Original subtitles

Many years had gone by since "the Incident".

My son Francesco, a teacher

was forced to live abroad.

I'd moved up north with my other son Nicola,

where he did very well for himself.

That particular day the house was bustling With preparations for my granddaughter Chiara's Wedding.

Marriage was so important to Nicola

Since we were marrying into a northern aristocratic family,

You're beautiful.

And Papa and Roberto?

They're on their way

Mama, I hope that...

I hope that Papa won't get one of his boring anxiety attacks

as he's walking me down the aisle.

I made it clear I won't forgive him if he does.

But he was such a nervous wreck this morning, it's as if he's the one who's getting married.

Ha. Thank you...

Thanks everybody.

Thank you. Thank you.

Bit less applause though and a little hard work Instead.

Here, let me take it. We don't want it torn

considering we bankrupted ourselves to pay for it.

Come on, let's go... easy.

I don't want to hear about boasts again. And certainly not today of all days...

you're doing it on purpose aren't you? You don't care

that I've built up one of the most successful businesses in the area...

Something to leave my children.

Don't forget that I was born in a village that doesn't even show up on maps.

That doesn't even show up on maps. You've told us, Papa.

I don't know anything about producing mozzarella cheese

but I've learned a bit about boats.

So now you've got something against mozzarella?

May I remind you that everything you see around here

is built on a mozzarella mountain...

This is your future forgive me for mentioning it.

Thanks but I'd quite like to build my own future if It's all the same to you.

There's good money in Boat charter.

All I'm asking you for is a small Loan to pay my share.

a couple of hours about 200 vultures,

businessmen, industrialists and local toffs, are

coming here to celebrate our union with the Borghetti di Camerana family...

by guzzling my champagne and trampling all over the flowerbeds.

No wonder I've got a splitting headache.

And all you can do is talk this bullshit at me.

Will you lend me the money or not?

No...

Shit

Do you have to wear sterilized gloves Today?

Any reason why not?

Highly appropriate for the wedding day

Listen...

she's giving her hand away,

not mine.

Papa, they make you look like the family butler.

You 'd rather I showed my rash off to everyone?

You haven't got a rash. Like you don't have emphysema,

bronchitis, or a heart problem.

I see.

Just say it. You think I'm pretending when I say I'm sick.

We don't think that at all Nicola...

We always you believe you...

Don't we children?

Of course we do.

Of course we do Papa.

You mustn't get excited, eh?

Sure...

who's excited... let's go.

We'll make it I think.

Ah, what?

What is going on?

Try to think.

Try to think hard.

I'll offer you a hint.

1Mama's inside.

Oh. How c'd y' do that?

Oh...

Poor Nicola.

Used to have a heart attack Over every little thing.

Not at all like me.

I've always been cool, calm, and collected...

although that particular morning...

perhaps I'd taken a leaf out of his book.

Mama,

Mama.

Are you ready?

Hey.

They're waiting for us...

Let's go

The bride's waiting outside...

you wouldn't want Her to be late.

She's fallen asleep again. That's all I need.

Do you want to give me a heart attack?

Mama

Mama please lets go.

Mama...

we're very late.

Wake up mother.

It already was an odd feeling.

I could hear my son's voice

but I wasn't able to answer.

Mama.

No no oh no oh God. Ma-Mum

Anyway I felt just fine...

light...

best of a my bones didn't ache any longer.

I didn't immediately realized that...

well... in other words... you know what I mean.

In any case I'll tell you this.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

I know... I know.

Some things are hard to Believe when you're alive

but the whole situation wasn't in the least sad from my point of view.

On the contrary,

I felt that something that hadn't

happened for 40 years was about to occur.

The Lord is good and merciful

and if he chose this moment

to call your beloved mother to him dear Nicola

we must trust,, in his divine,,,

reason for that.

There certainly was a reason

that only a mother could understand.

The reason I was the only happy person

in the congregation

was that I knew

"he" was about to arrive at any moment.

It almost made my heart pound loudly.

What's wrong...

You brother.

Haha. Late as usual,

but not too late,

my other son Francesco arrived.

Let us pray.

Nicola hadn't said anything about having a Brother.

It was because of "that incident".

The fact that Francesco was "different".

But lies walk on short legs.

Gamerota

Yes.

Who's that weird fellow over there"

I don't suppose he's a friend of your is he?

Who do you mean?

The queer sitting over there.

I don't know. I never laid eyes on him before.

I would have guessed,,,

some acquaintance of Mama's.

Well that's a relief.

For a second I was scared you were bringing some old faggot,,,

into our family.

Speaking of which we have to start thinking about a new date,,

for the children's weeding... eh?

Yes,, yes...

I'll take care of it.

From St Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians;

brothers we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep,

I don't know you.

We've never met.

Do you understand?

If you dare spread the word that we're brothers,,

I swear that his time I'll kill you.

Mmm. It's almost reassuring,,,

to see time has had no effect on you.

Even now you're still ashamed of your homosexual brother...

hmmm.

Still the same little insecure boy from the sticks.

Still worried about what the neighbors are saying.

Whereas you've never given a damn about what people Say or think.

You're a free spirit...

Well brother, I'll never forgive you for what you did.

I don't recall having asked for your forgiveness.

Don't lose any sleep though...

once we've taken mother to the cemetery,,

there's no reason for us to meet again.

That's fine with me.

Well they sometimes used to quarrel when they were young

but hey always made up in the end.

At least they had met this time

and that gave me the chance to play my trump card.

