Grand Hotel
'Dear Mother, I'm sorry it's been so long since my last letter.
I don't mean this as an excuse, but a lot has happened at the Grand Hotel.
Four months ago señorita Alicia married the director, don Diego Murquía.'
Yes, I do.
'The party was magnificent, so I heard.
Doña Teresa got a man to come with a new invention: a film camera.
I haven't seen it, Mother, but they say it's amazing.
It makes a kind of photo in which people move as if they were alive.
Imagine being able to do that with Father's photos...
and seeing the way he smiled again or how he smoked his old pipe.
I wish that man came back, just to see what the wedding was like.
Because while they were celebrating, I was occupied in Cantaloa.
Early the next morning I saw them leave.
Señorita Alicia, now doña Alicia de Murquía...
and her husband were going abroad for their honeymoon.
I suppose it was a happy day for the Alarcóns.
But not for me, nor for the rest of the staff.'
Inés, get napkins from room service and bring them to the dining room.
Jesús, let the kitchen staff help you set the tables.
Our guests are civilized people and won't eat with their hands.
'As señorita Alicia was getting married, something terrible had taken place.'
I don't think he'll make it. An electric shock can cause irreversible damage.
'I'd been thinking of going back to Blancaró, to be with you, Mother.
But Andrés's accident made me change my mind.
In the restaurant, where the accident had occurred, I discovered something.
Andrés had had an electric shock while changing some light bulbs.
I remember he said he'd turned off the light.
Someone may of course unwittingly have turned it back on.
But there was something else.
Two copper wires were out of place.
Someone had sabotaged the lamp so my friend would be electrocuted.
But who? And why?'
Jesús, who assigned the tasks for the preparation of the wedding?
I'd ordered him to clean the fittings of the doors.
So who gave him that order? -I don't know. But it was ill-timed.
The last time I spoke to him I reproached him.
Maybe he will die...
and never know how much his mother loved him.
I'm sure he knows. -Thank you, my boy.
'Seeing my friend like that, it preyed on me that the only person...
who could tell me who ordered him to climb that ladder was Andrés himself.
And he was in no condition to say anything.
I decided to stay and find out who had done this to Andrés...
and to prevent him from trying again.
It wasn't long before something happened that confirmed my fears.'
Who is there?
'Whoever had tried to enter had fled. It could have been anyone at the hotel.
An employee, even a guest. Someone I saw every day...
and who for some reason wanted to end Andrés's life.
I could hardly trust anyone, but wasn't going to let my friend run any risk.
I made sure Andrés was always tended and watched by someone trustworthy.'
Will you finish it? -Don't worry.
'Doña Alicia and don Diego were still on their honeymoon.
Judging from the postcards they sent, they were very happy together.
They weren't the only ones missing.
Doña Sofía's husband don Alfredo, Marquis de Vergara...
had been absent from the hotel since the wedding.
They say he went on a trip, but I think there's more to it.
And I hope he'll get to pay for what he did.
I feel sorry for his wife, who carries no blame and is alone with her pregnancy.
Belén is just as pregnant as doña Sofía, but she's not allowed to rest.
She can't attend to the guests, but there's enough to do at the hotel.
Don Javier has no time for his sister.
He's in charge of supplies now, and that occupies all of his time.
As for doña Teresa, she's managing the hotel herself since don Diego left.
It's not beneath her to worry about trifles.'
Don't be so careful. We have to find this letter.
If we don't find it here, we'll have to search all of the servants' quarters.
What are you doing here? -I came to get the dirty linen.
The doctor is expecting you. I want to be sure the child is fine.
As you wish, madam. -I'm sorry about your husband.
But anyone can have an accident.
Yes, it would be terrible if anything were to happen to me and the baby.
That baby won't protect you forever. -But the letter will.
Andrés is don Carlos's son, madam. My husband is heir to this hotel.
'But neither my fears nor my friend's health kept the hotel from functioning.'
You start at twelve.
'Doña Teresa hasn't been able to find a new maître to replace don Benjamín.
Or rather, none of the candidates last very long.
She did hire new waiters and chambermaids to replace Belén.
But I believe the reason behind these new arrivals...
is that without a miracle my friend Andrés was going to die.
I never believed in miracles, Mother, but now I'm not so certain anymore.'
With this sacred anointment...
'This morning the parish priest came from Cantaloa to perform the last rites.
We all thought he was about to die.
We'd given up hope. His mother...
who had hardly slept these last four months, couldn't bear to see him die.
His son, soon to be born, would never know him.
He'd only be able to miss him and cry for him, as we were doing now.'
Andrés.
Doña Ángela. -What do you want?
