Original subtitles

(orchestral music)

(church bells)

(orchestral music)

- Well, sir?

- Eh?

- What do you think of it?

- May God forgive you.

What are you doing about this?

- What do you mean?

- You've stuck a waking great vestibule

onto my original front.

You've thrown the whole thing out of focus,

you've destroyed the symmetry of my plans completely.

I merely wondered why you've kept my dome?

- Oh, I don't propose to touch that.

- My dear Michelangelo, my dear young friend,

let's be modern for the love of heaven.

Why not turn the thing upside down,

fill it with sweets?

Oh well, it reconciles a man with death.

I'll say that for it.

Poor old Bramante, poor old academic ass.

Time he died, eh?

No talent.

No ideas.

Chief Architect to the Holy See.

God help us, time he gave a decent modern architect

a chance, eh?

- My dear Bramante, we didn't know

our little Michelangelo's ideas

were so deplorable.

- My lord. - My lord,

I don't want to be harsh,

and i don't want to hurt anybody's feelings,

but since you asked my opinion, as an architect,

I think you get cleverer ideas than that

from a lunatic fishmonger.

It's vulgar.

- Well that would seem to settle it.

- I'll get back to work, my lord.

- We must forgive the old man, Michelangelo.

- He called me vulgar.

- To the true conservative,

everything he doesn't like is vulgar.

- 500 years from now, has it ever struck you Michelangelo?

This tremendous thing we are building

will still be there.

- My lord!

General Belmonte is here.

- Oh.

Let him come in.

(armor clattering)

- New Saint Peters, eh?

Not a patch on the old one.

- You're a critic, General.

- I don't know much about art and stuff, my lord,

but i know what i like.

- I forget just why you wanted to see me?

- I thought i'd just drop In

and let your lordship her me through

me catechism (laughs).

Just my joke.

- Ah.

- It's a private matter.

- I will go, my lord.

- I hate the sight of that curly-headed spawn.

- May i remind you where you are, General.

- I'm a plain soldier, m'lord.

- Plain, certainly.

(armor clattering)

- Be soldierly and brief, General.

- I've just come from the Holy Father.

I've explained the position to him,

if we're to put as many troops into the field

against the French as the Spanish and the English,

and if those are to be properly equipped and fed,

I shall need at least 50,000 florin more.

- Yes?

- The Holy Father hasn't got them.

- Well.

- The money can be found by stopping work

for a few months, or maybe a year or two on this.

- May i ask whose suggestion this is?

- Your humble servant gets a good idea

once in a while, m'lord.

- Ah.

You're an old soldier, General,

- I am knocked about a bit.

- Hiding up and down Europe for years, I suppose.

- Don't forget Asia, my lord.

- Oh, of course, of course.

You've fought for the Turks, haven't you?

Against the Hungarians.

- Why not?

- Why not, indeed.

I take it the Turk offered more money than the Christian.

- Put the case in a nutshell.

- Your stainless sword, as it were,

is at the disposal of the highest bidder.

A very gentle, perfect knight.

I have never met one before.

(armor clattering)

-I am a nasty enemy, my lord.

- Nasty?

Surely.

- You heard what i said.

I'm nasty when i'm crossed.

- Only then?

- I have an appointment with the Pope at three.

What shall i tell him?

- General Belmonte, you seem to be very favorably received

by the Holy father nowadays?

- He's at last found a good soldier to lead his troops.

- Ah, that would be it.

- Well, my lord, the Pope will be waiting.

- And your friends also.

(armor creaking)

- May i take the liberty of offering you

a nice little piece of advice?

- Please.

- My friends don"t like anybody interfering

in their business affairs.

- Especially when there's such a profitable war

coming along, eh?

- M'lord.

- General Belmonte, may i take the liberty

of offering you a little advice?

- Well, m'lord?

- You're wasting your time.

I know what's going on.

I know what profits you and your friends are making

out of war conflicts.

You think you can stop by being inquisitive

about your curious financial deals

by getting the Pope to hold off my work on Saint Peter's.

Well, you won't.

You'll forgive the strengths.

- Any message for the Holy Father, m'lord?

- None, thank you.

I'll see him myself.

- Then i'll say good day.

- Good day, General.

My servants will show you out.

(armor clattering)

Gladly, I think.

- Well, mother darling.

- Good hunting, Giuliano?

- Filthy, darling.

Terrible.

Once more i've been stung.

- My dear boy!

- Stung by that lying thief, Monetti.

