Original subtitles

1900

We would like to thank the citizens of Emilia for their participation in this film.

They have made an invaluable contribution to the picture

by sharing with us their experiences and rich cultural heritage.

25TH APRIL, 1945 LIBERATION DAY

The war is over.

Why?

Hurry, comrades. In the name of Stalin!

The Blackshirt bandits are here!

- Quick! Let's wipe them out! - Come on. It's the partisans.

- Yeah. Let's go finish them. - Isn't that black smoke? Come back!

Grab these. Go. Go on.

I want a gun too.

- What are you doing? Let go. - I want a gun too.

I was good enough to cut the telephone lines,

so I'm good enough to carry a gun.

Come on, Wildcat. Come on.

Give me one. You promised.

Wildcat!

Leonito. What are you waiting for?

Take this. The magazine too.

- Where are you going? - I want to kill too.

...the commander of the Matteotti Partisan Brigade.

Within the last few minutes, we have seized a radio station in Milan.

And, at last, a free Milan salutes its fellow countrymen.

I repeat, this is the commander of the Matteotti Partisan Brigade.

In the excitement and joy of this memorable moment,

our thoughts must go to those who gave their lives

to bring an end to the enslavement of Italy

at the hands of the Nazi fascist barbarian regime.

But our thoughts, above all,

- Leonito. what are you doing in here? -...and sacrificed even their lives.

I didn't even see you.

Why are you looking so serious?

Give me that gun.

Let go!

Long live Stalin.

Have you gone out of your mind?

...Of the Matteotti Partisan Brigade.

Fascism has left us an inheritance of misery,

- humiliation, and death. - Long live Stalin.

Attila and Regina.

Attila and Regina!

Attila, shoot!

Regina!

Regina!

Attila!

I'm coming!

I'm coming!

Come on, then!

Oh, the swallows are back.

Wait.

My grandfather died here.

Sit down.

Sit!

Did you know that in America every cow has its own drinking trough?

That's American cows for you. They have every creature comfort.

Hey.

Wouldn't you like to go to the States, Leonito?

Call me Olmo!

I thought your name was Leonito.

Olmo's my partisan name.

Do you know who Olmo was?

Yes. He was the bravest of them all.

The bravest of them all.

Well, my little partisan friend. What do you think of your padrone?

There are no more padroni!

MANY YEARS EARLIER...

Verdi is dead!

Giuseppe Verdi is dead!

Push! Push! Push! Push!

It's out now!

Look what a nice baby I made!

Keep going. Come on, it's coming.

Close the door, Rosalba.

Be quiet, children. Hush.

It's a boy!

- It's a boy! - Another mouth to feed, then.

Rosina's had a boy!

- Another ass to wipe, then. - It's a boy!

Don't touch him, Rigoletto. He might get a hump on his back.

She's had a boy!

It's a boy!

A boy!

We have another boy!

Damned woman.

Did you hear that, good-for-nothing?

That peasant bastard was born before the master's grandson!

I'm going to get a stick and come up there and give you what for.

Push, Eleonora. It's coming.

I can feel it coming. Push!

Come on. Harder. Push!

Push!

Stupid bitch!

Alfredo's here!

Alfredo!

Named after me!

And if it's a girl?

It's not a girl, is it?

Papa, I think I can tell a boy from a girl.

He's got all the right bits.

He already has his father's expression.

And he already has his grandfather's money...

He's a lovely-looking little boy.

Giovanni. Giovanni.

- Giovanni! - What is it?

How is the mother?

- Just fine. - Kiss her for me.

"...by heaven blessed,

"plucked from the Garden of Eden,

"to be the heir to thy lordly graces,

"the pious heart,

"the virtues of the patriots..."

Do give it a rest.

- Giovanni. - Yes, Papa.

Write to that playboy brother of yours.

Write down what I tell you, quickly.

Yes, Papa.

Ottavio...

Well, don't you have anything to write with?

Ottavio Berlinghieri, Hotel Des Bains, the Lido, Venice.

Announcing the birth of the first 20th-century Berlinghieri. Stop!

Let's hope to God he's nothing like you. Stop!

Have you found a wife yet... Question mark.

Affectionately, Papa. Now, have you got that?

- Of course, Papa. - Good.

Sister Desolata.

Sister Desolata is here!

My dear brother!

- It's a boy. A boy. - Bravo! Bravo!

You can take the trunks down. I'm never going back to that nunnery.

Monsignor has been most cruel.

He's taken to neglecting me and much prefers the novices.

And I can't even tell you how common they are!

For instance, take the other day...

Rigoletto. My hat.

- Yes, Signor Padrone. - Alfredo!

May the Lord be with you.

For the love of God, there are priests everywhere you look!

Hey, hunchback.

What can you see down there?

Snow. It's covered in snow.

Just like in winter.

- What else? - A cathedral.

A cathedral with spires.

- And what else? - Bottles.

- You what? - Bottles!

It's like paradise in there, Padrone.

And you are lord and master of it all.

And I'd be Saint Peter, if only you'd let me have the keys.

Stop. No more work today.

Thank you ever so much, Padrone.

That's enough work, now...

Drink up now. Here's to your health.

- For you. Stop. No work today. - Today. you're the padrone, too.

Cenzo. This is special wine.

- Let's celebrate. - Cheers, Padrone.

But where's Leo?

He's over there.

- That's the last bottle. - Give it to me, you animal!

Wine from the big city.

It says "sparkling champagne".

Hey, Libero. What's this for? A wedding or a funeral?

Over there. In the vineyard.

Destiny.

Both born on the same day.

And destiny calls for a drink, right?

Signor Alfredo. Do you know how many of us Dalcos there are now?

I've lost count.

Well, I know that when we sit down to eat,

there are 40 of us at the table.

You're a lucky man, Leo. Admit it.

He may only be a peasant, but at least he's a boy.

Don't little boys eat like everyone else?

What the hell is bothering you?

Mine was born first, as is right.

First came the peasants of this world, and then came the padroni.

Padroni, peasants... What a load of bollocks!

When we're born, we're all born equal.

- All equal, huh? - Shut up, Barabba!

Hey, you!

What are you standing there for? Drink up.

Drink up, you bastards!

Have a drink with me.

Are we drinking or not, then?

Being born together... It's got to mean something.

Probably means the two of us will die together.

You're nothing but a two-bit philosopher.

I want mine to study law.

And mine, thieving.

The he might as well be a priest.

Well, that's not one of ours. Way too dry.

I didn't think much of it either.

Rigoletto. Run down to the town hall.

Tell them the boy's name is Alfredo.

Berlinghieri, Alfredo.

Born of Giovanni and Eleonora, nee Rossetti.

Leo...

What are you going to call yours?

I said, what are you going to call yours?

Olmo.

Olmo.

Like an elm tree.

Born of the late Oscar...

and Rosina Campo.

Oscar?

But he's been dead for four years!

That's the whole point. Show some respect for the dead.

Why, you bastards.

At the height of summer

In stifling heat

Two boy children were born

Just minutes and metres apart

Rigoletto, come and have a drink.

Jackasses!

Linked, by destiny

In that time and place

To the padrone's son

The heir to wealth and power

Leo, Leo. Why won't you have a go?

You won't catch me on top of that red devil.

I can't tell who's faster: man or machine.

- Orso, Orso! Come and see it! - Go a little faster!

We'll soon see.

What? What is it?

There.

What do you make of that, then? Half an acre in...

...ten minutes, all on its own.

It would have taken six men at least half a day.

And what do you call this?

Surely, you don't call this a good job, do you, signor Giovanni?

- Look at all the hay it leaves behind. - What's a little hay, uh?

Wouldn't you say?

Don't you realise, you stubborn old mule,

that this piece of machinery is imported?

And that we're the first ones in the valley to have a mechanical hay-raker?

Lucky buggers, whoever the last ones are. That machine looks like a hyena.

Nineteen!

They stink. And, what's more, you're disgusting.

Hey! Twenty!

Twenty!

You haven't seen anything yet.

- Kiss it, kiss it, kiss it! - Go and take a running jump.

Olmo the bastard!

Olmo the bastard!

Olmo the bastard!

Olmo the bastard!

Olmo the bastard...

Eat this and burn in hell!

Coward!

That's right, you run, cowardy custard.

You're a cowardy custard, picking on girls and babies.

I bet you can't even keep up at follow-the-leader!

I can too.

And you can piss off!

I'll show you.

What are you doing?

Shagging the ground.

- Now what are you doing? - Listening to my father's voice.

Through the telegraph pole?

I can't hear anything.

Are you crazy?

We'll soon see who's brave and who's a coward.

As it passes over, close your eyes.

Or else it'll blind you.

- I'll make sure you don't run away. - Let go, let go!

You coward, you!

Olmo! Olmo!

Are you dead or alive?

Ding-dong, ding-dong

The devil cared The padrone's scared

How far is it from here to the Madonna dei Prati?

The same distance it's always been: about three kilometres.

I once saw a train

that stretched from here all the way to the Madonna dei Prati.

I've got a train even longer than that in my pants...

And it's just about as quick!

Speaking of trains, have you seen that contraption out there?

You just don't want to use it because you're ignorant and afraid.

An enemy of progress, that's what you are.

That contraption allows me to work less, so it's all right by me.

But who's paying for it, uh? Who?

The padrone, who else?

More like everyone but the padrone. It's us workers who foot the bill.

With all our hard work.

He's even infected you. Look at all of these nits.

Olmo's given everyone nits.

Your son's filthy. You want to get rid of his nits.

Don't you think I'd like to? I need someone to help me.

Your Olmo's a pig.

Today your little Olmo found a live frog and forced my little Nina to eat it.

Anyway, what do any of you know about philosophy?

Bugger all!

I'm the only one here who's been to any meetings,

to try and get a union going.

If you get what it's all about, then you need to go to those meetings

and travel around and let everyone know about this new justice

to the unlucky peasants who spend their lives working their fingers to the bone,

not for their own profit, but for the padrone's!

Amen.

Take a look at that!

Who's crying?

Rosina wants to send Olmo to the seminary.

- Why? - Why?

Because he's a little devil.

They want to take him away from me. My boy.

Turn him into a priest.

Nothing in life is free. You've had your fun. Now it's time to pay up.

Oh, come on. It could happen to anyone.

Leave it out.

It was all a long time ago.

Bastards are always born bad.

Bastard?

Who said "bastard"?

There are no bastards in my house.

Olmo is your sons' brother, because his father is one of us.

Is that true or not?

Rosina?

Is that true or not?

You tell them, Rosina. You know.

Yes, it's true. Of course I know.

If I don't know, who does?

Dalco, Olmo.

- Where's he off to? - Bring him over here!

- Let go! Let go! - Get him up on the table.

You're a big boy now...

And you still pee your pants!

Come here.

Remember this:

You will learn to read and write.

But you will always be Dalco, Olmo.

The son of peasants.

Destined to starve.

You will become a soldier.

You will see the world.

You might even learn to obey.

Getting your ass kicked in, from dawn till dusk.

You will take a wife.

You will work to provide for your children.

The best thing you can learn is patience.

- But who will you always be? - Dalco, Olmo.

Dalco, Olmo. A peasant.

Understood?

There are to be no priests in my house.

- What do you have in your hand? - Nothing.

Signor Giovanni gave it to me. I sold him my frogs.

It's mine.

What belongs to you belongs to all of us.

- I'm going to fall. - That's right. You're going to fall.

I hope you break your neck. You big sissy.

Alfredo. Come and eat.

A card from my brother, the Parisian.

"Thinking of you all, in the City of Light.

"Yours affectionately, Ottavio."

"Yours affectionately" indeed.

It's been a year since we've heard from your brother.

He doesn't feel at home here and never has done.

He has nothing but contempt for us.

What do you mean? You love to exaggerate...

Your brother Ottavio really knows how to live.

Paris, Maxim's, women, and wine...

- We make sacrifices, he makes merry... - His allowance is a good meal.

- Why must I keep calling you? - Regina!

- Those frogs look juicy. - Nice and plump.

- Alfredo. - No. No frogs for me.

Come on, eat up. Don't be a baby.

- They're really disgusting. - You watch your mouth, you!

You'll be dying to eat some, once you're in the army.

Bollocks.

Bugger.

Is that my brother? Did he speak?

Regina.

- Thank you. - Who are those two?

You ask me that every evening.

That's my sister and that's her little girl, Regina.

Alfredo, my boy...

My dinner.

Off you go. And be right back.

He gets worse every day.

How much longer can he last?

Steady on.

He's eight years younger than me,

yet you have him all but dead and buried.

Can you imagine Ottavio, using the excuse that he's the oldest,

coming here and acting like lord and master of the place?

Now, Ottavio... He is to the manor born.

Just like me.

I certainly wasn't born a nun.

When I grow up, I want to be a nun too.

- Want to take a shot? - Yes.

Hug the stock.

Close your left eye.

Look through the gunsight.

Now look properly.

- You see that family of vultures? - Yes.

- The woman in black with beady eyes? - Yes.

