Original subtitles

Go forth, my Prefect!

"Leave now", Mussolini said to Mori

THE IRON PREFECT

Consign to prison

The Mafia with all of ifs assassins!

They want to rule us

They want the power, that which is all mine!

But they're our foes

They're enemies of fascists, and of God!

Come in.

- Your excellency. Just a few minutes left. - Thank you.

Mori departed

He came aboard a very special train

He didn't know

He was the unwitting servant of their plotting

I wasn't sleeping, you know. Are we there yet?

No, not yet.

I'll have to leave you alone for a bit.

Don't ask.

I'll get back on the train at the next station.

Glad to see you again, sir. — And you.

Any news?

Your Excellency, things on the island are catastrophic.

People have lost all faith in the state.

Their lips are sealed.

Still, when I got your telegram, I started digging

and managed to unearth something.

Some still remember you, and are willing to talk.

That's something, at least.

- Did anyone notice you? - No.

But they knew you were appointed before I did

and before the papers wrote about it.

Maybe even before you did!

You know, I was very surprised.

I didn't think you'd get the assignment

given what you did against Arpinati's fascists.

Yes, tough times. Water under the bridge, anyway.

- Do they suspect you? - No.

You know these people.

They don't fear the police. But they do fear you.

They still remember the lesson you taught them

when you were Trapani's prefect, all those years ago.

They have no suspicions about me.

They don't suspect I'm your man, I mean.

Major Spano.

You're not my man...

because I have no men of my own.

You're a Carabinieri officer.

A trustworthy one, until proven otherwise.

We are state employees. Nothing more.

Now let's get a move on, Spano.

The train won't wait.

Good evening, Vasile.

- Let's be quick. We're in a hurry. - Sure, come in.

This is His Excellency Mori. You said you wanted to speak to him.

I'm deeply honored.

So?

- A glass of wine? - Thank you.

- Do you want some? - Thank you.

Pardon the inconvenience...

but I'm sure that by the time you're in Palermo

we'll have left the island.

We're making a run for it. We've got jobs in France.

The local barons left their land 10 the Mafia.

The farmhands are starving.

And what little grain we do have, we have to share with the field wardens!

Cur brother Alfio...

He stood up against this travesty, and they shot him.

He left three children. He's dead...

- while they get fat. - Who's "they?"

Who's shooting? Who's getting fat?

You know full well who's doing the shooting!

The same ones you sent to jail! They're all free now!

- As for who's getting fat.. - Your Excellency.

There's a notary, in Bagheria.

He handles all connections.

He's got every name.

His name is Concerto Tardisio.

When Baron Salemi sold this lot of land

he did it through him.

And who bought the land?

Some guy.

One Salvatore Caruso, from Catania.

He used to be... a hatter.

It's a slim lead. Little more than a clue.

You know these folks, Your Excellency.

You're lucky they agreed to see you. You know what they risk.

Right. Now get going, Spano. I have a tram to catch.

One moment.

Looks to me like this train is early.

My respects, Don...

Actually... it's running a bit late.

If a train runs a few minutes late, once in a while

- it won't kill you, will it? - Of course...

- So? Should I mark the delay? - Do it, you quaquaraqua (good-for-nothing).

My respects, Your Excellency.

There's no hurry.

I took the liberty of delaying the train.

No leaving without you.

That was ill-advised.

Trains are a public service. They wait for no one.

Do forgive me, then.

It was merely a sign of my respect for you

and for the authorities waiting for you in Palermo.

I know you.

You're Antonio Capecelatro... and you're free.

Indeed, sir.

I'm Capecelatro, just as sure as you're Prefect Mori,

And as you can see, I proved my innocence.

Yes, I see.

But the courts can make mistakes, occasionally.

I'm back in Sicily to avoid such mistakes.

I hope I'll be able to return the favour very soon.

- How is this possible? - No one was notified!

As soon as he got here, he got down to business!

Summoned all authorities in the province!

278 murders.

312 robberies.

59 extortions.

65 thefts of livestock.

18 kidnappings.

These are unconscionable numbers

if we consider that we're talking about a single year

and a single province, Palermo!

Not to mention, these figures are significantly rounded down

due to crimes unreported for fear of retaliation.

This is how the Mafia managed to build a state within the state!

Our citizens are caught between

the true state, which is distant and unresponsive

and a false one, present and active.

No wonder they chose the latter.

The problem is not how actively the Mafia attacks us

but how passively our society defends itself!

Every citizen must be persuaded that if they've been wronged

it's not the Mafia they should turn to for justice...

but the laws of the state!

Despite the unfortunate truth that, at present

our legal system is incapable, slow...

and at times, irreparably compromised.

Your Excellency...

you would have us delegate the Judiciary's power to you?

Mr Prosecutor, I have full authority already.

Your one remaining task is to guarantee me constant...

and unconditional cooperation.

Gentlemen.

The government finally chose to send the right man.

We all know Mori.

Six years ago, in Trapani, he made them cry blood.

It's strange, though...

Looks like Mussolini sent us the same prefect

that just arrested fascists in Bologna.

Ah, he arrests anyone who breaks the law.

Fascists, Bolsheviks, anarchists, crooks...

He's afraid of no one.

They have faith in him...

Even before he arrived in Palermo

he had already found someone willing to talk.

Just hearing his name makes people feel safer.

These will be tough times for crooks.