You'll remember the hound he sold me last week,

the one that could do everything but carve the meat?

- Yes.

(laughter)

- Well he's about as much good on the scent

as a sick cockroach.

(laughter)

- Where's Giovanni?

- He sent a message down about a half an hour ago, dear.

He is with that General Belmonte.

- (chuckles) I'll bet Giovanni arrives

with his throat cut from ear to ear.

I'm wrong, it isn't.

(laughter) - What isn't?

Well mother.

- My dear son, you look very tired.

- Tired (chuckles).

- You may go, ladies.

- Where's Giuliano gone?

- Down round to the stables, I think.

What is it, dear?

- Just a passing attack of acute Belmonte, mother.

- How i dislike that man.

- Belmonte seems to have the Pope

in his pocket in his pocket at the moment.

You know how these adventurers

suddenly spring out of nowhere.

He's a very powerful man, this Belmonte.

- That man.

- Ah yes.

I suppose one can hardly blame the Pope.

He must have somebody to lead his troops.

Meanwhile, mother, all work on Saint Peter's stops.

- Good Heavens.

- Too expensive.

Money required for the war.

And of course it's an admirable chance of getting at me.

- My dear boy.

- I can buy myself the privilege

of continuing for 50,000 florins.

And even that's not certain.

I think that'll stop me.

- You must see the Pope yourself, at once.

- Yes.

I shall have to open the Holy Father's eyes.

If you will give me this opportunity, Holy Father,

I think i can prove to you

that these two men are lining their pockets handsomely

at your expense.

- There are rascals who make money

out of their fellow man's agony in every age, my lord.

- But one of these men, Holy Father,

happens to be the commander of your own army.

- Unfortunately, General Belmonte

also happens to be the only good soldier available.

May God forgive me for being compelled

to employ such a choice braggart.

(bell dings)

General Belmonte.

A curious, primitive type.

He can scarcely bear to see an uncut throat.

Well, my lord, I think you may continue your building.

- I thank you, Holy Father.

- But i'm afraid our present needs are such

that you'll have to find me 10,000.

You can do that?

- Yes, Holy Father.

(armor clattering)

- General Belmonte.

I assure next week all contracts and expenditure

connected with the troops,

will be supervised by a committee of three Cardinals

under the personal direction of Cardinal de'Medici.

- Holy Father.

- Your audience is over, General.

(armor clattering)

(dramatic trumpet music)

- Well, my lord?

- Imminently successful.

- As ever, my congratulations.

- Our gallant General Belmonte

must be biting his nails.

- I doubt if that will make them any cleaner.

(laughter)

(dramatic trumpet music)

- M'lord.

- I'll see to it, Don Gierdo.

- Very many thanks, my lord.

- My lord.

- Ah, it's you again.

- Yes, my lord.

- They gave you six months, didn't they?

- Yes, my lord.

- And now you want your old job back again?

- Yes my lord.

- A complete scoundrel, to be true.

Send him to,

(armor clattering)

send him to General Belmonte, with my compliments.

- My lord, please--

- No more today. (laughter)

You haven't forgotten that English Abbot is dining with us

tomorrow, have you?

- No, my lord.

- Let out best plate be laid out.

We must impress this barbarian.

- That has not been easy so far, m'lord.

- I think we will weigh.

(footsteps)

(gentle mandolin music)

- What's that one about the young lady of Pisa?

- Oh, that one!

♪ There was a young lady of Pisa ♪

♪ Who thought she was Julius Caesar ♪

7 With ear-splitting woops

♫ She would wave to the troops ♫

♫ Who would start in their treks ♫

♫ Just to meet her ♫

(cackling laughter)

♫ There was a young lady of Pisa ♫

♫ Who thought she was Julius Caesar ♫

♫ With ear-splitting woops ♫

♫ She would wave to the troops ♫

♫ La la la la la la ♫

♫ La la la la la ♫

(laughter)

- Check.

- So i did.

I said, "well, who do you think you are

playing on that game?" - Morning missuer.

- Entering a person's house.

- How many 'd's in adorable, one?

- No, two.

- How many are there?

- Ah, two sir.

- Ah.

Give me a pen.

May as well get it right.

- Who is she this time?

- (chuckles) I'd tell you, old boy, wouldn't i?

Give me that.

I may want to alter the name.

- Ha!

(women chattering)

(gentle mandolin music)

- [Woman In Crowd] You said you were in love

with a mister what you said you were!

- [Woman's Friend] Yeah 'cause she going to come

of that victorious.

