"FINOS FILMS present" "ELLIE LAMBETTI in a MICHAEL CACOYANNIS Film" "A MATTER OF DIGNITY" "with Michael Nikolinakos" "Eleni Zafiriou Dimitri Papamihail" "Athena Michaelidou Minas Christides" "and GEORGE PAPPAS" "Set design YANNIS TSAROUCHIS" "Music MANOS HADJIDAKIS" "Director of photography WALTER LASSALLY" "Written and directed by MICHAEL CACOYANNIS" "Three..." "Will it do?" "Come on, Roxanne." "Where's Chloe?" "Talking on the phone." "Shall I call her?" "Never mind, Markos." "I win." "I lose." "Your luck is devastating!" "You bled us dry all winter, remember?" "Don't mind me." "I was born unlucky!" "Roxanne!" "You're not buying in?" "Suicidal, darling - that's me." "Today... it's much too late." "I don't know..." "Maybe..." "Yes..." "Yes..." "It's nothing." "A bumble-bee." "It's Dritsas." "I must fly." "See you later." "Drooling over Dritsas." "Disgusting!" "A big bore with a few million dollars." "Only a few?" "Not enough for you?" "Your mother wants you." "Get me a whisky, will you?" "There's none on the trolley." "Never mind." "Later..." "Tell Katerina to hurry up with the canapés." "And see if anyone wants a drink." "I'd love another scotch, my sweet." "Me too." "Might change my luck." "We're out of ice-cubes." "It'll be a few minutes." "Cheer up, Rena." "You'll survive." "So what if you lose an apartment building?" "As if you needed it!" "Your daughter's ravishing." "She's all right." "She looked divine at the Club last night." "Sorry darlings." "I've done it again!" "Ready?" "Ready." "Hurry up." "Mother's in one of her moods..." "I'm doing all I can, my pet." "Is there any more whisky?" "Not a drop." "Run down to the grocer's and get a bottle." "Waste of time, pet." "No more credit from that monster." "Why?" "Doesn't he trust us?" "No... but this time the bill has..." "I'll call him myself." "You can try..." "This is Miss Pellas." "Could you send over a bottle of whisky?" "Yes, I'll wait." "Chloe!" "Coming!" "Yes..." "I see..." "I'm afraid it's not possible tonight, but..." "Tomorrow, I promise." "Don't hang up!" "Please!" "Just this once." "Come on, Chloe!" "Drop that phone." "We're off!" "I'm coming." "Lovely talking to you!" "Must you go?" "You've a date with the millions, remember?" "What millions?" "Dritsas is in town and this idiot's making a thing of it." "Nikos is in town?" "You didn't know?" "Has he brought his yacht?" "He wouldn't leave his personality behind!" "You've become so witty lately." "I'm in good form." "So let's get going before I lose it." "Xenia!" "Giorgo!" "Let's go!" "Where are you two going?" "The Club, I think..." "Why don't you come too?" "Great!" "We'll wangle a cruise." "We're going to the Club everyone!" "Aren't we disgusting?" "Money, money, money..." "Chloe!" "Yes?" "You've forgotten the scotch, darling." "Coming." "Chloe, darling." "What's taking you so long?" "I'm getting a new bottle." "Excuse me, Mr. Pellas." "I thought you'd gone." "Go ahead." "I'm off." "I was just resting." "Who's winning?" "Katie, who else?" "You're making one bad play after another." ""Losing"?" "Keep your voice down, Rena!" "Cool down girls!" "I'll give you a break, Roxanne." "Much obliged..." "Come on." "I've won!" "Good for you, Roxanne!" "Where do you think you're going?" "Let's play another round." "Impossible!" "You can't just leave!" "Here's Cleon." "Good evening." "Hello, Cleon." "You're late." "I was busy." "How's the luck, Roxanne?" "Are we rich?" "She's broken even, I'd say." "I just owe fifty drachmas." "Only?" "We're the unlucky ones." "Mummy!" "Yes, darling, I'm coming." "Pay Katie for me, Cleon." "Oh come on!" "Some other time." "A debt's a debt." "Thank you." "Look at Rena." "She's livid." "Just because she lost 1,000." "She's become such a miser!" "Want a lift, Katie?" "I'm coming." "You've gained weight again." "Shut up you!" "Goodbye, darling." "Goodbye." "Come on, Rena." "I'm coming." "Katie!" "Goodbye, dear." "Your husband's being rude." "He says I'm fat!" "That's what he tells me too!" "Goodbye!" "Why are you staring?" "I was thinking..." "What about?" "Oh, everything..." "Stop being enigmatic." "It's most