Original subtitles

[Movie camera rolling]

MAN: Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Talk.

I saw a skull atop a cannon.

Was curious and questioned it.

He answered...

with great sadness...

"I died to no bells tolling.

"My years escaped me...

"escaped I know not where.

"And now that I am eighty...

"I call the living, and the dead respond.

"Prepare my bed...

"as worms have already begun to eat me.

"I want to be buried with respect...

"and with red flowers...

"yellow flowers...

"and red."

[Movie camera stops]

MAN: Very good!

THE STARMAKER

[Flies buzzing]

Holy shit!

There's a dead man!

Didn't you see him?!

No.

Who could it be?

Who do you think it could be?

A union man or a policeman or a bandit.

Or one son of a bitch!

Hell of a face!

[Elegant music plays on speakers]

MAN, ON SPEAKER: Citizens of Realzisa...

Universalia Studios of Rome extends its warmest...

greetings to...

this lovely land of Sicily.

Men, women, young and old, children, girls and boys!

Don't hurt yourself, kid.

We're here to offer you a fantastic future...

BOY: Shit, the movies!

MAN IN TRUCK: ...a no-fail career.

Come on out...

success can be yours!

You understand Italian here?

Citizens of Realzisa!

Your lucky day is here!

Remember, lady luck only comes once!

Sometimes never!

[Muttering] Lice bring luck, lice bring luck!

MAN, SHOUTING: The question of manual labor...

is the main problem...

of Realzisa's farmers.

Mayor, you can't keep playing with loaded dice!

Put the order of the day of our party and the workers to vote.

MAYOR: All right!

Let's see who's right and who's wrong!

In favor?

Against?

Two in favor,

13 against, rejected by the Council!

City space and electrical hook-up.

[Arguing continues before town council]

[Bell tolls]

What a face!

You have a fantastic future.

And you don't even know it!

MAN, ON SPEAKER: Citizens of Realzisa!

Universalia Studios of Rome...

invites you to participate in the hunt...

for "New Faces in the Movies"!

New face for the cinema!

Men, women, young and old, success can be yours!

With a simple screen test, our producers...

can offer you the career of a lifetime!

Do you know how much an actor can make?

Do you know?

A hundred million annually!

Joe Morelli here...

talent scout in Italy and America.

Fasco Giachetti...

Annamaria Pietrangeli, Lex Baxter.

Not to brag, but I discovered them.

If not for me, they'd still be washing floors!

You know Amedeo Nazzari? Real name, Angelo Buffa.

From Sardegna.

And who says...

that a Sardinian can be a star and a Sicilian can't?

Friends of Realzisa, today nobody knows who you are.

But tomorrow...

your beautiful Sicilian faces...

will enhance...

Italian and foreign movies!

MORELLI: For a mere 1,500 lire...

just to reimburse expenses, film and equipment...

your screen test...

will be seen by the best directors of Rome!

Change your destiny!

A miracle awaits you. Help lady luck out...

participate in our hunt for...

"New Faces in the Movies"!

[Boy making noises]

If I'd been born beautiful, I'd try out now.

MOTHER: Maybe Santina could try.

SISTER: Santina's afraid of her own shadow!

MORELLI - You know how much an actor can make?

Millions! Millions! Millions!

People of Realzisa...

with a simple screen lest...

our producers in Rome...

To look good in lights...

you have to darken the cheeks, like this.

Otherwise they look swollen...

like you got a toothache.

MAN: If they make a movie in Sicily...

they have your face and you're on.

WOMAN: And you make 100, 200, even 350,000 lire.

Sure, but you have to know how to act.

Did you ever see "Gone With The Wind"?

Yes.

Now I'll teach you the last line in the movie.

"After all, tomorrow is another day"?

Now that's talent! She's good, she'll work!

WOMAN: I knew it, too.

MORELLI: Please, come in.

MOTHER: Why alone in there?

Because I'm shooting.

And when you shoot, there must be complete silence...

total concentration.

Madam, don't ruin the make-up!

And those who want to try their luck...

learn these two lines from "Gone With The Wind."

Blue for men, pink for women.

Joe Morelli is here for you!

At your service!

MORELLI: D'Acquisto, take one.

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Action.

After all, tomorrow...

...tomorrow...

...tomorrow I'll kill myself!

- I'll kill myself! Run away! - Pipe down!

Actress, waitress, anything to get away!

Why?

He left me! He left me!

Like Rhett left Scarlet!

He went north!

What do I tell them at home?

Did you go...

all the way?

Yes!

Jesus Christ!

[Sobbing]

Listen.

Listen, cry quietly.

You have what it takes.

Maybe a month or two and you'll be in Rome, Cinecitta'!

So I don't say anything.

Not a word, relax.

Yes, OK.

Yes, OK.

MAN: Scarlet, I've waited longer for you...

than I've ever wailed for any woman.

Here's a soldier of the South who loves you!

Wants to carry the memory of your Kisses...

into battle with him.

Kiss me!

WOMAN: Tara, home, I'll go home!

And I'll think of some way to get him back.

After all, every day is another Sunday.

What's this "Sunday and Saturday,” idiot!

It's like this: "After all, every day is like the other."

MAN: Try again.

SECOND MAN: Dear Scarlet, though I go to meet my death...

you're angry with me.

No, moron!

THIRD MAN: Scarlet, do we have to wait...

till I'm out of the army to kiss?

[Woman shouting]

Even if you don't want it, Scarlet...

sooner or later, you'll be mine.

I'm from the South, and not even death can stop me!

Kiss me! How was that?

If I were Scarlet, I'd have married you already!

