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The Honour of the House (1999)
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Every time I think about your cherished sermon about the meek and the humble and those who are faithful over a few things, then I realise that the word of God means nothing to me. I often wondered how you could be such a hypocrite. Your Lord has forsaken my Rannveig. Don't always be the main attraction, my child. He is here for your sister not you. He is about to become part of the family. Doesn't she know that everybody is waiting. We have no idea what has happened to my sister. But anyway we have a most prestigious guest, who is also the most handsome man in the country. Please stand up. Have someone find Rannveig. Yes. I'll take him. He's fine here with me.. You should go home now. Thank you for your help. I am in no hurry. Rannveig you here! They are looking for you. The whole clan is waiting for you. Well my dear, I will soon come again. Yes. Goodbye. Where have you been? -I was helping with Andres's baby. One more brat to roam the village beaches! The woman flushes one out and is pregnant of the next. She has three children. You have two. Are you comparing me to this riffraff? No, I only said. -I heard what you said. It was very insulting. I don't understand you. Why must you mix with these people. Why disgrace us? Disgrace? Don't you have any sense? That fine man fancies you. He is without doubt an excellent man, but I do not intend to marry, but to seek employment. Employment? What do you mean? I have no longing to become an idle lady of the house. I am going to master my handicraft. I detest feeling useless.. With a cup of coffee abbering about nothing. You are a member of a prestigious family! One might think you are some sort of beggar. Work for a living? What do you think people will say? I doubt they will say anything. This is not a day off. They are strictly on Sundays! In you case everyday is a day off. Except when you are counting your money. Must you go back to Reykjavik so soon? Please stay, at least for a week more. I'm sorry, your sister shows no interest in me. For her I am nothing just like this dog. I just don't exist. Thank you for your time spent.. Watch the loops, they are too big. - This is going fine. - Thank you. He has left! Do you think you were polite? This was the fourth suitor who has come in vain. No mother. The fifth one! Why not go to Reykjavik and have a look around? There are men of great esteem on every corner. No father, I do not want to. I am very content. Here I know everything and everyone. Now I'm so tired that I shall retire. Good night. Good night and may God be with you, my child. This is the third summer we've invited highly educated men of esteem for boating and horserides. We have opened our hearts and entertained them. God knows we have tried. What else can we do? They're just not the right men for her. The right men? What about that doctor Gudmundsson? Or that intelligent theologian Stefnsson? He was here last year and was infatuated with her. If those are not the right men, then who are? They were nothing but worthless scoundrels. If she will not consider a future priest, then who on earth is it that she wants? Telling me she is going to work for a living! I doubt there are many young ladies in the country, who are as gifted as she is. In what way? -She weaves, knits all sorts of things. Then she can do all this needlework, such as, the button stitch, running stitch, feather stitch, petal stitch, petite point, the Venetian stitch... Over thirty years old and still no husband! We have no alternatives. She must seek education abroad. It is the only thing fitting for a girl in her position. Consider the demands made nowadays. Of course! I can write to my friend Sren in Copenhagen... No, the Kristensens will take care of her. Then Viggo and his wife can show her around the city. Viggo is a famous actor and has no time for her! I shall write the Kristensen's a letter. They will provide her with room and board. They are our best friends and you were happy there. Of course, I was, I learned a great deal. Times have changed. I would never send her. My decision is final. She sails with the autumn ship. Well I did it. I stayed up most of the night. Just look at it! -What a gifted girl you are. I know the Danes will appreciate it. Let me see. What a perfect piece of handicraft! It's a gift for Mrs. Kristensen, for her kindness. Are you looking forward to going? I don't know. Father says the handicrafts school is the best. What is ready should be brought Mamma's house. Put your initials on them. Come and see what we have packet for you. Here are all Icelandic poems in an ornamented edition. This is " Lad and Lass" a play