Original subtitles

Winner of the Best Actress Award at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival

NIGHTS OF CABIRIA

Go over there.

It's beautiful! Come on!

I must say the river -

Giorgio!

Help! Help!

Help! Somebody's drowning!

Amilcare! Somebody's drowning!

Hurry up, Amilcare!

Help!

Where's Romolo?

He went to the registry office.

To hell with the registry office!

It's a woman.

There she is!

Tina's not here either?

Is she trying to drown herself?

There she is. Jump in after her.

Jump in! If she gets to the storm drain, she won't come up again.

A woman's drowning!

You guys head her off. I'll go after her.

Pascello! Run! Come over here!

What are you doing? Not like that! Turn her upside down!

Stefano, hurry up!

Where'd you fish her out?

Careful. Hold her under the stomach.

She was drowning!

She probably slipped. Mario saw her.

She must have slipped and fell in.

- Did she jump off the bridge? - No.

- Did she go under? - Three times.

- At least seven times! - Ten times!

She must have swallowed a lot. We'll need some help.

Stefano!

- What happened? - Hurry!

- Faster with the arms! - She lost a shoe.

I think she's dead.

Get the water out, before it's too late.

Look how it's rushing out. Move it, kids!

- We saved her! - Beat it!

Let's get Pompeo. He never seen anyone drown before.

- Look at that. - I don't want to. I'm afraid.

Looks dead to me.

If she were dead, she wouldn't spit out water. Move over!

She's opened her eyes!

She's opened her eyes! Put her down.

We'll give her CPR.

- She's bleeding. - It's just a scratch.

She needs some brandy.

Not brandy! What she needs is milk.

Quiet! She's coming to. You, with the motorbike, go get some milk.

I'm outta gas.

Take it easy now.

You're all right. You can thank the Holy Father.

You're fine.

- Where's Giorgio? - Which Giorgio?

Stay calm.

Where are you going?

Who's she looking for?

- Wasn't she alone? - Yes.

Who does he think he is?

- Take it easy. Come here. - I'm going home.

Where are my shoes?

Here. There's only one.

She's got nine lives, like a cat.

See? She can hardly stand up.

Poor thing. She's in bad shape.

- You almost died. - Where you think you're going?

Leave me alone! Let go of me!

Hey! We're the ones who saved you!

Fine. You saved me. Now I wanna go home, okay?

Suit yourself, go home. See you around!

Hi, Cabiria.

- You know her? - Sure. She's Cabiria.

Where's she live?

On Via Cecilia, behind the gas station.

She's a working girl.

Giorgio! Open up! It's me!

It's me! Cabiria!

Wanda!

Wanda! Have you seen Giorgio?

What happened to you?

Mind your own business. Have you seen Giorgio?

- Which Giorgio? - My Giorgio.

What happened to you?

What do you want from me?

What do you want?

I don't want nothing. You mind your own damn business!

Go on in and dry yourself off.

I don't have my keys.

- Where'd you put them? - In my purse.

Where's your purse?

Giorgio's got it.

We went for a walk by the river

and I went and fell in.

He got scared and took off.

Cabiria! Open up!

Come on, open up.

I gotta sleep!

Tell me something, Cabiria.

Just how much did you have in your purse? Answer me.

If you see Giorgio, I'll be here.

What are you doing?

You're right to stay home.

Go to bed and get some sleep.

I'll see you later when I get back.

Why didn't you take your aspirin? Take it, it'll do you good.

You still here? Aren't you tired of yakkin'?

Can't you see I've had enough?

Get lost!

Who told you we were friends?

Get lost, will you?

And don't come borrowing my thermometer anymore!

Who's asking you for anything? What a nut!

Aren't you fun to deal with?

You think a guy would toss you in the river for 40,000 lire?

Drown you for 40,000 lire?

Nowadays they'll do it for 5,000.

Someone who loves you?

What love? You met him less than a month ago.

You don't even know his name or where he lives.

Don't you get it? He pushed you in!

He pushed you in the river!

And you're lucky, because if it had been me,

I'd have held your head under myself! You nut!

- Go and tell the cops! - I'm not gonna squeal!

Take my advice! Report him!

Why'd he have to go and do that? I gave him everything.

I gave him everything he wanted.

Why'd he have to do that?

I'm such an idiot.

What if I had died?

That's it! The party's over!

We're through! Finished!

Silk shirts! I'll give you silk shirts!

You were lucky to find a fool like me!

Look at all the clothes I bought him!

A checked suit! Camel-hair coat!

Never again! Never!

Where will you eat now? In Saint Peter's? Eternal love!

You lazy tramp!

Go back to selling balloons!

Burn! Up in flames! I'll burn it all!

Chicken soup, veal chops...

I hope you drop dead!

This is the last time! You'll never see me here again.

This is my last evening. I shouldn't even be seen with you!

Look how classy I am.

You look like Moby Dick to me.

How dare you!

Know where you belong? In the equestrian circus!

Use your eyes! Take a good, long look at me!

Know what I am? A grande dame, that's what.

But you're no more than a miserable waitress!

She gets worse all the time.

They oughta put her away.

That's how you'll end up!

And that's the heater.

- This car's got everything. - Even Coca-Cola.

- Gimme a ride? - This ain't no tank!

- Get out! - I'm not getting out.

Come on, move it!

- Why should I? - I'm taking Wanda for a ride.

You don't know how to drive.

Who cares? It's my car. I'll do what I want with it. Get out.

I'll visit you in the hospital. This I gotta see.

Why not the bigger model?

Another one! What do you know about cars? You're always in the bushes!