- [Women In Crowd] Yes, and when i had my fur!

- Now then, who's that?

Who's that girl?

- Oh, Della Francesca Monterosa.

- Monterosa?

Old Monterosa, the art merchant?

- Yes sir, his youngest.

She's just come back from her aunt in Verona.

She's a nice little thing, only 16.

- Yeah, look out.

(women chattering)

(crowd chatting loudly)

- Hey!

- Writing to me, dear?

- Thanks.

(church bells ringing)

(knocking on door)

- Della Francesa Monetrosa?

- Yes?

- This is for you.

- Really?

(orchestral music) (crowd chattering)

(laughter)

- Pleasant stay in Italy.

Ah, you haven't got those things in England yet.

Another of our dangerous Italian tricks, Father Abbot.

- Aye, you're quite right, my lord.

- I'm not sure they're as useful for ordinary killing

purposes as the good old fashioned dagger.

(laughter)

♫ The Western wind is laden with ♫

♫ My sighs ♫

♫ The moon swings low ♫

♫ To wonder at my pain ♫

♫ But time has fled ♫

♫ The lustre of your eyes ♫

♫ My love ♫

♫ When shall i kiss your hands ♫

♫ Again ♫

- Six inches of this is the best argument i know.

- Don't talk like a fool.

- We haven't finished with him yet.

- He and his committee are going through these contracts

with a toothcomb.

- If i'd know this were going to happen,

I'd have seen you further.

- Well how should i know

he'd put it across to Pope like that?

But i'll get him yet.

- With your brains General?

- Missing as usual, my lord Cardinel Orelli.

- Is this a private conspiracy,

or can anybody play?

- You can play at whatever you like, my lord,

I'll leave you and Spini to get on with it.

- I'm not yet sure, General Belmonte,

that i care to be numbered among your allies.

- You've no objection to putting a spoke in the wheel

of Cardinal de'Medici, eh?

- Simply because you know me

to be among those who are most strong opposed

to Cardinal de'Medici's election as next Pope,

you shouldn't assume too readily that you can use me

in your schemes, General.

- Eh?

- Whatever they may be.

- But in theory, we're agreed, I suppose?

- In theory.

Well i'm off, I have an appointment.

- Now don't tell me it's a lady?

- Mars and Venus in conjunction, as the astrologists say.

- Well, I hope she's worth your while, General.

- What do you think?

(door slamming)

- I've got a visitor for you (laughs)

(bird imitating laughter)

One of these days, my dear,

I shall take the fiendish bird by the neck and...

(bird crowing)

- Who is coming, daddy?

- A-Ha.

Someone who likes you, very much.

- Not that horrible, red faced, vulgar,

Google-eyed, loathsome--

- General Belmonte.

- The dear Duchess was unfortunate enough

to spike her tongue with it.

She couldn't talk for a week.

Deplorable, actually.

- The Duke was terribly affected.

- He was very much changed when i saw him yesterday.

He looked ten years younger.

(laughter)

- Ten years!

I see you're admiring our gold plate, Father Abbot.

- Aye, it's good stuff.

(painful grunt)

- Well, I'll be going.

- Ooh, must you?

- Naughty little girl.

I'll see you about that other contract

when i get back from Brovenna.

It'll be difficult, mind.

- Well, I'll come down with you now, General.

- You've had those contracts, what about me?

- You? (laughs)

You, my dear sir.

- You understand what i mean.

What about that young daughter of yours?

I've given you three good army contracts weeks ago.

Now you'll give me what i want.

You understand, I'm offering her marriage?

- Oh yes, I see.

- Marriage.

I don't usually do that.

Get along.

- Did you say your name was Giuliano?

- Yes.

- You must go, Giuliano.

- No, Francesca.

- Yes Giuliano.

- Your little white hands.

They hold my life, my hope, my happiness.

My heaven.

- (gasps) But--

- Oh, it's alright, we're engaged.

- (giggles) Does father know?

- Oh, I'll tell him sometime.

- Aren't you rather in a hurry?

- Well i'm that sort of man.

- Oh, I wish i could believe anything you say.

- Lady, by yonder blessed moon i swear.

(laughs)

Now, what's the matter?

- It's so funny.

- Oh well.

- Giuliano, what was it you said about my eyes just now?

(heavy snoring)

- What's that, the nightingale?

- (laughs) Oh no, Maria.

(gentle music)

- Yes, yes, but i--

- I want that girl of yours,

and i mean to have her, so do something about it quickly.