[Laughter]

Scarlet, I have waited for you...

with a patience that surprises even me.

I'm a soldier of the South, and I love you.

WOMAN: He's a soldier off to war and wants a kiss.

She says that, "After all, tomorrow is another day."

WOMAN ON BALCONY: What did she say?

That "After all, tomorrow is another day."

Man: "Course tomorrow is another day! What a discovery!

[Everyone practicing lines]

She, Scarlet, says to him...

"Don't be bitter, the sun will rise again after all...

"and besides, what's the rush?"

And the man says...

"Enough small talk, Scarlet!

"Nothing yesterday, nothing today...

"nothing tomorrow, nothing the day after.

"Enough, Scarlet, I can't take any more, I can't go on.

"Give it to me, Scarlet...

"I beg you, give it to me!

"If you don't...

"go rot far from my sight!"

And Scarlet says...

"This you shouldn't have said.

"Coward! Louse!

"Thank God I'm a woman...

"or I'd have fixed your face!"

Celery! Mint!

Parsley!

Basil!

Pardon me, what's this do?

Pull people in?

Pulls them in, that's right.

My grandson, Filippo, best looking boy in town...

like me at his age.

Make him like Rudolph Valentino, I'll make it worth your while.

I can't promise anything.

Movies are a mean business.

I don't want to disappoint anybody.

But I've got 19 years' experience...

and one thing's for sure...

if there's talent behind this face...

not even God can stop him.

There is, there is!

Bordonaro, take one!

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Action.

Scarlet, I've waited longer for you...

than I've ever waited for any woman.

Here's a soldier of the South who loves you!

Wants to carry the memory of...

your kisses into battle with him.

Kiss me!

Excellent!

Now look like you're scared.

No.

A little less.

Good.

[Crying]

Do an orgasm.

MORELLI: Talk! Whatever you want!

Scarlet!

I've waited longer for you than...

I've ever waited for any woman.

Here's a soldier of the South who loves you...

wants to carry the memory of...

[Filippo moaning]

your kisses into battle with him.

Kiss me!

[Applause and cheers]

Nasco brothers, take one.

Right profile.

Other profile.

Center profile.

We're sorry, Mr. Morelli.

We don't remember the words.

That's OK.

Say something else, about your family.

We can't say much about our family.

Just that our parents got married in 1923.

A year later, I was born on February 18.

The year after another brother, who we called Benito.

In January 1925, our parents made another brother...

who we called Francesco.

- In June 1927-- - '26.

'26, our parents made another brother...

called Calogero.

How many brothers did they make?

- 18 brothers. - And one sister.

A nun to the fountain did go, a monk he did go after.

The wind blew up her tunic.

What a white ass she had on her!

[Laughter]

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Go with the wind.

Scarlet, do I have to wait for furlough to have a kiss?

Should I say it again?

Tara, home, I'll go home!

And I'll think of some way to get him back.

After all, tomorrow is another day.

Should I do the music, too?

[Whirring]

Scarlet, one way or other you'll be mine.

You can't resist me.

Because the way I please a woman, no lie...

nobody else comes close.

Modestly speaking, with me...

two shots is all it takes!

Nobody'll understand that!

Modestly speaking, with me...

two shots and it's over!

Dr. Morelli, like lightning...

Zzzz!

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

People of Sicily...

you feel the change in the air...

you know the days of humiliation are over.

You feel that it's a new day.

You know things in Italy have improved!

We are no longer ashamed of being Italians!

We are proud of it!

[Buzzing]

Can it out there! Haven't you had enough yet?

Don't let them bug you, Cavalier.

[Buzzing outside]

[Whirring]

...wants to carry the memory of your kisses...

into battle with him.

- Kiss me! - Excellent!

Now, say it happily.

I'm sorry. I don't know how to be happy.

Anna, show Dr. Morelli what nice legs you have.

Don't move.

Turn around.

Turn around, sweetheart!

WOMAN: Good girl, like that.

You see? Not because she's my daughter...

but she's far nicer...

than some of those dancers who make you sick.

Stop.

Very good.

- What's this? - Receipt.

A receipt?

Wait outside.

The girl's got it, she's good...

expressive...

she has a nice figure.

I'll see what I can do, put in a good word, but...

Understand? No promises.

This is the receipt. You keep it.

In a month you'll hear from Rome.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

1,500 lire.

I don't have a lira.

I'm a serious professional.

You don't play around with me.

My husband's been in jail for 11 months and 8 days.

When's he get out?

Don't ask.

So who's gonna pay my expenses?

[Laughing and chattering]

[Accordion playing]

Could I be an actor?

[Restaurant hushes]

Really?

And aren't I just the man to make movies?

[Laughter]

[Chatter]

Morelli: But watch out!

Movies aren't for everybody.

But all you need is one man in, making money...

and everybody makes it big.

- Like emigration? - Exactly.

For example, one of you goes to America, gets rich...

sends money home, and buys a piece of land.

Then he's gotta build a house, so he needs some workmen.

Who does he call? You!

He calls you and you.

It's a circle, a chain.

Check, please.

Excuse me...

but it's gotten late, and I've got work to do.

Thank you, Mr. Morelli. It's been an honor.

Dinner's on the house.

Thank you.

You'd be a sure-shot in the movies--look!

With this face like a Roman emperor!

You deserve a free screen test!

[Applause]

Will the King be back?

The King, will he come back?

[Woman, panting] Take her.

Take her!

Take my little girl!

I don't want her to end up like me.

She's got to make it!

I tried once, in Palermo.

They were making a movie about pirates.

I was young...

they took me.

But I never got to act.

