Original subtitles

I can't go on. My Iegs hurt! Why are they striking?

- Because you don't have a social conscience. - And you? - � do.

- Don't your legs hurt? - Sure they do!

- Good evening, Madam. The elevator is broken. - �t's hardly a surprise!

My goodness! �t's really late!

- How are you, Michel? Is he in? - Yes, Madam.

- �s everything all right? - � believe so. - �'Il have a look at the dinner table.

Yes very well. Take this, put it away.

- Did you do your homework? - Yes.

What's the matter? Come here!

- Listen, I need to talk to you. - Yes, Michel.

- Hello, George! - What happened to you? �t's so late!

Oh, yes, I know! There was a strike!

There was a big mess in Argentina Square!

They rerouted me through an endless series of alleys!

I wanted to tell you that I had to invite Aunt Margareth and her son.

- Tonight? - What else could l do? She called me once you went out.

She'II be in Rome for just three days; I didn't know what to tell her.

There wouldn't have been another opportunity.

You're really sympathetic towards Andrea and his ideas.

Maybe in front of his mother he'II avoid exciting the crowd.

At Ieast you, try to be fast, I need to change my dress!

- Tell me: what did you do all day Iong? - Nothing.

What do you mean, nothing? Ring Cesira, please.

- Can you Iisten to me, now? - Sure, but make it quick.

Come in!

Cesira, I don't know if I already told you, in the kitchen...

to cook something Iight for Mrs. Casati?

Mafalda boiled some of the fish that she bought for the child.

Fine. Thanks. You may go, Cesira.

Mom, can you Iisten to me?

Go ahead. But turn around, I need to undress.

- So, what did you want to say? - �'m not going to say anything anymore.

You really want to drive me mad! Come on, what's up?

I've been alone all day in this house.

- Didn't your support teacher come? - No, not even today.

Probably because of the strike... There was no public transportation.

Even Iast week he missed two days in a row.

You knew he wasn't feeling well.

I'II call him tomorrow and we'II send a car for him. Happy now?

- No. - So, what else do you want?

I don't like my support teacher, he talks a lot and he's always too close.

He sweats, he laughs... I don't Iike him.

You wish you could be with your nanny again, don't you?

But you are a man now; you need a man Iike yourself.

Oh, God, that Cesira!

Cesira, get my white dress and my shoes ready! Quick!

- �'m sorry, with all this confusion... - Good evening. - Good evening, Madam.

- �s the champagne cooling in the fridge? - Yes, yes.

Go open the door. - Sure.

ln the meantime, George, you go ahead.

I'II be ready right away.

- Good night, Michel. - Bye.

- What were we saying? - Where have you been today?

I've been... What do you mean, "Where have you been today"?

Should you address such questions to your mother?

We really need to talk:

it's completely improper for a kid Iike you, who owns everything,

to be always nervous and unhappy, Iike a crybaby.

- We'll talk about it Iater. - Hi Michel, where's mom? - �'m here.

- Hello, dear. - Hurry, the Oranges are already here. - �'m coming.

I have to tell you what happened at the Antonelli's place! �t's plain crazy!

You look splendid! Let me take a look.

Good evening! How are you?

- Dear! - Hello! - Good evening! - Good evening!

Look what Richard brought for Michel!

Thanks! He'Il be very happy! So kind of you, Richard.

- Here's Aunt Margareth. - Aunt Margareth! How are you?

- Good evening, Irene. - Good evening. - Good evening.

- She Iooks better, don't you think? - Yes. She Iost a Iittle weight, maybe.

- Let me introduce you to Mrs. Orange. - How do you do.

- Mister Chandler. - How do you do.

Mister Orange. Do you remember Luciana?

Mrs. Casati and her son Andrea.

Come sit down, Aunt Margareth.

- George, Iet's show Michel his toy. Call him, he's not in bed yet. - Yes.

- What shall we drink? You already have something. - Yes, thanks.

Aunt Margareth, would you Iike a drink?

No, thanks. Or maybe a vermouth, a Iittle bit.

- A vermouth. Andrea? - Nothing, thanks. - Nothing?

- Here. What should l have? Luciana, what would you Iike? - A dry Martini.

Good idea, I'll go along with it! Ah, Michel!

Look what Mister Orange brought you! Say hello to Aunt Margareth.

You grow up so fast! Last year you were Iike this!

But you're a bit pale, my dear. Maybe too much studying, eh?

- Yes, it's true. He Iooks tired. - Michel?

- Did you say hello to Mrs. Orange? - Hello, dear. - Good evening.

- Do you remember your cousin Andrea? - How are you, Michel? - Fine.

Say thanks to Mr. Orange.

Thank you.

Isn't it wonderfuI? Are you happy?

Say goodbye to everybody, now. Go and be nice, okay?

- Did you all get served? - Yes, thanks.

How Iong are you staying in Rome, Aunt Margareth?

Until my husband is done with his businesses.

- Shall we try the train? - Why not? - Let's go.

What are you doing, there? Do you want to have fun on your own?

Shall we go and see?

- Let's stop it. - Your glass.

- Thanks. Now, rear motion! - �t's really funny! �t seems real!

- Madam, dinner is served. - Dinner is ready!

Shall we go?

- �t's funny even for adults. - Shall we go and sit at the table?

Aunt Margareth, Richard: are you hungry?

This is your place. Richard can sit here,

Andrea to my left, then George...

No, I'm wrong: Aunt Margareth will sit at the head of the table.

Richard to her right and George there. Let's sit down.

Sorry, I always make some mistake.

Aunt Margareth.

l get confused by this sort of thing, I always make a mess.

- How Iong have you been in ltaly? - Many years.

I studied in Florence with my sister, George's mother.

Then I married an Italian, Vladimiro Casati.

- Does your son work in Italy? - Yes, here in Rome.

- What does he do? - He's a journalist.

A journalist? Then he might be able to tell us if there will be peace or war.

I'd say peace.

You're very optimistic, bless you. l believe there will be war.

- � hope for peace. - � can't see how. Am l wrong?

l have some particular ideas in this regard.

You're so keen on politics! I don't get any of it!

- Have you been to that horse contest? - Excuse me for a moment.

I would Iike you to tell me why you are so optimistic.

Because there's so many of us, in the world, wishing for peace.

