Original subtitles

Attention, please!

We have a special message for all our dear, faithful listeners!

Attention, please! Fathers, mothers, relatives!

Stella Film has organized a great contest!

To find a little girl. A child from 6 to 8 years of age.

A pretty little Italian girl.

Bring your daughter to Stella Film...

...its Cinecitt� offices, Via Tuscolana, km 9.

It could turn your luck and hers around!

All the girls from 6 to 8 years...

...can enter the theatre, quietly and calmly...

...to be seen by the film director Blasetti!

Now, go along inside!

Hurry! Hurry! Move along there! Would you get a move on?

Vito!

Where is this little girl?!

- What's her name? - Maria Cecconi.

Maria Cecconi! Maria Cecconi!

Maria Cecconi! Maria Cecconi! Maria Cecconi!

Little Maria Cecconi!

Little Maria Cecconi! Little Maria Cecconi!

Little Maria Cecconi! Little Maria Cecconi!

Little Maria Cecconi!

Calm down! Quiet! Quiet, please!

There! A little politeness goes a long way.

You will get your daughters tested by us...

...as I'm sure you'd like, if you stay quiet and calm.

We'll be able to see them better. Right? Fine!

- Ready, Taparelli? - Ready!

- Shall we start? - Yes!

Gloria, send over the first child.

Let's see the first child. Come on!

What can you do?

I can do an imitation of Betty Gable.

Good for you! Let's see. Go on!

Very good!

Well done! You're starting early...

...how old are you? - 11.

11! Well done! Give her a number.

Next! Another child, hurry!

Be quiet over there! Off you go! Fine.

Keep that child quiet!

- What can you do? - "Arrivano i nostri".

Fine! Perfect! Sing "Arrivano i nostri". Go!

Fine!

- Very good! - Her voice is a little low!

- We need a louder voice. - Louder!

Very good! Chiari, give her the hat.

First, give her the number. Next!

Please be quiet over there!

Good, you with the Chinese hat! Quiet!

Incredible! I've been looking for you for 3 hours!

How could I go home without you? Look what a mess you're in!

Just look what a mess you're in! Stand up!

You deserve a good smack! What are you crying for?

Look at you! For heaven's sake!

You're all dirty. You drive me to distraction!

- They called you over the megaphone! - Mummy!

What do you want from Mummy?!

What's the child done wrong?

What's she done? She nearly gave me a heart attack.

I've been looking for her all over Cinecitt�!

They won't let us back in. Are you happy?

- Are you here for the contest? - Yes! Look what a mess she's in.

She looks like St. Lazarus! Come here!

If I had to take a child to the contest...

...l'd leave her like that. - All dirty? Right!

They're prettier grubby and with their hair tossed. They look nicer.

- It's you who's nice. - You know...

...you have a pretty face, little girl.

It's photogenic. And she has lovely eyes.

Let me see! Really lovely eyes!

Thank goodness for that. Let's hope they pick you. Come on!

Goodness! I'm lost now. What'll I do?

- I think they're at n. 5. - What's that?

- Studio n. 5. - How do I get there? I'm completely lost!

- I'll take you there. - You will?

- Sure. - How kind! Thanks. Let's go!

I'll settle accounts with you at home!

This is the little girl who got lost!

- The lady can go in through here. - If you say so!

I brought some photos of her. Did I do the right thing?

- She really is a pretty child! - At this age, they're all pretty!

Right. They're all pretty, but I prefer their mothers!

Listen, allow me to give you a piece of advice:

...the second time the test will be a bit harder...

...and these photos won't help you much.

- They're not very good, are they? - No.

You need to get them re-done larger and better by a professional.

- I will. - I can give you an address.

- That'd be great! - Tell him I sent you.

- I will. - I'm Annovazzi. - Annovazzi. - Alberto Annovazzi.

The photographer is at 14, Via Quattro Fontane.

- 14, Via Quattro Fontane. - You'll be pleased.

- He's a real artist. - I'll go there! Thank you so much.

- Not at all. - I don't know how to thank you.

- Goodbye! - Can I go in? - It leads straight to the studio.

If I hadn't met you!

- If I hadn't run into you! - Best of luck!

- Say bye-bye! - Bye! Don't ever run off again.

- I'll hold onto her tight! - That's best.

- Goodbye! - Goodbye!

Good evening, Mr. Blasetti.

Stay back, please!

Good. Well done, little one! Well done! What's your name?

Silvana Mancinelli? Mario! Give her a number.

Now, all the other little girls who are waiting their turn.

Come forward, children. Excuse me, we're not at the races!

The incident's over! Go back to your places! Enough!

Back to your places! The incident is over! It's over!

This is the child who got lost!

- Ah, that one! - I lost sight of her!

- Where? - I don't know! Behind here!

- It's a village, you can get lost. - Where was she? - Near the pool!

Silence, please.

For goodness' sake! That's enough! Quiet!

Where did you find her?

- Near the pool, fishing! - Did she get dirty?

Yes. I tried so hard to clean up her frock!

- Cute! What's your name? - Maria!

- He didn't catch that. - Maria!

I see! How she spits out her name! Maria what?

- Maria... - Zecconi!

- Giacconi! Nice name! - No, no. She has a "Z"...

She lisps slightly.

- So, what's her surname? - Cecconi.

Cecconi. Repeat: "Maria Cecconi".

Maria Zecconi!

Okay, evidently it sounds right to her.

When I made the announcement you were looking for your girl...

...but I said the child was to be 6-7 years old and no younger!

- Mr. Blasetti, she's 7. - Then she's small for her age.

What? You find her small?

- Well, a bit. - The dress makes her look small.

The dress makes her look small!

To tell the truth, she hasn't grown much this year!

She will. For sure! What are you going to do for us?

- Do you dance? Sing? Or what? - Venice! - You're doing Venice!

Mr. Blasetti won't understand!

- The poem on Venice! - Fine! Off you go!

- Do you want to hear it? - Of course!

- Recite it. - Venice, your final hour has come.

Illustrious martyr, all is lost.

The plague is spreading, we are starving...

...a white flag is fluttering on the bridge.

Did you teach her that?

Did you teach her that? She's a star!

She didn't recite it that well even at Christmas!

Know what I say? Let's not waste time. It's 2pm.

If we get to the stadium late, it'll be full, we'll be standing...

...like idiots. Let's hurry! - Know what I say?

I've had enough, I don't feel like coming.

What? You're not coming to the match?

Bruno, did you hear him?

There's nothing odd about it. I'm worried.

She's been out since this morning and she has the child with her.

Why hasn't she turned up? I'm not coming, don't insist!

She said: "I'm going to give an injection in Monteverde"...

Where do you expect her to go?

What's the point of going as far as Monteverde to give shots?

You're right!

It's Sunday and the tram costs 20 cents each way...

...and the child pays full fare.

Your wife is nuts! Come on, Franco, drink your coffee.

See what you've done? This idiot's always laughing!

- Nonsense! Drink your coffee! - Can't you see it's boiling?

Mum, you know what? It's best not to fret over her.

- She does as she likes anyway. - Make her respect you!

Right! Make her respect you! Once and for all!

Do you know what I think? She didn't go to Monteverde!

What are you saying? She has your daughter with her.

That's the reason! Because she has the child with her!

Come on! Let's go! It's 3pm and we're still chatting! It's late!

- Let's go Spartaco! Hurry! - Come home early!

Give her another kiss! Mum, you're always the same!

- I dropped food on myself. - I'll clean you up. Bye!

- Won't you kiss my forehead? - Bye! Don't catch too much sun!

- Right! - When you see Maddalena...

I'll tell her not to bring the child with her any more.

- She hasn't eaten yet! - Don't take it out on her.

I won't, don't worry. Bye-bye. See you soon.

- Have a good time! - It's late!

- Bye! - Hurry!

- Spartaco! Your wife's turned up! - Look! - There she is!

- I want to know where you've been! - Spartaco!

Slow down! How come you're in such a hurry now?

- I did go! - Where?

To Cinecitt�, for the film role contest!

- Are you crazy? - Crazy or not, they picked her!

- Who? - Our daughter, not me! If only!