Bruno, you're always on two wheels!

Here comes that lunatic again.

- Bye, handsome. - Bye, sweetie.

Remember to come see your princess.

Cute! Real fancy!

Me, I'd have picked out a gray one.

It's a fancier color. But this one's cute.

You're gonna kill the battery!

Wanda, get out. I don't wanna fight tonight.

Neither do I, you fanatic.

Still, a Fiat is a Fiat.

Everything's different with a car.

You sit at the wheel, high up, and you signal right, left.

People see you and think you're well off, a secretary, a daddy's girl.

The men all chase you. It feels great!

- Listen to her! - What?

I know how she got that car! That cokehead!

- Wait! - Stay right here!

- Let me get out! - Stay!

Mambo!

Dance, Cabiria!

You're in luck! I'm the best dancer in Rome.

Come on!

Now she's found another deadbeat to say, "I love you."

One who'll send her off begging like the Franciscan monks!

Get off the street, dear, or I'll have you arrested.

Here I am, gentlemen! Here I am!

Just as well. Who needs you anyway?

Where you going with the car? To the retirement home?

Maybe if you were 20 years younger!

Filthy fleabag!

You're just jealous!

Hear that, Cabiria? She can't get away with that!

Look how you'll end up, you lousy whore!

"Please, be kind. Have a heart!"

"Please, for my Giorgio's sake!"

Do it! Poke her eyes out!

Wanda, here we go again.

Go for it, Cabiria!

Come on, punch her!

Never mind her! Hit her low, in the belly!

Don't stop them! It's too much fun!

Stop it before the cops come! What the heck are you laughing about?

I'll kill her!

Let go of me!

Come here, come here!

Get her in the car.

I'll swallow you whole!

Take her away!

- Leave me alone! - Get inside!

I'll beat you black and blue!

Look how that whore messed me up!

It's not over yet!

- She ruined my face! - Forget about her.

You're scared of me, right?

You lousy loser!

Have a smoke.

- What'll it be? Where can I take you? - To Via Veneto.

Via Veneto? Think you're the Empress Poppaea?

Listen, Cabiria, you and me need to have a serious talk one of these days.

You're going about this all wrong.

Who's looking out for you?

Look at Marisa and me.

She's safe wherever she goes.

Nobody in Rome would dare hurt her.

You know why? Tell me.

Let me out.

What do you expect to do here?

Girls fight for spots on Via Veneto and Villa Borghese.

Cabiria, why not find yourself a serious man?

- Respectable, like me. - I don't need one.

- I say you do. - I say I don't!

Why should I slave for filthy pigs like you?

- Let's drop it. - Yeah, drop it. Better let me out.

Yeah, it's better.

So long!

Moron! Degenerate!

Go take a walk on the Passeggiata Archeologica!

Can't I look? Know how gorgeous you are?

Get going-

Oh, yeah?

We'll I'm staying right here! Just watch!

Evening.

Pardon me.

Are you blind?

Jessy!

Jessy! You can't be serious.

Alberto Lazzari!

Jessy, I don't want to get upset.

Jessy, cut it out!

Let go!

Don't make me lose my temper. Come back inside.

Give me the keys.

- Come inside. Don't be stupid. - Don't lay your hands on me, you pig!

Move over. Make some room.

Where do you think you're going?

- Will you give me the keys or not? - No!

- You're not getting out! - You're hurting me. Let go!

Jessy, dear, listen.

Listen one last time.

- There's nothing more to say. - I'm tired. You're exhausting!

- Let go! You're ruining my fur. - I bought it!

You louse!

- Wait a second. - What for?

You can go.

Lousy second-rate hack!

Listen, Jessy. If you don't come back, it's over!

Fine! It's over!

Finished! At last! So much the better.

Thanks. Thanks, Jessy!

What do you want? Get lost!

Hey, you!

I'm talking to you!

Get in.

- Who, me? - Yes, you. Hurry up. Get in.

Come on.

Shut it.

Get out.

But Why?

Go on, get out.

What's it gonna be, Mr. Mustache?

What's going on here?

Get out, get in, get in, get out!

Make up your mind!

Come on. Let's have some fun.

Good evening, Commendatore.

- He said to go in. - So go in.

How are you, sir? How about a table? Tonight's show is exceptional.

Your umbrella, signora?

Right this way, signora.

Who's that?

May I help you?

Sit over here. Come on.

Please.

Sit over there.

Alberto! Monica.

What are you up to, Alberto? Are you shooting?

- Yes. - No need to introduce him!

Pleased to meet you.

Yesterday, the Americans gave her a screen test. it turned out fantastic.

I have a 16-millimeter print at home if you want to see it.

Ladies and gentlemen, that was pan one of our show.

Before you dance, I'd like to salute and applaud

an illustrious guest who honors us with his presence.

Must I applaud too, Alberto?

Okay, boys! Mambo number 26!

Do me a favor, come to our table.

A bunch of my friends would love to meet you.

- Come on, Alberto. - I can't.

I'm with the lady.

Let's dance.

Mambo.

The world revolves around the mambo.

What a mambo!

Oh, boy! What a mambo!

If you wanna be with your friends, don't mind me.

- What? - Don't let me keep you from your friends.

That's enough. Let's go.

Good night, Commendatore.

Get in. Hurry up!

- Did you eat? - No. Well, a little bit around 8:00.

- Let's get some supper. - What?

Let's have supper.

Good. Where are we going?

Home.

Wait! Wait a second!

Hey, fancy-pants!

I'm talking to you!

Look at me!

Eat your hearts out! Know who this is?