Pricks were all I saw!

But not like yours.

Yours is nice.

[Panting]

What could I do? People talk.

I ran away...

to an uncle who touched me since I was small.

How disgusting!

But he married me.

Shut up, you whore! Turn around!

OK, whatever you want.

Break me apart!

Break me apart!

But take my little girl.

I'll let you be her first.

[Screaming]

[Honk honk]

[Kids shouting]

What's this guy want?

Registration and license.

- I'm with Universalia. - I know.

What's up, Brigadier?

Listen, Morelli...

where and when do you develop the screen tests you shoot?

You know something about movies?

Precisely.

What a pleasure to talk to somebody competent!

I send the negatives to Rome each week...

and my colleague, Dr. Mario Cotone...

has it developed and printed.

And then?

Then, after they make a first selection...

the material is given to producers, directors, who...

Who what?

Who make movies.

Even De Sica?

Of course, heck, De Sica...

I've even got an autographed picture of Vittorio, see?

Yes.

Look.

Here, I represent the law.

I don't doubt it, but how do I fit in?

And nobody must know!

Brigadier Mastropaolo, take 27.

Through me it leads to the city sorrowful.

Through me it leads to the eternal pain.

Through me it leads among lost people.

All your distrust must be abandoned here.

Here and now all cowardice must be ended.

We have come to the place I told you to expect...

where you would see that people in their sorrow...

who have forfeited the good of intellect.

"The Inferno," by Dante Alighieri.

I translated it into Sicilian.

I'm also translating Shakespeare's "Othello."

Fantastic, Brigadier!

Say something in Italian, too, spontaneous, from the heart.

Dear Rossellini, Visconti

dear De Sica...

I'm a policeman only because my father was a policeman...

but I swear, this is not the life for me.

I want to aim higher...

but here, what can I aim for?

More likely one day a bandit will take aim...

and it's good-bye, Michele Mastropaolo.

Stop.

Brigadier, I'm speechless.

I've got tears in my eyes!

Hell of a place, this shit-hole Sicily.

Just a few Indians we could make a western.

[Gasps]

MAN: Go on, move it!

Move it!

What do you want from me?

Stash that prick, asshole!

Hand over your money!

I'm just a worker. I'm in the movies.

Strip!

You pick on poor buggers like me?

From the mainland?

Yes, Rome.

All thieves-- you've taken all we have.

I can tell.

No jokes! What's in the truck?

What truck? Oh, nothing.

What's in the truck?

Mother of God, what faces!

What eyes! You brothers?

Why, it shows?

Hand over your money or it's a bullet in the head.

You're sitting on a gold mine, and you don't even know it!

What luck, what a career!

Your money.

What money? I'm talking riches!

Give us your money!

No, I mean riches, wealth!

Dollars, understand?

- Dollars? Money! - It's the same thing.

Dollars are money?

We're sitting on a gold mine?

Understand?

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Talk.

- What do we say? - Make something up.

Anything, fake it.

I can make up that we're seven Badalamenti brothers.

The first, Michelangelo, died when the Germans bombed.

Another, Giovanni, died when the Americans bombed.

Mariano, killed by the mafia.

We found him in a hay stack with his head bashed in.

The littlest, Giacomino, killed by the police.

We three are still alive. Everybody hates us.

Mafia, church, cops, monarchists...

fascists, socialists, separatists...

democrats, communists, and liberals.

Everybody.

Almost everybody.

But we know what we have to do.

We have to slit their throats.

We've killed 45 so far...

and that's just a start, Dr. Morelli!

Stop! What imagination!

Imagination, my ass! That's the holy truth!

You tell them in Rome, if they need to film...

a shoot-out, killing, or murder...

nobody does it like the Badalamenti do!

Brothers, to a new life!

Dr. Morelli, God will see to you.

No, no.

- What do you mean, no? - You don't get it.

You have to pay me.

I'll give you a discount, three thousand lire total.

We don't take anything...

don't even stab you, and you still want money?

It costs to develop film, and I don't have a lira.

Like this, the test's not worth shit.

Anyway, you want to shoot me?

Shoot. Number 46 is fine with me.

But you'll be outlaws for life.

Brothers.

Maybe Dr. Morelli is right.

Bread is bread.

However, you're out 1,500 lire...

and we're out 1,500 lire.

Pay up, boys.

Morelli, good man, you did it again!

You're just like the Phoenix, forever being reborn!

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Action.

Go on, D'Azzo! Say what you want.

You're free to say what you want in front of this.

[Shouting encouragement]

I'm a shepherd, I can say that.

[Laughing]

Perfect! Talk about shepherding.

The best thing about being a shepherd...

is that you can reason with the stars.

City people never look at the stars.

But shepherds, in the country, at night, it's different.

Sometimes I look at the stars and reason.

Does the world really exist?

I don't think the world exists, it's just pretend.

I think that when I look at a dead rabbit, too...

the eyes always look alive...

and they watch me, like when I look at a picture.

I saw a picture once.

And wherever I went...

the picture was always looking at me.

Cottone, take one!

I'll talk about September 8, 1943...

Armistice Day.

I was in Serbinico, in Dalmatia.

There were sixty of us sailors.

Suddenly, September 10, Germans landed on the battery.

13 of my companions escaped...

and they were going to shoot 13 of us.

They lined us up...

machine guns pointed to kill us all.

They asked if we'd fight at their side...

and we all said "no!"

[Applause]

Lo Coco, take one.

The first time I ate meat I was 23.

My life is work, nothing else.

I hoe and embroider.

My hands look sixty...

but I'll be thirty in May.