They'll cry blood, as the Baron said.

In that case, I propose a toast to Prefect Mori!

- May the Virgin keep him. - May the Virgin keep him.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

They did it out here, because

killing him an his doorstep would be twice the insult.

But they didn't kill them just because they talked.

Take him away.

Get a grip! You're a soldier, by God!

Go.

Your Excellency, wait. Let the forensic team go in first.

Spano. I go in before anyone else.

We'll never get used to this kind of sight...

Close the door, Spano. The dust is blowing in.

Why?

A knife of illegal size...

A man's shoe, military model...

size eight...

More victims of the bandits, sir.

A man's jacket, black...

Honest people.

Don't blame it on bandits.

There's nothing in that house worth stealing!

This was the Mafia's work, and you know it.

Will there be "insufficient evidence” this time around, too?

These people trusted the state...

and me, as its representative.

They were massacred to frighten me...

to sow fear and mistrust around everything I do.

If this crime goes unpunished, like all the rest

it'll be all over for the state's credibility!

Draft an arrest warrant for Antonio Capecelatro.

But, sir...

Let's watt for the Carabinieri's report on the crime, at least.

Draft the warrant.

Tomorrow morning, I'll come get it.

Cesare... why don't you rest a while?

- It's suffocating. - Would you like some fresh lemonade?

No, I'd just sweat more.

Sit down, keep me company.

Sure.

Someone was singing. Did you hear it?

- Yes. - He's stopped now.

I guess the song was over. What's so strange about it?

Or he's dead.

If he can sing, he can talk.

And they'll have no singing nor talking, here.

Why don't they show themselves for what they are?

Come, face me as my enemies! I'll respect you more.

The greetings and hand-kissing... you can keep all that.

Hug each other. Shoot each other. Keep your hands off me.

I know you...

I won't know peace until you're all behind bars for life.

I'll be a worse Mafioso than you, if necessary.

That's enough, Cesare. Please.

I can't bear to listen anymore.

It's become an obsession.

At least at home, don't talk about such things.

If we had a child, would you talk like this?

Angela, we have no children.

Sir, wait...

Be careful out there.

If you get shot, I'll end up transferred to some dump.

Caution is useless here.

All of Sicily must know

that Prefect Mori tolerates no threats from the Mafia.

There they are, watching...

They know everything already. The whole story.

Looks like we're expected.

For once, I don't feel bad about it.

Spano...

They'll have to fear the state more than the Mafia.

Woman, where can I find Antonio Capecelatro?

He's that way!

- Who's there? - Prefect Mori.

What does His Excellency want?

I'm here to arrest Antonio Capecelatro.

He's not here.

Then tell him [I wait...

and tell him I'm alone!

Antonio Capecelatro! I know you're in there!

I've come to arrest you for disrupting public service.

But give me a better excuse, if you'd like!

And find the courage to come out here!

You made a big mistake, stopping that train.

You put your signature on the Vasile massacre!

Mori!

This is the day we settle our account!

Today you've come to die on my land!

You should have stayed in Palermo

with your ass in an armchair, giving orders!

Sir!

Sir...

Wait, come here. Do you like sweets?

- Here, go buy some. - Leave him be!

We don't want the state's charity.

Woman! The state freed you from fear, today.

The state should free us from poverty!

In the name of His Majesty Victor Emmanuel

King of Italy by God's grace and the nation's will...

According to Article 421, paragraph two

and Article 468 of our Criminal Code

this court acquits the defendants, Santangelo Vincenzo

Maniscalco Giuseppe

Crisafi Settimo, Crisafi Paolo...

A miracle! It's a miracle!

...over insufficient evidence.

It furthermore orders their immediate release

unless they are being held on separate charges.

This court is adjourned.

Major Spano, we just want to ask the prefect one question...

- Please... - Just one question!

Evening, Your Excellency. If I may...

Isn't it unusual to see a prefect at this hour...

in this courtroom?

Why would it be?

A prefect represents the state.

Let's say the state wants to look its citizens in the eye

after they've pronounced a sentence.

- Is that a threat? - Watch your mouth, sir!

I know the whole trial was accompanied by threats

against all ranks of the justice department.

When I arrived, everything was already over.

The matter had already been settled in my absence.

None can claim that Prefect Mori had a hand in this.

Good evening.

- That's enough now. Out! - Just one more question...

Escort them out.

Well done, Mr Prosecutor.

I asked for a life sentence.

But without witnesses or proof...

they couldn't condemn them on pure hearsay!

All by the book, huh?

But I'm not here to protest this scandalous acquittal

and the laughing stock it makes of us.

To what do I owe the honor, then?

I want you to appeal the acquittal.

I need to arrest them again, before they escape.

I can't do that.

I can't appeal, only for them 10 be acquitted again.

It would mean the end of my career.

I promise you a promotion, and a transfer.

No. I don't want any privileges.

The truth is you're scared!

But of whom? The Mafia?

I would urge to you watch your tone!

I'll give you a choice:

Either you appeal the court's decision

or I'll report you to the interior minister

and accuse you of anti-fascist activities!

That's a lie!

When you say you can't appeal for legal reasons

that's also a lie!

Enough of this!

Who in this hall of justice is on the Mafia's payroll?

So?

Very well.

I'M sign the appeal tomorrow.

No! You'll sign it now!

Your Excellency...