Andrés is awake.
Belén. But...
How long have I been asleep?
Andrés, my son. -I'm sorry, Mother.
'We were all overjoyed, but it also gave me reason for worry.
If someone had tried to kill Andrés, he might try again after this miracle.'
Doña Ángela's been looking for you. -And?
I'm just passing on the message.
Can you tell Mateo to mail this letter? -Sure.
Thanks.
And the stamp? -Tell him I'll pay tomorrow.
I told him that last week too, Julio.
So what did he say?
Andrés. -What?
What did the doctor say? -That my leg will keep hurting...
that I'll have to take morphine and that my right ear won't recover.
What if I can't wait tables anymore? I can't stand kitchen work.
You should be happy you're alive.
No, not that theory again about someone wanting to kill me.
It was an accident. -So who told you to change the bulbs?
This will convince you it was an accident, as it was señorita Alicia.
Your references are outstanding.
May I ask why you left the service of the Duke of Segra?
I didn't get along with the new housekeeper.
Wasn't she competent? -Yes, she was, but also very rigid.
Believe it or not, but in 1 1/2 years I didn't see her smile even once.
We're servants, not comedians.
But in our spare time we're allowed to relax.
You see, you smiled as well. -Because you referred to spare time.
You've never worked at a hotel, right? -It can't differ much from a large house.
You attended to one gentleman, while we have many as our guests.
When one day of work ends, another begins, which doesn't make one smile.
It was a pleasure to meet you.
I'm sure you'll find a job more to your taste.
A good maître never knows if a dish tastes well until he's tried it.
If doña Teresa agrees, you can join the staff this same day.
Thank you.
My brother, I'm so happy to see you. -It hasn't been the same without you.
Sofía, you look terrific. And your belly is huge.
Who is that lovely lady?
Excuse me, I'm the new maître, Ernesto Varela.
Doña Teresa's youngest daughter, Alicia.
Do you always have that look on your face when you see her?
No, why? -Excuse me for a second.
When I was your age, I fell in love with a baroness.
And what happened? -Here I am, fixing a waiter's bow tie.
So draw your own conclusion.
From now on this will be our room. Don't you think it's wonderful?
Absolutely.
Doña Ángela has ordered me to help you with anything you need.
Start by unpacking our suitcases.
My love, I have to let your mother bring me up to date.
Please excuse me. -Of course.
Don't trouble yourself, madam. -I don't mind.
What's your name? -Isabel.
What shall I do with this, madam? -Leave it on the table.
It's a model of the Eiffel Tower. -Looks like they left the scaffolding.
You promised your son? It suits neither of us to involve Alfredo in the business.
I didn't know it would worry you so much.
Stupid as he may be, he killed Cristina to curry favour with you.
I don't think we need someone that unpredictable on our side.
He'll first have to come out of prison, my dear.
And our lawyers have orders to see to it that he will get a long sentence.
Sofía thinks you're trying to help him. -And she should continue to think so.
Once she gives birth, she'll have other priorities.
Believe me, when Alfredo leaves prison, if he ever will...
so much time will have passed that old promises will be forgotten.
And has the letter turned up?
Not yet.
And Andrés has recovered from his accident. A disastrous combination.
If that letter turns up, we have a big problem.
And inspector Ayala? -I've taken care of him as well.
Don't tell me you arranged to have him called back to Madrid.
I arranged something much better, my dear.
A telegram? -Yes, sir, from the General Directorate.
Don't bother reading it, I already know what it says.
Since in the last three months no related crimes have taken place...
they're closing the case and call me back to Madrid.
The first part is just as you say, but the second part isn't.
They're demoting me to the rank of agent.
What a disgrace. -Being an agent is no disgrace.
It is if you've served as an inspector for 17 years.
And to make it worse, this order reverses our hierarchy, Hernando.
Isn't it absurd that you're my superior now?
Is that the way to talk to a superior?
I offer you my apology, sir.
Come on, cheer up, Agent Ayala.
You're in the bloom of life. Let's go celebrate my promotion.
This isn't a promotion, Hernando. -But it feels like one to me.
Here, have some.
It's an excellent rum.
Come on, Hernando. Dives such as this serve the cheapest rum there is.
I assure you this one is different. Try it.
What do you say? Is it good or not? -Suspiciously good for such a price.
I can only think of one explanation.
Smuggling. -Ayala, please, relax.
Can't you enjoy a glass of rum without chasing after criminals?
You're right. It's your crime now, not mine.
I'm sure that after you finish your glass...
you'll want to ask Judge Barrera for a warrant to search this tavern.
Am I right, sir?
Could you do it? I find Judge Barrera intimidating.
