Original subtitles

Reverend Mother?

His Majesty has sent me here.

May the Holy Spirit guide and protect him.

Thank you, Reverend Mother. May I come straight to the point?

The King is bravely concerned.

Frankly, the situation in the city is desperate.

Well, we are ready to help in any way our vows permit.

We have ten beds in the infirmary. They are at your disposal immediately.

485 women have died of cholera this week alone.

360 men, one third of all children under 10 so far. No one is safe.

It can only be a matter of time before it reaches you here.

Well, if it is God's will, we are ready to be called to him.

We are not afraid of death.

The king has given orders to start the evacuation.

Those who have already taken orders may remain. The others are to return to

their families.

What do you mean?

Are you suggesting I send my novices out into the world?

My dear Reverend Mother, the novices must return to their families at once

the danger is over. No.

I cannot allow it.

I cannot.

You may try to order their bodies about, but I must think of their immortal

souls.

It seems that the Archbishop does not agree with you.

What?

Oh.

Then, may God...

Today, you return to the world you once left behind.

Well, for some of you, your time away from here will be a test of your faith

your obedience to God's will.

Evil, I know, will surely tempt you.

But remember, there is only one true path to happiness.

You chose it once.

Be true to yourselves and choose it still.

Now, let us pray to the Blessed Virgin to

guide us and to keep us pure in mind and body.

so fond of you. My family is your family.

Are you sure you won't change your mind?

I'll be quite safe here. This wretched color...

every day will you of course i will i'll see you soon

i'll write to you every day have a

safe journey

There's nothing we can do.

Just pray for their souls.

Your stepmother, Matilda, is looking forward so much to seeing you.

She's been busy making preparations to welcome you.

To tell you the truth, I think she's a little nervous.

Colour is in the fine dust which gets into the homes.

Carry on, carry on. We quite understand.

Better safe than sorry.

It may not be science, but it works.

There's not been a single case of colour in Monte Ilici.

That's what you need.

Maria, we're all so pleased to see you again.

Your brother and your sister are waiting for you at the house.

This place redecorated.

So bad. In winter, all paper's ruined.

But we see you so rarely now.

When was the last time you came to Catania?

Was it two years ago?

It's the last Christmas, you know.

Anyhow, you never got around to doing anything about it.

And now, of course, you can't get work from love nor money.

Oh, don't...

Do you like it here?

A window without bar.

I think it's been established, my dear Tekka, that the cholera has no say in

where it goes or who it touches.

It's like a wind.

Oh, aren't they beautiful?

And don't try to tell me it's a skirt sent from God to punish your sins.

That would say there'd be many more in their graves.

Oh, Maria.

Come and meet the Valentinis.

They've been renting the house over by the pine forest for the last few

Annette is my best friend.

And this is Maria, I do suppose.

Yes, it is.

Why, she is the image of one of the saints you see in church above the

Dear. I can think of someone else who would benefit from a good convent

education.

So let's plan how we're going to amuse ourselves this summer.

That's Annetta's brother, Nino.

Nino, I'd like you to meet Maria.

Nino, don't.

apologize for my son's behavior.

He has so much studying to do now they've suspended classes because of the

cholera. All he does is study.

Books, books, books.

Vigilante. There's a good boy.

Say hello to your new mistress.

Don't be afraid, Maria.

Show him you're not afraid and he'll make friends.

Go on.

Go on, Maria.

He won't bite you.

There.

Bye.

Would you permit me the pleasure of this dance, mademoiselle?

Congratulations, you dance very well.

You should have more respect, gentlemen.

Mr. Dunn.

Thank you, mademoiselle.

You must be very tired.

Come. Come and have a look.

You look after her.

May I join you for a hand? Ah, by all means, Nino, my boy.

It's your turn now, Maria.

What? You must sing us a song.

The Convent Nightingale, The Pride of the Carmelites.

No, I don't know any more songs.

Excuse me, excuse me. Maria, sing for us.

No, I'm tired.

May I go to bed? Oh, nonsense. Now, what are you going to sing?

Well, there's a song I sing at the chapel, but I don't know. Wonderful,

wonderful.

Walt it all.

Let me show you the view.

And there's Esmeralda.

Isn't it enchanting?

And in the evening you get the benefit of the sunset.

Oh, it's so extraordinary.

It never stops surprising me.

Well, I do hope you'll be comfortable.

And if you need anything, you just ring the bell.

Isn't it all so beautiful?

It seems a world away from the convent.

Very well, my dear. Did you learn at the convent?

A ridiculous tackler.

Very idea.

I'm afraid it's not done, that blabby.

I'm afraid.

All we learn at the convent is to obey orders.