- Is that an order, General?

- It is.

- Then i shall do nothing whatsoever.

- What?

- I'm a Roman citizen, General.

I take no orders from bandits.

Now let's end.

Stop!

(screaming)

- Father!

(suspenseful music)

(smack)

(groaning)

- General, you killed him.

- Sorry.

(praying in Latin)

- [All] Amen.

(group chattering)

- The most enjoyable entertainment, I'm sure.

(crowd chattering loudly)

- It all happened so quickly.

Before the poor old man could turn around,

this young devil on him from behind

and stabbed him like that.

- Did he say anything?

- He shouted something about Monterosa's daughter.

I expect the old man's had some trouble with him.

Anyway, there's his dagger in the poor old devil's neck.

I had to knock him out.

- You don't know the young man, sir?

- I've never seen him in my life before.

- Take the body in.

You take the other one.

I'll examine him later at the prison.

- I shall need your evidence General Belmonte.

- [Belmonte] Come along to my house.

(shuffling)

(laughter)

- Could anything be better?

- Quite extraordinary.

- Well, there you are.

The big man's little brother in jail.

Charged with a nasty, vulgar murder.

That's nice thing for the great de'Medici family, isn't it?

(chuckling)

- You're the principal witness, General, are you?

- You bet i am, my lord.

- Lucky you happened to be there.

- Lucky it's providential.

You don't seem very amused, my lord?

- I liked that young man.

- You're not going to say you're sorry, are you?

Seeing it's got his big brother down the glass.

- Is he down?

- Is he?

What do you think?

The murderer's brother disgraced,

that's what you and your friends want, isn't it?

(suspenseful music)

(footsteps)

(wine trickling)

- I got three.

- Your three and my two makes five.

I know what to do.

- Do you want to see them?

- You know what you have to say.

What happened is this.

Passing down the street toward the river.

Before you got to the corner, you heard a yell.

You turned around and saw the young fella

stick his knife into Monterosa.

He jumped on me first and knocked me down.

I got up and tackled him,

but before i could knock him out,

he had killed the old man.

You ran up just in time to see me knock the young man down.

Get that?

(slam)

Hey, you!

When the Priest came up, you skedaddled

because you didn't want to get mixed up with any fuss.

But you've now come forward in the interests of justice.

Any questions?

- Two florins ain't enough!

- What?

- I'll see you later!

- Where'd you get this wine? - Why, is it--

- No, don't tell me, I know.

Give us something a man can drink

without burning all the skin off his tongue.

Come on, jump to it!

Well, that's fixed, anyway.

If any of them give me any trouble,

put some of the boys onto them.

- You said there was a girl on the balcony.

- She saw nothing.

Anyway i've got people watching Monterosa's house all night.

She won't get out 'til i let her.

- What about when the Cardinal finds out?

- Leave him to me, my lad.

- You take my breath away.

Instead of the roaring lion, behold the cooing dove.

No ordinary dove, either.

A dove bearing an olive branch the size of an oak tree.

- I thought there was no reason for us to part enemies, my Lord.

Seeing i'm off tomorrow.

- I appreciate the thought more than i can tell you.

Who's was it?

- The Holy Father's.

- Ah.

Au revoir then, General, and a successful return.

I am sure the French will be very sorry

they ever tried to stir up this trouble.

- There's something else i came to see you about, m'lord.

- Oh?

And what's that?

- We move off soon after dawn tomorrow.

Before we go I've got to receive the sacrament of my troops.

Holy Father's orders.

- Well?

- Well, before I can do that, I must go to confession.

- Naturally.

Well?

- So i've come to you.

- There are about 500 priests in Rome, General.

Why come to me?

- Why not?

What's that, my lord?

- Note to my chaplain.

He'll see you in my private chapel in ten minutes.

- I don't want your chaplain, I want you.

Holy Father's orders.

(bell ringing)

(paper ripping)

- Put a light in the chapel.

(door closing)

(armor clattering)

(slam)

(floor creaking)

You know what you are doing?

- I do.

(sash rustling)

(armor clattering)

- They're outside, watching.

(suspenseful music)

(knocking on door)

- Hey!

Wait, wait.

Here, stop, stop!

- [Guard] You can't go in here.

- [Francesca] Go away.

- [Guard] No you can't.

- [Francesca] Go away i said.

- [Guard] You can't! - [Francesca] I must beg.

- Francesca!

- Oh, help me my lord, my father's been killed!

(sobbing)

And Giuliano!

