[opening theme music playing] [clinking [ticking] [crows cawing] [Max] Humans are storytellers.

All through history, we have been the authors of legends and fables.

The Greeks and their celestial beings... the Egyptians and their mythology of the universe...

Somehow our stories make sense of who we are.

But why do we so desperately feel the need for heroes and idols?

Are they simply a vehicle for our own hidden feelings and desires?

Perhaps they expose a darkness in us.

Hey, get your hands off me!

I could say the same to you!

You got your hand in my pocket!

You picked on the wrong man tonight.

I'm a police officer.

No I didn't, It's a mistake-- This is how you operate, is it?

Rub shoulders with all the lords and ladies.

[nervously] I wouldn't.

You're lucky I'm not on duty tonight.

Get lost!

What are you smiling at?

He thought you were a gentleman.

[snorts] Oh, ladies.

[Max] You made it!

Max.

Nice hat.

Oh, sorry we're late.

Oh, not at all.

It hasn't started yet.

-So, moving pictures.

-Mm-hmm.

Not something I've ever done.

It all seems very prestigious, Max.

How did you manage to get us an invitation?

[Oskar] I'll bet one of the people here is his patient.

Oh, and he's far too discreet to tell us who.

[claps] [music playing] Merci beaucoup.

You're wonderful.

[clicks] Fraulein.

These are my friends, Therese Thanhofer and Oskar Rheinhardt.

This is Ida Rego, the star of tonight's film.

Oh, nice to meet you.

Good evening.

Max never told me he mixed in such glamorous circles.

He never told me he had such handsome friends.

-[Clara] Fraulein Rego?

-Enchante!

-May I ask you a few questions?

-Excuse me.

Well, I have to tell you.

If a little is great and a lot is better, then way too much is just about right.

Of course, can you say that again?

Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to witness the world's next true miracle.

You are about to be swept back in time, three thousand years, to one of history's greatest love stories.

The person you will meet there is the city's bright, new captivating star.

Fraulein Ida Rego.

[audience clap] Please turn off the lights.

[retro and piano music plays] [piano intensifies] [breathing heavily] [whispers] What's happening?

Ida!

Ida!

[gasps for air] -We need a doctor!

-Yes.

-Help!

-[Ida gasping] [Max] What's the matter?

What's wrong?

Please tell me so I can help you.

[faintly breathing] -Lights!

Lights!

[Max] Just try to breathe.

Poisoned.

Arsenic, I'd say.

The faint odor of the corpse and the jaundiced skin.

Self-inflicted?

Painful way to die.

Suicides usually opt for something... less harrowing.

How long before she died could it have been administered?

The effect is not immediate.

Maybe an hour.

Maybe two.

Well, then.

This is a murder investigation now.

Tell me everything.

Start at the beginning.

[woman singing] [sings hysterically] [humming] I've called you all here today because an interesting case has come to light.

One that profoundly demonstrates the frightening power of the human mind.

Patient is a woman, twenty-four.

Referred to this hospital with a severe neurological disturbance some doctors might call it 'hysteria' though I believe that's no longer the fashion.

-Do we have a name?

-Her name is Ida Rego.

A screen actress.

She comes from Budapest.

A contract with the Koller studios.

Destined to become the next bright star in the cinematic firmament.

-...you look wonderful today.

-Thank you.

Good morning.

-Ida!

Be careful with the angels!

-Oh!

Can I have a glass of water?

I'm dying of thirst!

She was referred to the hospital yesterday afternoon.

an emergency patient.

How does the disturbance manifest, Professor?

A sudden onset of total blindness.

Why hasn't she been referred to the ophthalmology department?

They've already seen her.

And?

What was their diagnosis?

Read the report.

There is nothing physically wrong with her.

It's all in her mind.

[screams] Ida?

Ida.

Leave us alone.

-Hey, darling.

-I can't see!

What?

No.

I. I can't see.

I, I can't see... Come, sit down, sit down.

My eyes!

[shouts] I'm blind!

Fraulein Rego.

I'm the Head of Neurology here.

My name is Professor Neumann.

We're not alone.

No.

I've invited my colleagues.

I'm afraid I can't sign autographs, just at the moment.

What a pity!

Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Bauer, could find nothing physically wrong with you.

What are you suggesting?

Do you think that this is all just an elaborate performance?

No, no please, don't upset yourself.

There might be another reason for your condition.

Such as?

Would you allow one of my colleagues to examine you?

Dr. Liebermann.

You know how many men ache to touch what you are touching?

You have very gentle hands.

But also strong.

I feel very safe with you.

Normal dilation muscles are responsive.

So yes, must be some kind of neurological condition.

-Heilig?

-I concur.

Good.

So... [Max] Perhaps she's had a shock, something she didn't want to see.

-And her brain has blocked it out.

-Agreed.

-Recommendations?

-[Max] A talking cure.

If her brain has elected to switch off the sensory apparatus then the reason has to be explored.

Hmm.

You disagree, Professor?

A talking cure could take months to reach a conclusion.

I think there might be a quicker route.

A simple placebo.

Nurse!

Surely the trauma has to be investigated?

The reason behind the condition?

Dr. Liebermann.

You're a passionate believer in your methodology, Doctor.

-Yes.

-That's quite commendable.

But I'm not used to having my practice questioned in front of my colleagues.

Nurse!

Would you be so kind as to fetch me a saline solution?

Doctors!

Right, you will just feel a little scratch.

And it will begin to flow.

[whispers] Oh, dear God.

I can see.

I can see again!

Professor, you are a miracle worker!

You truly have the gift of healing.

[people murmur in background] [Max] And that's it, that's how I came to know her.

You may take the body.

[Oskar] Thank you, Doctor.

-How long ago?

-Two months.

You had no further dealings with her?

The Professor saw her for a follow-up appointment.

But there was no recurrence of any symptoms.

Still, she invited you to her premiere?

She invited all of us, a typically theatrical gesture.

Neumann couldn't make it so I offered you his tickets.

You're telling me her blindness was just psychological?

I believe it was caused by something she witnessed.

[suspenseful music] Perhaps something connected to her murder.

-Inspector Rheinhardt, what can you say?

-[Oskar] No comment.

-Could you make a statement?

-Max?

-Can you comment.

-Oskar?

-Is it a suicide?

-Inspector Rheinhardt what can we print?

Gentlemen!

Please!

[camera clicks] [Oskar] Let's see what Ida's apartment tells us.

She didn't sleep alone.

Someone was a little careless.

Hofer.

So, she dined with someone... Fraulein?

You purchased all of this yourself?

Apart from the wine, of course.

It was a gift.

She gets so many from admirers.

[Oskar] Who drank wine with Ida Rego?

[Max] Hmm, the other glass looks clean.

[Rachel] Now, you're sure you have everything?

[Leah] Yes, mama, I'll be fine.

-Now we will be back on... -[all] The twelfth!

Glad that you have company while we're away.

Don't want you rattling around that big house all alone.

Listen to them, they still talk to me like I'm twelve years old!

And I don't want you teaching her any nonsense, leading her astray.

I'm the youngest, I think she'll be teaching me nonsense.

Now go, go, please, enjoy yourselves.

-Goodbye, son.

-Goodbye, papa.

-Be good.

-Goodbye, sweetheart.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye, mama.

Safe travels Goodbye, Leah.

-Be good!

-[Max] We will.

Oy vey.

-Cocktails?

-Mmm.

[glass clinks] Definitely the wine.

-Are you sure?

-Strong chemical traces.

Don't you think she would have noticed?

Arsenic has no discernible smell or taste.

[Oskar] Her maid said that it was a gift.

Sent to her anonymously.

The poison could have been injected through the cork.

So, was coldly and deliberately premeditated?

Well, whoever dined with her last night either they're already dead or... they knew they shouldn't share the contents.

Whoever it was, he's our killer, if he's alive.

[knock on window] Inspector?

Badly bruised cheekbone.

She suffered a nasty blow.

Must have happened a few days ago.

You didn't notice it before?

It took me a while to find out.

The lady wore a lot of make-up.

Sorry, Doctor.

Unity for all the German-speaking people!

Unity for all the German-speaking people!

Unity for all the German-speaking people!

Sixty years since the Revolution and still we are forced to live alongside the scum of the lower races!!

Hey!