Don't tell lies. You're always telling fibs!

Leave her be, she always does what she wants.

And you know what she's like, she's all talk!

Let's go, the match will have started.

Why don't you mind your own business?

Don't you talk to my brother like that.

Who's saying anything? I'm coming with you!

No, you go home and feed the child.

- Your mother can do it. - You feed her!

- Take me to the movies tonight! - I'll give you the movies!

We're having a heart to heart! Let's go, Franco!

- What needs discussing? - She's always yakking!

Pack that up!

- Bye! - Bye, Maddalena.

We're going to the movies, right?

Put a sock in it and take the child home to feed her!

You grouch! Come on! Bye!

Two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

Molteni!

Signora Molteni!

What do you want, Maria?

I can't hear you! Shout louder!

They start waking people up very early in the morning, dammit!

What do you want, Maria?

- Is my mother up there? - No, she's not here, Maria!

She's at Margherita's giving her an injection. I'll call her.

Signora Maddalena!

Signora Maddalena!

- What's up? - Maria's looking for you!

- Who? - Your daughter's looking for you!

What do you want?

Mummy, the lady wants coffee!

- I can't understand you! What? - The lady wants coffee!

You're holding me up. I'm giving an injection. I'll be right down.

Be good, now! Thanks! Thank you so much!

Mummy's on her way.

She's giving a lady an injection.

You see this egg?

God helps those who help themselves.

- Your daughter's been calling you. - I know! - Is she ill?

She's fine! She was picked! We're going to the photographer.

When are you going to have this baby? Hurry up!

You're always on the stairs. Have you no home to go to?

What a pain you are!

Signora Gisella, will you do me a favour?

Ask your daughter to do Maria's homework. We have to go out.

We're off to the photographer's. She was picked!

She was picked, Signora Gisella. Bye-bye!

Bye-bye!

That fanatic is completely mad!

For heaven's sake, don't choke!

Is this the lady who wanted some coffee?

Do excuse me. I had a sort of cramp in my stomach...

...a cramp.

I asked for a drop of coffee.

We don't have any. We do have some eggs, but I see that...

- They're better. - Yes, I know they're better.

- Excuse me, but who are you? - How silly of me...

...you don't know me. - No, I don't!

I'm Tilde Spernanzoni...

...the actress.

- The what? - The actress.

I've given up the stage now, I'm tired.

When you get to a certain age, you have to rest.

Anyway, you have to make way for the young.

I do a little film work.

Mummy!

- The lady drank an egg. - It doesn't matter. Don't worry.

Little blabbermouth!

This is the child who was chosen for the second "test"?

Dear lady, who sent you here? Cinecitt�? Stella Film? Who?

No one.

Someone must have sent you. You're wasting my time!

An acquaintance gave me the names of the ones who were chosen.

She's pretty, very pretty.

Take my hand, dear. Give me your hand. Good girl!

While Mummy's making some coffee with lots of sugar...

...you'll recite something for me.

It's nice here! You have a garden! Wonderful! Will you come with me?

- Let's go into the garden. - Yes, it's a real palace!

Thank goodness we're moving. Where are you going?

I've already asked and she doesn't need lessons.

They want her just as she is...

...provided she's bright and intelligent. Look at her face.

My daughter doesn't need coaching. Anyway, we can't afford it.

We just can't.

I see, but for our children we can make sacrifices.

- But... - Our children are our children!

Come here, dear, come here!

Have you turned up to teach me how to bring up children?

You're holding us up. We're going to the photographer.

How else can I put it to you? Be reasonable!

- You'll go there later. - What do you mean "later"?

Where are you going?

Maria, recite "The final hour of Venice".

She'll be satisfied and we can go!

What a clever girl! Say "The final hour of Venice".

- I want to hear the whole poem. - Who ever sent her here?

Who ever sent that mad woman to my house?

I don't know...

...you come home happy and you find a mad woman in the house...

"I'm an actress" and she tells you her life history. "I'm retired".

I've so many problems of my own, I'll give her coffee so she'll go.

How much time we're wasting here! "I no longer teach", "I'm tired".

My dear lady... But she's far from being mad.

Excuse me, you're tired, but you drank three eggs!

What bad manners! How uncouth! I'd best lock the meat up.

Now, we're wasting half an hour to let her hear a poem?

It's simply incredible!

We'll miss our appointment with the photographer!

Have you nothing better to do? In this heat!

It's nice and cool at the park! Instead of drinking others' eggs!

The business about the eggs really bothers me!

I can't accept the business about the eggs!

I just can't take it.

The little girl is talented.

But she'll get to poetry later! Now, it's too soon.

It's tiring for her.

I'll teach her something myself.

We'll find a suitable, quiet spot. Let's see.

Here we are! Take my hand, dear. Come with me.

Come with me, here we are! You'll see what I have to teach you.

This is an ideal spot.

Come with me. Good girl!

lmagine you're in a meadow...

...a large, green meadow that's cool, like here.

You're here to pick strawberries.

Excuse me! Excuse me! She's even deaf.

The first exercise is in role-playing.

Imagining yourself in a situation. Do you like strawberries?

So you're happy to pick strawberries.

Oh! Look how many strawberries there are under that oak!

She's mad! Where can she see an oak?

Run, run! Pick them! Go on! Bend down, there's a good girl.

Pick them! There are so many! Look how many there are!

And that silly girl listens to her.

Excuse me, but you're sapping her brain.

Maria, what are you up to? What are you doing?

She's picking strawberries, isn't she?

Signora!

Can't you see she's picking strawberries?

Give it to me. What a lovely one! Bend down and pick it, dear.

You see?

- They don't understand anything. - If she doesn't leave...

Maria, hurry!

How long does it take you to come here, sweetheart? Hurry!

Come on, you're making me late.

She drove us both crazy. Who is that woman?

You must only listen to Mummy. You're making me late! Come on!

Goodness me...

Wash your hands. Wait! Let Mummy pour the water.

Pick up the soap! Be quick!

Look what a state you're in. Where did you go, in the coal shed?

Oh, what a slowcoach!

Can't you go any faster? Now, rinse your hands properly.

Give your face a wash too. Look what a state you're in.

Hurry, while Mummy gets ready.

How odd that woman is!

"Honey, pick the strawberries". She was just pretending!

She was teaching you to act. Yes, right, to act.

What is there to acting?

If I thought I was someone else...

...if I pretended to be someone else...

...l'd be acting.

You're not interested, are you?

It's like when you say that poem, the one about the butterfly.

I'm a butterfly, half white and half yellow.

The one you recite with your hands like that! Show me!

Remember that poem?

I'm a butterfly, half white and half yellow.

How do you move your hands?

My goodness! You see that you can act!

You see you can act too?

But don't stutter, sweetheart, otherwise they won't pick you?

You must speak without stuttering. Do you understand?

Listening to her, you end up picking strawberries.

You listen to your Mummy.

All the mothers in this block make me laugh:

..."My daughter, my daughter..." They don't have what it takes!

Aren't you my daughter? You certainly can be an actress!

You can be an actress, you know?

I could have, if I'd wanted to.

Come here and let me fix your hair. What a mess you're in!

How would you look with a centre parting?

Oh, Lord! You look ugly like that!

No, let's leave it. All combed back, like Mummy's!

Let's see.

Let's see how you look. My beautiful poppet!

Let's fix your plaits.

Let me see.

These plaits!

But... But you're cute!

You look pretty like that! You look simpler and more natural.

Today, we'll just do the photo. We can't afford anything else.

Understood? Understood?

Mummy, am I going back to school tomorrow?

Oh, my Goodness! You're stuttering and lisping. What are we to do?

- Say "scola". - Scola. - Louder! "Scola"!

- "Scuola"! - Scuola.

What are you up to? Are you doing it on purpose?

You never stuttered before. You never lisped! Say "scola"!

- Scola. - Oh, great!

To start with, it's "scuola", not "scola".

You can't speak Roman dialect if you want to be an actress!

What's happening here?

- Say' "casa". Come here next to Mummy. - Casa!

- "Casa"! - Casa!

This is a problem a real problem. "Sapone"?