annoying." "Never mind." "I'll get over it." "One gets used to anything - even..." "Even what?" "Nothing." "I'm late." "I must go and make myself pretty... for the prestige of the Pellas family!" "Are you going out?" "Yes... with Dritsas." "With Nikos Dritsas?" "Again?" "He's crazy about me." "What luck, eh?" "What do you make of this?" "If only..." "Not so fast." "He loves her." "It's obvious." "Yes but does she love him?" "Think what it would mean to us." "To us?" "She understands." "She's no child." "What's the matter?" "The bank has served final notice." "Another month and it'll all be over." "Bankruptcy?" "I can't believe it." "Don't!" "We'll talk to your sister..." "Lilika won't lift a finger." "And the house?" "What'll happen to the house?" "It's mortgaged as you know..." "Never!" "Never!" "Don't start working on Chloe now." "It just isn't right." "Need any help?" "Yes, please Mummy." "Careful with that zipper or I'll scream!" "Stop acting!" "What's the matter?" "So Dritsas is back." "He's a charming boy, don't you think?" "I think he's a crashing bore." "Don't worry." "Tonight I'll think only of his good points." "How do I look?" "What's wrong?" "I promised your father not to tell you." "Is anyone sick?" "No." "I'm not a child!" "Tell me!" "Swear you won't tell him." "I won't." "I swear it." "I can't..." "That must be Dritsas." "I won't leave until you tell me." "We're ruined, bankrupt." "They're driving us out into the street." "I can't bear it." "I'll die... you'll see..." "Wait!" "Have a good time!" "Sorry - you were saying?" "Nothing - and you?" "I was about to ask you to dance." "How about it?" "I'd love to." "Excuse me." "I'm tired!" "How are you?" "Hullo." "How have you been?" "Fine." "Won't you sit down?" "Excuse me." "So, how's everything?" "Fine." "Chloe!" "I'd like you to meet Mr. Galanos." "Quiet, everyone!" "Mr. Galanos..." "he's an admirer..." "Mr. Dritsas..." "We met in Cairo." "He manages a hotel there." "Not any more." "I'm an antique-dealer now." "Any family heirlooms for sale?" "Here's your man." "Come on!" "Let's dance!" "May I have this dance?" "If you don't mind I'm a little tired." "Then, if I may..." "And now?" "Now what?" "I saw you... admired you..." "I managed to meet you..." "And now?" "Any suggestions?" "I have one." "But you won't like it." "Let's hear it." "Do you often play this game?" "This is the second time." "When was the first?" "Nine years ago." "Any success?" "Yes." "I married her." "Oh, the usual story..." "At first you were happy..." "Very." "You had a child or maybe two." "Three." "Until you met the woman of your life." "Me!" "Sorry!" "The role doesn't interest me." "And if I were free?" "Divorced for instance?" "For instance..." "A divorced man, with three children..." "Age 42, not rich..." "The odds are against me, right?" "Right!" "What do you two find so interesting?" "Mr. Galanos has been telling me his life-story." "To fill you in, I'm leaving in a few days." "Allow me to say goodbye." "So soon?" "We won't have another chance!" "I'm not such a pessimist." "Do come sailing with us tomorrow." "I'd like to show you my Faberge collection." "With pleasure." "Let's break it up." "The waiters want to go home." "Why?" "I'm paying them." "He's paying..." "There's something called courtesy." "Oh all right you old grouch." "Let's go." "I'll be right back." "He's gone to pay." "He's filthy rich." "You've had too much to drink." "I'll take you home." "I'm going with Niko." "What's gotten into you tonight?" "I like him." "You're lying." "Are you coming?" "No." "Don't scold me." "Please, not tonight." "You're just like the rest of them." "Be kind." "You're my best friend." "The eternal best friend." "We've lost the others." "Do you mind?" "What do you think?" "Tell me what you're thinking." "Lots of things." "Will you tell me?" "Better not..." "Why not?" "Why disturb the silence?" "You're romantic!" "Very!" "So am I!" "Look at that view!" "Like a picture postcard, isn't it?" "Isn't it!" "Let's go." "I was cold up there." "See how I'm shivering." "Chloe..." "I love you." "Those are big words!" "Watch out!" "I