That's your target.

You've got her! Shot her dead!

Look how scared they are.

Imagine the shock.

My husband goes bankrupt and runs off to South America,

leaving his wife and small daughter penniless.

If it hadn't been for all of you...

Won't I ever see my father again?

This is your new father now. Aren't you, Giovanni?

Of course. If I didn't support them, who would?

But you... You keep calling me "Uncle", all right?

There they all are. Now, I'll pick Regina off.

- No. Regina's mine. Regina's mine. - Ready...steady...fire!

Right between the eyes.

Aim...steady...fire!

Well?

Stop where you are or I'll kill you.

You old fool...

Get back to the table.

I said, get back to the table.

And you should be ashamed of yourself...

Back to the table! Get...!

Idiot.

You should be ashamed of yourself. At your age.

There is such a gulf between us.

Between me and the rest of you.

A gulf, I tell you!

Talk, talk, talk...

He just buys machines...

Meanwhile, the place is going to rack and ruin.

I'll shove that mechanical hay-raker up your ass, Mr Moderniser!

Eat your food.

If you don't eat, you'll go to hell.

Piss off!

- Where did you learn to talk like that? - From a friend.

I'm telling you, I don't intend to part with a penny, nor with the tiniest plot of land.

Mark my words!

Whatever, dear. Your father still prefers Ottavio.

The only reason I'm here is because this estate belongs to me.

All of it! Otherwise...

Do you know how I feel about Ottavio? Well, I envy him. Yes, my dear.

Being able to escape this family...

Imagine being able to blow all that money in six months...

A different woman every day.

Engulfed in shit...

Oh, come now...

Why force the child to eat?

He is my son. I shall raise him as I see fit. All right?

Don't worry. He'll be back when he's hungry. You'll see.

These aren't lice. They're more like chickens.

Keep still.

A little fuzz on top, and the rest bald as a coot.

Stop moving. Keep still.

Once a hunchback won a lady hunchback

Wooing her in song

Then, several little hunchbacks came along...

I'm never going back home.

I'm going to go and live with Uncle Ottavio.

Where are you?

- Evening, signor Padrone. - Good evening.

Come back here at once, do you hear me?

Good evening, signor Giovanni.

Hey, you.

- Have you seen Alfredo? - No, I haven't.

Go to bed, bald head.

It's late.

- What is it? - Come to bed.

You know I can't sleep if you aren't sleeping too.

If my father was here, they'd never have shaved my head.

He would've shown them.

Once, I heard him calling me late at night, from inside a well.

Let's both of us run away.

Once, he was inside this old pumpkin, calling out, "Olmo!"

And in a dark cellar, from inside a bottle, I heard him calling me.

Hey, let's see you cuckoos fly.

No, don't. You'll make me fall.

- It's good. - Your daughter...

Your daughter's marrying Mario the cripple in August, isn't she?

Go and dance.

Hey, you, driver.

Come back here. Come back.

Don't leave that horse standing there untied.

Come back here.

You son of a...

I don't have the breath to...

...give a simple order anymore.

Listen.

What lovely music.

Young people dancing, embracing...

Before the day's out, they'll be making love.

This is no place for old men.

Hot day, isn't it, Signor Padrone?

Who are you?

I'm Irma, sir. Adelina's youngest daughter.

I'm not used to wearing shoes and my stupid feet are swollen.

But they're pretty, aren't they?

The padrona gave me them. They used to be Regina's.

Irma...come.

Come on, girl.

Signor Padrone?

Signor Padrone?

Signor Padrone?

Don't be frightened.

I won't hurt you.

Take that down.

You're scaring me.

- Milk her. - But the cows aren't mooing yet.

But can't you see how full she is?

Milk her.

Squish-squash...

Cows full of milk and shit.

The curse...

The curse that we carry inside us.

It grows worse with age.

Do you know what the worst curse in the world is?

Hailstorms.

No, not hailstorms.

They're not a curse.

Milk and shit in the brain.

War and disease.

They're no curse, either.

Squish-squash...

Squish-squash...

The curse is when you can't do it.

Milk and shit.

Can't do it...

It won't get hard.

See?

Put your hand inside.

Hey, Signor Alfredo. No one can milk a bull.

Go on.

Go back to the dance.

Go.

Can I really go?

Yes, go.

When the dancing...

is over...

...tell them I'm dead.

Yes, all right.

Tell them I'm dead but that they should carry on dancing.

You'll remember, won't you?

- That I'm dead. - Yes.

The padrone is dead.

The padrone is dead!

He is. He's dead.

- Is it true? - Who knows.

Chuck that water out. Let's hear the nightingale sing!

Fill her up.

The padrone wants us to keep dancing.

He's still giving us orders from beyond the grave.

Music!

If you could just see yourself right now, Signor Alfredo.

This is no way for a padrone to die.

Now, why did you have to go and turn the cows loose, eh?

To make more work for me?

Maybe you did...

Maybe the truth is that when a man does nothing all his life,

he's left with too much time to think.

And thinking too much makes him...

...makes him stupid.

At least I knew who you were and you knew me.

I knew who gave the orders.

Oh, yes... A great big brute!

But now...

who knows what'll happen without you?

I, Alfredo Berlinghieri,

being of sound mind,

do hereby declare

my sole heir

to be my younger son, Giovanni.

And to my elder son, Ottavio...

What did he say?

"And to my elder son, Ottavio..."

...I leave...

an annuity

of 5,000 lire,

to be paid to him...

for the rest of his life...

by my sole heir.

And I also leave him...

my town residence.

Furthermore, it shall hereby be understood...

...that the entire Berlinghieri estate...

Go back to bed, Alfredo.

Grandfather's not well. Go back to bed.

...the entire...

...Berlinghieri estate, consisting of...

Grandpa! Grandpa!

Grandpa is dead! He's dead!

...900 acres of cultivated land...

...machinery and tools...

...and all the livestock.

The cattle...

...the horses and the pigs.

I leave to my son,

Giovanni...

This turban...

once belonged to a celebrated tiger hunter.

Uncle Ottavio...

let me go away with you.

Why?

Aren't you happy here?

They're all liars, the lot of them.

- And where shall we go? - On a sailing boat.

A sailing boat?

Like this one?

Put that silkworm down!

- Put it down! - Why should I?

You know full well that they're my responsibility.

I can touch these silkworms as much as I please.

You idiot.

But I'm the padrone.

But the nests belong to me. No one should interfere with them.

Why not?

Because I feed them. Now, put it down!

When I'm ready.

You might well feed them, but they're still mine.

And the fruit is mine too.

And the mechanical hay-raker.

And the wheat's mine too.

And the cows.

Even the Dalco family belongs to me.

And you belong to me too.

- You bastard! Put it down! -No!

Go to hell!

Go to hell!

Come back here, you coward.

Oh, bloody hell. Give me a hand, before we both get it.

I could give you a beating with one hand tied behind my back.

You couldn't even beat a frog.

Here. Have your stupid silkworm back.

It's still wriggling. The others have already woven their nests.

They're not called nests.

They're called cocoons. I saw one in a book.

You'd better take those wet things off.

So light...

Then, once it flies off, it'll be a butterfly.

Never seen that happen.

It's like my little sister.

She hatched in the middle of the night and flew away, just like a butterfly.

- Why did she fly away? - Because she was born dead.

When you're dead, you don't fly anywhere.

You get buried in the ground and that's it.

- That must hurt. - Why should it hurt?

- Because the skin's pulled back. - Let's see if yours is any different.

It looks just like a cocoon.

If you pull the skin back, it'll look just like mine.

- It won't go. - Well, pull harder.

It stings.

That's because you're not brave and you're not a socialist.

What's that mean?

You're talking to a socialist with holes in his pocket.

"A socialist with holes in his pocket"?

Oh, forget it. What would you know?

Stop showing off and put this on.

- No. I don't want it. - Stop being a baby.

It's stopped hailing.

Come. Come and take a look!

- What's that? - It's the city, what else?

But it can't be the city. The city's too far away.

It is the city, I'm telling you. Look.

Look, that's the cathedral over there.

I know, cos I've been there with my Uncle Ottavio.

And look at all those tall houses, on top.

Those aren't houses. They're bell towers.

Look at all the fire coming out of that one!

That's a factory.

Do you think they can see us the way we can see them?

You can see the city from the loft.

- And all the buildings and stables. - Not now. Later.

Signor Giovanni.

I haven't seen a hailstorm like this since the year I got married.

This isn't good.

Get all your men together.

And day labourers.

Tell them to come here.

- Turo! - Turo!

- Cenzo! - Cenzo!

- Oreste! - Oreste!

- Moretto! - Moretto!

- Quercio! - Quercio!

Come on, you buggers!

- Montanaro! - Come on, you buggers. Montanaro!

We need everyone in the field!

Now, let's face facts, men.

We've lost everything.

Wine, tomatoes, potatoes, corn... Everything.

So...we'll all have to make sacrifices.

Isn't that right, Leo?

What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?

Go on, tell them.

How much grain have we lost? Tell them.

- Half of it. - At least half of it.

So, it's simple.

So, you'll have to be happy with half the pay. Take it or leave it.

When we harvest double the amount, we don't get double the pay.

If I were to be honest...

if I were to take care of my interests all by myself...

I'd send the lot of you packing!

Especially all you day labourers.

And if you weren't such an ignorant bunch,

you'd be thanking me.

Because the one making the biggest sacrifice of all is me!

What's the problem, anyway? Who's the padrone?

Who gives the orders around here?

Did you hear me? We've lost nearly everything.

Hey, you. Your ears are big enough for the both of us.

Padrone, what you're doing is a sin and we'll not forget it!

Your father was a good man. He never did us wrong!

You are an evil man. You bring shame upon us all.

That man has lost his ear, but you have lost your soul.

I shall put a curse on you that no priest can ever lift.

God'll punish you for this!

Food's here. Everyone indoors!

Were you hurt bad?

Yes.

I had an accident at work.

Poor thing.

There's no more polenta.

I'm still hungry.

I'll take your mind off of hunger...

Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

- They're right. - Who?

The people from the workers' association.

- What did they say? -To move on.

Call the strike for tomorrow.

- Where? - Everybody's got to go.

Well...

What's going on here?

We're going on strike. That's what we've all agreed.

On strike?

And do you know what that means, “going on strike"?

Oh!

I said, do you know what that means?

It means that these hands won't work anymore.

- Seriously? - He's right.

That they won't reap anymore.

They'll never harvest again.

They'll never, they'll never...dig. Never milk!

Everything's going to come to a standstill.

And the land... The land dies!

Do you really think you can go through with this?

Yes, now that we've got the League!

The League?

What's this "League", then?

Does the League tell you...

that we'll end up eating the weeds from those ditches? Eh?

That we'll become evil? Really evil?

Did the League tell you all that?

It did. The League is big and strong.

You can fight back with the League. Let me show you how.

Strike's on!

- Strike's on! - Strike's on!

You know, I think I like this song.

The poor things want milking. They're mooing.

I can hear them. Are the servants on strike too?

Zolina, dear, send a boy out to buy some milk in town.

And tell him that if he runs into one of those Dalcos, he's to keep moving.

I won't have him talking to those people.

It's absolutely ridiculous.

We've more than 100 cows, yet we have to send out for milk.

Those bloody bastards are going to ruin me.

It's against the law.

What they're doing out there is uncivilised.

And I can't beat any sense into them.

Sooner or later they'll have to give in.

Meanwhile, the cows are full to bursting. and the grain rots in the field.

Eat up!

Listen to this.

"Talks have been called off

“between the Labour League and the Landowners' Association.

"The strike area is patrolled, day and night, by a cavalry regiment.

We will not be coerced,' said a representative for the association..."

Cut it out.

'''...by a bunch of rabble-rousers.

"We'll oppose their boycott by imposing lockouts.

“We'll counter violence with violence.'

"The representative went on to say that the only fair verdict is the whip,

"to be used on those workers found guilty of sabotage.”

Grandad, what are scabs?

Lousy bastards who work while other men are on strike.

Why don't they want to strike too?

Because they're even more ignorant than we are.

Listen, listen. That music...

Good day, padre.

Hey, look over there.

Look at signor Giovanni, trotting up and down.

Oh, and there's Passetti. He has to work sitting down.

And over there. That's Campanini, the lawyer.

And the young lady with the braids is his daughter.

- Are they all scabs? - No, no. Landowners.

They look silly.

Ding-dong, ding-dong...

Come here.

Is this what they call socialism?

The rich, out there, sweating,

and the poor folks lying under a tree,

flat on our backs?

It's too good to last.

You're a lucky boy, you are, Olmo.

- Why? - Why?

I had to wait 73 years to see a padrone work again.

That's right. You finish setting the traps.

Fetch some leaves.

Fan me a little, will you?

The weather's changing.

Will you teach me how to make a breeze?

Grandad's asleep!

Does your grandad always sleep with his eyes open?

He can do anything. He even saw Garibaldi once.

Be careful. If they see the two of us together, you'll be for it.

