Original subtitles

The Ghost of Love

It was something he almost never did, just two or three times a year,

and this would be the third.

Rather than go by car he went to the square and took the bus.

Hey, there's a woman trying to get to the bus.

This ticket is out-of-date.

You need to pay 100 liras.

- I don't have any money, I only have this. - Please take this, miss.

Thank you. Are you sure I can borrow it?

Yes, I'm sure.

But then how can I give it back?

It's only a hundred liras.

Thank you.

But I consider it a loan.

Yes, sure.

Thanks.

It was Tuesday, market day in the big square.

It was misty. First fog that winter in Pavia.

Is that you, Nino?

- Hi. - Have you brought mustard again?

- Yes. - You eat a lot of mustard, are you sure it's OK for you?

How bad could it be?

Professor Fascilli talked about this last Sunday.

Not sure how you metabolize substances.

Alcohol, for example, becomes fat,

and how badly you eat today, no one mourns that

they have infarction, ulcers and rheumatism.

You have a husband still in shape, young and handsome as the sun.

- We'll see when you... - You got conference on Sunday?

- Yes, with Monsignor Di Trotti. - Again?

Come on, it was two months ago.

Really? I thought less. What is he going to talk about?

The Spiritual Exercises Ignatius of Loyola.

Ah, interesting...

All right, we'll put some mustard on this pig.

But, what will you take it with? A stew?

- Yes. - It's bad to eat mustard so late.

- Will you answer it? - No, it's probably for you.

Hello?

Hi, Loredana. Yes.

This cheese is good. Where did you buy it?

At Medagliani's.

- It's probably for you again. - Perhaps, but still, you get it.

They think they can call at all hours...

- Are you waiting for a call? - No.

- Not even for Monsignor? - No.

Ok.

Hello?

- Hello?! - Dr. Nino Monti?

- Yes. Who's speaking? - The woman from the bus.

- From the bus? - Yes, I had no money, and you...

Ah yes, I remember, go on.

How I can return it?

Come on, you can't be serious!

No, really, Nino?

- Didn't you recognize me? - Excuse me, look...

Have I changed so much?

Hey, I'm Nino Monti, auditor, I'm confused...

I'm Anna.

Anna what?

Anna Brigatti.

I know I have changed...

But you haven't. I recognized you right away.

You have not changed much.

Anna...

I've been sick.

Nino, who's that?

I...

I'm happy... to hear you.

Nino, and the 100 lire?

You'll return it next time. Do not worry.

Yes, next time we meet..

Who was that?

A woman I was supposed to meet for

a sale of properties. A barnacle.

I told her tomorrow I'll be in my office.

She shouldn't be calling at dinner time.

You should tell her that.

They won�t let us take a single bite in peace.

By the way, today I saw Coppi.

You know, at that reunion on the boat,

we talked about school problems.

He dared to say, "You don't understand this because they have children".

As I have no children, I do not understand the problems of the children.

I know why I envy my friends,

because I married a man younger than me.

If Loredana wants to be a candidate for president, that's fine with me.

And as a president, she may do whatever she wants to.

One thing is certain, I won't obey orders from anyone.

What?

Loredana was the last one

in our circle...

I'm exhausted, I'm going to bed.

I leave it all as it is, the maid will clean it tomorrow.

- What are you doing? - I'm going to bed.

I'll get a book.

I have always remembered beautiful Anna.

And thanks to the memory of her and our time together,

sometimes when I make love with Teresa, I close my eyes,

immersed... Bathed in sweat drop.

I got excited at the memory of Anna.

But now I can't.

After seeing her so changed, shabby, ill,

unrecognizable.

- Good morning, doctor. - Good morning, Rita. Any news?

The accountant Fressi is waiting.

There was a call from the House of Trade and Finance.

And Dr. Bianchi.

- That's all right. - Thanks.

- Good morning, doctor. - Good morning, Aressio.

- You look pale. - No, I'm all right.

Your stomach hurts?

- No, some form of gastritis... - Then go home.

- Thank you. - That's all right.

- I'll be right there with you in a minute. - No rush.

�Rita!

- Yes? - What is that coin?

- It's 100 liras. - I know, but who put it there?

Maybe the cleaning lady.