which will interest Viggo. And here are all the Icelandic sagas... Here are several novels by famous Nordic authors. I'll put them here. Yes, and the Psalm book. Please. These pictures, you can hang them up in your room. Look at that one, you should hang it above your bed. It is a beauty which will brighten up your room. I brought a cloth for you. Thank you very much. How nice! Take these gloves as a good-bye present. My dear. Thank you. How sweet of you. Hans! How could I forget to say good-bye to you. How thoughtless of me! It doesn't matter. I want to ask you to buy me some sabadilla sid abroad. Sabadilla ...what? Sabadilla seed. Sabadilla seed, yes, the delousing medicine. No, I will pay... I don't want no charity, I'm not that kind of man. No, here, take the money. We will have to settle up when I come home again. Good-bye Hans, and God bless you. As I told you, their son Viggo is a very nice man. Give him this book from me. I never met his wife since he bachelor when I was there. Write me in detail about the young couple. Tell him also we are fine here. Send me a picture of his wife... but just between two of us. Have a good trip! Give my regards to the King! I'll write. If you meet aunt Valborg, give her my regards. Take care of yourself. Well, then she has left. She should never have gone. Thurd was once right. She knew her sister would meet her fate in Copenhagen. When I settled down here as a young woman this country. I had no idea what adversity was, nor did Rannveig, when she left her home. Good day Miss Rannveig and welcome to Copenhagen. My parents send their regards. Come in. I am Aliette Kristensen and this is Adolf Kristensen. Grandmother told us to drop in on you. We're Viggo and Klara Kristensen's children. Where are your parents? Mother is away, but father is downstairs. They are always quarrelling and my father is drunk. You have a lot of fine dresses, why do you have... Here now, come children, stop disturbing Rannveig. Mrs. Kristensen, I have a present for you. For me? This I embroidered myself. Well. Thank you very much. Grandmother. Come downstairs. Mrs. Kristensen is so motherly, but strict. I know you would like to hear about her actor son. I know nothing about him, because I hardly know him. I gave him your present. I'm not sure he is exactly happy in his marriage. Do we have to order something I am tired. Please, mother, only one nightcap. Then just a cup of coffee for me. One coffee, sherry for our Icelandic lace maker and... And the usual for you Mr. Kristensen. People play solo back home, not in groups like here. So you dislike the music? This music is unbelievable. It turns you on somehow. My Danish is a bit poor, but when we got home Viggo spoke to me. He talked very friendly about you. She was the queen of the ball with a superb figure.. Pure Heaven! Now I am married to a woman who doesn't understand me. Doesn't understand this acting... I wish I could become her friend and help you out. You smell so nice, maybe you dance so nice too. It is quite easy. First one to the right then left. Will you please go to sleep! You keep the whole household awake. And you should rather visit museums and palaces. Instead of flirting with married men. If you are going to stay at my house you have to behave. He even told me that he had been fond of you. I had to come. I was constantly thinking about the paintings you showed me. I could not sleep. Take this directly to the shed and unload the cart. And try to straighten your back. Letter from Rannveig? Yes, eleven letters from her and one for the children. Let me see. -First me. They are addressed to me. This an entire book. She must write one a day. As promised. Take these first ten to mother. But, what does she have so much to write about? Whatever happens to her. Everything seems so distant. As I'm awaiting something. But never comes. I don't understand myself. I've grown so restless - inside myself... Is something wrong? Since I came here I don't understand myself. Why does Viggo keep his wife away for so long? I think he is unhappy. I try to cheer him up and talk about his wife. He is very nice as you said, but I pity him. I will post this tomorrow. Take care.. Bastard. Don't you touch her. Is something going on with your sister? No, I just got this headache.. Now I'll ask the young lady for another dance. In the middle of the night? Night? I just came home. Everyone is out dancing. No, Viggo, heavens no, I can not. Your sister was easier. What do you think your wife would say? My loving wife is away, but we dance, come on... Now there must be fourteen letters, if not more. No, nothing for you madam. I'm sorry. But for me? A thin one from your daughter. Thank you. I shall read it, mamma, I shall. No, it is addressed to