- Did anyone call? - Nobody, Commendatore.

- What do you mean nobody? - Nobody called.

- Were you awake or sleeping? - Nobody called. I was here.

All right.

Supper for two in my room.

If Miss Jessy calls, I'm asleep. If she insists, I'm asleep.

If she still insists, I'm still asleep!

We'll eat upstairs. What's your name?

What?

Come on, move.

What? Another dog?

Look at these!

You got fish, too?

Yes. Now, where did I put it?

- Leave it for the maid. - But it'll get wrinkled.

Idiot! What made me do it?

Did you ever see an idiot? Well, you're looking at one.

Just leave it!

Come.

What was your name again?

- Where are you from? - What?

- Where do you come from? - From Rome. Piazza Risorgimento.

Sit down. You're making me nervous.

You like it?

Kind of.

It's not really my thing.

It's not my thing, but, yes.

Beethoven's Fifth.

I love it.

Come in.

Leave it there. I'll take care of it. Go.

And close the door.

Let's see what he brought us.

Caviar, lobster.

Help yourself. Eat. I'm not in the mood.

Help yourself. I don't know if you like it.

1949.

1949...

Take that off. It's hot in here.

Guess I tore it.

- Where do you live? - Behind the gas station.

- Where? - At kilometer 19 on the road to Ostia.

- You come to Via Veneto? - Via Veneto? Me?

I work the Passeggiata Archeologica.

- Much more convenient. - Why?

I live in Acilia. Subway takes me right there.

There's another girl, my friend Wanda.

She lives there, too. But I don't bother with the others.

The others sleep under the arches in Caracalla.

Don't get the wrong idea, I have my own house

with water, electricity, propane, all the modern conveniences.

I've even got a thermometer.

You see this girl here?

This girl never, ever slept under the arches.

Well, maybe once.

Or twice.

Anyway...

my house is certainly not quite like this,

but it's enough for me. I like it.

Eat. Eat something.

What's wrong?

Damn it! I know who you are!

I know it! Can I say it?

Can I?

Alberto Lazzari!

I recognized you right away! I've seen all your movies.

- Very nice! - Which is your favorite?

Well, the last one.

You had a costume with all that stuff, then Vittorio Gassman came,

pushed the door open, "Everybody freeze!"

Then it was his daughter.

- That wasn't me. - What do you mean?

You're as good-looking as your house.

Bring those glasses over here.

- Champagne. - Sit down.

What's wrong now?

Who's gonna believe this when I tell 'em?

They already think I'm full of it.

I might not believe it myself tomorrow.

You have to do me a favor. Give me a picture and write,

"Cabiria was here at my house. Alberto Lazzari."

"Cabiria Ceccarelli was at my house." Write it just like that.

Very well.

Now let's eat.

And you eat, too.

An olive.

Should I open it?

Chicken! Some chicken breast to chase away the blues.

Here's your plate.

If you want to play more of that music, I'd like it, too.

And what's this? I saw it in a movie once.

- Commendatore. - Yes, Davide.

- It's Signorina Jessy. - I said to tell her I'm sleeping.

- She is here. - What?

- She is downstairs. - Just don't let her in.

She's already in. She's coming up.

You fool!

Alberto, open up.

- Who is it? - Don't be stupid! Open up!

So? Open UP-

It's very important.

One moment.

- The picture! - Oh, yes. Hurry up!

Alberto, will you open up?

Go in the bathroom a minute.

Yes. I'll get rid of her. Hurry!

I'm not leaving. I'll stay here all night!

- Quiet, don't move. - Open up.

Alberto, please open the door.

Open up, you bastard!

What do you want?

You gonna tell me what you want?

I'm tired. I have to be up early tomorrow. I'm working. You know that, right?

I'm thirsty. Give me a drink.

- What? - I'm thirsty!

Now what?

I can't go on like this!

Well, neither can I, Jessy!

Your jealousy is pathological, unbearable.

I'm all worn out. I can't take it anymore either.

Let's call it quits while we're still friends, okay?

No. That's too easy! I'm not going anywhere!

Jessy, don't do this. Get some sleep.

You're tired and I'm knocked out. How about we call each other tomorrow?

- I know you don't love me anymore. - Who told you that?

You don't love me anymore.

- Admit it. - I'd never say such a thing.

Admit it, and I'll never bother you again.

But I'd be lying.

Even if we saw each other occasionally,

every two or three days, I'd be happy.

Why so seldom? We could be together much more.

- Every day? - Yes, every day.

But stop being so jealous. Is it my fault that women always look at me?

But you're ugly!

How do I get outta here?

Hey, Cabiria. Alberto Lazzari's been lookin' for you!

I'm not even talking to you!

- Don't listen to her. - Who's listening?

- Hey, Cabiria, there's the gimp. - There's a winner.

Hey, you old lecher!

Homesick for jail?

Come on, Cabiria, let's have a good laugh.

Why'd you bring him along? I guess the bad ones never die.

- The Madonna might have mercy on my uncle. - What mercy?

The pilgrims of Our Lady of Divine Love just went by.

I don't believe that stuff.

- Don't you believe in miracles? - Not me.

Why don't we go there on Sunday? I'm sure we all have something to ask for.

You goin' too, Cabiria?

Me? What do I know? I'll think about it.

Besides, what would I ask for? I've got everything.

I'll even be done paying the mortgage soon.

But I might go anyway. I haven't said no.

We'll see.

Think the Madonna would waste a miracle on a guy like him?

Funny, huh? The Madonna knows how you made your dough.

Selling coke and pimping women.