- Maybe she found it on the ground. - Ah, yes...

- Sure... no one else came today? - No, nobody else.

- May I enter the accounts? - Yes.

No, I want to read the correspondence first.

�Go Pav�a!

�Go Pav�a!

I'll sit in the backseat, so Teresa can go in front.

Okay, but don't shout.

- Teresa gets out first. - Right.

Good conference. Greetings to Monsignor.

Good bye.

Now it's "spring trio".

Come on, hurry up, they won't wait.

You're not coming to the conference of Monsignor, right?

No thanks, S. Ignacio... I could never stand him.

I know that. You prefer hanging out with your playboy friends like Luciano.

He's at the match.

What will you do? Stay home? Go to the movies?

I'll stay home, read something.

- Bye, solitary. - Bye.

Tell the Monsignor that conference was interesting, but I had to leave.

Ok.

I know.

With a silence that...

You would be able to kill?

It seemed almost like a dream.

A small voice so shy, insecure, as it is doubting whether itself is being heard.

A rainy Sunday afternoon, everything seems strange, unreal.

I felt the desire to go back there,

to see that house again, her home,

where I haven't been since so long ago

between those streets from the old times.

I had to face the memory.

A kind of search for a lost time,

and no more complications.

I had always remembered this neighborhood of narrow streets,

courtyards full of shadows.

Anna and I touring these silent streets,

smelling urine in corners, wine and cigarettes at the inn.

Once, I accompanied her home.

And we kissed there,

to defy her mother, neighbors, the concierge.

Looking for someone?

No.

�Nino!

Nino...

- Nino... - Anna...

Nino, is it you?

Looking for me? I do not live here anymore.

You are soaked.

Back in those days I wouldn't have minded getting wet.

Sorry.

You came for the 100 lire?

The 100 lire? But what are you talking about?

Please take it. I give them back.

But what are you doing here?

Nothing.

I had something to do nearby.

Then I had to wait.

You came for me, right? Then I was gonna wait.

I have found a way as if I'd travel here every day.

This was our refuge, remember?

We said that would be great, to have the key to that door,

and enter the garden.

Yes, I remember but... it was so long ago.

It's been a long time, yes.

You really think there's time?

Time?

Does it exist?

In time we get older, it consumes us,

it does exist.

But inside I have not aged.

I am still the same as before.

The Anna of yesterday.

Kiss me.

Kiss me.

�I beg you, my love!

- Finally you come back, come. - What is it?

Something horrible.

- �Ressi! - �Doctor! �Doctor!

- What happened? - He was a witness...

- ... of a crime. - Really?

Calm down. Drink something and take it all in stride.

Take, quiet.

It is strong.

Well, I was with a friend,

a good person, a lawyer.

We passed three or four houses half an hour ago,

I passed a house and looked inwards unintentionally,

and I saw...

I thought she was drunk.

She hit the door,

I heard a strangled noise.

- Her throat was cut. - What a horror!

A woman with her throat cut?

Yes, there was blood everywhere, and then...

She fell to the floor in front of me.

Where was that?

Didn't I say?

In Via Porta, corner of San Colombaro.

In the Via Porta, in the old neighborhood.

- Via Porta, right? - Yes

You have to go to the police and tell them what happened.

Want me to go with you?

- No. - Come on, let's go.

- No, I have bothered too much. - No, come on.

Thank you. What will my mother say?

- Call me. Nino, accompany me. - Yeah, come on.

- Thanks, that's nice. - You're welcome.

- I'm afraid. - What?

Of the questions they will ask.

You'll tell them what you know and that's all. Come on.

- Excuse me, can I go to the bathroom? - Yes, well. You know where it is.

- Nino... - Yes?

- Who is Anna? - Anna?

Look.

Some Anna Brigatti... greetings from Cortina D'Ampezzo.

It's from 1963.

Can you believe it? No wonder people criticize the post office.

Only 20 years late. Gotta publish this in the press.

Yes, sure.

Yes.

- Was there anyone else? - No.

- Although now that I think... - What?

Shortly before... I saw someone running out of the house.

- A man? - I didn't see it well, it was raining.

They had an open umbrella.

A boy or woman, I do not know.

