Anna Karenina Page #5

SEROZHA:

But why?

20

ANNA:

Because that's where Aunt Dolly lives.

SEROZHA:

But why?

ANNA:

(PATIENTLY)

I told you, Serozha. She's not well. I must

go to see her.

SEROZHA:

But why?

ANNA:

Now, don't make Mama cry. I'll be back

before you know, and bring you a present.

SEROZHA:

Don't want a present. I want you to stay.

Anna is on the brink of tears.

ANNA:

Oh . . . my little Kutik . . .

SEROZHA:

What present?

ANNA:

That's better.

She dabs her eyes.

21

INT. KARENIN HOUSE--NIGHT

Kapitonich, the Karenins' Hall Porter, an "old soldier," comes out of the

house to where a private carriage is waiting. The coachman is Konrad.

Anna comes out with Annushka, who has a large soft bag containing

everything her mistress needs for the journey. Kapitonich holds the carriage

door for them.

INT. MOVING TRAIN--NIGHT

Anna has a window seat. Next to her is Annushka.

In the opposite window seat is Countess Vronsky, at sixty losing the battle to

keep her youthful beauty. She has a lap dog (and perhaps a Fabergé-topped

walking cane). Next to her is her Maid.

Anna is not happy to be leaving. She holds a small framed photo of Sero-

zha, which she then puts away in her red bag. Countess Vronsky smiles at

her. Anna wipes her eyes, explains.

ANNA:

It's the first time I've left my little boy.

COUNTESS VRONSKY

So you are leaving your son and I am return-

ing to mine. I am Countess Vronsky.

Anna knows the name.

countess vronsky (cont'd)

I've been in St. Petersburg for the christen-

ing of a granddaughter--my elder son mar-

ried Princess Chirkov. You're a charming

creature. Why don't I know you?

22

ANNA:

I've never been in Moscow society, really.

COUNTESS VRONSKY

But you know my name?

ANNA:

I've heard you mentioned . . .

COUNTESS VRONSKY

Talked about, you mean. Ah, love!

Anna, found out, smiles tentatively.

ANNA:

Was it love?

COUNTESS VRONSKY

Always. My sons are ashamed of me. But I'd

rather end up wishing I hadn't than end up

wishing I had--wouldn't you?

ANNA:

I . . . I don't know . . .

Anna looks at the snow on the window. She is unsettled by the conversation.

EXT. SHCHERBATSKY HOUSE. MOSCOW--NIGHT

A sleigh (i.e., a cab) brings Levin.

23

INT. ENTRANCE HALL, SHCHERBATSKY HOUSE,

SAME TIME--NIGHT

The Hall Porter lets Levin into the house. A Footman takes Levin's hat

and coat. Levin is uneasy--he seems to be first to arrive. He decides he has

come too early. He pulls his coat back from the Footman.

LEVIN:

I'll come back.

UP ABOVE:

Princess Ekaterina (Kitty) Shcherbatsky is eighteen. Eager to see who has

arrived, she hurries from the direction of the reception room and looks down

into the entrance hall in time to see Levin snatch his hat back from the

Footman.

KITTY:

Konstantin!

LEVIN:

I'm too early.

KITTY:

(PLEASED)

No! Come up!

DOWN BELOW:

Kitty runs off out of Levin's view. He flings his hat and coat at the Foot-

man and runs up the stairs.

24

INT. RECEPTION ROOM, SHCHERBATSKY HOUSE,

SAME TIME--NIGHT

Levin hurries in and finds Kitty seated prettily in a "receiving" pose. She

is alone.

KITTY:

Look at me! I'm receiving for Papa and

Maman who are late to dress. It's my first

reception.

Levin plays along, kissing her hand elaborately.

LEVIN:

Princess Ekaterina! Delighted, delighted!

KITTY:

( FORMAL)

I'm so pleased you were able to be with us,

Konstantin Dmitrich!

LEVIN:

Rate this script:3.0 / 1 vote