- Giuliano?

- He was there, he gaveth me.

They've taken him to prison.

(sobbing)

- Giulini.

(wailing)

- [Francesca] Oh, help me!

- Who is it?

- I haven't had a chance to look at him yet.

- It's young de'Medici .

- Giuliano?

- He was with me on the balcony.

I heard my father cry, and Giuliano jumped over the wall.

This man was with my father.

I came as soon as i could.

I came to ask you...

To help me find the murderer.

(sobbing)

- My mother is in her room.

Go to her, my dear.

Well?

- What, my lord?

- You heard what she said.

- Well, what of it?

- She said my brother was there.

- I don't mind telling you,

it surprised me too, my lord.

Absolutely took me breath away.

- My brother?

- It might have been anybody, how should i know?

- You.

You.

- I've already told you the whole circumstances, m'lord.

As much as i knew.

Haven't i?

Under Seal of Confession.

- Yes.

Under the Seal of God's sacrament of penance.

Go, go quickly.

- Marvelous thing, the Seal of Confession.

I have never head of any priest on Earth

ever breaking it, whoever he was.

- Are you going?

- Not even under torture.

I'll say goodnight, m'lord.

That Monterosa girl, is she staying here?

- She is.

- Well, she won't be for long.

I am marrying her.

- And the evidence, what is it?

This ruffian Belmonte's two servants who say,

and three other witnesses

who mysteriously sprung from nowhere.

You tell me that that's enough to convict a man of murder?

- That's a matter for the judges, my lord.

- But you don't believe yourself

that my brother did it, do you?

- I have no opinions, my lord.

I carry out the law.

(heavy sigh)

Unfortunately, as i pointed out,

your brother can produce no evidence at all.

(heavy sigh)

- Thank you, sir.

I hope that my asking you so urgently

to come to see me today wasn't inconvenient.

- It's all part of my duty, my lord.

(church bells chiming)

- If i only i were a man.

- If you were the combined armies of Europe, mother,

you would be as helpless as i am.

You couldn't force the Pope to intervene,

nor could i.

- You can beg him to.

- I know what his answer would be.

Justice must take its course.

- Justice.

Don't talk to me.

The boy's innocent, I'll stake my life on it.

We are not going to abandon him, Giovanni.

Are we?

- He's in God's hands.

- If God permits this monstrous thing,

if Giuliano dies.

(dramatic trumpet music)

- How long were we waiting?

- 15 minutes, my lord.

- Only 15.

- Exactly, my lord.

I see much difficulty.

- No gift can be at all.

(heavy footsteps)

- Splendid, General.

(crowd chattering)

(dramatic music)

- You should have seen them.

I never knew the human back could be so expressive.

- My poor boy.

- Oh, mother, why were you so ambitious for me?

We deserve this humiliation and disaster.

We're too big.

Has my life been spent to the glory of God,

or a Medici?

- Your life is blameless, Giovanni.

- Except for pride and arrogance.

All these toys.

- Get the girl away quickly.

See?

Do they know their way through the house?

- They join up with the other boys at 11.

- If you do meet any of the servants,

understand?

(suspenseful music)

(screaming)

(bird screeching)

- Thieves!

- Thieves!

(swords clattering together)

- Get the girl away.

- Stop this!

- He's taking me away.

- Seize that man.

- Take her away mother, quickly.

(armor clattering)

- My lord.

Before you do anything else, my lord,

may i have a word with you?

It's important.

- Guard the doors.

Let no one leave.

(armor clattering)

I could have you broken for this, you know that.

- After what i've just offered you, my lord?

I'll say it again.

I have been mistaken about your brother.

It may have been somebody else.

If you'll overlook this little misunderstanding tonight,

I might go to the judges and tell them that,

mightn't i?

- Would that be a promise?

- On my honor.

- We're not joking, General.

- You hear me, m'lord.

- You'll forgive this obvious precaution, General.

- You don't take my word?

You want me to swear on this?

- On the Holy Book.

(armor creaking)

- Get his little brother off.

Me?

- Well, you promised him you'd fly.

- Yes, and i mightn't succeed.

(laughter)

- And you let him go.

You let him go?

- I let him go mother because he made me a promise.

He swore it on the Holy Book.

- You must be mad, my son.

- A promise that might help Giuliano.

- (sighs) Mad, mad, mad.

- I should be not to clutch at any straw.

Even the sworn oath of a blackheart like that.

- The servants heard him laughing as he went out.

Come, my dear.

