Can you take me, sir?
Climb on, boy.
Here, child.
What's your name?
Gustav!
Charmed. I'm Werther.
Oh, the hat!
Oh, poor hat.
It looks like a bellows.
Here, I give it to you.
It's too big!
-What? -It's too big.
It's your head that's too small...
...Wait, I'll fix it.
Oh, it'll fit me fine...
...It's pretty!
Referendary Werther, perhaps...?
-Not perhaps. For sure!
-Sir, I've reserved for you the best rooms.
-Have you a good stable?
Good. Franz, give him a double ration of oats. He deserves it.
-Beautiful sunny rooms...
-Franz, give me my music-stand. Before it gets broken.
-Look, that's him there.
-The man carrying the music-stand...?
...He's lame...
-I don't think so.
-If not lame, he doesn't look very steady on his legs...
...What time is he reporting in?
-11 o'clock, Mr. President.
-In ten minutes...
...Let's hope he's recovered his balance by then.
Good day!
Get out! Anyone late is punished. You know we eat at noon. To bed!
Out! And take off that ridiculous hat...
God bless the meal...
... Marie, my hat, my coat ... quickly...
...When is Albert coming?
At 8, father.
Okay. Bring a good wine from the cellar...
... I'll be back at 6.
You've dirtied my dress. I'll have to wash and iron it.
-It's not my fault, it's the baker boy's...
...He tried to take my hat, so we fought and the package fell.
Take your hat? Or maybe it was you who took it from him?
...Then you dirty your big sister 's dress.
...You're not nice.
O Charlotte, you're nice. Let me kiss you!
Eat quick. If papa returns, I'll get caught.
And chew well.
Charlotte, I didn't steal the hat. A man on the coach gave it to me.
He was very kind. He played with me.
Then put the hat on my head...
...then on his, then on mine...
Then he said, "Keep it. It suits you."
He sounds original.
I don't know...
He had yellow boots, a good suit.
I think he's a rich man who's...
..."orig,'' like you said.
Like I said.
Anyway, even if he's rich, he still arrived on time.
The president has been expecting your arrival at the Palace of Justice.
and perhaps it would be appropriate if...
-Oh..., sorry...,
...my letter of introduction, right?
"On the shore where scattered flux exhausts itself, here the pensive, solitary conquerer awaits tomorrow."
...This is by you?
-Yes, sir. Here is the letter.
Please, Herr Werther, one question...
When do you think you can begin your functions?
-Right away, of course...
...just time to dress.
...my hat...
...my cane...
...Ready to accompany you!
-You're not afraid you'll catch cold?
-Catch cold?
-Generally, it's the feet that get cold.
I'm confused.
Last night was goodbyes.
...with friends, because...
...we thought we were parting.
Then we realized we weren't saying goodbye to anything, or anyone.
So we drank maybe too much.
No doubt that's happened to you, too.
-Not exactly. In any case, I understand.
...Okay, so take care of yourself, I'll make your excuses to the president.
...I'll arrange something...
Kindly come tomorrow to my office in the Palace of Justice at 9 precise.
-Precise.
You remember my name...?
...Assessor Albert Hochst�tten.
I present Herr Werther, our new referendary.
So: prison, library, archives, you've read everything.
How long will you be away?.
2 or 3 months.
I hope you'll pass your exam.
Thank you.
Tell me, yesterday during my visit... You recall, yes?
Excuse me again. I was so distracted.
I saw you have two pistols.
...Mine are being repaired.
-Would you like to borrow mine for your trip?
-If it's not inconvenient.
-Gladly. I'll send them to you.
It's not very gay here.
... May I bring in some flowers?
-I never thought of it.
-In Leipzig, I was forbidden to.
...So I put a flower in my buttonhole.
...Which got me discharged.
-Because of a flower?
-Ah, no. I confess we were regularly late for work.
-"We"?
The flower and I.
That's funny.
...Before I leave, let me give you some good advice.
-To be on time? Don't worry. I promise to be a worthy replacement.
-Bravo. Above all, be prudent!
...Very prudent!
This sort of subversive literature is forbidden in the Grand Duchy.
...I guard my books under key.
-The same!