might believe you." "I want you to." "Isn't this rather sudden?" "You never gave me a chance till now." "Things have changed." "How?" "Considerably..." "Perhaps... permanently?" "I mean... could you..." "What are you doing up at this hour?" "You were late." "I was worried." "Did you have a good time?" "Tremendous!" "Where did you go?" "Did you dance?" "Yes." "Tell me more..." "Go back to bed." "Everything's fine." "Really?" "What happened?" "Is that you Lilika?" "What on earth's going on?" "Bring the coffee and wake up Chloe." "Let's go inside." "Good morning, Lilika." "... she was glowing  a splendid match  you forced her..." "She seemed very happy." "Shut the door." "Open up, my pet." "You scared me." "Why did you lock yourself in?" "I felt like it." "Come on." "Drink your coffee." "What time is it?" "Almost noon." "Did Markos call?" "No, no one." "What's the matter?" "It's nothing." "That stupid heart of mine acting up..." "It doesn't like those stairs." "I told you to take it easy." "Think of your self for once." "Has mother gone out?" "She's downstairs with your father." "Didn't he go to the office?" "No..." "They're talking with your aunt in the dining-room." "What is it, my pet?" "I heard something about an engagement..." "I'm so happy for you." "Tell me about it..." "Is it true?" "Almost." "Let me kiss you." "And who's the lucky man?" "You don't know him." "His name's Dritsas." "Why the long face?" "Are they pressuring you?" "I must get dressed." "If you don't want him, don't do it!" "You wanted yours and look where it got you." "With my looks and at my age I had no choice!" "No wonder he turned out to be a bum." "But you've got everything." "She needs clothes." "We'll have to entertain  Keep up appearances.." "At least until the marriage is announced." "Why not tell him the truth..." "If he really loves her he won't care if she's poor." "You want to scare him off with your debts?" "Don't shout, Roxanne." "Marrying Chloe doesn't mean he'll pay our debts." "Once they're engaged, it'll be different." "What do we do?" "Ask Cleon." "He has so many friends." "Not when it comes to money." "Surely you can..." "No, I can't." "I'm tired of lying..." "of hanging on..." "I just want to let go... whatever the consequences." "Don't talk nonsense, Cleon!" "You don't care about me but your daughter... you want her to end up in some filthy basement." "You're right." "I can't do this to her or to you." "But how can I avoid it?" "... it's mortgaged  ruined, I tell you..." "We need just enough to tide us over." "Couldn't you talk to your husband?" "No." "It's one subject that's taboo with him." "Why?" "You know why." "Because I gamble a little?" "That too." "What else?" "I want to know!" "Well, he knows you have mother's jewels." "He doesn't expect me to sell them!" "I'd rather not discuss it." "I'm keeping them for Chloe." "Good morning, darling." "Wait, Lilika." "I'm coming with you." "Goodbye, Roxanne." "Good morning, Daddy." "Did you hear?" "We don't need them." "Soon they'll all come crawling." "We could sell some of the china... paintings..." "But how?" "The humiliation!" "Don't you worry." "I know someone." "I'll talk to him." "Casually, so he won't suspect." "Who?" "Someone I met last night." "Hey, everyone!" "Dritsas is shooting us!" "Shoot me!" "Me too!" "Excuse me." "Markos has snubbed us again." "Was he busy?" "No." "He says we're a bunch of hypocrites... and he can't stand the sight of us!" "What is the expert's verdict?" "I'm afraid Mr. Dritsas wouldn't consider an offer." "It's not for me to say." "It's up to Chloe." "Me?" "Why not?" "They're yours." "Since when?" "Now." "Want to take a look?" "They're beautiful." "Thank you." "You're lucky." "Why?" "You have a lot of admirers." "Would you consider selling?" "How much?" "A lot." "I'll count my debts and let you know!" "To the captain's health!" "And the captain's mate!" "Mr." "Galanos..." "Yes, Chloe..." "I'd like your professional opinion too." "We have some paintings I'd like to show you..." "With pleasure." "I could drive you home." "If it's no trouble." "Trouble, Chloe?" "Come on