What's the matter with you?

Don't you care about this country, my friend?

[laughter and chatter] Oh, surprised you're still awake.

How are you settling in?

Alright?

We, erm, we have a visitor, Max.

At this hour?

Well, sorry.

I won't disturb you both.

Actually, it's you I came to see.

I'll, erm, I'll leave you both to it.

[glass clinks] Hmm, what went on at the salon, last night?

Who's asking?

My "friend"?

Or her Editor?

I went there to get an interview with the Fraulein and then.

You ended up with the story of her murder.

So, it's true.

She was murdered.

There will be a statement by Leopoldstadt Police first thing in the morning.

But you can save me the bother and share it with me now.

How did she die?

They suit you.

Oh, come on, Max.

Just a little hint.

All I get offered is trivial little pieces in the gossip columns!

I really want this story.

-Trouble does tend to follow you around.

-That's true enough.

What if...

I gave you something in return?

Such as?

They say she had a secret lover.

Oh, that's just gossip.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Someone with influence.

Someone important.

She was poisoned.

Arsenic.

But don't use my name when you write it up.

[Oskar] What's your name?

-Stefan, sir.

-Stefan.

And how long did you know the Fraulein?

Ever since she came to Vienna.

I was her assistant on the film set, sir.

Assistant?

What does that involve, then?

Fetching, carrying.

Running errands.

Hmm.

Anything?

No, sir.

You can leave now, thank you.

Yes, sir.

Assistant you say?

You must have been close to her.

-Did she have enemies?

-I wouldn't know, sir.

You must have observed her, day to day.

Anyone hanging around here at odd moments?

-Hmm?

-No.

We're looking for a bag, or a personal diary of Fraulein Rego.

Searched her apartment yesterday.

Couldn't findanything there either.

Her bag was stolen, a few days ago.

Stolen?

She was rather shaken by it.

"You will die screaming in agony, the moment you appear on that screen."

She got these months ago.

Look at the date.

The same time she lost her sight.

This is it, Oskar.

These are what she saw!

I still don't understand.

The human body can rebel against significant trauma.

If we don't want to see something painful our eyesight can potentially vanish.

An acute nervous reaction.

This is why I wanted to talk with her, consult with her.

Neumann just wanted a quick result!

But who would send her something like this, Max?

[Rosa] There are always crazies.

I'm afraid it goes with the job, Inspector.

The other side of hero-worship.

The dark side of idolatry.

Yes.

They hint at obsession.

Madness.

A pathological hatred of her.

People look at the screen and they project their own desires.

Maybe she reminded someone of a lover who had spurned them.

Who knows?

Had there ever been any threat to Ida's safety, Fraulein Koller?

Here, you will want to see this!

What was that?

A mirror.

A lighting mirror, somehow it came loose.

Is that usual?

-Most unusual.

-And yet you didn't report it?

I didn't know about the letters.

I just assumed it was an accident.

We all did.

She wasn't hurt.

Just badly shaken by it.

Fraulein, what sort of person was Ida Rego?

I mean, was she someone who inspired love amongst those close to her?

You know about the camera, Doctor?

The camera adores you.

It is a lover, a slave, you can ignore it, spurn it, mistreat it and still, it will worship you.

Ida Rego was a woman who lived her short life in front of the camera, her most intimate friend.

She was addicted to making people fall in love with her.

I'm not sure she had the ability to reciprocate.

[music playing] Oskar.

That's not Ida Rego.

[Oskar] Arianne Amsel?

Amsel was originally contracted to play the lead in Queen of Carthage.

What happened?

Why did she leave?

Personal problems, that's what they say.

-And they replaced her with Ida Rego?

-Three months ago.

That's when the letters began to arrive.

You think there's a connection?

You didn't realist, you don't understand.

Frau Amsel.

Oskar Reinhardt, Leopoldstadt police.

We need to ask you some questions.

You must have heard the news, Fraulein?

Ida Rego is dead.

I read about it.

You want me to rub ashes into my hair.

Knife myself in the bosom, like Juliet?

We're just asking because-- You want me to tell you, she was a dear friend and a highly gifted actress.

She was neither of those, Inspector.

I'm sorry that I'm unable to sugar-coat it.