I'm going to see the Madonna and I know exactly what I'll ask for.

Don't make fun of stuff like that.

Don't bother me.

You really want to go?

What'll you ask for?

I'm talking to you. What'll you ask for?

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of death. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of death. Amen.

Behold your people

0 beautiful Lady

As they honor you

30 joyfully today

As they honor you

30 joyfully today

Hey, you! Shorty!

Wanna lift?

- Bye, guys. - See you tomorrow.

A shortcut. He calls this a shortcut.

I've been walking an hour.

Who knows where I am?

You live in the caves, too?

- I've never seen you before. - I've got my own house.

Gorgiano! Gorgiano! It's me. Come up.

- How are you doing? - Not so bad. Thank you, sir.

And where's Pietro? Sleeping?

They took him to the hospital two days ago.

Said he was in bad shape.

- And, you, what do you need? - Whatever you want. Thanks, sir.

Here's a blanket. Is that all right?

- What hospital did they take Pietro to? - To the Fatebenefratelli.

All right, I'll visit him if I have time.

Hey, pal.

Who is that guy?

Is he with some charity?

Hey, I'm talkin' to you.

Can I help you?

Going back to Rome later?

Can you give me a lift?

Yes, later.

Elsa!

Look who's here!

I was expecting you Saturday, but you came today! You're such a darling.

I was just thinking yesterday, "He comes every nine or ten days.

He came Wednesday, so he'll show up Saturday!"

Bomba! But I know her!

But, Bomba, you live here?

If only I still had what I once owned.

An apartment in Rome, an apartment in Ostia.

They showered me with gifts! Money in the bank! Jewels! Gold!

I had eleven pounds of gold!

She's not lying, you know. Who'd believe it now?

But this girl in her day...

Here they don't even expect me to comb my hair.

But if I wear a low-cut blouse

and the white earrings, now we're talking.

Come, come, Elsa. Take this.

Look at the sweets you brought!

And only for me! None for the others!

Give it here and I'll hide it.

The one with the chocolate!

Pinoli. Look at the pinoli. Like rainfall!

Darling. Thank you, thank you!

There's no need for that.

And when will you be back? When?

Farewell, Elsa.

God protect you from evil, my son.

I must say...

a lot of people are down on their luck in Rome.

You drive around at night a lot?

Not as much as needed.

How about during the day?

No, in the daytime, the poor wander about.

How would I find them?

Go figure.

Me, I'm out at night too, and I've never met you.

But how'd you get the idea... of doing this job?

I don't even know myself. One thing led to another.

We're here. There's your tram.

Do you live far from here?

About 19 kilometers, on the road to Ostia.

What's your name?

Maria Ceccarelli.

Are you alone?

My father and mother died when I was little.

I came to Rome later.

Now go and get some sleep, you poor thing.

Sol...

Arrivederci... What is it? Tell me.

Thank you. Thank you for everything.

Don Vincenzo, the group from Rieti is here.

Get your prickly pears! Fresh prickly pears!

Eat these prickly pears!

Gimme a hand, Maurizio.

Wanda, get a load of this crowd!

There's the candle guy. Come on, Uncle.

How much for the candles?

Take your pick. I got some for 50, 100, 150, 200.

The biggest you got.

We'll take two each.

Wanda, the candles! Over here!

Are these all right?

I just want one. I'll pay for it myself. Maybe I'll pay you later.

No, I'll pay for them all.

- What'll I do with it now? - Don't be silly!

How much altogether?

Behold your people 0 beautiful Lady

As they honor you so joyfully today

Make way! Sick man here! Let us through!

So young.

Rosie!

We're over here! Wait for us!

- We're gonna get photos! - I'm coming too!

- Come, Cabiria. They're calling us. - I'm coming.

Where's Wanda?

Wanda, come on!

Marisa!

Get lost! With that nose you want a photo?

Who's takin' the picture? How much?

Now what do we do?

You need to confess. Down there, where it says "confess/one."

I already confessed yesterday.

Watch out! He's a cripple!

Viva Maria!

For Our Lady of Our Divine Love!

- Mercy, Madonna! - Mercy, Madonna!

She descends from the sky

Ave, ave

- Wanda. - Yes?

I'm gonna ask for mercy from the Madonna, too. Like you.

What am I asking for?

You don't remember?

I could ask for a villa in Peripli.

That's not what you said!

- Don't you remember? - I'll ask for whatever I feel like.

But you said you'd ask...

I changed my mind.

Why are you talking like that?

See? You made my candle go out.

Thirty masses at 1,000 each. That's 30,000.

I gave them 35.

Yeah, you did okay. You never know.

How's the act of contrition go? I forget.

"My Lord, I repent with all my heart..."

- Yeah. What's after that? - It's written in the confessional.

Wait here. We can't go in together!

That's enough for now!

Use the other entrance!

Take it easy. Don't push!

I'm sick. I can't help it.

He's sick too. Can't you see that?

Careful, Uncle. He's sick.

- There's the altar, Uncle. - I can't.

- What's wrong? - I can't go on. I can't move.

I'll hold you till we're at the altar.

I gotta rest.

Rosie, come here. I think he's gonna pass out.

Try again, Uncle. We're almost there.

Everyone has a secret agony.

Everyone has a wish for you to fulfill.

Open your heart to the suffering, O Holy Virgin!

Mercy, Madonna!

Call out with all your hearts, "Viva Maria!"

Mercy, Madonna!

O Holy Virgin

Pray for me

O Holy Virgin

Pray for me

Behold your people

O beautiful Lady

As they honor you

30 joyfully today

As they honor you

30 joyfully today

- Viva Maria! - Viva Maria!