Believe me, I too wish to restore the state's dignity.

- But only through proper channels. - I couldn't ask for more.

May I have the honor of a house call, to confer in private?

Whenever you wish.

I'm so glad we're going home...

Thank you, Lord...

At your service, sir.

Captain, I'll hold you responsible for this unusual fraternizing

between officers of the law and criminals.

Beg your pardon, Your Excellency, but these men have been acquitted.

Tomorrow, after the paperwork, they'll leave the prison.

They will not leave tomorrow.

The King's Prosecutor has appealed the court's decision.

These men will stay in prison.

Here's the signed appeal.

I am now handing it to you.

See that it reaches the prison's director.

Major Spano!

Go with him and ensure that the law is carried out in full.

You spy! You son of a filthy whore!

How dare you, you filth?

Your place is behind bars! For life!

Brigadier, push them back!

Spano...

These people must understand that impunity is over...

Forever.

IN HONOR OF PREFECT MORI

- Come in! Honorable Galli. - Your Excellency.

Fresh off the presses.

A special edition dedicated to your appointment

emphasizing the party's trust in you.

I would have preferred less fanfare.

- Anyway, take a seat. - Thank you.

You must agree, nothing's more direct than the press

when it comes to firing up the public, getting it involved.

Public opinion can be bought and sold.

But I'm well aware of that, and I think the Mafia is too.

- Cigar? - No, thanks. I prefer mine.

This is a new paper.

For a new Sicily, a new Italy.

A paper that will be at your side, in your hard work.

It will never fail to praise your efforts

to rid this island of its age-old cancer.

I'll do all that's necessary. You have my word.

And you will have direct support from the party

and every fascist in Sicily.

Beg your pardon...

Whatever do you mean by "direct support?

I mean fascists stand ready to fight alongside law enforcement

to uproot the Mafia and anti-fascism

wherever they show their face.

The catch is that the Mafia rarely shows itself.

At any rate...

I thank you for your offer.

I shall certainly keep it in mind.

But if I can be blunt, I'm told that many criminals

are all too quick to join the party's ranks

in the absurd hope of gaining a clean record.

But I'm certain that you...

as party secretary

will endeavor to cut off this influx.

I'll do everything in my power, Your Excellency.

In the meantime, allow me to offer a small gift.

I see you don't have one.

Thank you.

But I've always believed that...

you're either a fascist, or you're not.

With or without a badge.

- Farewell, Your Excellency. - Farewell, sir.

No, it doesn't suit you.

The brim's too tight.

I don't like it, it's not for you.

Let's try something else.

- Let me see. - This one?

Yes, that's very pretty...

Curse you! You and your husband!

They sent all our husbands back to jail!

Curse you!

Stop it! Have you gone mad?

Help!

It's my fault...

I shouldn't have let you come with me.

Now I see how much they hate us.

They see us as outsiders, enemies.

They'll change their minds, you'll see.

I just need time. Sadly, I don't have much.

I need concrete results... and quickly.

Do you want me to stay? I'm not afraid.

I'd like you to... but that's impossible.

No. You're my one weakness.

They'll stop at nothing. And neither will I.

Pardon me, sir.

The car is ready, and the train leaves in 20 minutes.

Thank you.

Promise you'll be careful.

Don't get too exposed, and keep in touch.

Go. Go, now.

- Please, one moment. - No, I can't.

District Attorney, the Prefect will see you at once.

Please be patient, it's been a busy day.

Sir...

I'm of the firm opinion

that criminality is a consequence of illiteracy

feudal practices, favoritism

political interference, poverty... and even malaria!

I take it you agree with me?

Of course, Your Excellency.

But if you do...

then as this province's medical officer

why won't you carry out your duties?

Why has the distribution of quinine in the country

been lacking, at best, for the past eight months?

Why do house calls by general practitioners

only happen once in a blue moon?

Your Excellency...

We have limited personnel, and a large area to cover.

Starting tomorrow, you'll have 100 mounted Carabinieri

for the distribution of medicines.

As for doctors, you have more than enough.

It's your duty to ensure that they perform theirs.

I'll expect a report from you IN two weeks.

- Have a good day. - Good day, sir.

Ah, Mr District Attorney. Good day to you.

- Do come in. - Good day, Your Excellency.

We're not doing good, I'm afraid...

Look! Are those soldiers?

- See? They've got guns! - Are they here to arrest someone?

Is there a war going on?

Are you Anna Torrini?

You! Are you Anna Torrini?

Why? What's it to you?

This box is for you, from the Prefecture in Palermo.

It's got blankets, medicines, and other stuff you need.

You bastards.

We don't need this stuff!

You damn cops!

Why won't you go and die of cholera?

Tell whoever sent you that in Vincenzo Torrini's house

we've got food every day!

We have clothes, wool blankets

wine and fruit... enough to choke on!

Curse you, cops!

There are no spies here!

There are no spies!

The Prefect is raking in success after success.

He drafts his own warrants, carries them out

and signs his own appeals, too.

Ah, that's nothing new.

He's had free rein here before.

We know how he works.

I expect there are tough times brewing

for the criminals that dish on our our island.

Father Nicolo! Where are you off to in this heat?

You're dripping sweat!

My respects, Baron.

Pardon me, but I'm in a rush to see the bishop.

Concerning what, Father?

What can I say? You hear such things in confessions...

Like someone being sucked?

