Anne
Raymond
Cécile
Otto Preminger film
I’ll see them at the show.
Let’s give ourselves a little time.
Yes. In going some place else.
I don’t know.
Yes. Alone.
There. We’re engaged.
Alright.
Then we’re engaged.
It’s going to be a small wedding, but you may come.
Yes.
I don’t know.
I’ll be...ready in 3 seconds.
No thanks darling it’s all done.
Are we calling for Yvette?
Model?
Usual trinket?
I’ll see it later. On Denise.
I love your dress.
I’m fine.
I’d love one.
I’d love to go. Thank you Jacques.
He’s very charming. How’s Denise?
Yes, wonderful.
The luck runs both ways sir.
Good morning Albertine. My coffee
please.
So you are. Good morning Leontine. Is she very ill?
I know how it is.
Albertine has the sunstroke, this is her sister Leontine.
They lack imagination down here.
Good morning Raymond.
I never do, and you always do. It’s
repulsively unfair.
How’s Elsa?
Hold that vitality!
Twice more!
Three times is good luck.
Of course.
If you really want it to work, you should do it seven times.
Wait. Let’s smell the day.
Good morning Raymond.
I’m up now.
Two letters for you. One’s from your office.
Doesn’t say who this one’s from.
But you’re tempting the devil.
Looking in the mirror before noon.
It has nothing to do with the way you look. You always look wonderful. It’s bad luck that’s all.
It just is, that’s all. You’ll see.
How do you feel?
Good morning Elsa.
Pretty I think.
I thought we were friends.
I can’t stand that moaning.
To sleep in the sea.
You be careful. She is sunburnt.
None left. You’ll have to go in
yourself.
Marvellous Raymond, it’s like swimming in cool velvet.
Cool silk then. Do you know where I’d like to be right this minute?
You’re exactly right.
Hey, look, the lobster lady approaches.
She is.
It’s easy. She’s fun, and she’s unpretentious. I’m so glad you scuttled Yvonne-Marie before summer.
If you’d met her in April instead of November you would have.
I mixed three of those lotions together in one jar Elsa.
I don’t gaurantee they’ll stop you from peeling.
Seriously?
Neither.
You still haven’t opened your letter Raymond.
You alright?
My, but you’re polite.
Need some help?
Sure, I’ll help.
Vacation from what?
Do you really mean to be a lawyer?
Well, one has to do something until one reaches a certain age.
Oh, I’m preparing.
By learning how to have a good time.
You’re a terribly serious person,
aren’t you?
How marvellous.
I don’t know any serious people.
That’s my father there, with a friend. Of ours.
You do? How? Oh, you’ve seen us at the casino?
No, you’re too serious to go there. In the village?
Then you’ve heard about us, that’s it isn’t it? You heard about those wicked people from Paris.
You heard and you were intrigued. You’re corruptible.
I didn’t mean to embarrass you.
Or shock you.
I’d love it, but I don’t know how to sail.
I should think you could do with a lesson yourself.
Come on.
Don’t you want to meet the wicked people from Paris?
I’m listening to the crickets.
I read they make that noise by rubbing their legs together.
Coming here? When?
She was my mother’s best friend.
Raymond.
May I ask a question?
What made you invite Anne down here?
I do. Very much. But we hardly ever see her anymore.
Occasionally. And at large parties.
Oh.
I know you and the invitations you hand out at cocktail parties.
You’re awful. How did you happen to ask her anyway?
I should think the last thing Anne would want would be to spend her vacation with us. How did you get her to accept?
Everyone but Anne.
And I can hear it all. ’You know Anne, Cecile is no longer a child. She’s a young girl now. I try to be both parents to her, but she needs the help of a woman Anne, and the women I know...’
Raymond. Did you tell her about Elsa?
Oh Raymond.
Raymond? Which room is Anne going to have?
No, I’ll sleep there.
It’s surprising for you to worry about appearances.
You’re impossible and so is the situation.
You know I’ll help you.
You’re such a fake.
