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What for and why? Who sees you? Me. And who sees me? You.
What does it get us? Can we give each other a raise? No.
What are you doing with that bicycle? You can't take it.
Why don't you tell him? It's all right with me.
You know where I was last night while you were home soaking your feet?
Good morning.
I said, "No, I can't afford it." Still, I couldn't take my eyes off it.
- I said, "No, I have no right to..." - And then he said, "Go on and take it."
Good morning.
Not awake yet? Look at me. I bet I haven't slept half as much as you.
- Kralik, how was the dinner last night? - Oh, yes, that's right.
Kralik had dinner with the boss last night. How was it? Tell us all about it.
- Who said she isn't? - Don't try to make something out of it.
- Were you sitting next to her? - I was. What do you think of that?
- I bet you were brilliant. - No, I kept still and tried to learn.
"A little too much goose liver." Not one word more, and not one less.
Here.
Go across the street to the drugstore, and get me some bicarbonate of soda.
Yes, sir.
You come to a time in your life when you get tired of going to cafs...
...and I got on the wrong page, and I came across this ad, and...
- How long has this been going on? - We've exchanged four letters.
"Are your eyes blue? Are they brown? Don't tell me.
Mr. Kralik.
What do you think of it? I think it's great. Well, open it.
years.
...in two weeks it will fall apart, and all you'll have is Ochi Tchornya.
You don't have to tell me that it's imitation leather. I know that.
Miklos, yes.
It's just that I'm not quite sure about the whole idea.
Yes.
What?
I'm sorry.
- I really didn't come in to buy a bag. - I beg your pardon. What can I show you?
- I could call him if you wanted. - I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
If you tell me your wishes, it's possible I could take care of them.
Yesterday you couldn't get it for a penny less than . . Now it's
I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to. Could you help me get a job here?
But you just told me you'd need some extra people because of the rush.
Yes, madam?
How much is that belt in the window, the one that says . ?
- . . - Oh, no.
- May I tell you my qualifications? - Lf I could do anything for you, I'd do it.
...and
If it was up to me, I'd put you to work. But I'm not the boss.
- Then why don't you let me see him? - He's in sort of a bad mood today.
Young lady, I've been here for nine years, and I know Mr. Matuschek inside out.
I could tell you word for word exactly what he'd say.
Oh, madam. I'm sure you'll find much nicer things in my shop.
I'm very sorry. I'm afraid you're just wasting your time.
Ask for Johanna, and tell her you have a message for Klara.
Why did you put me in that situation in front of the whole shop?
- I'm very grateful, sir. - You have a funny way of showing it.
From now on, I say, "yes." Yes, Mr. Matuschek. Yes, Mr. Matuschek.
That little poem that you wrote in Mrs. Matuschek's guest book...
I've found a customer for the cigarette box. What price shall I quote?
Just a moment. Tell me, would you buy a box like this?
Yes. Why?
Why?
Novak.
Yes,
Yes, madam, a candy box, and I should say, a very unusual one.
No, that would never do. Where do people get ideas like that?
...you have to listen to that song. I couldn't buy a thing like that. Too silly.
Yet some customers like it for the very thing you object to.
I suppose so.
Madam, have you any idea how many pieces of candy you eat a day?
I know it.
Every time you open it, the little tinkling song is a message to you.
I think people who like to smoke candy and listen to cigarettes will love it.
I give up. It's certainly very difficult to get along with him these days.
A raise?
Yes, sure.
That's wonderful! That's the best thing that could happen. Who's the girl?
How much does it cost you to live, you and Mrs. Pirovitch?
What do you need three rooms for? You live in the bedroom.
- Where do you eat? - In the kitchen. You get a nice big kitchen.
Oh, no.
Excuse me, I'd better telephone him. I hope it isn't too late.
Miss Novak?
I noticed that you wore a yellow blouse with light-green dots yesterday.
No, Mr. Kralik. As usual, you're mistaken. It was green with light-yellow dots.
I'll call you every morning and describe what I'm going to wear.
- Imagine you dictating what I should wear. - I don't care what you wear.
Good morning.
I caught him in time. Saves me five pengo, and that counts when you're married.
Is she pretty?
...that she's so far above the girls you meet today, there's no comparison.
You love a girl, and you don't know if you like her?
I'm scared.
This girl thinks I'm the most wonderful person in the world.
Yes, once.