me. Dearest mother and father. Have started school. Doing fine. Have little time for anything but my handicrafts. No time to write. Regards... What nerve! This is not a letter! Yes, it is strange. She promised to write all about his wife. His wife? I wouldn't worry about her. I think she should come home now. Home? Why? Forgive me for having my own ideas about things. I trust Rannveig, my daughter. Then why doesn't she write? I always wrote. I never believed what you wrote in your letters. Good-bye Miss. Rannveig. Good-bye and thank you. Can I have more raisins? On Sundays we always speak Danish. Do you care for more raisins? Yes, please. Now Christmas is coming and we have to start preparation. Rannveig is not home. Who will help us make candles? Yes, mamma you don't know how to make candles. Any news from Rannveig? I'm sorry. Not a word. Nothing at all. - I have to lie down. - Me too. Copenhagen is a disgraceful sewer. Filled with unexpected temptations, for a single, foreign girl. Why didn't you tell us before she left? Please, it is not so bad. Often when I was out, men would offer to escort me. Men who snare innocent girls into prostitution. My God! Once I accepted a ride because the weather was bad. It was a miracle that I managed to escape. Why didn't you write us about that? Out of consideration for you two. I did not want to frighten you. If we don't hear a word by Christmas. Then we just will not celebrate any Christmas. Mamma and I will just be bedridden till spring. Shall we not, mamma? With your silence you have caused your mother such sorrow, comma, will put her in her grave, dot. Tell us the truth or you will kill our mother. No just write what I'm saying. God forgive you child, comma, dash, for keeping us in this uncertainty, dot. Do you want to come home or are you sick, dot, no, question mark? I'm not sick I feel fine, busy with schoolwork. Have moved from the Kristensens to a better room. You're so absentminded. What's the matter with you? I hope you all have a fine new year. No description of the new lodgings. No mention of anything, either good or bad. In other words: Nothing whatsoever. There is a rumor that she doesn't write. What are we to tell people? We have to spread it around that she is ill. We did that after the new year. Just say that she had a relapse and is in hospital. I hope she is not in trouble. I just hope... You can't just lie in bed. Bjrn! You have to go and find out what is happening. What do you mean? It is the middle of winter! And very dangerous weather for travelling. So, what. You still have to go. Be faithful over a few things. And behold the lord exults them. At last I'll ask the parish to pray for Rannveig, whom you all know and is ill now on foreign soil, or in The Royal Copenhagen. Our father who art in... And with God's help, when I return in spring. Then I'll bring you a toy train and jewellery-box. What is train? A train is a very safe vehicle for people, used abroad for safe travel. Yes. Well my darlings, good bye. Rannveig is back! I saw her! I saw her! Rannveig is back! Is Rannveig back? Rannveig is back. What a relief. Thank God. Thank God, is that all you can say. Typical. You seem not to worry about the honour of the house. This is a woeful disgrace for the entire family. There, there, just as you will, just as you say. But as being a disgrace for the family is too.. What is disgrace if not this? Arriving without notice. What do you think people will say? Go into your study and think about something else. I and mother shall take care of everything. All right then. Open the door! Here is the coffee. Come in. Good evening. I know it is late, but I was curious to hear some news about Rannveig. What time is it? It is nearly five in the morning. Perhaps you would like to have a sip of cognac. No thank you. Please go and don't disturb the women. I'm sorry. Very sorry. Be quick. Good-bye, good-bye. What kind of noise is it? It sounds like Rannveig. Has the poor child travelled over the ocean, just to cry? Yes, and in this weather! It is horrible. Get to bed, Bjrn! Can't you see that I am trying to take my shoes off. But it's not so easy when the laces are all in knots. It reeks of booze here, as usual. It would have served you right to be out at sea. Just like you. Just thinking of nothing but yourself. All you do is thank God that you are on dry land. Yes my darling and you are also on dry land. You are apparently not interested in our affairs. No my darling, I wouldn't dare. You know yourself Thurd. As God is my witness. I am ready to cross any ocean and sacrifice my life a thousand times over in any damned storm, all for the Honour of the House. I had expected my own death, before I thought my sister would be engaged. Engaged? And who is the