- Sapone! - No, no, "sapone", without lisping!

- "Sapone"! - Sapone!

Sap... You're making me lisp too!

What's going on?

Here! Take your shoes and go and get dress in there.

Put on your socks and shoes.

Then put on the dress that's on the coffee table.

Don't toss your hair when you're putting it on!

Do you have to stand there every time I open the window? Scram!

What a brazen boy! At his age!

What a house this is! It's crazy! They come right into your flat!

Goodness!

I'm lisping too! Really!

What's going on here?

Are you ready?

Don't toss your hair putting on your dress, or you'll get a smack!

That's too high a pitch! Ready?

We have to do everything in a hurry...

You rascal, you're still there! You drive me to distraction!

Supposing that mad woman's right? Maybe you do need to study...

Need to stud... St...

Is lisping a family trait? Are you ready?

What's she like?

Show me.

There she is! Just a moment.

- What pose are you putting her in? - This one. How's that?

That's not suitable!

- Put her in the tomboy one. - Don't interfere!

Sorry. My wife's been an invalid so long, she likes to get involved.

Let's hurry, now! Would you like to choose a pose?

- Now, poppet, sit up straight! - Put her in the pose I suggested!

I thought you knew each other. That would be normal...

...both here for the contest and acquaintances of Annovazzi.

Me? I hardly know him.

Lift up your chin, won't you? Come on!

Lift up your chin! Keep your head straight!

I met him at Cinecitt� and he was interested in my girl.

Look over there, over there. Don't cry!

Mummy's sweetheart! Let's take a nice picture.

It was he who advised me to come to you.

Because he particularly liked her eyes. Her eyes, right!

Why are you crying, sweetheart?

Poor thing, she's not used to this and she's a little scared!

Smile, come on! Smile!

I see your daughter takes ballet classes.

They have to dance in the film, don't they?

- Not at all! Who said they do? - I thought they did!

Because one of the little girls I photographed...

...was from the Opera school.

- The Ruskaja School. - No, the Opera school!

- The Ruskaja School! - That woman!

Excuse me, but are you sure they have to dance?

In the novel the film is based on, the little girl dances.

I've read it! That's exactly how it starts!

I do believe you're mistaken. I don't want to insist.

It doesn't start with a dance...

...it starts with her saying she can't stand it any more.

Yes, it starts like that...

...then the girl dances around the table on her birthday.

No. She tells him she's leaving him.

He wants to kill her...

...the girl is very happy because it's her birthday.

She's cheerful and dances and hops, there's a cake on the table!

In the book, the girl dances!

Excuse me.

Anyhow, if they can dance, it'll be for the better, won't it?

No, she doesn't have to dance!

- Ready? - Wait! I just need to settle her!

- A big smile! - Please step aside!

A big smile! Look at the camera, he'll take a nice photo of you!

Watch the birdie! There we are!

Watch the birdie?! You nearly set me on fire!

- It all went fine! - What?!

The bang will have frightened her and she'll have closed her eyes!

No, they were wide open!

- Did you watch them carefully? - Don't worry!

- They're what I'm worried about! - I'm busy now. Calm down!

- I'm the photographer! - No need to lose your patience!

Now it's Isabella's turn.

How did you have your eyes?

- Open. - Open?

You tell so many lies. Were you feeling afraid?

We risk wasting time and money here. Excuse me...

When shall I come for the negatives?

- This evening. Tomorrow, rather. - This evening, please!

Why not yesterday?! I can't do them for this evening!

- Come tomorrow, they'll be ready. - You're so kind!

Do you want to take it home? Mummy will get you one like it!

It's really late, now. Daddy will be starving!

- Goodbye! Thank you. - Goodbye.

You know what the photos are for. I'm in your hands!

- Don't worry. - Please have them ready.

- Don't worry about a thing. - Say goodbye to the gentleman!

- Say bye-bye! - Bye, poppet! Bye!

Are you ready for your shot?

- Yes I am! - So am I, I'm almost ready.

- Thank goodness. - Decide where you want to have it.

I have. On the right again, no?

Always on the right! You're full of holes there!

It hurts on the other side!

Very well. The right side it is! But if it hurts, don't complain!

- What is it? Penicillin? - No, we've finished with that.

You've had 8 million shots. Are you crazy?

- So what are you giving me? - We're back on Balerofosforo!

- I've had a whole box of that! - You need another. You're run-down!

- Oh, sure! - Look at the white of your eyes!

You're heavy, but you have no strength!

Let's hope it helps!

What a chatterbox! I'm wasting time here and I've so much to do!

Are you ready? I must ask you for a favour.

- May I make a phone call? - Of course! Naturally!

You're still lying there? Come on! Show me where you want it!

I must phone my daughter.

We had the photos done! They came out very well.

Don't hold me up, now! Come on! Turn over!

Careful with that or you'll set fire to the bed!

Hurry up! Turn over!

- Come on, skinny! - Don't hurt me!

You're nice and plump! Who enjoys all this abundance?

- Who knows? - Relax your leg. - Don't hurt me!

- Don't delay me. I must stop in on the Commendatore. - What's he got?

- Diabetes. - Poor devil!

- He's worse off than you. - That's life!

You'll get it too if you go on eating, smoking, drinking...

They're vices. I can't give them up.

- You're mad! Relax this leg. - All right, but don't hurt me!

You hurt me!

You make me break out in a sweat every time I give you a shot!

You didn't even feel the needle! What are you talking about?!

- I have a very light hand! - Oh, really?

The Commendatore, the diabetic, says he only has his shots from me.

- He's in love with you! - What do I care?

As long as he has his injections. There you are, as good as new!

Rub the spot yourself. I need to make that phone call.

- Go on, then! - Thanks.

If you don't mind, I'll move the phone over there.

All this stuff is open. I don't want to spill anything!

- Come in! - Are you expecting company? - It's my breakfast.

- Lord! You're having 4 eggs? - I have to keep my strength up!

Your liver must be bombproof!

- What's she got to complain about? - Who knows!

- Do you want an injection as well? - No, I don't need one, do I?

- You do! You do! - I don't need any injections.

You do! Can't you see how fat you are? I'll help you slim down!

- She's huge! Where did you find her? - Who knows?

Hello! Signora Gisella?

Hello! Signora Gisella?

Listen, this is Mrs. Cecconi.

Would you do me a favour?

Thanks. My little girl is in the courtyard.

Would you please tell her... No, don't bother to go down.

Call down from your balcony and tell her...

...that Mummy's not coming and she is to carry on with her lesson.

What do you mean, what lesson? Acting! She's with her teacher.

Right! And tell her we'll collect those things tomorrow.

We've even crossed paths with a black cat!

Has he died by any chance?

- Who is it? - Oh, you've answered at last!

- It's me, Mrs. Cecconi! - Oh, right! Sorry!

She's locked herself in.

- Do come in! - What a handsome cat! He's black too.

- Don't be afraid. Come in. - No. How is the attorney?

- Oh Lord, another one! - Well, actually...

He's not well.

He has a fever again.

The doctor says he has to go back to taking...

...the streptomycin every 12 hours.

And not to stop even if his fever goes down!

- Of course he shouldn't! - This was to be your last visit.

But you'll have to come back, my dear.

- Thank goodness for that! - What do you mean?

No, I meant for him, poor man!

I'll be right there. Just a moment.

I'll get my syringe and go through.

- Quietly, please. - I'll walk on tip toe!

How could I do otherwise? He's unwell, fortunately!

In 5 days, I'll pay for her dress. Thank you, St. Joseph!

You're so kind to me! I'll light a candle to you, later.

Eleonora!

What are you up to? We've been waiting for you for an hour!

- Just a moment! Here I am! - Don't keep the lady waiting!

This is all the tulle I've found!

But the storerooms are full of it! You're making me look bad!

- That's all there is! - Nonsense!

Look, Madam.

- Do you like it, Madam? - Lovely! Just like a cloud!

- Let me feel it, Miss! - Here! - A little hard, isn't it?

It's a pre-war fabric. I'll sell it to you cheap.

- This is better. - At cost price!

- This is nice and soft. - You see?

This is the pattern with a fluffy tulle skirt!

