Phoenix
1
The wound canal is from a gunshot.
They thought you were dead.
You were lucky.
Can you see?
That's good.
Intravenous penicillin.
Cheekbone and nasal bone are shattered.
Chipping to the left cranial bone.
You were a singer?
Where was that?
- Most recently at the St Michaels choir.
- In London?
- Yes.
- When?
Up to '38.
Then you, a Jewess, returned here.
Why?
They have wonderfully cool cellars.
And there's a real plantation
in the park.
We'll soon be able to walk around.
- And you'll be able to...
- Who's paying for this, Lene?
- You?
- No.
You inherited.
And Herbert and Marie...
- the twins...
- Esther?
I haven't found her yet.
Where is Johnny?
So how do you want to look?
It's your choice.
Some of my patients favour Zarah Leander,
others Miss Sderbaum.
I guess they're both out of fashion now.
A few gentlemen out there
would probably like new faces, too.
I want to look like I used to.
That's difficult.
I recommend you think it over.
Why?
On the one hand,
and on the other,
a new face is an advantage.
- How is it an advantage?
- You'll be a new and different person.
You won't be identifiable,
which means...
I want to look exactly like I used to.
You'll receive
an intravenous anaesthetic.
An ether mask can't be used
due to your face's condition,
but don't be concerned,
you'll sleep deeply.
Just count backwards: Ten...
nine, eight, etc.
Know what the Americans call it?
A "countdown".
"Woman in the Moon".
So now count, ten...
- Ten.
- Nine...
- Nine.
- Carry on.
Eight, seven...
six, five...
JEW. JEW. JEW...
JOHANNES LENZ, PIANIST,
DIVORCED OCTOBER, 04,1944
That's already looking really good.
A couple of days
and the bandages come off.
I found an apartment, by the way.
In Haifa.
You can see the sea.
Beautiful, simple-lined architecture.
Bernstein designed it.
I've got photos. Want a look?
Here.
No, I didn't see him.
Nelly, it was bombed out.
It no longer exists.
I no longer exist.
Nelly,
remember how you felt three months ago?
How desperate you were?
It's extraordinary what Dr Bongartz...
- In a few days the bandages come off...
Would you recognise me?
Yes.
No.
This is me.
Where did you get that?
for the reconstruction.
Sorry, that's the wrong word.
Dr Bongartz used it and I simply...
- Re-creation is better, right?
- Re-creation.
Just look at me.
Nelly, you're beautiful.
That's not the point.
What do the circles signify?
Those are Nazis.
And the crosses are for the dead?
Yes.
We need a cross above Esther, too.
It's such a miracle you survived.
There's no cross above Johnny.
Johnny doesn't interest me.
Here are dresses,
and there are two coats,
to get you started.
It was all acquired by Mrs Winter.
Wonderful cloth.
You're a size 38, right?
And when are you going to Palestine?
I don't know yet.
So, this is the bathroom,
all fully equipped,
If you need anything,
please let me know.
No, that we won't do.
We have a real plague of flies.
The war
didn't seem to bother them at all.
They come up from the lake in swarms.
No, please don't,
I'd rather do it myself.
- When do we dine, Elisabeth?
- At seven, if it please you, Ma'am.
- What have you cooked for us?
- Stuffed cabbage with sweetbread.
Where did the sweetbread come from?
I have no nutmeg, no butter,
no black pepper, it's awful.
But you improvise so wonderfully.
Improvise, improvise!
I've had it with improvising.
Elisabeth is really a gem.
- She's not a Nazi?
So, you like it?
Yes.
Great.
By the way, I put the papers
for the Haifa apartment on the desk.
And I found two other for us in Tel Aviv.
One is on a housing project.
We're being allocated terrain.
You know,
it wasn't easy getting us both a visa.
- So, there.
- Thank you, Elisabeth.
Can you manage?
Yes.
Can I hear that again?
It's nice, huh?
I'd listened to it in London
before falling asleep.
Would you sing it for me?
Okay.
I can't stand German songs anymore.
When you're better,
we'll take care of your assets.
Is it a lot?
They're substantial.
It'll take a while...
to get the Nazis out of the properties,
but there's lots of money in Switzerland.
It's the victims' money,
it brings an obligation.
To do what?
To go to Palestine and found a state
where we Jews can live safely.
To do so,
we take back all they took away.
Maybe then we can sing
Did you like it?
Yes.
Then give me something.
Yes.
I'm looking for my husband.
He's a musician, too.
What does he play?
He's a pianist.
If he's lucky,
he'll be in one of the cabarets or clubs.
If not,
he'll be on the corner with an accordion.
What clubs?
I'd try the American sector.
Johnny, what did I do?
Let go of me! Johnny!
Get off me!
Yes.
Excuse me.
I mistook you for someone.
Stay where you are.
I told you to stop right there.
What do you have in your bag?
Show me.
The fine coat!
That's tar.
Where was she gallivanting?
Would you leave us for a moment,
Elisabeth?
So, did you meet him?
You can't just wander around at night.
There are all sorts out.
I don't go out without a revolver.
I can't always look after you,
I have to go to Poland soon.
- How long?
A week, two, maybe longer.
Did you give thought
to Haifa or Tel Aviv?
In Tel Aviv there's a Jewish choir
run by Vera Stroux.
- It might suit you.
- What would I do in a Jewish choir?
- I'm not a Jew.
- You are, like it or not.
They tried to kill you
because you're a Jew.
We can't remain here, Nelly.
Johnny betrayed you.
You were arrested on October 6, 1944.
Johnny was arrested on October 4, 1944.
He was interrogated and released
just after your arrest on October 6.
He wasn't put in prison.
No punishment. Indeed...
he was allowed to play again...
now he wants your money.
Did you see him?
- Yes.
- When?
Two months ago.
Did you speak to him?
I don't speak to traitors.
Shop window mannequin.
Wonderful! Wonderful!
We have beer.
We have cold beer.
We have whisky.
We have champagne.
And now our delightful Vicky and Lola
will sing
the one and only Cole Porter's...
"Night and Day".
Night and day.
Night and day I think of you
Countless weeks have passed
And I just pined for you
From the dreams I have at night
I awake each morning once again
And have your sweet image
Before me still
Wherever I am, I am with you
I often hear your familiar steps
Stop at my door
And the twinkle of your eyes
Lights the dark hours...
of my loneliness
Vivaciously
Night and day,
I feel that beloved hand
That you softly gave me
As we stood by the meadow-side
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"Phoenix" Scripts.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 Nov. 2024. <https://www.scripts.com/script/phoenix_15852>.
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