You wonder how much is in it, and you don't want to open it.
in a caf.
Yeah.
'Morning, everybody.
- I'll have to get out of it some way. - Klara, you haven't got a chance.
Ilona, did you notice the blouse I wore yesterday, the green one?
What?
pengo?
But, Emma, I don't understand it. Only last Monday I gave you...
Yeah, goodbye.
Come in.
Well, then, I'm sorry. I'm busy. You'll have to see me later.
Sir, for several days your attitude toward me seems to have changed.
Yes, sir.
What does that man want of me? Why does he always pick on me?
I'm no fool.
I'm talking to Kralik. What do you want? I don't know anything. Leave me alone.
I'll take a chance. I'm no coward, you know. I'm not afraid.
Think it over.
Mr. Kralik, do you think I'll have to work tonight? After all, I'm a child.
I put all the imported bags over there on the shelf. Is that how you wanted it?
- You don't have to keep harping on that. - No, I didn't mean it that way at all.
...and doesn't get a great deal out of it, is just plain dumb.
I try to be.
Take for instance when I was with Foeldes Brothers & Sons.
The sons were all right, but the brothers, Mr. Kralik...
When you say, "Miss Novak, let's go in the back to put bags on the shelf"...
Mr. Kralik.
- I'm sorry, but I had to do that. - I want to thank you. I'm glad you did it.
- Thank you, Mr. Kralik. - That's quite all right, Miss Novak.
So that's why I'm a gentleman. That's why you've learned from me now?
That was such an obvious trick. I almost fell for it, too.
Everything has to be done exactly your way, and then you don't like it.
When I first came into this shop, I was full of life and enthusiasm...
...where I don't have to work anymore. Then I'll really tell you what I think.
As for that blouse, I think it's beautiful, and I'm going to wear it tonight.
What is it?
What is this? Does everybody want to leave? Is this the interest you show?
- Once a year, I ask you to stay. - I'm sorry, if I'd only known yesterday.
You want a special invitation. Next time, I'll send you an engraved announcement.
I have talked everything over with Mr. Kralik. I know his ideas.
What do you mean you talked this over? Who's shop is this?
...six, mind you, when next door, a shop twice as big as mine...
Thank you very much. I'm doing some window-shopping for my husband.
Six people who stand around here for days telling jokes...
...and talking about the movies, while I pay the gas and the rent...
What?
Just a moment.
Mr. Pirovitch.
...so we won't have to have dinner with the Laszlos. Isn't that wonderful?
The whole week you've treated me like this, and without any reason.
Hello, Emma.
All right.
Pepi is out. He has quite a few deliveries, and he won't be back until after lunch.
It's only a few blocks from your home. We can deliver it. Right, Mr. Kralik?
Yes.
Mr. vadas.
Mr. Kralik...
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Kralik...
...l've been thinking all day about what you said this morning.
That's
pengo.
Well?
What happened?
"I wish to state that Mr. Alfred Kralik leaves my employ of his own accord.
"Mr. Kralik started with Matuschek and Company nine years ago as an apprentice.
"For the last five years, he has been our first salesman.
"He carries with him our best wishes for his success in his future career.
"Hugo Matuschek."
I showed off a little, and she's expecting to meet a pretty important man.
Well, I...
My dear Kralik, I think I speak for all of us, when I say this is a shock and a surprise.
...and we certainly wish you the luck which you so rightfully deserve.
If you have an evening with nothing to do, you know where we live.
I don't understand.
It's nothing unusual. It happens every day. Somebody gets fired and...
Flora.
...I cancelled slip number five, but I deducted it from the total.
Goodbye.
If I had anything to do with you not getting the evening off, I'm sorry.
It's my fault that you got into this trouble. Believe me, I'm sorry, too.
Yes?
Well?
Yes, I know he isn't there yet. Will you, please, tell him when he comes...
You don't have to explain. What you do after working hours is your own business.
He is the best man you had. Why did you let him go?
His whole life he lived in this shop. He was almost like a son to you.
Two children.
Good night.
She told me to remind you to call her if you don't work tonight.
Mr. Matuschek, the last time I had the pleasure to be at your apartment...
...was several months ago when you sent me after your briefcase.
Today I had a chance to get a glimpse of your new dining room set.
I can imagine what it'll look like with all the lights on at a dinner party.
Please.
...
"...at
p.m.
"She walked two blocks up to Karto Street where she engaged a taxi.