I wonder how much more dishonor is in store for us?

- We gain nothing by breaking this man tonight.

We may gain much by letting him go.

- You must be mad!

- You're right mother, I must be mad.

I must be mad.

Very oppressive in here

Let's get some air.

(thunder)

Look, a storm over the Albern Hills.

- This is the month for storms, Giovanni.

- Yes.

- And that you be conveyed thence to the place of execution.

And your head there struck from your body.

Sentenced passed by this Court of Justice

this tenth day of June, 1510

on the person Giuliano de'Medici.

Found by this court guilty of the murder

of Batista Monterosa, merchant of Rome.

And may God have mercy on your soul.

- I shan't want that horse of yours after all, Veda.

- I beg you very earnestly to help me.

There is, God permits, just a chance of saving Giuliano.

It seems our only chance now.

You must obey me implicitly, however wild it seems to you

and you must ask no questions.

You understand, mother?

- As you will, Giovanni.

- And you, Francesca?

- Oh yes.

- Good.

(church bells chiming)

I'll give you my instructions later.

- What about the servants, Giovanni?

- Send me Sylvester.

(rain falling)

- Did you say it was Michelangelo?

- Yes sir.

His lordship would see you directly, but--

- But what?

- His lordship isn't very well, sir.

I hope you're not here to excite him.

You'll be very careful, sir.

- [Giovanni] Come in.

(men muttering)

Stinking rubbish!

Get away, get away!

Be gone!

(loud thump)

- Has my lord gone mad?

That is not the way you treat a great artist.

(knocking on door)

(groaning)

- Who's there?

I was very good just now, mother.

- You frightened Michelangelo out of his wits.

- Precisely.

The biggest gossip in Rome.

Mark my words, mother, it will be all over the Vatican

before Belmonte returns tonight.

- My dear son. A Medici be forced to this.

- Which would you rather?

A little play acting from me now,

or Giuliano's inevitable death.

- I don't understand, Giovanni.

- Six days more, mother.

You must trust me.

I can't say more, even to you.

(thunder)

- Dawn's a bit early for an execution, don't you think?

- Have to fit you in.

- What about dress?

- There are no regulations as to that.

Certain decency is desirable.

- But I would like to look my best,

it's rather a special occasion, isn't it?

- Alright

- Just one more question, what becomes of my head?

- It can be buried with or without your body,

as you prefer.

(chuckling)

ll have received a formal request from your brother,

Cardinal Giovanni de'Medici,

with a special recommendation from the Holy Father,

asking that you may be permitted

on his entire responsibility

to make a halt at the Villa de'Medici

for the purpose of taking final leave of your mother.

- You'll do that?

- The regulations have already been relaxed

in your favour, sir.

- Haven't noticed it.

- There has been no torture.

- No torture?

Oh no, quite right sir.

Thanks.

- He's been behaving very oddly today at the meeting.

- His brother prepares to meet his pain.

- He's certain they quite found him guilty,

didn't they?

- The meeting is over.

- Eh?

Oh.

(chuckling)

(dramatic music)

(armor clattering)

(groaning)

- I did all i could, my lord.

Had to leave Rome next day, only just back.

- My dear General (chuckles).

The very man, eh?

You must come and see me at once.

- Eh?

- Little Francesca, eh, eh?

- What's all this, my lord?

- I know, I know, you love her.

She's a beautiful girl, and rich.

And she loves you.

- Eh?

- Yes, ever since she's been in my house with my mother,

she's talked of nothing but the gallant General Belmonte.

What about a marriage General?

What about a marriage?

What about all her money, eh?

(chuckles)

Now that i'm Pope, I'll marry you myself.

- Oh, so you're Pope now, eh?

- I am Pope Leo the 506th.

And my throne is made of owl's feathers.

You'll come General?

We'll talk about the money.

Tomorrow night, eh?

- Tomorrow night?

- Yes.

- I may be late.

- That doesn"t matter, but you'll come?

- It will be around about three or four, then.

I'm having supper with a few friends,

just a little celebration.

- Celebration.

That's good.

(chuckling)

That's good.

(tapping) Isn't it amazing?

(laughter)

And you'll come.

(laughter)

Yes, very good.

Celebration.

(chuckling)

(clearing throat)

- Oh, you said you would be kind.

- I am never kind, I am Chief of Police.

- You said you'd let me have just five minutes

with him alone, please?

- He is kind darling.

- You sir mind your own business.

It's very irregular.

Oh, very well, five minutes.

