Anastasia 1956 Film in English, Ingrid Bergman, Yul Brynner, Helen Hayes

[Music] Christmas. [Music] [Music] Don't think [Music] [Music] You [Music] can bless [Music] Hey, driver. Oh, happy Easter, excellency. What is it you want, Super? Could you drive to the Caspic and ask General Buddh to come here immediately? Isn't it too late for the church to save that master of yours? 25 Franks? No, 10. On Easter night, 20 15 exits. All right, Suban. Happy Easter to you. Please hurry. Leave it to me. It's very urgent, please. [Music] Look, Bob, don't you adore Russian food? Faster. Faster. Faster. General, I'm just mad for your place. It's always a

pleasure to see you here, madam. General Bumin, my husband. Excuse me, General. The Count Berios is waiting outside in his taxi. He has a Message for you from Sipan. Yes, he says it is urgent. I'll be right out. Will you forgive me for just a moment? [Music] Follow me. [Music] [Music] Is she here? Yes, sir. Where? Over there by the tree. Are you sure? Yes, excellency. All right, we're here. Habista. Habista. Anakorf. It is Anakorf. Or at least so you are called an asylum at Slue. You see the resemblance? No more than a 100 women

might have. There's nothing to fear. I promise you. Why do you always run away? Always questions. I've lost the answers. Perhaps if you hadn't told the nun who you were, there wouldn't be any questions. Who am I? Grand Duchess Anastasia I believe in an asylum and none might be mad. It's contagious. Then you do admit you were in that asylum, don't you? Stefan, are you positive she is the same woman You saw in Syu? Yes, sir. Come on. [Music] [Music] [Music] Let me go. Please let me go. The general sent to wait for him at

the usual place. Wait. How do you like that? The nerve of that bun. Didn't he leave us a message? Yes. He Said he'd be back shortly. Late. Always late. Vro in the hour has arrived for me. I know. You only tell me what you're going to tell Boon. Still be happy now. In one week, you shall be delicate in prison. I forbid that word. I didn't hear it. It's the logical end to what was always a ridiculous scheme. Ridiculous scheme. But your eyes lit up like those of a mad monk when you heard our judge's

daughter might be alive. That was ridiculous. And yours lit up when you heard he had a 10 million pound inheritance. Equally ridiculous. Not equally. The 10 million pounds lie waiting in the bank of England. But the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolai lies buried in Russia. What? No, thank you. My digestion has been Shocking ever since Bonan decided to form our corporation. Bonan decided idea was mine. My years of banking experience are for nothing. I devised the method of selling shares to stockholders to pay for the search for their beloved grand duchess. I worked out the ratio

of so many shares in her inheritance to so many shares of our stock. And I adise was nothing. Was nothing. Good evening, comrades. The term isn't great on your white Russian ears. Excuse me. Oh, I'm sorry. I The meeting is called to order. Called to order. Just like that. May we have the financial report, please? The financial report? Yes, the financial report. There's another report, General. All in due time, Dr. Vanch, go ahead. Chov, as of today, our treasury shows assets of uh exactly 5,250 Franks. That new suit looks very well on you, my dear

Chenov. Am I wrong? Or were there not some 9,000 odd Franks at our last meeting? My dear General, may I ask you? May I ask you what paid for this club of yours? 15,000 Franks from the stockholders. That's why we live in one room. Petroin and I, we share the Bedroom. This is not a meeting on your housing problem. Proceed with our accounts. Housing problem. Um 275 Franks to Natalia Yakovsk, formerly dress maker of the Imperial family. Paid for the information I received in closing measurements. I see you've made good use of the information. I

drew it myself. Those are her exact Measurements. Crown is a nice touch. Yeah, a face would be a better one. It's all too late now. We're facing disaster. As a son of the former deacon to his majesty's court, you should have more faith. I wish my poor father, bless his soul, had less. All right, your please give him the news. I would rather have his first. Mine. I know a smile. I bet you have another of your brilliant surprises for us. Never mind. What happened, Peter was? I was summoned by the stockholders committee. Oh, how

kind of them. Kind the old general Anikin came straight to the point years ago. He said rumors started that the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikola, daughter of his Imperial Majesty Nicholas II, had not been murdered with the rest of the royal family, but had escaped miraculously. A year ago, you went on, you and your friends came to us with the claim you knew her highness was somewhere in Berlin. Then you said you found her, but she ran away. Was it then we thought of using the redhead? No, no. The one who was always giggling. Ah, yes.

The redhead came later. Go ahead. Then you said you needed more money to find her again. We subscribed. Then you said you found her, but she was too sick. More money? Too sick? Oh, that was Galina. Too stupid. How long can she be sick? Chernov, how much money can you d from our theme pocket? Chernov, how much have they got enough? Jo, general, they give us exactly eight days. Eight days for what? 8 days to produce her highness the Grand Duchess of Anastasia or we go to prison for fraud. For fraud? Well, it has taken

them long enough. Is that all you can say? It sickles me how you let him make you suffer. How you like to suffer and you delight in making him suffer? Not particularly. I merely thought it advisable to determine exactly what our Situation was before suggesting how to deal with it. What did I tell you? All right, General. Let's have you surprise. Where is she? Where is who? The woman Stefan saw in the asylum in Sloo. Correct. We have finally tracked her down. Really? No. Of course, she does not admit that she Was there. No. Really?

Nor does she admit that she told the nun there that she was the Sar's daughter. What does she admit? Nothing. And why do you believe? I think she may be lying, but the important thing is that properly used, she may serve our purpose. How? She has certain surprising features, such as, you will see, she also has a rather intriguing strangeness. Of course, that may be simply the result of our meteor. Him and his surprises. You were looking for a grand duke. He wouldn't find so many. Bring her in. Come over here. Don't worry. These two

gentlemen are Friends. Here, sit down. How about a glass of volcan? Thank you. There's nothing to fear. They merely want to examine you. Sammy, are they doctors? They don't help. Doctors? No, they're not doctors. No. No. We should have kept their red head. Zar's daughter drinks like a kaza. Can I have a cigarette? Sure. Yeah. Where am I? I told you we're friends. Strange. What? The resemblance to the other. Yes. Both female. Have you gentlemen considered what she went through? The streets probably. I can imagine her walk. Stand up. What did you say? I said

stand up. We would like to see you walk over to there if you please. At least with a red head, we could have dyed her hair. But a walk. The Grand Duchess has learned with books on their heads. You could recognize them by their carriage alone. Oh, storm walks. What's she talking about? Ch. That bookkeeper who nearly ruined you 12 years ago in the forgery affair. Would You recognize his walk today? Would you recognize the smile of a girl you knew 10 years ago? I didn't think of that. You're both fools. You're examining her as

if she was the real Anastasia. There is no Anastasia. She was shot to death 10 years ago by a firing squad. We're not looking for her, gentlemen. We're seeking only a reasonable faximile. Reasonable? Yes, but that is unreasonable. Please, let's be Constructive. Besides, what will the comedian say? Most of them have seen the original. How? At the court ball from a balcony in church by candle light, flickering shadows. Yes, you saw her. Many saw her from a distance or in the newspapers. What about the servants? Some of them are here in exile. They saw her

through devoted tears and they will again. All right. Then the family. The family. If it was the immediate family, I would not try. But they are dead. And do you have faith in the memories of uncles, aunts, cousins? I don't. You have faith in nothing. They will closet themselves in their bedrooms and secretly peer at yellow photographs which that woman will resemble that. Yes. That R will turn the mouth up a Bit. Some powder and uku dresses to suggest the other period walk manner voice taught along with faces names places. It would be easier if

we could present her the committee lying in her coffin. Yes. No questions, no answers, no mistakes. No money either. I know. Now I know. No what? It's a seller. You are here to shoot me. Are you mad? It's a seller. This is upset. Sit down. No. Sit down. I said pretty good. Pretty good. A little more rehearsal perhaps. He told her how the real one was shot in a cellar and instructor. Don't be stupid. I told her nothing. The woman can undoubtedly read. And certainly enough has been written describing the death in the cellar. Some

say she did not die. Huh? Where did you get that? He just said so from a book or a story I was told. a rumor, a whisper, or it it happened. It did not. And that woman is too too something, too crazy, too clever, too tricky. I don't care what she is. The important thing is that she fits. Get up. Go over there. What is it? Just a drawing. Stand closer. Turn around. The correct height. The correct heart. Yes. The crown might belong in her head. The drawing of whom? Who is it? The princess. A