I don’t want it to stop. Ever.
They’re back.
Anne. Welcome.
Really welcome.
Terrace first. So you can see the view.
How did your new collection go?
Did you like it? I mean, the place?
I’ll fetch your things.
Nothing. Why?
There’s nothing Anne.
Oh he’s spreading it, with flowers, only he’s spreading it at the station.
You wired?
In one of his pockets. Unopened. Albertine! I mean, Leontine. Slight maid problem. Some weird sisters rotate working for us.
Every week one or the other is stricken with some sudden odd malady. Maybe it’s us.
Oh, Leontine...
Oh. well, Claudine, did a telegram come today?
We can go this way.
It serves him right.
What?
Raymond picked the flowers himself.And cut them himself. And even arranged them himself. Isn’t he sweet?
Why surprised?
Oh, that was in Paris and in Paris I was worn out from studying.
Flunked.
Flunked.
Oh Anne.
During vacation?
Why? Raymond never got a diploma.
Well, if it’s all gone, I’m sure there’ll always be a man to take good care of me. And you don’t need a diploma for that.
I’m sorry. The dress is marvellous. It’s really marvellous Anne.
No. The style is too. Everything you design is perfect, everyone says so.
I’m not a child. Anne, you’re not going to make me study are you?
Well, you could.
Oh that’s Raymond’s.
I offered to move out of my room, but he wouldn’t have it.
Oh, there are three.
Yes. This one and two upstairs. Mine and Elsa’s. Elsa Mackenbourg. I think you met her. Not too bright, but a lot of fun.
He sleeps at the bathhouse down at the beach.
No.
Yes Raymond.
She’s here. She drove.
In her room.
I wouldn’t disturb her now.
Yes.
Very.
Breakage.
No, she’s too sophisticated.
Couldn’t care less.
So I know.
Never mind that now, I thought she said...
Said she was leaving. She started packing.
I haven’t a clue.
Oh, as long as you’re staying.
She’ll be gone in two days.
How can you be so sure?
Oh, you want her to stay.
Anne! Anne! We thought you deserted us.
Where’s Elsa?
Pierre Shube? Eurghh.
Come on Philippe.
If you can teach me to sail, I can teach you to wiggle.
Wiggle. Wiggle. Briliiant!
Whose?
Yes.
Good night.
Goodnight darling.
Anne never skied before this Summer.
Elsa, they’ve known each other 15 years.
Anne could never be seriously interested in a man like Raymond.
Look.
Bravo!
I don’t know. There isn’t a 3 or 7 in today’s date.
Who, Elsa?
Dancing, probably.
You may be drunk but you’re right.
Do you always have such a good time?
Drink your champagne Elsa.
Stay with Elsa. I’ll look. Anne isn’t used to so much champagne, she probably needed air.
Anne wasn’t feeling well. My father had to take her home.
Yes. How about a drink?
She was awfully sick, Elsa. She ruined that beautiful dress.
We can still be happy Elsa.
Elsa, be reasonable.
I’ll see you Elsa.
Poor Elsa. I feel as though I were losing a good friend.
What?
Philippe, you’ll be a credit to your mother yet.
Good morning Albertine.
Holy Buddha! You are Albertine!
A whole cap.
It works.
Good morning Raymond.
Good morning Anne.
You both look so mysterious. As if you had a secret.
If it’s about Elsa, she’s in a hotel. Some South American was taking care of her.
What then?
Oh. Well, it’s a good idea. It’s a very good idea.
Of course I am.
May I have both?
Yes.
No, it’s just hard for me to smile too much with this head.
Yes.
Not ridiculous at all.
A little.
Oh, I…
I have to kind of push everything around to think of Raymond married.
No, I mean I didn’t think he wanted to. But if he does, I do. If he’s glad, I’m glad.
Of me? Why?
I was. Until just this minute.
I won’t.
Yes.
Yes.
What possible difference could a change in Raymond mean to you?