Listen... :
"To renounce liberty is to renounce being a man, to surrender the rights of humanity and even its duties."
...That's so beautiful!
-Look, the same passage. I underlined it.
-We live in a dangerous but wonderful era, don't we?
...From one sole country, from a few great friends...
...has sprung a thought that might save the world from tyranny and slavery.
-Let's hope so!
So you play music?
-Yes. I'm a violinist.
...And you?
-Oh, me, I...
Seriously, you play violin?
Well enough. At least, with passion.
So then, you'll conquer our president!
...And me!
We need a violin for the concerts our president has each week!
...So, when I get back...?
-I'd love to!
-So I hope you'll feel good here!
-I'm sure I shall. Bon voyage.
Very beautiful!
Really? You like my dress, Albert?
There'll be none prettier at the fair!
-Nor more expensive.
You'll be back for the fair, promise me!
I promise, Charlotte.
And we'll dance together for the first time.
For the second time.
When I get back, we'll get a dancing teacher.
-Charlotte! -Yes, father.
Don't forget your little cake.
...My dear Albert...,
...good night and good trip.
...may no ill befall you...,
...and come back to us soon.
As I shall pray for you each evening, Albert.
...and for you to be back for the holiday.
Say goodbye here, not in the garden like the other evening...
...Your engagement isn't official yet.
Yes, father.
-Goodbye, Charlotte. -Goodbye, Albert, and bon voyage.
Don't forget to put the candles out.
Yes, father.
"I am the singing bird...
"...I fly toward her.
"Under leaves already dark."
Quick, get in bed!
What's going on?
Not asleep yet?
What are you hiding? Give me that.
Where'd you find this paper?
In the hat lining.
Don't suck your thumb.
...This is not for children.
Your ears! There's no soap in the house?
Good night, Marguerite.
No poem reading. Sleep now. Not another word.
Good night, children!
Good night, Charlotte!
"Fatal star, hear my song of love..."
There! A man keeps looking at me!
...Oh, it's my friend!
What is it?
Isn't it you, who gave me the hat...
...which I didn't steal from the baker boy!
What hat?
The one you slept on in the stagecoach!
Ah yes! And...?
So come tell my sister!
You're dancing, Fra�lein Charlotte?
Grant me this first minuet?
No, my niece is not dancing!
No, thank you.
Gustav, come here.
Take the little ones home.
In fact, a few weeks ago, I gave my hat to this child.
Are you dancing?
Hi, Herr Werther!
We're all going to The Swan to play forfeits.
I've signed you up already. Okay?.
Okay.
You don't recognize me, Fra�lein?
How could l? I'm meeting you for the first time.
Perhaps you've lost the memory?.
I've never seen you. I'm sure.
You think people can't recognize each other without having seen each other?
I don't believe it.
I'm certain of it.
I was watching you with the children. I recognized you.
You're mistaken!
Don't we move as though we've always danced together?
Yes.
Yet it's the first time.
We're a predestined couple. I believe it.
No, it's impossible.
Because...?
Because I don't believe it.
Charlotte, for the last time, come here!
You must not dance with another man. No! Come with me.
Like a bird in its cage, in my hand is a gage.
-ls it mine?
-ls it yours?
The lady...
...to whom the gage belongs...
...even if she's my cousin...!
...will convey herself into the room next door...
...there to await her destiny.
...Who owns this fan?
-It's me!
Like a bird in its cage, in my hand is another gage.
...Its owner is a man...
...we'll tell him what to do.
...He must go kiss the lady, as though her heart to woo.
...Who owns this gage?
It's mine!
They'll stay in paradise only the time to count to ten.
Charlotte, for the love of God!
Silence. Or we shan't hear the sound of the kisses.
1...
2...
3...
4...
Silence, madam!
4...
How extraordinary it's you who...
No...
I have to tell you, to avoid any misunderstanding, that...
... providence or fate had nothing to do with this.
It's I who arranged it.
You...?
7...
So...
...You won...
(8)
...Here.
(9)
-10... 10... 10!
It's too late.
Even if they'd counted to 20, I wouldn't have kissed you.
Why?
Because it's too soon.
Good evening ladies, gentlemen...