Russian Grand Duchess who died in 1918. Princess, a glass of water. It's all right. It's all right, Petro. Her highness is better. Don't call me that. how well you hear and how well you know how to use what you hear and when it was you who told the nun that you were the grand duchess Anastasia sick people get sick ideas then you were in that asylum in Slooh and before that in Berlin let me out of here you know you were you were you were why and why not questions like that can only be answered

by lies let me go No please please don't Look at her hand. What? Go on. Look. Well, he wants us to look. All right. Come. Come. Under the light. Sit down. Open your hand. I told you there were surprising features. On the palm of each hand, a scar as from bullets. Now look at her head above the left Temple. An arrow depression extending almost to the forehead. Just as we were told. Where did you get those scars? Your gift from an unknown admire. Where? I don't remember. Wounds like that and you don't remember? Who are

you? No one. By your parents? None. Where you from? The river. Before that? A mad house. And before that? Another river and another mad house. Oh, come on now. Who are you? You tell me. He must be someone. Why? Nobody. Nothing. No one. Incredible, but most convenient for us. All right, gentlemen. Come over here. Add up the facts. One, she has a certain resemblance which we can heighten. Two, she's obviously smart enough to learn what we teach. Discrepancies in her memory can be attributed to the head wound. Three, she has no identity whatsoever, which means

it will be exceedingly difficult for anyone to prove that she's someone else. Four, we have eight days. Precisely. All in favor of the Candidate. Two to one elected. Two to one elected. Do you realize there are 10 million pounds at stake? 10 million. Yes, my dear. The inheritance of 10 million pounds left by the side in the Bank of England. And you want to risk it other than a mad woman? I must still be in the asylum with the one who sat covered and crouched on the floor because she wasn't born yet. It's you are

mad. I'll have no part of this. No, no, my dear. The carriage of the head not quite so high. Grand Duchesses are proud but also modest. They are to be killed, not to be sold. There you are, mad as a hatter. Now she really thinks she is a nostalgia. I do not. I am. But you can be. I can make you. Instead, you said so yourself. That doesn't matter. Please. Please. No one will believe it. The family they call the lie. No matter what they think, they will accept you. For 10 million pounds, gladly. They

would accept me and pretend to love me for money. Is that what they are like? Isn't everyone? No. I'm going quiet to the river of the mad house. You have no papers. The police will pick you up soon enough if you don't die of Starvation sooner. Oh, come, come. Why then did you tell those stories in the hospital? To the little nun. Her eyes grew big as a child. But then in the evening, she brought me special things to eat. An orange or some grapes. We can bring you much more. But in another hospital, I

told other stories, and they believed them, too. Especially the one where the train blew up. We were too close to where the mine Was planted. So when the train hit it, pieces of metal fell like a shower of fireworks all about us. The man beside me was killed and the man beside him too. But I was only wounded. Oh, so that's how you got those scars. Yes. So it would seem. I thought you couldn't remember. I can't always. Things come and go like waves of mist. But look to be hers. What you want, what we

want, even what the royal family wants. So I've heard before all of it. Say this. Remember that. You are, you are not. I know you. I don't know you. Oh, I've heard it many times. Where? Bucharest. Berlin. Berlin. With China. I don't remember. But the enthusiasm and the promise is those I remember. And then when memory failed, disappointment, anger, dismissal. The street failure. Pink. Nobody there. You're wrong. There will not be failure this time. Not with me. Now listen. You want to know who you are, don't you? Yes. You want to find the family to

whom you belong, don't you? Yes. Yes. By yourself, you're lost. But with me, you will find yourself. You I'm tired. You know I am right. The album. Take the chance. It's the only one you have. I'm too tired to argue. You don't have to do anything. I will do it all. I'll get look. It's you on the deck of your father's yacht. The standard. Standard? You know the name? It's written on the lifeboat. Oh, yes. Now, here you are with your family. Your father, your mother, your sisters, your little brother. My family. And here, look.

1913 the anniversary of the house of Romanov 300 years. There they are on the balcony of the winter palace and that little girl there that is you. Thousands nearly singing God save the Zar. The people your people. Yes. Yes. You can see it can't you? Yes I can. Now may I present your stuff but Andre Chino formerly of St. Petersburg banker Dr. Van Petraven, former student of the theological seminary. Sergey Palunin, general of the Czech regiment, former aid da attached to the person of his imperial majesty Nicholas II sa of all Russia. And I am

I am her imperial highness, the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolna. [Laughter] Now once more awaken awaken in the middle of the night and taken down to the cellar and then without warning guards appeared in the doorway and began firing. One fainted shielded by the body of her sister. Which sister was it Olga? Right. Yes. A white dress and darkness. One of the executioners crashed down with his rifle. Later, two brothers were among the guards that came into the cellar to remove the dead. One of the bodies moved. Hers hidden in a farm cart on the straw,

wrapped in sheets filled with snow for her fever. They fled across the country. bribed guards with jewels sewn into her blouse Skirt was it? And they made their way to I don't know Balta. Balta and from there across the Romanian border to Bookucharest and there there she died of heartbreak was thrown into the sea to the strains of an old Russian walls. It Was all quite good up to the end. This icon, you're supposed to have seen it before, remember? Where was it? In my mother's bedroom. She was very religious, and she placed holy pictures

everywhere, right? And books and albums just like these, scattered about, overflowing the tables. And there was a sitting room between the bedroom of my mother and my father. When that was that little reading room In the hospital, silly. More coffee. She won't sleep. She hasn't got time to sleep. I don't very much anyway, but thank you. All right. Where were we? Oh, yes, your mother. But I know what I'm talking about. We have exactly three days left. Let us worry about one thing at a time. One thing at a time. All right, but I'll take

over. I think she's very tired. Oh, I've had my coffee. Besides, it all helps to bring my memory back. And maybe one memory will convince someone. Even if it's only me. Where did you live in the winter? The Winter Palace, St. Petersburg. Right. Spring. Spring? I don't remember. Sars. Sars. Summer. Peterov. Leadia. Preferred for the sea. Hunting seat. Spala. Where? In Poland. The on the Baltic. No luck. General Moscow. You stayed. The Kremlin gay pal. No, the committee will not give us even one more date. You think she's Ready? No. Cuz she thinks she is.

