MovieChat Forums > The Black Cat (1934) Discussion > Poelzig speaking to his servant

Poelzig speaking to his servant

posted 11 years ago by bobquack
7 replies | jump to latest

Can anyone translate what he says to his servant in the girl's bedroom? What language is it?
Here is a phonetic rendering of what he says:
"Kaylot-in-Alice-nor-lot"

[–] Doghouse-6 11 years ago

I couldn't possibly translate - it sounds vaguely Latin - but the "Alice" part is likely "Allison."

Poelzig has just told Joan that her husband is at breakfast, and is undoubtedly sending the servant down to fetch him.

Poe! You are...avenged!

[–] scott-h-moore 7 years ago

I believe it was supposed to be Hungarian: "Kérem az Alison urat" i.e. I would like (you to bring) Mr Alison.

[–] bobquack 11 years ago

Yes. He has just told her "I believe he is breakfasting. I'll send for him." Then he speaks to his servant, which may contain the couple's last name (Allison). He could be speaking Latin which he does later in the ceremony, but seems like he would more likely speaking his native language (German? Polish? Russian? This is too early for Nazis so must be WW1).

[–] phillipsdan83 10 years ago

It's likely phonetic Hungarian. It sounds like "kay matin Allison wrolot".

[–] bobquack 10 years ago

Possibly. But earlier Poelzig was referred to by Vitus as being from Austria, while Vitus was from Hungary. Maybe Austrian.

"Cum Grano Salis"

[–] phillipsdan83 10 years ago

True. Austria and Hungary used to be united, though, and while Poelzig's "Austria's greatest architect", Fort Marmaros in clearly in Hungary, and his Major Domo is probably Hungarian.

[–] bradford-1 10 years ago

Austria-Hungary was a united nation until the world war ended. One assumes Magyar was the language of Hungary and Austro-German (izzat what it would be called?) was spoken in Austria. National borders changed abruptly, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were formed, among other changes. Lugosi definitely speaks Magyar to the policeman.
May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?