And to cry in silence.

You quite astonish me, young lady.

Hardly the attitude one would expect from a girl about to become a bride of

Christ.

Oh, give them here, give them here.

Oh, they're beautiful.

Oh, look, look.

I told you I got a letter from Veronica. It was so funny.

We can go back home if you're feeling tired, Maria.

Thank you, Giuditta.

Please, don't worry on my account.

She's probably looking for thistles.

Come on.

You really can be mean sometimes, Giuditta.

Look,

there's Nino.

Wait, I have an idea.

I suppose that was your idea, Judita.

My idea?

What sort of irresponsible girl do you take me for, Signor Nino?

Oh, good afternoon, Maria.

Good afternoon, Signor Nino.

Please, let me introduce you to my friend Mariana.

She's my best friend from the convent.

I've read so much about all of you here in Maria's letters. I feel we've already

met. It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance at last.

would you please?

It's about Maria.

Carmela, take these things inside.

Maria.

We've become like sisters these past 12 years. I can read her like a book.

You see, it was difficult for us to leave the convent.

Her mother superior was right to warn us.

But she got it all wrong.

It wasn't Satan.

waiting for us at the convent gates.

It was life and the freedom to live it. My dear child, why are you telling me

all this? How do you think I can help you?

I ask nothing for myself, I assure you.

I'm speaking to you because I'm concerned about Maria.

She would never admit this to anyone, but I suspect she has doubts about her

vocation.

Naturally, any girl is bound to question.

whether she's fit for such a sublime honor.

You do realize, my dear child, that to be a bride of Christ is the greatest

possible honor any girl could aspire to.

In that case, madame, may I ask why you did not choose the cloister for yourself

instead of forcing it upon a defenseless girl like Maria?

I'll write as soon as we're home.

Don't worry, Maria.

Every day, just as we promised.

Just as we promised. You can count on me.

You come stay with us next time.

We'll talk about our problems and sort out our future.

In the future, no letters are to be sent or received without my knowing.

Do you understand?

This must be about my hundredth trip to Etna.

You know, it never fails to soak up exactly the same excitement you did the

first time.

Here we are. We're ready to go.

Is this the one I like?

Maria, what are you doing still in bed? Come on, they'll all be waiting. They

won't miss me.

I'll only be in the way.

They'll have a better time without me.

Come on, do it for me.

For your father.

It's nice to enjoy yourself.

Come on, five minutes.

Come on, here.

I'll set that. You're lucky. Here she is, everybody.

Where's my horse? Good morning. Good morning, Papa. Hello.

Hello.

How are you feeling this morning, Maria?

Good morning, Maria.

Let me help you up.

Good morning.

No time to waste. We'd best be off before it gets too warm.

Are we all ready?

Is everyone here?

Hop! Hop!

Hold tight.

Bye, darling. Have a wonderful time.

Why don't we go, then? Don't stay too much in the sun.

Well, come on.

The long journey ahead.

We'll see you tonight.

I'll show you something.

Annetta, dear, can I have a drink too?

Of course, my love, as long as you come and get it yourself.

There.

You've never seen anything like that before, have you?

When the volcano erupts, that's what happens.

The red -hot lava destroys everything in its path without pity.

And when he got to the edge, he fell over and he still had his hat on. It

him weeks to find it.

I'm not surprised.

I mean, once you fall over there, you're going to go a long way down.

I mean, if he lost his hat, it would take him months to find it, not weeks.

It's turning out to be a magnificent day, isn't it?

Oh, I've never seen such a fine day.

Come on.

We'd better join the others.

You could say we're in the same predicament.

Except for you, you're on holiday, whereas I have to keep up my studies

I'm here.

What are you studying?

I'm studying to be a lawyer.

A lawyer?

Oh, that's wonderful.

But, Maria, you know what I'd really like to do?

I want to travel.

I want to see this world.

Palermo.

Naples.

And Rome.

Paris.

I dread the thought of spending 50 years of my life sitting behind a desk

from Monday to Friday.

Why don't you travel then?

Because my parents... My parents have already made enough sacrifices for me.

I owe it to them to stand on my own two feet as soon as I can.

And then when I've shown them that I can... Maria, are you all right?

Here, take my arm.

That's it.

Thank you.

Now, you mustn't tell anyone what I just told you.

I want you to swear it.

No, I don't swear.

You're not a nun.

I haven't taken my vow.

Yet.

But when God wills, I'll become a novice.

And then I will take my vows. You're not a nun yet.

As I'm not a lawyer yet.

We both have a long way to go.

He should tell you.

Come and see the crater.

Come on, if we wait any longer, it'll get too hot. No, you go.