If only! This is far more serious.

Something that offends the Holy Church.

Don't keep us on tenterhooks, Father...

You can trust us.

It's about the Zagara estate.

A property of the Vatican, as you must know...

of which I am the humble administrator.

The farmhands no longer wish 10 work the land.

They speak of striking...

while the harvest rots.

They are rebels!

With this new Pref act the government sent us...

they feel protected.

"The Farmhands' Prefect", they're calling him.

He's been called many things.

The Holy Spirit will work its miracles, you'll see.

- Give my respects to His Eminence. - Mine as well.

Let's go.

- How did it go? - How do you think?

The picket dissolved and they all went home.

Their leader is Carmelo Loschiavo.

Let's go and say hi.

Marshall! What are you doing? Guarding power lines?

Better be careful, they might make a run for it!

Pietro, that's Dino's men. What should we do?

How should I know? See if that contraption works.

The Prefect in Palermo wants us to be all modern...

Hello?

Hello? Patrol Three reporting in...

- My respects, Carmelo. - And you.

Are you done with your politics?

What brings you here?

Carmelo! I thought you were a godly man.

Respectful, like us! Then what do I hear?

That you and the others are refusing to work the Holy Church's land.

- It's sacrilege! - Who sent you? The bishop?

What bishop? The Holy Father himself sent me...

if you catch my drift.

What should I tell him?

That tomorrow the land will be shorn, and the wheat stacked?

I can't do that alone!

And the others won't work if they aren't paid.

It's already a pittance!

And Don Nicolo refuses to pay us even that.

He invokes St Joseph, St Anthony...

the Virgin herself! But never pays!

I bet if God above called you to Heaven

you'd ask him to pay for the trip!

I don't need to hear all that.

Just give me an answer: yes or no!

That's what I have to report.

No! I cannot!

You're pissing me off!

Carmelo! Carmelo!

You should be more careful.

You'll end up burning in hell, with this attitude.

Carmelo!

Carmelo!

Hey! We're eating sausage tonight!

Aw, you pretty thing!

Come here! Where are you running off to?

I'll be back tomorrow!

And this land better be bare as a new-bards head!

- Curse you! - Let's go, boys!

As you can see, Colonel, the field phones proved useful.

First platoon, charge!

Francesco, the Carabinieri!

Yes, I saw them!

Second platoon, charge!

Take aim!

Who's the bastard that gave us up?

Francesco Dino, are you done?

Get off your horse, throw down your weapons, and step forward.

And order your men 10 do the same!

Give the order. — Fire!

I'm sorry, Your Excellency. We didn't recognise you.

We were just having a hunting trip, sir.

You must believe me!

I swear it on the crucifix in Spaccaforno!

Forgive us, Your Excellency.

Colonel. Put this filth in chains.

Handcuff the lot of them!

In bed I toss and turn for hours, sighing

I spend all night Just staring at the ceiling

in bed I toss and turn for hours, sighing

I spend all night Just staring at the ceiling

Thinking of you, I can no longer sleep...

It's him! He's here!

What's he doing here?

It's him! It's him!

Woman!

If you keep banging, that shirt will end up full of holes.

It already is.

I sent you new clothes for your son.

Plus blankets, books, medicines...

but you didn't accept them.

What do you think, big man?

A few bullets, some old rags, and you'll conquer Sicily?

Oh, come on. Why won't you talk to me?

Why won't you help?

Don't you understand you're the Mafia's first victims?

I've come to fight those who exploit you.

Those who starve you! Who murder you!

Yet it seems you're on their side!

We're not on their side. But we're not on yours, either.

You say you're here to free us from poverty

but we're starving worse than before!

That's not true!

Things are changing, here in Sicily.

Really? Are they now?

Come have a look, then!

Let's go, Bruno.

Get out of here, woman! The child has to work!

Move...

Sir, you talk about peace, the King, God...

but I don't know about any of that.

Al T know is...

that bandits will beat me up to steal my sheep.

My master... will beat me up

for each sheep stolen.

And cops will beat me up even harder...

to make me cough up the bandits' names.

That's all I know.

What's your father's job?

I have no father... nor mother.

My master found me on the steps of a church.

You might not believe this, but we're the same.

I was abandoned on a church's steps too.

That's why I've always believed in the state.

In justice that's above even one's father and mother.

That protects everyone.

But you can't understand yet.

- See you around. - My respects.

I've always wondered...

Why do your people call me Piemontese?

I'm not from Piedmont.

That's what we call all our enemies.

Ristagni, are you sure about this?

Salvatore Caruso is hospitalized here?

How many times must I tell you?

Salvatore Caruso, the hatter...

the guy you're looking for, he's in there.

They put him there a year ago.

Now let me go, or I'll give myself away.

My respects.

Jesus. Unbelievable.

- Be seeing you. - Take care.

Beg your pardon...

Are you Salvatore Caruso? The hat maker?

Forgive me...

I'm sorry to disturb you...

I've come from Palermo. I have a favour to ask.

Are there any jobs available on your land?

The land you bought last year.

A relative of mine needs the work.

The land you bought from Baron Salemi!

Salemi!

The farm in Montefiorito. Remember?

No, no. I...

I'm not responsible for that. Talk to the administrator.

So you really are the owner?

Hey, you!

We're not taking visitors!

Look, I'm...

I'm sorry. You're right.

