| 1977 |
1988 |
Sir Morosus is a retired admiral, formerly of the British Navy. A accident
at sea has left him with an over-sensitivity to noise. He dearly wishes for a
solitary existence of peace and quiet. |
| 04:00 |
03:55 |
The housekeeper, who wishes to marry Sir Morosus, tries to enlist the aid
of the admiral's sole confidant, his barber. They begin to argue. |
| 07:05 |
06:55 |
Sir Morosus storms in, angered at being disturbed by his housekeeper 's
argument. The barber urges him to marry a young, silent wife, and Morosus agrees
the idea has merit, but thinks he is too old. The barber assures him he could
find Morosus a suitable spouse. |
| 19:00 |
18:15 |
There is a commotion at the front door, as the housekeeper tries to deny
admittance to Morosus' nephew, Henry. When Henry forces his way in, he is
embraced by his uncle. Henry has run away from college, and Morosus states he
must live here. Henry asks about his troupe, who are traveling with him, and
Morsus, mishearing the question as being about Henry's troops, is delighted the
boy sees a military future and invites the soldier to stay with him as well. |
| 22:30 |
21:50 |
To a comic march, an Italian opera troupe enters. Morosus' warm feelings
for his nephew disappear when it is revealed that Henry sings in public, and has
married the singer Aminta. Morosus threatens to disinherit Henry unless he sends
the troupe away at once. The troupe is insulted and threatens charges of slander
against Morosus. |
| 27:00 |
26:10 |
Morosus tells the barber to bring him a wife - a quiet, silent wife - by
the next day, when Morosus will marry her. He exits. Aminta is crushed to be
rejected so. The troupe are unhappy over their rough treatment, and threaten to
sing outside Morosus door every evening until he recants. The barber quiets the
troupe, and explains that Henry should not throw away an inheritance such as he
will receive from Morosus. Aminta pleads with Henry to think only of himself,
and leave her for the sake of the inheritance. Henry will not hear of it. The
barber tries to recruit two ladies of the troupe, Carlotta and Isotta, as brides
for Morosus, but without success. |
| 40:00 |
39:50 |
Suddenly, the barber has an idea. He enlists the members of the troupe to
portray the parson and wedding party, while Aminta is to play the silent bride.
All agree to play their parts, in a mock wedding, designed to fool Morosus. |
| 1977 |
1988 |
Morosus is finishing dressing for his wedding, with the assistance of his
housekeeper. The housekeeper tries to warn Morosus that he is wlaking into a
trap. The barber appears and tells Morosus that he has found 3 maids for Morosus
to choose from. The barber begs Morosus to be gentle with them, but Morosus says
he knows how to treat women. |
| 03:50 |
03:45 |
The barber shows the three ladies in - they are Isotta, Carlotta and Aminta
disguised. Carlotta, affecting to be an inexperienced country maid, is fearful
when Morosus approachd her, and he dismisses her. Isotta than approached
Morosus, spouting learned-sounding nonsense. Morosus asks the barber to get rid
of her, as he could never abide her incessant chatter. Aminta represents she is
a maid who's greatest pleasure is to sit silently all day at her sewing-table.
Morosus is infatuated, and asks her to marry him. Aminta accepts. |
| 13:40 |
13:40 |
Morosus calls for a notary and a parson. Aminta, in the character of "Timida"
declare herself unworthy of Morosus, but Morosus declares his passion in such
eloquent terms, that Aminta is truly moved to feel tenderness for the old
admiral. The barber delights in how well his plan has worked. |
| 18:45 |
18:55 |
The barber shows in two members of the Italian troupe, playing the roles of
parson and notary. A marriage ceremony is played out, and a toast is offered for
the new couple. |
| 23:45 |
23:50 |
A commotion is heard as Farfallo, a member of the Italian troupe, appears
with several men in the quise of sailors who served under Morosus. Morosus, not
recognizing them, swears they never served under him, and a general tumult
ensues as the neighbors join the wedding feast. Morosus, blue with rage,
entreats the barber to get rid his house of these intruders. The barber invites
the crowd to retire to the corner tavern, and enjoy some ale at Morosus'
expense. The crowd departs, and the barber, "notary" and "parson"
make their farewells, telling Aminta in asides, tell her to torment Morosus.
However, Aminta has begun to fell pity for the old man. |
| 30:00 |
30:05 |
Morosus and Aminta are left alone. Morosus approaches her tenderly, and
Aminta admits to herself her job would be easier were he less a gentleman than
he is. However, soon enough, Aminta plays her part and explodes at Morosus in
fury, and begins to throw around the momentos of Morosus' career. |
| 34:45 |
34:50 |
Henry rushes in. Morosus begs his nephew to save him. Henry slaps the wrist
of Aminta, who leaves calling for a sheriff. Henry promises Morosus he will
protect the door to his bedroom until morning. Morosus, thankful, exits and
bolts his bedroom door. Henry and Aminta embrace each other, and Morosus, after
ascertaining that Henry is protecting him, goes to sleep. |
| 1977 |
1988 |
Aminta, with the help of the opera troupe, is remodeling Morosus' house:
the housekeeper enters and begs for even a quarter hour of quiet. Henry sows in
a harpsichordist, and he and Aminta sing an "aria" (actually a duet)
from Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea. |
| 04:10 |
04:10 |
As Morosus enters, begging for mercy, the couple switch to a duet from
Legrenzi's Eeteocle e Polinice. Suddenly, the barber enters, annoucing the
imminent arrival of the chief justice and two notaries (who are, of course,
members of the troupe in disguise. Morosus leaves to don his ceremonial dress.
With Morosus out of the room, the troupe celebrate the success of their scheme,
composing themselves in time for Morosus' return. |
| 07:00 |
07:00 |
Morosus enters, and a "hearing" commences. The justice enumerates
the grounds for divorce. The barber contends she was not a virgin at marriage
and produces witnesses to testify - other members of the troupe. |
| 12:15 |
12:15 |
Henry enters and also testifies he had relations with Aminta before her
marriage to Morosus. Morosus seems to have won his case, until it is determined
he never questioned his bride on the subject, so no deceit is involved. |
| 19:15 |
19:15 |
Finally, Henry admits the fraud to Morosus, who at first is seized with
anger, then realizes he has been a fool and laughs at loud at himself. Morosus
declares he now finds music beautiful, but still also enjoys just quiet. |