No one will marry me...

because they say I slept with Americans.

[Chatter]

It's not true; even shit has a right to speak!

My mother washed soldiers' clothes...

and when they came, they smiled at me...

"very good, pretty girl."

Once I was alone...

and an American came for his uniform.

"You very nice girl," he said, "I love you."

And put his hand between my legs.

I ran. Nothing happened.

But nobody believes me because when the Americans left...

that one gave the priest...

an envelope full of dollars for me.

Shut up, you're making her cry!

WOMAN: I made my own dowry, eight sheets...

6 tablecloths for 12 and 6 for 6 with embroidery.

Let's see how gallant my countrymen are!

Stop!

Do you want to be an actress or find a husband?

One or the other, just so's I get out of this shit-hole.

"After all, tomorrow is another day."

[Crowd talking]

Who is that?

Only one who minds his own business.

Nobody's ever heard him say a word, but he knows a lot.

- Too bad he's old! - He's mute!

Why, you'd have married him otherwise?

MAN: It's Uncle Leonardo! Hurry!

MORELLI: Careful of the equipment!

[Shouting]

[Bell tolling]

Do a screen test for Uncle Leonard! He's 112!

This way we'll remember him.

He was one of Garibaldi's Thousand Men!

We all pitched in. Come on, film him!

[Shouting]

MAN: Doesn't he look great?

[Crowd shouting]

[Camera whirring]

[Sheep bleats]

[Music playing softly]

MAN: Uncle Leonardo?

Uncle Leonardo?

Uncle Leonardo?

- Uncle Leonardo? - Huh?

What did Garibaldi say to Nino Bixio?

"We'll hang the last king with the guts of the last Pope."

Stop.

Is he mute?

No, he can talk. He used to be a professor.

Went to war and when he got back...

didn't speak again.

- Why? - Nobody knows.

But he's nice. Don't be afraid.

Here.

Take this, you can go now.

Joe, are you leaving tomorrow?

- Yes. - And we won't see you again?

Who knows?

[Gasps]

[Cat meowing]

[Camera whirring]

[Snap]

[Stuttering softly]

Oh, Fifth!

Oh, Fifth!

Oh, Fifth Regiment!

Oh, Fifth Regiment of my life!

Oh, Fifth Regiment of my death!

July 18...

in the courtyard of a convent...

the people of Madrid joined the Fifth Regiment.

With Lister and the Campesino...

with Galon and Modesto...

with Commander Carlos...

no militiaman is afraid.

Courage, let's go!

Machine guns crackle.

And Franco can go to hell.

And with the four battalions...

Defending Madrid...

the best of Spain unites...

the reddest flower of the people.

[High-pitched whirring]

With the Fifth, Fifth, Fifth...

with the Fifth Regiment...

Mother, I am going to the front...

to cross the line of fire.

Courage, let's go!

Machine guns crackle.

And Franco can go to hell.

[Clapping]

[Camera stops]

[Man singing in distance]

How's that for a mute?

People here are nuts!

Nobody can save them.

Spanish, that's sure enough.

What a mess! What could he have said:

Look at this.

Mixed salad.

Spaniard, you, too...

are in this mess with all the others.

Then, when they start to cry...

they're really a pain in the butt!

Good night.

Animals!

Dumb beasts and rednecks!

Wouldn't they all like to be in the movies?

[Groaning]

I'd like it, too.

If I only knew the fuck how!

[Church bells tolling]

Good morning. I'm Dr. Mistetta.

Got a bad case in St. Vincenzo.

- Would you give me a lift? - Certainly. Climb in.

Thank you.

Unfortunately, it happens at all hours.

When a job's a calling...

She's a missionary, too.

Look at her!

She arrives from Palermo every Tuesday.

Bachelors, farmers, miners...

they wait all week.

She comes and in one night takes them all.

Next day she's off and by evening...

she starts again in some other town.

Poor guys!

Yes, poor and deceived, deceived by all.

By God, by the State, by men.

And if you allow me, also by you, Dr. Morelli.

What do you mean, doctor?

I'm a serious professional.

I know you're a professional in the movies.

I don't mean to offend you...

but from a moral and social point of view...

do you think it's right to promise them riches and glory...

these poor folks who need work, bread...

peace, progress, justice?

MAN: Dr. Morelli, we'll meet in Rome!

Six months, we'll kill them all...

then the Badalamenti brothers will escape!

They might all be poor and deceived...

but since I've been here all I've met are nuts like those--

Outlaws, fanatics, cops...

criminals, spies, revolutionaries--

And they're never still!

Always something going on, something up their sleeve!

What is Sicily?

A boiling, bubbling pot...

and who knows why?! You tell me why!

Dear friend...

we always understand things when it's too late.

I don't know what's boiling in the pot...

but I don't want a handful of men--

Including those who sell dreams, like you--

To be planning a party for the select few.

You aim to kill us?!

Wasn't your patient seriously ill?

Go slow.

The poor man's going to die anyway.

[Women keening]

Looks like we can forget it.

No, I have to issue a death certificate.

Otherwise nobody will pay me.

Thank you and good-bye.

[Keening grows louder]

[Man on loudspeaker]

[Patriotic music playing]

[Overlapping speeches blare]

MAN: Citizens of Scardizzi!

Universalia Studios of Rome...

extends its warmest greetings...

What's all the noise? I heard "studios."

Yes, it's the movies!

The movies!

Beata, good child, you've abandoned me!

You still have to bathe Uncle Stefano.

What with illness and this hot wind he stinks like a goat!

Don't cut me.

"Universalia Studios of Rome...

"is here to offer you the chance of a lifetime."