(upbeat romantic music)

- What worries me is, what's going to happen to you

when i die?

- We shall leave the world together.

- What?

- 1 shall go into a convent.

But you're not going to die, my sweet.

Listen.

Your brother's working for you.

- Giovanni?

But he can't do anything now, my heart.

- Wait.

Do not to lose heart.

He sends you that message.

You're to remember you're a Medici

and he may a surprise for you before long.

- Pleasant?

- I wonder.

- General Belmonte will be here tonight.

You will have to be brave and pretend.

Are you prepared for that, little Francesca?

- Yes my lord.

(knocking on door)

- Come.

- A message from the Holy Father, my lord.

His Holiness sincerely trusts your health is better,

and asks for news.

- Is the messenger there?

- Yes my lord.

- I'll see him.

Or rather, he'll see me.

(paper rustling)

(smack)

(paper rustling)

(loud bang)

(rattling)

- I suppose neither of you fellows

happen to have such a thing as a diamond brooch about you?

- Oh yes, yes.

- Ah, that final touch.

The final's a good one.

Touch of the comb.

Hard to think how useless a comb will be

to my head in about a couple of hours.

Shave might have been smoother, what do you think?

- Anyone would think he was going to a wedding.

(laughter)

(bells chiming)

- Father is here.

- Just half a minute Father, I'll be there.

(thunder)

- You have your orders?

- Yes, sir.

- You can give him an extra five minutes

at the Villa de'Medici.

- Yes, sir.

- And tell Giuliano for the love of God

to do exactly what i've told you.

His life depends on it.

If he sees Belmonte, he must restrain himself at all costs.

Is that clear?

- Yes, my lord.

- Now go quickly.

Quickly.

(dramatic music)

(knocking on door)

- What does this mean, my lord?

Why are they all in black?

(groaning)

- My household, in black?

- Yes.

Whose order was this on my wedding day?

- Black?

- They're all in black.

- Black.

Is it how they mourn?

- How should i know?

- Mourning.

Ha.

(chuckles)

That's absurd, it's absurd!

(clap)

Why should we be in mourning?

- Well.

What about Francesca's money?

(laughter)

- Shh!

(bell ringing)

Get Sylvester, and my mother Donna Clariscia.

And Donna Francesca.

(giggling)

Sweet little Francesca.

(laughter) (rattling)

And Uberto, and Pierto, and Carlo, and Giuseppi,

and all the servants.

(clapping) Quickly, quickly!

(laughter)

(thunder)

Perfect.

Black?

We'll soon alter that, my dear General.

General?

- Belmonte.

- Belmonte.

Exactly.

The brave, handsome, General Belmonte.

Husband-to-be of...

Black?

Black?

For our little Francesca's wedding night?

Mother?

- Yes Giovanni?

- Surely not black.

White.

White everywhere for our little Francesca's marriage

with the gallant General Moterosa.

- Belmonte.

- Oh, yes, forgive me.

The gallant and victorious General Belmonte.

Temporal Hope of the Holy See.

(laughter)

Mother?

- Yes, Giovanni?

- There must be flowers.

White and gold flowers.

Fill the house with them.

Is the chapel ready?

Sylvestri?

- My lord?

- Deck the chapel.

Quickly, quickly!

Fill the house with flowers.

White and gold.

Like lilies,

white roses,

and...

Ivory apes.

Peacocks.

Peacocks!

(clapping hands)

White peacocks.

Peacocks.

- Raving.

- Shh.

- Someone's going to be married.

Who?

Who?

Ah, (chuckling) little Francesca.

Little Francesca Belmonte.

Bride of the gallant and all conquering General,

the handsome, the proud, the victorious General Belmonte.

Now go.

Come, mother.

(giggling)

Go, go, go, go, go. (clapping hands)

The flowers, the feast, hasten, hasten, hasten.

Out, out, out, out, out!

(laughter)

- Well, General.

- What about that money, eh?

- Money?

- Yes, Francesca's money.

- Ah, indeed.

(laughter)

Oh, no, no, no, no, no,

not that chair, oh no.

(muttering)

- I'm going to be brief, m'lord.

- Yes, yes.

Soldierly and brief, General.

(laughter)

- I shan't keep you long.

- I can give you,

(suspenseful music)

just a,

quarter of an hour.

(dramatic music)

- Mother.

Well?

- Oh.

(heavy footsteps)

(thunder)

- Our Pagan forefathers believed it to be the voice

of the anger of God.

- Eh?