Since I'm such a far-sighted person

I'd had it up my sleeve for quite a while.

hold it a minute.

Wait a minute.

Excuse me.

Is this Senora Gaverotta funeral?

Why are you intruding on the service?

If I could catch my breath...

I've go to,,,

to read the Senora's will.

I'm her lawyer.

What are you talking about?

My mother didn't have a lawyer and as she had nothing to leave why should she have made a will?

To express her final wishes.

Stop this.

Due to the circumstances

there isn't time to meet in a normal office... Okay?

So I'll now read the last will and testament,,

the Senora,, dictated to my father,,

the lawyer Francesco Marazzetti in Case Bianche,,,

before she left the town.

"I the undersigned,,

Rosa Lucci Gaverotta

being sound of mind and body declare this to be,,

my last will and testament."

"I request that I be brought back home to Apulia.

I wish to be buried in Case Bianche cemetery

where the tombs belonging to my late husband Giovanni..."

my mother and my aunt Antonietta stand.

My second wish.

I'm not aware weather my to sons have been reconciled at the moment of my death.

"But I doubt it."

Exactly

Since they're both as stubborn as mules.

But in any case my second wish stands all the same.

They're the ones who have to take me back to Case Bianche.

You're joking. I don't understand.

What's to understand?

Your mother expresses the wish that her two sons accompany her on her final journey.

I'd do it if I were you.

Tell me why.

Because if you don't do as she asks you to,,,

I won't read the good bit. The good bit?

Here.

This envelope contains a secret

sealed inside it by your mother

to be kept there 'til her death.

I am authorized to show you its content only on completion of her instructions.

My mother and I shared all our secrets.

And if she chose to keep one from me,,, I don't have any interest in uncovering it.

Bravo. How virtuous.

Make sure she's suffering even after her death eh?

Brilliant.

What's up? You mean you really want to do this nice trip together just you and me?

My whole life long I've tried to avoid having to take orders.

And though I respect and really would like to obey my mother,,,

I think I'm too old,, to be obedient now.

You act as you must.

Francesco.

You're not deaf. Do as y' want.

Papa,,, I'll tell you what... we two could just as easily take her to Case Bianche.

Give me a chance to explain the character business.

What an idiot you are.

Her final wish is sacred.

She clearly said she wanted that no-good scoundrel and me to accompany her

so the two of us have to do it.

Could you just,, tell us what to do sir?

You heard the lawyer. We'll follow the orders she left us. We'll go immediately.

Francesco.

I've told you I'm not going...

I'm not interested in secrets.

And you think I am? But I think you should respect our mother's testament.

le you've been traveling round the world doing what you war

I've spend the last 40 years taking care of her.

No. You've kept her away from me for 40 years...

From my evil influence. Because she preferred,,, her unconventional son.

So. She preferred you. Ha! She just felt pity. That was all.

Can we just stop this nonsense? Come with me. What do you want in exchange?

In exchange.

Let's do a deal. What's it worth to you?

Suppose I pay your ticket Apulia to Mexico. Name it What'll it cost?

What'll it cost you?

Yes, right. Um er how much?

Apologize... and then repeat sincerely,,

that you're a racist, you're intolerant and you're thick.

No... No way.

Then there's nothing more to say and you pretend your one and only thought is to indulge Mama.

Francesco.

Yes.

Well they finally reached a sort of agreement

and even though they couldn't wait to be rid of each other again I was happy all the same

because after such along time the three of us would return to Case Bianche together

to our home town.

The journey was a long one and a lot could happen before we got there.

Hey isn't it a bit early?

You're worrying about me?

Oh God. He licked my hand. Yeuch.

Come here Pepe.

His saliva must be packed with germs.

You're reacting like a child.

He was only showing you a little affection and is that so hard to handle?

I see. Pepe is very selective.

Then I'll take it as a compliment but not again please.

Ah... Stay here sweetheart.

Good boy. Ha He's one of the bad guys. We all know that.

We'll ignore him.

And what's that?

'Want a cigarette.

Rule zero. This is a non-smoking car... It's forbidden.

Why?

Passive smoking kills. And besides I have serious asthma.

My asthma gets worse when I don't smoke.

I said no. It's a basic rule even Mama used to follow. Everyone does.

Well I won't. You know rules and I enjoy total incompatibility.

Don't over-react.

And what are you doing now? You'll seize up my neck.

Okay.

You're never content. Just like when your were a boy. All you ever did want complain.

Hey... Would you mind stopping at the next service station? Pepe has to pee.

Pepe?

Yes. He has to. Pretty regularly every hour,,

Hourly? I'm not on a trip. This is hell on earth.

The mutt's simply got to control himself.

Or you can say goodbye to the timetable.

We've got to stick to that. That's pretty obvious.

He'll just do it on your carpet them.

Cecilia I swear he's doing it on purpose... He's enjoying himself sabotaging my plans.

I don't know. He said "I want a sandwich". He went in there and he's been gone over an hour.

I can't He left me holding the dog and I can't take him inside.

Yes I'll keep calm. Yes sweetheart don't worry.

I can control him... eh? ...I brought the pills yes.

Ciao.

Proietti.

Hey.

Must we all have this forecourt disco... show some respect.

I was only going round the radio stations for news of local traffic... sorry.

Go inside and see if my brother's still sober.

Right.

There he is now.

Don't worry. He won't have any objections.

Oh Nicola,, I want you to meet my friends...

She's Maria Conchita and she's Dolores.

Incantada. Ola.

They're both from Spain... They've hitchhiked all the way here.