But Raymond is happy with Anne. It’s different than it was with Elsa, or with...he loves Anne. And he does want the kind of life she wants. You’ve seen them, you know.
Anne is different too. She looks softer. She moves easier. In the morning she seems...
As though she had the most wonderful secret in the world. I wish I walked the way she walks now. I wish I had the look she has.
I wish...
I don’t care.
We were only kissing Anne. That won’t end up in any hospital.
What if I say I love him?
But I enjoy Phillipe and I want to see him.
Are you ruining yours?
Seventeen now isn’t what it was when you were 17. I’m not a child Anne, and I won’t be treated like one.
My father tells me what to do, not you.
I suppose she told you.
You know what I mean.
Stop joking. I’m sorry. We were only kissing and Anne thought...
We have a great deal to do. We play tennis, go sailing, swimming and skin-diving. Healthy things.
You do?
I couldn’t care less and neither could you.
Yes. Very hard.
Are you siding with her or with me?
Isn’t it? I want to see Philippe and I don’t want to be cooped up studying. Anne wants me to study and not see Philippe. Which shall it be?
That’s not an answer.
She’s prim and prissy and prude. And a know-it-all and I hate her.
She’s changed him. She’ll change me. She’ll change everything. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. No, it isn’t her fault he doesn’t
love you anymore. It’s yours.You’re spoilt and wilful and arrogant and lazy. A mean
little monster.
I’ll be with you in a moment Jacques.
I’m not angry.
I don’t really know. You go to a place, you leave a place.
Who is?
Where do you live Hubert?
You know where I live? Limbo. With my father.
You know better than that.
Well, I’m a very peculiar girl.
Yes Raymond, I’m your girl.
Yes, we have great fun.
Come in Albertine.
Elsa! What’s happened to you?
Absolutely. And a new dress?
From your gambling money?
I thought you had that birthday three months ago.
I packed everything myself.
Miserable.
Well he is, but he doesn’t know it. Yet. She doesn’t give him a chance to know it. She’s very clever Elsa.
You don’t know how clever. She’s got him to agree to marry her.
Yes.
How can you say such a thing?
You walked out.
Elsa, you had me and Philippe.
And Pablo.
Elsa, it’s fate.
Listen I mean it’s fate that you walked in here when you did. I was just thinking about you.
I was thinking how Raymond still loves you.
Deep down he still loves you and you know it.
It’s the idea of marriage that appeals to him not Anne.
You know how he always wants to try something new.
Yes, but so long ago he’s forgotten he didn’t like it. and if he marries again he’s ruined.
I know. I wish you wanted to help.
Where are you going?
Must you?
Do you want to?
That’s what she is. Scheming. Ask Philippe’s mother if you can stay with her.
Say you don’t have a place to stay.
I have an idea. It isn’t completely worked out yet and there isn’t time to explain.
Do you want Raymond back?
Then hurry to Philippe’s. Do you have a car?
You drive and I’ll walk through the woods and meet you there.
I don’t want them to see us together. Besides, I have to work out my plan. That means concentration, and that means being
alone. Now, hurry. Go the back way.
What now?
For a walk in the woods.
No thankyou.
I have to concentrate. I’m working out a problem. In philosophy.
Not Pascal. He’s very demanding and you want me to meet his demands don’t you?
Not this one.
Did Elsa come?
It’s an epidemic.
You’re only a boy.
Where’s Elsa? Did your mother...
I heard you the first time.
I didn’t answer because Anne would answer for me and her answer would be no.
Philippe, that’s exactly why I sent Elsa down here.
I don’t quite get the connection, but yes I do. Now where’s Elsa?
Why?
Why the change?
So much imagination you mean.
Where can we talk?
You talk about wanting to marry me.
Would Anne let me marry you?
The plan concerns getting rid of Anne and Anne concerns us.
Will you two be still? Now, the basic idea is wildly simple. The details may take a bit of working out. Is that your room?
You two must pretend to be madly in love with each other and we have to arrange that my father sees you together. And often.
You wait, and let me explain.