No, listen. She thinks she's Anastasia. And the great Stanislavski once said, "When an actor believes he is the character he's playing, fire him." It's a bit late for that. Well, it's a bit late for anything. The ads are finished. The play is finished. We are finished. The play is merely replaced by a Pantomime. Huh? Our leading lady will be very weak, exhausted, too sick to talk. With careful staging, the committee will be satisfied and careful casting. Her imperial highness will be too weak to see any more than, let us say, six members. Why six? Three

stupid enough to accept even you as Anastasia. Three important enough to spread the news that she is Anastasia. Your highness, may I present a few members of our colony here who, as I Told you, are anxious to see you for just a moment. His Excellency Count Ila Fovich and his brother Count Andre Fichive. His Excellency Court Assessor Shushkin Shushkin. Your Imperial Kus. His Excellency. It's very rude to stare. Forgive me. It's difficult to say. Come closer. No, you please. I think I know you. Were you not a lady In waiting to my mother? Many people

know that, I'm afraid. I'm trying to remember more. When I was a child, I used to watch the faces of the ladies in waiting to see if they were wearing lip rouge. My mother did not allow makeup. So I I was not mean, just just mischievous. I I used to report to her. What was it my mother used to call you? Sher Zena, I'm sorry. Escaper. Nin. Yes. Nini. Your kindness. You imperial kindness. What's the matter? Don't you like my bors? No. Too bad. The general says you have to eat it. She won't eat. All

right. This entire household, everything has Been turned upside down just for you. To make you comfortable, to help you get well. I don't like borch. I don't care whether you like it or not. Eat it. I specifically warned you not to say one word to that committee. You could have ruined everything. I told you about Nini, didn't I? Maybe. I don't know. Yes, I did. Or Petin did. Or you overheard us. But the important thing Are you angry because you're beginning to wonder who I am or because you want me to do nothing except what

you tell me? I know who you are not. Just as I know that unless you do as I tell you, I'll have an extra cigarette girl at my club. We now have a breathing spell we need badly. You still have a great deal to learn if you're to achieve what we have agreed. Do you understand? Yes, I understand, excellency. Then finish your dinner and get to bed. Work begins again in the morning. And now, royal etiquette. All right. One, one, two, three, four. A queen, your majesty, a prince of royal blood, your highness, a prince

of ordinary station outside of the royal family. Prince, I suppose your excellency cabinet ministers are Sir, even Anna Corv would know all of it. Pick up the book. But why do I need it? Pick up the book, put it on your head, and walk over there. You don't seem to realize that the gesture, the grace, the carriage of a true daughter of a child cannot be taught. Either she learns as a child how to hold herself or it's too late, excellency. [Music] Did she like to play as a child? No, but your mother wanted you

to. I still don't like it. My hands don't have the strength anymore. All right, we can use that as an explanation. But listen to this. Now, this is important. Your tutor wanted you to learn this to prove to your mother But the lessons were not in vain. Did I ever learn it? Yes, but you hated it. I like it now. Quite pretty. [Music] Now around. That's it. Once more. [Music] All right. Now the polar ends. Can't I rest? Yes. After dinner. Here we go. I can't. You will. Head up. Back straight. One, Two, three. One,

two, three. One, two, three. Please, please concentrate. And one, two, three. One, two. My feet hurt. I can't anymore. Little rest perhaps. There is no time. The walls better. Come on. I'm sure you won't mind doing this. This is the walls you like so much. The back. The back with ease. Style. [Music] Didn't you say the other day it reminded you of something? Yes. Of my first ball. And your first love? No doubt. Yes. Who was he? I can't remember. [Music] Was he fair or was he dark with a mustache? I don't know. One day

he's fair, the next he's dark. I don't know. [Music] One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. [Music] [Music] What are you doing here? I can't anymore. I don't know who I am anymore. I don't know what I remember or what I've been told I remember. What is real? Am I Anna? Am I Anna? Why not Amara? Why not Liisa? Why not? Yes, why not? I can't anymore. I don't want this. I want to be me. Whoever I am, I want to be me. I want someone to tell me, someone to

accept me. Look, you have been working very hard and you're over tired. But we're almost finished now. Are you? Then you know who I am. A good night's sleep. But you must know it. Must just go to bed. No, I'm leaving. I'm leaving. Stop it. Go to bed at once. My father was very strict. I did not like to obey but he was ringing master in circus. General Boon. Yes. Who am I? I don't know and prince. My dear madal, her highness and the general will be here shortly. May I Thank you again for all

of us for what you're doing. Oh, I should not be thanked. It makes me happy to do anything that will help restore what is right here. Yes. Oh, excellency. Excellency General, I cannot tell you how important your presence is here today. My dear Arena, I promised your late father I'd keep an eye on you. On occasion, it's a little Trying. I promise you will not regret coming. That's a promise you may have some difficulty in keeping. May I sit down? Oh, do please. This abominable couch. This way. Albe a chair for his excellency. Take care

of his excellency. You know how he is. Fallon and Bellis, The old fox himself. I never thought he would come. Well, we may wish he hadn't. How many are you taking? People will think you're hungry. Hungry? Well, I'm not hungry. I'm nervous, sir. No, thank his excellency Count Razuma. I must say, a truly wonderful occasion. Yes. What? Red cavia. You mean? Yes. If the caviar were real, she would be real. Please. Remain here your excellency. Remain here. We will see that they come to you. I understand. So many old faces. Oh yes. And it is

their dear old names. We want We want their names on signed statements that will convince the bank of Your highness the Grand Duchess Anastasia. This way your highness cross for the alve. My dear general, this is all so exciting. Your imperial highness. Welcome. Here we go. Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, oh, I would like to say a few. She's doing too much. Very difficult for me to speak today. General Boon, would you please? As you all know, I am the last one to believe in miracles or resurrections. But reality cannot be established without help, legal

help, witnessed and signed statements. It is frankly our hope, our need that those among you who believe will come forward after the reception and sign these testimonials voluntarily. Now I'm quite sure that some of you have Come here to obstruct the reasons political monetary we all know there are some who have been made understandably cynical by the revolution and there are some who will testify to anyone and anything and have to none of you do we bring any pressure to all of you we bring someone who has literally suffered worse than death for 10 lost

years. It is our duty to restore this extraordinary person to the world of the living. If you're sentimental, say it is Because she has suffered enough. If you are humane, say justice must be done. If you are Russian, a loyal subject of his late majesty, then say with me. Our only hope is his daughter, your imperial highness, Anastasia Nikol. Her excellency counters. Your highness, when Arena, when Madame Deisansk told me, I confess I really had doubts. You can understand. It really is a miracle. Is it? Yes, your highness. We met only once. I remember near

the tennis courts at Levadia. Yes. I also remember that my uncle Alex got you the title because he liked dancing. But from then on, you made a fool of him. My mother never liked you. My father never liked you, and I never liked you. Please go. Now, just a moment. You're not an Anastasia yet. And if I have any I said please go. You are mad. Don't answer. But I warn you for the last time. Your excellency. You're not leaving without seeing her highness. I have seen. Oh, but she will be so disappointed at not

having seen you again. And how do you know that? Huh? You mean how do I? Well, truthfully, excellency, we don't. But we are sure she will. Sure. And I, dear Ivan Vasilia, you stay this Long. And after all, you did promise me. We arena, a war, all right, but don't try to keep me there too long. My foot hurts. Excellency, I think you're due for a surprise. His excellency, I'm so glad to see you, Ivan Vasuich. They told you my name. How kind. Won't you sit down? No, thank you. I don't expect to stay. My