fortunate husband to be? Yes, who is it? Who's the lucky one? Well, it's a long story. And judging by her expression she is secretive. But surely I may reveal his name, may I? Yes, you know you can say whatever you want to. Mother, you tell his name. His name is Professor Bgelund. Professor Bgelund? May I offer my congratulations. He plans to defend his thesis at the University. My, that's quite something isn't it? He is determined to come here immediately afterwards. Because he is so fond of Iceland. Yes. Bless his soul. Yes. He wants to have the wedding here. So Rannveig had to come home right away to prepare. Of course. There is little more than two months to the event. The whole episode is unbelievable... Rannveig hasn't visited us since she came. Maybe she's still sick. Not any more sick than you are, she is just pregnant. She's never been sick. It was a joke, the praying... Shame on you, someone might over hear your gibberish. Stop that nonsense. You know nothing! You should learn to keep your blabbermouth shut. We have to start sending out the invitations. We'll need two messengers, one will take the boat and the other will go by horse around the district. Nothing less than a 400 pound bull will do. And plenty of eggs. Yes my dear, nothing less than a thousand eggs. Yes, there will be plenty of eggs. Make sure to reserve all the cream in the whole district. Here are the bagels. Thank you. -This is for the nut cookies, the poppy seed go in this one and the sponge cake is best kept in here. Mind the lamp. I found two hymnbooks printed in 1620, and here is an embossed edition of Ivanhoe. Are you trying to kill my father? I beg your pardon. By Walter Scott. Hans, stop. Someone will take charge of these things. What is going on! Please take care! Don't paint the back. The front side is enough. Why? It doesn't matter, its only for show. Message for Bjrn. The wine has arrived. The wine's is here, get Bjrn! The wine has arrived! Has the wine arrived? Bjrn! Well, three casks of French red wine, six cases of genuine Cognac. What do you think about that one? And another six of Danish aquavit. This is superb. You bring it inside, boys. Please pretend to show some interest. This is all being done for you. All the women are waiting for us. The wedding wine has arrived. We are going down to look it over. All of us. Did you bring the sabadilla seed? I completely forgot about you. How could I? I'm so terribly sorry. What's wrong, dear? Did he upset you? Why are you so sad? She's out of her mind. It is not me which is out of mind. It is you. Tomorrow we will have a clean slate. Remember that. Do you see Mr. Bgelund? Yes he is there! Where? There! No this is Jon. She's moving into her sister's house as soon as they're wed. I've seen the room. It sure is lovely. Really, is it that fine? I think the Dane will appreciate a room like that. I can't see a new face. That's true, me don't either. I told you, pay up. Wait! -You owe me a bottle? Wait! He is dead. The groom died just before the ship sailed. No, no. He is dead, mother. Bring a bottle of port so that we can toast the day. You have had a busy day. But it was worth while. And you did well. Salute. For the honour of the House and the family. Mamma! Vigga! Is somebody downstairs? I'm here dear. Something is happening. Let me feel. The child is merely turning. I was so afraid! Hello. Is he there. How sweet he is. Yes he is lovely. Doesn't he sleep well? Yes he does. Has he begun to cut teeth? Not yet. Well I'm going to talk to Bjrn in his office. Good-bye. Hello Andres. How are you? How and how not. I have four kids now. I can't find enough work here to support my family. So where do you plan to go? To America. Could you arrange a loan from your father. I am not sure. Or through Bjrn? I've broke my back for them, since I was a child. And I will repay every cent. I can mention it. Thank you. Good-bye. Mamma, come with us to Rannveig. We are going to teach him to play. He is so small and his hands are so tiny - come with us! Girls, please close the door. I don't want a draft. Do you think he is ugly? Do what I say! So here you are. I met your sister on the way. She was out stolling with her son. Must she drag her little brat all over town. Come on. She may be proud of her boy. Good news. My sister is to be married next month. They want your father to perform the service. Look, we are all invited. Is something wrong? Not at all. I would not dream of leaving him for three days. No please, come with us. Do it for me. I can not let him out of my sight for a second. I know what it is to be a mother. It will do you good. A couple of days of rest will revive your spirits. Do you honestly think so? May God be with you. What's wrong my dear? I have such a headache. My