"At : the taxi stopped at the corner of Trantor and Bralter Streets.
Mr. Matuschek, your suspicion was right. It was one of your employees.
- vadas? - Yes.
Yes, yes.
Well, she...
Good evening.
Hello?
All right.
If she's bad looking, I've had enough bad news for today.
And a carnation.
She is?
If you don't like Miss Novak, I can tell you, you won't like that girl.
Now...
For the last six months she's fought with me every day.
I know. My misfortune.
Thank you.
- Excuse me, miss, could I have this chair? - Oh, no! No, you can't!
Carnation, huh?
A few nights ago we had a case with roses. Turned out very nice, very nice.
But once, about three months ago, we had a very sad case with gardenias.
...taken one look at her, said, "Phooey," and threw away his gardenia.
Listen, you have nothing to worry about, a pretty girl like you.
- My, your friend seems to be a little late. - And I'll thank you not to be sarcastic.
I know you've had a bad day, and you feel very bitter.
There are many things you don't know about me, Mr. Kralik.
There are many things you don't know about me, Miss Novak.
As a matter of fact...
Yes.
- Have you read Zola's Madame Bovary? - Madame Bovary is not by Zola.
- A very nice girl, too, I thought. - You thought that. How you can lie!
Mr. vadas assured me that you have your trousers specially made.
That's a lie!
- That's what you did. - After you started making fun of my legs.
As far as your actions, you're cold and snippy like an old maid.
You'll have a tough time getting a man to fall in love with you.
They're written by a type of man so far superior to you it isn't even funny.
...on a bicycle.
This thing must be kept in strict confidence between the three of us.
Sit down.
Do you remember the last time you came to my house for dinner?
I hated you.
My wife!
You see, you were the only one of my employees who had been to my home...
No scandal.
Now that you're the boss, if you want to give yourself a raise...
I'll talk it over with myself, and if I don't want too much money...
- When I get feeling better... - But then you might change your mind.
You're a pretty sick man, Mr. Matuschek. This isn't just an ordinary breakdown.
What a load off my mind. Now we're all one little happy family again.
That's right.
By the way, I have some unusual ideas for that window display.
Thank you, vadas. The rest of us can take care of the windows.
- The black ones? - That's right, and the big brown suitcases.
I want you to take all the big black suitcases from the top shelf...
...and move them to the bottom, and the big brown ones...
...from the bottom shelf and move them to the top shelf.
- You don't want to do it? - I didn't say that. Of course I'll do it.
Thank you.
please.
Send me four or five. I'll look them over. Right away, if you please.
All right.
- Who made you a clerk? - Yes, who did this dreadful thing?
I can't give you the whole story. I'm tied up with my word of honor.
If it hadn't been for me, this place would be closed on account of suicide...
That's right.
Well, you're never going to get it! What do you think of that?
Kralik, this is the age of youth, and I always ride with the times.
Let's stop beating around the bush. You and I never got along.
- You really think so? - Admit it. You don't like me.
I do like you!
No!
Hello!
Johanna?
Unless she's absolutely all right, tell her not to come today.
Tell her to be sure and take good care of herself. All right.
On the contrary, she's a nice girl. Only sometimes, she went too far.
Not another word about Miss Novak. She's a fine girl and a hard worker...
- I was agreeing with you. - I don't want you to agree with me!
You're fired.
Folks! Folks!
Folks!
Did you hear what he called me? Remember it on the witness stand.
What right have you got to fire me? Does Mr. Matuschek know?
- We don't want to waste any time. - Pardon me, sir. Your garments.
...of Matuschek and Company for two years during which time he's been efficient...
Naturally. I'm glad you have your job back again. I congratulate you.
I'm trying to tell you that Mr. Matuschek isn't here, and that I'm the manager.
Haven't you got any heart at all? I'm not well, I can hardly see straight.
I ask you a simple question and instead of any consideration, you try to frighten me.
Excuse me.
Hello.
Mr. Foeldes?
Goodbye, Mr...
Being in charge of the shop, I feel like a father to our little family.
Thank you.
Christmas is coming, and we'll miss a good worker like you in the shop.
- You? - Yes.
...psychological.
Only psychological!
...I can't help but admire the exquisite way you have of expressing yourself.
She has? Why doesn't she come in? Come in, Aunt Anna!
I can promise you I'll be back in the shop tomorrow, and I'll be on my toes!