father's chamberlain was a man of Great courtesy. His majesty complimented me on many things. I don't recall his mentioning courtesy. My father's chamber was also a temperate man who did not judge before. Forgive me. I have a miserable attack of gout undoubtedly be a punishment for being inmperate and I am eager to return to my tub of hot water. There are many characteristics which you could recall many details but so could dozens of others. My relations with his majesty's Children were impersonal, public. So in the end, my judgment could only be a matter of opinion,

and that opinion can only be determined by resemblance and matter. Your excellency, 10 years is a long time. No, I've already noted the resemblance as to the manner. I've been watching, and you've given me pleasure. You've taken me back to my seat in the Imperial Theater at St. Petersburg, second row on The aisle every Tuesday night. For the purpose of acting is not only to imitate reality, but to create illusion. I'm not being sarcastic when I say that you are an excellent actress, madam. Extremely well trained. My compliments. I do not accept them. Madam, my

foot is troubling me. My life is troubling me and it has yet to be lived. You do not believe because you do not wish to believe. You say my words will not convince because you're Afraid I know the right words. You misquote, madam. I also said that the manner of the department of a grand duchess would convince me. But I don't see it in not a gesture, though one would be worth more than all the words you undoubtedly can produce. Good day. How dare you smoke in my presence without my permission? Who are you? 15

16 17 18 out of a possible 51. And you were so sure it would be almost a clean sweep. Didn't the old fox himself say her performance was great art? We're not doing this for art. We're doing for money. Now listen, this can go on forever. Some say she is, some saying she isn't. Precisely. My mind is made up. Oh. To what? There's only one way. To go straight to The top. You mean the old icon? Yes. The daer empress. Oh, sure. The old ramrod sits in her castle in Copenhagen biting her nails because she's

waiting for sar here to give her performance. She's the one chance as head of the family. No one would dare dispute her word. Dispute her word. Excellency, her highness would like to See her what? Isn't she? She can wait. Not too long. She's backing up. Packing up? Where's her going? I don't know and it doesn't matter. So, you enjoyed yourself today? Yes. I became ashamed. Ashamed of allowing myself to be put on display. Ashamed of conjuring up tricks like a Circus freak. Ashamed of asking people to sign papers that I'm real. I am real. Then

I will not stoop to prove it to them. Who are they? Who are you? I think I know. Today and tomorrow. Will you be so sure tomorrow and the day after? Why? Why can't you let me believe? I will even help you believe when I'm sure of the truth myself. No one will ever be sure. and you least Of all. I know that today too. Wrong. These people today were not worth your efforts. But there is someone who is. One word from her. They will all grow. Your empress my dear father. Grandmama. Grandmama. Grandmama. She'll

never see me. She will. How do you know? I know she will. Words. Call me schemer plotter. Call me what you will. But deep down you know. But if anyone can get you to see that old woman, it is I. I'll get you there for your sake. For my sake? Yes. You never did anything for the sake of anybody but yourself. You enjoy playing with people, making fools of them. That's why you're doing it as a joke. To prove that you are Great and alive, and the others are small and dead. Yes. And for money.

Go ahead. It won't hurt. Sit down. If you want to leave after I'm through, I won't force you to stay. Let us say you're right. As a matter of fact, you are. That's all the more reason for you to go with me to the empress in Copenhagen. Never trust anyone who functions from Noble motives. The good are never sure. In the end, they'll let you down. Our motives are different. Agreed. But our goal is the same. And that's the only thing that counts. Well, we go to Copenhagen. I had a dream the other night. Yes.

About your father being a ring master. No. This time he was a doll maker. My mother his assistant to painted the Faces. The correct ancestry for a puppet. You know I'll go. You always know. She always wore black, the Empress, didn't she? Yes. For 10 years, I've wanted to see her. She was never very easy, even before the end. Yes, I know. You know, you remember Prince Paul. Let's see. Nephew to the Empress, second cousin to me, engaged to me when I was how old? 16. Quite attractive. Do you remember him? No. Well, you should.

I'll tell you a secret. The first Walt you always remember was with him. Danish customs. Have you anything to declare? No. Madame, thank you. Madame Anderson. Madame Anderson. Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Bonin. Everything in order? Yes, it seems to be. Welcome to Denmark. I hope you enjoy your visit. Thank you. I'm sorry. I forgot. I've had so many names. It was a struggle to get you that one. Why Anderson? Oh, well, you needed some name. And once I was in a situation with with a lady. Well, as an alias, it is innocuous enough. Madame A.

Anderson. The least real thing about me is my legal reality. What happened to the other madam Anderson? Oh, nothing very important. Just got tired of her. This visa is good for only 14 days. Two weeks. Most people have a lifetime in which to be accepted. Suppose two Weeks are not enough. They must be. What's that for? In the cavalry. We used to do it when we saw the infantry marching. Driver, what is this parade? Nothing special. We have it every day in Copenhagen. Thank you. The king, Uncle Chris, cousin of Grandma, the Empress. Good. Very

good. Excuse me, sir. Will you see Mrs. Anderson to her rooms, please? Yes. Excuse me. Where's the bar? That way, sir. Well, not good. Uh-uh. The empress absolutely refuses to see you, let alone her. and him. Our prince Paul lives on the old lady's allowance. He was always rather courageous. One possibility. Remember Baroness from Leven Bal? That crazy lady in waiting to the empress vaguely. She remembers you clearly. Uh just a moment. You have a round deal with her tomorrow at 4. Round? Yes. At the tablely garden. [Music] [Music] It isn't. It can't be. It

is. Living bow. Do sit down. Thank you. No, it's too dangerous. But I will. Dangerous. Come. Whom could we possibly run into here at Tivy? Except children. That's exactly why I chose it. How fit you look. Superb. But this is a stiflingly small town. a village. A 100 chattering tongues will gossiping to her majesty. Your lady in waiting was seen with that man. That man. A flagen of Your delicious beer. I always drink what the natives drink. Oh, this is madness without the moon. My dear Baroness, you will never change. Now you're trying to bribe

me just as the empress said you would. Where is she? The empress. She's playing solitire with her memories. No, dear General Anastasia, or should I say her highness? Is it really she? I long to meet her. And so you shall as soon as she is properly introduced to Copenhagen. What a look you have. How inevitable that I'm useless to you. Why? The empress will never receive you or that woman. You know her an unmeltable icicle. Thank you. You won't get at her through Paul either. He sends his bills as though they were invitations. He behaves

as though we were still in Russia. Russia. I am all of Czechov's three sisters rolled into one. I shall never get back there. Oh, surely you must have a pleasant life with the empress here. With her majesty, life is one eternal glass of milk. Oh, come, there must be some court life, not a crumb. She never entertains. Her phantoms, the ghosts of her dead family. But she must go out for a drive or Shopping or a museum. Speak, whisper, breathe one word. Well, she does go out occasionally if there's anything Russian, an opera, or a

ballet. Let me see. They're performing a Valley of Tchaikovski this week at the Royal Theater. Thursday, I believe. [Music] Come over here for a moment. I want you to look as beautiful as possible tonight. Oh, he's quite a simple soul really, Prince Paul. His vocation and a vocation are one and the same. The pursuit of beautiful women. If you thought it necessary, I suppose you would even have sent me to plastic surgery. [Music] Take your seat. Do you know how long it is since I've been to a theater? Don't display too much excitement. Sit Down.