Krishnimara, aid me. Concentration is the secret. Exhale deeply. Exhale from the mind. Exhale from the soul. Now then, suppose I tell Elsa. No, suppose I tell Philippe.
Go away Albertine.
Yoga. Hindu philosophy.
And you never will!
You mean I’m not to blame for behaving like Raymond?
I think they’re very amusing. At least they always make me laugh.
At least they’re having a good time now.
I have another moral Anne. If you can’t accept people as they are, give them up. Don’t try to change them. Besides, it’s usually too late.
On which side?
Little Cecile feels like having a great big drink.
Her nephew.
I prefer to rise above it.
And he’s such a good driver.
Those days are over.
Your days with the Lombards are over too.
I meant socially. Anne doesn’t like them.
No she won’t. You know Anne.
I do.
Well, mother-in-law will just marry earlier. That will solve all the problems.
I exaggerate, and you know it. But the truth is, Anne’s way of living is better than ours, and I have to face it.
It has depth and stability and
wholesomeness.
It’s the good life.
We’ve never been bored.
I just came out and you couldn’t get in.
Alright, but if you want to make her completely happy...
Then you have to give up our old life completely.
Don’t. Come on.
Raymond.
You threw her out.
You behaved abominably to her and you know it.
I don’t love him anymore.
What is the point?
I found him attractive.
You couldn’t.
What’s the sudden enchantment with these woods?
Elsa. What are you done up as?
Stop shushing, honestly, you’re behaving like an amateur spy. You could have telephoned instead of sending this.
’All’s well. Come’ What does it mean?
I’m sure.
Meet him where?
He meant Philippe, not me.
Elsa, where are you supposed to meet him?
Oh then don’t.
Meet him, don’t meet him. Do whatever you want, only don’t ask me.
It’s getting out of hand. I just wish I were alot older or a lot younger.
Lombard? Where are you meeting him?
Why don’t we all go? it’d be fun.
I thought you were going to stop work.
Can I go with you?
She suggested I go.
Anne! Anne! Wait.
Please stay. Its my fault.
Anne, we need you.
We do.
No, wait, forgive me.
Where? Paris?
She’ll never understand that.
Don’t talk that way.
We can get her back. We’ll both write and tell her how much we need her and ask her to forgive both of us.
You, then. No, me too. I wasn’t very nice to her either. Come on, where’s that pen? If we put our silly heads together we can think
of something to say.
May I have that please? She was a friend of ours.
Why?
Yes, I’ve been.
Great fun.
Well, good night.
Come in.
You’re checking in early.
So soon?
Yes, she didn’t look bad at all.
Will you be taking her south?
If you do, perhaps you’d rather I didn’t come.
Then I’ll come.
Yes, I’m tired.
Goodnight Raymond.
Any zipping or buttoning to do?
Yvette is no longer with us. We’re calling for Denise.
Actress. Aspiring. Rather appetising. Talented too, she says.
Not quite this time. It’s pretty though. Like to see it?
And this is Denise.
Now. I’m going to sit here. Denise! You sit here. Dianne there. Paulette. Cecile. Oh that’s not going to work.
Hey, how about a dance?
Better than none.
He likes you.
Oh, great girl. This is going to be a fun evening.
Ah, it’s wonderful luck having you for a daughter.
Good morning Alber...
I thought I felt a change. Forgive me Leontine and good morning.
I don’t think she approves of our little household.
More likely they have too much.
Good morning Cecile.
Did you sleep well?
Did you wake well?
Just you wait till you’re my age.
She’s asleep. And look at that wonderful sea. High time we threw ourselves in.
Elsa!
Why?
Doubles and all?
Elsa!
If I really wanted it to work, I’d go up there and pull her out by the hair.
Good morning Cecile.
Throw it away, it’s vacation time.
Look, not bad. Another week, it’ll be flatter than yours.
Why?
Do I look that much fatter in the morning?
Why?
Then wake up.
No, it’s the middle of a glorious morning.