I think I've got the wrong person.

So, according to the land registry in Catania

this Salvatore Caruso owns 5,000 hectares...

Yes, sir.

And yet you're telling me he's a poor old man

in the care of a hospice in Catania.

Not really in their care. He looked more like a prisoner.

I doubt his hospitalization went through proper channels.

That's it! His last will.

Basically, what you're saying is...

they find a sick old man, have him buy land for millions of liras

and just wait for him to die?

And once he does, who do you think inherits it all?

So, in all of this, you lose sight of whoever's

truly behind the sale, which is actually a theft.

Correct.

You've done a good job, Spano, but it's not enough.

To send these crooks to jail, we need their victims to testify.

But to get that, we must free them from fear.

We'll start with the bandit problem.

First, the fugitives. We must take out the strongest gangs.

...and hereby orders the requisition of any equipment...

and the closure of the mine...

In darkest night

The cops came down with raids and with house searches

Broke down the doors

And barged in with their faces all transformed

- Why were you running? - I don't know! I know nothing!

Then, right away

- Open up! Anna! - Get him!

They started turning innocent to guilty

They dragged them out

And then away with shackles on their wrists

And wives and children

Went running after them as they were taken

All the way crying

And if you listen, they are weeping stiff

Stop!

What are you doing in Palermo, Anna?

I wanted to speak to you...

but they wouldn't let me in.

Get in.

- Keep driving. - Where to, Your Excellency?

What do you mean? My office!

Come on in.

Who are these?

Kings, princes... Past rulers of Sicily.

You know what we say?

Kings are like fleas: they go where they want

and bleed who they please.

Will you get a portrait too, Your Excellency?

Me? I highly doubt it

Be honest. Are you here to ask me to release your husband?

My husband?

Poor Vincenzo.

I was 16 when Francesco Dino, the bandit you arrested

came to my father's house, grabbed me, and took me away.

Then, when he got bored with me

he picked some poor sap and forced me to marry him.

My husband...

At least he won't starve in prison.

So, what?

If you want to show your kindness, take my son away from here.

Somewhere far from Sicily, where no one knows him

and the curse that follows us cannot reach him.

Your son...

Is he Francesco Ding's child?

He's my child.

Gangi is the bandits' stronghold.

They see it as a safe haven. Its people hide and support them.

The bandits used to be on the Mafia's payroll

but nowadays, they're so many and so powerful

the Mafia was forced to compromise with them.

They're all in there. Eight large gangs, at least.

And the big boss himself: Albanese, the patriarch.

Charged with 27 murders, 45 years a fugitive.

They're all within those walls...

And yet, whenever we get in there

they melt away like spring snow.

Now you understand why I ordered all those arrests.

Here, the victims themselves become accomplices.

Nowadays, there are no innocents in Sicily.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!

By orders of Prefect Mori

all fugitives have 24 hours to turn themselves in!

Failing that, this town will be occupied!

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!

By orders of Prefect Mori...

Out, out...! Get out of here!

You're not allowed inside this church!

You're not allowed in here!

Get out! Get out!

Get out of here!

Don Calogero! Look out there.

Why didn't the shepherds warn us? —They're all in jail.

Don't worry about it We'll slaughter them all.

You mean to fight against their cannons?

May the Virgin assist you.

Don! There's cops everywhere. We're surrounded!

No way in or out! There's a million of 'em!

Yes, I saw them. Let's go.

We've managed to surprise them.

For the first time, no one warned them in advance.

Soldier!

That's a victory already.

And now for the hard part...

Smoking them out. Alive!

I won't turn any of them into a martyr.

We'll parade those vile killers, in chains, in front of their own victims.

It's the only way.

That's how citizens will regain their faith in the state.

Colonel!

Go check the road blocks.

None will enter nor leave, sir.

- And requisition all animals. - Right away, sir.

One platoon, to road block number three!

Another, with me!

Go back to the caves.

The town is fully surrounded. There's no getting in or out.

Don't you worry.

They never found us, and never will.

Mori says he's going to slaughter them all.

When the wind rises, be like the reed.

Do you have papers to prove you're the owner?

Spano, I've made my decision.

Cut off the canals that bring water to Gangi.

Sir, that's impossible.

There are women and children in there.

In this heat, they'll die of thirst.

They have no lemon or orange trees either.

Just rocks and bandits.

Once the children get thirsty, they'll surrender quickly enough.

They'll have no choice.

Colonel, where were we? — Sir!

You can't cut off their water.

You can't treat women and children like bandits.

They'll never forget this.

It's against state interest.

Who do you think you're talking to, Spano?

This is war!

Not a village festival!

I said I want no casualties!

Which means something must be done!

A little thirst won't kill anyone.

Mark my words

when the taps run dry, there will be panic before thirst.

Fear before suffering!

That's what I'm counting on.

I won't disobey you, sir. But I think you're wrong.

Spano... If you can't do it, ask for a transfer.

I'll grant you one immediately.

Who's there?

I want to see Don Calogero.

- Right now. - Go ahead.

Come forward.

What else happened?

The water, Don. They cut off our water.

T's all over. Cur children will dig of thirst.

Turi, and you guys.

Listen closely.

Mori has cut off our water.

Tomorrow morning...

I want to see as much water in Gangi as the sea in Palermo!

- Now go. - As you wish, Don.

Go back to town.