They just need a last ride,,, up the valley a little.

Mm hm... Ha.

You don't mind do you? . Good... Please. Please.

Gracias.

Are you quite insane?

Take it easy... it's only a tiny detour.

But we're taking our mother to the cemetery.

Well of course. But she's not in a hurry.

Haha. Think sourpuss 'll give us a ride?

Our mother's coffin is in that hearse.

And you,, you've no sense of respect.

You've spent 40 years with Mama,,, but you just didn't know her.

She had a generosity of spirit and no hypocrisy or meanness.

And if Conchita and Dolores had approached her to give them a ride, "gladly" she'd have said.

Gladly.

Yes.

Yes well if I could remind you this car's mine.

Yes.

Conchita and Dolores can gladly look for a ride elsewhere.

And that's not all.

Go on.

Give me strength. Give me strength.

I go most days, usually in the morning.

And?

Afterwards I went out for lunch with a friend.

Yes?

You won't believe this. When I got home the son of a bitch had stolen all the furniture.

That's incredible.

What a,, excuse me what a bastard.

And you,, do you have brothers as well?

Yes four.

Four eh?

Four of them and all boys.

That's why I turned out like this.

We need a beautiful woman in the family haha.

Hey... you want a bite?

No no, no. I'm not hungry.

Ask your friend not to mess the upholstery up.

Didn't catch that.

He just said that,,, he said the,, you're both very lovely.

And he's "glad" that we're sharing this journey together.

Thanks but I don't need you to speak for me.

Take it easy. I think they think you're gay too.

I don't think that I'll make Case Bianche. I doubt it.

Well at least they didn't open fire.

Anything wrong?

Good morning... License and insurance.

I hope there aren't any problems officer.

This is such a nuisance.

Step out of the car please.

Me?

Yes. You.

Would you all get out of the car too please?

C'est la vie ha ha.

We're tourist,,, Spanish. Mm Hmm.

I know what you are thinking officer, but believe me it isn't like that at all.

Oh boy... and you at your age. Aren't you ashamed?

Why ought I to be? You've no right to say that.

We,, just,, these two young ladies asked my brother and me to give them a ride.

Yes.

Yeah yeah... A touchingly good story.

And what's that?

That's our mother. We're taking her to the cemetery in Apulia.

It's all true... I've got the documentation in the hearse.

What now? Can we go?

Yes alright get going.

Thank your lucky stars that I don't take you in to face a perversion order.

There it is. There it is over there.

That's it. The house where our friend Alvaro lives. That's the house.

See? That didn't take too long did it?

You over-reacted as usual.

I'm exhausted.

A beautiful view eh Pepe? ...Eh?

This one's yours isn't it?

Thanks.

Get back in the car. Let's go.

You Nicola have a heart of solid gold.

Solid granite actually.

Come and have a drink and meet Alvaro... come on. Please.

And why not?

Come on Nicola just to please us.

But,,, what are you doing? Where are you going? Mama's lying there waiting.

Mama is in no hurry.

Look at the sky.

have hitchhiked God knows how many thousand kilometers from Spain,,,

to visit their friend Alvaro.

Aren't you curious?

Eh? You're quite right. I can't wait to meet Alvaro.

That's great.

What's the matter with you? Are you out of your mind completely? Why are you acting like this?

Alvaro was all we needed. Now we'll have met the whole clan.

Alvaro.

How lovely to see you.

Listen I wanted to tell you.

I didn't realize that those two,,, whatever they are,,, were going to visit a friend who's so sick.

That doesn't surprise me.

It's obvious you've never been interested,,, in anything other than appearances.

Let's stop all the endless sniping.

Can't we try to enjoy each other for the rest of the trip?

Enjoy each other! Easier said than done. We're too different from each other.

That's true now... But 40 years ago,, it wasn't.

Nothing important has changed.

So why did you never discuss it?

That wasn't an option in those days.

No. Ha.

It was an easier one to make a nice loud public statement.

It was easier to tell me through the town's newspaper along with the other residents of Case Bianche.

Fine option you chose.

If anyone had to meet the cost of what you did, the cost of "the incident" I did.

And what had I done?

had had a brother who. Uhhh. A brother who.

Oh dear... At a loss for the right word?

Hey,, and with so many at your disposal too.

Homo. Faggot. Fairy. Shirt-lifter. Pervert. Queer.

You've made the point thank you.

You're right. Picking at each other is boring.

Pepe... Pull over somewhere. Pepe needs to have a pee.

Nicola... alright?

I'm ill... I feel bad.

I feel sick. My head's spinning.

Let me see. Hold on.

Mama. Mama.

Off you go and get help. Call the police, the ambulance service, the river authority.

Try and rescue my mother. I have to look after my brother.

Where's the clutch on this thing?

It doesn't have a clutch. It's an automatic.

Boy... they're more complicated nowadays than they used to be once.

What's once? When did you last drive? Uhmmm.

God knows.

I left that to Jose... eh? You remember?

Ha... there was never a driver as good as Jose... Eh?

Who's Jose?

Who was Jose?

My companion for 20 years. Pepe was his dog. I gave him to Jose on our 18th anniversary.

Poor Pepe... Miss Jose a lot don't you?

What happened to him?

Killed in a car crash... I still haven't forgiven myself.

Why?

I was at the wheel.

Uhhh. That's enough. Uhhh. I'll drive. Stop the car. I'll take over now.

Don't get so excited.

That town up ahead,,, I'll find a pharmacy there,,, that sells the pills you've grown to rely on.