head is about to split. You should go on. Please. I can't go. My God the pain. I think am about to faint. It is the monthly. Well, did you ask them? Not yet. All aboard! You too Rannveig! He says that he can repay the fare to America. Carpenters get better wages there... I am not going to gamble a fortune for his emigration. Charity has its own limits. Andres is fine where he is... how Thurd completely dominated her sisters life. Fighting for her reputation! This day, when everybody was so happy... I have got to hurry home and breast-feed him. Yes, do hurry.. It was a smashing wedding and your speech was sincere. Thank you very much. Where is he? Thurd! Mamma went to Copenhagen, with your son. His grandmother in Copenhagen longed for him. Yes she asked for him. What are you trying to say children? We received a message from the late groom's mother. She was in deep sorrow over the loss of her only son. Her wish was to have her grandson at her side. And Thurd asked me to tell you... What nonsense is this? Welcome. His father is Danish, but he doesn't want him. The mother is my sister and she can't have him either. I have no time. I will pay a thousand crowns. Then I never want to hear from this institute. Please. If only for your father. Rannveig you must eat. If not you will die.. She's hasn't spoken for days. This dose will help you sleep. Don't, please don't Rannveig! Don't, don't do it! Hans, did you hurt yourself? How a day of joy could turn into a gloomy day. I'm not surprised she hid herself from her sister. She let time heal her wounds, as ruins grow over. One has to have a unique temperament to forgive. Enjoy your meal. You might like these magazines. I was only trying to be nice and bring her something. You both know that what I did was for her own good. Jesus, the burdens that I have to carry! Please stop weeping. It is so boring to listen to it. You should've gotten me that loan back then. Now I have six of them. Six little buggers. It would've been easier to repay six passages, but now it's going to eight! We are all going to die here, thanks to God, your father, and your brother-in-law. I feel sorry for you. I really do. I wish I could start from scratch. Yes. The same idea has crossed my mind. We only live once. How are you and what brings you up and about? For how long are you going to keep this up? You refuse to greet me in the middle of the street. Is that you? Should we? Come with me. You are right, we only live once. Horrible. How can he feed all those mouths? You have had enough to drink. Go home! Isn't there anyone to help these people out? Andres? Well he is skilled with his hands and has... I want go move to Reykjavk. Dear Rannveig... And do what? What are you going to do in Reykjavik? I want to set up a handicrafts school. After all, that is what I do best and have to offer. Oh no, Rannveig dear, don't leave us again... You are asked to come to a family meeting. Have a nice trip! You will hear from master builder Andersen in Winnipeg. Good-bye everybody and may God be with you. All gossip about Andreas and Rannveig will stop. We have asked Gsli Gslason to help us out. He will assume responsibility of the child. You are so big-bellied. We have no other choice. This is not ideal, but he is a promising young man and more civilised than other fishermen in the village. Ask Gsli to come downstairs. You move into Bjrn's office to begin with. He is going to move out his things. Gsli, please come in. Bjrn you've got the rings. Come in. What can I do for you, my child? We need to talk. You will have to come later. I am busy. I have to speak to you. Since you control this God forsaken place. Both the church and our livelihood. My daughter's getting married on Saturday. I'm in the middle of the wedding speech. As the deacon can see I'm nearly due. Yes, what can I do about that? I assume someone else is more responsible? Responsible? I'll be damned if someone isn't. Who's the father then? Who else than that Gsli? What Gsli? That damn Gsli who sometimes works for you. And now I've been kicked out my shack. Where am I supposed to have the kid? Out in the field with the sheep? Shall I start grazing? You daughter is pregnant, But not by Gsli! You taught me Christianity. It's not Christian to steal that damned bum from me? I don't even have a bed nor anyone I can turn to. But the Deacon's daughter has got the Deacon's house. And the People on top of that. Stop that whining, and listen to me. I'll give you one thousand crowns. More money than you have ever seen in your live. Then I'll find you a place to stay in Reykjavik. I don't want your bloody money. I want my Gsli. I can prove that Andres is the father. I'm going to tell it to everyone. On the authority of Almighty God I hereby declare you