Tell them that Don Calogero will bring water tomorrow.

God bless you.

Water! Where's the water?

We waited like you said! They didn't come back!

Where's our water?

Where is it?

Where's the water you promised us?

Your nephews got arrested! Where's the water you promised us?

Where? Your word is worth nothing!

What are you in charge for?

Curse you.

Lord above, hear our request...

Salt and water, without rest.

Virgin Mary, salt and water...

Lift this curse from your poor daughters.

Hear me, St John! Water, salt!

Purge this flame, and evil halt!

Salt and water! Salt and water!

Seven curses on this plotter!

Dry his tongue and end his lies!

May snakes feast upon his eyes!

All his bones with poison lave!

Seven curses on his grave!

Hail, St John, and Virgin Mary...

Purge this curse, and leave him buried.

Hold just like that, Brigadier... Hold it...

Sir! The bandit Albanese is on his way.

Are you sure?

I only see women!

Unbelievable!

It's really him...

- Prefect Mori was right. - The bandit Albanese.

Warn the Prefect immediately.

Move!

Back! Stay back!

Leave now! There's nothing to photograph!

Go! Leave now!

Your Excellency, the bandit Albanese surrenders.

Take off his handcuffs.

I don't think that's prudent, sir.

We must honor him.

By surrendering, he has recognized the state and its laws.

Obey!

Now, leave us alone. Dismissed.

Your surrender is commendable...

but it's just the beginning.

We still have a vital goal before us.

And I will need your help to achieve it.

We must free the people of Gangi...

from the other bandits.

Piemontese...

You can blind me, if you like.

You can whip me.

Cut off my balls.

I will never help you.

Those are things you bandits would do.

True.

We do it and you call us bandits.

You do different things.

Hunger, illness, wars.

Life sentences. Aren't those worse?

I didn't surrender to turn traitor...

out of weakness, to help you.

When I saw the women kneel and beg the saints

I knew my honor was finished.

A bandit lives by his people’s fear and love.

Without them, he dies.

And I have come to die in front of you

only to exchange my life for the water my people need.

So I can keep my final word, like a man.

I request but one mercy.

Don't let me know the inside of a prison.

Give me the blade, or poison...

No.

I can't do that.

If you want to die...

you'll have to do it yourself.

My children! It's over!

Courage, brothers! The hour's drawing near!

Our country will soon call out your name...

Halt! Who's there?

What's going on back there?

What's your problem? I'm the mayor of Gangi.

Take me to Prefect Mori. I want to talk to him.

- Enough! Start walking. - Come on, move.

Your Excellency. I managed to escape.

They are beasts!

They're asking me for water.

I'm here to pledge myself to your protection.

Basically, you realized which way the wind is blowing...

and you've run for cover.

But we don't run a charity.

A favour for a favour.

Of course, sir. I'll help you if I can.

Sure you can.

Enough of this theatre!

I want a map of the entire town.

And I don't mean the buildings above ground.

I mean the tunnels you let them dig beneath.

But... I don't understand...

- I don't understand, sir... - Don't you, now?

Very well.

In that case, you'll be taken back to town.

Prepare an armed escort!

No! One moment...

Give me just a second.

Let me think about it...

I will try.

- I'll see what I can do. - Good.

Spano.

Paper and a pencil for the mayor.

Tomorrow, we storm Gangi.

The soldiers! The soldiers!

Lock yourselves in! The soldiers are coming!

The soldiers! The soldiers! Lock yourselves in!

Lock yourselves in!

- What should we do, sir? - Nothing, for now.

We won't need rifles here.

We'll need pickaxes. De Rosa, give me that.

- Move this stuff. - Yessir.

There! We're in.

I'll go down first. It's my responsibility.

Sir, if you're not back in a few minutes

I'll follow in with a platoon. — Got it.

Walk, you bastard! Move!

Seize him! Take him away!

Away with him!

They're all hiding in these holes.

Post a guard by this one. Now for the others.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Guard this house!

Where are they hidden? — I don't know!

Come on, talk!

I swear on the Holy Virgin, I know nothing!

Whet are you doing? Who ordered that?

You're worse than the bandits. Out!

What did the woman say?

Dig here!

This is the spot.

Get those goats out of the way!

Face me!

- We surrender! - We surrender, don't shoot!

We surrender!

- My eyes! - Get him out of here!

Keep digging.

Hold your fire!

- They're surrendering. - We surrender!

Out! Come out!

Move! Against the wall.

Come on!

No, Daddy!

Daddy!

These bandits are just cowards!

Men without honor! They won't come out and fight!

They stay hidden, like rats!

What did he do?

Your Excellency, he refused to carry out an order.

Why?

Sir, my brother's in there.

I was born here.

Take him away. I want his officer's name.

What's going on in there?

There's no getting in there, sir. It's hell.

Well, let's get it over with.

This family was hiding them. What should we do?

Leave them be.

It seems there's a whole family of bandits down there.

Father, mother, and sons. They have a hostage.

They've threatened to cut his throat if we go in.

One of them tried 10 escape, but we caught him.

- Can we smoke them out? - No, sir.

We don't know how many there are, nor where.

- It's a maze down there. - We'll soon find out.

I'll head down with ten men. You stay here.

This one's coming with us.

- I want to catch them myself. - Your Excellency!

It's too risky.

If they kill you, the law dies with you.

The law is long dead in Gangi, Spano.