Nah. Everyone knows I'm a socialist now, too.

Come here, let me show you something.

It's like yours now.

- How'd you do that? - Easy. I yanked it back.

You liar, you. This is what you've been doing...

- Let me show you something. - I know.

I know how it's done. I'm a socialist with holes in his pocket too.

Where on earth is that cloud of dust coming from?

Oh, you silly. That's no dust cloud. Those are the kids from the farm.

- Where are they off to? - To Genoa, with us!

- Oh, for the onion harvest? - No, stupid.

They've been invited by the dockers in Genoa.

Because after three months of striking, there's nothing left to eat.

The Workers' League chartered a train to Genoa.

Long live the kids from the farm!

Long live Genoa! Long live the children!

So, Zambrone. What do you think?

Ooh, well, if I have to think, then I'm going to need my thinking cap.

Haven't you heard? The reformists are asking for ten cents more an hour.

- Per hour? - Yes.

Let's see, now. Ten cents more an hour,

multiplied by 18 hours of work a day...

Why, we'd be millionaires by nightfall.

Take a running jump, you chump. Right into a pond.

Well, that wasn't very nice. Now my ear's full of water!

But listen, Zambrone. The revolutionaries, on the other hand,

say that the land should go to those who work it, do you get me?

That there should be neither owners nor slaves.

- Do you get me, young man? -No! No!

I've studied Itanian.

Italian!

- Let's check the vacobulary. - Vocabulary.

- Well? What do you think? - I think it's time.

For what?

For us to say, "Long live the revolution!"

And long live the revolutionaries!

Long live Uncle Pino, the general.

Hurray!

I say... Oh, look who's coming. Look. I see policemen.

My word. Whatever shall we do?

Well, we can teach them a lesson, but we'll need a stick.

Right. Quick, grab a stick.

Now, then. Let's hear what they've got to say.

There you are. Caught red-handed.

- Drop that stick and come here quick. - Traitor!

All right! That's enough! Out! All of you, out!

Quick, the train! Come on, children. Quick!

Shame on you!

You should be ashamed of yourselves, picking on puppets.

Cowards!

Get down off those horses! You cowards! Traitors!

Selling out to the landowners like that!

You can drop dead, the lot of you!

You forgot your clothes!

"LONG LIVE THE GREAT AGRICULTURAL STRIKE"

JUNE 1908

I'm not a coward, Olmo.

I'm not a coward.

I can see my house over there.

Look, look, the church steeple.

FIRST WORLD WAR ENDS...

Hey, Aranzini.

Dreamt about your sweetheart again.

Her tits dripping with honey.

Well, I had a dream about your sister. She's not fussy.

This one's leg is turning blue.

- Get the sergeant over here. - Never mind him, get a doctor!

Move along! Move along!

Just look at them, gentlemen.

They're a disgrace to Italy. A bunch of strikers and traitors!

Have a good look at those subversive swine.

A firing squad would be too good for the likes of them!

Turo!

The bastards got you.

The country is at the mercy of a bunch of murderers!

The whole damned country!

May the King go to hell!

It's you!

Clear off!

Clear off!

The masquerade's over. And you can take off the costume.

The war's over.

- Out, I said. Out, out! - Yes, sir!

And close the door, Regina! Close the door!

Will you just look at him!

Cenzo!

Oh...!

Armida.

Please, Father,' said the young prince.

“I don't know why, but my heart won't be at rest

till I find the three nectarines of love.

"I beg you, please let me search for them.'

"The boy's plea was so sincere that His Majesty promised

"that the moment spring came...”

And what next? Go on, read.

I think I've heard the story before.

- You must be Olmo. - Yes.

And you?

Anita. Anita Forlan.

Are you from up north?

- I'm from the province of Verona. - Verona?

We camped near Verona.

- Are you a refugee? - Yes.

I've lost all my family.

Be off with you.

Heavy, uh...?

Aren't you going to tell us how it ends, then?

Does he find the nectarines? Go on, tell us.

Oh, all right, then.

"The boy's plea...”

- Attention! - At your orders, sir.

At ease.

Don't you recognise me, soldier?

It's me, you fool. It's me.

I don't want you.

You're just a lowly civilian.

The war's over. Nobody gives us orders anymore.

Now I like you better.

Is that so? Then, kiss me, my hero...

There was no one to take care of the silkworms anymore.

There's nothing up here but rats now.

Just like the trenches.

Remember when no one thought you could see the city from up here?

But we managed to see it. How close it seemed.

Did you manage to see the whole war from here too?

",.dreamt all night long, lying awake in the barracks,

"of his sister, his brother, his father, and his mother.

"Next morning, in that very same bed, he was dead.

"They found him dead.”

No, Olmo, no! Our part in this is over. Done.

So we no longer share things half and half?

Try to understand, Olmo.

A lot of things have changed, since you went away.

I know that we're always supposed to get half of the harvest...

Not this year.

The padrone's hired new machines and extra labour.

- So what? - Let's be having you, you rogue!

Well, if it isn't our local hero!

Even sharing half and half is daylight robbery, since we do all of the work!

And now you don't even want to give us half!

Do you know why I've hired extra labour?

Because most of your lot went and got themselves killed in the war,

like idiots.

What's the matter with you?

- You've no right to talk like that. - Oh, be quiet!

You can play the soldier, if you like.

Do you know how much I spent to keep you at home?

No. I don't know. How much did you spend?

More than you're worth.

Well, I wanted to go. So, why didn't you let me?

Oh, yes. Of course.

I say...that's a handsome sabre you have there.

It certainly is. It's a beautiful sabre. Very nice.

And it cuts nicely too!

Watch, Papa. Just watch.

Very good, Lieutenant.

So...

is that all you're good for?

At your age, I was up at four in the morning, to inspect the stables.

Everyone here remembers that.

And at threshing time, I'd be the first to rise

and the last to go to bed.

Isn't that so? Can anybody say otherwise?

Go on, speak up! Isn't that so? Because I know it is...

- Well done, little cousin... - Thank you.

I can do even better than this.

I have sacrificed everything for this estate. Everything.

There are no ideals anymore. There's no respectability.

Devotion to the church, love of the land,

family loyalty, and credit in the bank.

It's all right, Uncle, dear. You mustn't upset yourself.

And respect!

Respect! Respect! Respect!

What the padrone meant

was that because there was no one here to do the work,

he had to invest in modern machinery.

Machines are like peasants.

They require their share of grain too.

However, they make life easy...

It's a change...

...but that's progress.

Look.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Wouldn't you say?

It's heavy, isn't it?

Hey! Hey, cut it out!

Are you crazy?

No, wait!

Why would you do that? Didn't they teach you anything in the army?

- Who's this? - This is Attila Mellanchini.

- My father's new foreman. - I'm a soldier, just like you.

Look, you heard what the padrone had to say.

You lot have had your share of grain.

He gives you all he can.

We must all work together.

Look, I understand how you feel.

Take it easy...

Did you women hear what the padrone had to say?

It's our men's fault they went and got themselves killed in the war.

And the labourers' fault for working like beasts all day,

then expecting to be paid for it.

And we're all to blame for our families going hungry

and for half of us being sick with pellagra.

And it's always our fault that so many of our children are stillborn.

Follow me.

The padrone should be happy that we only take a little bit of grain

and leave him the rest.

For now...

Come on, girls. Help yourselves!

You speak too well for a little country girl.

I'm a schoolteacher.

That's the first time I've ever kissed a schoolteacher.

Excuse me, teacher...

I've finished my lesson...

Just look at how the cock crows!

Here. Have some grain. Go on.

That's enough, that's enough!

Very funny. All right...

What's the matter? Why are you leaving?

To find another place to work and die.

Who put you out?

Who do you think? Landowners, of course.

Even though the contract hasn't run out, they've still given us the boot.

We formed the Workers' League. Now they're making us pay...

If you could've seen how the padrone took advantage of us. It was shameful.

We have to put up with them fooling around with our women.

- You say we'll find work near Mantua? - That coward...

Let's go, Oreste. There's no point fighting when we haven't got a hope in hell.

But my contract hasn't run out yet.

If they're not going to pay me for my toil, then I'll not leave this soil!

Oh, sod it!

Run for your life, Oreste!

The devils are coming on horseback

to carry you off!

Run away! Run away, Oreste!

Not even the pope or the Lord himself

can make my ass budge from here!

Because I've given 40 years of my life to this valley.

I've had enough of you lot!

You bastards!

You've been getting away with murder.

We need to put a stop to all this injustice.

Have laws that will do away with this bunch of criminals.

- Oreste! - That's right, laws!

Laws that'll give us a voice, so that we can be heard,

because as things stand,

those of us tilling the soil

are better than those who have nothing at all to do with it.

Us poor peasants can't go on like this.

You want to leave us with nothing?

Bleed us dry? Well, then, we'll go all the way to Rome, naked.

Then they'll listen to me. In the nude.

Let go of me! Let go!

No! Let me go! Look what you've done, you cowards!

Keep on working. Break your backs, doing it!

Understand? You miserable sons of bitches...

It's high time they were here.

They'll soon get those jackasses to lift their hooves.

Make me come.

Make me come.

- You make me come. - There's no making you come.

Not even an elephant could make you come.

All I need is a real man!

Disperse, in the name of the law.

Where are my family to sleep tonight? By the roadside?

In a jail, if you don't disperse.

It's the landowners who should be jailed, for not honouring their contracts.

- It's the law! - Law, law... What law?

Our law is a contract. And their contract still has one year left on it.

The padrone wants to do them out of a whole year's work!

They want us out of the way because we're socialists.

That's right. Please, get down, won't you? All of you. We need all of you!

Get down, all of you. Don't give up now. Don't give up, ladies.

They don't respect the law.

The padroni get to make the laws, then break them.

Laws for thieves and murderers!

Don't go away!

Stop! Don't be afraid!

We mustn't let them through.

- Come with us tonight! - Stop! Wait!

They're taking Oreste away!

Stand up for your rights.

- You've got to help him! Get down! - Get down!

Left turn, and forward!

Halt! Double up!

Now the royal guards can take care of providing

a nice harvest holiday for them.

Unsheathe your sabres!

Let's go and get some sticks! Come on, we must fight them!

Let's go! Let's go!

Now is the time. We'll show them.

You'll have to kill us all!

You shall not pass!

Go and teach them a lesson. Let them find their own property to huddle on.

Property is inviolable!

Halt, squad! Halt!

Go back! Move out! Move out!

Congratulations.

I thought you were meant to protect us! What a joke!

Bunch of cowards. What a disgrace!

Lazy buggers!

I'll drive you villains off myself!

Criminals! Bolsheviks!

What are you doing, you fool? Waging a one-man war?

Damn the lot of you!

- You look fine. They must see you. - No. I'm not dressed right.

They have to get to know you.

Your time has come. This is your moment.

We can't do what the fascists did at Rivarolo.

They murdered one of the reds there

and now he's a martyr

and they're erecting a monument to him in the piazza. What we should do is...

Forget it, Pioppi.

You don't make deals when you hold all the trump cards.

They made a mistake at Rivarolo, I tell you.

Making just one martyr, that was their mistake.

It's the same with my dog. If you hit him once, nothing.

A second time, still nothing.

By the tenth time, though, he's got his tail between his legs.

If I might be allowed to be speak.

Here, in church...

they baptised us...

confirmed us...

Here, in church, we were married.

And one day...

they'll carry us...

through that door...

feet first.

Later, rather than sooner, I hope.

Now, all of you know what the Crusades were...

Do you know what the Crusades were?

We're discussing things, here, that concern you too, young man.

I'm here because you forced me to be. Why don't you leave me alone?

The Church...

Yes, even the Church...

when it had to, clamped down hard on its enemies.

Who are these Bolsheviks, anyway?

Half-breeds, that's what they are.

Like the Saracens.

Mongol subversives.

If things go on like this much longer...

...they'll kill us all

and take over everything.

Am I right or not?

Am I right or not?

Hey, Pioppi.

Talk, talk, talk.

What we need to do is get rid of the lot of them.

But the new fascist movement doesn't want violence

or vengeance.

First we want...order.

We are...the new crusaders.

And we must instil courage in our youth.

They're waiting for a sign from us.

Now, then...

let us give them...that sign.

Move it! Go on!

We've saved the country once before.

We've answered the call to arms, in the trenches.

And now we're here.

It's only right. When you start a new enterprise, you need a little capital.

Solidarity. Yes, solidarity.

That's just what Italy needs to get things off to a start.

Not even a bastard would've done this.

People work hard, here in the city, don't they?

Imagine the look on my father's face, if he knew we were here together.

Your father... "Respect! Respect! Respect!"

Your father is nothing more than a thief.

One that longs for respect, like all padroni.

Oh, is that so? Well, when I'm the padrone, I'm going to be twice as hard on you.

And that's the day I'll kill you.

No, seriously. You'll really like my uncle, when you meet him.

He's much nicer than my father. He's totally different. He's more like us.

I know that music! I know what that is!

Montanaro! It's me, Olmo Dalco!