Herr Werther, if you look where we were sitting, there's an ivory fan...
Okay, I'll bring it.
I have a silhouette for you...
...of someone who seems to interest you very much.
I saw you dancing, I'm an artist, thus psychologist. Look...
Fra�lein Charlotte and her aunt.
-How much?
-One thaler for the ladies, two thalers for a surprise.
-Here're three, thanks.
Coachman!
Where are Charlotte and that man?
They got out, two minutes ago.
Yes, Fra�lein Charlotte, long ago...
...I wrote a poem just for you.
Listen: "I am the singing bird. I..."
"I fly toward her. Under leaves already dark..."
Unbelievable!
No more unbelievable than to be recognized without having been seen.
...When meeting is fatal, even hats get involved.
Ah yes, the hat! So you see, I wasn't lying.
It was your face, not another, that l dreamed of.
Naturally the hat was needed to find you again, and give you my poem.
What a good talker you are!
The more moon there is, the more lovers there are.
Some rest murmuring in the coach.
Others prefer to be alone in the woods.
It depends on age.
You understand...
My portrait, how do you have it?
Like you have my poem: providence.
But it's only half. My aunt was with me.
You were so long with your aunt today, that I permitted myself to separate you.
She guards you.
You can't keep my portrait. Give it back to me.
I want to keep you.
No. I tell you it's impossible.
You see it is possible, since I am keeping it.
So, promise me not to show it to anyone.
...To anyone. Ever.
I promise you.
What's wrong?
So you really are a poet.
Maybe. ln any case, I never pleased my publishers, so I'm a magistrate.
Not by conviction, because justice is as difficult to obtain as a publisher.
And you?
Oh I have little time. Since mother died, l run the house.
And what time remains, I give to music.
You sing, yes?
Yes, I sing. You guessed it.
No guess. I listen to your voice.
I collect. I transcribe folk songs.
We have wonderful ones.
Listen: the carillon.
It's a song imported by Swedish soldiers during the 30 Years War.
I learned it in school.
It's a pretty tune. lf you know Briz's...
He lived here in Walheim. Listen...
"You only have my heart, Be it folly or reason... ,
"Your soul is my prison, Heart of my heart!"
Fra�lein Charlotte, l'd love so much to see you again.
No.
Sundays you have more time.
No, it's useless.
I'll wait under this tree.
No, I tell you, don't insist.
But why?
I don't want to. I can't.
Here we are.
I must not.
I'll wait for you.
-I was terrified. Come, my dear, come.
I was worried about you. Get in.
"Be it folly or reason."
Good evening. Pretty, don't you think, Herr Referendary?.
-The melody, Herr President?
-No, the girl.
-Really, I haven't asked myself.
-Dangerous, my friend. Dangerous!
-Herr President...?
Do you know the origin of this melody?
-Oh yes!
I wonder why the people of Walheim chose a foreign tune for their carillon.
...Was the composer born here?
-Redel? Ah, yes.
"Your soul is my prison Heart of my heart!"
...A young man's idea. But the music's beautiful.
-We should hear it from atop the tower.
Could we make a petition...
...to the Grand Duke?
-Not a bad idea, young man!
No, not like that...
The music's not bad. A bit melancholy.
Let's see the words.
"You only have my heart, Be it folly or reason.
"Your soul is my prison. Heart of my heart, I can't forget you.
"I bless my fate in life and death To yours bound."
"To yours bound." Those words don't sound passionate to me.
-No one'll hear them.
-You say that? lf people hear the music, they'll remember the words.
So tell me: whose idea was this petition?
-Highness, via the hierachy, Referendary Werther's.
...It's been doing the rounds for 4 weeks, signed by everyone in the city.
-Their signatures don't oblige them to pay.
...Who'll finance the new mechanism?
...Before the carillon rings, my coins will ring!
-Not at all, Highness. The city will pay.
-Really? ln that case - folly or reason - Granted.
Congratulations, Herr Judge. Your success makes us happy.
...You're coming to Mass?
-With pleasure.
Fra�lein Charlotte went out. She said she'd meet you at the Church.
Strange, Charlotte promised...
-Don't worry, she can't be long.