Only victory can bring it back...

maybe.

Go ahead! Follow the Prefect.

Move, you piece of shit!

Move! Get in!

It's insane, sir. They live like mice!

Keep walking, you!

Spread out! Don't stick too close!

And bring that bastard here!

- Surrender, you filth! - Father, don't!

Murderers! Surrender!

We'll tear you 10 pieces! We'll burn you alive!

Shoot him!

You'll have no graves, like animals!

No, Father! Don't listen to him!

You're just cowards! Murderers!

Don't make me kill your sens!

Don't listen to him! Shoot! Kill this damn cop!

We surrender!

I'm Count De Caro! Long live the Carabinieri!

You've finally come to free me! Hooray for the Carabinieri!

Disarm them. Against the wall, all of them!

Ready for the picture? — All set.

Are you ready?

Wait, Sergeant! Come here!

Stand next to this bandit.

It'll be a great picture. Hold your gun like this.

Hail, O people made of heroes

Hail, immortal Fatherland

All your sons were born again

Out of faith in the ideal!

Praise the valor of your warriors

Praise the dignity of your captives

Alighieri's lofty vision

Today shines in every heart!

Gracious Youth, Gracious Youth...

There they come. I could've bet on it.

You'll see. Tomorrow, all the papers

will say it was the fascists who freed Gangi.

We've eliminated the bandits...

now we'll take care of the "gentlemen”.

O eternal spring of beauty!

In the harshest times of life

Your clear singing rings and soars!

I see you've already read the news.

How could I not?

Mori has become a household name in America.

American journalists are saying they'd need men like him

to clean up New York and Chicago.

We've gotten letters from many Sicilian Americans.

All this talk about Sicily does them no favors.

If you're Sicilian, they call you a Mafioso.

The government should defend our island's good name.

The government is watching.

Rest assured, Baron. We are watching.

What's going on?

It's abuse of power! You'll ruin me!

I'll report you to the Judiciary!

This is an overt violation!

Report me to whomever you wish.

Now get out, and let me work!

Your notary practice is a cesspool of fraud!

Let go of me! Don't touch me!

How dare you? Let go of me!

Here, sir. Have some water.

It's so dusty in here.

Look at that, Spano.

No way. The baron...

And the general too...

There's enough here to arrest half of Sicily.

I've been waiting ten years for this moment.

Don't take it from me.

Make no exception, Spano.

Not for the lowest... nor the highest.

For now, my dearest friends

Let's drink of this here chalice!

Don't stop. Sing!

Hooray for a fizzy wine glass!

Shiny in its glassy chalice!

Like a lover's tender smile

It surely warms the heart!

Must be a costume party!

Hooray for a fizzy wine glass!

Shiny in its glassy chalice!

Like a lover's tender smile

It surely warms the heart...

Onofrio Isuzio.

Nicolo Andaloro.

Nicolo Ferrarello.

Cataldo Paterno, Calogero Bencivenni, Francesco Pulvino

Giuseppe Amadore, Girolamo Ammirata.

In the name of His Majesty, you're under arrest.

Carry out your orders.

How dare you?

Get your hands off me. I'm a baron, you understand?

Baron, my ass! Cuff him!

- You're making a mistake, pals. - Save it for the trial.

A big one, mark my words. — Let's go.

General, I'd like to spare you the indignity of handcuffs.

Would you follow me?

Thank you. Lead the way.

This is a farce!

This is all Mori's idea!

He wants 10 impress the government!

Who knows?

He might aim for the throne next!

He's having fun, arresting all these gentlemen!

Give him a message for me.

We're not like the petty thieves you arrested in Gangi!

We've got friends in Rome!

People who know us and respect us!

These hands are clean, you hear me?

And jail has never scared a man of honor!

It's the traitors who should be scared!

Those who cast this infamy on us!

Don't lower those clean hands of yours, Paterno!

Hold them high, like a thief caught in the act!

Mori...

I'll be out soon.

You'll pay dearly for this mistake!

For now, you're the one paying.

Outside there's all of Palermo

waiting to see you chained and dragged away.

Now get him cut of here. Out!

The others, too! Out!

Pardon me, sir.

This will be the first trial after your raids against bandits.

The public is wondering why you didn't ask

for a change of venue, to avoid corruption.

After all, the climate in Palermo is quite tense.

There will be no more changes of venue.

All trials will be held in Sicily.

The Sicilian people will judge themselves.

Order, I said!

Clerk, call Carmelo Loschiavo.

Carmelo Loschiavo!

Carmelo Loschiavo, I remind you that you took an oath.

This is it.

A year's work goes up in smoke if he refracts now.

Your Honor, I'd like to ask the witness

whether he recognizes among the defendants

the man who hurt and threatened to kill him

if he did not go back to work.

- I do, Your Honor. - Identify him, then!

I recognise him. That's him, Francesco Dino.

He's lying! He's lying! I'm innocent!

Put him in jail!

This is an outstanding result!

There hadn't been an identification in 20 years.

Especially in the Courts of Assize.

Hold still, you bastards!

Calm down!

From now on, people will no longer be afraid to talk.

Even the judge is speechless.

Well, we can leave now.

- God bless you, sir. - Great job!

My respects, Your Excellency!

Let's go.

Your Excellency, I thought it best to handle these transfers

with as little fanfare as possible.

In the last few days...