now." "Katerina!" "Katerina!" "What is it?" "I'm in a hurry." "I've a love-letter for you." "If Her Highness won't pay, I'll sue." "Just you try!" "I'll wreck this dump, I swear." "No more double-talk from her or her stuck-up daughter." "Leave Miss Chloe out of it, you tramp!" "Better a tramp than a sucker like you." "How many years have you been with them?" "Twenty maybe, why?" "I bet you haven't been paid in months." "I'm not worried." "You should see the factory they own!" "They live too grand." "But not at my expense, see?" "You'll get your money." "I'll ram it down your throat." "When?" "Hullo, Katerina." "Hullo, Popi." "Ten cans of peaches and some garlic." "And don't forget the bill, madam says." "For you there's no hurry." "How's your little boy?" "I haven't seen my darling in months." "Didn't you go to Arahova Sunday?" "Couldn't manage it." "Too many parties!" "You shut up!" "Let's go, Popi!" "I'm going Saturday." "For his birthday." "To see my old mother, too, poor thing." "He'll be five!" "A little gift for your brat, Vassilaki." "Monkey-face!" "What's your name?" "Cat got your tongue?" "Then tell me your name." "Vassilaki." "Want a bite, Vassilaki?" "No." "Why?" "Don't you like meat?" "Enough, you gluttons!" "Throw it away..." "Hello..." "Yes..." "From where?" "From Arahova?" "Yes, I'll hold." "Katerina!" "Hello..." "What?" "When?" "Is he in danger?" "I'll see that she leaves at once." "And thank you for..." "Bad news?" "Katerina's boy's badly hurt." "How'll I tell her?" "Can I help?" "She has a heart condition and I'm afraid." "I brought you some cold beer and a snack..." "I must go with her.." "Where's her husband?" "He left her." "Just vanished..." "I forgot to buy whisky again." "Katerina..." "What is it, my pet?" "They called from the village." "Arahova?" "There's been an accident..." "Nothing serious, but I know you'd want to go..." "Vassilaki!" "My car's outside..." "As soon as you're ready, we'll take you." "Mother of God!" "Don't!" "Think of your heart." "The child 'll be alright, you'll see!" "What time is it?" "Just struck four." "It's a bad case of concussion." "It's so quiet." "My youngest son is Vassilaki's age." "Where is he?" "In Alexandria, with my mother-in-law." "My wife died three years ago." "Katerina will stay, I suppose." "Yes, of course." "What about you?" "I'll stay until to-morrow." "But you..." "I'm in no hurry." "You know I like being with you." "All the more now..." "Don't go!" "Stay and talk." "What about?" "Anything..." "Your paintings, for instance." "The Guizi's easily worth 100 sovereigns." "How bad are things, Chloe?" "What do you mean?" "You need money, don't you?" "It's nothing to be ashamed of." "I still don't know what you mean." "I'm sorry." "I asked because I love you..." "and I'm trying to understand." "What?" "About Dritsas." "May I go now?" "If you want to." "You need to rest." "Have you somewhere to sleep?" "I could drive to Delphi and pick you up in the morning." "Goodbye, Katerina..." "Be brave." "Goodbye." "Bless you." "Don't forget to send me money." "Don't worry." "And if Mr. Galanos calls, tell him I couldn't wait." "Goodbye." "I brought my breakfast along." "You going to Athens too?" "Yes." "Have an olive." "Don't be shy." "They're clean." "You there!" "Sit down!" "Now open your eyes..." "It's beautiful." "Thank you." "Hurry up children, we'll be late." "My mother called from New York." "She'll be here next month." "Won't you tell us too?" "I want this to be a surprise for mother." "So let's not announce the engagement yet." "She'll be thrilled." "She was sure I'd fall into the clutches of some gold-digger." "Let me give you a kiss, darling..." "Chloe..." "Yes, father?" "Happy?" "We must tell him the truth." "Not yet." "He mustn't think that..." "What?" "Nothing." "It's a matter of dignity." "Yes?" "Right away." "The Minister will see Mr. Bakas." "But I was first!" "My name's Pellas." "I'm a friend of the Minister's." "The Minister knows you're here, Mr. Pellas." "Would you like to leave a message?" "No." "No, thank you." "Sorry I'm late." "Hello, Chloe." "Let me kiss you, you traitor." "Sit down." "I can only stay a minute." "Will you have something?" "Just water." "A fine friend you are!" "I phoned last week but you were in Arahova." "Yes..." "Any news of Katerina?" "All Athens is buzzing that you'll marry Dritsas." "Really?" "Yes... and also that..." "Go on!" "I can take it." "That your father's in big trouble." "People are so inventive!" "That makes Dritsas the victim, right?" "Not Dritsas." "You." "Don't do it, Chloe." "Markos, please..." "Let me get it off my chest." "I'm not as rich as Dritsas but I think I'm better than he is." "Aren't I?" "You're a darling." "And I'm not a bad-looking fellow either  and I am your best friend." "The very best." "Mind you, if I thought you were in love..." "Be a sport, help me out." "Are you proposing to me?" "You idiot!" "I'm serious." "Don't laugh." "I'm not... but think what a rotten friend I'd be..." "to take advantage." "You don't understand I..." "Besides, you should know I am in love." "You are?" "Yes." "Well, that changes everything." "Don't you run out of my life again, Mr. Markos." "Coming?" "No." "I'm waiting for a friend." "Goodbye then." "And thanks." "I'll give you four thousand drachmas." "It's a fine work..." "but the market these days..." "I'll give you thirty sovereigns, Miss." "A dealer friend valued this Guizi at a hundred." "Sell it to him then." "Where are you darling?" "Why didn't you tell me Galanos made such an offer?" "Because I forgot." "Then we'll sell it to him." "No!" "Why not?" "I said no!" "I'll let my mother decide." "What about?" "The painting." "Mr. Matessi offers 30 sovereigns." "Darling, we're not going to haggle!" "I'm only selling it to make room for the Utrillo." "Utrillo, Mrs. Pellas?" "I'll send for it this afternoon." "I'm drunk again." "I feel wonderful!" "Do you love me?" "Very much." "Hey!" "Stop eavesdropping!" "If I weren't me, would you still love me?" "If you were who?" "I mean if I were me, but not..." "If I were poor, let's say." "Don't laugh!" "I'm serious." "Would you mind?" "Not a bit." "Why should you?" "You're loaded..." "Or are you putting on a front?" "I am not." "Just think if we were both flat broke!" "Hey everyone!" "We're exchanging dark secrets!" "She says she's broke!" "I am!" "And I can prove it." "Here!" "Look!" "When you marry me, you'll have to fill it." "Why wait?" "Can I have a light?" "I forgot Katerina..." "Katerina..." "May I have this dance?" "How are you, Mr. Dritsas?" "Good evening, Mr. Galanos." "And now, Chloe?" "Now what?" "Now I'm leaving." "When?" "Tomorrow." "Why didn't you wait for me that day?" "Please don't." "I'm a little drunk..." "Why?" "Why, Chloe?" "Because I was afraid." "Of me?" "Of myself." "So I did have reason to hope..." "Now it's too late." "And I'm glad!" "Are you sure?" "No." "What's come over me?" "Telling the truth..." "Hey!" "I've got to get back to my fiancé." "Do you love him?" "Let's go inside." "Do you love him?" "No, but I'll marry him." "Because there's no other way.." "Because I'm weak...spoilt!" "I can give you a way out." "You can't." "You're not rich enough." "My plane leaves at 3." "We'll meet in the morning." "Please..." "I'll call you at eleven sharp." "Why?" "To convince you, Chloe." "Isn't this a lovely house?" "What a mess!" "Lie down, while I tidy up." "Only us they forgot." "Chloe!" "Yes, mother." "You're up early." "Is that you, Cleon?" "It's me, madam." "Chloe!" "Katerina's back!" "Thank heavens, we've been lost without you." "You've brought the child?" "Chloe's getting married, you know." "Is the master upstairs?" "No." "He's gone out." "Hello, Katerina." "You forgot me." "I couldn't even pay for my fare." "I kept meaning to..." "I wouldn't have forgotten." "Anyway..." "I wish you luck." "How's Vassilaki?" "So your prayers weren't in vain." "He still can't talk." "But the doctor says it'll pass." "These things take time." "I made a vow to take him to our Lady's shrine tomorrow." "August 15th." "Her sacred day." "You mean... to Tinos island?" "We're catching the boat at noon." "That's terribly inconvenient..." "A vow's a vow, madam." "I'm going up to dress." "Well, don't