[Music] General, they just arrived. She, too. Yes. [Music] program. Your majesty box near is the stage. The man you want me to look beautiful for? Yes. My fiancé. The lady next to him is Baroness von Levenbal. Lady in waiting to the empress. Where's the empress? In the back of the box behind the curtain. So close after so many years. I'm suddenly frightened. [Music] [Music] [Music] Go with them to the buffet and stand facing this way. Tonight can meet. I know what tonight can mean. Go ahead. Uh, please. Three coffees. Have you ever seen her before?

One was Bunin. No. Good evening, your highness. Oh, Bunin. We're just talking about you. Good to see you again. Thank you. When did you return? Where from? The hunting trip I was told you were on all week. Oh, my relations with my aunt forces me To be on far too many trips. I apologize. I understand. Who's the lovely lady with you? Mrs. Anderson. Extremely lovely. Yes, she's rather pretty. Anderson? Is she Danish? English? Well, she's many things. Would you like to meet her? You know very well I would. May I present his highness, Prince Paul

From Heraldberg, their imperial highness, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolner. I should have known. Traveling under the name of Mrs. Anderson. Surprised. I wasn't sure I recognized you either. But you are sure now. Yes. I shall not ask yet whether you are. You're either very kind or very tactful. My compliments. Will you both excuse me? You are afraid. As a little boy, you always were. Is it, after all, such a terrible risk to have a drink with us? It seems that anything with the general is a risk. Even a drink. Then have it with me. Now it

is my turn. Will you both excuse me? Of course. You have changed. So have you. Then you do remember. I remember a little girl who used to delight becking me into a corner. I remember a little boy who always took time to make up his mind. For example. Ah. You're testing me? No. Proing you to talk so I can enjoy looking at you. Champagne? Why not? Uh, the baroness from Livingbound, please. General Boon Kio, please. Vasil, her majesty would like a glass of mineral water. You are a monster. Well, I've survived a revolution. I suppose

I can survive this. Will you forgive me if I make sure that Vasili gets the right kind of water? Her majesty is madly particular. Certainly. Your Majesty. Who is it? Oh, Your Majesty, forgive me. I did once when I heard you'd been shot. I was sentenced twice. By whom? The whites or the reds? Is there a recall by both? Good for them. But you're still here. I have asked your majesty's pardon. For what? For this intrusion? for the effrontry of using the name of Romanov to launch a commercial enterprise for hammering at my gate for

days. Your majesty Bin I have already been shown two Tatiana an Alex and a Maria as well as an Anastasia. I will not see your client. I am as weary of these spectral grandchildren as I am of false hope. I have lost everything I have loved. My husband, my family, my position, my country. I have nothing but memories. I want to be left alone with them. Perhaps one memory may be a reality. The only reality for you is an investment. Your majesty, only a fool would bring you a mere investment. Whatever you may think of

me, you must know that I'm not a fool. I do too have gone through the revolution into the world. The effects of your journey are not visible. You know perfectly well this woman is not my granddaughter. Quite honestly, I don't know who she is. But there is so much that cannot be explained unless she is the woman she believes she is. I see now that it mattered more to you than I thought. a bigger pardon. You really wanted that title you never got. You're not doing this simply for money. You have never forgiven my family,

have you? Your majesty, I'm here simply to tell you that whoever this woman is, she asks only one thing, to see you. Unfortunately, there are not enough years remaining for me to see every mad woman with a royal obsession. If she Must see me, show her my photographs again. Your majesty, go back to Paris. Bon, you're wasting your time. General, good evening, your majesty. I thought perhaps that you said your nonsense, my cape. So Bonian is still attractive. Yes, your majesty. Madly attractive. Yes, your majesty. Men bomb, your voluuptuous fances are disgusting. To a woman

of your age, sex should mean nothing but gender. Yes, your majesty. [Music] You saw her? What did she say? Did she? I did not see her. What did he say? He was very charming. I like him much more than I thought I would from your description. Do you? Don't you want me to? I want you to make him like you more than he thought he would. Forgive me, Barry. I just ran into somebody else. I forgive you. You ran into a blonde. Very pretty. Is she married? But who is she? I don't know yet. Go

on. You can tell me. Leven bomb. I came for the other performance. Your majesty. [Music] The jewels, please. Jewels? Yes, the jewels. Listen, Rage, will you put these in the safe downstairs? Why? They are fake. You know that, but the manager won't. Ah, public relations. Anything else? No. See you in the morning. Good night. Good night. You did very well tonight. Thank you. Am I dismissed now too? Yes. You had better get some rest. The principal will be calling for you tomorrow evening. Thank you for achieving the invitation. You achieved it. I merely accept it.

The empress doesn't want to see me, does she? She will see you. I'm sure she said no tonight. So now the Route is through Paul via me. You don't hesitate to use anybody for anything, do you? Oh, I hesitate. I hesitate until I'm sure of the desires of those concerned. Good night. [Music] To begin with, a nice clear champagne soup and then uh I think a prac of champagne. No vegetables but a crisp champagne salad. Excellent. And for dessert, The small champagne sule. 1921 is a very good year for su. I really don't like champagne.

I only like what it does to me. You won't like it in the morning. I'll adore it in the morning. I'll have a a fantastically enormous hangover. And your friend Boon will be furious. You know what he is? Vodka. Quick, hard, sharp. And you? Champagne. I hope. Don't be greedy. There's a little girl you used to say there. Oh, no. No. Not tonight. How many times have we been together? Four? Five? And every time? But every time I've heard your mind click, click click. Is she? Isn't she? She's It's very very unattractive of you. Very

noisy. Tonight, I just want to have a good time. Do you know who I am? No. A woman. An extremely attractive one. Then behave accordingly. That's That's difficult. Hello. Click click click. Not a one. 1921. Definitely. Excuse me, Highness. I apologize for the intrusion, but her highness has not yet recovered from her illness. Her doctor has given strict orders that she retire Early. Vodka. Pure vodka. Poor Cinderella. The coach turned back into a pumpkin and the footman into a big white rat. Your highness, don't you think the glass slipper cut her foot? Good night, your

highness. Oh, that ugly steps is the good night. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you. Thank you. Pleasant dreams. Good evening. [Music] I I forgot my compliments to the chef. Well, good night. May I speak to you for a moment? It's very late. It's very important. All right. I enjoy her company and I agree she's a beautiful woman with the possibility of inheriting 10 million pounds. When everyone is boringly aware of my weakness and yours for beauty and money. Personally, I don't think it's so human of us that they're most desirable items in the world.