You do look rather like a lobster.
All because you were too lazy to move out of the sun.
I adore you alright.
Good morning Elsa.
Up!
But you can’t lie here all day.
Curiously enough you look very appetising. Even with an unwashed face.
Where?
Where do you think you’re going?
Now you can’t go back to sleep.
Now, the rain from heaven if you please.
Velvet’s always hot.
Exactly where you are.
Hey, out of my way, there’s work to be done.
Marvellous. She really is a good sport.
I’m glad you like her.
Oh I would never have brought Yvonne-Marie down here.
Yvonne-Marie is a Winter girl, that’s why I met her in November.
Elsa dear, are you planning another birthday?
There might be one in the pocket of this shirt.
What happens if you lose?
No, of course not darling. What makes you think it’s a ’he’?
You hop from one subject to another like a roulette ball. Upset who?
Oh, Philippe.
Well I don’t think he needed quite so much help in adding one and one.
She did. For tomorrow night.
I’m sure you would have.
Oh thankyou.
I have a surprise. Company is coming.
Anne Larsen.
Next week.
She’s divorced. Why?
She’s older than you are.
Elsa, your thoughts are so hard to follow.
Your crickets are having a cocktail party.
Now please, don’t bail me out.
No.
But I thought you liked Anne?
I see her all the time.
The last time, we had a nice long chat at a comparatively small cocktail party.
What does that mean?
To be absolutely honest, I completely forgot I’d invited her.
Well, she was looking particularly attractive. And she’s always seemed so aloof and self-assured.
Hasn’t anyone ever told you that I’m charming?
Well you should ask her now. I started off by reminding her that she’s practically your Godmother and hasn’t seen you for two years.
That’s marvellous. I should be taking lessons from you.
Elsa?
Oh. I don’t think I knew that Elsa was even coming when I asked Anne. Anyway, Anne said she’d think it over and let me know and...oh
dear..
I thought I’d give her mine, no it’s alright, I’m going to sleep in the bathhouse.
No, the three ladies up here, the gentleman down there, it’s much better.
I’m a bundle of surprises tonight.
Anyway, she’s arriving at the
something o’clock on Monday, so you can either spank me, walk out on me or help me to pull it off.
I just figured you might.
Oh it’s such wonderful fun to have you for a daughter.
Hey? What’s the matter?
Cecile! Cecile!
She wasn’t there. You suppose she fell out of the train.
Must have been a cool 190 degrees in the shade. I’m as limp as a piece of spaghetti.
Oh.
Was she?
How bad?
Really bad. You suppose the set up...?
Maybe the discovery of occupied territory?
So you think.
Please forgive me. I stood on the platform for hours waving these things like an idiot child.
What’s the difference? You’re here. I’m here. Cecile’s here. We’re all here.
I’m sorry, I thought you two knew each other.
I’ll show you the way Anne.
Amazingly good figure.
Said what?
What is going on?
We’d better find out.
Anne! Anne! Anne.
What’s so funny.
It’s not too easy I can assure you. You see, when I invited you, I had no idea that Elsa was...
No, but I want to explain.
Yes, they certainly do. Thank you very much.
Well now I don’t know where we are again.
So you decided to stay?
But I thought you...
Then you might just as well spend your whole holiday here.
No, she’ll stay.
I know women. I know how to make them like it.
Yes. Yes, I want her to stay. She has an amazingly good figure.
Never.
She’s dancing with Pierre Shube.
Or as Elsa would say
Where’s your friend?
Oh no Elsa.
Come on then.
Better?
It was.
Anne’s.
And we thank you.
Well not always. It’s really rather recent.
Cecile, isn’t it time you were in bed?
Oh, Anne.
Good night.
Very funny.
When did your eager little fingers learn to hold dice?
I can see it all.
7 times 2 is 14.
Not in China.
Or French laundry.
Fat on your flace my dear.
After you.
You said I behaved like a little boy. How can you be suspicious of a lost little boy?
That’s perfectly true. Until now.