Yvonne, dear, maybe it's better to change topic.

Andrea is a Ieftie.

- A socialist? - Worse than that, I'm afraid.

Madam, Michel told me to call you. You'd better go.

Excuse me, I'm going to check on my son.

To peace! Cheers!

I've solved many problems, but this boy is an enigma.

- What's up? - L feel sick. - Your stomach? - Yes, it hurts.

- Where does it hurt? - AII over. - Here? - Ouch! - Here? - Oh...

You're fine. Be good, don't put on your usual show.

- You're not a child anymore! - � can't sleep. Stay with me for a while.

I can't, we have guests. Don't be silly, sleep now.

- Go away, I don't want to see you! - Be nice!

Aren't you ashamed? You're naked!

It's Michel again.

Go and see if you can calm him down.

Cesira, tell him I said to be nice and to sleep.

He's been so nervous Iately...

He had a nanny since he was born, up until six months ago,

then George decided to send her away: maybe that's why he's so nervous.

Boys at his age would be better staying in a boarding schooI.

Michel is not Iike the other boys, he's very sensitive.

Even for me it's difficult to understand him. And l'm his mother.

Just imagine how Iittle others would understand.

Nowadays, educational systems are very advanced.

lt's true. Our Swiss boarding schools are wonderfuI.

I think it's isolation that makes children spoiled.

That's what I think, too.

Look at Chandler's son: he's in a boarding schooI and he's doing fine.

That's right.

He's just one year older than Michel and Iast year...

he flew in from Boston on his own and then he went back without any problems.

Over the Atlantic on a plane? Weren't you scared to send him?

Not at all! He had a lot of fun.

Sure, I understand...

But keep in mind that while George was fighting at the front, during the war...

Michel and I stayed in England during the bombings, taking shelter wherever we could.

Lady, the child hurt himself!

- Where? - Down the stairs!

- Michel! - Don't worry, it's nothing serious!

- Michel! But... - Easy, Iady.

Cesira, give me the car keys!

The keys are in the pocket of the fur coat!

Straight ahead!

Santo Spirito Hospital, near Castel Sant'Angelo!

Nothing serious: his thigh bone is broken.

He threw up, but I guess we can rule out cerebral commotion.

He's now in the operating room. He's sedated. They're almost done.

I would Iike Alessandrini to visit him. I'II try to call him again.

He would like to make a phone call. Can you go with him?

Poor lrene!

Michel!

- Doctor... - Everything is fine, Madam.

Don't cry, everything will be fine.

I'm sorry. These things happen to children.

- Call the doctor on duty. - His thigh bone is broken.

Recovery will be slow, but you shouldn't worry.

- Cassiani. - Pleased to meet you. No complications?

- Just a Iight state of shock. - Can't we take him home?

Not yet, he's still sedated.

Can't we at Ieast find a room to rent?

It's impossible for tonight, maybe tomorrow.

But tomorrow they'II be able to take him home.

When did they give him the shot?

When I put him to bed. Can't you see how calm he is?

- Morphine for such a young child... Isn't it dangerous? - No.

And it's not morphine, it's Pantopon, a weaker sedative.

- Won't it hurt him? - No. Don't worry.

Fractures Iike that are very painfuI during the first days.

Yes, I understand.

Madam... Mr. Casati is here.

Let him through. I'Il be outside.

- Please. - Good morning, Andrea.

- How are you? - I'm okay.

- It might have been worse. - I'm very confused.

Try not to think about it.

- I just came to say goodbye. L'm going away for a few days - Yes?

- Is there anything that I can do for you? - No, thanks.

I don't know if it's a good idea, but I have to tell you something.

The doctor is a friend of mine and he told me that...

he had the impression that the fall was voluntary.

- What do you mean by "voluntary"? - Nothing. Stay calm, Irene.

Apparently Michel said some things while still sedated...

so my friend thought that he needed to Iet you know.

He asked me to find the best way to tell you this...

It's absurd!

Maybe, but my friend said that sensitive children...

are capable of anything, even of extreme gestures.

- It's impossible! Andrea! - Stay calm, at times children are...

Mom? Mom.

I'm coming. Excuse me.

- So basically he attempted suicide? - Not exactly.

Maybe he just wanted to hurt himself to attract some attention.

Go now, don't make him wait, stay close to him.

We'Il talk when I get back. Don't think about it. Best wishes.

You've been very nice. Goodbye.

Mom?

Here I am. Excuse me, my dear.

How do you feel?

Don't move. Please, don't move.

Do you want me to stay here, Iike this?

Go to the other room, I'II stay with the child.

You can sit wherever you want.

Are you happy now?

Here... Let's stay close, like we used to when you were a baby.

Do you remember, during the war, when you used to come and sleep with me...

with those frozen feet of yours?

It felt nice when we crouched under the covers!

Do you remember hearing the sirens?

You used to say: "bombs", and then fall asleep.

You didn't even realize when we went down to the basement.

I carried you all wrapped up in covers!

Do you remember that wonderfuI sunny day, in the countryside...

when that soldier was rude to me, I can't remember why...

- What did you tell him? - I don't remember. What did l tell him?

You stood up Iike a grownup man and told him:

"Do you want me to punch you on your nose?"

My man!

And do you remember when daddy came back from the war?

Then you weren't with me anymore.

I'II be with you again! I'm here with you!

- Like when I had my appendix removed? - Yes!

Yes, like that time, just Iike then!

I'II always be with you! Forever and ever and ever!

- George, Michel did not have an accident. - What? What are you saying?

l'm talking about Michel...

It was no accident. He tried to kill himself.

Come on darling, don't start imagining things.

No, it's true: he tried to kill himself.

It's impossible! It's absurd, there are no reasons.

- Who told you that? - The doctor told Andrea.

He's crazy! They're both crazy!

No... no, dear, it's true.

I realized that myself.

And he told me. In his way, but he told me.

Oh, George, we should change everything in our Iives!

We must! We can't continue Iike this!

George? George!

- What happened? - No!

- Let me in! What happened? - You can't get in, it's too Iate!

- Let me in! - He's dead!

- He's dead! He's dead! - Michel! Michel!

Quick, the lady's mother wants to see what we have prepared.

Put it here.

l can't take it anymore! Three sleepless nights in a row.

Is it fine, Madam?

lt's fine, Cesira. Bring it in.

One cannot survive on orange juice alone!

I'll go see her.

- Good evening, dear. How do you feel? - I'm okay.

Why didn't you eat anything?

You can't go on like this...

ten days without moving or even eating!

You need to pull yourself together.

Please, I'm fine. I'II get better.

I don't want to bother you, but I have to insist, for your own good.

- Oh, George... - Please, Iet me finish.

Even against our will, we must go on with Iife.

Life goes on and... we have to follow it.

Think about your mother.

At her age, she flew in from America just to see you!

And in three days you hardly spoke to her.

If you don't want to think about yourself, think about her, at Ieast.

No, George, I can't. Try to explain it to her.

I need to stay alone. I need a Iot of rest.

Come in.

lt's from London.

Hello? Hello!

Can you speak Iouder? I can't hear.

Ah, yes...

Thanks.

Good. I'll send you a telegram.

No, call me at the office tomorrow morning.

Thanks. Goodbye.

Don't worry about me, George, I'Il get over it, but I need time.

- Why don't you take one of these sleeping pills? They might help. - Yes.

- You'd sleep. You need rest more than anything else - Yes.

Sleep would do more than any cure.

Yes, yes dear, don't worry, don't worry, but...

Please, don't Ieave mom alone.

Go to her, then come back to me after you've had lunch.

- Should I turn off the Iights? - Yes, please.

Hello, who is it? Oh, Andrea, it's you!

Yes, I called you many times, I wanted to talk.

Have you heard? Yes... lt's urgent. How about tonight?

I'm sorry, but it's so important for me!

No, no, l'II come over.

Yes, right now. At the newspaper offices? Where are they?

Sure, right now. I'll be there soon. Yes.

- Irene, dear... - Have you heard?

- So sudden... - Lt was an embolism.

Tell me: what can I do for you?

Nothing, I'm afraid. Nothing.

- Where are we going? - Wherever you want. I don't care.

I don't know. A quiet place, where we could talk.

l was anxiously waiting for your return!

Had I known all the details beforehand...

- L called the newspaper so many times! - They told me.

And now that I can ask you all the questions,

Irene, don't be Iike this. Try to be strong, please.

- Sometimes, I don't even know what I'm doing. - I understand.

- Where are you going now? Back to the newspaper? - No, not yet.

I might stay a bit Ionger with you, if you wish. Turn Ieft.

I know I'm not very lively.

Why don't we step outside?

Let's take a breath of fresh air and talk a bit.

- This square is so charming, isn't it? - Yes...

Michel must have said rather painful things, during the anesthesia,

to make the doctor understand that it was a voluntary gesture.

Listen to me, Irene, don't torment yourself.

Andrea, what bitter fate!

If things had gone differently!

Had l said a word, made one gesture rather than another...

Do you realize how atrocious it is that a word, one that can't be erased...

resulted in Michel's death?

I can't take it anymore, I can't go on living, I can't!

Irene, tormenting yourself is useless.

It's useless to repeat: "Had l said... Had I done... "

- Things are what they are. - But...

lt was fate, then? Why such a fate?

I never mentioned fate. What fate?

Then, if it wasn't fate, I'm the one to blame.

No, Irene, it's not your fault.

It's society's fault, as it allows such horrors to happen.

What's society got to do with it?

When a child's first impressions of the world around him...

are fear, bombings, war...

Who's to blame?

Why should children be the victims?

lt isn't right. Thus, God isn't right.

Think about this: a child who has to die...

because his parents can't afford the necessary medicine.

It happened today, at the newspaper:

a mother came to beg us to do something to help her.

She has four children, her husband is a miserable garbage collector,

he earns just about enough to buy their food.

The medicine is very expensive - it's a new product, made in America.

How can a child's Iife be bound...

to the amount of money needed to buy the medicine?

Why didn't you tell me earlier? I can provide the money.

How can we do it? Should we go there immediately?

- No, tomorrow will be okay. - Yes.

- We'II go there together, okay? - Sure.

- Oh, George... - Where the hell have you been?

Sorry, but I had to go out. Didn't the caretaker tell you?

Yes, he told me, but you shouldn't have Ieft Iike that.

I've been walking back and forth from the door to the window for 3 hours, Iike a wolf in a cage.

Why didn't you tell me you were going out?

I thought that something terrible had happened to you.

- You understand the psychological state I'm in... - You're right, I'm sorry.

You must be patient with me.

Sometimes... I think I'm going crazy.

- Can you tell me where you've been, at Ieast? - I've been with Andrea.

- Andrea? What did you want from him? - I don't know what l'm doing either.

I can't explain it, even to myself.

Irene, you must find the strength... to keep on Iiving.

We are both desperate, Iet's try to help each other.

I'll get over it, don't worry. I'II find a way out.

We'II find a way out... together.

Nobody can help you, not even Andrea.

You need me, just as l need you.

Yes, George, everything will be fine.

- Excuse me, where's the third block? - Over there. Come with me, I'II take you.

- Over there. - Thank you.

Here we are.

- Do the Gallis Iive here? - Please, come in.

I took them here.

- Come in. - Galli, someone's here for you.

- May l? - Is it you, sir? Good morning!

- I brought that stuff. - Oh, Jesus, thank you! - Here.

This will be enough for both the medicine and the hospital expenses.

If you need anything else in the future, we'II try to help.

Thank you. See where we Iive?

We are sub-renting this room. We are six.

Without Bruno, the house feels empty.

- Well, goodbye. Best wishes. - Goodbye. Thank you.

- Thank you so much. - You're welcome. Have a nice day. - You too.

- Is there anything for me? - Yes, sir, there's a Ietter for you. - Thanks.

I've been Iooking for you.

- Mr. Pisani, Mrs. Gerard. - How do you do.

- How should I write it? - L'II think about it. Wait.

Please.

Have a seat, Irene.

So... This must go. This one, too.

You can write: "The State Department initiative... "

"must be seen... "

"as a clear attempt, made by the American financial milieu... "

"to overcome England and controI Persian oil. "

"The English government is following the U. S. initiative... "

"with extreme distrust and alert. "

What about the title?

Let's write: "Panic in London's financial circles... "

"caused by the new U. S. manoeuvre in Persia. "

- Over two columns? - Three columns, first page.

- Very well. Goodbye, Madam. - Goodbye.

- Can you wait a bit? - I'd better go, I'm tired.

- I'm sorry that you have to go on your own. - Don't worry.

Irene, Iisten to me: don't lock yourself up in your pain.

Yes.

I was thinking: it's strange how those people seem so resigned.

It's our duty to wake them up, shake them up, give them a conscience.

- Or just give them hope. - A conscience, a conscience. We must help them.

- Yes, we must help them. - You might learn many things if you help us.

- Take them. Are you interested? That's a good book. - Thanks.

Let's have some coffee.

- Mister Casati's on the phone. - Ah, yes.

Mom, can you finish here, please?

Yes? Ah, the baby is back home? Is he fine?

Thanks, Andrea. No, don't worry. I'Il go visit them, if you can't.

Sure, l remember which bus I should take.

I'll go today. Thanks, Andrea. Goodbye.

- You're happy, aren't you? - Yes, it's good news.

Tell me, Irene: I saw some books, some magazines around...

- What are you planning? - I'm doing nothing wrong, mom.

Listen to me... Hand me the knitting job.

Did you know that in the States all communists have been arrested?

Sure, I understand, after what you've been through...

But you shouldn't get to the point of forgetting who you are...

Do you want to end up in a concentration camp, in case of war?

Listen to me: come with me to England.

- Mom, please... - What's this got to do with anything?

Listen to me, mom. I know what my duties are.

But, see, l'm Iooking for something... Don't you understand?

Well...

Why don't you say what you really think? That I've gone crazy!

Don't talk to her Iike that. lrene is an intelligent woman.

We can't fight her, we have to meet her halfway,

give her our Iove and care, as if she was sick and recovering.

- Good morning! - Good morning! - Good morning! How are you?

- Fine, thanks. - Bruno, come here.

- Look, he's doing better now. - Yes!

- Thank the Iady. - Thank you. - What have I got to do with it?

Tell her to thank all the people who helped you!

Madam, would you Iike a glass of wine? It's good, genuine stuff.

- I'm sure. - Really. - Please, accept it.

If you'II allow me, I want to introduce you to a few good friends of mine.

- Mr. Manzetti, responsible for consultation. - How do you do.

- This is another dear friend of mine. - Madam!

He's now jobless, he used to work with the railroad police.

- This is his wife... - How do you do.

- Please, have a seat! - Thanks. - Have a seat, Madam.

Please, be quiet now: Gigetto is going to sing.

# Turn and do the wheel... #

Since l can't sleep with all these songs in the air,

I've come to join the party.

Have a seat.

# Let my friends listen to my voice. #

She's a prostitute, she Iives around here.

It's something to worry about when you have older boys.

# Go away and Ieave us in peace. #

I got it, I'm Ieaving!

- Go ahead! - Go ahead! Goodbye!

I'm glad that she Ieft!

# Turn and do the wheel... #

- What a voice, huh? - He's very good.

# The joy of singing naturally. #

# We're celebrating Brunetto getting out of the hospital. #

- Bravo! - Bravo, Gigetto!

Take this!

# We're celebrating Brunetto... #

Sorry, that's my son practising.

He's very good, very promising.

Very promising, but in the meantime he's hurting everyone's ears.

- Just another sip! - No, thank you. - Just a Iittle one!

- Madam, please! - No, it's time to go. Goodbye.

- As you wish... - Goodbye. - Thanks.

- Goodbye, dear Manzetti. - Bye, Bruno.

- Happy, aren't you? - Thanks to all of you.

Nice people! But the kid didn't Iook too well.

He's always been a little weak, he's been sick for many years.

With some further care, he'II be fine.

It was so moving... all those calm, simple people...

What are you doing? Stop it!

You must go play at the ball! Come on!

I'm not gonna eat your son! Farewell, handsome!

We're so worried about these boys of ours!

Here, many people are desperate, because of their misery.

ln the seventh block there's a house with 12 people sleeping in one room.

In other houses there are 5 or 8 people, one on top of the other!

This block could easily turn into an industrial one. There's everything:

water, electricity... There could be work for everyone. And "work makes man noble".

They're all farm or construction workers, instead.

They manage to find some work for a few days at a time.

That's what makes them desperate.

Amilcare! Amilcare! There's a dead man in the river! Hurry!

Amilcare! Pietro! Come here, come back!

Run! Run!

Go away! Come on!

Go away!

- You can't stay here. Where do you Iive? - Over there. - Let's go.

Come! Like this!

And you... here! You're so pretty!

Dear...

Run!

- What's your name? - Arnaldo.

- Arnaldo? What do you want to be when you grow up? - A criminal.

Where have you been?

- And the others? Where are they? - They went to the football match.

What did they do? Come on, blow your nose!

Daniela, show your brother how to do it. Good! You too!

- Here. Have a seat, madam. - No, thanks, I don't want to bother you.

No bother at all! Please!

Sit here. Where did you find them?

Along the river's edge, close to the water. L stepped in because they...

How many times do I have to tell you that you can't go there?

Next time l'Il beat you!

I'm sorry, but l'm always so worried for them.

You're older and you should be more careful!

- They ran away, l tried to follow them... - You should have called me!

Bring the baby home and go call your brothers.

No, wait, Iet's give him some bread and cheese, too.

Isn't this baby beautifuI? I'd steal him from his mother!

Here, dear! A Iittle kiss!

Come on, take him away and call your brothers! Tell them to come right away!

- He's beautiful, isn't he? - Yes very much so. How many children do you have?

- Six. - Six? - They aren't all mine.

- Three are mine. I picked up the other three around. - What?

Yes... How can I explain? They were foundlings, and I took them with me.

- You like children! - I'm crazy about them!

I understand. Children are beautifuI.

You can't understand, but I enjoy staying with them, that's it.

Look at you! What a mess! Here's your bread!

Take your sandwich, Daniela! There! Now go play outside!

Go, dear, go! Outside!

Come to your mom, Daniela! My dear child!

- Look at her eyes! Show your teeth to the Iady! - She's beautifuI!

She has the same eyes as her father, that scoundrel!

- Where is he? - Gone. - Is he dead?

Dead? No, I hope not! Why, poor fellow?

You said: "Gone" and I thought...

- No, no. Do you want some ricotta cheese? - No, thanks.

Don't be shy, take some!

- Are you separated? - You don't understand...

I was in Capranica for the grain harvesting season.

l met him there, and you know how things happen...

- Then he... - He stayed there. - Did he Ieave you?

No, he's a very good man! But l'm a crazy woman!

l know myself, you know? I don't want to bother men.

Men are Iike babies.

You have to stay under their thumbs, because they believe they're the masters!

They always play, and all they can do is make love, if you teach them how.

- Children, instead... - Children, instead... I love children!

And they bring with them the Divine Providence!

Hey, is this the way to step in?

Say hello to Mom's friend. What do you say?

- Good morning. - This is Bruno, this is Luciano, this is Gabriella.

- Good morning. - Come here to your mommy, I'Il give you plenty of kisses!

My goodness, I Ieft the soup overcooking!

It's been boiling for two hours! Set the table! I'm Iosing my head!

Help me - Rinse her, but do it well!

- You don't look Italian, are you German? - No...

- Are you from IRO? - What? - Are you one of the foreigners in the exiles camp?

- Yes... - A friend of mine came from there too. She worked in a circus.

There we go!

If you need anything, just ask.

Are you ready, Gabriella? I'Il dry you off, now!

Come to your mommy! There!

Come on! Fly, fly, fly!

Stand up! And you, pull your shorts up!

Quick, or we'll be late for the movies!

George!

l discovered a whole new world! I'm shocked!

You must try to eat and rest properly.

- I don't want to see you like this anymore. Promise me. - Yes, I promise, don't worry.

I want to see you strong and calm.

These past few days, I have discovered and understood many new things.

I try to hold on to anything, in order to forget.

I know, dear. You must do whatever you wish.

Irene! Finally!

- How are you, Andrea? - Nice to see you!

- I need you. - What's up? Tell me.

I met a young woman, with six children.

She's brave, strong, calm and intelligent.

She does everything by herself. "No Iuxuries and no frills", as she says.

She needs a job, any kind of job.

I think that having a job would satisfy her completely.

Well, I'll do everything I can to please you.

I'm so happy to hear you talking Iike this!

Do you remember when you first arrived in Italy?

lt was in...'47, wasn't it?

Many things have happened since and many things have changed.

It was one of the best times of my Iife.

There was so much enthusiasm and we were always together.

Dear lrene, I would really Iike to help you.

And you always knew, Irene, my feelings for you.

I'II take care of your prot�g�e. You can give me her name and address.

Is she working now?

No. She carries on. She comes up with hundreds of things.

She's full of dignity, full of Iife,

and she wants to find a job so badly.

But her search is a bit vague and uncertain.

So I, with my cool northern blood,

I'm trying to find a job for her, to let her settle down.

It's called a conscience, a class conscience.

You don't know how important it is, what you've tried to do.

Can you imagine?

When mankind will finally be made up of men...

who believe in never-ending progress,

which might make them masters of Iife and masters of the Iaws of the universe,

then it will be paradise, a paradise for all mankind, built by men.

The true paradise.

- Good morning! - Good morning! - You're having Iunch!

- No, we're done. How are you? - Fine.

l'm a bit late, I've been very busy!

They ate three kilos of bread while waiting for the soup!

- Have a seat! - Maria, come here! - Get out, kids! I have to tidy up a bit!

Maria, help Daniela to come down from her chair.

- Make yourself comfortable, madam. Would you Iike anything? - No, thanks.

- A coffee? Some Iiquor? - I've found a job for you.

- Really? - You start on Wednesday. - Wednesday? How weird is fate!

- It shouldn't have happened to me, now that I've found a job... - What?

See, l met a boy, he used to work nearby, at the bakery.

- You, get out of here! - No, mom! - Out! Out!

A small man, with such beautifuI eyes, really handsome!

He got called back by the Army. They sent him to Turin, with the Artillery.

- Well, you know how it goes... - No, how does it go? - Wait.

He wrote to me that they'Il send him to Bracciano for a couple of days...

to fetch the flour for his battalion.

He can't stop in Rome, he has to Ieave immediately,

and I'd Iike to go there and visit him.

I have every right to, haven't I?

Sure, nobody's going to stop you, but you'll Iose the job!

I should be able to come up with something:

someone should go to the factory instead of me, for a couple of days.

George, I'm starting to be worried. Shouldn't we do something?

- There's no reason to, she knows we're going to the theatre. - Thanks.

I don't know, I don't understand her anymore.

Oh, finally! What happened? It's so late!

- I'm sorry... - We won't make it to the theatre in time.

- Good evening. - Lf you don't hurry, we'll miss the first act.

l'm so sorry, it got Iate and...

- Oh, Irene! - You knew they were coming, didn't you?

Yes, I did. I forgot about it. Please, forgive me.

Excuse me.

- So? - Oh, George...

How Iong will we keep playing this comedy?

I'm sorry. It will end soon. Just be patient.

No, you have to explain everything! I've been putting up with too much!

I justified your behaviour,

I defended you against your mother, against your cousin, against everybody!

l always said yes to everything you told me, but now it's over!

Everything's perfectly clear now!

Everything you do is a rehearsal, even your way of dressing!

- This is what you've become in order to please him! - Oh, George...

Those men are masters at winning the hearts of troubled souls!

Why are you slipping away? Are you afraid of being touched by me?

If you're in love with Andrea, why aren't you brave enough to say so?

Don't try to deceive me, it's not worthy of you!

For a long time I thought it was just about Michel,

but now I know it has only been an excuse!

- What are you talking about? - Stop, stop, stop!

Oh, no, George! No!

- Shut up, stop it! - George...

Stop it, if you don't want me to cause a scandal, tonight!

- Don't you dare say a single word! - You're wrong...

Stop it! Don't make me Iose controI! That's enough!

I don't want to drive you crazy... but you have to listen.

Enough!

- Enough! - George...

Sadly, people leave their homes.

Herds start their trek to the new lands.

Worshipping objects, witnesses to life in the village,

are lovingly carried away.

Waters - strong waters - sources of enormous energies,

are running now into the channels built by men,

towards the new, great basin.

And these immense natural forces, tamed and dominated,

wlll provide the energy needed to...

run men's factories and workshops.

Thus, a few men's sacriflce has provided....

many others with a new, great chance of work.

l had to feel this job, l had to see it! And I'm terrified, believe me!

I know now, it's a terrible condemnation!

Come on, Irene, ease up a bit, don't overreact.

Believe me, Andrea, I'm not. I saw very well what it's all about.

And they want to make a new god, out of work!

Don't you suspect you're a victim of your first impressions?

What did you see? Did you see true work Iife?

You saw the work slavery,

but when all mankind will be made up of workers, then...

No, no... mankind as you dream it to be is plain monstrous!

I saw them! They're just slaves in chains!

How could you think they'd be happier?

At least, they'd be less unhappy and there would be more justice.

And nobody would die from hard work anymore,

while others stay idle and watch them.

lt might be true, but if everybody understood...

that work is not just a duty, but a condemnation...

"You'll earn your bread by the sweat of your brow. "

Then, probably, we'd feel closer to each other, all equal,

all humiliated in the same way,

and we'd start searching for salvation together.

But I thank you, Andrea. After all, you brought me to this point.

I know I've been wrong all my life, and there's so Iittle time...

Oh, Michel!

I want to be certain that he knows how great is my Iove for everyone.

And this Iove belongs to him!

I'm sure that, if he could see his mother...

Your illusion can help,

but if you really tried to strive for this... to see this... how should I call it?

this heaven on earth as a reality, I assure you that...

No, Andrea. L'd Iike to have faith, an unbreakable faith.

But Michel would have no place in this heaven on earth...

for he isn't alive anymore.

The paradise I dream about is not just for the Iiving, but for everyone.

It's eternal. That's my paradise.

- You dirty woman! - What do you want? Stop it!

Every time you come here, we start a fight!

- You "Primavalle" bitch! - You "Tiburtino" scum!

- What's wrong with the "Tiburtino" block? - And with "Primavalle"?

- Stop it or I'II punch you! - Easy, girl!

While you fight, I'Il get to work, otherwise there'II be nothing to eat.

Don't let her get away!

Stop it, you idiot! Shut up!

- What are you doing here? - Nothing, just passing by.

They've driven me crazy!

I'm feverish and can't stand on my feet! I'm freezing!

Why don't you go home?

l can't afford a taxi, I have to wait for the tram.

- Don't worry, l'Il take you home. - Are you taking pity on me?

No, I'm going your way, too. Come with me.

- Bye-bye, beauty! Have a good trip! - Go to hell!

Farewell, goldilocks! Say hello to "Primavalle"!

God, I feel so sick! Why are you going to the outskirts?

- L have to meet someone. - At this hour? Who?

I don't know why, everybody always Iies to me.

Where's the key?

A doctor. Where can I find a doctor?

How should l know? Go outside, ask someone.

How could I tell you where you can find a doctor?

Where can I find a doctor?

I don't know. There's a chemist's shop not far from here.

- Where is it? - This way.

This Iady needs a doctor.

Yes, it's for a very sick woman.

Right now? It's very Iate. Let's try anyway.

It's pretty close. Thanks.

- L don't want to go to the hospital. - No, no...

- I want to stay home. - Yes, home, no hospital.

Don't breathe.

- L don't want to go to the hospital. - Okay.

I want to stay home.

- So? - Nothing can be done. I'd send her straight to the hospital.

No, doctor... Is it really necessary to hurt her so? Isn't there any hope?

What can l say? Two, three, four days, a week... And then it'II be over.

- Is there nothing we can do? - Nothing.

Two years ago she could have been cured, maybe.

But she's at the end of her disease... It's affected both her Iungs.

Unfortunately, we can only wait for the end.

Goodbye. Thank you.

Oh, my God, I feel so weak...

My God, I feel so weak...

- What's the matter? - Open the window, call Alfonso, he's in the bar.

Tell him to bring two eggs and some milk with coffee. They're nourishing.

- And a fried pastry. - Yes, immediately.

- No, from the window. - It'll be faster this way.

- Good morning! - Good morning!

- Have you been at our place? - No, at Ines's, she's very sick.

- She's faking! - This time, she's really sick.

- Can l help you? - No, thank you, I was going to the bar.

- We'Il send him! - Okay.

Bring her two eggs shaken in milk with coffee and a fried pastry.

- Go! Run! - Thanks! How's your wife?

- Always the same. Goodbye, Madam. - Goodbye.

- He's coming. - Oh my God, my fox furs! I can't see my fox furs!

Look in the closet for my fox furs! They steal everything here.

You mean these?

- Hello, beauty, how are you? - What a cold hand!

This is warm! Who is she?

- Go away, I'm sick! - Goodbye.

- How much is it? - Don't worry, everybody buys on credit around here.

He's such a rude man...

He's at it again! He's driving me crazy! Stop!

- I'Il go and tell him. - Yes, please, he's driving me crazy!

Good evening, how are you? Still feverish?

Fortunately, it's over. Any news?

Nothing. No sign of her.

- What about her cousin, Andrea? - Nothing.

He was followed constantly, we were always behind him.

The detective did everything he could, to no avail.

My God, I'm so worried! Irene was completely upset!

l imagined the most terrible things. Ten days have gone by.

Don't worry too much - I'm sure that soon we'II have some news.

By this holy unction and His own most gracious mercy...

may the Lord pardon you, whatever sin you have committed. Amen.

- The Lord have mercy. - Christ have mercy.

- The Lord have mercy. - Christ have mercy. - Our Father...

- And Iead us not into temptation. - But deliver us from evil.

- Save your handmaid. - And with Thy spirit. Amen.

Go, now.

- It's so Iate. Go, if you have to. - No, it doesn't matter.

Maybe I'm going to start cooking the soup, and come back right away.

Big robbery in Trastevere! One dead and one injured!

Bandits fled away in a grey car!

Big robbery in Trastevere!

Open up, quick!

Madam, Ines is dead.

- Go ahead! - What's going on? What is it?

- Tell her, if you dare! - Stop it!

He's a killer! Our son is a killer! A killer!

His friends ruined him!

They wanted to rob a bank! They hurt a man and killed another one!

Shut up, all of you!

- Why do you behave Iike this with your parents? - You, shut up!

They're your parents!

- Where's Remo? - He's calling the police! I told him to!

Damn you! I can't take it anymore! Watch it or l'Il kill you! I'II kill you!

Stop! Stop! Run away! Run!

Give me the gun! Think about what you're doing! Give yourself up!

You will ease your conscience! You'II go, I'm sure! Hurry!

It's the only way to save yourself! Try to understand!

- Here. - Did the car go to fetch the chief? - Half an hour ago.

The chief is already here. Come on, madam, quick, he wants to see you.

So, you admit you helped Puglisi Ferdinando to escape,

when you heard the police...

Yes.

Then l have to send your file to the judges to prosecute you...

and send you to "Le Mantellate".

- What's "Le Mantellate"? - The female prison!

Can you tell me why you helped him escape?

- Sure. - Then tell me!

He was so terrified, he might have been capable of anything...

he might have killed himself or someone else.

- So, you helped him escape? - Yes.

It's a crime. Clear, isn't it?

l'm sure the boy will give himself up of his own free will.

He's a poor kid. He'Il give himself up.

Tell me: if you are who you say you are...

Be carefuI, we're going to check, you know?

Why did you Ieave your husband?

Why did you go and live with a woman that...

How can I say? A bad woman?

She was a poor creature, too.

Yes, sure, but explain yourself, please.

It would take too Iong...

And maybe... I don't know why either.

Maybe I can explain to you why.

Yes? It's me, speaking.

Very well! Can you send him here? Did you question him yet?

Good, thank you.

So, Puglisi gave himself up at the central station.

A mysterious woman helps the Trastevere bank robber escape. She's a foreigner. His lover?

- Please... - Dear sir!

- Good morning, Iawyer. - How do you do? - Fine. - Mr. Gerard.

- How do you do? - Have a seat.

- Did you have the time to study the lady's case? - Yes.

You read the newspapers. Some of them hinted that there was...

a sort of relationship between the Iady and the boy. What a shame.

I don't know what you think, but in my opinion, the crime of aiding and abetting...

has Iittle importance now, since the kid gave himself up.

- Go on. - There's another important thing to consider, though:

the social position of the Iady and her family.

As l told you earlier, after the death of her child, the lady...

How can l say? She Iost herself, she started doing strange things.

Keep in mind also Mr. Gerard's position in Rome.

He's the representative of one of the most famous American companies.

He and the Iady's mother, who came from America, and the whole family...

did everything they could to help her,

up until she, of her own free will,

Ieft her husband.

ls it true that you haven't received any news, since she went away,

until today, when you read about it in the newspapers?

- Yes, it's true. - Sir, haven't you thought about what I told you earlier?

About sending the lady to a psychiatric hospital...

for a period of observation?

Yes. L even told my superiors about it.

I believe it all becomes a matter of prevention on your side,

in the interests of Mrs. Gerard.

This way... maybe we'll have a chance of hiding this scandal.

Why should I be examined?

- Because the doctor advised us so. - But l'm fine!

I know. Don't talk now, please. Try to stay calm.

- Gerard. - There, at the end of the road.

Good morning. This way, please.

Come, madam. One moment, please.

I'II be with you right away, don't worry.

Come, madam, come.

- And my husband? - He'II be with you in a moment.

Go in, please.

Please.

- Isn't my husband coming? - He'II come, don't worry.

- Is this my room? - Yes.

Madam, I brought you a dressing gown and some things for your toilet.

If you Iet me know what you need... I'II do everything you want.

Cesira, don't act Iike a child, I'm perfectly fine.

And l'm counting on you to keep the house running smoothly.

Oh, madam, why is this happening? You've always been such a good woman!

They shouldn't have Iocked you up in here!

Cesira, don't cry. See, l'm fine here.

Maybe it will be good for me to be alone, isolated.

l'm calm here. Don't think that somebody harmed me.

Now that I'm away from home, I'm counting on you to keep everything running smoothly...

and to make sure that Mr. Gerard has everything he needs.

- Cesira, can I trust you? - Yes!

Sure! Oh, Madam!

- Where are you taking me? - The doctor wants to see you. Come.

Everything is normal. Try to emit flashes.

Increase!

Increase!

Back to four!

Stop.

I'II show you some inkblot cards.

Please tell me whatever comes into your mind, when you see them.

It's vital that you collaborate actively...

and please try to give me as many answers as you can.

Also, do not omit anything that comes into your mind.

- But this... I don't know, it's nothing. - What do you mean by "nothing", madam?

A wild beast jumping. A totem.

- What else? - A vertebra.

A bat. Yes, maybe a bat.

Nothing.

Nothing. L don't know.

They're just blots. I don't know what to say.

This is so ridiculous. I don't know what to say.

Please, stop it, it's really ridiculous.

Something happened to me and I can't find a solution.

l would Iike a word of advice from you.

- Good morning, reverend. - Good morning.

So if I...

- But I must talk to the Father! - Stay calm.

- It's important. - We'll talk later. I'm not Ieaving.

- Ls that the new patient, Mrs. Gerard? - Yes.

- May I speak to her? - Sure. This way, please.

- What do you want from me? - What's the matter?

- You have nothing to do with me! Who are you? - Don't you recognize me?

- Good morning. - Good morning. - How are you? - Fine, thanks.

I would Iike to talk to you. Nobody told me to do it.

l met your husband.

You know, he comes every day to have news about you.

We spoke for a Iong time. He opened up completely.

- So, I thought of visiting you. - Yes...

As clergymen, we learn to understand many things.

Don't think that I want to judge you for Ieaving your home,

or for being interested in another man.

No, you are wrong.

I know that my husband believed that, but it isn't true.

Father, Iet me explain: there comes a time when...

the Iove we have for our dearest ones is not enough anymore.

l felt it was too selfish, too narrow.

And l felt an urge to get close to other people,

to the low, all the poor people, and to Iove them.

This goes to show your Christian feelings.

Although, even Iove has rules that need to be respected.

l'm certain you don't think you must leave your husband...

for the sake of this feeling, as overwhelming as it may be.

We must do good deeds, but using moderation, according to God's will.

No, Iove has no measure.

Evil comes from not giving all the Iove that you can give...

to those who need it the most.

We must love them for what they are and help them as best as we can.

God created us as such.

How sad it is to be suddenly aware that in Iife...

we have been deserters, towards others and towards ourselves.

So you would like to... be a reformer.

Did you think about it? Do you think you could have such strength?

I don't know.

AII l know is that l've been, and still am, too selfish.

I try to give to others all the Iove I have. Which isn't mine.

Only then a great Iight descends inside of me.

An immense good comes inside me without me invoking it.

Then, mountains really could be moved.

Do you firmly believe in God and his Grace?

What I know is that we need to Iive full of love for everyone else.

What matters is that men save themselves,

that the whole world saves itself.

"l came to Earth not to Iose sinners, but to save them. "

This is the miracle of Christianity.

Where did you read these things? Who told them to you?

- Nobody. - These are words from the Gospels.

l'm a sinner myself. I... am in turmoil.

Aren't you afraid of the Iife you are choosing?

Why should I be afraid?

- Stay calm. - Why is everybody afraid?

Why are you afraid, even you? Do you think I'm crazy?

- Ester! Maria! Help! - What happened? - I'm scared! - The fire!

Wait!

You're not alone. Don't worry. I'II stay with you.

I'm here with you. I'll stay right beside you.

- May l? Good morning, Madam. - Good morning. - You may go.

How are you? Do you feel fine here with us?

Is there anything we can do for you?

See, here we Iike to...

establish calm and serene relationships.

I know what happened earlier today.

That poor woman who attempted suicide... An unfortunate matter.

Despite the most severe precautions,

it's hard to predict what an obsessed woman might do.

Anyway, l would Iike to thank you. You're a very brave woman.

No, I'm not brave at all.

Tell me: how could you do it? Did you feel a force inside you?

That mysterious force that pushes us towards the suffering ones...

with a precise, caring and strong will...

to help them, free them, save them?

Do you feel such a force?

No... no... I don't know, I don't know...

If what I've been told is true,

that criminal, that robber... I can't recall his name...

has been driven by the same force,

a positive force that only great souls possess.

If I thought I was a great souI,

l would be crazy.

So... it is really Iove, Iove for the others, true Iove.

- No, it's hate! - Hate?

The Iove l feel for others comes from the hate that I feel towards myself.

And towards all the things that are and have been mine.

It's nothing else.

- Good morning, judge. - Good morning. Have a seat.

I've come to talk to you about the case of Mrs. Gerard.

She's in a psychiatric hospital.

- How is she? - Well...

- I brought you her medical file, so you can see for yourself. - Very well.

I think it's time to make a decision.

I think we should see to her definitive committal to a mental hospital.

- Then, with time... - In the meantime, please Ieave her files here.

Anyway, I need to meet her again, along with her family and her doctor...

and whoever's been around her since her child's death.

- Certainly! - We could meet them all at the hospital.

It would be the best thing to do, to avoid further annoyances.

I've read your medical report, I've talked to her relatives...

and to all the people that could inform us...

regarding Mrs. Gerard's life during these past few months.

Please, tell me your diagnosis in simple words.

We're facing one of those cases in which we might never find...

a physical effect related to her mental disorder.

One might think that the strange products of these brains...

I'll try to make it simpler.

Even in the absence of physical wounds, the thoughts of these individuals...

are doubtlessly to be considered exceptional anomalies.

Even geniuses are exceptional anomalies.

Certainly, but we need to consider a few distinctions...

and one of them is very basic, and we must consider it...

in order to make our decisions.

This distinction is based on the concept of value.

Such anomalies are to be considered harmfuI...

when they disrupt the normal Iife of a person...

reducing one's ability to adapt to social life.

Right. It's very hard to give absolute judgements...

when we talk about religious and social ideas.

Especially today, since there's no truth anymore! It's all seduction and propaganda!

So, are we talking about a missionary or a fanatical person?

Had the Iady followed, even with fanatical fervour,

a religion or a political creed... but, Iike this...

Should we think Mrs. Gerard to be right, dear judge,

we should just strip off our gowns and follow her.

Sure, but maybe we wouldn't be brave enough.

How many men, that society condemned as rebels...

and burned at the stake, were eventually proven right?

Sure, but our duty is to defend society as it is...

with its Iaws and its current status quo.

lf we're wrong, we'II be judged and condemned.

Madam, Irene is coming. When you see her, try not to show your emotions.

Daniela!

- Good morning! - How are you, Madam? - Fine, thanks.

- Good morning, Madam! - How are you?

Take the child.

George...

Please, come with me.

Good morning, Madam. Please, have a seat.

Madam, we are here to Iook after your interests,

we are here to protect you. That's our duty.

You can speak freely, don't be afraid.

- What do you want to know? - Are you a communist? - No.

- Do you wish to be a nun? - No.

So, what are your ideals?

- It seems that you've worked in a factory. - Yes.

So, tell me: what are your feelings, your reactions?

Stop it...

Don't cry. It's important for you to tell me everything.

Tell me clearly. What are your plans, your ideals?

The same ideals... of those who need me, day after day.

Help me understand. What kind of feelings are behind your actions?

If you went back to your house, to your husband...

No. What good would it be, if I went back home?

lt would save neither me nor the others.

It would be really easy to go back, so easy...

But I would just be... the same person again.

Instead, I want to share the joy of those who are happy,

the pain of those who suffer,

and the anguish of those who despair.

I'd rather Iose myself along with the others, than save myself alone.

Only those who are completely free can blend in with all the others.

Only those who are bound to nothing are bound to all human beings.

This is what l feel. And now I've told you everything.

I have nothing to add.

I spoke freely.

And now, you'll freely do what you believe you should, for your own good.

Please help me to my room.

- Irene! - Here's the Iady! - What happened?

Nothing. Don't worry.

- Go away, children. - Madam, but...

- What happened? - Unfortunately, it's just as we thought.

l want to see my daughter!

- Mrs. Hamilton wishes to see her daughter. - AII right.

The Iady wishes to see Mrs. Gerard. Please, take her there.

Please, Madam, come with me.

- Dear judge... - Eh...

Irene, Irene... It's for your own good, believe me!

- We only wish your own good. - Yes, l know, but calm down.

- My heart is breaking! Irene, my dear daughter! - Calm down, mom.

Goodbye, George.

Goodbye, Irene.

- What did you do? - Will you Ieave her here?

- What are you doing? - She's not crazy! - She's not crazy!

She's a saint! A saint! Madam! Madam!

- It's unfair! - Poor woman!

She's a saint! She's a saint!

English subtitles by.: poenir, talpaleone, lordretsudo