You were supposed to play Queen Dido in the film?

Ah.

I see your line of reasoning.

You think that I was so consumed by hatred that I slipped her the poison.

I just meant-- Who told you that I was hired for the job?

Someone working at the studios.

And did they tell you why I stepped aside?

They suggested there were problems of a personal nature.

Of course.

All part of the Ida Rego legend.

Thrilling and engaging, no doubt, but not a shred of truth, in any of it!!

Fraulein, please tell us what happened?

One day I was working on set.

Next moment I was whisked out of costume.

No explanation given.

They simply told me that: I was being replaced by a "fresher talent".

You must have done something?

What I did, Inspector, was refuse to prostitute myself.

Find out who was financing the film.

Find out who had money in it.

I guarantee you Ida was a visitor in their bed.

That's the way she conducted business.

Do you have any idea who might have sent these to Ida Rego?

Fraulein, what if someone outside the studio knew you'd been let go?

Someone with a fanatical devotion to you.

I have many admirers, Inspector.

I do not know them all personally.

[woman] I can't explain.

I look at it each day.

I see it out of the corner of my eye.

It's always there, lurking beside me.

And yet, I know for a fact it isn't mine.

-Your hand?

-Yes.

-May I?

-Yes.

What's happening, Doctor Liebermann?

The mind can play tricks on us, Frau Buchberger.

It is a complex engine made of many parts and some of them are occasionally prone to... malfunctioning.

Well, the nerve endings in your fingers work perfectly.

They are not my fingers, Doctor.

It's not my hand!

Someone else has taken possession of it.

How can I make you understand?

I believe you.

But some point in your life, your brain has made a miscalculation.

Oh.

It's simply a matter of re-educating it.

Is there a medicine that can do that?

Yes.

It's called talking.

Oh.

[chattering] [man shouting in the distance] [knocks] -May I?

-Of course, please.

Difficult morning?

You were right.

Sorry?

About... Fraulein Rego.

She was more than just a set of symptoms.

That's what I came to tell you.

I should have realized.

I, I should have done something more.

Perhaps.

You fear my motives are shallow.

You think I'm only interested in results.

But you're wrong.

I'm a passionate healer, just like you!

Perhaps... you would care to dine with me... at my home?

So that we can work together better.

Thank you.

Oskar.

She's very fond of you.

She likes spending time with you.

We both do.

I wish I could be here more.

Oskar!

I understand about your job, Oskar.

It's not just the job that makes me seem distant.

There are things you don't know about me.

About my family.

It's alright.

There are things you don't know about me too.

Let's take our time getting to know each other.

We don't have to hurry, do we?

[giggles] [Oskar] Look at him, Max.

What do you see?

Someone who felt a deep connection to Amsel probably sexual.

Almost certainly, unconsummated.

Most likely he's only ever seen her at a distance.

He basks in her success... but, feels acute pain at her failures, so... when a competitor like Ida arrives.

Well...

He feels compelled to destroy her.

Hmm.

Perhaps he sent her the poisoned wine?

His instincts are terrifying.

It's as though he felt Amsel belonged to him.

-Ah, Haussmann.

Good.

-You wanted to see me?

How are things?

I beg your pardon?

How are you?

How's your wife?

I'm not married, Inspector.

Oh, no.

Of course.

I knew that.

Anyone special in your life-- For God's sake, Oskar, get to the point!

I was just being friendly.

He needs a favor.

That's what this is!

You need to run some surveillance.

See?

Surely, it's someone else's turn?

What about Hofer?

He's keen.

I need my... best officer.

You.

Can I quote you on that?

-Just tell him the subject.

-Arianne Amsel.

-The actress?

-We think she has a dangerous admirer.

She claims to know nothing but, whoever it is.

he might be our killer.

Alright.

I'll see what I can discover, Inspector.

Good man.

No, I, I mean it.

There's one piece of the puzzle we still don't have.

The man in her apartment.

He must have been there when she ingested the poison.

What do we know about that man?

Well, he was her lover, no doubt.

The bed was slept in, the maid was sent away for the evening.

He's cautious, discreet, perhaps someone with a position.

I've been through the newspaper archives, very fascinating.

Ah.

All these men!