Maria,

would you like to come and see the crater?

You go, Maria.

It's a sight not to be missed. But be careful. It's very dangerous.

How could anyone ever question the existence of God?

When did you enter the convent, Maria?

You don't mind if I ask, do you?

After my mother died.

My father married Medusa.

Indeed you were born.

And I went into the convent.

When I was seven.

Seven? And your mother, do you remember her?

Oh, yes, of course.

Of course, I'm sorry. You're stupid of me. Oh, no. I shouldn't have asked. No,

just don't often have the chance to talk about her.

Not even with my father.

But he is always with me.

In the deepest part of my heart.

Of heart.

When you believe in the Holy Spirit, you know, you know

someone that you love.

it lost you.

It always missed you.

I don't know how to explain it better.

You explained it very well.

I never want to go up that cursed volcano again as long as I live.

Not even if the king himself invites me next time. It was just sheer agony.

I quite enjoyed it.

Well, of course you would.

You think suffering is good for the soul.

Well,

go on. Get in. It's still hot.

to see your own nakedness in the convent.

I'd have thought the more you cover yourself, the more people want to see

underneath.

What are you doing up?

It's long past your bedtime.

I couldn't breathe, Mama.

I needed some air.

Good night, dear.

Lord, forgive me.

Forgive me my sins.

I am blind.

You are the most beautiful mother in the world.

Come on, they're all waiting. Oh, my bonnet. You don't need a bonnet. Let us

see. Beautiful.

Come on. It's the party of the summer. It mustn't be late.

Here we are, ready to go.

Can you pick that up?

Leave me with you.

Goodbye, dear.

Goodbye. Enjoy yourself.

Why don't you come with me?

What on earth are you thinking?

Maria's a nun.

Don't go gallivanting around the country singing and dancing.

She isn't a nun yet.

Anyway, if Maria's not going, neither am I.

Besides, I'm tired and I'm not really in the mood for this party.

What?

You'll let me go on my own?

Like a widow?

What a great idea.

I won't do it.

Oh, come on, Papa. Don't be such a spoilt boy. No, you did your plea. Don't

worry about me.

Dear Bonnie and Teresa are here. I'll stay with them.

See? This child has more sense than her father.

Come on.

What's the matter with you?

You're putting me to shame.

You've been drinking too much.

You happen more and more to them.

I can tell you from getting to worrying.

The party was stupid.

You'd have been as bored as I was.

Maria, can we talk, please?

Just for a little while.

Please?

Let's sit here, shall we?

You know, Maria, I'm very cross with you.

Why? What have I done?

You've made me doubt my vocation.

You don't want to be a lawyer anymore.

No, not exactly that.

I just wish that at the university they taught us to doubt a little less and to

believe a little more.

You see, we're trained to judge others and to persuade them of things that,

well, we don't necessarily believe in.

It's quite the opposite of what you do.

Maria, now that I've confessed my doubts to you, can I ask you something?

Do you have any doubts about your vocation?

I know that I have no right to ask you.

But who else is there to give you the courage to speak your mind for once and

say what you truly feel?

I was born to be a nun.

It is my destiny.

Your destiny?

What you call destiny?

It's only what the others have preordained for you.

They are simply forcing you.

Oh, no. No one is forcing me, Nino.

I promise you.

I always wanted to devote myself to God.

I love my convent.

I'm happy there.

Aren't you happy here?

Yes, but...

This world is not my world.

It scares me.

Even beautiful things sadden me.

Because I know one day I must leave them.

We all have to leave the things we love.

That's the way life is.

That's never stopped two people falling in love before.

Look into your heart before you decide to go back to the convent.

Forever.

I know you're afraid.

You're not used to people talking to you about love.

But you must believe me.

You're the only girl I'll ever love.

I don't want you to get in trouble with Matilda.

Quiet, Wanda.

Hide there. I'll be back.

I had some of this ability.

Summer's over.

windows shut tight? Yes, ma 'am.

Oh, are you tired, darling?

Yes.

Good night.

God bless. God bless.

Be well.

Mama?

What about Nino?

Oh, don't worry about Nino. Go to bed. Be well.

I love you.

been declared safe again. He ran off early this morning. I expect he's gone

find out when he's sitting his examinations. Well, let's all have a

yes, a drink.

To... What?

To next summer.

Oh, next summer.

so precipitously had abandoned in fear of death we offer thanks oh lord for

our deliverance but we commemorate today also our loved ones who were taken from

us in that terrible scourge we pray for the repose of their souls and the

forgiveness of their sins

Just aren't enough for a man to make a starting line these days.

There was another time.

The time we went to Etna.