Don't you remember me?

Oh, your foot. I'm so sorry.

What? Little Olmo, the bastard? Really?

Remember all the polenta we used to eat?

Always polenta...

Wait for me, all right?

I'll be back later...

Let's give this young lady a hand.

Oh, you don't have to...

Wait, Alfredo. It's Montanaro.

The one who cut his ear. He's right there. See?

Signorina, I bet you'd never guess we're twins.

Oh, you're lying. You're making fun of me.

Oh, no. I'm telling you the truth. We share everything.

What's his is mine, and what's mine is mine.

- Good morning, signora. - Good morning, signori.

- Where are you going, Nicoletta? - Downstairs.

- Service with a smile. - Thank you.

It's been ages since I've had homemade liqueur.

- Would you like some? - Oh, yes. I would, indeed.

Not to worry. I always pay handsomely.

Here. Take these too.

I always pay handsomely.

And these.

One day you'll choke on all your bloody money!

What do you mean? It makes her happy...

You should have a drink, too.

I'd better not. It's bad for me.

Then stop wasting time and get undressed.

You see? I told you she was a whore.

She's poor, but that doesn't make her a whore, does it?

If she wasn't a whore, she wouldn't take my money.

But it's your money.

It corrupts her.

Well, anyway, she's cleaned me out.

Aren't you two going to get undressed?

- Go ahead. You go first. - No, no. after you.

No, you go ahead. I insist.

No, you paid. It's only fair.

- I'm cold. - I'm freezing.

You're older than I am.

- Who do you want to go first? - Both of you.

What, both of us together?

No point wasting time.

I went under that train.

- Which train? - Remember, during the strike?

I was under the train you were on.

Who's going first?

As for your friend...

Maybe you can do something better.

Don't you have a girlfriend?

- What's so funny? - I was just thinking about Anita.

- Leave Anita out of this. - Is that your girlfriend?

- Come on. Have a drink. - No. No, thanks.

I feel strange if I drink.

But that's what's so great. Come on. Have a drink. Have some fun.

- Are you going to marry her? - She's already my wife.

Only, without being married. She's my comrade.

No marriage. They're Bolsheviks. They believe in free love.

Your hand getting tired?

You really do know what free love is, don't you?

- Stop asking so many questions. - Answer me!

Leave her alone.

What do I know? I'm not educated.

Don't you lie to me, you little whore. You know perfectly well what free love is.

I'm ashamed.

I'm ashamed.

Please...you must go.

Please, go.

Please...

Go away!

Oh, my God!

She's epileptic.

Come on, let's get out of here.

Call someone. Go on, call someone!

Stop shaking!

Calm down!

Cut it out! Come on... Cut it out!

- We didn't do anything. - Let go of her.

Stupid girl. She knows she can't drink.

- Shall I fetch a doctor? - It wouldn't do any good.

It'll pass. You just have to be patient.

Uncle Ottavio?

It's me. Alfredo.

Anybody home?

- Hello? - Who is it?

I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you.

- Ottavio's not here. - Well, perhaps I'll come back later.

- Do you have a cigarette? - Yes.

I mean, no. I don't smoke.

How nice. What did you come for?

- Who are you? - My name is Ada, and I want a cigarette.

I'm Alfredo and I want my uncle.

Cigar?

- My saviour. - For such a trifling matter?

- Uncle Ottavio. - What are you doing here?

Well... had a rotten day.

I came into town for a bit of fun and ended up seeing an epileptic have a fit.

Have you ever seen an epileptic have a fit?

- May I have a bath? - Of course.

Come this way.

There. Set it down there.

I've spent the entire day at the auction house.

I didn't know that the search for beauty could be so taxing.

Poor love. You work so hard.

Take a look at this. It's absolutely beautiful.

So, naturally, no one liked it.

He's a young German painter.

A new discovery of mine.

What do you think the man is doing?

He's sleeping.

No. He's dead.

I tell you, he's sleeping.

He's dead.

- Look at the hand. - The hand may be dead, but he's asleep.

Guess what. I've fallen in love.

- Again? - But this time it's serious.

Let's see if I can guess.

- Itala? - Bugatti.

- The Roadster? - Torpedo.

But it's an impossible love. Too dear.

Torpedo? Oh, I was just thinking of buying one tomorrow.

- Can you drive? - Yes. I mean, no, but it's not difficult.

This nephew of yours really is something of a liar.

Bravo. Bravo.

Make that stingy brother of mine spend some of his money.

How's your mother?

Still painting...

endless ancestral landscapes.

My lost land.

Ottavio, lend me the car.

If you're ready, I'll give you a lift home.

I'm ready. Let's go.

"Vroom. R-r-roar...

"First, second, and third gears

"Dry my tears and leave me cold

"Bureaucratic, grey, and old..."

Do you like it?

Yes. It's... It's good. It's nice.

Bit modern, perhaps...

Modern? What do you know? It's futuristic.

Read the other one.

"Gypsy, what you arouse in me lingers, still, like a kiss

"And then there's your treacherous smile..."

Well, yes. It does have a ring to it.

I like it. It's good. Shame it's so short.

That's what's nice about it.

What are you doing?

Two of us have read them. That's already two too many...

And you just throw them away like that?

Why don't those pigs let me through? Bastards!

I want to get through.

Come on!

What did he say?

Go on, now. Overtake them!

Go on.

Are they friends of yours? They look like murderers.

No. no. They're not friends of mine.

I know that whenever they're out like that, there's trouble in the offing.

They disgust me.

I don't want to see. I don't want to see anymore.

I'm blind!

What are you... Steady on!

Come on. Don't go blind now. Not whilst we're driving on a bend.

But I don't want to see. I don't want to see.

I'm blind! I'm blind! I'm blind!

"Rejuvenates...

"mankind."

Pietro, read what you've written, out loud.

"Communism rejuvenates mankind.”

And now, Olmo, would you care to explain what that means?

Well...

What does it mean?

It means... It means...

- Excuse me, miss...? - Comrade.

Excuse me, Miss Comrade.

I'm 71 and, being a communist,

I find myself doing more for women than the youngsters do.

Come off it, you cheeky bugger. We're here to learn,

not to brag.

School's over for today.

Don't worry. We'll keep an eye on the community headquarters.

And we'll study this bottle carefully...

Shall we go, then?

What a rotten day.

I went into town with Alfredo.

- Look... - I had no fun at all.

It's well painted, isn't it?

We went for a walk.

Had a bit to drink.

You know...

You know how it is in the city.

Yes, I know, I know.

Yes, of course...

This is some class. The youngest of them must be 80, at least.

That's because all the youngsters are off dancing at the Lusardis' barn.

You're wasting your time.

Giving lessons to four old men. What good is it doing?

I wanted to go dancing, too, but I had to wait for you, didn't I?

Dancing? With that belly?

Now I feel better...

Yes. Me too.

Nine, nine, five, seven,

seven, six, five,

six, seven...

What do you have inside that head?

What?

You've got another woman.

Come on, let's go dancing.

Have you ever danced in a barn before?

No, it's the first time.

You just wait here. I'll go and get us something to drink.

Wait!

- Thank you. I'll settle up later. - Yes, of course.

Alfredo, where are you?

Don't leave me on my own!

It's nothing.

I can't see. I'm blind.

This music is so beautiful.

Please, don't stop dancing on my account.

Keep playing. Music, please!

Faster. Faster!

Faster!

This is wonderful! Make me fly!

And to think she has such beautiful eyes, eh?

Yes. Very beautiful.

Alfredo, kiss me.

Ooh, look at the blind girl!

- Would you like a drink? - No.

I think you do. I know that I need one,

and if I need a drink, then I know that you need one, too.

Therefore, I think we should both have a drink.

All right?

Blind, huh?

You're not Alfredo!

Who are you?

Shame on you, taking advantage of a blind girl!

You monster!

- Alfredo. - Come on, knock it off.

Alfredo, how could you do that to me?

You mustn't ever leave me alone again.

Oh, stop it.

You're outrageous.

I'm something of a sophisticate.

This is my best friend, Olmo. This is Anita. This is...

This is Ada. Anita, Ada.

- It's so soft. - Imagine having one like it.

- It's so warm. - Yes, it is.

That feels good. It does.

It's just beautiful...

First with an epileptic girl and now with a blind one.

Carry on like this and you can open up a hospital...

You're the one that's blind.

Are they ready yet?

Blind, then, huh?

Thank you. Oh, thank you. You've saved me.

I was worried I'd have to go on all evening.

So you come here, all dressed up and smelling of perfume, to make fun of us!

You stupid woman.

What is it you call people like us? Oiks? Peasants?

I know.

You're right.

There always comes a point when it just gets more than I can bear.

So I close my eyes and I bang into people.

Does it scare you to look?

What do you see? What do you see?

What does she see? She sees someone who's so happy...

I don't want us to change. I want everyone to stay still. Stay still.

Give me your hands. Everyone give me their hands.

Put your hands here. Here, here.

Hey, look.

That's horrible.

I'm sorry.

I'd like to apologise to you all.

It was just... It was just a stupid joke.

I'm so sorry.

Do sit down, please.

I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend anyone!

Forgive me!

I'm not blind! I'm not blind!

Forgive me!

I see all of you! I can see everything!

Is she drunk or...?

She's not drunk. She's fantastic.

She smokes, she drives, she writes poetry...

She's very modern. You wouldn't understand...

Hey!

Well, you wouldn't! You're just a country bumpkin.

- Come here, everyone. - Wait.

Where are you going? I have something to tell you all.

Careful.

Everybody, come quick!

Bunch of bloody cowards!

Mil kill them all.

What is it? Listen to me...

Who are you?

You don't know me.

What the hell do you want?

You're annoying me.

My name is Ada Fiastri Paulhan.

I'm 21, the worst age in the world.

My father designed the king's head on the ten-lire note.

So we've always been surrounded by money

but never had any.

I'm an orphan.

Three years ago, my parents had the bright idea

of organising an Alpine expedition for millionaires.

They disappeared into a crevasse on the Matterhorn.

They died just as they lived: way beyond their means.

I have neither brothers nor sisters.

I can go wherever I please.

I can live where I like and with whomsoever I please.

The community headquarters are burning to the ground!

I don't want to.

I don't want to! I don't want to!

Come here.

Kiss me. Kiss me.

Why didn't you tell me you were a virgin?

Because you would never have believed me.

True...

But aren't you Ottavio's mistress?

Ottavio's mistress? Me?

Wake up!

Pietro Pecorari!

Seventy-eight years old!

Wake up!

Farm labourer!

Wake up!

Exploited by the padroni!

Murdered by the fascists!

Wake up!

Decimo Bonazzi, aged 74.

Day labourer from the age of eight.

Exploited by the padroni!

Murdered by the fascists! Murdered by the fascists!

- Wake up! - Jofren Zuelli, aged 72.

Wake up!

Farm labourer from the age of seven.

Exploited by the padroni!

Murdered by the fascists!

Wake up!

Open your windows!

- Why don't you come down? - Wake up!

Come down and have a look!

Wake up!

Wake up!

- Wake up! - Wake up!

Will you just look! There's no one here.

It's hopeless. It's all just hopeless.

This is the end.

This is the end.

We're strong!

We're many!

We're united!

They'll kill us all. They'll kill us all.

Listen.

No, listen...

They're coming.

They're coming.

Yes. They're coming.

They're here, look...

I don't feel well.

- Could it be the baby? - You're the baby, more like.

That's still a long way off.

It's all over.

Have you seen it?

Hey, Barone. There are more than 1,000 of them.

At the very least.

There are at least 2,000 communists out there!

Hey, Barone. Why so serious?

Are you feeling sad?

Do you think we made a mistake?

Never regret anything. Never be afraid.

The only thing a man must fear is fear itself.

Shall we make a few tucks?

They make a shirt look that much more elegant.

I don't want it to look elegant. I want it to look strong.

This is not a shirt. It's a symbol.

And you're not a tailor. You're making a flag for the people!

- What do you think, Barone? - More manly.

More manly. Not pretty. Manly.

More manly.

You must all get one.

Then you'll all look like this. Be an example for people to follow.

Hand me that cat.

Listen.

Communists are smart.

They appeal to one's humanity.

Just like this pussycat here.

It appeals to your humanity.

Communism is a disease.

It can destroy the world. Now, come outside.

Imagine that this pussycat here had communism.

You mustn't worry about this pussycat.

You have to think of all the other pussycats in the world

and you have to protect them.

You have to protect all those pussycats.

Now, you have to look at that pussycat and you have to say,

"That's not a pussycat. That's a communist.”

And you have to destroy it!

Now, where do we make the communists go?

To jail!

And where do we make the Workers' League go?

To jail with the lot of them!

END OF ACT ONE

I feel like I never want to go home again.

Swear.

That you'll never become a fat, vulgar landowner.

Swear. Swear!

I swear. I swear.

And swear that you'll love me forever and marry me never.

Swear! Swear!

I swear I'll marry you forever!

Never!

- Give me your hand. - My hand? Never!