All right. What do you propose to do? At times you push too hard. Her visa expires in 4 days. She hasn't seen the empress by that time. I've been knocking too loudly on the door. Buin, it is precisely when my aunt thinks that somebody is trying to force her to do something that she does nothing. When do You do something? Depends on the odds. You're pushing again. They are high this time, my dear prince. Very high. Good night. 1 2 3 4 Just came from a restaurant, didn't you? Such a funny restaurant. No food. Why

don't you take me there tomorrow? Had too much to drink. No, not quite enough. Shall I call for some more? No. No. It must be very dreary in your room. Everyone in mine is having a wonderful time. Would you care to join us? I go to sleep. General, I have a confession to make. I was lying. There's no one here but me. Can you hear me? General, why don't you make a concession? I I mean confession. Well, it's the same thing. Come on, General. One little confession. One sweet tiny. Go. Heat. Prince Paul was asking

for you twice your medicine. Thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon, your majesty. Did her majesty enjoy the drive? Yes, it was quiet for a change. Prince Paul, I heard he called twice. He's still waiting, your majesty. Sorry, your majesty, to be so persistent, but it is money much more important. Oh, a woman. But we will come in. Well, who is she? I come straight to the point. You usually do. to bed. Yes. Late, dear count. Late. B. I'm in no mood for you. I had to go All the way to town on the trolley. On

the trolley, my dear. While you Oh, you're bersitis again. I do not have bersitis. I have me gra in the shoulder. Another area wouldn't surprise me as much. Living bound enough is Is there someone in there with her? Paul. You know he's been seen publicly with that woman. Which woman? The impostor. Contest. Perhaps the empress will accept her. You mean he's going to talk her into it? She's getting old. Never. And lonely. Never. And she never leave. Your majesty. Do you know what he wanted? I can imagine. Your majesty. You see that woman? How easily

he swallows the trick she performs? And what did they prove that she can memorize the teachings of Bun? What if there is a resemblance? What if she does think she is Anastasia? Wanting a dream does not make it true. She's a fraud. She must be. Well, isn't she? I don't know, your majesty. You all think I'm stubborn, don't you? I am very stubborn. Perhaps too stubborn. At what hotel is she staying? Believe me, I really tried my sincere regrets. Sincere signed Paul. Miserable handwriting. You think he really saw the empress? What's the difference whether he

did and she refused or whether he didn't? The answer is the same for us. No. Hello. Yes. And who? Thank you. Baroness from Leven bomb is on her way up with a lady. What lady? I think you'd better go inside both of you. Lady? Do you think it is? Yes, I do. Victoria, come. Who is on the way up? I think the empress. She's coming here now. Oh, I don't think I'll be able to face her. Don't be a fool. No, I'm not well enough. Must it be now. If I only could have some time.

Get ready. Your majesty. Wait downstairs. Leave him bone. I am deeply grateful, your majesty. I only hope that you will not allow your opinion of me to interfere. Bring her in. Your highness, her majesty is waiting. Yes. The resemblance is quite good enough for a wax works gallery. Don't you recognize me? Should I? Who are you? Where were you born? My birth certificate says Sarskillo. I was really born in Peterhood. Daughter no doubt to Zar Nicholas II and Alexandra. My granddaughter to Maria Foda Daer Empress. I have received too many appeals from resurrected Romanovos. The

firing squads were such poor shots. It's amazing the revolution succeeded. Twice I started off to find you. But there were so many days, weeks, even months when I didn't know who I was. And now you do. I thought I did. But if you don't know me, have I changed? so much, your majesty. One does not change, Menmoiselle. No, not if one is loved. Perhaps if love had not been cut off so abruptly, I would not have changed so much. You are making vulgar and sentimental use of an episode which is for me a great personal

sorrow. Forgive me. I forgot for a moment that you would regard that tragedy as more yours than mine. I'm trying to You're making it very difficult for me, Grandma. I did not Give you permission to call me that. I'm sorry. You think a lonely old woman should be eager to hear someone call her grandma? My loneliness has been as sharp as yours. We are most of us lonely, and it is mostly of our own making. But no masquerade of any kind can fill the emptiness. You ask me for recognition. You do it well. Your eyes

are moist, your voice blurred with feeling. I believe you are lonely, and you want love. Who does not? But the love you beg from me belongs to one who is dead. Are you so sure? You have won the endorsement of the sentimental, the greedy. I am none of those. So you shut me out before you even open that door. I was told you would ask me difficult questions. So you were not even interested enough to ask me one. No, I am not interested in a demonstration of the tricks taught you by your business associate. But

I care nothing about their business. I care nothing about the money. Ah, but you know of the inheritance. I know what they told me. I don't want money. Tell me to whom it shall be given and I'll give it. Easily said, but you cannot give it away until you have it. And you cannot get it without first obtaining my recognition. It's useless to say that that is not what I want. You're so hard. I remember hearing father say that in a fight you were harder than anyone in the family. I thought at the time that

that was a very strong word to use just because you and my mother were quarreling over a necklace. Some some emeralds. Yes. You wanted to keep them, though they belonged to the Imperial treasure. Who told you that? Well, there were many who could have Known. You wore them with your last green and gold velvet and a long train. The photograph was unflattering but accurate. My father took my mother's side in the quarrel. There they were. All of them against you. But you were stubborn. You kept figarance. How did you learn to call Katherine the great

Figgy? We always called her that. Sometimes we Gave the nickname to Maria because she had such an eye for the men. And Olga used to say, "Stop. I forbid you to bandy those names." I can speak of them if I choose. They are my sisters. Impostor. You call me that. If you have any decency, end the charade at once. I will pay you. I will give you more than whatever Bunan has promised You. I'm offering you money. Oh, please go. So, you are giving up. So, it wasn't enough. of the asylum. Some people trying me,

using me, rejecting me. And before that, the cellar and the flight. The rescue from the very edge of the grave. Years of lost memory in an asylum. Excellent material for melodrama. Long empty days in which the Consciousness of living came only through pain. Hardly melodrama. and then slowly finally struggling up out of the water into the light into the air thinking. Yes, perhaps he is. I may be. I must be. I am. I am. And my grandmother is still alive to tell me so. My grandmother is alive to hold out her handful of money. I

rather you slap me across the face with that hand. The tragic scene of despair. Well done. You're forgetting nothing, are you? I am sorry, Menmoiselle, that your failure to win me over is such a cruel disappointment. Goodbye. Oh, don't go. But you just told me to. I promise I will not say anything more to try and convince you. Then what do you want of me? A moment or two longer. A moment more to be with you. To pretend you do not think what you do. To close my eyes and pretend it is years ago. A

terrace in The summer sun. No, no, no. I promise. I promise I will not say names or places. The smell of the sea air, the sound of a tennis ball, the laughter from the courts beyond the trees, and your voice calling me mala. And then a sudden lightning in the summer's sky. Are you ill? I was, but I'm not now not. Have you seen a doctor? A good one. I'm well acquainted with doctors, but it Is kind of you to ask. I better go. I'm really not surprised that you do not recognize me. I have

changed very much. You asked for just one moment. What is strange is that you have changed so little. It is as though the horror of all these last years has only made you strong. I am not strong then, Moiselle. Let me go. You are too clever for me. I'm an old woman. My strength is only outward. At least we met again. And we will another time when my mind is clearer. But no. No, we better not meet again. You have softened towards me, but later you'll regret it. You say it was all acting. She was

some cheap little actress they hired for money. In a way, they did hire me. I was starving after ran from the last asylum. I had nowhere to go. On found me on the bank of the same. Maybe there's more good to him than you think. Maybe I Should have run away from him, too. But I was so tired of running. Are you all right? Yes. And if it is better for you not to believe you are ill. No, I cough only because I'm a little frightened. It doesn't mean Say that again. That I cough when

I'm frightened. When you were a little girl, you coughed when you were frightened. May Kai, you have come from so far away and I've waited so long. No, no, no, no. Don't cry. There's no need to be frightened. No, don't speak. You're safe, Anastasia. You are with me. You're home. The phantoms can go. The club's rooms can be opened. You know, I have a fort. He's a very old man. And each night he goes from one room to the other, lighting the empty lamps until the great Dark rooms are a blaze of light. And perhaps

that is true of all of us. We are lighting dead lamps to illumin that is gone. I thought you were gone. But you have come back, Anastasia. You have come back. But oh, please. If it should not be you, don't ever tell me. [Music] Many beautiful shops and restaurants. Yes. Also, we might make a small trip to America. After all, it's the only Country left with proper respect for wealth. I hate trips. I would like to go to Uruguay. Yes. Why? I like the name Uruguay. I hate it. And Guamala. They sound so far away.