It flatters them, having their picture taken with a pretty young woman.

She had no shortage of admirers.

Koller said that Ida was addicted to making people fall in love with her.

None of these are him, Oskar.

I told you, he wants to be invisible.

Alright, then.

How about this one?

[Oskar] Who is 'Paul J. Adler'?

[woman] An American Senator from Pennsylvania.

[Oskar] Alright.

What do we know about him?

Says here he visits Vienna often.

Twice this year.

Independently wealthy.

From an old family.

An iron and steel magnate.

Newspaper says that they met this spring at some sort of charity benefit.

Ida had so many admirers.

Why should we focus on this one?

Says here, he's a founder of the ATU.

The ATU.

The American Temperance Union?

Let me put it this way, offer this gentleman a glass of wine, he would undoubtedly refuse.

Please gentlemen, take a seat.

How can I help you?

You knew Fraulein Rego?

No, not really.

Oh, we met on one or two occasions.

You know Vienna.

May I ask, why do you keep coming to this city, why Vienna?

Ancestral voices calling me.

Your family are Austrian?

Like many thousands of my constituents.

Pennsylvania has a strong Teutonic tradition.

The dead woman, Ida Rego, she was very young, very glamorous.

What was it that drew you to her?

What exactly are you insinuating?

Did you ever dine together?

It's a calamity.

Heart-breaking.

Poor young woman.

She was so very gifted.

Her family has my deepest sympathies, but more than that gentlemen, I'm afraid, I cannot help you.

-Now if you'll excuse me.

-[bell ringing] Senator, someone dined with Fraulein Rego... the night that she died.

Someone whose identity she wished to keep a closely guarded secret.

That's no concern of mine.

Do you drink, Herr Adler?

No.

Never touch a drop.

Neither did whoever dined with the Fraulein.

Luckily for them.

Why do you say that?

Well, the wine was poisoned.

Laced with arsenic.

And whoever dined with her, they didn't drink it.

Maybe he knew what was in it.

Senator.

[Oskar] You think he's lying?

You think they were lovers?

[Max] I'm convinced he was in that room with her.

The profile fits.

You saw him sweat when you mentioned the poison?

Mmm.

What do you think he meant by: ancestral voices?

[music playing] [typewriter clicks] [Oskar] Goodnight, Hofer.

[door closes] What the hell?

Inspector?

I've been looking for you.

Oh, you.

Have you come to steal from me again?

I've got something you might like.

What will you pay me for some information?

-Why should I be interested?

-I know about a crime.

I'll sell you what I know.

So, tell me then.

Show me the money first.

Or I'm not going to talk.

Don't waste my time.

You said he would pay!

You said he would help us!

Even at the age of two, everyone knew he was destined to become a doctor.

How could you tell?

Was he born with a stethoscope?

My mother took him for an eye test-- Oh, not this story again!

Tell us!

What happened?

The doctor sat him in front of some pictures.

He's on my mother's knee, the doctor gets an implement from his desk and he points to the pictures so Maxim can see.

So, the doctor points with his pointy thingy at a picture of a dog.

And he says, "Tell me, young man, what is this?"

And without even blinking, my two-year-old brother says, "It's a spatula!"

Precocious.

Even at the age of two!

Yes, that's very funny.

I'm so glad I invited you tonight!

[music playing] She is so... unlike you, your sister.

You should tell her that.

It'll make you enormously popular.

I've been meaning to ask you, how's the investigation progressing?

About Ida Rego's murder.

I'm afraid there's very little I can say.

Oh, of course.

I understand.

-Professor.

-Enchanté.

-It's funny.

-What?

I thought that all psychiatrists were oddballs and cranks.

They're not supposed to be so... charming, let alone... attractive.

[Arianne] Listen, Torvald, when a wife leaves her husband's house I've heard that in the eyes of the law he is freed from any duty towards her.

There, there's your ring back.

Give me mine.

[Andreas] Alright, let's end it there.

You've worked incredibly hard.

Let's call it a day.

I would like to try something alone.

I'll just be a moment, Andreas.

As you wish.

[Andreas] Lights off!

[stomps] As I am now...

I can be nothing to them.

[clapping] Andreas?

Are you still here?

Who's there?

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