- Oh, you're such a liar! - Quiet, if you please!

What's going on, Ottavio?

This is very delicate work I'm doing.

What are you doing?

I'm taking some artistic photographs.

Who are you? Why are you standing there?

Us? Oh, we're babes in the woods.

Oh, yes, with empty stomachs.

And now that you've discovered my secret love for photography?

Well, I think we know how to keep a secret.

Carabinieri and the Royal Guard. swarming all over the place.

Lines with fixed bayonets all along the way.

- The march on Rome. - You think so?

The go-ahead sign will come when you least expect it.

- Mussolini is a sculptor of words. - With every speech...

- He's an artist. - He just knows one sentence.

What's the spiritual question?

- He's a master, a master. - To spirituality. Salute.

Are you going to leave me alone?

Don't go without me.

After all.

- So, he told him. Loudly. - Right to his face.

Either the police chief here in Naples minds his own business or we...

- That's the only way. - He's always interfering.

But it's a political manoeuvre, isn't it? The Chamber of Commerce...

Look, our photographer. What's he up to?

I'll be right there. Wait.

- What's this, a disguise? - It's the newest thing, Professor.

If you want to stay in business. you follow the trend.

Leave it there.

Thank you.

- Are we leaving? - That's right. As soon as we're ready.

- And where are we going? - Taormina.

Taormina. It's an obsession.

- But why? - To the south, the south.

Oh, yes, as far away as possible from those pigs in their black shirts.

This takes you even farther.

Even farther south.

Cocaine?

Cocaine?

Oh, I'd like to try some. Let me try some.

Why do you cut it like...?

To the novice.

- What a tragedy! - What a waste, you mean.

A little more. Here.

Just a moment. Leave some for us.

Greedy.

Hey, what's happening to you?

I can't feel anything.

- You have to wait a bit. - You've never done it.

Give yourself a chance.

I can't feel anything. I mean...

My nose is numb, but I can't feel anything.

I don't feel a thing.

Hey, where are you going?

It's taking effect.

I can't feel anything.

Well, anyway, what are we going to do, huh?

I know.

- I want a photograph. - Good idea.

- Who is it? - Telegram.

- One moment. - Coming.

Be right there!

Pirouette.

Jeté.

Port de bras.

Here I come. Lift.

It's for you.

You have to leave right away.

Your father is ill.

Hold it.

Perfect.

Hey.

- What are you doing? - Nothing.

Wearing your father's coat.

What are you doing in my father's study?

And with my father's gun?

I'm keeping it.

Oh, go ahead. It doesn't matter.

He doesn't need it.

How did he die?

In the cow shed.

He said.

"My legs are weak, as if I were dreaming.”

He didn't suffer at all.

The cow shed, huh? It seems to run in the family.

You've been away for a month.

There are a lot of things you don't know.

Send Attila away.

There's still time.

Fire him at once.

Today.

- No, it wouldn't do any good. - He's a fascist, a killer!

Kick him out. It will make an impression.

Not now. Mussolini's won. Italy's really changed.

Things have changed here, too. I've changed and so have you.

- What do you mean? - I mean...

You give the orders now, for God's sake. You're the master!

- Then I'm your master. - Olmo.

Olmo. Quick, they're coming back.

Olmo.

Here, take it with you. It's yours anyway.

Otherwise, what kind of a thief would you be?

- Is that your baby with your mother? - Yes.

It's a girl.

And Anita?

She died giving birth.

Listen to me, Alfredo. send Attila away.

I prayed and prayed that you'd come in time.

Now you are all I have left.

How he suffered after you went away.

Do you mind waiting outside?

Mama, I have something to tell you. Sit down. Sit down.

I have something to tell everyone. Sit down. Aunt Amelia. Sit down.

I have something to tell everyone.

I don't know if I should say this.

Maybe I should wait.

It's not exactly the right moment to say this but...

I've decided something and...

I'm getting married.

Do you think that this is the right moment to joke?

What a rush.

Is she pregnant?

What's her name?

Ada.

Ada.

Of a good family?

- Is she chic? Tell me, is she chic? - She is French.

She's travelled and she's educated?

Is she pretty? And healthy?

Oh, we'll have a wedding that'll make everyone die of envy.

- When will it be? - Very soon.

Long live the bride!

- Long live the bride! - Long live the bride and groom!

God bless you both, fearless youth.

Your faith is with us like a presage of love and affection.

A haven of prolific happiness together.

That by the bride's moral pledge of fidelity

shall continue this noble race touched by that divine light.

A light that shall guide from strife each new child in his walk through life.

She's too pretty. Far too pretty for a wife.

She's more than a wife. Ada's a mistress.

Mistress, my ass!

- She won't be any good in bed. - Regina, what a way to talk!

I give her one year.

Alfredo...

Enchanting, really.

You're really a piece of shit.

You know I hate you.

I detest you.

I should be in your place.

May I?

A souvenir.

May I?

Wait.

You will look so pretty.

Like a bride.

I put my bet on Attila!

What are you talking about? Falcone will win.

- Come on, come on! - Come on, Falcone!

Attila!

My bride.

Look at Attila's gloves. They're beautiful.

- Papa, if you do, I'll be good, I swear. - And a black shirt, too?

Signor Alfredo,

together we salute you and your new bride.

Get off the table!

Send them away. I can't stand them. I can't stand them!

Look, don't be upset.

These are only our neighbours. the same as always.

The only difference is the colour of their shirts.

That's what I mean. It makes all the difference.

They're like our relatives. We have to invite them to our wedding.

After this, we won't have to see them for another 10 years.

Oh, 100 years, promise.

A thousand years, I promise.

- Is it all one family? - Yes. All Dalcos.

Before the war, there were twice as many.

Who is that beautiful woman by the fire?

Oh, that's Rosina. That's Olmo's mother.

Where is Olmo?

I looked for him. I haven't seen him all day.

And Ottavio?

I'll never forgive him.

Fine friends we have.

Go on. Go on. Go.

- Rosina, would you like some confetti? - Oh, thank you, signora. Thank you.

I knew him when he was so high.

So long ago.

It was almost dawn when we stopped the trucks

in front of that tavern, and saw the boys from Ferrara.

I swear to you, we couldn't...

Glorious day, Serafini. Glorious.

- Regina. - To us, gentlemen.

And then they started yelling, "Let's march on to Rome!"

Just remember something. You keep well away from Ada.

Who'd dare to touch your precious wife, huh?

You think she'll stand living here

with the pigs, the shit, the Dalcos?

Attila.

Shut the door.

Shut the door!

It is not the tradition of this household to have our staff members,

together with family members, mixing at the dining room table.

If you have the irresistible urge

to express yourselves in this manner again,

you will do it outside the house.

Is that clear?

This is what you were waiting for.

To become the padrone.

God only knows how long you have been waiting.

And another thing.

I know you look impressive in that uniform,

but my wife doesn't want to have any Blackshirts in the house.

Many women are...

Come on, Alfredo.

He's not educated, I agree, but listen to me.

Hang on to him. He's your watchdog.

Well, where were you, watchdog, when they broke into my father's file?

No.

What happened to the gun he kept in there?

Must have been a communist.

They don't even have respect for the dead.

You and your bride can rest without fear.

- The gun will be returned. - Never mind the gun.

You're here to keep Regina as far away from my wife as possible.

Send me away.

- Why don't you send me away? - No, I want you here.

You're part of the inheritance.

This is the prettiest house...

Attila, look at me.

It's an arm-wrestle.

Is it true you win all the arm-wrestles?

And when I think how fond I am of this house.

Regina, it's been decided.

We're all moving into the city.

They have a right to be alone.

And you tell me just like that?

I'm not coming, I'll stay here.

- Oh! Look who's here. - Ottavio.

It's a little late. Your wedding present.

My wedding present.

I love you!

Thank you.

- His name is Cocaine. - Cocaine.

- Beautiful. - Thank you, Uncle.

He's beautiful.

His name is Cocaine.

I want to ride him.

Oh, the stirrup.

One, two, three, up.

What a stunning gift.

Come in here, you coward.

Now, you make love to me here.

- In this house. - I'll make love to you.

- I'll make love to you... - It's my house, too.

- ...So hard. - I'm part of the inheritance.

Didn't you know?

The gentry have a special place to masturbate.

Alfredo and I used to do it here.

You're a beast!

I felt so sorry for you.

Standing there, taking the insults.

At heel beside your master.

- I'm his watchdog. - Then bite!

Bark!

Don't let him treat me that way.

He cannot treat me that way!

What kind of a man are you?

Who are you?

Never bite the hand that feeds you,

so long as you need to be fed.

But Alfredo is rotten! He's rotten!

Alfredo's your cousin.

Look at the bitch.

Just married and she's running away.

Regina...

I love you.

I gain strength from insult and humiliation.

I gain strength.

And Italy is my master.

I serve only her.

That is what we marched for.

The rich, they take and they steal and they...

They eat. They eat well and they are rotten.

We fascists, we eat crumbs and we gain strength.

Alfredo Berlinghieri...

You...

...and all parasites...

...Will pay the bill for the fascist revolution.

And the bill will not be cheap.

The bill will not be cheap.

Everybody will pay.

Everybody, rich and poor, gentry and peasant,

they will pay with money and land and bread

and cows and cheese and blood and shit!

You really love me?

You love me?

Will you love me forever?

Attila?

Here are your gloves.

Regina...I love you forever.

- Your gloves... - My gloves!

Our best man.

Have you ever played the wedding game?

Have you ever played the wedding game?

Whoa! My net! Keep still!

Keep still! You'll rip my net. You're scaring him.

Get me out of here! What are you waiting for?

If you don't keep still for a minute...

There...

Well? Come on!

Calm down.

- What is this net doing here? - It's a trap, a trap for brides.

Do you catch many?

You're the first.

- And the last. - Help me down.

- Is all this land ours? - All yours.

I have a feeling I'm going to like it here. I used to think I hated the country.

Oh, I love the smell of earth.

That's dried shit.

- What's in there? - No, no!

No!

My birds are in there.

What are you doing?

Help me up now.

They were all at the party today.

- Except you. - Yes, except me.

Alfredo thinks of you as a real friend, you know that.

Yes, I know. I know, but we're different.

So perhaps you're not such good friends.

Perhaps.

Maybe you're enemies!

Patrizio!

- What did you have to eat? - All kinds of hors d'oeuvres.

And salmon mousse.

Larks on a spit.

- What else? - Fresh sturgeon and suckling pig.

- Have you seen my son? - Oh, no, I haven't.

- And what else? - If I catch him, I'll give him a thrashing.

Patrizio?

Patrizio!

Are you going to tell someone on us? Will you?

Are you going to tell someone on us? Will you?

You wouldn't tell anyone on us.

Patrizio!

Come on, let's search through there.

Not there.

I'm getting mud all over my shoes.

I don't feel like seeing him now. I'll come tomorrow.

Alfredo!

Thanks for coming.

Good catch?

- A few thrushes. - A few thrushes.

Do you like my wife?

Very good-looking couple. Ada and the horse.

Where's my father's gun?

I've hidden it.

You'd better be careful.

If you don't use it, it gets rusty.

- Patrizio! - Patrizio!

- Did you look in the chicken coop? - Yes, we're going to the farm now.

Patrizio!

It belonged to Lady Godiva, you know.

- Then I should ride him nude. - How nice.

It's the right moment.

- What's happened? - In there.

Signora! Signora, what is it?

In there.

In there.

What have they done to him?

What have they done?

What have they done to him?

- It happened just a little while ago. - What have they done?

He must still be around.

Look, look!

You.

You weren't at the wedding.

I know him!

He'd kill us all!

They're all alike, those peasants.

Olmo Dalco.

Don't move.

I accuse you of the murder of this child.

Hit him!

Murderer! Hit him!

Olmo!

Olmo!

They're killing him.

But Olmo had nothing to do with it. He couldn't have. He was with me.

Go on, kill him!

He killed him! Killed!

One day they'll kill all of you!

I know who killed him.

I did.

Killer!

Killer!

- The killer has come. - I didn't mean to.

It was an accident.

Come on.

Attila, stop that. That's enough.

That's all. Stop it. Stop. Stop!

- Take this man to the police. - I didn't do it.

I never hurt a fly. I didn't do it.

I'm a little crazy. I was joking. I only said it because...

Look, he's been stealing food.

Ladies and gentlemen. the reception is over.

It's beginning to rain. and it's getting dark.

And I think everyone should leave now.

Look at the state Olmo's in. Why didn't you stop them?

What do you mean, the state Olmo's in? What about the state Patrizio was in?

Olmo's innocent! I told you, I was with him!

I know you were with him!

You're becoming like them. Worse.

No! Ottavio, no!

Don't go away. No, stay.

I'm sorry, Ada.

I'll never set foot here again.

No!

All right, another one. Come on. Let's pull him out.

Get him on his back.

Hold him, now.

Hey, Olmo, let him work. Let him work.

That's got him.

Papa! Papa!

What a hand, huh?