Vito Stra'zzeri, take one.

Strazze'ri.

Should I look at the glass?

What's that, lipstick?

I thought you use make-up in the movies.

Good God, there's make-up and masks, eh?

If I disgust you, tell me.

I'm used to it. I won't be offended.

It's not a question of disgust.

Actors like you...

a little...

Hmm?

I've met lots of them.

But they don't let on.

Really? Should I go, then?

It's no go. Save your money.

I'm only hurting myself, but save your money.

I've got money, you know. What do you think?

I can pay for ten screen tests!

Look what the Germans did to me, because of what I am!

Wait, wait, wait!

Be yourself.

All is forgiven...

of everybody!

Bandits, cuckholds, whores...

they are courageous, cowards, a necessity.

A fairy, no. Homosexuals cannot exist.

In this country you can't be a fairy or you're shit...

you're disgusting.

VITO: But you ought to see them...

when they come to me to get their hair done.

"Vito, remember, a set like yours that lasts a week!"

"Vito, pointed-end sideburns, a hidden line cut."

Vituzzo does it.

Vituzzo's good.

But as soon as he glances at a young man--

Heh--

They whistle at you in the street...

call you names...

They tease.

I want to leave. I want to go.

[Sighs]

VITO: Thank goodness I met you, Dr. Morelli.

It's lucky for me!

Look, I didn't promise anything.

No, Dr. Morelli.

You've made me understand.

There's a world far from here...

where people understand men like me.

Stop.

Good! Excellent recitation!

Will I be going, then?

Where to? To do what?

Let me give you a receipt. 1,500.

[Men talking outside, making rude sounds]

Do you hear them?

BEATA: Mind your own business!

Who's there?

Will you do a test for 300 lire?

Yes--what?!

300 lire.

300 kicks in the ass you'll get!

What do you think, I'm a beggar?!

[Men jeering]

Please, sir, come in!

[Men laughing]

[Horn honks]

MAN: Who is it?

Greetings, don Gino.

What do you want, dummy? Did you do the cleaning?

Give me 1,500 lire.

What do you need to buy, an evening dress?

When I clean, you give me 300.

GINO: 100 is tip because you show me your tits.

Okay.

If you show me everything...

All naked?

All or nothing.

No.

MAN ON P.A.: Hurry!

Tomorrow's the last day!

Everything.

Start.

First the money.

They call you a dummy...

but you're one smart pussy.

Come here.

Slowly, slowly.

Everything.

GINO: Jesus Christ, you're a statue!

Turn around.

I want to screw you! How much? Ahh!

Pig!

The show's over.

Wash your hands first.

The hungrier they are...

the more they act like shit, these beggars.

MORELLI: Beata, take one.

Do I show my profiles?

Yes.

Right.

Left.

Center.

Why such a religious name?

Couldn't your parents think of another?

I'm the Virgin Mary's daughter.

I was born in the convent.

Got it. How old are you?

I don't know, 15 or 18.

I don't remember how old. I can only count to ten.

Boyfriend, husband, relatives?

Nobody. I sleep in the convent.

How did you get the money?

From don Gino, the tax man.

He eyed me naked and paid.

Eyed you? What do you mean eyed you?

He looked at me.

He saw you naked?

He forced you.

No, I wash floors...

houses, stores.

I bathe the sick and when they pay me...

they ask to look at me...

my legs or breasts...

all of me, but I never let them touch.

Why didn't you let me look at you...

if you didn't have the money?

Your kind sir did not ask!

Your kind sir did not ask!

Look the way you would if afraid.

- Afraid? - Yes.

And you want to be an actress?

If your kind sir would help me, yes.

After all, tomorrow is another day.

What kind of movies do you like?

I like love stories...

where everybody kisses and are happy ever after.

Would you know how to do a nice love scene?

Stop.

That's it?!

That's it. What do you want...

"The Charge of the Light Brigade" right off the bat?

Anyway, you're photogenic.

What's that mean?

That you're pretty.

You can be pretty.

You've got a basket of hair!

On film...

you can be beautiful. I mean it.

Ugh. No.

What's wrong?

I tell you what's wrong.

- What are you doing? - Don't worry.

Ayy!

Hold it.

Ayy.

Wait, I'll shoot a bit more.

What am I doing?

Beat it. There's no need.

You mean I'm no good?

You're wonderful. Now scram.

Don't you want the money?

Beat it!

In a month you'll hear from Rome. Scram!

Thank you very much.

MAN: She's beautiful!

You're so beautiful!

Beata, you know you're a beauty?

When will you come to the theater?

Hurry, it's a long way!

We heard what happened!

Dr. Morelli?

If you'd allow us to ask a favor.

[Band playing funeral dirge]

Pardon, make way.

[Women weeping]

A great man of honor. The greatest!

Don Mariano Guamero, when alive...

never allowed photographs.

Not even a portrait left us.

You alone receive this honor.

But I don't take pictures. I make movies.

- Can't we see them? - Yes.

Well then, for God's sakes carry on! Hurry!

Should I do the relatives too?

Never!

Only him. Him alone.

His face, his body. From close, from far.

Him alone. Only him.

Come now, everybody up!

Donna Maria, we'll come back after.

DONNA MARIA: He seems to be sleeping.

Not enough light. Can't we open a bit?

He'll come out ugly like this.

[Fly buzzing]

Camera!

[Camera whirs]

What a face. Holy shit.

[Band continues to play]

MAN: This is the best movie...

you'll ever make in your life.

How much for your trouble?

MORELLI: Up to you.