Thank you.

Feeling better?

As long as I don't think about Mama.

Splendid...

that's very good.

I don't understand.

Y'ever studied psychotherapy?

No. The only think that I've studied is the processing of mozzarella.

Well then... I then confidently say,,,

you've contracted abandonment syndrome.

Pardon?

Your mother's coffin drifting down the river

is clearly symbolic.

It represents the pain of your final separation.

That's very convincing doctor except that our mother's coffin really did float away down the river.

I mean really.

The force of symbolism is much stronger than reality.

Reality,,,

may lose consistency beside the metaphor.

Can we go?

He's too wise for his own good.

He's run off with the hearse.

After what he did,, that wouldn't surprise me.

Oh.

Okay? . What's wrong?

Nothing...

only I'm dying.

Oh. They're calling... tscha.

Quit making fun of me okay? It's not the time or place.

Too bad

I love teasing you.

You always used to fall for it when you were a kid.

It sounds like the Case Bianche town band.

I remember they used to play on the feast of St. Nicola, my patron saint.

Yes, and you used to always steal mother's sweets.

Yes.

Proietti where the hell did you get to?

Everything's been sorted out. Don't worry. I've alerted the police,

the ambulance and five brigade.

They'll try to fish the coffin out further south,,

where the river slows down.

They said to go there, sit tight and stay in touch.

Well come on.

It's not easy to explain

but often, seeing things from a distance

makes them seen different from what they actually are.

All the fights, the misunderstandings, the separations,

they all seem so small

that a gust of wind would be enough to blow them away.

But it's also true that some things aren't so simple,

and they work themselves out

only when the right time comes.

I don't understand what's going on.

I've heard it's a television stunt.

No it's a bet.

Did you say bet?

They've got to fish out a guy,, who's shut in a coffin.

Poor, poor mama,, it's extraordinary.

Couldn't get her into a plane all throgh her life.

Mmm.

She's having the time of her life I'd say.

How and sad that she doesn't realize it.

They were so sweet,

each in his own way,

but they shouldn't have been worrying about me.

The truth is that they should have been taking care of themselves,

telling each other the things that they had never said.

But I hadn't lost all hope.

There was a long way to go to Case Bianche

and anything could still happen.

Senora,,,

I'm going for supper now.

Don't play any other little tricks on me tonight...

I'll leave the light on.

Good boy.

Here's your zucchini.

Thank you.

Something else f'r you?

No that'll be all thanks

Enjoy it.

Looks almost edible.

B'ty' better not eat the whole plateful though.

Indigestion y' know.

Funny. Very funny.

For a 60-year-old,,

this diet is appropriate.

Whereas you're stuffing yourself like a pig.

Do you have any idea what you're doing?

Y' drink like a fish smoke like a chimney

and y' feed like a vulture.

Ha. Your triglyceride count must be over a thousand

and as for glycaemia and cholesterol...

Ha ha okay...

So one o' these days I'll die.

I no longer expect to live forever.

The friends who might have grieved've all died...

None left.

So...

It really isn't worth thinking twice about.

You're worth thinking twice about.

Look Nichole Trust me,,

it's not of great interest.

Listen Francesco.

It's pretty late and,,,

I don't like driving at night.

Do you mind if we find a hotel somewhere here and then finish the journey tomorrow?

And what about time pressure?

Oh forget that.

Excuse me Senora.

C'n I help you?

Er I was wondering if you could recommend a hotel in the area

where we could spend the night/

It's not exactly the Ritz but you can stay here if you want to... .

We've got some rooms.

Good. That's excellent. We need three singles Senora.

Ah no. I don't have three.

Only one single en suite

and a double room with a king size bed that you c'n share.

So do we spend the night together?

Or w'd'y' rather sleep with,,,

Proietti?

They always wanted to sleep together when they were little.

They used to get into bed

and after turning off the light

they'd chat instead of sleeping.

Since he was the elder,

Francesco used to tell loads of imaginative and mysterious tales,

and Nicola

who hung on his brother's every word,

never wanted to fall asleep.

He used to listen to him with his eyes wide open in his

Attempt to stay awake.

Would you mind if he sleeps with us?

Why on earth should I? Hhhh.

It's what he's used to...

he always slept between Jose and me. Pepe.

Well,,

alright but keep him on your side.

Right. Here Pepe.

Lights.

Tell me,,,

would Jose be my brother-in-law,,,

if he were still alive today?

That's right.

Shame you didn't meet Jose...

you'nd he would 've like each other.

Really? .

why's that?

B'cause he w's alos,,

a hypochondriac. Exactly like you are.

So I'd say,,,

Jose and you could have had long lovely chats,,,

about y'r illnesses.

I really want to apologize.

Because?

because you had to go it alone.

we all do.

do you recall,,

in Case Bianche,,

we always slept in the same bed?

Yes.

I can't really grasp it

don't understand what happened.

for forty years I've been asking myself the same questions.

My brother,,,

a respected teacher.

A pillar of society.

Esteemed by everyone,,

a brilliant career lay ahead.

All Case Bianche somehow felt a sense of pride.

Hmmm... your homosexuality was your own affair,,,

a private thing.

Why did you have to wave it in our faces?

I don't admit to doing any such thing.

And had I been given the opportunity to explain,

and not condemned to years of silence

I would have told you everything before.

Yes well right now seems a good time...

let's hear it... explain t' me.

It started with a student.

He was 15 or,,,

16 years old 'nd his name was,,

his name was Collura,

Benedetto Collura.