Exact. Two squares, anytime.

Nobody can kill pigs as good as my papa.

Watch out, Olmo.

We saw Attila, and he said to slaughter our hogs.

We're a lot better off if we find someone else.

He said you took on this work so you'd be free to go to each house

and preach revolution, family by family.

- How is a man to live if he can't work? - Like Attila. He feeds on evil.

Stella.

Stella. Stella, we need more water.

Here's some water.

There's more hot water.

You're Olmo!

You don't recognise me.

There was an amnesty. They let me go. I've been walking for 30 days.

You came back?

I walk and I walk and I walk. Can't stop.

Then why did you have to mix in that day?

You were down on the ground.

They were all on top of you.

They were beating you to death.

All those years in jail for nothing.

In jail, in a barn.

Under a tree, what's the difference?

Stop it! Stop it! You know what they'll do.

You keep singing that song. they'll break your heads, that's what.

The fascists will put you in jail if you make jokes about Mussolini.

I didn't kill the boy.

You didn't kill the boy.

It was one of those men with the black shirts on.

Who?

I saw him hide the body in the cave.

- Who was it? - It's hard to say.

In black shirts. All killers look the same.

I walk and I walk and I walk.

Can't stop.

Where is socialism?

When you get what you want, you want more.

Iike animals that eat because they can't stop.

The padrone can't stop. You become a padrone, you can't stop.

You get a piece of land, then you want another piece.

That's human nature.

We gotta fight human nature. That's what's no good.

Stella.

The seminaries take in studs and they fall out mules.

No good to anybody.

Tell them, Carlino. You're smarter than they think.

You let the priests pay for your keep three or four years.

Then we give them a boot in the ass and long live Lenin.

What Lenin? You've got to start facing the truth.

They abolished our paper.

The community house is gone and no more election.

But this changed. Look here.

Read it. It's your newspaper.

The one our comrades print.

We could go to prison. You can see how many have read it.

Now memorise it. It's up to you.

Because once this is gone, you'll teach the others.

Those who don't see it and those who can't read. Here.

All right, I'll memorise the newspaper, but what good is it if we have no party?

No leader? Nobody to lead us? Look at us, Olmo. We're all scattered.

If one of us opens his mouth, he gets slapped in jail.

Our party's outlawed, we haven't got a chance.

No party? It's not true. The party is no one but you.

And Eugene and Enzo and Armando.

Cross over the river, you'll find only kales.

Need more, then go and speak with the bellman.

You'll see the party around you wherever you find hardworking men.

Go inside the prisons and you'll see hundreds of your comrades.

The party's there, too. It's everywhere. Tell him, Eugene. You tell him.

"A hundred factory workers were arrested at Rossi Textiles.

"While 135 were...”

Anita!

Anita? Where'd my daughter go?

Anita!

Olmo, she went to the padrona for a lesson.

What padrona?

- Signora Ada. - Ada. Ada.

"Strikers paraded in the city streets.

"Several came to blows with fascist city officials

"who tried to block the demonstration, including fascist Mayor Aliani.

"The officials were forced to call Milano for extra carabinieri.

"While fighting with the troops, four of our comrades were killed.”

I don't know where you'll get the courage to go home tonight.

His wife will kill him!

Hey, Berlinghieri, I want a return match.

Now, now, now. Calm down, Ferrara.

You've just lost your whole stable of livestock.

What else can you stake?

He wants to end up like your mayor friend in Mantua.

Clothes of honour, and not much money,

the mayor stakes his wife.

- Oh, I'm sorry. Forgive me. - Signor Alfredo.

Cavaliere Pioppi would like to have a word with you.

What shall I say to him?

I thought I told you not to come into this place with mud on your shoes.

Cavaliere Pioppi.

You all know Cavaliere Pioppi.

The only honest man among us.

Now, if you'll excuse us for a few minutes.

No, don't worry. Don't worry about it. Everything will be all right.

You'll have a return match. You'll lose some more livestock.

Thank God you have your health.

I'm glad one of us has a little enjoyment.

We've...

We've trouble making ends meet.

Our lands have been barren. We've...

As you must know, your father and I were friends.

He was always telling me.

"Careful, Pioppi, you're not an administrator.

"You let things get out of hand.”

- But he'd help us. - Yes, he helped us.

He helped us sign so many mortgages

there's not a piece of land left in our name.

I wouldn't have bothered you, only she insisted.

You and I have been rather good friends.

It's embarrassing. I...

- How much do you need? - Oh, I knew you wouldn't refuse us.

You're more understanding than your father was.

Well.

Well, do you have anything left to mortgage at all?

The villa.

Olmo.

- The house, you said? - The villa.

- You're not allowed in here. - Get away.

You don't learn easy, do you, boy? You don't listen, do you?

Get away!

You've been told 100 times you're not allowed in here. Don't you push me!

Somebody's going to teach you a lesson you'll never forget.

- Get away! - Now, you get out of here!

You don't learn, do you? You're going to come to a bad end, boy.

You think you're the king of this fucking castle.

- Get away. - Attila.

The time's come when I'll show you. once and for all, you're not!

- Now, you get out of here! - Get away!

What the hell is going on over here?

His shoes are dirty.

What are you doing here? What do you want?

All right, I'm poor,

a peasant, a worker and a killer.

- And I want my daughter! - Attila!

"By the...”

"Rushes."

"Rushes and under the sky,

"my lovely house doth lie.”

Good girl. Here you are.

- Anita, come home. - But, Papa, not before I finish.

I don't like you to come here, you know that.

She has to learn how to read and write.

You're not her mother.

I don't want her here!

He's right, you know.

I mean, what the hell gives you the right to act like a missionary?

What the hell gives you the right?

I love that child!

I don't care whether you love that child. The child is out of place here.

Leave other people's children alone.

All right. Now I'll devote myself to our children!

No, don't! Just devote yourself to me!

November's the cruellest month of the year.

Damn it!

Bitch. Filthy bitch!

But I'll get in there. I'll get a bottle.

The key.

Now, give me the key.

The key!

Go and get drunk at the tavern.

We're respectable people here in this house.

Didn't you know that?

I want that key!

I'll stick it up your ass!

You stupid thing.

How stupid you are.

But why shouldn't you have what you want?

You must drink all you want.

You're the padrona. Aren't you the padrona?

So you'll have all the drink you want.

Help me. Why don't you help me?

You want a drink?

I don't want it anymore.

I baptise you, Regina, Queen of the Bitches.

Ada!

Good evening.

Go to bed, little witch. Go on.

Ada.

Good night, angel.

Sleep well.

Signora,

care for some wine?

Yes, I don't mind if I do.

- A drop is good from time to time. - Two or three, even.

It's so nice here.

What's so nice, may I ask?

Anita saying good night.

The smell of your supper.

The way you are all together.

And your mother sleeping by the fire.

Well, you may live here if you find it so nice. I'll put in a cot.

You know the big doors that open into the court?

Every evening, the padrone would close everybody in.

- Really? - I remember the key.

It was as big as that.

And so the peasants were all locked up, same as prison.

We were able to dance, to sing to our children.

Able to die, but impossible to get out.

We had to be shut up like beasts till morning.

Then what happened?

Come the morning,

the padrone would send a servant to open the door for us.

I'm not talking about the Middle Ages, either.

- Amusing, no? - No.

Grandfather Leo was alive. I was just a little boy.

Once Alfredo got into our house here

and was locked up with all of us.

Well, the doors are open now

but Alfredo never comes.

What do you think of Alfredo?

The padrone are our enemies. We have to destroy them all.

The padrone's Alfredo.

And me?

You are the padrona.

No, not really. I am the wife of the padrone.

Anita, don't you think her mother would have wanted her to study?

Olmo.

Rosina, we woke you up.

Olmo.

- It's all right. - Go away.

-I had a terrible dream, Olmo. - It's all right, Mama.

I was on the top of a mountain with Grandfather Leo.

- Yes. - "Look down," he said.

- Come to bed. - "Those are the years to come.

- "One is limping, another is blind.” - It's all right.

- "That one has no head.” - It's late, Mama.

Take little Anita and run away. Run, Olmo. Everything's gone to ruin.

- Do you hear that? He's there. - Shut up.

Over there, I saw him. He was moving.

He comes to spy.

Go away, go away. Leave us alone.

Do something!

Here?

Here?

It's a cat!

Every night I dream of that kid.

He's all covered with blood.

I hate him.

You drive me crazy.

I'll never come to this fucking room again!

Don't be angry. I'm fed up, too.

Whenever we feel like doing it,

we have to behave like a couple of thieves.

Hiding.

You could change all that if you wanted to.

You give the orders around here. He's as weak as a jellyfish.

Ada's drunk all the time.

You have the keys to everything, don't you, my dear?

No, I deserve a house of my own, fit for somebody like me.

I Know one.

- Where? - Villa Pioppi.

The mortgage is nearly due.

Can't you see us,

the two of us,

sitting together in Chinese dressing gowns,

listening to the radio broadcast from Rome?

A servant very quietly comes in

with two glasses of Marsala wine.

Marsala, my ass. I want champagne.

Hey!

Stella!

Hey, where are you running? What's the matter, sweetheart?

They took him away! My Martino and his brother Gelindo!

Who did it?

It's those guards. They're taking them away.

The guards? What? Wait.

Wait. All of you, come with me.

No, Olmo, where are you going?

Have you lost your head? Will you put that gun away?

You'll get us all in trouble.

You promised to look out for us and not lose your head like this.

Prison.

Yes, prison.

Prison.

Prison.

- Olmo, where are you going? - Prison!

Come back, Olmo!

Wait, Stella!

Martino! Gelindo!

Wait, Stella.

Stella.

Hold on, comrades! We'll get you out of this!

Stop. You'll only make it worse.

- Hold on! Hold on! - No, no!

Martino! Gelindo!

You'll make it worse!

Come, come.

There are hundreds of us! There are thousands!

There's no room in your jails to keep us!

What are you doing, Olmo? Can't you see you're all alone?

Stella, wait!

No, no!

The party won't abandon you!

Yes, but these chains hurt! They hurt all the same!

- Christ is with us. - Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

Since my husband died, they haven't left me in peace.

I have nothing but debts.

But all the same, I have always made my offering

for the holy wounds of Jesus.

It's true I don't have the money for the mortgage,

but I look at it this way:

if I have to choose between the mortgage and the holy wounds,

then I choose the wounds.

They wish I were dead anyway.

This has become a fixation.

Don't you know that blaming others is a sin?

A very bad sin.

You don't believe me?

What do you call this, then?

Look, here's the proof.

Please, come on, please. I can't bear cats, even live ones.

He used to sleep with me.

They want to hurt the things I love.

They want to hurt me! They want to take everything away from me!

They're wicked people!

There's the car.

- Well, at last. - Yes. Here.

Aren't you coming in? They're waiting for you.

No, no, not tonight.

At least tonight, one should stay at home.

Come on, Josephine.

- Don't eat too much. - Ciao, Pierro.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

- Evening, signor. - Good evening.

We'll play cards later. Maybe I'll get lucky.

- Yes. See you all about midnight. - Ciao. Ciao.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

You know how long I've been looking for you?

Signora Berlinghieri can no longer drink at home

because the wine is locked away.

She can no longer drink in small cafes

because her husband has given orders against it.

So she drinks in taverns.

I'm going to have you locked up in an asylum.

I can drink here. I can even fall under the table.

Nobody sees me anyway.

Get up from there. Get up.

You look disgusting.

Your face is all swollen from the alcohol.

You stink. Get up.

- ...full of the Christmas spirit... - Get up.

...as you can tell with their fun-loving song.

Do I disgust you, too?

...and right into your homes, where on Christmas Eve

everyone should find comfort and...

Am I swollen?

...and social order. Happy mothers and fathers, but above all...

- Do I stink? - Do you need help, signora?

...favourite book or favourite dolly, they find a piece of Christmas holly.

Let's get along to one more song.

Don't get mixed up. They'll only take you for a fool.

I know why you don't want me to drink.

It's because when I drink,

it gives me the courage to tell you the truth.

You are different. You have changed.

You are surrounded by terrible, vulgar, arrogant bullies.

Murderers.

And you are even worse than they are.

Come. Have a drink with us.

- My husband wants to meet you. - Come on. It's getting late.

Stop staring at them. Come on. Let's go.

Stop staring, you idiot. They'll get you in trouble. Move.

Hey! Hey! Hey, wait a minute.

- You can't refuse a drink. - Let us go, signora, please.

- Where are you going? - To wash, signora.

- Why? - It's Christmas.

Oh, for heaven's sake. Stay like this.

You're much more beautiful the way you are.

Can I have your cap?

- You really want it? - Yes.

To remember you by.

Excuse us, signora. Excuse us, please.

What do you want? What do you want me to do?

- Signore, we're closing. - We're leaving.

I'll get your coat.

Charcoal.

Charcoal.

Charcoal.

Charcoal for sale.

You slut.

You like fooling around with everyone.

- Even Olmo. -Olmo?

What an imagination.