Yes, very. Why don't you chart a boat and sail the high sea? I hate the sea. My dear Maxim, you are here to eat, drink, enjoy the show, and have a good time. I hate Russian food. I hate bad champagne. I'm sick of the gypsies, and I'm having a terrible time. Then why don't you go home? I hate my room even more. So soon. Hey, he's back from the station. Maybe she's not on the train. Maybe. Anything wrong? Did you meet the train? She was on it. Empress Paul. Well, everything is up. Go up out

of your nose. How long should I take? We'll call you. Go on. Go on. Well, Pete, they all arrived. Then why isn't he here at the hotel with her? Yes, probably this Copenhagen all over again. I said he should have stayed there. Stay there. But the empress would not let him see her highness. Or at least that's what Paul said. No, it was wasting money to stay. [Music] [Music] Bob is expecting you at 10:00 in the morning. You mean they agree to the presentation ceremony tomorrow night? Wonderful. Then we can have the press conference at

7:30 in the grand ballroom of their hotel. Good. What about the marriage rumors? Yes. Can we announce her engagement to Paul? [Music] You know, every time Paul is mentioned, he gets peculiar. You don't think he's getting jealous? Yes. I began to think back in Copenhagen. You're reading like a pig again. I'm nervous again. Where the devil did that come from? The opera warehouse. I think it is very impressive. B, get rid of those lights. What time is it? 7:40. The press has already been waiting for. Too late to do anything by the throne. Oh, for

heaven's sake. Stop that nonsense. But they are rehearsing. They rehearsse later. Please, gentlemen, please, after the press conference, I am confused. Confused? When we originally discussed the president, tell her highness, we're ready. The press, did you see her? Did you talk to her? Chair, I told you 50 times. I have not seen her, nor him, nor the empress. Perhaps if I write it very carefully in very big letters. I'm sorry. I'm bored with the whole Business. The sooner it's over with, the better. You certainly have changed. Excellency, but don't get too bored. It is a

little too late. This way, please. We'll find copies of the guest list and other information on this table. Yes, this is the very room in which the presentation ceremony will take place later this evening. Ladies and gentlemen, I regret you Cannot be present here tonight, but such is the wish of her imperial majesty, the Da Empress. However, her imperial highness, the Grand Duchess Nikolna, has most graciously consented to see you for just a few moments. At 9:30, the poll will be opened by the Grand Duchess and His Highness, Prince Paul Heraldberg. At 10:15, is it

true they're going to be married? Will the engagement be announced tonight? Well, uh, an official and officer Empress will make her appearance. At 10:20, the Russian national anthem will be played and her majesty will formally present her grand. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my humble pleasure to present her imperial highness, the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolna. What a beautiful dress. Get a picture of her coming down the stairs. We'll get some. What is it? Extraordinary taste. Can we get a picture on the throne? Her highness has not fully recovered from her long illness. So I must

request that you be as brief as possible with your questions. Your highness, is it true that it is very difficult for you to get to see the empress? I was three weeks in Copenhagen, almost all of which I spent with her majesty. Are you going to marry Prince Paul? I found the city extremely charming andospitable. What about the inheritance, Johannes? How do you plan to spend it? Will you get the whole 10 million? If I should receive an inheritance, it will be more of a surprise to me than to you. Did you go to Romania

after you escaped from Russia? Yes. Were you in a hospital in Bucharest in December 1920? Yes, I was in a hospital in Bucharest. When? I do not remember precisely. Don't you? I do. I was convilelesing in the next ward when they brought you in. It is possible. Possible. But you don't remember. Well, when they discharged you, a man was waiting for you and took you home. Me? I would not. Quiet. What is your name? MK Vlados. Vlados. And yours is Anna Corv. Is that true? Yes, I have used that name. Used the highness has used

many names. As you all know, she has been forced to hide. Also, she has suffered amnesia. Please. Mikail Vladis. Yes, we were in the same hospital in Bucharest. They treated you for head wounds. They did? Which you got in a train explosion outside Bucharest. Is that true? Were you in a train? Are you I would like to see them. All right. Ladies and gentlemen, please. Please. The highness cannot hear your questions, let alone answer them. What is it you wish to know? Whether I was wounded in a train explosion on the way to Bucharest? Yes.

Yes. Were you? I remember being in a train explosion. Whether or not I was wounded, I do not know. Well, where did you get the wounds? In Russia or in Bucharest? Is it not possible to have been wounded twice? In a war, maybe. What else is a revolution? I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen. The interview is over. [Music] Make sure that there are men posted at every entrance to keep the reporters from the guests and check every invitation at the door. Yes, sir. I don't make things easier for you, do I? Was it a disaster? No

matter what the papers print, before they can be on the street, the guests will be here and the empress will have made the presentation. Or forgive me, may I? You may even give me one. Thank you. The stairs aren't doing that dress any good. Doesn't matter. It will in an hour. I haven't seen you in a long time. And you missed me terribly. I missed you. Yes. Whose orders kept you from seeing me? The empresses opposed. Apparently, it has never occurred to you That I can function without orders from anyone. Then you didn't want to

see me. Why? I thought it better not to. The marriage rumors are true. You yourself told me that Paul and I were engaged years ago. Aren't you taking your royal duties a bit too seriously? Independently. You mean the puppet has pulled the strings herself? This is childish. You've always had an Obsession that people want you to do only what they tell you. No, not people. You Nonsense is it? You pushed MP Paul and now you're against him. Why? Are you afraid that he's going to be in control? Over what? Over me? Over the money? I

don't give a hang about the money. Well, then what is bothering you? That I might be Ana. I don't care what your name is. I care What you are. What bothers me is the way you've changed. I'm the one who's changed. Yes. When we began, you merely wanted to find out who you were. You said that was all you wanted. Yes. I What is it? No. Now you must be the Grand Duchess of Nostalgia Nikolai. Now you must be placed upon a throne before a morg of royal corpses. Must you always hate? Must you always

Ridicule? Ridicule who? Your loyal loving subjects. Those embarmed skeletons. They don't care about you. They don't care who is Anastasia so long as they can get some money in a better position in a world that is dead and buried and should be. You didn't say that a month ago. Then you wanted it and you wanted it for me. Well, now I like it. Go on like it. Be a grand duchess and Make it really a royal and marry a man who wouldn't come within 10 ft of the altar if you were not an erys. Oh,

the truth is insulting. You told me once that I was selfish and ambitious, and I admitted that you were right. Why don't you now have the courage to admit the time right? [Music] Remember [Music] what The music? This wall? Yes, of course. No, you don't. Really? Sorry. Should I? No, it was a long time ago. My first walls. My first warm. My first What? Partner. I thought it was you. It must have been somebody else. It might have been me. It really doesn't matter. It might not even have been at the ball. Frankly, I don't

understand you. Why? Because I didn't deny what Blau said. Yes. How do you know that I'm not Ana? Be serious. I am. You're deliberately behaving very strangely tonight. How do you know how Anakor behaves? I know how you behave. And all I care about is you. Do you mean that? Of course. Then let's announce our engagement tonight. I want to very much. Prince Paul Fon Heraldberg to Miss Ana. Will you announce that? Certainly not. Ah, because it's not true. No. Suppose I have no title, no inheritance, nothing. I can't suppose that when I know perfectly