He was a sensitive boy,,

Introverted,,,

undeniably effeminate.

He was desperately uneasy about these aspects of himself.

The boy was starting to be aware of their,,,

significance.

Classmates,,,

were merciless...

Huh "Fairy",,

"faggot",,

all the other names,, .

He took it all...

But he'd go all red,

beetroot coloured,,

keeping very still,

and not speaking a word.

So one day,

I saw him in a dormitory.

I looked across over to the window

and there was Collura standing up on the sill.

It was perfectly clear that he was about to jump.

The ground was five floors down.

Very slowly and calmly I walked across to him...

I spoke quietly.

He was quivering like a leaf

but was too scared to let go,,

and leap to his death.

There he stood terrified,,

listening to what I said.

There wasn't,,,

any reason to die.

He had nothing to be ashamed of

and he had every right to act as his nature dictated.

He said it was easy for me to talk that way

I didn't know,,

the pain that he had to endure day after day.

To which I said,,

I knew perfectly well.

Because I had experienced what he had,,

and had made a decision,,

that I would live as,,

a homosexual.

Without ever being ashamed again.

He turned round,,

with a hard expression,,,

and made a bargain.

He wouldn't kill himself if I...

got together the courage to,,

repeat to the class the words I had spoken just then.

Because deeds were,,

worth more than empty phrases.

I agreed and then there was not other course to take except,,,

to go ahead and make the,,

full declaration.

I would never have done it,,

if I hadn't seen he was in deadly earnest,,

and would die.

I had no wish to expose,,

me or my family,,

to the prejudice of narrow-minded ignorance.

You just can't imagine how much you hurt not only me but all of us.

But why did you never share the secret with me... eh?

Because I wasn't sure that you'd understand.

Then by the time I realized I was wrong,,

the opportunity was past.

Well that's it.

Well that's it.

Forty years Uhhh.

Forty years for us two t' get,,

to get it out in the open.

The important thing though is that we did.

Goodnight Nico.

Goodnight Franco.

Oh Lord it's eight o'clock. Francesco.

If we go in half an hour we can be there pretty soon after two o'clock.

Hey Fran...

Franco...

Francesco...

You washing?

There y' go.

Thank you.

'xcuse me Senora.

sit wherever you wish and I'll bring you some coffee.

No.

I've got fresh doughnuts like you've never tasted.

Not doughnuts no, no thank you.

I just wondered if you'd seen my brother.

No. He hasn't eaten. Surely he's still upstairs?

No, no he isn't I've just come down from there.

Why not ask your friend out there? Maybe he Knows.

Thanks... Welcome

Proietti have you seen my brother?

Yes,

he went f'r a spin in the car.

The car? What car was that?

Your car...

I saw him at about seven o'clock...

I was standing up there at my window and saw him going down the road.

I thought he was going to buy a paper or something.

Paper? I don't think so. He's simply taken off that's all.

Stolen everything the bastard.

And I thought I'd found a new brother.

Senore,,

I can't stay f'r ever.

Good. We'll get into the hearse and we" track that damned car thief down.

No, no, no. Wait.

You hired this hearse and me the driver to transport your late mother.

Thief chasing not included.

Bu but you won't go on alone and leave me here in the lurch?

Look I'm sorry but I should have been well on the way back to the depot by this hour.

What about this...

What do you think of your son?

Senore

she won't help you I'm afraid.

Racing, racing.

Look at those lunatics.

Where can they be off to in such a hurry?

Tempus fugit dear Pepe.

I can imagine how angry Nicola is.

But listen,,

even if I'd asked him he wouldn't have taken another detour

and anyway how could I have explained what I'm going to do?

Too complex for anybody to understand.

Huh. And certainly someone like Nicola

who's so rigid. Ha.

Uhhh. 'nd so well disciplined.

Though we aren't at all discipline are we Pepe?

Huh. Poor Pepe.

Before I say goodbye to this place,,

I need to find a good home for you eh?

Because they don't,,

allow dogs,, where I'm going.

You're still a puppy...

you've still got a whole life ahead eh?

While I do tell you the truth,,

uhh feel a bit tired.

But how do you know he took this road?

Senore

why are you asking me again?

What can I say?

Proietti if you're in league with him you'll end up in jail right?

There... try that one there.

Not again...

We can't pull up at every service station.

Proiette I suggest you do exactly as I tell you to.

Somewhere along the road he stopped to get fuel

or else he w'd 've run out.

The Jaguars fuel indicator light was flashing yesterday.

This is the street...

Let me see.

Two twenty four

two twenty six.

We should be right next door.

Here we are Pepe.

What a lovely house.

It's you.

So like your mother it's quite incredible.

I'm glad you made up your mind.

Er do we stay here or do you invite me in or what?

Oh I'm sorry.

I'm sorry do... do come in.

Thanks. Come on Pepe.

Of course I remember him.

You might say he was a bit.

Hey. I can do without comments, opinions, or insinuations.

Well was there any hint where he was headed?

He asked for directions to Cattolica.

Cattolica...

What could be want in Cattolica?

And here?

How old are you?

l,, wasn't yet two years old

You were very sweet...

And this one?

Your should remember this one shouldn't you?

Oh yes.

The day your mother decided,,

you were to come into the world.

Will you tell me about it?

I've heard this story so many times but I want to hear your version.

Well,, it's a story that's slightly,,,

unconventional.

Come on.

I came of age quite a while back.

Hhh... y' know what? ,,

one emotion that I haven't felt very often,,

is embarrassment.