You're in formal dress today, Werther.
Ah yes.
My old comrades would be astonished to see me so handsome.
But what happens today will be...
...memorable.
It's the last time we meet here, Charlotte, and the last time we hide.
It is the last time.
Give me your hand.
Charlotte, I want to speak to you...
...and to each phrase I say, you'll reply yes. Okay?
We'll go back together on foot.
From the clocktower you'll hear for the first time the melody that...
...but that's a surprise.
Then we'll cross the city hand in hand. To your father's house.
I enter... :
"Sir, I am Werther, referendary at the Palace of Justice.
"I earn hardly enough to live on and my fortune consists of a music stand...,
"...an old friend my horse, and a silhouette of your daughter.
"And yet I confess with shame...
"...that your daughter and I meet each Sunday under a big tree.
"ln brief, I owe you an explanation.
"I love your daughter as I've never loved anyone till now.
"And it's true as God is my witness that I'll never love another. And...
"I pray you to give me the hand of..."
Werther, this is the last time we meet here.
I know I should've told you, I wanted to every Sunday, I didn't dare.
I listened to you, I forgot. Dear Werther... ,
I'm no longer free. I'm promised to another...
And you know him. Albert.
Albert Hochst�tten?
Yes.
He's supposed to come back this morning.
Forgive me.
And promise me that it's not like you said, that...
"And it's true as God is my witness that I'll never love another."
You remember that phrase...
Farewell, Werther. I'll forget nothing. Ever.
Did you check them?
-Yes, okay.
-Ready! -Ready!
Hurry. Mass ended ten minutes ago.
See you next Sunday, Fra�lein.
No! I shan't need you again.
Come quick. Something's happened to Fra�lein Charlotte.
Emma, please take the children home.
It's this way...
(Let's go home, children.)
My God! What happened?
We found the girl near here.
...Certainly she had a fever.
ls it serious?
Albert, you're back.
You're here.
It's public. Promise of marriage between Judge Albert Hochst�tten and...
and Fra�lein Charl... Oh read it, it's all here. Who'd have thought such a thing?
-That a man marry is natural!
-Yes, but the judge?!
-Which proves a judge too can lack judgement.
-Still, we should go congratulate them.
-Certainly we have to congratulate them.
...But there're no congratulations without flowers.
...We all chip in! A big bouquet. 10 thalers.
...Come now, have courage. It's not a precedent for next time. 2 thalers each.
No fraud now! You're making at least 6 thalers.
Send the instructions to all police posts.
Come in.
Then you are to organise patrols throughout the region.
-At your orders, Herr Judge.
On the occasion of your engagement, I come, Herr Judge...,
...to present my best wishes for happiness.
So solemn! "Herr Judge" and all at arms' length.
...Well, I thank you, my dear Werther.
And it's just "my dear Werther."
I'll be very happy, I'm sure.
I'm sure too, Herr Judge.
Fra�lein Charlotte is a sincere and modest young lady...
...whom I've already had the honor to meet.
-Yes I know. Charlotte told me everything.
-Then she told you that...
-...that you danced with her at the fair.
-Please believe that if l'd known...
-Oh, dear friend, it's only natural. No one knew.
...But what I know is that
...during my absence you won the admiration of all our colleagues.
I have to congratulate you.
-I promised you, sir.
-The President has decided, after my marriage...
...to have a music evening each week at my house. You're included, naturally!
-Thank you, Herr Judge.
-Call me Albert.
-Herr Judge, our every wish for happiness!
Long live the bride! Joy and happiness!
To live happy, live hidden, seated, standing and lying down.
Albert, do you think it's over?
They're gay, they've drunk a bit.
And you also, dear madam...
Me?
On this day not banal, there are vows at the tribunal.
You admit it now?
Okay...
... I'm a little giddy.
And Frau Hochst�tten isn't ashamed to begin serious life with a lie?
What?
A tiny little lie.
Our first promise... :
...We'll always tell each other the truth.
Yes, Albert.
We'll have no secrets from each other. Ever.
Not the smallest secret. We swear it.
What is it?
-Who is it?
"Who is it?"...? Who do you think at this hour?
-The Walheim guy?
