Adventures of Don Juan

In Europe, as the 17th century dawned...

...mankind was lifting itself

from ignorance and superstition.

The old frontiers of the mind

were rolling back.

New books, new methods

were aiding man...

...in his climb

toward knowledge and wisdom.

In the laboratory.

In the arts.

In every field of endeavor

man was lifting himself hand over hand...

...climbing onward, ever upward.

And on the outskirts of London

on a summer night...

...another man was lifting himself

hand over hand...

...climbing upward, ever onward...

...toward his objective.

- Catherine?

- Don Juan.

Oh, why have you kept me waiting?

I thought you'd never come.

See how my heart is pounding.

Beloved, no power on earth

would have kept me from you.

In all this world,

there's been but one image in my heart.

- One vision before my eyes.

- Yes, yes, go on.

I have loved you

since the beginning of time.

But you only met me yesterday.

Why, that was when time began.

Don Juan.

My incomparable Don Juan.

Yes, yours and yours only.

I wish I could believe you.

But you've made love

to so many women.

Catherine...

...an artist may paint a thousand canvases

before achieving one work of art.

Would you deny a lover

the same practice?

But how long will you love me?

Sweet lady, love is not measured

in terms of time...

...only in ecstasy.

It's a beautiful night.

How bright the moon is shining.

Is there a moon?

It will be eclipsed

when my husband returns.

Love like ours will never be eclipsed.

Your husband?

You said you were unmarried.

I said I was unattached.

And since I'm not attached to my husband,

I told you the truth.

But let's not speak of husbands.

- It's such a tedious subject.

- Yes, of course.

And there's really no need to worry.

He's on a hunting trip.

- He's extremely fond of grouse.

- Grouse, eh?

And besides...

...we have only these few moments.

A few moments? How few, loved one?

What is time?

A week, a day, an hour, a minute?

Time flies.

And he always blows his trumpet

when he returns.

Catherine, look, got a grouse.

Got a...

Who is this?

You tell him.

Cecil, you didn't blow your trumpet.

Out of my way, mistress.

Speak up, you.

Sir, I realize that this must appear

to be a trifle compromising.

- Compromising? En garde, sir.

- lf you would allow me to explain...

I will allow you a decent burial

and no more.

Will you draw your sword, sir,

or shall I run you through?

That's not a very attractive offer.

However, you leave me no choice.

- Now what shall I do?

- Whatever you think best.

But can't you talk to him?

Touch.

- Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

- I, ashamed?

Do you think it's fair to leave a beautiful

woman like this alone, neglected...

...while you indulge your own

selfish pleasures?

How true.

Grouse hunting?

- When did you last tell her she's beautiful?

- I don't have to, she's my wife.

Wrong. You should remind her

of her beauty every day of her life.

Write her poetry. Send her flowers.

- And jewelry.

- Be quiet.

We should never close our eyes

to beauty.

If you'd open yours, you'd have

not only a wife, but a wife's love.

Sir...

...I give you back your...

Your grouse.

Be careful.

Thank you, but this has become

more or less of a habit.

Guards! Guards!

Quickly! Guards!

- Leporello, quick.

- Guards!

- What now?

- Husband.

Horses.

After that man. There!

Over the wall! Hurry! Hurry!

Bring the scoundrel back dead or alive.

And now, mistress, I'll deal with you.

- Yes?

- l...

First, I must tend to my grouse.

- Halt!

- By who's command, fellow?

By command of Her Majesty,

Queen Elizabeth.

- This road is to be kept clear.

- For what reason?

To escort the Spanish duke...

...His Grace the Duke of Crdoba,

along this road to London.

What next, you big lout?

How many times must I tell you

how much I dislike pomp and ceremony?

- How many times?

- Yes.

- He doesn't like them.

- Your pardon. Are you...?

Merely a simple traveler, captain. No matter.

We'll find another road. Thank you.

If you wish, Your Grace...

- I mean... I mean, sir.

- What's that?

Oh, pay no attention

to my fool of a servant, captain.

His brains are addled.

Your Grace, I don't think it fitting

that you should ride into London alone.

- You must persuade His Grace.

- Forgive me, Your Grace.

We were told that the duke

would arrive at dawn with a full retinue.

Oh, my retinue is close behind me,

captain.

Indeed it is, Your Grace.

We'll take you to London instantly

and to your bride.

- My bride?

- I know how impatient you must be.

On to London with all haste.

- Your Grace seems to be quite a celebrity.

- Quite.

So keep bowing. Keep smiling.

Imagine, being taken to one's bride

by a royal escort.

They're not only royal, they're armed.

Keep bowing. Keep smiling.

I don't like it. I don't like it.

- Courage, Leporello. Courage.

- Courage?

I've gotta sit and wait and worry

whether you're coming out headfirst...

...or just your head's coming out.

What are you complaining about?

I'm on my way to marry a woman.

I don't even know what she looks like.

Sit up straight.

No. No, no. I've decided. I won't do it.

I refuse to marry a man I've never seen.

But, Diana, it's all arranged.

It's been arranged for weeks.

The entire court has been invited.

Queen Elizabeth herself is coming

to your wedding.

She can afford to.

She's not getting married.

This is treasonous.

What's come over you?

- You haven't been the same since France.

- I wish I'd never returned.

You're as stubborn as your mother,

rest her soul.

This alliance may mean peace

for England and Spain.

Yes, but not for me.

How do you know?

You've never even seen the duke.

- I have a premonition.

- But...

He's coming! He's coming!

The duke is almost here.

Oh, do come and have a look.

Have a look.

Diana, my child, for my sake.

For England.

Very well. I'll do it for England.

But if he looks like my premonition

there still may be war with Spain.

Come, my lady, do have a look.

He's right below. Come along.

Oh, look, that must be His Grace there.

Oh, he's a fine looking gentleman,

isn't it?

For a foreigner, that is.

Balcony, 18 feet above street level.

No trellises or vines to hang onto.

Flagpoles won't support your weight.

And if you come out suddenly,

come over roof.

Keep horses close.

Well, my lady, what do you think of him?

- I know that head.

- But you couldn't.

- You've never seen the duke.

- No.

But I've seen that head.

Your Grace?

- Your Grace?

- Yes, My Grace.

My son.

My son.

- Father.

- Come.

Your bride awaits you.

Quick, my powder. My brush.

But a moment ago

you didn't want to see His Grace.

- That was a moment ago.

- Oh, you're flushed and excited.

- Perhaps you should be put to bed.

- Perhaps.

- Come in, Your Grace. Come in.

- Thank you, sir.

- My daughter will greet you immediately.

- You're very kind, sir.

Diana, my dear.

Oh, Your Grace.

- There's something I should explain, sir.

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