But right now I do feel embarrassed.

Please.

Yes well fine...

you have every right to know.

Your mother and I had something very special,,

rom the start.

She was a student in London.

I'd come from a small Italian town,,,

and felt like a fish out of water.

In those days homosexuality

wasn't accepted even there,,

but I c'd,,,

feel she understood and accepted all that.

I really loved her very much...

And I think she felt the same for me.

We talked about anything and nothing for hours...

We had not secrets from each other.

I'd tell her all about my faithless lovers,,,

and she w'd cry.

And we used to,,,

take a tent pack our rucksacks

and go off somewhere.

In Thailand,,

there was an enormous moon one night.

We lay out under the sky,,,

wholly lost in its beauty.

Of course we'd had a drink or three

and that helped things along...

Neither of us could stop giggling,,,

reverent giggling.

And then out of nowhere she said,,

that his was the ideal night,,,

to conceive a child.

In all the world that was what she wanted most.

As a loving friend,,,

I ought to help her to attain her desire.

And some how,,

we did it.

I'm sorry,

but I don't remember a thing.

But of course seeing you,,,

I realize that your mother,,,

was perfectly right.

What about you...

What do you think?

Was it right,,,

to satisfy,,, your mother's wish for a child?

I didn't think first. Hmmm.

I remember telling her she had no right

to bring me into this world without a father,,

to choose my fatherless birth.

I hurt her very deeply.

But now I've changed my mind.

I'm sure what you did was right,

a good thing.

I was born of a true love

even though it was a different kind of love.

Mummy. Mummy.

They're back.

Come in.

Whose dog is this?

It's your grandfather's dog

Charles.

Francisco.

I'd like you to meet your grandfather;

You named him after me?

Yes.

Ciao Francesco.

Yes well,, it really is a great pleasure to meet you.

We've heard so much about you from Helen.

Here.

You take him.

Thanks...

He's taken to you in a big way.

Would you like to keep him?

May I?

Ha. I don't know. Wouldn't you mind leaving him?

He's like a child and,,

takes as much looking after,,

but I'd be happy to leave him here with you.

His name is Pepe.

Promise me you'll look after him always\

you'll love him always,

and that you'll never neglect his needs.

Yes,,

yes I promise.

Ha ha ha. You'll stay a few days naturally.

Ha ha ha of course you will.

Afraid I can't.

I'm sorry.

Say yes Grandpa please do.

You're a fine family.

We're you're family,,

if you want us.

I would have wanted you...

I've let it late though.

Yes Cecilia we're in Cattolica but we haven't found him yet.

What can I say?

It depends on when we find the old fool.

Fine fine I'll keep calm.

It'll work out...

I'll phone you later. Ciao...

Senore?

Yes? This is the tenth time we've cruised down the road.

There must be other streets in Cattolica.

There it is. There.

Where?

There.

So it is.

What a bit of luck...

or perseverance I want to call it.

Isn't that him over there?

Pretentious idiot has got nothing to contemplate about

except prison.

Francesco

No...

What a long surprise you had concealed under your cap Proietti.

I'm sorry Senor... As soon as it's dry I'll put it back where it should be.

No no no...

It doesn't bother me at all...

Y' mean it?

My father tells me it's evil...

It'd scare the customers.

I can't cut it off though...

There's our rock group...

and the dreadlocks are a sort of symbol.

Ah so you're really a,, musician then?

Yes...

But Papa can't accept that...

he pressured me into his business.

He wants to ensure,, that it stays in the family...

And he's made lot's of sacrifices...

Well,, you can't deny that he's got a point there

Maybe,,

but I love music,,

the hearse ain't for me.

When I'm playing,, I feel great...

It's something I could give my whole life to.

Listen,, there's a record label that's asked for a demo disc...

so this c'd be it.

Senor...

You okay?

Thank you Proietti.

Because you acted quickly,, there aren't three corpses, to be taken to Case Bianche.

It's okay Senor.

Your mother on her own has been a bit of a handful.

Besides Senor Francesco is a great guy,,,,

And I would have been extremely sorry,,, if...

And me.

No Cecilia. Everything's fine.

We've just decided to take things more slowly that's all.

No,, no no. We'll be sleeping here tonight then we'll set off again in the morning,,

Listen Cecilia is Roberto there...

Yes if you would...

Thank you.

Roberto,,

hello...

Look,,

Mama was telling me You've decided to give up the charter project. Why is that?

Yes may be that was so. B't I've thought again.

I'm serious...

At least I can look at it...

I want to see your business plan as soon as I get home.

Financial projections, that sort of thing.

And what,, the boat'll cost to buy...

Yes.

Yes of course I'm feeling alright. Is there any reason why I shouldn't be?

Alright, yes. Ah, Robertino,,,

I love you.

Senor Gamerotta. Sorry to interrupt.

I'm the doctor in charge of this department.

I wanted to tell you your brother is conscious again.

may I go in?

Certainly. His daughter's already there.

daughter? Yes.

He's expecting you.

Thanks.

I slipped like an old fool.

I haven't the faintest idea how it happened...

Hello Nicola... H'IIo

Helen,,

this is Nicola.

How d' y' do?

Hello.

Ha he was born in my district.

He was dragged in with a,, prostate gland.

We became firm friends the second I was told.

Hmm. I really must go.

I'm happy that you're feeling better.

Will you promise to call me?

Of course,, I'll call you before I'm discharged.

Okay... bye Daddy.

Bye.

Bye Senor Nicola

Good bye.