-Who else? Drink for 2 thalers, charge him 5. Pooh. Open and close.
-Open and close. Okay. I understand.
The usual?
...You want your usual?
-See? What did I tell you?
-He's a pain.
Look at him. The face of death.
Oh no! And you're strong!
We let you in, then you make trouble.
You're not the one who has to wash the floor, obviously.
Say something, Werther. Defend yourself!
You're not acting this way without a reason. It's not your nature.
A word. I'm your friend. Answer me.
Listen. The report is grotesque and odious.
Your coat was found on an inaccessible rock, a neck-breaker.
You frequent bars beneath the dignity of your profession...,
...Let's say, the dignity of the court.
You've been seen delirious at the church. banging on the door, threatening God.
As if that weren't enough, there are ten pages more.
Werther, again I ask, give me some explanation.
The affair will follow its course, since you won't help me.
It will go to the president.
I refuse to be discouraged.
Look, Werther, since the report can't be suppressed...,
...at least don't upset the president further.
You know what he likes.
For two weeks you've neglected his concerts.
So don't miss coming to the house tonight, okay?
Maybe it'll be easier for you to speak elsewhere.
ln an atmosphere of friendship.
Because none of this has anything to do with our personal relations.
Here's yours... and yours...
Give this to papa and kiss him for me.
Thanks for your visit, children. Go play now.
-Hey, Charlotte!
-What, my dear?
-I want to tell you something.
-Okay, tell me.
-Not with them around. ln the kitchen.
-Okay, if it's a secret.
Wait, children, and be good. Don't eat the jam, we need it in winter.
So, what is it?
-I want you to tell me.
-What?
-Why are you crying?
-What makes you think I do? I'm not crying. Look at me.
-Not now, but just before, you were crying.
-No...
-Yes, you were crying all alone.
-No, I assure you!
-Why deny it? I saw you from the window.
You were crying all alone and I'm going to tell papa.
No, Gustav, you won't. Because I ask you and you're wrong.
Yes, you were crying and I'm going to tell papa.
Listen!
Listen, if you tell papa, he'll scold me, and then I will cry!
Listen, dear, when you're little you cry because you're sad...
And when you're big you cry because you're happy.
So, you're not going to tell papa, or Aunt Emma, or anyone.
It wouldn't please them, now that we're apart, to know I'm so happy.
So let's not tell anyone, okay? That's the end of it.
You won't say anything to anyone.
"Pick the wild flower...,
"It pricks your fingers a bit.
"It's the winner, I think.
"Isn't that a good turn!
"Rose, rose, forest flower.
"Rose, wild flower."
To you especially, bravo!, my dear hostess.
You're moved? But it's youth's privilege to be so inspired.
You won't believe it, but I was young once, too.
That's when one should be heard.
I'd sing without effort or breath.
Wherever I went, women adored me.
One speaks of the past, one dreams, and suddenly reality recalls you.
Hochst�tten, come, we have to talk.
-Do you want to go next door, Herr President?
-Yes, we need to discuss the Marienhof affair.
...Excuse us one second.
Can't I offer you something?
No thanks. We have all we need.
You mustn't cry, Charlotte.
I thank you for him, Herr President.
But if next week things aren't in order, I'll send his file to the Council.
Werther, is it true what they say?
That you drink every night so much!
You mustn't! I ask you.
It's so hard to forget what is,
...what will always be.
What will always be.
And what cannot be, Werther.
I know. I shouldn't have come, Charlotte.
Forgive me, I had no choice.
Don't worry, I'll never come again.
No, Werther!
Don't think like that.
Besides, this isn't our affair, it's police business.
-May I be excused?
-What? You want to leave already, Werther?
The book I'd promised Herr Werther...?
I brought it down.
Good evening, Herr President.
I understand Herr Werther wants to go to bed early. Once is not a habit.
Indeed, Herr President.
Good evening, Albert.
I found the poem. The poem you wrote.
Childishness.
No. I read it often and always find it beautiful.
...But I thought I shouldn't keep it.
So I'm giving it back to you.
It's in this book.
But it belongs to you.
It mustn't belong to me.
Dear Werther, try to understand me.
"Understand"!