From the moment you arrived I’ve been serious.
Well.
Elsa?
You know how I think about Elsa.
Exactly. And I could never think of you as just a playmate.
No, now the moment I stop joking, you start.
I do have fun with you. And that’s a long way from being all I want. And we’ve been over and over this.
I’ve never been less casual in my life.
I don’t know. I’m often frightened when I want something very badly. And I want you. I’ve never wanted any woman the way I want you.
Ahhh, appearances would indicate that you stopped off for a nightcap.
It’s vanilla. Her hangover cure. It works.
Good morning Cecile.
Well...
I’ll get one.
We’d like it very much.
Glad that’s over. I told you she’d be pleased.
You never believe me.
Now that the approval’s official, we’ll celebrate. Champagne? Or would you rather have more ice cream?
You can have anything you want.
I’ve told Albertine the news.
That is Albertine isn’t it?
Anyway, I told her the news and she’s happier than we are. I think we’ve seen the last of her sisters. You see, you make everybody happy. Doesn’t she Cecile?
Oh, she’s constantly telling me, and I adore listening.
I never know what anybody means.
Yes, I see what you mean.
Well darling, you really should do some work. I mean you don’t want to fail philosophy and have to take it over again do you.
Cecile.
It’s not a question of sides.
Darling, because I love Anne, it doesn’t mean that I love you any less.
Well I think for the next few weeks you should study and not see Philippe.
What happened? I thought you weren’t going to show up.
Not this evening. This evening you’re very peculiar.
You’re my girl aren’t you?
We have great fun don’t we?
Cecile. Cecile. Where are you going?
I’ll come with you. The water’s very watery today.
Rene, darling. Rene is Helen’s new chauffeur. And nephew.
On the left side. It’s an American car.
Well, he’s young enough. Do you realise, everywhere we’ve been there they are. She’s deliberately flaunting her achievement.
It’s disgraceful.
You’re well rid of him. Matter of fact, it’s indecent.
Anne. You look particularly lovely tonight.
This is fun. We ought to go for walks more often.
Nonsense.
Are you putting me out of business?
Oh she will in time.
Why don’t you lke her?
Well you may like her, but you’re always squabbling with her. Do you know, you’re a little bit like a mother-in-law.
You don’t have to go that far.
Good, then face it.
Hey, you’re deliberately making the whole thing sound like a terrible bore.
Come down off the pulpit. Now we both know that your life with me
has not been suitable for your age,
or mine.
Well we’re not going to be bored now. Anne’s not asking us to go into a convent.
That’s your opinion, but you know what I mean.
I do.
Don’t you think that after a while we can sort of gradually ease into it?
That little tramp.
Well she is.
She walked out.
Did you enjoy seeing her like that with Philippe?
I don’t love her anymore, that’s not the point.
The point it, well it doesn’t make any sense. With a boy Cecile. With a baby.
Attractive. Pah. If I wanted her back...
No? Well, it’s out of the question anyway, but you think I couldn’t get her back just because he’s a few years younger.
Anne, how old am I?
Pig, pig, pig. I ate like a pig.
In a way.
Well I have to go and meet Lombard anyway.
His yacht’s anchored just around the point.
Darling, no. You’ve got to study. Besides, Anne doesn’t think Lombard’s a very good influence.
Well that’s very generous of her, but I mustn’t take advantage of her generosity.
Goodbye darling.
Don’t study too hard, Madame Pascal Spinoza.
Why?
Not at all you were sunburnt then.
Lovely
Much. But then a young girl’s skin is always much lovelier.
Will you stop punishing me because I had to satisfy my curiosity?
Well, with a woman like Anne you have to say a thing like that and you know it.
Been trying to write to her.
I suppose that’s where she’s gone. What can I say? ’Dear Anne, I’m sorry I went to the woods with Elsa’, meaning, ’I’m sorry you
caught me?’ ’Dear Anne, it meant nothing to me. That sort of thing never does.’