Mercy, Madonna!

Mercy, Madonna!

- Heal me, Madonna! - Make me well, Madonna!

Mercy, Madonna! I'm asking you sincerely!

Mercy, Madonna! I'm asking you sincerely!

Behold your people O beautiful Lady

Wanda, over here!

As they honor you so joyfully today

Stay close. What happens next?

I don't know!

You oughta hear my heart beating. I'm shaking.

I feel so strange, Wanda.

Now all kneel and pray.

Ask forgiveness for your sins from the Celestial Mother...

Amleto, will the Madonna bestow her grace on me?

I think so.

Now approach the altar of the Virgin.

Look into her sweet eyes, and in her glance, each one of you

will feel the light of hope illuminated in your heart.

O sweetheart

He is a refuge

For the sinner

He is a refuge

For the sinner

Madonna, help me to change my life.

Bestow your grace on me, too.

Make me change my life.

- Uncle, now! - I'm afraid.

Try dropping those crutches. She'll have mercy on you.

- I'm afraid! - I'm holding you!

Madonna, I'm a sinner, a worm of the earth.

- Have mercy on me, Madonna. - Let him go!

No! Don't leave me!

Lost your tongue? Have a drink.

Careful, Wanda. One glass and she's smashed.

What are you doing?

- I'm thinking. - About what?

- What did she say? - She says she's thinking.

Too much thinking will make your head explode.

She's downed it all in one go.

Look at those bums! Stop with the damn ball!

- They're doing it on purpose! - I'll fix 'em!

- Come on, blondie! - We need the ball to play!

Next time, I'll kick it the other way!

You wanna stay here by yourselves? Uncle and I will leave. Just say so.

- Why should we want to? - What's wrong with you?

- What if we wanted to? - What's the matter, Cabiria?

Hey! Come over here and get your ball!

Come over here if you want it!

Go get her. She can't even walk.

I'm not gonna tangle with her. She'll manage.

This music's boring! Play some rock 'n' roll!

What are you doing, you nut?

We haven't changed.

Nobody's changed!

We're all the same as before, just like the cripple.

What do you want to change, Cabiria?

You think it ends here?

You know what I'm gonna do?

I'm gonna sell the house. Everything. I'm leaving!

Good-bye, you guys. I'm leaving! I'm through with all this!

Where'll you go?

Where? Think I'm like you?

I know where I can go. I know.

Just look at those little nuns!

Where you going with that banner?

Looking for snails?

- Why'd you let her drink? - I made her drink?

Did the Madonna give you mercy? Did she?

Cabiria! You wanna get us arrested?

Amleto, look at her!

- What? - Bring her back!

Leave me alone! I wanna listen. Go on playing!

Come here, kids! Come enjoy yourselves!

Come dance with us!

Forget about your banner!

Why do you always butt in? Get lost!

Cabiria! You're in no condition for this!

- Leave me alone! - You're blind drunk!

Who's drunk? What do you know?

Pray for us

Mother of our creator

Pray for us

VARIETY SHOW

ls the show any good?

Hey! I asked you a question!

You want me to say it stinks?

As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, my assistant's head

has been completely impaled by the daggers.

There's no doubt that his head must be

soaked in blood.

You'll be amazed to see, instead, that his head has disappeared!

In the second part of our show,

we'll feature experiments with magnetism, hypnotism and auto-suggestion.

Would anyone in the audience care to volunteer?

- Please, gentlemen! - I will!

Come right up. Don't be afraid.

There's absolutely no danger.

We now need a representative of the fair sex.

- How about you, signorina? - Who, me?

Yes, you! Good! Come up. Be brave!

No, I don't want to.

Please, will you leave these young men up here all alone?

You go!

Come on, cutie! We need a laugh.

Why should I have to make you laugh?

Just take a look in the mirror!

Come on, signorina, don't make us beg.

Should I come and get you?

I'll come and get you. Beg you.

Don't be afraid. We're all good friends.

They're all tricks.

- Will you come? - Sure! I'm coming.

Think I'm scared?

- No reason to be. - It's all fixed anyway.

There's no reason to be afraid.

You've showed how brave you are.

Come, you'll be fine. Now, let's enjoy ourselves.

Oh, I'm so forgetful! It's really unforgivable!

I completely forgot that Signorina Elvira is still inside.

Oh, this heat! You're hot too, aren't you?

How about a nice boat ride? Does anybody here get seasick?

I was on the Isle of Elba as a kid.

The furthest you've been is Porto Longone.

Nobody here gets seasick? That's very good.

Ah, here's our boat.

We named her Intrepid because she always defies the waves.

Come on, boys. Don't make me beg you.

Signorina, you stay here.

The boat is waiting. The sea is calm, and the weather is fine.

I'm getting out of here!

Where are you going?

Damn, he's good! He zapped him!

Look into my eyes!

Take the oars.

ROW!

One, two!

One, two!

The sea is calm, transparent. Feel the breeze.

Enjoy filling your lungs with air saturated with salt and iodine.

Dolphins!

Boy, look at 'em jump!

One of you doesn't feel so good.

Things are looking bad, boys.

It's the open sea now. The waves are swelling.

Hear the wind whistling.

It's a storm!

Help! Hold the rudder!

It's every man for himself!

I'm drowning!

Mamma mia bella!

- Scared, weren't you? - You'd have been, too!

You were plenty scared!

Where are you going?

- You mean me? - Yes.

- Isn't it over? - No.

It's not over. You'd leave me here all alone?