As if understanding could help!
Werther, put on your coat. Autumn's beginning.
...There's been no summer.
I said, "Werther, you have to talk to me."
...Oh, pardon, dear lovely madam, I didn't know it was so late.
Not at all, Herr President.
Impossible to get a word out of him.
...This isn't mine, madam.
So I said, "Dear friend, as things stand, it pains me to have to let you go.
"...You will leave the city."
Whereupon he began to talk, and talk.
Of course..., there's a woman.
Of course, she is not free.
Charlotte, are you cold? You're trembling.
Yes, I'm cold and I feel tired.
Well, go up now. Herr President will excuse you.
Certainly. Au revoir, young and lovely madam.
I laugh, but I feel sorry for the poor fellow.
At my age I've seen many things, but passion like this...,
...despair like this, never!
A married woman, you say?
I don't know. She's not free is all he'd say.
And l, I questioned him in vain.
I'm an old man. With me his pride had nothing to fear.
Help me...
I have everything. Coat...,
...my cane...,
...my music, my gloves, and my little dog.
So, I'll try to get him to listen to reason.
But don't let him know I told you everything.
-Naturally, Herr President.
-That would embarrass him horribly.
-Watch the step, Herr President.
You heard our conversation?
If you don't feel good, leave that till tomorrow.
No, I want to clean up more.
Werther's going to be forced to ask for a change of residence.
If..., if I'd speak to him...
What? Why you?
Yes, maybe I could help him, could find the words.
No. I say no.
You say...?
No!
Good evening.
Charlotte, let me in.
Charlotte, now you have to tell me everything.
You can tell me everything.
-How many bottles have you taken? -Three.
-This makes four.
You're not leaving anything for anyone today.
-Do you know this client?
-Not seen, not known. It'd be hard to make him laugh.
Stop it!
Nothing can separate us, not others, not I. What to do? I don't know.
After our confessions, I've understood I can live neither near you, nor away And yet I want to live!
I'll not leave my room until I hear from you. Werther.
-Franz, has a message come for me? -No, sir.
-No one's come? -No.
I'm waiting for a letter, maybe a visitor, don't make them wait.
Conrad, do you know where madam is?
-Madam has gone out, sir.
-Gone out? -Yes, sir.
-How long ago? -A quarter hour, about.
-Did she say anything before going out?
-Anna, did madame say anything before going out?
No. The message came and madam went out immediately.
-Who brought her this message? -Herr Werther's valet.
Herr Werther, excuse me. It's just a court employee.
They say the murderer from Marienhof has just given himself up.
...So they ask you to come to the Palace of Justice.
-Yes, I'll come.
Right away, Herr Werther.
Go on, my child, go on. God hears you.
Not a day of rest, not an hour, since I met him.
I think of him despite myself.
I must love my husband, and I always feel the other one looking at me.
I want to love only my husband. And l always hear the other's voice speaking.
I should have told him right away that I was engaged. I wanted to...
...but the words didn't come.
I did not lie...
...and I did not tell the truth.
Is there a lie in me?
I am listening to you, my child.
Today I received a terrible letter from him.
I no longer know what direction to take, how to save myself.
This letter, must I destroy it and keep quiet?
Will my silence be another lie?
My child, the Lord said: "Woman, do not abandon the man you are united to."
You will not hide anything from him. No secrets. This is your path, my child.
May God give you strength.
Let me die in peace! That's not difficult to understand, is it?
I can die too, now that she is dead.
-You loved her and you killed her?
-With my hands!
With my two hands.
And I loved her. Yes! Can you understand that, you?
I didn't want her to be with another. With me, with me alone.
Now let me die. She'll be with me.
Take the irons off this man.
Good evening, Werther.
I learned at your house that you were here.
A coach! I'm going to Marienhof to reconstruct the crime.
Why isn't this individual in chains?
-I'm the one who had his chains removed.
-Who? The murderer?!
-He didn't kill to steal. He was sick, insane with love.
-The phrase is vulgar if the crime is not. Please explain.
-I'll try.
-He loved her, granted. But she wasn't free.
-That's precisely what made this wretch lose his head.
-Still! You cling to that!
-No, Albert, no!