’Dear Anne, A man says silly things to a silly woman’, particularly if he’s a vain, silly man. You know, it was bound to have happened sooner or later. If not with Elsa,
with somebody else. Oh I’m a very silly man.
At least I’m aware of it.
Why both of us?
Maybe we won’t have to write at all.
Denise is a bore.
Well there’s no time limit on bores.
By the way, did you notice Yvonne Marie at that cocktail party?
No, I should say not. Not bad at all.
I’ll let you know at the end of the week.
You have to come. You have to.
Besides, you need the rest. You’re tired.
Goodnight darling.
Thank you Cecile.
Are you that grown up?
And really thank you. Which way?
Oh extremely well. But I wish I could have found some material the colour of this water. Mmmmmmm. Do you know I spent my honeymoon by the sea? Twelve years ago.
Yes, I liked both it, and the place. Although it wasn’t nearly as lovely as this. Do you know I had quite a debate with myself before coming down here. I’m delighted I lost.
What’s the matter Cecile?
You’re embarrassed.
Alright, may I take a guess? You’re annoyed that Raymond isn’t on hand to spread a red welcome carpet.
But I wired I was driving.
Oh yes, you know I wouldn’t decide to drive and not send word. Now where do you suppose that telegram is?
Weird? How?
Didn’t he read it?
There are some bags by my car, would you please take them to my room.
Where is my room?
Poor Raymond. For once he is the victim of his own irresponsibility.
Nothing.
Oh, what a lovely room.
Ah, he can be very endearing, can’t he? At least the weird sisters clean well. You’re looking wonderfully well. I’m surprised. And pleased.
Well from Raymond’s description I
thought...
How did you do with your examinations?
Flunked?
No thank you Claudine. The box is for you.
Are you studying now?
Hmhmm, You’re going to take your examinations again in October.
Yes but he worked hard, made quite a bit of money.
I don’t like vulgarities Cecile.
Even when they’re funny.
But...
But you think that’s too young for you? Hmmm? Well, you’re wrong you know. A more sophisticated style would only make you look
younger.
More of a child.
I didn’t know I could.
Don’t be so afraid of me. I’m not here as your governess. I’m not going to make you do anything, although I might try to influence
you a little. Oh, even a scale.
Well that’s going to ruin my appetite.
Did Raymond give up this room for me?
It seems odd that in a villa this size, there are only two bedrooms.
Three?
Just what does he think I am?
He can sleep here tonight because I won’t. Or any other place else that he...Cecile, would you mind leaving me alone?
Anne is fine. And delighted to be here.
It was my fault. I should have telephoned.
Not nearly as well as I’d like to.
What a pretty dress.
Well you’re very kind, but the line of that suits you well.
Oh, I have some wonderful lotion that’ll help you.
Yes, it’s on the dressing table in my room. Now if you’ll all excuse me I’m going to sink in that water and drown in the sun.
I can see the way Raymond. Straight down.
Oh, your face. I could almost see you figuring out something to say.
Oh Raymond, please, no explanations.
Oh no, don’t. Explanations only make everything much more complicated.
You’re welcome.
I’m sorry darling.
Oh, I don’t know that I am.
I’ll tell you. I got stupidly angry before and decided to leave, and then the prospect of packing again and looking for a hotel room after that long drive was just too much.
Hmhmm. Overnight.
And then I thought, well if I’m going to stay overnight...
Yes. If I find that I like it.
We ordered for you.
He’s a marvellous dancer.
Look at them, it’s wonderful.
Put it out here and put it back there.
I’m getting dizzy.
Better.
Ah, it should have been somebody’s birthday tonight.
I feel as if it was. What a lovely, lovely, lovely evening. I thank you.
It seems as though you’re always having birthday nights here.
I think it’s time we were all in bed.
Goodnight darling.
Goodnight Raymond.
I know I’m going to...ahhhhhh!
My horoscope knows more than your law books. It says tonight it’s my night and I’m going to win at the casino, like something demented.
But today is the 15th.