What's he want now?

Signora or signorina?

- Did you have fun? - Not really.

I'd like to talk with you a moment. Come here.

- Are you from Rome? - Yeah, I live in Rome.

In what part of town? Colonna? Parioli? Prati?

In Prati.

Come on, be honest with me. Where do you live?

In Borgata San Francesco.

What's so funny?

Don't pay any attention to them. They're just joking.

So, you're not married, but you'd like to be.

- Why should I get married? I'm no dope. - Who'd marry her?

All girls want to get married.

I know a nice young man who'd be happy to marry you.

Me?

He's rich, handsome, rides a horse and drives a Ferrari.

Let's see if we can arrange it. What type of work do you do?

She's a countess!

Listen, I'm fine the way I am. I got everything.

And now I'm leaving.

I don't need anything!

- That's a fact! - Even better.

So you're rich? With a bank account, houses...

I own the house I live in. Okay?

And now I'll get going.

One moment.

Don't make me look foolish.

At least let me introduce you to the young man, Oscar.

Who the heck is Oscar?

I'll tell you who he is!

Oscar.

Please step forward.

How elegant you look.

Come here. I'd like to introduce you to the signorina.

She wanted to meet you, too.

A pleasure.

The pleasure is all his, believe me.

Now that you've met, I'll leave you two alone.

This is a beautiful garden, filled with flowers.

You can talk, confide in each other. No one is listening.

Look, signorina, Oscar is offering his arm.

Come, signorina, take his arm. There's no harm in that.

But we've only just met.

You're strolling now. The paths are full of flowers.

The birds are chirping. Oscar dares not speak.

He's shy, sensitive.

Now he says, "Signorina,

I've wanted to make your acquaintance for the longest time.

May I ask you a question?

You're not spoken for, are you?

There's never been a man in your life?

Ah, I thought so.

I often see you standing by your window, and at Sunday Mass.

Your eyes are always lowered. You're always with your mother.

That's good. Picking flowers indicates a gentle soul.

Signorina, may I hope to see you again?

Ah, thank you. What did you say your name was?

Maria, what a beautiful name.

Thank you. I'll save this flower like a precious object.

Would you dance with me?"

Play, Maestro. Oscar and Maria wish to dance.

The orchestra will play a beautiful waltz.

"I'm wealthy, but I'm alone and unhappy.

What good are fancy cars, long journeys and luxury hotels?

Smoke! Illusion!

What I really want is a home, children, and a wife like you."

When I was eighteen, that's when you should have known me!

I had long black hair. This long.

"For me, you'll always be eighteen."

Then it's true? You really love me?

Is it really true? You're not trying to deceive me?

Do you really love me?

There, there. It's all right.

What happened?

What did you make me do?

Still here? I have to close up.

I'm going! I'm going!

Listen, are those creeps still out there?

Everybody's gone. There's nobody left.

Now get going. I gotta close up.

I'll show them a thing or two!

Pardon me, signorina.

I'm D'Onofrio, accountant.

Forgive my boldness.

I don't normally stop young ladies in the street.

I was inside among the audience.

I bet you like watching stuff like that!

Great show! Just fantastic!

If I ever see that slimeball again...

Signorina! Please, don't misunderstand me.

I agree with you.

In fact, I sympathize with you.

I came to tell you how moved I was.

We can all pretend to be cynical and scheming,

we might even believe it to be true.

But when we're suddenly faced with purity and innocence,

the mask of cynicism falls away...

and all that is best in us awakens.

So...

I wanted to thank you. You've done me good.

It's gotten chilly, hasn't it?

May I? Excuse me. It's the nighttime humidity.

May I get you something?

But... I really don't know you.

Those damn creeps are still there!

Pardon me for insisting,

but these experiments with suggestion are extremely dangerous.

They can cause imbalances and other disturbances.

That's why I felt so strange!

Cold, hot. Sweating like I had a fever.

How about that!

I would suggest a Fernet. It'll do you good.

Come, we'll sit down.

Just a moment.

Please sit down.

Two Fernet, please.

I swear, I've rarely suffered as I did tonight.

When that charlatan spoke words of love to you in Oscar's name...

and you replied to Oscar with such modesty and trepidation,

it made me sick.

Something hurt me in here.

I was ill. Really ill.

Hurry up. I'm closing.

Don't be upset.

Some things cannot be defiled by base vulgarity.

Here.

Even amidst a crowd that laughs idiotically,

there's always someone who understands, who knows, who appreciates.

But What did I do?

You acted out a very tender and delicate love scene.

I'm still deeply touched.

I can't even express it.

Yes, that's it.

Perhaps what struck me most

is that deep inside, you're as pure as you were at eighteen.

When you went to mass with your mother

and had long black hair that fell down to here.

I really said that?

Closing time.

- How much? - 150 lire.

Thank you.

Hey, you, go sleep at home!

Listen, signorina.

What happened tonight is extremely important to me.

Here you are.

Just consider.

I'm not from around here. I just came here by chance.

I enjoy strolling in the city through unfamiliar neighborhoods.

I went into that music hall without knowing why.

There's no explanation for what happened. As if guided by fate.

Yes, that's the word: fate!

But who are you?

You sound like you're from Parioli.

What do you mean?

You talk like they do in Parioli. A refined type.

I told you my name is D'Onofrio. I'm a government employee.

What do you want from me?

You might understand me better after I tell you my first name.

Oscar. My name is Oscar.

- Your name's Oscar? - Yes.

So what? Your being Oscar could be a coincidence, no?

Sure. But isn't it strange that the hypnotist chose the name Oscar?