Is it my imagination to have seen you together?

That I've seen you with him before?

Is it my imagination that I smell him on you?

Do you think Olmo would have anything to do with the wife of a fascist?

Fascist? I am not a fascist!

If you call me that again, I will kill you!

If I see you again with him, I will kill you!

You'll kill me because we can't make love anymore.

Fighting, huh?

Lucky you. I guess you love each other.

How are you?

How are you?

- You know her? - I think so.

Sit down.

Neve?

Neve, this is Ada.

I'm glad you remember me.

What about you? You're not from around here.

You look like a lady.

But you are a lady, aren't you?

She's my wife.

You know, after that day, I never had another attack.

Oh, God knows what went on in my head.

And then I found a man, a good man. I liked him. I was very fond of him.

When my mother died, we got married. A hard worker.

We settled down here, on this street. I still live here.

- What happened to him? - Oh, he disappeared one day.

I never saw him again.

But even if he's taken up with another woman, I'm happy.

I learn about how to manage and how I can get by fine on my own.

There were no children. It's the only thing I miss.

You know, I never knew if it was my fault or his.

Oh, my cake, I forgot.

Why don't you stay here and eat with us?

They are nice people, you know.

And where can you go this time of night?

You'll enjoy it, you'll see.

Oh, Neve. I thought you'd never show up.

She must have lost time at the baker's. So many people waiting.

Alfredo.

I want a child.

Go. Go to your midnight Mass.

- Ciao, Oreste. Merry Christmas. - Sing your hearts out.

Let everybody know what hypocrites you are.

Careful, Oreste. The devil will take you.

I'm not afraid of the devil. He's red, like me.

And when I die...

- Who lives here? - Attila Mellanchini.

He's really come up in the world.

- He lives here alone? - No, with his beloved Regina.

The most envied couple in the whole valley.

- Really? - Yes.

Merry Christmas, Signorina Regina!

What are you doing out there in the cold? Come inside.

Merry Christmas, Signora Pioppi! We don't want to be late for Mass!

We can have a drop to warm ourselves, then we can all three go together.

Oh, she's really crazy.

First, she cuts me down in public, then invites us for a drink.

- Marvellous. - Maybe she's trying to make up to us.

What difference does it make?

Well, aren't you coming?

Let's see what it's like inside.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor.

You're making fun of me.

They'll elect you one of these days.

You're still a young man.

Young and strong.

Everything is so artistic, just like being abroad.

The house is perfect for a real lady.

Very elegant. Very...

Very tasteful.

Do you really think so?

Come and see the living room.

- What is she doing? - I told you, she's mad.

Caught you, didn't I? Now you'll have to listen to me.

I'm the one doing the talking now.

You want to get out?

Then you'll have to sign a paper saying this house will remain mine.

Attila! Attila, look!

You got that mortgage from my husband with threats,

with political blackmail!

You made his heart give out.

You tormented the poor man until he died.

"It's all so artistic. as if you were abroad."

Made to order for a high party official, isn't it, Mr Blackshirt?

But now I've got you trapped and I'll not let you go.

You're not leaving here.

This house is mine and it'll stay mine.

"Made in

"Czechoslovakia."

Sinners. Rogues.

Concubine! Concubine!

You see? I told you. She called you a concubine.

If we don't get married soon.

We'll be the laughing stock of the whole countryside.

The radio doesn't work.

You've harmed me for the last time.

What has my poor cat done to you?

Murderers.

That's what you are, murderers.

Murderers! Murderers! Murderers!

Murderers.

Murderers.

Murderers.

Signora Pioppi, calm down.

Open the door. You're really hysterical.

What are you talking about?

All these silly accusations.

If you just open the door, we can talk it over.

We're respectable people, Signora Pioppi.

Admit it, I look nice in the coalman's hat.

- You look irresistible. - Yes.

But I prefer you in my hat.

Who are these people?

Oh, they must be coming from midnight Mass.

What's going on?

A robbery.

What was there to rob? She was full of debts.

Poor people. They had to mortgage everything,

the land, the villa, everything.

Who has the mortgage?

Oh, my God!

Everything she owned is mortgaged to Alfredo Berlinghieri.

What do mortgages have to do with it? This was obviously a sex crime.

She was still a very handsome woman. She undoubtedly had some relationship.

- Merry Christmas, Signorina. - Good evening, Commissioner.

Mortgages.

I wouldn't be surprised if this weren't the act of a crazed, jealous lover.

It could be anyone, possibly someone right here.

She probably led him on,

then spurned him.

With his lust aroused,

he possibly raped her.

Then this murder.

Maniacs. Communists. Perverts.

May I take a look?

There, you see? No underwear.

Why does a woman take off her underwear?

Why?

Coward.

Coward.

Ada! Ada!

Olmo! Olmo!

Olmo!

Olmo!

What is this? Why do you have a lock? What do you have to hide?

- Why do you lock yourself in? - I lock others out.

Where's my wife?

That's enough! Get out of here!

- Olmo! - Get out of here.

- I'm sorry. I... - Get out of here!

- What's he want? - His wife.

You'll wake up the children.

I'm sorry. I don't know what's the matter with me.

I don't know. I'm not feeling well. I think I have a heart condition.

- Feel my heart. - What heart?

You're just sick in the head.

Oh, maybe you're right, I don't know.

I'm going crazy. Ada's gone. I don't know where she is now.

And you come looking for her in my bed?

What's so wrong about that?

- What do you mean? - You know what I mean.

-Goon. - You know what I mean.

Go on!

Oh, I think it's very, very, very possible because I think you like her.

Yeah.

You're right.

And she likes me.

We fuck and fuck, fuck all the night.

But it's not enough for her, not enough.

It seems she wants to stuff this salami up her ass.

Oh, Olmo, stop acting like a pig. You're really not funny.

I don't understand how you could talk like that.

If you knew what I was going through tonight, you wouldn't.

They killed that wretched widow Pioppi.

There's such violence here. It's all around us.

I don't know.

It would have to happen tonight, just as Ada and I were finally able to talk.

We were so close after so long. It was just like in the beginning.

She saw all that blood and she ran away.

As if it were my fault. I mean, I don't know what I had to do with it.

Who gets the widow's house?

The property?

They'll imprison some poor devil who's done nothing.

Call him a communist.

There are too many innocent people who have died, Alfredo.

And you'll soon see more and more and more.

And there are too many in jail. And it's you.

It's you and others like you who wanted it.

It's you.

I'm happy you have a woman in the house.

Your daughter needs a mother.

She only came for Christmas.

Her husband is in jail.

Has it never occurred to you why so many of your friends

are in jail and not you?

You, of all people, who should have been the first to end up inside?

Because I have stopped Attila, that's why.

Because I have made him drop his bone.

If you protect me, it's been in your interest.

That's right. Go on, insult me. Insult your old friend.

If I protect you, it's because I care about you.

Don't you remember we used to catch frogs together?

You remember how beautiful it was along the ditches in the summer, huh?

I caught the frogs, you ate them.

Come on.

Come on, you hole-in-the-pocket socialist.

Don't you remember anything?

Yes, yes, I remember.

I remember your wedding day.

And I remember I was beaten up.

And I remember you stood and watched.

You also remember when you broke into my father's house

and when you stole his gun?

And if you're so courageous, why haven't you ever used it?

To get killed? Is that what you want?

Enough talk, Alfredo.

Go home. You'll find Ada there.

- You really think so? - Sure, sure.

Take this, just in case.

Stick it up yours!

Ada?

Ada? Ada.

Ada, open the door. Are you all right?

Say something. Ada! Ada!

Open the door or I'll break it down.

Ada? Ada, are you all right?

Are you all right, Ada?

Ada, say something at least.

It's not my fault, Ada. Please, open up.

It's not my fault.

Listen, we'll take a trip. We'll go to Paris.

Wouldn't you like to do that?

We can leave tomorrow. We can even leave now if you want.

We'll have a child. We'll have a child!

The most recent communiqué from an Axis Army...

I've just seen Aunt Ada.

Be a good girl now. Come, I made it sweet for you.

- Just the way you like it. - Nicolo, come have your lunch.

Come on.

One more like a good girl.

The allied forces are fighting desperately to keep their hold

on the Kasserine Pass.

With the help of ltalo-German air power,

our gallant soldiers have breached the pass in several places,

turning northward in the direction of Tébessa and Thala.

So you saw your Auntie Ada?

I mean it, I mean it.

Don't talk nonsense.

Ada is dead. Dead, dead, dead.

Why do you say she's dead?

She's in a room. Caged beast.

She eats the hearts of bad children.

...and 66 heavy artillery pieces of various calibre.

Hail the Duce, people.

This is what is known as the fascist miracle.

We don't need those cart horses anymore.

We put the power of 50 horses in one machine.

They're sold, did you hear?

Time's up.

Hey, Barone!

Barone, what's the use of those cart horses?

Unless you got a stable hand.

You need a stable hand, Barone?

Seems fit. Any family?

Widower. One daughter.

It all depends. How much are you selling them for?

Barone, I give you the best deal in the world.

Barone's a good man. You'll be very happy with him.

So I'm sold, too?

Part of the contract.

Horses, horseman, horse manure.

You all hear? I was sold.

To that merchant there. Stupid beast!

I can't be milked, though. Or be fed with hay.

I can't provide milk or make a meal of grain.

For I'm not a beast.

Only a peasant.

A peasant like you men. Understand?

Can they buy us for nothing?

Is a peasant for sale?

Is it just?

Well, tell me, is it just?

Olmo, tie the horses to the back of the motorcycle,

get your daughter, and get going.

Horse manure!

Horses go in horse manure!

Shit! Shit! Let it out.

Don't hold back, for God's sake, shit! I'm going to wait, come on.

What about I] Duce?

He's full of shit, too!

God bless us. A full behind.

Look. Look at all the shit.

The greatest load of horse shit and dung.

- It stinks. - Here comes another load!

Go ahead, everybody! Laugh!

You little shit! It's all right! It's all right!

- Here, we can begin to change things. - Hey, Barone!

Make him eat it, Olmo! Horse shit pie!

Milk and wine give you lines. Tell your padrona.

Tell her milk on the tongue keeps you young.

Stupid.

Ciao, Teresita.

- Hurry, Olmo, before it's too late. - On your way, Olmo.

- God knows what Attila will do. - Olmo, there is no time.

Yes.

- Stay away until you're sure it's safe. - Don't worry about the house.

- I want to go with you. - No, it's better if you go to Stella's.

- Please. Take me with you, please. - Be good. Be good. You promised.

All right, take the key. Take the key. It's yours.

- All right, I'll come back. - Yes.

I'll come back, I'll come back.

- Here, you need it more than I do. - Thank you. Thank you.

Now, listen, you'd better keep your doors locked,

and don't go out alone.

- Thank you. - Ciao, Olmo.

- Goodbye, Olmo. Come back soon. - Ciao.

- Take care of yourself, Olmo. - Yes. Be prepared for the worst.

- You carry our blessings. - Write to us. Send us word.

- Let us know how you are. - Good luck, Olmo.

Here, Olmo, take this. Goodbye. Be careful.

We'll see you soon. Don't let them get you, Olmo.

Good luck, Olmo.

Signora Ada, I have a new story for you.

- And today it's a true story. - Wait. Wait. Wait.

What happened was Attila wanted to sell Olmo.

- Sell Olmo? - Yes.

Attila bought a new tractor for the farm and was showing off.

And so then he said horsemen are finished,

and if it'd be of any use, he'd sell Olmo along with the horses.

- Nobody helped Olmo? - Yeah, they all did.

And then you know what happened? It began to rain.

- What? - Yeah, it rained horse manure.

Horse manure, all over Attila. His nose, his eyes. All over.

- Even on his bald head. - On Regina, too?

No, but they'd have got her, too, had she been there.

Then they massaged all the horses' asses and got a lot of fresh shit.

And after that, Attila smelled like a pigsty.

But then, all of a sudden, the farmers were scared.

And Olmo left on his bicycle.

- Olmo ran away? - Yeah.

Attila will come with his fascists.

Everyone cried when Olmo left, signora.

But he wanted to go. He was free. Don't you understand?

- No, he was sad. - Oh, you're stupid.

You're in a fog. He was happy.

Poor Olmo had to leave his daughter and had to leave his house.

He wasn't glad at all.

What do you know? You know nothing.

- You're leaving, too, signora? - I'm leaving, yes. And for good.

Everybody's going.

I won't need these. You can have them.

This, too. Here, take this.

And this.

And this.

This.

Here, take this.

Signora,

could I have a kiss, too?

Come here.

Anthony!

Anthony!

Attila!

Attila!

Attila!

Come down here immediately!

Anthony, there are books in the other room.

Right away.

Attila!

Signor Alfredo, you've heard about it. The bastard's run off to...

Who asked you to come here? Who gave you the right to do this?

Right? He's a communist organiser.

I don't care if he's a communist or not, he's a friend of mine.

A friend of yours?

That friend stole this gun from your father 15 years ago. Look.

It's taken you a long time to find it.