Oh no, fat on your flace my dear.
Oh no, after you. Oh come on!
You must have driven like a maniac.
But it is Summer, Raymond...and I’m as suspicious of summer as I am of you.
Easily. He likes to play with girls too much.
Oh now you’re serious I suppose.
From the moment I arrived, you’ve been campaigning.
And what about Elsa?
Hmhmmm.
As a playmate for Cecile.
Not even for you?
Yes but that’s what you want though isn’t it? A playmate, someone to have fun with?
I know. Raymond, I cannot be casual.
Then why am I still so frightened?
No Raymond. Raymond, no.
Come and sit with us.
Is that ice-cream?
Good morning Cecile.
Well...have you got a cigarette?
Oh, don’t bother, because I don’t really want one. We would like to ask you something.
No, no it’s not that.
Well, your father and I would like to get married.
I wasn’t sure.
Yes I do. I do.
You are pleased?
But confused?
Is that really all?
Does our getting married seem strange to you or just ridiculous?
But strange?
Why?
Say it. Say anything Cecile, I want you to.
You mean you didn’t want him to marry again?
Oh. That makes me so happy. You know, I was rather frightened of you.
I was afraid of your being frightened of me.
Well never be again.
Cecile!
I think perhaps you had better go, Philippe.
I think you’d better go.
You should realise that such diversions can end up in a hospital.
Please don’t see him again Cecile.
And I feel a great responsibility towards you now. And I cannot allow you to ruin your life.
Your father and I are going to be married. Also, I am not 17.
I don’t want you to see Philippe again
Cecile. Anyway you will have your studying to do. That will keep you busy in the afternoons.
Oh darling...I didn’t. I simply feel it would be a good idea if she stopped seeing Philippe for a time and studied for her philosophy examination instead.
Well Cecile is nice and I like her, but they have absolute freedom and nothing to do.
Physical things. You know if anything should happen, you couldn’t really blame them.
Cecile. Would it be so hard to study for just a few weeks?
Oh, you’ve been working so hard, why don’t you relax, go and take a swim.
Oh, now surely philosophy can wait.
I’m sure any man would wait while you took a swim.
It isn’t Albertine.
I wasn’t aware that yoga was part of your examination. All those discussions about your paper on Pascal, and how difficult Spinoza was for you. Cecile, have you
actually done any studying at all? Of course, in the end, it’s your own affair if you fail your examinations, but it is another matter when you lie to your father
and to me. Why did you lie? I really don’t understand you at all.
I would like to apologise. I sometimes forget that you’re still a child. Now, please don’t let that word offend you Cecile. It’s merelya short way of saying, well, that you’re still young enough to
pattern your behaviour after people who are older than you.
No you’re not. Or for being influenced by the way he used to live...or the friends he, I hope, won’t see very much of from now on.
The Lombards, for instance. They telephoned from their yacht by the way, while you were out. They’re taking us to dinner and a nightclub on Tuesday. We have to go. He’s
your father’s business partner.
Mmm, there will be risque stories deliberately in front of you. And Helen Lombard will make sly and bitter jokes about her friends and then compare Raymond’s muscles with her newest young chauffeur, who is, by way of being a nephew. And Henri will confide in Raymond about his latest girl, perhaps a model while he rubs your knee under the table. Your knee being younger than mine. And in a few years, the newest
nephew-chauffeur will make off with the car and the latest model will be wearing Helens’ jewellery. And the friends will laugh at the
Lombards rather than at their jokes.
Are they? Then why do they drink so much? And so often? Why are they never alone with each other? In the end their only memories will be of hangovers.
Thank you.
Cecile!
It’s all so unimportant Raymond.
Thankyou.
What’s the sudden enchantment with these woods?
Old enough to marry me next month. But just barely.
Sleepy?
No. I have to work.
Because I simply must get at those
sketches.
After the wedding. Today is father and daughter day. You two go.
Please, Cecile, let go.
Oh you don’t need anybody. Either of you.
No.
No, you forgive me.