man and wife. Amen. You may kiss the bride. Congratulations! What is more scandalous to have a child out of wedlock or to marry and idiot. And it was done with your blessing. But has it helped her? She is to be named Katrn. Katrn Hans-daughter. She's so sickly looking. No she is so beautiful. - I can't sleep. - Please.. Nothing can erase the shame Rannveig's brought upon us. What do you mean? To disgrace us by becoming pregnant again. Please... It is not the end of the world. And marry this idiot on top of everything. We are the laughing-stocks of the village. She chose him herself. I am forty years old and my sister is destroying me. And what do you intend to do? I want a fence put up between the houses. A high enough fence. It is such a disgrace, That I shall never speak to her again. Everyone thinks it's Hans'child. Go to sleep. Why all this anxiety all the time? This whole matter is taking a dear toll on my health. I have to go to Copenhagen and recuperate! Copenhagen! You are a married woman and mother. Are you going to leave us to bed down in Copenhagen! With whom, by the way? Good-buy darlings, and behave! Good-bye. And have a good trip. Mamma will return soon. My little cuddly delicacy. And why could Rannveig not have her baby in peace. All children are welcome in Iceland, and most of them are born outside of wedlock. God only knows what Thurd is doing now in Copenhagen. Thank you for tonight. Goodbye. Congratulation with the performance. Thurd, what a surprise! You were outstanding. No the performance was so so. You were so outstanding on the scene! Now what is new in Iceland? How's your little sister? What if I were to invite you to dinner in my hotel? Right now? Yes, it's all been arranged... Good-day. What are you doing in this storm? Is father not with you? No, he was feeble this morning and is in bed. I'll join you home. Bjrn must be ill. The children had not been fed. I gave them our leftovers. Where are you coming from? From old Gunna's. She has pneumonia. I put a hot poultice on her. A letter came from your sister today. And? Is everything all right? She's gradually improving. She went to the Kristensen's for a visit and met Viggo. Thurd is of course under constant medical attention. Are you leaving? My wife and children are probably worried. You told me last night your wife doesn't understand you. There were too many drinks last night. We are still married. Good- bye and thank you. You told me something else last night. I haven't told you all. My sister Rannveig... Thurd! I'm sorry! My Goodness. Hans, you must fetch the doctor for Katrn. What... now? Go away. Get the hell away! Who is it? Hans. What do you want? The doctor. What is wrong? Katrin is sick. He is not here. Where is he? He is on housecall to the Deacons House. The deacon is weak. Get Rannveig. She can help you. When Thurd arrives she has been away for eleven months. I don't believe her sickness. And her House is like a ship without a keel. I can no longer deal with these things. Was it Viggo all the time? Katrn is sick! Where is the doctor? He has gone. Is he dead? Find the doctor for Katrn. Welcome home mother. At last you are at home. My Darlings. Good-day Bjrn. My dear mother. Did he die peacefully? Yes. My condolence, Thurd. Welcome home. Gudny! Helga! Girls! Where is everybody? Does nobody hear me? Yes you called. Where is everybody? Has everyone deserted? I don't know. Send for the doctor and for Bjrn as well. The doctor is with Katrn, who is very sick. Shall I send for the midwife? How ill is she? Seriously ill. The whole village is praying for her. I didn't know the baby was so sick. You have to find a proper doctor for her. We have to go to Reykjavik and find a decent doctor. Get out, Thurid. There are two of them! Yes. A boy and a girl. His name is going to be Adolf and hers Edit. Edit? Why that? Whose children are they? You are my husband, aren't you? I have sent the children to my sister in the north. To your sister? Why? I am also leaving? Why? I'm not going to live on a knife's edge maintaining the honour of this house. It's all yours. I have had my gear brought to the store. I will stay in the room above, until I have concluded my businesses here. Bjrn... Fine weather! Would you like a cup of coffee? No thank you, - we do not think so. Good-bye, Thurid. I am on my way to Reykjavk. Please Bjrn don't go. Why is everybody so rude. You have to find that out yourself. You would be nothing without us. Look at your business and this house... And yourself, who is phrasing the Honour of the House. How is little Katrn Hansdaughter? She's dead. Hello, you there! Pull down this wall. Are you talking to us? Demolish this fence! My dear Rannveig. Forgive me. |
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