When it's ready, send it to the Mayor of Scaridizzi...

marked "personal,” sealed with wax, remember.

Don't worry.

Thank you.

What a huge loss! What a loss!

Don't tell me.

[People chattering]

MAN: Dr. Morelli!

Come, sit here.

Play a round with us.

Half-hour and you'll be in bed.

Something light.

Let's see.

Flush.

Not even a full wins!

I'm sorry, gentlemen. May I offer you a last chance?

[Laughing]

"Play a round!"

I'll show you a round!

May I offer you a last chance?!

[Laughs]

[Imitates gear shifting]

[Thud, rattle]

WOMAN: Ayy!

What are you doing here?

BEATA: Your kind sir told me...

that I was photographic.

- Get out! Scram! - I'll go with you to Rome!

This way I won't wait a month to become an actress!

Go on home!

I promise, no bother! I'll help, wash up!

I'll cook. Your kind sir is alone.

Beat it home! What do you care I'm alone?!

If your kind sir wishes, I'll let you look.

Are you crazy?

And I'll draw your milk.

Shame on you!

Start like this, it's not acting you'll do!

Forgive me. I mean no harm.

If you're meant to be an actress you will be.

If not, a milkmaid.

Eh?

Don't do that again.

Will you take me to Rome, then?

You don't think I will? You've got Joe Morelli's word.

If the test is good-- and it is, because I say so--

I'll come back and get you.

Get out here. It's better if they don't see us together.

- Embarrassed? - The way you talk! Senseless!

Give me a kiss.

I could be your uncle. Beat it.

As you wish.

Go on, I'll make you a great actress.

I'll come for you in a Cadillac!

Some Virgin's daughter! This little orphan likes cocks!

Come back soon!

Yes.

I'll wait!

Wait, wait!

I'll do what your kind sir wishes!

- Don't worry! - Don't leave me here!

I'm an idiot. I'm too good. I could have given her a go!

[Bell ringing]

[Nuns singing]

Open up! It's me!

Stop it and go! It's better for you!

Mother Superior, where should I go?

Go with the movie man, shameless girl!

Goddamn truck!

Now you give up?!

Totally wrecked!

Fuck you and all Fiat!

Do you need help, sir?

Excuse me, madame, where are we going?

There's nobody here!

Don't worry. Antonio will fix your car!

I see, but who's...

[Opera playing]

What's with this fucking music?

Antonio, Mr. Morelli's truck, please.

Excuse my asking...

but who's that?

The Prince of Montejuso, my husband.

I'm sorry.

This town is his. Once a month he comes and stays all day.

The rest of the time he never leaves the Montejuso castle.

Nice piece of meat.

Noble, maybe, but you never know.

WOMAN: Antonio, when do you think it'll be ready?

ANTONIO: In a couple of hours.

WOMAN: Mr. Morelli?

Yes?

I spoke with my husband...

and I'd like you to dine with us at the castle tonight.

Tonight, actually...

I have to leave now.

Too bad.

Bon voyage, then.

You've traveled much. It's lovely to travel.

You haven't traveled in a long time?

Unfortunately.

You really met all these women?

Yes.

What's Rita Hayworth like?

Tall.

[Sniffs]

You're not from here, are you?

How long have you been married?

Stay with us.

I'll answer all your questions.

But the Prince...

The Prince of Montejuso take one!

Prince, say something!

Please, Prince.

Prince.

Have a drink, to my health.

Pardon... who are you?

A metteur-en-scene?

This is the new aristocracy!

Movies, charlatans.

My wife and I are proud...

to have never set foot in a movie theater.

No, Prince.

I'm not in the movies.

I'm just a talent scout. Hard work.

You can understand. You're rich.

Yes, this is all mine.

It was all mine. The war destroyed everything.

They made mincemeat out of Sicily...

and out of my patrimony.

All I have left is her.

[Kiss]

My only joy...

and my illusions.

This is where the last of my funds ended up.

You won't believe it...

since nobody has ever believed it.

I bought this from a Finnish architect.

A genius!

I wanted to build the Messina bridge...

across the strait...

uniting Sicily with Italy.

But all I found were closed doors, ignorance, and mistrust.

The dream of the century, but no one wanted to do it.

Only one thing can be done: this!

Oh!

You out of your mind?

[Click]

Damn. It never works!

[Car horn honks]

- Is Messina far? - Not that far, little girl.

But I stop in Mussari. Why off to Rome?

- To find my boyfriend. - Lucky man!

Joe! Joe!

Joe!

Wait!

Joe!

Wait, Joe!

Wait!

It's me!

Joe!

Joe, Joe!

What do you need, child?

[Bottle clatters]

[Bird cries]

[Thunder rumbles]

What's this, a joke?

Motherfuckers, thieves, assholes, bandits, sluts...

bastards, beggars...

whores, hustlers!

Where the hell are you?

Help!

Good to have Joe Morelli here...

everybody licking his balls!

Now that Joe Morelli needs help, where the fuck are you?

Learn some manners, sons of bitches!

[Muttering]

Goddamn you all!

MAN: Look what pretty mines there are!

They're very famous.

The countryside is fantastic. I've got to take some pictures.

I want to take his picture, too. What an interesting face.

Nice face.

Take his picture.

[Camera clicks]

What are you doing?

A report on Sicilians.

Hell do I care? I'm not Sicilian. I'm Roman.

You've got an interesting face.

Then take my cock!

These Sicilians are all quick to anger.

Why are you talking? Am I talking to you?!

Dr. Morelli!

This, too?

It's destiny, you know. Destiny, Dr. Morelli.

- Where are you going? - Mussari.

Ah, Mussari.