- But we are more advanced than that now, eh?

(laughter)

(thunder)

- Hm, simple enough.

Who drew it up?

- Donna Frencesca's father's lawyer.

- 500,000 with interest.

She comes into all of it in three years time,

unless she marries,

in which case it becomes her dowry immediately.

- With her parent's or guardian's consent, General.

- Ha.

Leave that to me, my boy.

Eh?

(laughter)

Oh it only needs a couple of signatures, my lord,

and there we are.

(church bells chiming)

What are those bells?

Ringing now?

- Bells?

- Well can't you hear them?

- No.

Uh, ha.

(fingers clicking)

(laughing)

There are no bells.

- It's alright, my lord.

It's a hot night.

Perhaps i'm hearing things.

What's the time?

- It will soon be dawn.

Dawn.

Dawn.

That's it, yes?

Yes, dawn.

- But what's he doing?

What's it mean?

- Can't you trust him?

It's our only chance.

- But he can't possibly do anything,

in 15 minutes they'll take me away.

- Oh, darling, darling, will you do what i just tell you to.

Your brother says you must.

Will you trust him?

Will you?

- Well, I--

- For my sake.

(door opening)

- His lordship asked if Donna Francesca is ready.

- Hadn't we better find Francesca?

- Francesca?

- I'm marrying her in a few hours time, aren't i?

(laughter)

Funny, eh?

Your idea you know as much as mine.

(thunder)

- What's that again?

- It's alright, it's alright.

It's only Monterosa.

I thought at first--

- Who?

- Monterosa, he's dead you know.

Somebody killed him, but I can't remember who.

He comes to see me frequently, just as he used to.

This is his chair.

I didn't know he was dead until i saw the terrible wound.

It's in his neck you know, frightful.

(nervous laughter)

- Monterosa, that's a good one.

Dead and buried these three weeks.

(nervous laughter)

- It's alright, it's alright.

He's gone now.

He was standing there, just behind your chair.

Poor old friend.

God rest his soul.

What were we talking about?

(tapping)

- Francesca. (thunder)

- Ah, ah.

(bell ringing)

Donna Francesca.

(thunder)

There go the bells.

- Bells?

- The bells from Mathieu.

- Now look here.

(screaming)

- Here, what's that?

Hey you.

(thunder)

(screaming)

(door slamming)

- He's coming.

- Francesca.

- Do as i told you.

(door knocking) Do as i told you.

- Well, sir.

- What the devil's the meaning of this?

Are you all mad in this damn house?

Come on.

(grunting)

I didn't expect to find you here.

- Monterosa.

(thunder)

- Look.

- No, no, no old friend.

No, no, no.

You shouldn't have come here, no.

You'll frighten them.

Go back to the study.

Wait for me there.

You'll frighten them here.

No, no.

Go back, go back.

- What the hell are you all staring at?

(thunder)

- Monterosa.

- We'll sign that paper first, my lord, and no tricks.

Come on.

- Let me.

- No.

- Well, that's that.

- Darling.

- Whatever Giovanni thought he was doing, he's failed.

I might've known it.

- Darling.

- That minute i wasted in play acting,

I could have throttled him.

How many minutes left?

(church bells chiming)

- Giuliano.

(heavy footsteps)

- Here.

- Must i sign here?

- Here.

Yes, here.

- (laughs) I wasn't asking you, General.

Shh.

He's come back.

(thunder)

Shh.

Take no notice, take no notice.

- Hell, how much more.

Come on, my lord.

(screaming) (thunder)

Ah, it's Belmonte.

He's plucking at his sod, just as he used to with his gun.

He's eyes are different, they're horrible!

This graveyard stench get me air, air.

- M'lord, m'lord.

- Oh, look.

He's pointing.

Pointing.

Not.

Not.

You.

He's pointing at you.

You?

Don't turn.

He's just behind you.

- Monterosa.

Take him away.

Mercy!

Have mercy!

I killed him.

Forgive.

Forgive.

- Gentlemen,

did you hear?

- Yes, m'lord.

(laughter)

- His laugh, Monterosa's.

Take him away, take him away.

(laughter)

- Giovanni.

- Giuliano.

- What's happened?

- My dear boy, my dear boy.

(wedding bells chiming)

Not a cloud, not a shadow.

- And the bells are ringing for Corpus Christi.

Come my dear, you're to be married in ten minutes.

- Your troubles are all over, my dear boy.

But our poor little Francesca's are just beginning.

(laughter)

(dramatic music)