And all the best with your prostate gland.

Thanks.

Oh, and by the way Francesco is crazy about Pepe

That little dog is such fun.

A big hug from to him from me.

Ciao.

I get the feeling something passed me by here.

There were certain gaps in our correspondence,,

in the last 40 years.

So I've got a nice then...

I mean,, by blood?

Yes...

Helen's mine in a biological sense.

Franco I really don't understand...

l,, thought...

You think that a woman and I couldn't get our act together.

Yes.

I would have had very severe doubts,,

before getting to know her mother.

Even then it was pure chance

and it wasn't just the first time I'd taken a woman to bed,,

such an event has not occurred again.

And Mama never knew that you had a daughter?

No...

Well the fact is it's only been about two years since,,, I discovered it.

After her mother died she began searching for me.

Finally a letter,,

She sent a photo.

The main thing,,,

She'd be very happy if she could talk to me.

And that's why you stole my car eh?

Well fine but,, why didn't you tell her that I was your brother?

Well firstly,,, because you are ashamed of what I am.

And besides that you might 've,,, told her what I'd done.

Tried to commit suicide?

No matter,, my departure date been has only been delayed.

Has it? ...Well alright I'll tell you this...

The next time you try it well away from me...

because I won't risk my life to save yours again.

And please show more respect than this to our mother.

You promised you'd come with me to bury her in Case Bianche so you will.

Kill yourself afterwards. It's your life.

Senor Gamerotta.

Yes.

May I have a quick word?

What is it?

Are you fully aware of the true nature of the condition that your brother is in?

What's his condition?

Your brother has an advanced state of liver cirrhosis.

And that means?

It means,,, that he doesn't have much longer to live.

Tscha... He knows that?

Yes he told us and our tests simply confirmed it.

Huh...

Now I understand.

What?

Uhhh what an idiot I've been.

He's clearly been considering suicide ever since he reunited.

A diagnosis such as his often causes that reaction.

The disease is terminal and might cause him a lot of pain.

There's no help of any kind?

We can offer none...

Although there's...

What is there?

May I suggest that we discuss it in my office?

So what now Senor?

Ahh I suppose it means finding another hotel

and then coming back here to pick up my brother tomorrow morning.

Let's get something to eat first.

Yes alright.

Dear Nicola.

I'm writing from... Guadalajara in Mexico.

There's a clear blue sky and it reminds me of home.

It seems impossible that the two of us haven't been speaking to each other for three years.

Dear Nicola.

I'm in Tibet.

I'm standing before great plateaus that fill me

with a strange kind of serenity

and I wonder why we've drifted so far apart.

Eight years have gone by since we last exchanged news of each other.

And there's more.

My dear brother where are you?

13 years have passed and I'm writing you once more

but I know that this letter will never reach you just like the others.

I'm crossing the Andes with a group of archaeologists and I'm thinking of you.

Ah Francesco.

Do you mind if I opened it a bit?

No open it Franco. I wouldn't object to some fresh air.

They hardly spoke to each other during the rest of the trip.

In any case without even realizing it they'd stopped quarrelling.

Ah they've finally returned to being two brothers

who are accompanying their mother on her last journey.

Grant unto her eternal rest oh Lord

Oh, the pleasure of returning home.

Back to your roots.

Now that Nicola and Francesco had carried out my last wishes

I could finally reveal my secret to them...

The secret that I had jealously safeguarded all those years.

Let this be,,, the final letter,, I write My two sons,, Nicola,,, and Francesco.

What it is I want you to know now,,, I could never say,, in my lifetime.

I have felt guilty always, for this secret,, and I apologize to you both.

Though it was for your good and for mine.

But I wanted to know that my secret,, would only reach you,, after you'd made up.

Well,, now that you're mature at last,,, I want to reveal,,,

Only one of you,, is my natural child.

The Lord then graciously sent me number two,, But not through my own body.

I swear to you, that I have never made any distinction between you...

I consider you both my children.

And it is for this reason that I will not tell you who my natural son is.

Not now not ever.

I want you to keep on loving each other like true

brothers just as I have always loved you as my children.

Listen Francesco.

I wanted to tell you...

If you no longer need me I'll leave.

Ah, yes. Thanks Proietti. Drive carefully eh?

Well, I'm off.

Listen Proietti...

I haven't yet thanked you for...

There's no need. Though I wanted to tell you I think you're both very special.

It's been a real pleasure to know you both.

You two are,, this is for certain,, quite the most likable brothers I've met.

Must go. It's a long way.

Plenty of time to rehearse a speech that ought to convince my Papa... Mmm?

Have a nice life.

And what was that?

Oh nothing. I've got a feeling he's going to turn into quite a singer.

But he drives a hearse.

It's a long story. I'll tell you later.

And now?

And now we go our own way. Ha. You can't deny you wanted just that.

Maybe but, you,,, where is your road heading?

To Brindisi.

To Brindisi? To catch a ferry?

First a few days in the Athens.

After that to Santorini.

That's where I buried Jose.

I'll wait there until the cirrhosis destroys the liver, on our isle of love,,

Then lie forever beside him.

Romantic.

And you?

I'll return to my mozzarella cheese of course.

Ah.

You know now I think of it Brindisi isn't too far away.

I'll give you a ride if you like.

Ah, thank you. That's very good of you.

It's alright. Come on.

Would you ever have guessed that was mother's secret?

No.

But still what a ridiculous thing.

That we're not related,, but we are compatible.

Compatible? Why do you say that?

Well obviously for the transplant.