Thanks to you...

I found the courage to leave.

Know where I'm going? Messina!

And from there to Busto Arsizio!

Nice!

One can't stay here.

See that man back there?

Look at him. Look at him.

It's Bonocore, the clerk in City Hall, in Realziso.

He had a mongoloid son.

25 years of martyrdom, poor guy!

Yesterday he woke up, gave the boy a kiss...

and shot him in the mouth.

Now they'll say he's crazy!

MAN: What is it, Mr. Morelli? Has something been taken?

No. Nothing's missing.

It's just I'm a little tired.

Better this way.

The police knew at once who did it.

Fraud experts.

Nothing like you! You wouldn't believe it...

but they've made tons of money out of bombed ruins...

the Prince and Princess!

But we've never managed to catch them.

If it weren't for the gas station attendant...

and your girlfriend...

Poor thing. They hurt her some.

Not badly though.

Joe!

More thieves?

Go on now. Clear out.

- It's forbidden to look? - No looking and no touching!

We aren't thieves. We're with the Christian Democrats.

Thieves and bandits!

- Now you're offensive! - Says who?

Leave him be! My boyfriend has a nervous fever!

Leave me alone!

[Men muttering]

[Drums beating]

Go away!

[Sobbing]

[Drumming continues]

I was on my way to Rome already.

To do what?

To look for you, your kind Sir, and be an actress.

Of all days!

I went to the police for you!

If it weren't for me...

your kind Sir would have lost the movie things!

They hit me! And this is my thanks?

This is thanks for those...

who don't mind their fucking business, got it?

[Sobbing]

What the fuck did I do to deserve this?

Oh, stop it. Dry your face.

Blow. Blow!

Are you crazy? What are you doing?

Don't you like it?

You don't know how to kiss?

I'll teach you?

You're so beautiful!

Your kind Sir is, too.

Don't call me your kind Sir.

You make me feel old.

Open up.

Open your legs.

I won't hurt you.

[Beata gasps]

Be good. It won't hurt.

Like it?

Aah!

Ah. [Laughs]

[Both moaning]

JOE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: People of Treportoni!

Universalia Studios of Rome...

extends its warmest greetings...

to this beautiful land of Sicily.

Men, women, young...

old, children, hurry!

Success awaits you!

Come out of your houses...

open your windows!

People here solved the problem...

they all killed themselves.

- Look! - What?

BEATA: There's someone calling us.

MAN: Come here. They're all here!

Nobody's in the town. Nobody's in the town.

They're all here!

Come on!

[Band plays]

They're here! There's nobody in town!

They're here.

[Band plays]

What's this, a revolution?

Worse. They're taking back the land!

Joe, film this!

[Camera whirring]

JOE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: Fishermen of Collemare...

your lucky day is here!

It's the movie man!

[Men talking, Joe continues over loudspeaker]

The miracle of riches!

Do you know how much an actor can make?

One hundred million annually!

[Crowd cheers]

Calagero Destino, take one.

Right profile.

Left profile.

Center profile.

Action.

I'm a little nervous.

Don't worry. You've got talent.

And when there's talent behind the face...

there's no problem.

Relax.

Scarlet, I'm...

[Crowd shouting]

I'm nervous.

I'm a soldier of the south...

and not...

Go on, Calagero!

[Crowd talking]

Pardon me, professor.

Stop the camera. I peed in my pants.

[Laughter]

It was nerves.

Come here. You have to pay.

You have to pay me.

The Marshal needs to see you.

It's not that the Marshal wants to be in the movies, is it?

[Laughter]

Tell him, soon as I'm finished I'll let him try out.

Let's go. Who's next?

MAN: You've already finished.

Who is it?

Nice seeing you again, Brigadier.

Marshal, please.

I've been promoted.

You, on the contrary, flunked.

Joe Morelli, in the name of the law...

I declare you under arrest!

[Crowd commotion]

- You joking? - Joe, what's happening?

Giuseppe Morelli, nee Romolo, born in Albano August 18, 1913.

Convicted for theft, breaking and entering...

fraud, armed robbery, gambling...

7 years and 4 months in jail...

emigrated illegally to the United States in 1947...

deported for pimping...

subsequently hired as equipment assistant...

Silence!

...for the production of the film "Quo Vadis",

and fired for the sale of contraband cigarettes...

and drugs to the crew.

Get out of here!

Joe, don't leave me!

BEATA: Joe! Joe!

Joe!

Joe!

Don't leave me!

Go away!

[Typewriter]

MARSHAL: Universalia Studios has never heard of you.

Your equipment has been reported stolen...

and your lousy film, expired who knows how many years ago.

Sign here.

Just between us two, Marshal...

We can talk better in private.

This is private, for my screen test.

Did I ask you to try out? You asked me to!

With respect, Morelli!

You asked me to, Sir, OK, like that?

It's true. You're right.

We're a sorry bunch: girls, farmers, students...

and even policemen!

All someone has to do is promise success and riches...

and we fall for it.

Send that girl on home. She's OK.

She's not nothing to do with this.

I'm a poor bugger. I make me feel sorry for myself.

You're pitiful because you're an idiot.

Taking advantage 'cause I'm in cuffs?

No, no.

Everybody confessed to you.

They gave you their soul...

and perhaps they never will again.

And you didn't understand a thing.

They trusted you, Morelli...

and so did I.

But all you wanted was money.

I thought your job was to look for the truth...

not preach!

The truth!

People are more willing to tell the truth before a camera...

than before a pair of handcuffs!

But if the camera is empty...

eh, Morelli?

[Band plays, workers sing]

Marshal, take a look. What do they want?