stay too long." "Madam..." "What is it?" "I won't be coming back." "What do you mean?" "My place is with my child." "And what about us?" "You'll have to find another maid." "You can't just leave us!" "You've been away long enough." "Have we complained?" "So don't be ungrateful and get me some coffee." "What do you want now?" "My money, madam." "What's come over you?" "I'm ungrateful, that's all." "I told you I've no money right now." "Find it." "The way you did for the drinks and the parties..." "Don't be insolent!" "Me?" "Insolent?" "I let my child go hungry so you could keep up appearances!" "Leave this house!" "Don't worry, I will." "But first I want my money." "Now!" "It's Sunday today..." "All I have is 100 drachmas." "It's not enough and you know it." "Then wait for my husband." "Has he got enough?" "I think so..." "Stop lying!" "What can I do?" "You're going to call Chloe's fiancé." "Are you crazy?" "Call him!" "D' you hear me?" "You're scared  scared he'll find out you're after his money..." "Leave me alone!" "You're just as bad!" "You left me without a cent." "We had so many expenses." "So did I!" "Doctors, medicine..." "to take my child to Tinos..." "And it's not charity I want." "It's my money, my wages." "Katerina!" "Let me think!" "No!" "She'll raise the neighborhood!" "Don't you try to run away!" "You're afraid the neighbors will hear!" "Will you call him, yes or no?" "I'll yell it out of the window so that everyone hears it  that you're broke." "That you're after his money..." "I'll yell it out!" "I'll make you the laughing-stock!" "Thieves!" "They're robbing me and my child!" "You've been listening to our 'Sunday Concert'." "That concludes our morning programme." "The time is 11 o'clock." "Some water, quick." "It's not our fault..." "She slipped..." "Where are you going?" "To call the doctor." "Wait!" "The child!" "He couldn't have seen..." "No, he couldn't..." "We must think." "Imagine if..." "Who can it be?" "I think it's for me." "Shouldn't you answer it?" "I'll get it!" "No." "Hello!" "Hello!" "Yes!" "Chloe!" "Is that you?" "Why did you take so long?" "I was upstairs." "I'm close by, waiting..." "I can't." "You promised..." "I can't." "Why not?" "It's too late." "It's not." "I know you love me." "I can make you happy." "Chloe!" "Please!" "I must go now." "Goodbye... and bon voyage." "Chloe!" "Don't hang up!" "Please!" "I tidied up in there." "I'll call the doctor." "No!" "Not yet!" "Your father 'll be back any minute." "We must move her to her room." "No, mother!" "No!" "It's the only way they'll believe..." "Believe what?" "The truth." "I'm calling the doctor." "Your father!" "Roxanne!" "Yes, Cleon?" "Where are you?" "In the study." "What are you doing here?" "Who are you?" "Katerina's back." "Really?" "The child's a cute little fellow." "She looks worn out." "I felt sorry for her." "Where is she?" "Upstairs I think..." "Let me call her..." "Where are the morning papers?" "In the dining-room..." "I think." "Roxanne!" "What is it?" "The doctor, quick." "Mr. Markos, please." "Hello, Chloe..." "Yes, anything you ask..." "I'm your best friend, remember?" "Thanks." "I'll pay you back as soon as I can." "I'll drop by...drop by..." "All right." "In ten minutes." "I'll be waiting outside." "What have you been doing?" "I was worried." "Your father's gone off with the doctor." "Why did you change?" "I'm taking the child to Tinos." "I must talk to you." "Shut the door." "The doctor said it was heart-failure." "If she hadn't worked herself up... screaming, struggling..." "If she hadn't had a bad heart..." "If, if, if!" "If we hadn't forgotten her!" "The doctor said she was doomed." "So we helped to finish her off... to save our good name..." "our dignity!" "We're innocent." "No more lies!" "Katerina paid for them with her life." "That's a bigger price than we can ever pay." "So let's not start feeling sorry for ourselves." "We deserve no pity - only contempt!" "You're going?" "Yes, mother." "When will you be back?" "I don't know." "What shall I tell Niko?" "Nothing." "Just give him this." "No, Chloe!" "Let me through!" "This child is sick!"