What transplant?

The one that you need.

I give you a small piece of my liver which despite all

I've thought seems to be a rather healthy one,

and repair yours that's,, almost had it.

Please don't go on... The whole idea is right out of the question.

You think you don't have a chance so you've given up.

Don't you know medical science has taken giant strides?

Hold on. This isn't the road to Brindisi.

We ought to be driving with the sea on the left side.

Where do you think you're going to?

To Switzerland... home of transplants.

Stop this car immediately.

Who do you think you are to interfere? Who gives you the right?

You do brother. You've interfered in my life so often and so much I'm entitled to my turn.

And interference is going to Switzerland.

Listen to me Franco...

I understand that this Jose of yours was the great love of your life. But surely he won't mind waiting.

He's in no hurry.

You spent 20 years with him,,, and hardly any with me.

But it's very difficult. The operation is complicated, there are huge risks.

You must understand you'll have to undergo surgery,, face a general anesthetic.

You haven't got the courage to go through,, all that.

I might surprise you.

Besides,, I'll take a risk on dying if you'll take a risk on living.

What was going on went beyond my wildest dreams.

Nicola was risking his life to save his brother's.

Oh they were close once again, just like when they were boys.

It was as if those 40 years that separated them had never existed.

Oh my God it's so late. How have we got ourselves into such a mess?

Everyone's probably in church already

Hey down there. What are you still doing with those tables?

You've already done it once. You're supposed to know where and how these things go.

Please hurry. You've only got two hours.

Chiara, you'll be late darling. Come on.

Coming mother. Sorry. Sorry. I'm nearly here. I am... So how do I look?

You're beautiful dear.

Yes?

Yes.

Thank you. Thanks. You're all great.

Thank you thank you thank you but that's enough now. Back to work or you won't be ready.

Mama where are Papa and Roberto?

They're still inside talking business... Here.

You make me mad on purpose don't you?

Still talking business.

Pick up the train, pick up the train.

For heaven's sake let's go.

Why can't you tell me the truth?

That you were born into this world with a mission in life,, to drive me out of my mind.

Papa I don't know how to thank you but I'm not convinced it's a good idea.

Take my word for it. It's a good idea. L,,,

I've had,, a little experience and I

can tell you it's a good idea.

Partnerships are not a good idea.

But I can only afford my share of the partnership so how can I buy the whole boat?

Because I want to buy it for you. What's the problem? .

I have the right to do that and you can go into business on your own just as you always wanted. Okay?

Okay go ahead.

Alright. Don't worry. Smile. It's a wedding.

Ah good morning... Thanks everyone. Thank you.

Are you sure he's coming?

There's a word. With him nothing's sure.

No one thing's sure with Francesco. He's going to be the death of me.

My dearest brethren,, we have gathered together here yet again to celebrate a joyful event.

The celebration of the wedding of these two young people whom I have known since they were children.

And this is an occasion of great joy and pride in our community.

As we all know the marriage of Chiara,,, and Lucas has already been postponed once...

Have you seen him?

No. No.

He'll be here.

...and now I'm glad to say there are no further reasons to delay.

No.

We can't go ahead just yet I'm afraid.

Forgive me please children... there's something I must say...

Dear friends it isn't easy to speak here now,, to say I'm not,, hard to speak up,,,

But I can't allow us to go ahead with this ceremony without,,, my brother.

What brother?

It's the first time I've heard that Nicola has a brother.

Maybe he's been held up or maybe he just decided at the last minute not to come.

He's a bit unpredictable,,, wants things to be according to his rules.

That's why I got so angry with him. I didn't speak phone or write,,, for 40 years,,,

not a word or even a postcard.

But now,,, now that we have found each other...

I would like,, to offer you an explanation of

which I'm not particularly proud for never having mentioned my brother.

I'd simply erased him from my life,,,

Because I was ashamed of him,,,

That's the awful truth.

I was ashamed of him because,,, because he's an outsider.

My brother is... he's... well,,, he's different,,, as we say nowadays.

To me that's so roundabout though.

It's much more straightforward and much better to say homosexual...

Diversity,, all of you are different.

Take us Dr Borghetti. You and I are very different...

Utterly totally different...

Nevertheless,, our children are getting married.

Francesco was denied,,,

his basic right to,,,

to be true to the nature,,

which God gave him.

And this,, was doubly unfair,, because first and foremost,, he's...

Quite,,, quite wonderfully honest... Yes.

And finally he's,, he's my brother and that's,, that's the most important thing...

I wasn't there for him when he needed someone... when he was frightened,,, and alone.

That's why I've decided,,, to share with him all that's good,, in future...

All the,, really lovely things that lie ahead.

And this,, this moment dear children,, is clearly one of them.

That's why,, don't condemn me,,

I'm asking you all to wait a little

or if he doesn't turn up,

to even postpone the wedding again.

Please may I? . It's alright Nicola I'm here.

No need to delay any further.

Wasn't that fellow at Rose's funeral?

Hello.

Well then,, now we're all here... all gathered together,,,, and so we can start.

Gamerotta I'd like to hear an explanation.

Yes doctor... Yes?

Am I going to be related to a homosexual?

No... to two.

May I please know who the other one is?

Our doctor says,,, it must evidently,,, run through the family genes.

And so the story's over.

I don't know how it turned out down there but it looks like a happy ending from up here.

Although I must confess that the whole thing has been somewhat tiring for a person my age.

In any case now that things have been straightened out I think I deserve a bit of quiet...

...and I can finally rest in peace.