Signorina, I really must see you again.

You're waiting for the bus?

Yeah. I'm dead tired. I gotta get to bed.

Do we say good-bye now, never to meet again?

Impossible. I absolutely must see you again.

The city is vast

and we still have so much to tell one another.

When and where can we meet again? Please!

I don't know.

I'm busy. I work.

I'm a salesgirl.

Anyway, what'll we say to each other?

- What? - What would we say?

There's the bus. So long.

- Arrivederci. - Please, don't say no. I work, too.

Maybe we can meet after work.

Like tomorrow evening. Signorina, wait. How about tomorrow evening?

- In the evening I can't. - Sunday afternoon, then?

- Sunday? - Sunday, the Stazione Termini, at 7:00.

I don't know. I feel so strange...

What're you doing?

Hurry. Let's go!

Here I am!

I was over there. Sorry I kept you waiting.

I was in the wrong spot.

Thank you for coming here.

You might have thought me a nuisance, out of line.

It was all so strange...

as if I were dreaming.

I took the liberty, if you'll accept.

Thanks. You didn't have to.

My pleasure. Let's go that way.

He says he likes to talk to me. And he talks and talks.

He's so well spoken!

The type who reads a lot. Well educated.

Last night we saw a first-run movie at the Metropolitan.

- Hey! That's your third! - They're so good!

I know they're good.

So we saw this first-run movie. A period movie.

Gladiators, with Christian martyrs.

He explained to me that it wasn't a true story.

It's make-believe, just for the movies, understand?

And then, he told me that

he really enjoys talking to me

because I understand him.

He's even good-looking.

Black eyes, brown skin. A northern type.

Then we had pizza at a trattoria.

He always pays. Even for the flowers.

- Nothing? He wants nothing? - 'Course not.

Give me a break, Cabi!

I'll be meeting him again tomorrow.

What's he after?

How do I know?

And who cares? As long as he pays!

Oh, sure!

The cops! The cops!

What you all need is jail!

Arrest them all!

I'm not running away. If you want me, I'm here!

How are you? How elegant you look today!

How are you feeling?

- Fine, and you? - Thank you. If you'll allow me.

- Thank you. You shouldn't have. - Don't mention it.

- It's too much. - Take it.

Where shall we go?

Wherever you want.

It's a sunny day.

Let's go to the Aventino.

Your family's not from Rome?

No. I have no family left.

My mother and father died when I was a child.

Loneliness is a heavy burden,

but I'd rather be alone than make compromises.

We lived in Puglia, in a small village.

The name is unimportant. You wouldn't know it.

I grew up in an old house. I remember the oil lamps.

My father owned a small plot of land. His name was Giovanni.

My mother's name was Elsa, the poor soul.

I like the name Elsa. It's pretty.

I had no brothers or sisters.

When my father died,

some ruthless relatives robbed my mother of the land she'd inherited,

leaving us very poor.

I went looking for work.

What are you doing, my child?

- Good day, Father. - Some alms for Sant'Antonio?

- Sorry, I've no money on me. - Never mind. Some other time.

What's important is always to be in God's grace.

You are in God's grace, aren't you, my child?

You're not in God's grace?

Why not?

We all must be in God's grace.

He who lives in God's grace is happy.

I'm in God's grace and I'm happy.

I even went to Our Lady of Divine Love to ask for her grace.

Maybe you didn't know how to ask, or maybe you didn't need it.

Are you married?

That's bad. Girls should get married and have children.

Matrimony is a sacred thing.

In the grace of God, my child. Ask Sant'Antonio for help.

If you need me, I'm Brother Giovanni.

I'm at the San Francesco Monastery, but I'm hard to find.

I'm always running around.

Hey, blondie!

So long!

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow I'm busy.

Then the day after tomorrow. Same time.

I'm busy then, too.

How come?

Well...

I've been wanting to tell you

I don't know if I'll keep seeing you.

But, Why?

It's not that I'm uncomfortable with you.

But what's the point?

What am I doing with you?

We're both wasting our time.

And doing what?

Anyway, what do you want from me?

If you want...

I'll marry you.

I wanted to ask you before.

But I didn't have the courage. I've wanted to ask you...

since the first time I saw you.

What are you saying?

Marry me?

What are you saying?

Marry someone you've seen ten times? Someone you don't know?

That's not how it's done! Really!

Thank God I'm more honest than most.

Excuse me, but that's not how it's done.

What do you know about me?

About who I am?

Is this the right way to do it?

You shouldn't fool somebody this way!

Why pick on me of all people!

That's crazy!

I've asked you no questions, and I don't want to know anything.

Who cares?

Prejudices don't matter to me.

Because... what matters

is that I know your inner self.

We are... two lonely creatures.

We have to stick together. I need you.

Don't tell me that.

- Don't say that, if it isn't true. - But it is!

What did you do? What is it, you nut?

I'm getting married, that's what!

He asked me to marry him! We're buying a store in Grottaferrata!

He's almost signed the contract.

Without me knowing, he arranged it all: a store, a house!

I'm selling everything! I'll sell the house... the house.

We're getting married in two weeks!

Wanda, I'm leaving!

Does he know that you...

Of course he knows! I told him everything.

I didn't hide anything from him.

But he's a saint. An angel!

He didn't want to know anything. He didn't care.

He loves me! He loves me!

Wanda! He loves me!

Who's there?

- Hello. - May I see Brother Giovanni?

He's not back yet. Why do you want to see him?

- To confess to him. - Go to church for confession.

I want Father Giovanni to hear my confession.

He can't hear your confession. He's not an ordained priest.