And... And... Oh, I thought I'd heard the last of these ridiculous

This was last summer, young lady.

You're still making this fuss.

It's high time you turned your attention to your duty to God.

You are a novice, remember.

Give yourself to working for your sisters.

Did you clear all this nonsense out of your head?

Say three home errors.

Make a good act of condition.

Be careful where you put your feet.

This cell has been here since the convent was built.

They say it will never be empty.

Is this your first time here?

Yes, Mother.

Well, there's always a first time.

Most important thing is not to be nervous.

Come on.

Join me in...

It's his first case.

You can't imagine how proud he is.

He's been sent to assist a senior lawyer in Naples. You have been wonderful,

Matilda. Why wouldn't they take me as a wonderful boy?

Isn't any use trying to console Rodita with that?

From the way she behaves, you'd think they were married already.

Married? Oh, I wanted to be the first one to tell my sister.

Oh, I am sorry.

Tell me what?

Nino and I are engaged.

Can you believe it?

I'm so happy I can hardly believe it myself.

Those who take their vocation seriously do not dream.

You do want to take holy orders, don't you?

Don't you?

How

is she,

Reverend Mother?

What did the doctor say?

Ah, Signor Vizzini, calm yourself.

She has been unwell, that is all. But she is quickly recovering.

Have you seen her eyes?

Her eyes?

What do you mean?

They have a look.

I remember my late wife, Maria's mother.

She wasn't much older than Maria was. Take these sad memories from your mind,

Signor Vizzini.

I know.

I know how much you've suffered.

But now, go to Maria.

She will be very happy to see you. Go.

Thank you.

Oh, the commotion you should see.

Seamstresses, fittings, a whole new outfit for Judith.

Thank you.

And for your mother, of course.

And, would you believe it, for me.

They've decided I need a new suit for the wedding.

And after complaining about the expense, your mother's gone and given them a

lavish apartment as a wedding gift.

Oh, please remind me. I must remember to take measurements for the curtains

before I go back.

I'm not even sure I know where to begin.

Well, at least it's close by. Judith, I will only have to cross the street to

come see you.

and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and his

community.

Christ abundantly blesses this love.

He has already consecrated you in baptism, and now he evicts you and

you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in

mutual and lasting fidelity.

I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Antonio

Valentini, may not be joined in matrimony.

to Judita Vizzini.

Judita, will you take Antonio here present for your lawful husband

the rite of our Holy Mother, the Church?

I will.

Antonio.

Antonio.

Antonio Valentini.

Will you take Judita?

Here present, your local wife.

I'm going to the right part of the church.

I will.

a certain ruler and worshipped him saying my daughter is even now dead but

and lay thy hand upon her and she shall live and jesus arose and

followed him and so did his disciples and behold a woman that was diseased

an issue of blood 12 years came behind him and touched the hem of his cape

Is Sarah Cavallo really a duke?

Maybe I wasn't such a fool after all.

You've got such a good head for business on your shoulders, Matthew.

Where is that florist? I can't abide a house without flowers. It just isn't a

home.

I had the pain to put a coat of paint on in the bedroom just to make it decent

because I've always believed that the decor of the bedroom is the bride's

domain.

I think it's a little early in the day for that to be.

Come, I'll show you the bedroom.

You are not to blame for the others, yes?

The most spectacular view in all Catania.

Look at that.

Wait, wait, wait.

You haven't seen the rest. Come, let me show you.

We'll follow you.

It was a fortune.

Gently, please.

Thank you.

We must hurry or we'll be late for the service.

Mother Superior wants us all together.

Let them get on with their work.

Just be patient for a few minutes.

There.

I can guess who came up with this clever idea.

They've been happy to let her rot down here for years.

Now they want to persuade us she's no different from any of us.

I wish we didn't have to take a Tenancio sermon.

I can't stand that man.

Here, Ben, calm down, dear. It's nothing to get excited about.

There are men I know, men whose families I have known for years,

far more years than I care to count, whose head to them serves when they see

As I was saying.

As I was saying.

There are men I know who say to themselves, who

say to themselves, who say to themselves when they meet me in the street, there

goes a luckiest fellow in Catania.

Why is he lucky? Well, one man alone with 200 women.

They don't understand that our habit is an outward sign to the world.

that we have given ourselves body and soul to our Lord.

We have taken vows of obedience and chastity.

We are not men and women like others.

We are children of God.

Now I have a few remarks to address to those among you who are yet to stand at

the altar alongside Jesus Christ.

You are the most vulnerable, all of you.

You are so close to our Lord.

And nothing, nothing makes Satan more cunning and relentless than a young girl

about to give herself to God.