I find him exceedingly boring, with all respect for his stature.
You're the superior now, so comply with your duty.
Sir.
My mother didn't tell me... -Sorry, I can't hear on this side.
I said I'm sorry about your accident.
If I'd known, I'd have returned sooner. -It wouldn't have made a difference.
I mostly slept those four months, señorita Alarcón.
I mean, Señora Murquía. I'll have to get used to calling you that.
I'm not yet used to it either. But call me however you like.
I brought you something from Madrid. -You shouldn't have.
I hope you like it.
The Gentleman's Gentleman, How to Be a Perfect Butler.
I sure do.
I see your wife moved in with you.
Not yet. Given the state I've been in...
So didn't Julio go to Blancaró? -Excuse me?
How are you, Julio? -Señora Murquía.
What a surprise to see you at the hotel. Why did you stay?
I guess my life is here, and it's not such a bad life.
And señor Molins?
What señor Molins?
The opera hater.
I haven't heard from him anymore.
Don't you miss him?
Do you miss him?
Don't expect to see him when you step out to smoke.
I don't smoke anymore.
Neither do I.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and see Don Ernesto, the new maître.
And I have many people to say hello to.
I'm glad you're back.
Your Excellence, it's an honour to have you at our hotel.
Thank you, madam. -Your Excellence.
If there's anything you need, señor Bakthiari, just let me know.
As a matter of fact, there is. One of my trunks got lost during my journey.
I'll have a bell boy wait at the station, while we'll supply whatever you need.
My attendant will inform you of the contents.
I hope this inconvenience won't keep you from enjoying tonight's reception.
Absolutely not. But excuse me, I have to deposit something at the front desk.
Of course. -Thank you.
A charming man.
How can I help you, sir?
That trunk contained something very important, but no one should find out.
Do you know someone who could help me obtain it, even if it's illegal?
Señor Bakthiari, I'm honoured.
I hear you're able to obtain anything. -Try me.
Opium. It's used a lot in my country. -That doesn't make it less dangerous.
Danger and pleasure often go together, señor Alarcón.
I agree with you about that.
I'll talk to a friend. Maybe he can help us.
Do you think this will be enough?
Yes, I think that's plenty.
Jesús, count out 32 forks, and make sure they're shiny.
Please, move it. That should have been upstairs already.
Let's see. Five, six, seven...
eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve...
Thirteen. -Thirteen, fourteen...
Fifteen. -Fifteen.
Jesús, on señorita Alicia's wedding day, when Andrés electrocuted himself...
I'm counting forks. -You have fifteen now.
You turned off the light, right? -Why are you asking me now?
That accident was a bit strange.
I like my work. I won't put it at risk by sticking my neck out.
I only asked you a question. -Do as you like, but leave me out of it.
What comes after fifteen?
Eighteen.
Eighteen, nineteen, twenty...
I lied to you before.
Some habits seem hard to lose.
It's not true that I stayed because I like being a waiter.
Unlike you, I see things clearly. I'm married now, and your feelings...
It's not that.
So what is it?
I stayed at the hotel for Andrés. I couldn't leave him behind like that.
But he's doing much better now. -That's what I wanted to talk about.
I discovered that it wasn't an accident. Someone tried to kill Andrés.
Stop seeing crimes everywhere. It's becoming an obsession.
The copper wires were exposed, and someone turned the light back on.
Why are you telling me all this? -I need you to do me a favour.
Talk to someone who won't tell me what he knows.
He will tell you. -Julio, no, I'm sorry.
Don't apologize to me, but to Andrés.
Who do I have to talk to?
Yes, madam, I heard you tell Andrés, then he asked me to turn off the light.
And you did? -Yes, right here.
Is that the lever? -Yes, the one from the restaurant.
So you pulled it down? -I didn't need to, it was down already.
But that's very strange, isn't it? -Yes, but it relieved me of my task.
If you'll excuse me, madam... -Of course, Jesús, thank you.
You heard what he said.
But I don't understand.
Who pulled the lever before Jesús arrived?
That's your problem. I said I'd help you, but just with this. So, good luck.
Did anything happen? -I'm doing this for Andrés, not for you.
Stop smiling.
You said the wires were exposed. -Yes, that's why Andrés got a shock.
If someone really did it on purpose, it would make sense to turn off the light.
To sabotage the lamp without danger, and then...
Turn it back on when Andrés climbed the ladder.
So there's the answer to your question.
Here? -Don't touch it.
Remember how inspector Ayala discovered who killed your sister?
The marks of the fingers.
He used a new technique, based on the fingerprints of the suspects.