well who you are. St. What if I can't get the money? Or if I make no claim to it? You can and you will. Why be poor when you could so easily be very rich? The poor have only one advantage. They know when they are loved for themselves. Sorry, but I refuse to take that remark seriously. [Music] The Ambress is ready. She's upstairs in The green room. Good. It's almost time. All right. Oh, Petra. Should I not be back in time? Why not? Just go ahead without me. [Music] Serge B. Isn't this all superb? I

have never seen you look so well in this. They don't know how to make baggage nowadays. Imagine trying to fit This into a nasty little modern suitcase. The times aren't suited for elegance. But you have brought it back, suis. What's the matter? You look upset. No, just tired. Would you ask her majesty if she would receive me for just a moment? You know I will. [Music] General. General, you may go in. It's very kind of you Just in case. She's heard about the reporters. Thank you, Vasilia. Her majesty is expecting the general. I was going

to send for you, Bunin. My granddaughter tells me to expect some unpleasantness in the newspaper. I'm afraid so, your majesty. Thank you. The man was probably a hired troublemaker. Her highness says that actually. I am aware what she says. Unfortunately, she is not aware that truth serves only a world that lives by it. I have prepared a statement for the press that I want you to give to them before you leave tonight. I am leaving now, your majesty. Oh, and why? I feel that my work is finished. satisfactory, I trust. And since this is your

evening, I felt it my duty. No, that isn't quite true. I simply Wanted to say goodbye to you. Extraordinary. You want to leave before the spectacle. I should have thought no one would watch it with more triumph than you. If the evening belongs to anyone, General, it is to you. We are all grateful. Thank you, your majesty. But I want no further part in it. Come, after all, you performed an enormous task. You've restored my granddaughter to a rightful position, And unless I have been misinformed, you even affected her reunion with her childhood sweetheart. Yes,

to the degree I suppose I didn't. But you're not particularly pleased with it, are you? You're not pleased. Why not? But I'm not in a position. Oh, come. After all, it's extremely unlikely to speak of position, Bunan. When I am with your majesty, I'm deeply aware of it. Thank you. Then I request you answer. If it is what her highness the Grand Duchess really desires, why then I must be pleased. But for myself, no, I'm not pleased. We should not only have given you that title, we should have made you an ambassador. How deviously you

have arrived at what you wanted to say. And even now, you don't say it. You have not given me even a piece of string to hang you with. Sergey Pabloich, what you wish to ask? Why do you try to ask me? Why have you not asked her? Often what is difficult for others is simple for me. But what has always been the simplest for others is impossible for me. I made the attempt, your majesty. They became translated into anger. You are less of a nave than I thought, but very much more of a fool. Yes.

Excuse me, your majesty. It's time. So soon. Ban, I want you to wait for me here. This time it is a command. William. Yes, your majesty. I will. Your Majesty, I cannot wait for you to look down into the ballroom. You'll weep absolute tears. Everyone's there and the gowns and the uniforms. It's incredibly like it used to be. Yes, I can smell the malt balls. Your Imperial Majesty, I beg you, excuse Me, if your majesty will permit me to explain the ceremony and Bomb, we discussed the ceremony this morning. Yes, but but we'll discuss later.

Yes, madam. How lovely you are. Are you having a good time? Yes, Grandma. Where is Paul? He's dancing with the princess of Falenberg. He dances very well. Yes, very well. And he's very handsome. Yes, he's handsome. Your majesty. A thousand apologies. Your majesty. It is time. If they have waited 10 years, they should not mind waiting 10 minutes more. Leave him home. I want to speak to my granddaughter alone. Out, gentlemen. Out. Where is B? It is just like him to Disappear when he's really needed. All right, ladies. Count. Leave him alone. That gentleman you

are so fond of. See that he does not leave the green room. Yes, your majesty. [Music] They're whirling in delight down there. Yes. Come here. Let me put it on for you. You got tired of it already. It's just that I'm not used to one. Takes time. Are you sure about Paul? I like him very much. Why do you stemma? I was surprised by the suddenness of the question. If you love, the answer is always ready. I've been asked to announce your engagement tonight. Are you sure you want me to? I want to marry. Why?

I suppose I want the belonging, the Closeness. Am I selfish? No. But do you want all this with Paul? I think it will please you, Grandma. And anything that would please you would please me. Do you know you are talking exactly like Bourne? Oh, no. Oh, yes. Anastasia Nicolad, you don't really want to marry Paul. I don't know. You do know because you really want someone else. Do I? Maybe. Except that all this time, the only thing I thought I really wanted was you. That you already have. And it's not enough. Nor should it be.

No one can blame me for living with my dear phantoms. But you. You must find the things from which other women make their happiness. Sit here for just one moment Longer. Leb says things are just as they used to be down in the ballroom. She's foolish. The world moves on Malian Kaya and we must move on with it or be left to moulder with the past. I am the past. I like it. It's sweet and familiar. The present is cold and foreign. The future Unfortunately, I don't need to concern myself with that. But you do.

It's yours. Unfassen this for me, will you please? Take his emirates. Yes. I want to give them to you. Grandma, you have given me what no one else in the world could. Myself. Thank you. Here. Here. You'd better fix it yourself. Go into the green room. Leaving bomb will help you. Yes, Grandma. Hurry. There's not much time. Forgive me, your majesty. Yes. What is it? I thought you'd like to know that the gentleman no longer waits alone. Good. I suppose we shall have to go on with the performance. Bring in the jesters. Yes, your majesty.

Ladies and gentlemen, for your majesty, I beg you, we cannot keep them waiting any longer. May we Proceed now? Yes. Yes, proceed. Majesty. Oh. Uh, the musicians all arranged. Good. Take your position by the curtains. Yes, sir. Hey, spread your tie. And you, excellency, please don't forget all the names. Loud, strong, clear. Don't worry. Oh, thank you, excellency. Uh, ladies, get ready. Where is uh Where is Prince Paul? I've told you twice. He's coming. Twice. And three times you've told me you cannot find Bunyan. I also told you that he said, he has to go

ahead without Well, I say there is something unbalanced with him tonight. And the sooner we finish, Dear your highness, your majesty, I've never seen you look like this before. I have never felt like this before. It is time. Would you be so kind as to inform her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess that we are ready? Right away. Hurry, Baroness. Uh the procedure just to refresh your memory as to what we discussed this morning. Do you think my mind is failing? Ladies and gentlemen, there will be a a drum roll. After that, her imperial majesty, the

Dalger Empress, will come forward. And when she passes through the Curtains, the orchestra will strike up our national anthem. After that, the Grand Duchess is courted by his highest. She has gone. Gone. Gone where? What is she talking about? She's not there. I looked all over. I tell you, she has gone. This is impossible now. I mean, she must be silence. You have looked in the green room. Yes, your majesty. There is no one there. No one? Well, perhaps she went to her room. Quick, send. You won't find her. It's a waste of time. They've

both gone. Both? She and your friend Bunan. Bun? But why? I don't understand. You never did. You mean the others were right. She was Not Anastasia after all. Wasn't she? Your beg you. They're all waiting down there. What shall we say to them? What can we say to them? Nothing. Paul, you're on. I will speak to them. Oh, thank you, your majesty. Everybody, please. Forgive me, Marie, but what will you say? Say? Oh, I will say the play is over. Go home. Oh, well. [Music]