That's quite a change in you. It's amazing what one letter can do.
"Who is this very attractive young man? He's just the type women fall for."
- I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble. - It's all right. I'll straighten it out.
He's afraid to come over to the table when another man is there.
He's not the type of man who would walk up to a table uninvited.
"vivacious.
"Fascinating."
- That doesn't make any difference. - You can consider one box sold.
Yes. I've just had an inspiration. I'll give one to my friend for Christmas.
Why don't you give him a wallet? I'm sure he'd be crazy about it.
Any man would be. A wallet is practical. Besides, we have those imported pigskins.
On one side he has your last letter, on the other side, a picture of you.
No, just the same, I'm going to give him a cigarette box.
- Thank you, Mr. Kralik, good night. - Good night, Miss Novak.
Let's all get together and buy him a nice Christmas present.
Let's get him a little Christmas tree for his hospital room.
That's all very nice, but the best present we could give him is a bare-looking shop...
Let's make this the biggest Christmas Eve in the history of Matuschek and Company.
I wanted to buy one of those Ochi Tchornya boxes, but Kralik tells me...
And that's the young man who'll get the cigarette box?
That's a lot of money, but it's worth it to ruin my wife's uncle's Christmas.
That's an inspiration.
Mr. Matuschek, what are doing here? Since when are you back?
I'm supposed to be a pretty sick man, that's what my doctor tells me.
But after all, it's Christmas Eve. I couldn't stay away any longer.
The only piece of leather goods in the place was my nurse's handbag.
And where do you think she got it? At Blasek and Company!
- What kind of business are they doing? - They're busy, but no comparison with this.
I came around to find out if the shop was still here. And then I go.
- Do you think Eric would like that briefcase? - I don't know. I'm not so sure.
That's wonderful.
That's the biggest day since ' You should be very proud.
But you, Kralik, and you, Pirovitch, you're the best doctors.
And you, Klara and llona and Flora, you're wonderful nurses.
Thank you.
Yes, sir.
This morning when I received the little Christmas tree you all sent me...
Klara.
Flora. Here.
And Pirovitch.
When you see the bonus, you'll realize that I didn't mean it.
Rudy.
Too much.
I want you all to go home now and have a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
Well, Kralik...
...
That's wonderful.
- Mr. Matuschek, I'd love nothing more... - You have another engagement?
No, not another word. I wanted to be sure that you weren't alone.
Well, Pirovitch.
Still hanging around the shop, Mr. Matuschek? Can't get away from here.
Yes, Mr. Matuschek. See that girl over there on the corner?
Mr. Matuschek, I don't know how to thank you for that marvelous present.
Rudy.
That's a wonderful age. You've got your whole life ahead of you.
You better not squander that money. Go home and give it to your mother.
That's right.
I certainly do.
And what would you think of roast goose stuffed with baked apples?
And fresh boiled potatoes and butter and some red cabbage on the side?
Sounds wonderful!
- It's lovely, I'm sure he'll like it. - I think so, too.
Merry Christmas, Klara. I hope it all turns out the way you want it to.
That's beautiful.
When I first came to work here, something very strange happened to me.
I kept saying, "Klara Novak, what on earth is the matter with you.
Now, here comes the paradox. I found myself falling for you.
Go on.
All my knowledge came from books, and I'd just finished a novel...
When she wanted to arouse a man's interest, she treated him like a dog.
My mistake was I didn't realize that the difference between this glamorous lady...
Yes, very.
I think we will.
Yes, he came last night. You shouldn't have told him who I am.
Apparently, he didn't believe it when you wrote that I meant nothing to you.
- That doesn't sound like him at all. - I've straightened everything out.
Mrs. Popkin?
That's the name, isn't it? That's the name he gave me.
Thank you.
- Would you call him fat? - I wouldn't, but that's a matter of opinion.
I think that little stomach of his gives him a nice, homey quality.
He feels that both of you can live very nicely on your salary.
When I told him what salary you made, he was a little worried...
...but then I promised him you'd get a raise, and he felt better about it.
Let me tell you, mentioning that bonus didn't do you any harm at all.
This is terrible.
If you could read his letters. Such ideals, such a lofty point of view.
Klara, if I'd only known in the beginning how you felt about me...
...
Dear friend.
You?
Dear friend?
Klara.
When you came to the caf that night, I was pretty rude, wasn't I?
Would you mind very much if I asked you to pull them up now?