You think those of Andrés's would-be assassin are there?
Yes, it stands to reason.
But inspector Ayala won't come unless we have evidence of our suspicions.
And if there's a crime?
Tonight is the reception for the consul. If the light goes off...
and a theft takes place, Ayala will investigate the power cut...
and check the lever for fingerprints. -Why would such a theft take place?
Are you suggesting we commit one? -You and me.
No, Julio, I told you I was only going to help you once.
But it's not for me. It's for Andrés, right?
What brings you here, young man? -Can we talk somewhere in private?
Nothing you'll say will shock these girls.
They've seen and heard it all before.
I need opium for a guest at the hotel. Do you know where I can get some?
Ships bring it in from England. But are you sure about this?
Smuggling rum is dangerous, but opium is something else.
I'm not talking about smuggling. I just need some for a guest.
Besides, who are you to preach to me?
Alright, you know what you're doing.
I can't help you, but you know who can?
How much do you need?
Enough for one person for a month.
That will be 12,000 pesetas, half up front.
When will I get it? -Tomorrow. I'll let you know where.
Perfect. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Mr...
They call me Bear. -Bear? Why?
Because of what I did to the last guy who didn't pay me.
Don't worry, I won't delude you. -Do I seem worried?
The doctor told your mother and me to administer the morphine.
Half a syringe before you go to sleep. He stressed that we only give you half.
A little more and you could die. Get up.
Let's see.
Why does a painkiller have to hurt? -I'm needed downstairs. Will you stay?
All that hassle taking turns. -Weren't you deaf?
What? -I have to help in the linen room.
What? -I'm needed in the linen room.
Isabel, have you just finished? -Yes.
Andrés is alone. Can you stay with him till I'm done? It's very important.
Alright. -Thank you.
Are you ready? -To commit a robbery in my own hotel?
Absolutely. Everyone should be at the reception of the consul by now.
I got Ernesto to assign me to the restaurant.
In 15 minutes I'll turn off the power for 30 seconds.
That's all you have to rob something. -Won't anyone miss you?
The lounges are full of guests. -Not even your husband?
Diego is busy with the consul. -Alright.
But he'll worry if I stay away too long, so we should be quick.
As you wish, Señora Murquía.
Isabel, we need you downstairs. -I can't.
Doña Ángela wants us all downstairs.
Thank God.
I have nothing against electric light. It's just as fickle as my late husband.
Oh, my pearls, my pearls.
That's Lady's necklace. Why did you have to rob Lady, of all people?
It was very dark. -Give it to me, I'll hide it in my room.
Now let's get out of here. Separately. Nobody should see us together.
What are you doing here? -I was told to come downstairs.
Did you leave Andrés by himself? -Yes, Doña Ángela said...
Mateo, who's staying in room 22? -No one.
No one? And in the one next to it? -No one either.
Doña Teresa told me no one is to stay in that hallway all week.
Did anyone take the keys? -No, they're all here.
I told inspector Ayala about the theft. He'll be here tomorrow morning.
Why did this have to happen during the consul's reception?
But let's not worry about that now, my love.
Who could it be at this time?
The tea you ordered, sir. -We didn't order anything.
I did, my dear. I'm sorry, but I didn't feel so well.
Hurry up. -Yes, sir.
'Tomorrow at ten, outside room 22. It's important.'
Here you go, madam.
Is it alright like that? -Yes, thank you.
Dear, hurry up and drink your tea, before it gets cold.
There must be an explanation. -Yes, someone wanted to kill you.
It's the only possible explanation. The syringe contained a fatal dose.
Didn't you see who it was? -No, he knocked me down and took off.
Why didn't he inject all of it? -I guess I came just in time.
And he took all of the morphine. He may come back and try it again.
But who would want to kill me? I'm just a waiter. What have I done?
The robbery took place when the light went out.
Only in the restaurant, right? -Yes, sir.
Someone must have pulled the lever while his accomplice stole the pearls.
I guess so.
Thank you for coming so soon.
And I'm sorry you're no inspector anymore.
Thank you, Señora Murquía. You must be the only one in Cantaloa...
who isn't delighted by this administrative error.
Isn't that so, Hernando? -No, I also feel sorry for you.
But I'm happy for my own sake.
Señora Ludivida, Lady, as we call her, worries about her missing necklace.
Did you find anything? -Besides dust and spiders, yes.
A fingerprint, as you call it? You have the thief's fingerprints?
And those of half of the staff, madam.
What could it prove that someone touched this lever?
Ayala found several fingerprints, so it will be hard to find Andrés's adversary.
Maybe not. Whoever it is has tried again.
He was hiding in this room, room 22.