- It's a classical tutu with a sleeveless satin bodice. - I see.

Have you seen "The Red Shoes"?

I'll make it identical to that one. Don't worry! You'll love it!

How pretty you'll look! Here! Do you like it?

It's the price that worries me.

Don't worry! I'll ask a fair price!

Since I'm a little short after all I've had to spend on her...

...at times, you never know, one can think that...

I'm a nurse, should you ever need shots!

Dear lady, are you joking?! That subject is taboo!

If there's one thing I enjoy, it's really good health!

People don't have shots only when they're at death's door!

They have them when they're well, as a tonic, to give them a boost!

- Are you here to bring me bad luck? - You've misunderstood.

Maybe at home you've a relative who needs a course of treatment.

What? I'm fine as I am without you making holes in me.

Ditto my family, right, girls? Tell her we're bursting with health!

You can't get round me, you know? Come here, dear. I'll measure you.

Come on! On the table!

There! Up you go!

Isn't she cute! She's about my daughter's age.

- Yes, she's very young. - Right!

Oh, goodness!

Excuse me, but must she always stay so close to the wall?

She'll hurt herself like that!

Don't worry! She won't hurt herself! It takes time.

We're in a hurry! Why doesn't she put her with the others?

Aren't I right?

Always stuck to the wall?

Excuse me...

...does my daughter always have to stay stuck to the wall?

It's been 3 hours. Put her with the others!

But they've been studying for 2 or 3 years.

You marched in here saying: "Make her dance like a butterfly".

Where's your common sense? You're asking for a lot!

That child is very small! She isn't old enough for ballet!

- How old does she need to be? - Eight!

Eight years old? Am I supposed to wait 3 years?

Do as you think best! Anyway, her little legs...

Her legs?! Look at them closely! Her legs are as straight as a die!

Straight legs are not enough! You need other things.

You need intelligence; you dance with your brain, not your feet!

- Come again? - You dance with your brain, not your feet!

She has a good brain. She was born healthy, she wasn't born backward!

That's your opinion! You're getting on my nerves!

We're the teachers! We decide if a child is intelligent or not.

I decide because I'm her mother!

I assure you my daughter is not stupid!

Sweetheart, why are you crying like that?

They're not going to hurt you. You too will become a good dancer.

Look at that girl! How good she is!

Look! Can you see her? Do you want to become like them?

You'll learn to be good too!

Did you have to make her cry? How rude you are!

We're going home now. Give Mummy a nice smile!

Don't let Daddy see you crying! Let's go home! Come on!

You're rankling me!

Naturally, the child is rather disheartened now...

...but I must make it clear that here, we study, study, study.

I've been dancing for 40 years, but if I didn't practice daily...

...these arabesques, these temps lev�s...

You see these steps? I couldn't do them!

You see?

Bravo!

You tell her, Placida!

Unfortunately, it's the truth! you have to study and sweat, sweat!

Sweat!

That's the way it is!

Hello, Spartaco.

Now you go out after dinner? And you take the child with you?

What could I do? You weren't here. Was I to leave her on her own?

Where have you been?

Where have I been? Giving injections.

- Say hello to Daddy, won't you? - Hello, Daddy.

Daddy's little darling! Give Daddy a kiss!

- Maddalena! - Yes?

The instalments aren't 60,000 lire...

...but 65,000! - How come?

The lift has to be paid for. We didn't include it.

Everyone's paid for it, and so will we.

What have you been up to, poppet?

- Tell Daddy what you've done. - I'm tired.

Daddy's little sweetheart!

This is the new house that Daddy has bought you.

We're putting your bed here.

And Daddy will buy you a Pinocchio.

Do you know the story of Pinocchio?

The boy whose nose grew longer because of all the lies he told.

He lied to his father, an old man who...

There's only 60,000 lire here.

I don't have another cent.

How will we manage?

Spartaco, do we absolutely have to pay the instalment on Monday?

Yes, on Monday. We're only 5,000 short...

...you'll just have to ask for some arrears!

Didn't you feed the little one?

Oh, so now I'm starving her! That's all we need!

She had a cup of coffee and milk and two buns. Tell him!

- That wasn't much! - Tell him!

- Leave it! - Mummy will undress you.

- I'll do it! - You'll tear her dress!

There! You undress her.

Daddy will put you to bed.

Tomorrow, I'll take her out and buy her a big ice cream.

Ice cream's bad for her tummy.

- Maddalena, go away! - You know I do whatever you say.

See how tired the child seems! Look!

What do you want from me?

How pretty you are. The baby of the family!

Do you love your Daddy? Give me a kiss and a pinch.

Listen, not a word to Mummy...

...tomorrow, Daddy's taking you for an ice cream all the same. Happy?

- So, are you coming? - I have a lesson tomorrow!

You have a lesson? No, you're coming with Daddy! No lessons!

Give Daddy a kiss.

Be good! Go to sleep now. I'm turning off the light.

If they're tired, they won't run!

You mustn't drive them too hard throughout the whole trip.

You see? It's Montgomery Clift. He's nice, isn't he?

Maddalena, forget about the cinema!

Spartaco, you don't understand me!

Look what lovely places!

Look where we're living.

When I see those things, I...

- Maddalena, it's all make-believe. - It's not make-believe!

Oh! Look! They're taking the wagon across!

Incredible!

- All the horses are in the water! - Lucky them, having a bath!

Isn't that fantastic?

How marvellous! I'm falling asleep.

- I can't keep my eyes open. - Let's go to bed.

With this ticket...

- No! I'm in front of her! - Calm down! Calm down!

Stop being so pushy!

- Who's being pushy? - Stay calm!

- He's holding my ticket! - No! I'm first!

- Where must I go? - In the room next door.

- Were you bitten by a tarantula? - Such unfairness in this world!

- She never stops yakking! - You're always so pushy!

- Come here! - Don't you ever get tired?

- I am tired! I can hardly stand! - It doesn't look like it!

Look, I had my granddaughter's picture taken...

...but I made her stand because it looks better, doesn't it?

- Certainly! - I only had one done because they're so expensive!

- They told me one was enough. - Of course it's enough.

- Did you want to bring them a film? - You're right!

- My child only has one, too. - Really?

The photographer wanted to take her while dancing.

I said to him: "Listen..."

"...she'll show what she can do at the audition".

If they choose her for the audition.

I think they've already made up there mind!

- Really? - And we're all wasting our time.

- What do you mean? - Why?

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I'd keep quiet!

- What did you see? - What did you see? Tell us!

I was here yesterday because I got the dates mixed up...

Got the dates mixed up! She came on purpose to be here first!

No, it was a genuine mistake!

They were doing special auditions. For the recommended candidates!

I saw them with my own eyes!

There was a lady with a little girl...

...who didn't ask for the director!

No, no. She asked for the other man!

- Who's that? - The other one! That ugly man...

...the fat one who's always yelling into the megaphone...

...that nasty fellow.

Glori!

As soon as he saw her he said: "How cute this little girl is!".

"How pretty she is..."

What's wrong with that? My child's pretty too!

"How pretty she is", looking at the mother in the meantime.

What are you insinuating? It was just an impression.

Don't read too much into it!

Sure! We're all stupid here!

Right? Sure! I understood perfectly what the lady was saying!

But we'll go to the producer and the director and make a fuss!

It's a real disgrace!

Because there are some favourites, some recommended candidates!

And we're all supposed to be equal.

It's not right! It's unfair! We must do something about it!

My husband knows someone who works here at Cinecitt�.

I'll ask him to put in a good word for me with Stella Film!

My husband is a close friend of one of the phone company heads.

What does the phone company head have to do with all this?

Plenty! He's a personality too!

Don't make us laugh!

We can all find someone to pull strings for us.

We can all find someone important!

I have a relative who's a friend of a waiter in Cinecitt�.

He knows him very well, really! He's high up...

Federico! I'm in a big hurry!

- Good morning. - Bath, shower?

No, we don't need them.

Just a trim and a couple of curls.

Go on in. Amerigo, a cut!

- Don't I get a receipt? - No, you don't need one.

- Wait! The child needs a dye job too. - What dye job?