I would have found it sooner if I'd been allowed to do my job.

You've done your job. Your services are no longer needed here.

What?

Listen, everybody. I fired him. I fired the foreman.

Can you hear me? I fired Attila.

Ada, it's me.

I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't be here,

but I have something very important to tell you.

I know you're going to be very happy.

I've done it. I've fired Attila. It's over.

- She's gone, padrone. Gone. - Gone?

- Where did she go? - She won't return anymore.

- Where did she go? - No more.

- Where did she go? - No more.

- Where did she go? - No more.

She said you'd understand if I dressed up in this.

Swim!

Take a look! Take a look!

You're all going to end up like that! Like sewer rats!

Go on, scream, you shit!

Cover his face in it!

Orio!

Orio!

Oh, he's dead.

Breasts. Unrighteous breasts.

- You filthy rotten fascist! - Cover yourself, you dirty bitch.

- Cover up! - Here, fire it, bastard!

Pig! Bastard! Pig!

All right, turn back.

Temesio!

- Temesio, does God exist? - No!

Attila!

Does that bastard Mussolini exist?

Temesio?

- Does II Duce exist? -No!

- The Duce doesn't exist! - Kill him.

You move and I'll kill you.

Attila. Neither do you exist, Attila.

Stop that whistling. Stop it.

I can kill all of you whenever I want to, so you can whistle till your mouths rot.

I don't give a damn for any of you.

Anthony.

Let's get out of here.

You're shit! Scum!

You're a disgrace to the Italian nation.

You are the shit of Italy!

25TH APRIL, 1945 LIBERATION DAY

Fight, comrades, in the name of Stalin.

- The Blackshirt bandits are here. - Come on, everyone, over here.

Let's wipe them out, rip their guts.

Every last one of them.

Here, Manzalone, they're just beyond the canal.

Grab these, go on.

- Hurry up! - Kill every one of them.

Anita!

Anita, what can you see there?

I can see...

I can see...

I can see a bunch of fascists. They're running away.

One of our men's running after them. He's alone.

Anita, I'll bet it's my Wildcat. God bless him.

He's only got a stick but, by God, he's giving it to them.

He's really giving it to them. If you could only see them, women!

Come on, harder!

Harder now! Kill them all!

Have you lost your tongues? Shout, women, shout!

Let our men hear us! Come on, shout!

- You kill him. - Louder!

Louder!

Blessed are the young who see what isn't there.

Hundreds of German soldiers are running off, leaving for good.

If you could only see this, too. They'll never come back.

They're throwing away their guns and their uniforms.

Oh, God.

- What do you see? What is it? - A huge cloud of dust.

A man on a white horse.

He looks like...

Like Olmo.

If only it was Olmo.

Let his soul be at rest.

Attila and Regina.

Attila and Regina!

Shoot, Attila! Shoot!

Bitches!

Stinking bastard!

Kill her!

Throw her in the shit!

Die, you fascist cow!

Fascist pig!

- Kill her! - Move, women.

Move out of the way. Let's take them to the sty.

Put this shit with the other pigs!

Now you know what a pigsty is like!

No, you can't come through.

You can't come through.

The sty is too good for them!

Hey, Comrade!

Is it true you're giving the land to those who'll work it?

Who is she?

- Have you ever seen her? - I've never seen her.

I said, is it true you're giving the land to those who'll work it?

Yes. Come on! Come on!

Let's go.

Come on, you blockheads.

Oh, how many there are.

Who are you? No one knows you,

and yet you speak words we've always wanted to hear.

This man is Carnellio, and I am Rondina, his wife.

We come from the mountains.

The Nazis, they burned everything, all our houses.

And the fascists, they took all our goods.

I say, first of all we have to give them a place to sleep.

Best let us sleep inside the sheds here.

No, the shed is for vagabonds.

And the house is where comrades stay.

Pigsties are for the fascists.

Everything will be fine.

So glad that I shall die

And yet I'm sorry

I'm so sorry that I die

So I won't worry

Shut up, you gravedigger!

Who goes there?

The people's committee for community swine allotment.

More pigs than I ever saw.

Come here, my beauty.

Oh, let me kiss you.

Come, another, I need another kiss.

Oh, let me touch you, you're so beautiful.

Let me get on you.

- I want to spend the whole night... - Can't you show pity?

Bastards! Bastards!

13.14.15.

16. 17. 18.

And with those two sitting there, it's 20.

Just a moment, comrades. My heart's heavy in me.

Abolishing the padrone's rights will make me feel

100% better, I can tell you that.

Then I guess we must be idiots.

Nobody can make out what you're saying.

Take a look at all these pigs in here.

Prosciutto, salami, sausage, feet and knuckles and lard,

and mortadella. Who do they belong to now?

Listen here, you'll own all the animals.

Socialism can bring it all to you.

How do I know that socialism is really going to feed me?

And what my heart is heavy for is those two souls there.

All the Dalcos step forward.

You others from the mountains ruled by priests,

instead of wallowing in ignorance, try beating your head three times

to let in socialist ideas.

- What do you want to do? - You heard him.

So did you, about beating your head.

Why beat our heads three times? What did he mean?

Beating your head makes no sense.

Look at him.

Look at him.

Look at him.

I can see you're a man of feeling.

Help him.

Don't you see he is dying like a pig?

Help him.

In the name of humanity.

Look, right there is where my grandfather's buried.

"Patrizio Avanzini.

"Tender flower plucked by the cruel hands of destiny.”

Cruel hands of destiny.

Destiny's hands.

My hands.

The cruel hands of destiny.

Regina.

Regina.

Our children will harvest the seeds we have planted. Regina.

You are as ugly as sin.

- Get away! - Don't cut her hair!

Don't cut her hair!

PIERO PIOPPI DIED AS HONESTLY AS HE LIVED

IDA CANTA ELLI, WIDOW OF PIOPPI A GOOD AND SAINTLY WOMAN

OFFENDED BY THE CRUELTY OF TIME

"Canta Elli Pioppi.

"Good and saintly woman. offended by the cruelty of time.”

I am that cruel time.

Me, I killed that crazy bitch.

And that little turd, Patrizio.

Me. Attila Mellanchini.

Fascist.

Man.

Pigs.

Scum.

Shits.

Turd.

Stop that music! This is not a dance hall!

You have no respect for our dead!

Look, everybody.

Come here, everybody!

- Who is that? - I don't know.

Kill me. Kill me!

Kill me, quick. Kill me.

Kill me.

Kill me!

- Get away. - Kill me.

Be careful. Watch from behind here.

Don't look when a lady is pissing.

Halt. No one can pass here.

Go on.

- Who is that? - It's the padrone. He is my prisoner.

Why are you holding him here in this stall?

I'm waiting for the partisans.

It takes a pretty smart boy to fool with such a gun.

Go, Marina. You be the first one up. Careful you don't fall.

- Paint out all the fascist slogans! - Paint everything out!

- Throw the paint on! - Brush out. Brush out everything!

No! No, wait! That goose is mine!

That's my goose! It's mine!

Where are you going? Give it to me! Give it back!

If it's yours, then it's everybody's. It can't be yours if it's everybody's.

Did you have to pick mine to be everybody's?

Make it redder! Put more red on!

Stop tickling.

Stupid ass.

Cut it out.

Mil kill you.

Will you look who's here? We forgot all about our padrone.

Even forgot to arrest him.

Good for you, Leonito. Good boy.

The children have more imagination than we do.

Excuse me, padrone, I held my hand back so long, it escaped on its own.

And my foot escaped, too.

Are you Olmo?

I hand you my prisoner.

Bravo.

Hey, are you sleeping?

Ada never came back, you know.

- You'd rather she were dead, huh? - Well, at least you came back.

Are you sure we hid it here?

- I hereby declare... - Give me the paint.

...the people's trial of Alfredo Berlinghieri,

padrone and therefore enemy of the people, now open.

I declare the people's trial of the padrone open.

- How did you know it was there? - Because I hid it.

I hereby declare the people's trial of Alfredo Berlinghieri,

padrone and therefore enemy of the people, now open.

Sit down here. This is going to be good.

My feet are killing me but I don't want to miss the show.

- Do you know when... - She didn't come back

because if she had, she'd have stood trial with you.

Do you know when she ran away? She ran away the day that you ran away.

She's cleverer than you.

You stayed to be the padrone right to the end.

What are you writing, Anita?

- We're not in school now. - Give us a hand, Anita.

This is a people's trial. What's there to write?

Comrades, what's done is worthy of being written down,

and what is written down is worthy of being read.

Just a minute.

- Oh, look at our flags! - All our flags together!

That one belonged to the Workers' League, remember?

Me and Rosina sewed them. It got bigger every year.

Olmo, I know we're ignorant,

but how can we have a trial without a lawyer?

I bring you the accused and you ask me for a lawyer?

I mean, isn't that enough?

But we are the ones who caught him, not you.

No, you didn't catch him, either.

He surrendered to Leonito right after he saw his gun.

Yes, you're right.

Lift it high! Higher!

Let's dance! Come on!

- Dance. - Get away.

Dance! Come on.

Dance!

When a mute begins to speak, he has much to say,

but the poor man is tongue-tied, as well.

It's all right. Speak with your heart, old man.

Stop the music.

I lost them harvesting your wheat for 60 years.

Can you make good now? Can they be returned?

Why did all these teeth drop out?

The padrone's are still there, all shined up.

He's able to munch with them all day long.

We made money for you and you spent it.

- You're washed and we're filthy. - You rest while we work.

You had plenty in your stomach in the famine.

You're just a leech but your old grandfather was even worse.

It's true. After a hailstorm, he wanted to fire all the day labourers.

He wasn't the one. It was his papa, Giovanni.

He's the son. It makes no difference. A padrone remains a padrone.

All land needs labourers, otherwise it would go to ruin.

But the padrone? Does anyone need the padrone?

I have one thing to say. I've never hurt anyone.

I've never hurt anyone.

All the padroni claim the very same thing.

And they're such big hypocrites, they think it's true.

I have never hurt anyone.

To be able to say that, you've taken criminals out of prison

and put communists in their place?

Listen to me, comrades.

Fascists don't spring up someday like mushrooms, all in one night.

No. Fascists are the padrone's offspring.

Inventions of the padrone.

And with these fascists, they began earning more and more.

So much that they had to put their fortunes to use,

and that's how war was invented.

For we were sent to Africa, Russia, Greece,

Albania and Spain.

But did they pay? No, we're the ones that paid!

The proletariat, the peasant, the workers!

You paid for it!

He pays now! He pays now!

Do you hear that, Alfredo Berlinghieri?

You hear the voice of the people?

We, the ignorant hicks,

who die of starvation,

will set an example here in this miserable asshole of the world.

We sentence you to death.

We condemn you and the past condemns you.

That's it, comrades.

No more padrone.

The padrone is a dead man.

I'm very tired. May I sit down?

I'm very tired.

If I understand it right, we're looking at a dead person.

Yes, he thinks he's alive, and for us the man's dead.

He doesn't exist anymore.

The man's alive. His body's on fire.

Usually, the dead grow cold.

Olmo, you learned how to speak better than a peasant.

Here.

But you should explain with simple talk.

That educated talk can play tricks.

The padrone is dead but Alfredo Berlinghieri is alive.

And we mustn't kill him.

But why not?

Because he's the living proof that the padrone's dead.

And now let's vote. Who agrees, raise your hands.

Comrades, the partisans!

The partisans are coming.

Partisans.

Comrades, the partisans.

The partisans are here.

Hey, comrades.

Silence. Silence, please.

Come over here, everybody!

I have an important communication to make.

Everybody, come over here!

- Hey, let me look at it! - Give it to me! Give it to me!

- An American gun! - Give it to me. Let's see.

We have come here in the name of the Committee of National Liberation.

We represent the Christian democrats,

we represent the liberals,

we represent the socialists,

we represent the communists and the action party.

This Committee for the Liberation of Italy...

- Sit down. - ..has assumed power temporarily,

for the purpose of maintaining law and order in the country.

And so, dear friends, I ask you to adhere

to the decision of the National Committee for Liberation

and turn your arms over to us.

-No! - Those are the orders!

Comrades, victory is like when you're drunk.

-No! - Yes!

When you drink, you say what you feel in your heart.

- It's a trap, Olmo. - Everything seems to be new for you.

No, it's the old story. I'm not going to fall for it.

The moment of truth arrives and it demands that everyone must get sober

and put your head and heart under the faucet and stop drinking.

- They're double-crossing us. - Yes.

But, please, all right...

Those guns belong to us! It's all bullshit!

Why give them the guns? They belong to us all.

Tomorrow they'll call it utopia. That's fine!

But remember, if there's evidence to persuade us

that the padrone's still there, we must say no anyway.

Because we know, we saw, all of us.

We know the truth. The padrone's dead!

Hey, boy, didn't you hear the orders?

No! Give it back to me! It's my gun!

Give it back! It's mine! It's mine!

Give it back! It's mine! Give it back to me!

The padrone's alive.