Wearing one long white overcoat.

- Good morning, doctor. - Good morning, Rita.

I read in the press, it seems that was a nephew who killed that old woman.

Ressi has said it will take a while, he is at the station.

Yes.

Doorkeeper beheaded with a razor.

"The murderer struck furiously and wild".

"There's a suspect, the victim's nephew, a certain Mario Lucchi".

�What a day!

- Hello. - How did it go?

Many indiscreet questions, they were rude.

One question after another, without respite.

First the Carabinieri, who were very friendly, then the cops...

Only one commissioner was friendly, others were brutes.

Have you seen the picture they posted? I look like an old man.

- No, you look all right. - You think so?

But, what's new?

They are not sure, but they suspect the nephew, they're looking for him.

They're considering several indications. Many given by me.

There are also other important details.

Like what?

They found an umbrella, of a man,

black, open, it was at the scene of the crime.

It was the first Sunday in November. Dinner day at 'Survivors',

as we called Luciano, organizing those citations.

I've met with three friends from Ugo Foscolo institute.

The event, as always, was at the Old Mill.

- Good morning, Dr Nino. - Hello, Mario. Am I first?

Dr. Luciano is inside.

- Hello, Luciano. - Hello. How is the chairwoman?

Good.

Women are always right, husbands are the ones who suffer.

I know it well, I'm single.

- How many have you been with to suffer? - No, now...

- What have you prepared, a poison? - Pickled tench, would you like some?

- Smells like oil. - No, it smells like that in the area.

Yes, nobody trusts.

- How about a starter? - Risotto with frogs.

Ok, bring it on.

- Here comes Rinaldo. - Hello, Nino.

- Hello, Rinaldo. - What's wrong with the field?

Does it rain too much or too little?

It's raining taxes.

- Are you expecting Professor Arnaldi? - Yes. But we'll start without him.

I'll bring something.

Nino, the other day I saw you on a bus.

Yes, that's possible.

Don't be astonished, I saw you. Right or not?

What, you said, you economize on gas, too?

Good one.

But I told them that someone like you, a successful auditor,

doesn't need to skimp.

Do you know where I was yesterday?

In Dumping.

What's that? Some club?

Yes, but it's not like the ones from our time...

You remember the Porta d'Oro?

Sure, we used to go there every night.

Yes, but this has great atmosphere too.

Regarding our times, do you know who I saw, who looked like a mummy?

- Who? - Anna Brigatti.

- Remember her? - Who? The blonde with blue eyes?

Yes.

You wanted her too, but she gave you the brush-off.

- Didn't she live in Via Porta? - Yes.

But how could she become a mummy? She had...

Had great tits and an awesome ass.

Yes...

But you can't imagine how she looks now.

You wouldn't even recognize her. It looks shameful.

She looks old, wrinkled, emaciated, skinny...

And dressed like...

But what happened?

I think she has been very ill.

- Hello. - Excuse me. The clinic...

- I couldn't have come earlier. Hi. - Hello.

It was a very serious case.

He just talked about a girl, Maurizio.

A poor girl who once was with Nino.

Don't tell me you mean Anna Brigatti?

I've been told she's an eyesore, unrecognizable, I was stunned.

And to think she was so beautiful.

Who? Anna Brigatti?

She was my girlfriend, remember? The blonde with blue eyes.

Yes, but how many years ago have you seen her?

How many years? The other day on the bus!

- Anna Brigatti? - Yes.

But... she's dead.

Dead?!

No wonder she looked like a mummy, if she's dead.

Maurizio, are you sure?

Yes, I'm the one who diagnosed the disease.

Her husband, Count Zighi Sondrio, my friend,

he brought his wife to me, because-

Are you sure it was Anna Brigatti?

Yes, it was that girlfriend of yours, who lived in Via Porta,

with whom you were walking by the Ticino. How could I forget?

They married in Sondrio.

Nino, are you sure it was her and not some other similar girl?

Well, I dunno...

Yes, maybe it was someone who resembled her.

You better remember her like she was. As she was before.

Sure, you're right.

Let's not think about that now. Come on, let's eat and drink.

Come on, friends, we came here to have fun, right?

- Right. - Mario, bring the forks!

Nino...

- