happy birthday!

0067: With all my heart, Petra!

0068: Open it later!

0069: How's school, Gaby?

-Not bad, Aunt Sidonie.

0070: Satisfactory is satisfactory,

I always say.

0071: Marlene, another cup, quickly!

0072: I think Mom treats Marlene badly.

0073: I don't think you're old enough

to judge your mother's actions.

0074: OK, then I won't say anything.

0075: How are you, dearest?

0076: What should I say?

0077: I'm well.

0078: Nice, isn't it?

0079: Thanks.

0080: Tell me...

0081: I read about your success in Milan.

Congratulations!

0082: It's a pain in the butt.

0083: Stop laughing!

-Let her laugh!

0084: Laugh, then!

0085: I'm fed up with my work;

0086: designing things and fearing

they won't succeed.

0087: It's always the same, and for what?

0088: You have to live.

0089: You have to work to earn money.

And you need money to live.

0090: That's just it. Money's everything.

0091: The cake!

0092: She wants to annoy me.

0093: I don't think so.

0094: If only she would!

0095: Don't talk like that!

0096: Any news from Karin?

0097: From Karin?

0098: No ...

0099: and you?

0100: I know she's working for Pucci.

0101: Oh, for Pucci?

0102: She's very talented.

She'll go far, I'm sure.

0103: Talented?

0104: That's not talent.

0105: She just knows how to sell herself.

0106: Aren't you being unjust?

0107: Maybe you're too subjective.

0108: She's in Bremen today.

0109: She's...?

0110: You're really well informed.

0111: To tell the truth,

0112: Karin phoned me this morning.

0113: Otherwise I wouldn't have known.

-Did you...?

0114: Naturally I told her

it was your birthday.

0115: She said she'd try to drop in,

0116: but she wasn't sure.

She's terribly busy.

0117: She #is# terribly busy.

0118: Oh, yes...

0119: I know.

0120: You must get a grip of yourself, Petra.

0121: It's so easy to go downhill.

0122: I'll go!

0123: So sorry,
I just couldn't find a taxi!
0124: Happy birthday!

0125: Sidonie, you're looking younger

every day.

0126: Really, Auntie?

0127: That comes from being happy.

0128: The traffic in this town

will be the death of me.

0129: How's school Gabriele?

-So, so.

0130: Have you been quarreling?

0131: I was forbidden to talk.

0132: That's not true, Gaby.

0133: I was forbidden to have an opinion.

0134: Nobody forbade anything.

That's a lie.

0135: You forbade me to say anything.

0136: What a terrible child!

0137: Calm down, children!

0138: Let's be nice with each other!

0139: You make me sick, all of you!

0140: Well, really!

-Stay here, Sidonie!

0141: What's wrong, dear?

0142: You're all so false.

0143: Dishonest little rats!

0144: You have no idea.

0145: You revolting child!

I hate you. I hate you all!

0146: Don't touch me!

0147: If you only knew

how filthy you are!

0148: Cheers!

0149: A pack of parasites!

0150: What's the matter with her?

-Poor dear!

0151: I'm not poor!

I see you in a new light.

0152: And what I see

 makes me want to throw up.

0153: You'll smash the whole house!

0154: So what?

0155: Did you work for it?

0156: You've not done a stroke of work

all your life.

0157: First you let father keep you,

then me.

0158: Do you know what you are?

0159: A whore, Mother!

0160: A miserable little whore!

0161: What I've earned,

0162: I'll smash as long as I like.

0163: Do I make myself clear?

0164: I don't understand a thing.

0165: What have we done?

0166: It's all because of that girl.

0167: What girl?

0168: Karin.

0169: What about Karin?

0170: Everyone knows Petra is crazy

about Karin.

0171: Crazy?

0172: I'm not crazy.

0173: I love her ...

0174: as I've never loved anything before.

0175: You love her?

0176: You love a girl?

0177: Her little finger is worth more ...

0178: than all of you together.

0179: Mom, please!

0180: Get lost, you little horror!

0181: Marlene! Gin!

0182: Ten bottles of gin!

0183: My daughter loves a girl.

0184: How peculiar!

0185: A girl!

0186: My daughter!

0187: Karin!

0188: No, I can't stand it anymore!

0189: I'll smash everything! Everything!

0190: We must calm her down.

0191: You get a kick out of it.

0192: Enough to gossip about for a year.

0193: Shut your trap!

0194: I feel so sick.

0195: Oh God, O God!

0196: I'm going.

0197: I don't have to put up with this.

0198: Go then! Get lost!

0199: Do you think I'm worried about you?

0200: I never want to see you again.

Never again, do you hear?

0201: You'll pay for this, Petra.

0202: You'll live to regret it.

0203: I won't pay for anything.

0204: I've paid for enough.

0205: Anyone else leaving?

0206: The door's open.

0207: Beat it!

0208: Beat it! I've had enough of you.

0209: I've nothing left to give.

I'm all washed up.

0210: Gin, Marlene! Gin!

0211: Or are you leaving, too?

0212: What are you all crying about?

0213: You're all so happy.

0214: Everyone's happy.

0215: My child,

0216: my poor child!

0217: I want to die, Mother.

0218: I really want to die!

0219: There's nothing in the world

worth living for anymore.

0220: In death ...

0221: everything's quiet ...

0222: and lovely ...

0223: and peaceful, Mother.

0224: Everything's peaceful.

0225: I love you so much, Mother!

0226: You take some tablets,

0227: drop them in water,

0228: swallow them ...

0229: and sleep.

0230: It's so good to sleep.

0231: I haven't slept for so long.

0232: I want to sleep.

0233: A long, long sleep.

0234: Gaby's sleeping.

0235: I'll be my old self again, Mother.

0236: Where there's turmoil,

0237: human beings are so feeble.

0238: It's 35 years since you were born.

0239: Gaby has had a shock.

0240: Mother, I beg you...

0241: It's no reproach.

You should simply know.

0242: I visited Father's grave.

0243: Somebody laid flowers on it.

I don't know who.

0244: It's the second time.

0245: I was afraid ...

0246: you'd despise me because of Karin.

0247: I know.

0248: Maybe I do.

0249: It was raining 35 years ago.

0250: The rain was beating

on the window panes.

0251: I'm so afraid.

0252: I'm so alone.

0253: I often visit Father's grave.

Much more than I used to.

0254: And I go to church again.

0255: I didn't even enjoy my work ...

0256: these last six months.

0257: I had the feeling my head was

bursting with pain.

0258: You must have the courage

to believe.

0259: Everyone needs some kind of solace.

0260: And ...

0261: one is alone without God.

0262: That's no solace.

0263: You have to learn to love

without demanding.

0264: It's the same thing, believe me.

0265: I didn't love her.

0266: I just wanted to possess her.

0267: That's all over.

0268: I've learned my lesson ...

0269: and it was very painful.

0270: You must be good to Gaby.

0271: Children are so sensitive.

0272: I know.

0273: She cried awfully

before she fell asleep.

0274: Don't torture me, Mother!

0275: What good does it do?

0276: I have to speak my mind.

0277: Petra von Kant's residence.

0278: Who?
0279: Just a moment!

0280: Karin.

0281: Thank you!

0282: Yes, of course I minded.

0283: But that's all over.

0284: No, it's...

0285: It's late now and...

0286: No, I can't make it tomorrow.

0287: You're off to Paris?

0288: But we'll see each other sometime.

0289: Of course.

0290: All the best!

0291: You can go now, Mother.

0292: I've calmed down now.

0293: I've made peace with the world.

0294: I'll give you a call.

0295: I have to apologize to you

for many things, Marlene.

0296: In future,
we'll really work together.

0297: You'll have what you're entitled to:

0298: freedom and fun!

0299: Not like that!

0300: Tell me about yourself.

0301: Subtitles: Peter + Waltraut Green