...Look at his face and listen to his voice.
-Pardon, sirs. I just wanted to see if you wanted me to light the lamps.
No, thanks. I don't share your pity.
...There are facts which must be judged coldly.
-It's strange, Albert.
...I feel I'm hearing you for the first time, discovering you.
-Well, I'd say the same as you, Werther.
-Why?
-I feel I'm discovering you.
-But why?
-Because you war against eternal rights sacred to me.
...You say love's a natural right. And you say a murderer has it.
...But the victim?
And what about husband from whom the crime takes the creature he loved?
-Which man loved more? -What?!
-Hasn't the murderer destroyed his happiness forever by killing her?
...Don't you think he knew that before committing his crime?
-Premeditation!
-Granted he saw the consequences. Horror should have stopped him.
...Yet he did it, he couldn't prevent it.
-I tell you there are limits to passion. It's the judge who defines them.
There're principles to insure family and society against the excess of existence.
-What society!
-Yes I know. You and I know the great movement underway.
But I tell you a society cannot be established except on moral tradition.
-I have no wish to offend you. But...
But I don't know if you have ever suffered.
I don't wish it on you, good God, not on anyone.
But if you'd known the bitterness of solitude and disappointment...
As terrible as it may be, does bitterness justify the crime? Reply, does it?
If I must divide my life in two and denude myself of feelings each morning
...like cast-offs left home when one goes to court and dons a judge's robe...
-Then...?
-Then I'd rather renounce it.
-I think in fact you are not a judge.
And I think you won't wait for our decision to ask you to resign.
One last word, Herr Werther...
Your opinions, indeed your ethics, scare me.
I fear for myself and my family.
You've nothing to be afraid of. I'll probably leave Walheim this very day.
I'd advise you to...,
...despite my regret at having lost a friend.
Bailiff, is my coach harnessed?
Franz, you haven't left the house since l did?
-No, sir.
-I need to be absolutely sure.
It's okay if you left, you've a right to. But tell me.
-No, sir. Not for a moment. I swear.
I found a portrait here, sir. Sir...!
...this portrait.
Really, sir, you want to leave in this weather?
Do I owe you wages?
-Half a month, sir. -How much is that?
-Two and a half thalers...
...plus the shoes, 2.70 in all.
Before I leave I'll pay you the half- month and two months in advance.
...because we may not see each other for some months, you understand...
-Thank you, sir.
-Go now, hurry!
Please, not a word to my husband. I don't want him to worry.
Nothing new?
You're home late.
How cold you hands are.
Yes, just a bit tired.
They arrested the murderer from Marienhof.
So I had to go there for the inquiry.
Any mail?
The weekly gazette and the second score from Leipzig.
Is something bothering you, Albert?
I had a serious argument with Werther.
A professional argument about this murder.
I should tell you about it at length.
But this evening...
My Albert!
I looked everywhere for you this afternoon. You'd gone out?
I was at the church.
And I received a letter from Werther.
Do you want to read it?
What is it?
-The weather's terrible. You can't go.
-Go ahead. Do as I told you.
Good evening, Herr Judge.
-What do you wish?
-Herr Werther leaves tonight on a long trip. He sends his respects.
And requests return of the pistols which he lent to Herr Judge.
-What?
All right.
Wait.
Who rang?
Herr Werther's servant, madam.
What does he want?
I don't know. He asked to speak to sir.
Albert, what are you doing? Do you need me?
Do you know where Werther's pistols are? He wants them back.
They must've been put away when we moved. I haven't seen them since.
Do you know where they are?
Say, do you know where they are?
Take a light and go to the attic with madam.
Maybe you'll see them in the trunk. I'll look in my office.
Give me the lamp.
Wait here.
Did you find them?
Surely you didn't look well. They must be there.
You didn't want to look.
Tell your master I hope he has a good trip.
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come...
"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,
"and lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.
"Our Father who art in heaven...
One night, toward 11, he was buried in the place he had chosen.
Of Albert's consternation, of Charlotte's desolation, permit me to say nothing.
Some workmen carried the dead man.
Not one priest accompanied them.
Subtitles: Tag Gallagher. Thanks to Werner D�tsch.