We need to lighten her hair, no?

Lighten it? If I take her home blonde, all hell will be let loose!

But just a slight...

She just needs a trim.

- And a couple of curls. - One moment, then it's your turn!

What... Where are you? They're making us waste time here.

- Well, if it's just 5 minutes... - Listen to me a moment!

- Look, we'll give you a good tip! - It's not a question of a tip.

But it's just a quick job! These darned balloons!

Just trim her plaits and turn up the ends.

- I'm serving this lady! - You've almost finished!

A quick rinse and she's off!

I haven't finished yet. I've paid and I have my rights!

Are you going to keep on washing her hair till tomorrow?

I have another client waiting! You don't have an appointment!

- Just two minutes! Do me this favour! - Sit her there; I'll do her later!

How jumpy you are! The balloons don't bother you?

You're so kind.

See how kind he is? Now, sit here...

Give me the balloons, I'll tie them here.

Do you mind if I tie them to this?

They'll keep you company. Mummy will be right back! Be good!

- Will I make it in time? - I think so.

If I don't come back, Mrs. Spernanzoni will collect you.

If I'm not back in time, she'll be picked up by middle-aged lady...

...who's called Tilde Spernanzoni.

A slightly odd lady! She's her acting teacher. Understood, sweetheart?

- I don't want to stay here! - What?!

You have to stay! They'll make you look pretty!

If you need to stay with her, we'll go out another day.

No! I don't have to stay.

Fine. Remember to lighten her hair...

...to give it a softer tint. - A dye job!

No! Are you joking? We don't need to dye her hair!

Not a real dye! Just highlights, natural streaks.

- Just touched up a little? - And a light perm.

No! Don't spoil her hair!

Just a set, then. Her hair's fine and won't stay in place!

- She got that from me. - I could give you a nice hair-do...

You'd waste your time on me. No one has managed that!

- I would! - You'd be wasting your time.

- How much? I want to settle up now. - 1,250 lire!

Do I pay out there? Fine.

- Well, let's go. - Be a good girl, now.

Just a trim, not a cut! And the ends turned up.

So when I comb her hair, it'll be all fluffy.

- Bye, honey! Be good! - Let's go.

Behave, huh? Mummy's coming back.

I don't want to stay here!

You're not alone, you're with him! Behave nicely!

Be good! I'll look after you. Be good!

I don't want to stay here!

Don't start! Be good!

If you behave, I'll buy you some sweets afterwards.

You be good and I'll give you some curls!

Amerigo, you have to set my hair! It's still all wet!

I'll call Michele and he'll take care of you! Just a minute!

- Michele, come here! - I'll be right there!

I want to go home! I want my Mummy!

- Give the little girl a trim. - How can I? I'm busy.

- Call Guido! - Okay, I'll call Guido!

Hurry up!

- I went to get the shampoo! - Come on!

- I want to go to my Mummy! - Guido, give her a trim.

I want to go to my Mummy!

I want to go to my Mummy!

Give the little girl a trim, then maybe she'll pipe down!

- Amerigo, my set! - Coming!

Listen, Guido, just a simple trim.

Don't worry! I'll take care of her.

- Just a little trim? - Yes, just a trim.

Let's cut it here... Here.

Here's one, young lady!

What a disaster!

- Amerigo! - Coming!

And the other!

Are you happy, Miss? Is that all right?

I wonder what you think of me asking you for a rendezvous.

When a lovely lady asks me for a rendezvous...

...I think well, very well of her! - If you take it like that, great!

I'm no longer so used to walking so far.

Listen, tell me frankly...

...do you think my girl will be picked?

I'm a little discouraged.

It happens, for no reason something seems easy, natural...

...then it no longer seems feasible.

You start feeling worried about everything.

I don't know if you understand me.

I wouldn't like to make so many sacrifices...

...then see the recommended one win! You do understand me, don't you?

- Yes, but it depends on you. - How can it depend on me?

- A recommendation can help or hinder! - No, no! It helps!

No, you see, we're used to recommendations.

If they were worth anything, there'd be no unemployment!

In Italy we live on recommendations:

..."Please, don't forget, I assure you, I promise"...

...but we don't remember, because we can't.

Who are we supposed to remember and why should we remember them?

- There's only one foolproof method. - What's that?

Putting the person to be helped...

...in a position to ask for your help, you see?

- No. - Do you already want to leave?

No, it's so pleasant here.

I'd never been here.

Well, just once on a Sunday, but it was very crowded.

- It's so nice and peaceful today. - Yes, it's nice, but not on one's own.

You have to come to a place like this in good company!

- Am I good company? - Very.

If you like me, do me this favour, won't you?

- I like you a lot! - Better still!

I want my daughter to have the best recommendation of all.

She has to do a screen test and then I can sleep easy!

It's as if she'd already auditioned, the result is certain.

It's just that it depends on you. That's simple, isn't it?

Now I understand.

You know what we say in Rome? "Nothing given, nothing received".

As well as friendly, you're also intelligent.

- Really? Everyone says so. - And you're quick witted. - Right.

To make a big profit, one must run a big risk!

50,000 lire sounds right to me.

You're crazy! 50,000 lire is 50,000 lire...

...not a small sum!

Today, 50,000 lire is nothing.

To you! To me, lots of sacrifices, don't even think about it!

It's the bare minimum we need to reach our goal.

I'll manage the 50,000 lire and get you a contract.

You'll earn, at the very least, a million...

...which is 20 times the amount you staked.

Do you think I'll be spending it?

No, it's not for me, but for the favours that will be needed.

- Who will you do these favours to? - Everyone and no one!

Flowers for the producer's wife, perfume for his mistress...

...who is often the wife of the leading actor.

In the film world that happens...

Goodness, they don't need them, of course, but they help since...

...these favours remind them of a name.

In this case, your name. Cecconi.

Kind Mrs. Cecconi who sent that gift...

The word soon spreads. Have you never thrown a stone into a pond?

The stone falls in just one spot but from that spot...

...waves ripple out until they reach the ocean.

- How shrewd you are! - Shrewd...

It's just a practical way of getting through life.

Listen, am I to take this risk with no guarantees?

What risk would it be otherwise? Do you want a guarantee?

I'll give it to you! Your child will have a screen test!

All right?

It's a deal!

It's a deal. Because I do have that sum.

I even brought my savings book with me, you see?

The trouble is I need the money right away.

No problem!

Let's hurry. The banks are closed...

...but a friend of mine is a clerk. I'll swap the book for cash.

Then tomorrow morning, she can withdraw the money.

Listen, Signora... If it's difficult for you...

...shall we forget the whole idea?

Especially since...

...l'm sorry to have, let's say, business relations with you.

I'd have preferred, maybe...

...I don't know...

It's fine by me. It's much better.

Let's hurry as it's late.

- Did you bring the money? - Of course! Here it is!

- 1, 2, 3, 4, 50,000. The scooter? - It's outside!

This is the scooter. Do you like it?

But who's complaining? I'm just saying "stop"!

The little girl has learned enough!

Do you expect me to thank you after you've ruined her?

Naturally! I'm used to being thanked and respected!

I thank you and I respect you!

Did my wife pay you? This is the door! Get out!

Your wife is the only person who understands art!

Art, sure! Get out, before I start swearing at you!

- Watch your language! - What's all this racket?

- What's happening? - What's going on?

It so happens that I've had enough!

I don't want to see strangers in my house!

I don't want my daughter... She's my daughter!

I've never been fortunate, but I have been respected!

Who's ruining your daughter? Her silly mother!

- Signora... - I've been so patient, but now I've had enough!

Do you understand? Oh! Heavens!

Will you stop making a scene? The neighbours will hear you!

- Signora, please leave! - Spartaco, stop that!

What did you do?

You're asking her? Where were you?

You left the child with this wretch!

- You're calling me a wretch? - Yes, a wretch!

- I'm reporting you to the police! - Spartaco, don't make such a fuss!

It looks short because it's curly.

I'll wet it and straighten it out.

- You'll make her catch bronchitis! - I won't make her catch anything!

Didn't you notice anything? Look at the state she's in!

- I'm not her nanny! - So what?

- I'm an actress! - Do you have no eyes?

Just because you're an actress, if they cut off her head...

...would you stand by and watch?

- Signora, this is the door! - May I?

- Who's this? - Is Mrs. Cecconi here?

- There she is. - It's me.

Fracassini the dressmakers! Shall I leave it here?

Did I get here in time? I have the invoice with me.

- I must collect the balance. - Thank you.

What did they do to you? They gave you a "gamine" cut!

Don't take me for a fool! Pay up what you owe me!

That's 1,260 lire:

...1,000 for the lessons yesterday and today...

...200 lire for the child's haircut...

...and 60 lire for the tram!

Signora, don't get agitated! We'll pay in full! I'll see to it.

You won't see to anything! You've got to stop this nonsense!

Don't you touch me!

How much does she owe you? There, 1,260. Now, go!

- I'm 10 lire short! - We'll give it to you!

You can keep it!

- How generous! Now, go! - You scoundrel! - Get out!

You were right to get her a "gamine" cut"!

She'll feel cooler in the summer! Won't you, honey?

Signorina, why don't you leave?

- What's in there? - Don't touch it! It belongs to me!

- I paid for it with my money! - No, it's my money too!

I never asked you for a cent for these things!

Spartaco, please, let's not fight over it!

You take advantage of me because I'm weaker!

Can't you see you're scaring the child?

For the last week, our life has been turned upside down.

- Am I no longer in charge, here? - I've had enough of you!

I've done far too much for you! Is that clear? Get out of here!

- Get out! - I'll kill you? - Go on, kill me, you brute!

I'm a brute?

Concierge!

Concierge! Come down! He's killing Mrs. Cecconi!

- Concierge! - What's going on?

Hurry! They're killing each other! Concierge!

Eh! Just a minute! I'm coming as fast as I can!

- The Cecconis are fighting! - Of course! They're always at it!

Spartaco! What are you doing?

If you take the child away, you won't see me again!

I mean it, you won't see me again!

Take her away with you!

You always say she's unhappy with me!

He's the only one who loves her.

Only he makes sacrifices for her. I ruin her.

And do you know why this is?

Because I want my daughter to become somebody.

Yes, I want my daughter to become somebody.

Do I have this right or not?

Or is it a crime? She mustn't become a loser...

...she mustn't depend on anyone, she mustn't get beaten like me!

She mustn't get beaten!

You don't know what sacrifices I made...

...to find the money to pay for these little things.

I went all over Rome without telling him...

...not to have to touch his money. And how does he thank me?

Beating me black and blue! Get out!

I can't stand the sight of you!

Get out! You've ruined me! I'm covered in bruises!

I'm covered in bruises! Look, my face is swollen!

Go away! I can't stand the sight of you!

You've ruined me!

Stop this play acting! Come on!

I'm not play acting!

She's made so many sacrifices!

She went as far as Piazza Vittoriana for a diabetic! What more do you ask?

Give her the child!

We'll settle this score later!

This man will be the death of me! Give me the child!

We made it.

If we didn't do that, we wouldn't have got an audition!

My dear, am I working for nothing? Cheer up! You have to sing!

I've lost my voice, but you'll see how I sing tomorrow!

Mummy's little darling! Mummy's little darling!

- KEEP THE DOOR SHUT -

It's the voice of Commendatore Blasetti!

I'm going to faint!

Signora! That's marvellous!

Good morning!

Maybe it's my child's turn!

- Will you let us hear him? - What does that woman want?

Signora, please.

Of course, if you say so...

Come over here a minute. I have to tell you something.

- I'm leaving. - Good!

- All the gifts, the presents... - All taken care of!

- Did you send the flowers? - To Blasetti's wife, of course.

Because it's important, you see...

- Did you send the perfume? - To the cameraman.

- To the cameraman's wife, sure! Cigarettes to the cameraman. - Right!

Did you send a big bunch of flowers? Because...

Instead of a bunch of normal flowers, I sent orchids.

They cost more but are more impressive. You'll see that the gifts work!

I'm nervous, I don't care about anything!

My heart is in my mouth. My hands are shaking!

- I hope you won't faint! - No, I won't faint like her!

She was a fanatic who... Who's this?

- With that funny hairstyle. - That's Mimmetta!

How are you?

What a rogue you are!

- Did you buy yourself a scooter? - Yes, I did!

When are we inaugurating it?

With a solemn launching, a bottle of champagne...

...and maybe even a patroness!

I don't enjoy ceremonies!

You know, Alberto, I may get a part in Colamorucci's next film.

Glori promised it to me.

Good for you! Congratulations!

So in the end, it's you who have to thank me, right?

Right!

Mummy, I've finished!

- You've finished? How did it go? - Very well! - Tell me about it!

Mr. Annovazzi, I'm sorry. Excuse me.

- May I go for a minute? - I don't think that...

It's my daughter's turn!

How discourteous! This isn't at all correct!

There, that's her!

That's her. How pretty she is!

Look how that dress suits her so well.

She looks like a hen! See!

Mummy's sweetheart!

- What's he saying to her? - Blasetti's telling her what to do.

- Oh! She has to eat the cake? - No, they're lighting the candles...

...and she has to blow them out as if it were her birthday.

- And she doesn't get to eat it? - No!

What a pity! She'd have done it well since she loves sweet things!

What's he doing, picking her up?

She's cute!

He kissed her!

He kissed her!

He kissed my child, see that? What are you going to do?

Everything's fine. I'm sure of it.

Come to breakfast at my mother-in-law's restaurant on Sunday.

- I will. - Bring that young lady with you...

- Mimmetta! - Yes, the one wearing trousers...

Your fianc�e, I mean.

You should have seen her! She was phenomenal!

Under those lamps! All the spotlights on her!

It was like being in Piazza Navona...

...with Commendatore Blasetti who overawes me!

I couldn't watch him... She was quiet, confident and calm!

A very calm child.

While you were so nervous, as if it were you auditioning.

- Don't say such silly things! - You were trembling all over!

All right, just a little. My child's future is at stake.

It's understandable, isn't it?

Your medicine! I forget everything! My head is in a spin.

You must take this medicine...

...because in a few days you have to start working so hard...

...that if you don't get a boost... What is it? Glycerophosphate...

- Sodium glycerophosphate! - It'll do you so much good!

I don't want it! It tastes nasty! I don't want it! It tastes nasty!

If you don't take it, I will!

I'm going to take it myself!

And you know what will happen?

The little girls who don't take it turn into geese!

Tomorrow morning, you'll wake up: quack, quack, quack!

Come on! Take it! It tastes like water! Quack quack!

- Look, I'll take it. - You see?

Did you have to bring this chancer home with you?

You're always complaining! What's it to do with the chancer?

You're never happy if you're not fighting with someone, are you?

You should try to sweeten your character.

You know why I bought him here, because he helped me!

Don't pretend not to understand. He helped my daughter!

- He's the fruit! - Thank you.

- Up with "Roma"! - Up with "Roma"!

Are you a "Roma" team fan now? Oh, Lord! Get out of here!

What's the world coming to?

I want him to meet Spartaco...

...so Spartaco can tell you if it's true!

- Signora Maddalena! - What?

At least you'll believe him, you never believe me!

- Come down to the river! - Are you mad?

- You'll see how cool it is there! - He's mad!

I can't come because I'm in high heels.

Don't worry about your heels. I'll give you a hand!

- Take my advice, come on up! - You come down!

What a pain! I'm coming! I'm in heels, it'll be tough!

- I'll give you a hand! - Thank goodness for that!

Be careful you don't hurt yourself. I'm coming!

- "Careful!", but he doesn't come, he makes me fall. - Here you are.

You're crazy to make me come down in these heels!

- Can't you feel the breeze? - It's terribly hot, here.

- The breeze is cooler! - Don't let me fall!

- What lovely greenery! - Where's the greenery?

- "Where"? I mean nature! - We're so used to it!

Then why do you stay indoors all the time?

It's nice walking here!

- It's shady and cool! - It's shady and cool!

There's a refuse dump here!

We're hiding like quails. Don't push me down! No tricks!

- What... Oh, Lord! - Don't hit me, or you'll fall!

Let me take off my shoe which is full of sand.

Don't push me down there or I'll take you with me!

- No! Otherwise I'll fall too! - I'll drag you down with me! - Fine!

Let me take my shoe off. Heavens! It's full! Look!

- Look at all this! - Nice earth!

- I must wash my feet! Hold me! - I'll hold you!

Oh! It's so cold!

Oh, Lord! My digestion has stopped.

It's really nice here!

- It's almost nicer than the Canal! - This man is nuts!

- You did the right thing coming! - What a mess!

- I really needed it! - What?

- 10 minutes alone with you. - Really? Why?

Did you want to thank me for the gift I gave you?

- What are you talking about? - What's it like? Does it run well?

How fast can it go?

- I'm not following you! - Oh, poor fellow!

May I give you some advice? You'd do well to listen to me.

You need to get a cover for it so it won't get wet!

If you ruin it...

...you wont find another chump like me to buy you another one.

You can't be thinking that I...

- Not me! I wouldn't dream of it! - Really!

What do I care! I'd already understood perfectly.

I was interested in getting what I wanted.

Comb you hair, you look dishevelled!

- You're fun to be with! - I know, everyone says that!

No one can resist my cheerfulness!

So... don't be cruel.

I'm very kind. I'm kindness itself!

And I'm obedient!

It's so pleasant here! A nice lunch, sunshine, all I need...

...is a girl, I know...

...indeed I invited her, but you didn't bring her!

- Mimmetta? She's not my girl! - Really?

We dated for a while and we may get back together, but not now...

- Did you break up? - Me? I never broke up from anyone!

- And if I said it was your fault? - Sure!

- Where do I come into it? - You do!

If you want to talk seriously, we'll talk seriously...

...if you want to joke... I saw her with you twice...

- Right! - Is she jealous?

Of me? Pull the other one!

A pretty girl like her!

Do you think a girl can't be jealous of you?

I'm not saying that, but...

- Did your husband never tell you... - Of course he told me, and how!

Let's hope they win!

- The "Lazio" team? - "Roma"! Let's not fight!

- Very well, very well! - Woe betide "Roma" if they lose!

As you wish!

That's more like it! Let me hear what they're saying.

I can't make out anything from down here, dammit!

- This is the way to go. - No, that's not proper!

- Stay still! Stop that! - Who, me?

- Look what a shrewd face! - Let's be honest!

- Let's be honest! - I fixed things for your child.

That cost me my girlfriend!

You bought the scooter! What more do you want?

Don't make me say what I think!

Lord, how cunning he is!

What a son of a bitch!

- I got the scooter I wanted! - You deserve...

Life's great, isn't it?

Sure! Life is great.

It would be great...

...but you only live it once, quite briefly and quite badly.

I know you love your husband and that's as it should be.

You're happy when you're with him and your daughter.

But...

...today, at this moment...

...we're happy here together.

Why shouldn't I say so?

It's true.

And we're on the same wavelength. It's nice being here.

I feel a great urge to hug you.

Is there anything wrong in saying so?

No.

My mother, who's a little old lady now...

...if as a young woman she'd let someone hug her...

...like this, in the sunshine, on the riverbank...

...instead of torturing herself thinking...

...what my life would be like when I grew up...

...today she might be less sad...

...seeing the days go by while washing my 4 shirts.

My mother...

All the things she gave up...

...she turned then into hopes for me.

Poor thing!

And now, like Mimmetta, she too does nothing but say to me all day:

..."Be a go-getter. Be a go-getter!".

I am a go-getter...

...and she knows that very well!

I never pass up any opportunity that comes my way.

I don't get my hopes up.

But I don't want to have any regrets.

Am I right, Maddalena?

Don't make me finish up my Sunday counting the ants in the sand!

Maddalena, listen...

...have you ever tried letting yourself go?

Doing one of those silly things people do just like that...

...once in a while, without thinking about it much...

...without mulling it over, like the rich, when they squander money?

They're the most fun things...

...they brighten up our lives.

They're everything.

Right now, in this light, your eyes are blue.

No, they're green, like the water.

They change, it's the reflection.

And now they're very pale and seem to be laughing.

Come on! Don't talk nonsense!

Please!

Look...

...l'm all dirty!

- Why did you stand up? - Because I have to go!

Do you want to stay here counting the ants?

Stay, if that pleases you!

Shall I send you my mother-in-law? She can help you a little, no?

Let's go.

What? Aren't you coming?

To do want to have a swim, to cool your hot head?

Let's go and watch the auditions. Come on! Get moving!

Poor tousled fellow, you were unlucky. No matter!

You'll be luckier another time!

Oh, my jacket! Excuse me.

If you want to see the screen test, come to the Cinecitt� editing room...

...and ask for Iris. All right? - Yes, thanks so much. - Goodbye.

Goodbye, everyone!

Goodbye!

Did you take off your shoes too?

May I? Is Iris here?

I'm Iris! Come in!

- Am I disturbing you? - No, do come in!

I was told to come to you by Mr. Annovazzi.

He mentioned that! I was expecting you!

- He said you have the auditions. - Right. - Of all the little girls.

- Do you have my daughter's too? - Which one is she?

- This one here. - Number 7! It's in the can!

- What do you mean, in the can? - To take it to the viewing room.

The film! I see!

- May I watch it? Is it this one? - No, this is a different test.

- Ah, it's another little girl! - Right.

But it's not very clear.

She looks like a cat!

She gives me the shivers!

- May I see my daughter's? - No!

Blasetti is waiting for me in the viewing room.

Iris, hurry and bring the tests down as Blasetti is waiting!

- I'm coming! - He's angry!

- Very well. - I'm in room n.3. - Fine, bye!

- Are they viewing the tests? - Yes, they are!

- Including my daughter's? - Yes!

- Please show it to me! - Believe me, I can't!

- I came all the way here! - They'll tell me off!

- But who'll see me? - Nella, you try telling her!

- Try to understand... - It's just impossible!

Where did I see you? I saw you! Where did I see you? Help me!

Tell her! Are you ashamed?

- You'll have seen me in a film! - At the outdoor cinema!

That really nice Roman film, "Under the Roman Sun".

How lovely that film was!

Was it you who got slapped? How I enjoyed it!

Do you remember it? You loved it!

- Are you in the film with my girl? - No, I don't make films any more.

I work here. I do editing.

- Ah, you're no longer in films. - No. - Why?

I'm not an actress.

They hired me once or twice...

...as I was the type they needed.

I even got my hopes up...

...and it cost me my job and the fianc� I had then.

You know what?

You need to be real, professional actors...

...or give up your dreams and have a job to turn to.

I'm sorry to say that. You're getting your hopes up.

You may well be right.

I doubt it, though.

So many people ended up badly thinking they'd make it in films.

I'd convinced myself I was very good and very beautiful.

Yet, here I am, editing films...

...no one called me any more, so I'm here.

Really?

Poor thing.

It can't be the same for everyone.

That would be terrible.

That would be really terrible.

With no solution.

I'm staking everything on her.

I'd be disappointed!

Don't worry, Signora...

...everything will work out. She's so pretty.

- Have you seen her screen test? - Yes, I have.

- Is she cute? - Yes, very.

- Show it to me. - How can I?

How can I? Nella! What do you say? Shall I send it up for viewing?

Why not, give it a try!

No one will see me. I'll stand behind you.

You're so kind.

I'll take you there, provided you stay quiet!

I won't say a word! I won't move!

Thank you!

My daughter's here.

- Please show it to my daughter. Thanks. - You're welcome.

You see her? The girl who was at the photographer's! Remember?

- Do you see her? - Yes, I saw her. - Quiet, or they'll throw us out!

- What's this one's name? - This is Maria Cecconi.

That's you!

Lord, how small you look from afar!

What are you doing? Now you have to put out the candles.

Blow, blow!

Poor thing!

Couldn't you manage?

You've so much breath at home, but not here?

My goodness, you make me feel ill!

Guys! Please!

It's really incredible!

Laugh, laugh... You did that, too.

Who brought her, Glori?