I know, but... I'll wait for Father Giovanni.

Fine. Then wait.

Why'd you pack this? I'm not taking that!

Should I take the owl?

Nah, it brings bad luck. But I'll take the seashell.

See if it fits. If it fits, I'll take it.

I sold that. Put it over there.

What a waste! Leaving all this good stuff.

- Here are the dishes. - I sold them. Leave 'em!

Them, too?

Why not? I got paid for them.

It would've cost more to move everything.

He sold everything back home. So I'm selling everything, too.

We're starting over! Everything new.

Me, I'd have taken all the stuff. Are you forgetting anything?

What could I forget?

- Did you take the money? - Of course! I'm no idiot!

- See? You forgot your fur. - Fur? What fur?

- No! I don't want that. - How about giving it to my aunt?

Sure, but hurry! They're waiting to move in!

Damn it! Those lowlifes.

Close the suitcase, will you? Tight.

Oh, Mama!

I bet you never expected me to get married.

- What? - I'm getting married, too.

What did I say? Nothing.

How do I look?

Looks good on you.

It cost me 1,200 lire.

You got robbed. You paid too much.

Ah, my handbag.

Bye, D'Artagnan. Let's get going.

Time to leave. Let's get going.

See them? I can't stand those miserable wretches.

Let's go.

Here are the house keys. I'm leaving. Arrivederci.

Nino, hurry up!

If you need anything, just tell my friend, Signorina Wanda.

She'll write to me. Arrivederci.

Have a good trip. Good luck!

Thank you. Likewise.

Never mind. I don't wanna say good-bye to anybody.

It's better that way.

I'm so happy now, and then all these people,

they'll ask questions.

Luciana! I'm leaving. I'm getting married!

- Send us some wedding candy! - I will!

Say good-bye to Nando and his uncle, and to everyone.

Nice, eh?

They're pretty-

You're getting married

and I've never even met this fiance of yours.

I couldn't bring him where everybody knows me.

Here's the bus.

It's here.

Ciao, Wanda. Why are you crying?

- Who's crying? - Aren't you crying?

I'll write the minute I get there with my address.

And you'll get married, too.

Let's go.

Hurry, the suitcase. I'll send my address right away.

Stay out of trouble. You'll...

You'll get a miracle, like me.

- Yeah, sure. - It'll happen.

- What are you doing? - I want to pay.

- But there's no reason. - Please! You've always paid.

Anyway, what's mine is yours now.

It's all the same, isn't it?

Waiter!

It's getting late.

You'll see how beautiful the sunsets are up here.

You want to get me drunk?

It's such a light wine.

The money.

Put it away.

It's my dowry.

350,000 for the house. That's all those crooks would pay.

They knew I was in a hurry, so they took advantage.

Then I got all my money from the bank.

400,000.

See? I made them give me all new bills.

Because you never asked if I had money.

You, you're an angel, a saint!

If you knew what I went through to scrape together this money.

I told you, I don't want to know. Please!

Let's get away from here.

The beatings I took.

You see, some guys are just after a girl's money.

You wouldn't believe it.

For love, yes. You can put up with anything.

But you can only go so far.

What about when I'm old? Who's gonna look out for me then?

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Waiter, keep the change.

Let's go.

I didn't want to go on like that forever.

If I could, even the next day, I'd have put it all behind me.

To live that way forever? I already owned the house.

Know what me and Wanda planned?

We were gonna rent a news stand.

Understand? You didn't exist...

Where are we going? It's so nice here.

Let's take a little walk. Okay?

I don't even remember how I started.

I was a child, that's all I remember.

- And the suitcases? - We'll come back for them later.

You should have seen me at 15,

with my long black hair, down to here.

Who understood anything? My mother just wanted the money.

Where are we going?

I don't know. We're just strolling.

What's the name of that song?

Won't you kiss me?

Thank you, my love.

Come.

I know a shortcut.

Oscar! Where were you?

What a bad boy you are!

Look at these flowers. Like 'em?

They stink, but still.

I never saw flowers like these before.

- Let's go. - I'm coming.

Smell them. What kind of flowers are they?

What's wrong? Are you sad?

Me? No. Why?

You stopped singing. Wait a minute.

Why don't we carve our initials on the trees?

Let's go watch the sunset. It's beautiful in the woods.

The sunset, eh?

Where do you wanna go?

Where do you wanna go? The sunset!

What a strange light.

Beautiful, isn't it?

I guess there is some justice in the world.

You suffer, you go through hell...

but then happiness comes along for everyone.

You've been my angel.

Your hand is freezing. Are you cold?

Having regrets?

Beautiful, eh?

Look how deep it is!

I'd love a boat ride right now.

Are there any boats down there now?

- Can you swim? - Not me!

I almost drowned once. But they saved me.

Just imagine! I was pushed in!

What's wrong?

What's the matter?

You don't want to kill me, do you?

Answer me!

You want to kill me?

You want to kill me!

Don't just stand there. Say something!

Speak! Don't be like that! Speak!

Tell me.

For... the money?

For the money.

Kill me! Kill me! Throw me off the cliff!

I don't wanna live anymore!

Kill me! I don't wanna live anymore!

Kill me! Throw me off the cliff!

I don't wanna live anymore!

Go ahead! Go ahead!

Shut up, you fool!

I don't want to hurt you. Can't you see that?

I don't wanna live anymore!

Kill me! Kill me!

I don't wanna live anymore!

Maurizio, hurry up! We're leaving!

We're totally lost!

Good evening.

THE END

NIGHTS OF CABIRIA