Of course, life would be easier if we could recognize Satan, the Prince of

Darkness, by his cloven hooves and pointed tail, wouldn't it, eh?

Satan, who will stop at nothing to lure you.

from your divine bridegroom.

So, I'm going to warn you of some of the tricks he might get up to.

I'm sure that many of you must have met a young man, tender and affectionate,

devoted and sincere, promising you a life of happiness.

And you believed him?

What this man you dream of?

and believe in, has been sent by the devil.

Tell you, you, to steal your heart from our Lord.

Now beware that man.

Beware that man, for if you yield to his blandishments, your punishment will be

so unendurable that your soul shall suffer eternal life.

She looked so peaceful when she came into the church.

She was smiling and happy. Well, don't upset yourself. Go back to yourself.

All of a sudden, she seemed to break down.

Yes, well, these things happen.

But she'll get over it.

She has done more times than I can remember.

Why is she like this?

Some silly doctors who wanted a quiet life decided it was epilepsy.

But it's more simple and immensely more complicated.

What is it?

Perhaps if she came home with us, just for a little while, things would sort

themselves out.

What do you think, Reverend Mother?

Well, I'm in favor of anything that will bring about Maria's full recovery.

Good. Then it's settled.

Is that your wish too, Signora Bettini?

Reverend Mother, everyone knows how reluctant you were to send the novices

during the epidemic.

And if I may say so, you were absolutely right.

Maria loves the convent. It almost broke her heart to leave you and the other

sisters. I thought she was happy with us.

No, Giuseppe. We were happy to have her. There's a great difference.

No.

My only concern is that Maria be allowed to fulfill her vocation.

It's the only thing that matters to her.

What if she should leave the convent and decide to abandon her vocation?

What would happen to her?

To you, she's the most beautiful, and to me, the most beautiful girl in the

world. But let's be realistic.

She's so frail, so vulnerable.

Who would marry her?

No one.

Not even if we loaded her with gold.

You want my opinion.

Maria must remain here. It's the best place for her.

There's something I must ask you.

If you'll please listen.

He has no one.

There'll be just the two of us.

I'm in love.

They told me I'd forget about him.

They were wrong.

When you love someone so deeply, you never forget.

It's so impossible.

Agatha.

It's a woman.

Agatha!

Listen to me!

I must know!

Listen! Agatha!

Who's that?

Maria.

Maria.

What has happened?

Visita. Visita.

Visita.

Visita.

Visita.

Visita. You must help me or my sister. Please.

I'll do anything. I promise you.

Maria, calm down.

I can be your maid.

Maria,

it's all right, Maria.

What has happened?

Please, it's all right, Maria.

Calm down.

Lie down, Maria.

There, get your feet up.

It's all right, you're soaking wet.

It's all right, Maria.

I know what will happen to me. I'll get a towel. I'll end my days like Sister

Agatha and myself.

It's never ending.

I'll be next.

I know it.

Who is Sister Agatha?

Poor nun, they keep locked away.

Oh, dear Dita.

You don't know. You can't imagine.

You are happy.

Fortunate.

Blessed by God.

Dita, go to bed.

You have to take care of yourself.

I'll look after Maria.

Maria is my sister. Dita. She's suffering. Dita.

I want to help her. Judita, it could be dangerous for you.

No, no, no, please.

What have they done to her?

She's my sister, please.

Go back to bed, I'm telling you.

Go.

Judita going to have a...

Judita's

going to have your child.

That was a dream of what might have been.

But a living child is more than a dream.

It is all that matters.

When I asked you... When I confessed my love...

You told me that you truly wanted to be a nun.

That it was your destiny, you said.

That no love on this earth would make you change your mind.

You didn't perhaps realize how much I loved you.

And how difficult it was for me to try to stop loving you.

I didn't know.

No one ever told me about love.

Oh, I suffered.

so much and I didn't know why.

I was so scared to look into my heart and

admit that I had found a treasure.

felt then I still feel whatever I feel for

you I will feel forever you know I

told you once when you love someone

when someone really loves you that

flame will forever burn in your blood

to go back to the convent and to where I belong.

Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary.

Mother of God, pray for us sinners in the hour of our death.

Amen.

Maria.

You know, I...

truly envy you.

None of us have found that secret path to happiness.

Not me.

Nor Judita.

Much less our beloved Matilda, who thinks happiness can be bought with

All that matters in the end, Nina, is that you never forget the love you've

received.

You will always Please be in my heart.

Like the spirit of my mother.

For as long as I live.

Don't suffer.

This is how it should be.

This is the last day of your life on this earth.

You shall forsake this mortal life forever and enter the kingdom of

heaven.