MARSHAL: What's the deal?

Get out of the road. Hurry.

Greetings, Marshal. A word with you.

Let's hear it.

[Breathing hard, whimpering]

You want to ruin me?

MAN: It's so hot!

Like summer's back.

Excellency, there's a bar back there.

Come. Have an iced coffee?

[Flies buzzing]

[Band plays]

But make it fast.

[Workers singing]

Get him! Don't let him escape!

[Men yelling]

Make him cough his guts up!

Joe! Joe! Joe!

[Beata sobbing]

Leave him alone!

No!

Leave him alone!

No!

This'll teach you to play with the honor of the dead!

[Band playing, workers singing]

Aah!

Wake up! Open this gate!

Move it, Turiddu. I'm sleepy!

What a fucking drag!

[Door slams and locks]

MAN: Lucky for you it was just two years, Joe!

SECOND MAN: Say hi to pussy for me, Joe!

Who do I give this to?

The storage man.

Good luck, Roman.

Thanks.

Did you let animals sleep in my truck?

Why, you wanted rent paid?

[Laughs]

He wants rent!

Have the one who slept and ate in your truck...

for six months pay!

- Who? - What was her name?

The actress!

[Men calling out]

MAN: What was your friend's name?

SECOND MAN: How do I know?

All she'd say was the truck was hers.

MAN: She kept her mouth closed.

THIRD MAN: Closed? She kept it full!

[Men laughing]

[Bell tolling]

[Metal clatter]

May I help you?

Up until a couple of years ago...

there used to be a convent here.

The convent's gone.

Been more than a year now.

You stole my money!

What do you want? Tomorrow's movie is even better.

[Sounds of movie playing]

Aren't you Dr. Morelli?

Yes, but I'm not a doctor.

What do you want?

I'm looking for Beata, the convent girl.

The one who always used to come here to the movies.

The virgin's daughter!

Who knows? She left when you...

anyway, since then nobody's seen her.

- You have no idea where she is? - None.

And even if I knew, I certainly wouldn't tell you.

Why do I bother?

[Movie plays in background]

Look, I haven't got a lira.

Eat and be well, Mr. Morelli.

There's room enough in heaven for us both.

[Low crowd chatter]

[Music starts]

Men: Shh! Shh!

Beata is where the crazy people are.

[Music plays]

Come in.

You are a friend of Joe's, understand?

Don't cause any more trouble.

And thank the Director. I wouldn't have let you see her.

[Door slams]

Beata, it's Joe.

BEATA: Joe is dead.

That's not true. Look at me. It's me.

Take you with me?

Shall we go to Rome?

I've been to Rome...

years and years...

when I was rich...

and photogenic.

I had lots of rings...

necklaces, dresses...

an American car.

America!

Ha.

That's all I needed!

My mansion...

had a bath that was too big.

Joe called it a swimming pool.

We traveled the world, Joe and I.

Then they split us up...

and Joe died.

You're right...

I'm not Joe.

But...

I'm his best friend.

He sent me to you.

Do you have a cigarette?

You picked up a vice?

I'm glad.

It means you're getting better.

Would you like a cigarette?

Listen...

I talked to Joe before he died.

He asked me to look for you to tell you something:

that you're the only woman...

that he's ever really loved.

He told me to tell you...

that when you were together he didn't know...

because he's slow to catch on.

Poor Joe.

Joe was beautiful.

He was a son of a bitch, Joe was.

Better if you never met.

Who knows how things will end?

[Door opens]

That's enough. Go now.

Listen...

Listen good.

I'm going to look for work now.

But when I make some money, I'll be back. I promise.

I'll get you the best of care. Are you happy?

I'll get you well and take you away.

If you like, we'll stay together forever.

I'll take care of you.

Thank you.

[Slam]

[Ship's horn blows]

MAN ON RECORDING: They've escaped.

My years escaped me.

Escaped I know not where.

Now that I'm...

eighty...

I call the living and the dead respond.

BOY: A nun to the fountain did go, a monk he did go after.

The wind blew up her tunic.

What a white ass she had on her!

After all, tomorrow...

tomorrow I'll kill myself!

[Sobbing]

Scarlet, do I have to wait for furlough to have a kiss?

Our parents got married in 1923.

A year later I was born on February 18.

Mariano, killed by the mafia...

We found him in a hay stack with his head bashed in.

After all, tomorrow is another day.

Should I do the music, too?

They lined us up...

machine guns pointed to kill us all.

They asked if we'd fight at their side.

We all said "no!"

Here's a soldier of the south who loves you.

Wants to carry the memory of...

your kisses into battle with him.

Because the way I please a woman, no lie...

nobody else comes close.

Modestly speaking, with me...

two shots and it's over!

We'll hang the last king with the guts of the last Pope.

We three are still alive. Everybody hates us:

mafia, church, cops, monarchists, fascists...

socialists, separatists...

democrats, communists, and liberals!

My hands look 60...

but I'll be 30 in May.

No one will marry me...

because they say I slept with Americans.

I'm sorry. I don't know how to be happy.

Oh, Fifth Regiment of my life!

Fifth Regiment...

of my death!

We are no longer ashamed of being Italians!

We are proud of it!

I wanted to build the Messina bridge across the strait...

uniting Sicily with Italy.

But all I found were closed doors, ignorance, and mistrust.

You would see that people in their sorrow...

people have lost their intellect.

I want to leave. I want to go!

Sometimes I look at the stars and reason.

Does the world really exist? I don't think the world exists.

It's just pretend.

I love stories...

where everybody kisses...

and are happy ever after.