I received some news from Rome concerning us...

quite directly.

The government doesn't seem too pleased...

with our... with your recent radical activities.

Perhaps they'd have liked more smoke, and less fire?

In the end, the government prefers a big show in the press

to concrete, decisive action.

Evidently, their fear is it could lead all the way up to them.

First squad, to the pier!

Second squad, check the platform!

Squad... halt!

Take this!

Don't let them hand out packages, Christ!

Stop! Stop, I said! Stay back!

Calogero Bencivenni...

Nicolo Ferrarello...

Francesco Pulvino...

Cataldo Patero...

Give him this!

Giuseppe Amadore...

Girolamo Ammirata...

Tonino Albanese...

Giovanni Dino...

Francesco Dino...

Vincenzo Torrini...

Carmelo Dino...

Giuseppe Ferrarello...

Hail the Duce!

Good evening to you, Sir.

A spectacle worthy of D'Annunzio's quill!

Cr Boldini's paintbrush, Your Excellency!

A spectacle both vigorous and lyrical!

A spectacle worthy of fascism!

Goon! Preside over the boarding!

You remember Caruso, the hatter from Catania?

He died two weeks ago.

That's a copy of his will.

He left everything to the hospice he lived in...

and lock who he named as his executor.

The honorable Galli.

We've got him this time, Spano.

Find out where Galli is, and don't let him out of your sight.

He's the one pulling all the strings.

Go to the state prosecutor.

Tell him I want an iron-clad arrest warrant.

And tell him I'll hand him all the papers I have.

Now we can prove the connection...

between the fascist authorities and the local Mafia.

Go.

Let me go, you son of a bitch!

Drop it! Drop it, or I'll bash your head in!

Drop it!

They killed the Prefect!

Freeze!

Inside! Come in, quick!

Move! Move!

Inside! Everyone inside! Quick!

Gambini, close the door!

Shall we take him away, sir?

Stay where you are, you two!

- Bentini! - At your service, sir.

At whose service, Bentini? Call the DA!

Now you're going to tell me...

who among you...

shouted, "They killed the Prefect!”

Who was it?

So, you're telling me Mr Galli resold the land

that Caruso had left to the hospice?

Just so, Your Excellency. All fully legal.

But who did he sell to? There's no mention of it here.

The Galli file, please. Do you remember?

Well?

Sir... that file is confidential.

I'd like to remind you that I'm the Prefect.

No file is classified for me.

Unless the file involves someone else in a...

higher position?

Is that how it is?

Who?

The...

His Excellency, the interior minister.

Whatever's going on here?

That land was sold to the state.

They're going to build an airport...

and a new headquarters for the fascist party.

And where's the deed of sale?

In Rome. We're waiting for a copy.

How much was it sold for?

How much did the state pay for stolen land?

I don't know, sir. I've only heard rumors...

- What rumors? - They're saying...

- What are they saying? - Well... 1,000 per square yard.

Where's Mr Galli?

It's too late, sir. It seems he's vanished.

They say he's in Rome...

to confer with the interior minister.

Get out, now.

Comrade fascists!

A luminous day

hails the dawn of a new era!

Fascism's promise to its loyal land of Sicily...

was kept in full!

The centuries-old plague of criminality...

was fully cured!

And the credit goes to a man

for whom the whole world envies us!

A man who has earned his place in history...

just as his actions will have theirs in legend!

His Excellency, Prefect Mori!

His virtues have already been...

superbly immortalized...

by the Duce's own praise!

And today, they are rewarded...

with a seat in the senate!

He will go to Rome...

and sit among the fathers of our nation!

The head of our government

did not forget the young fascist forces...

who stood by His Excellency Mori's side!

And their courageous leader, our valiant comrade Galli!

Who, in this generous island of Sicily...

will carry on Senator Mori's work!

Congratulations, comrade Galli!

Hail the Duce!

Proceed, Reverend!

No, no handshakes.

Let's stick to the Roman salute.

It feels more appropriate.

How right you are... Senator.

Your Excellency!

Your Excellency.

Ah, Spano.

I tock the liberty to come and see you off, sir.

- How are you? - How do you think?

I feel like a surgeon who left an operation unfinished.

I just caused pain...

and didn't cure anything.

These people will only remember me for the pain I've caused.

Don't say that, sir.

It's the truth, Spano.

And there will be no scars...

Ah, by the way...

Congratulations. I heard about your promotion.

Oh, right.

I got promoted too... no idea why.

But I've decided to leave, sir.

I'm resigning.

With you, I served the state...

but the villains we've got now, they're no state.

If I may say so, sir, we made just one mistake.

We forgot that the Mafia...

is a whore that seduces whoever's in power.

And now we're paying for it.

Anyway, we can both find another job.

I don't agree with your decision

but you have all my respect.

Men like you... have always been too rare.

- I only did my duty. - Goodbye, Spano.

Thank you, sir...

Thank you.

- Come on, quickly. - Don't rush! Where are we going?

- Stop dragging your feet! - Wait!

Hurry, hurry! Be quick.

Mother! Mother!

Catch him, quickly. Come here!

Mother!

Spare us the Mafia!

Spare us the wretched law of the lupara

Spare us your "honor”

No honor for the men who rob and shoot us!

This we keep yelling

With a voice so loud the buried dead may hear us!

We've had enough!

We want to change our lives and our fortunes...