:36:01
But I want a chance for my music
to act in its own proper sphere.
:36:06
It does. It always has and it always will.
:36:08
It must be allowed to intensify the
emotional depth not only of your words...
:36:13
...but of the situation, which can
be humorous, dramatic... What you will.
:36:18
Of course. It goes without saying.
:36:20
You teach me the ABC of my profession.
:36:23
Now. Would you care for me
to read this to you or not?
:36:27
- Where is it set?
- In the Sicilian mountains.
:36:31
Plenty of scope there for Gypsy music,
one might suggest.
:36:36
Now, the local alchemist
is killed in an explosion...
:36:39
...and there, amongst his effects,
a chorus of villagers discover a potion.
:36:43
- Magic, no doubt.
- Indeed.
:36:45
I thought as much.
:36:47
The effect of this magic potion is
to transform the character who takes it...
:36:51
...into whatever he or she
is pretending to be.
:36:54
- You and your world of Topsy-Turvydom!
:36:58
In 1881, it was a magic coin.
:37:00
And before that, it was a magic lozenge.
:37:02
And in 1877, it was an elixir.
:37:08
In this instance, it is a magic potion.
:37:10
"Act One. Scene:
:37:12
...a mountain inn
on a picturesque Sicilian pass."
:37:15
"A range of mountains
with Etna in the distance."
:37:32
- I've made you some beef tea, Mr Gilbert.
- Take it away.
:37:35
You've not had anything
since yesterday afternoon, sir.
:37:38
- Take it away.
- You can't work on an empty stomach.
:37:42
Can't work at all, Mrs Judd,
if I'm being constantly pestered...
:37:45
...by interfering women with hot beef tea,
cold compresses, mustard poultices...
:37:49
...and excessive attacks
of philanthropic zeal.
:37:52
- How's my wounded soldier?
- He's not doing as he's told, madam.
:37:55
Oh, isn't he now?
:37:57
Willie, are you intending
to visit the dentist tomorrow?