- Not me! Maybe him, Annovazzi. - Did you bring her?

I only directed her here...

...because her mother asked me... - Fine.

Now, you say the poem. I know you can recite it well.

Venice... Venice, your final hour has come.

Illustrious martyr, you are lost.

The plague is spreading and we are starving.

A white flag is fluttering on the bridge.

You burst into tears?

Why did you burst into tears?

They're amused, can't you hear?

Perhaps you made them laugh!

Venice, your final hour has come...

What do they have to laugh at?

What are they saying?

Are they talking badly of her?

Why are they so amused?

Why? What's so funny?

She's a dwarf, look!

Swines!

Swines! I can't take this!

I can't take it, I can't stand it.

Aren't you overdoing it?

Isa, stop the film and restart it from the beginning!

- What's so laughable? - She's funny with that fringe!

She's not a child, she's a dwarf! In '25 she was at school with me!

Are you insinuating you're 30 years old?

- Fine. What do you think? - It's a counterproductive test.

Ah, I see.

Sorry if I express my opinion, but I think it's a waste of film.

I realized immediately that the girl would come out like that.

I believe I already told you...

Your name's Annovazzi, isn't it?

Have you served in the army? Stand up!

Good! By the left! By the left! Quick march!

Glori, get rid of him! Go away!

Sorry, Blasetti! Alberto...

...carry on like this and you're out. I won't be able to hire you.

- You've no chance. - At least let me apologize.

You'll make it worse!

Is it fair that I lose my job over this?

Let me explain, I'll apologize to him!

- You'll make it worse. - What do you mean?

I was right, we've wasted time, money and film!

Time, money, film and our health!

We work hard for 2 weeks to find this little girl...

...and then you tell us we've wasted money.

Filippo, please! You've laughed up till now!

Go and see what's happening there? Go!

No, let me through!

- You can't come in. - Leave me alone!

Don't you dare touch me!

- Signora, calm down... - Can't I talk to the director?

- What do you want to say to him? - What?

What was so funny in this little girl?

Is she so funny? Where is he? There he is!

- Mr. Blasetti you who... - Later!

Let me through! Let me through!

Excuse me, Mr. Blasetti...

...but I was hiding up there in the booth...

I heard you all laughing. What made you laugh so much?

Do you find this little girl so laughable?

Look at her! She's just like all the others!

- One of you called her a dwarf! - No, no!

How rude! You've no respect for other people's feelings!

You've no respect for sacrifices people make!

I made so many sacrifices to buy her this dress...

- All these sacrifices... - Don't worry, Signora.

As for Mr. Annovazzi! Where is Mr. Annovazzi?

- We kicked him out. - You did the right thing!

You're a person who understands. You did the right thing!

How can we tell if someone is hiding in the projection booth?

Mr. Blasetti, I beg you...

...don't send me away like this, without a glimmer of hope.

You see, Antonelli? This is the cinema...

...we're responsible for all this. Glori, come here!

We can't deal with the mothers too!

- Isa, put reel n.7 back on. - The one with Maria Cecconi!

I want to see the test again. Do you want to go to Doney's?

- No, I'm going to watch it again. - I'm pleased. It's such fun!

The dwarf in the land of the giants...

Remember I'm Milanese, I never go to Doney's!

You can do good business there.

Quiet, now!

"Today, tomorrow and never". Seventh screen test.

Help!

Annovazzi! Alberto! Wait for me! Stop!

You must immediately find the child who did the screen test!

- The one that made us laugh, what's her name? - Cecconi?

Right, Cecconi, because Blasetti wants her!

Blasetti kicked me out, it's no longer my business!

Don't be stupid!

Don't be a fool! You have to find that child!

You find her! Here's her address: via Alberto da Giussano, 4.

- Bye! - If you find her for me and we sign the contract tonight...

...I promise you'll be in the film!

- Swear on it! - I swear. I give you my word!

She lives in Prenestino, via Alberto da Giussano, 4!

I'll go ahead by scooter, you join me by car!

Da Giussano, 4? I'm off! Orsini, move it! You go!

Orsini, go on!

The contract is ready and signed by the producer.

All we need is your approval. We have the best actors!

- There's... - Amedeo Nazzari.

- And that American actress... - Lana Turner!

- If not her, a better one! - That's what I said!

Maybe while we're talking to him he's not interested because...

...he's worried about his wife.

Don't worry about her! She'll be back! She's not a child.

Are you worried about your wife? I'll take care of that!

We and the police are as close as "that"!

Orsini, go straight to Via Genova and talk to Superintendent Giusillo.

Tell him Glori sent you and that I need a favour.

They even find people who drown!

- Forget about the police. - He's right. Forget about it!

My wife will be here soon! She wanted to do her own thing!

I'd really like to know where she got to!

I even asked someone to let me know when she arrives.

- Do have a seat. - Orsini, you can go.

- We can discuss the contract! - Fine.

So...

With this private agreement, we are hiring the child...

Maria Cecconi!

...as the leading juvenile player.

Spartaco! She's here! Come on up! She's here!

Stay still! Don't touch her!

Don't touch her!

Maddalena!

Spartaco, don't wake the child up!

Don't wake her up.

Will you let me through?

Thank goodness she's arrived!

Her eyes are red, she's been crying.

Maddalena! What's the matter?

- You got what you wanted! - Well...

For once you're successful, and you start crying!

Let's sign this contract!

Otherwise, we're done for.

Either we sign the contract, or we all sleep in the street.

She's crying again!

Here she is, our Greta Garbo!

Don't touch her!

Don't touch her!

Signora, let's sign the contract! We just need one signature!

I'll give you 250,000 lire now!

A further 250,000 in a week, and more in 15 days.

I'll give you the first instalment straight away.

Where's the cheque book? Do you have it, Alberto? No.

It must be at Cinecitt�. I'll be right back to pay you!

It's two million lire! You're going to get two million!

Plus a thousand lire a day that no one can take away!

Don't turn your back on luck, it only comes round once!

Do me a favour and sign it!

Very well...

How do you want the child? With curly hair or straight?

Is she to lisp? Is she to stutter?

What makes you laugh most?

Haven't you all had enough fun?

I'm really sorry, because my daughter's staying put!

I didn't bring her into the world to amuse anyone.

For me and her father, she's very pretty!

She's very pretty!

We're keeping her here!

Go now, or you'll wake her up.

Leave us alone.

Spartaco, what are you waiting for to tell these gentlemen...

...that your daughter will never be in films?

Kick them out!

Kick them out, Spartaco!

Kick them out, kick them out...

Maddalena!

Maddalena, can you hear me?

I fear there's nothing we can do. I know her well.

Take back the contract, return to Cinecitt�. I'm sorry.

What are you doing here? Do you always have to be a nuisance?

Get that! We're always a nuisance?

What about you and the racket you make?!

I'm the concierge. Haven't I the right to tell these ladies...

...what goes on in the house where I work as a concierge?

Be quiet! My daughter's sleeping!

Be quiet! Do me the favour of taking all these whales away!

Quiet! My daughter is asleep!

Go away!

What are you doing here? Out! Come on! Move!

- You must stop it, you know?! - Oh, be quiet!

Send us your grandfather, your uncle! Go away!

What a harridan!

How will I look in front of the producer, of everyone?

Orsini's already driven off.

- How do I get back to Cinecitt�? - I'll take you on my scooter.

- Well, let's go! - Let's go.

- Good evening. I mean goodbye! - Good evening.

Goodbye.

Goodbye!

Goodbye!

That infernal outdoor cinema! Always disturbing us!

My poor little house, where did you go?

Give me the usual four slaps!

Give them to me and you'll feel better. Hurry!

What are you waiting for, Spartaco?

This crazy wife of mine!

Don't worry about the house.

Don't you worry, I'll see to it. I'll pay for everything.

Even if I have to kill myself working.

Even if I have to get all of Rome to come down with diabetes!

Don't worry, Spartaco. Don't worry.

- Can you hear him? - Who?

Burt Lancaster... What a nice man!

Maddalena, now I'll box your ears!

Can't you even take a joke?

Quiet, don't talk, don't wake the child up!

Don't wake the child up!