Word: verena
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...very beautiful -- but I think it is very dreadful!" This remark from Verena, called him back to the present. "It's a real sin to put up such a building, just to glorify a lot of bloodshed. If it wasn't so majestic, I would have it pulled down...
Since those days, Janssen has reformed somewhat; he now concentrates on portraying Gothic horror instead of experiencing it. He lives in a crumbling Hamburg apartment house with his handsome blonde third wife, Verena, the wealthy granddaughter of one of Kaiser Wilhelm's last Chancellors, Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg, and their five-year-old son. Others may find his pictures macabre, but he maintains: "For me, whatever I do is not ugly, not horrible, not repulsive. I couldn't draw what I don't love...
...Verena Talbo has always tyrannized her sister Dolly (finely played by Mildred Natwick). But when she tries to cheat her as well, Dolly flees-with a young boy cousin and a tart-tongued servant (well played by Georgia Burke)-to a tree house in a wood. It is not only a revolt against ugly materialism, but an escape from reality. The trio are joined in their tree by a judge; and the quartet sits about, lonely and lost, wishing and dreaming aloud. After some dime-novel hocus-pocus breaks in on their dream world, Dolly goes home to face reality...
Dolly is the most colorful character. According to the boy (who narrates the story), "her presence is a delicate happening." She compensates for her loveless existence with letters from her dropsy-cure customers, as does the cold, business-minded Verena with her profitable, secret ventures. Catherine, who is "dark as the angels of Africa" takes delight in cursing That One (Verena). "Her ugly moods sifted through the house like sour yellow mist. That One. Hush now, hush...
When Dolly learns that Verena planned to usurp her beloved formula, she whispers to the boy. "To the tree house." A host of outcasts follows. Each one reveals his hopeless search for love, and, in the process, all feel a deep love towards one another. Although none forgets the Transformation, Verena, who is sick and needs sympathy, calls them back...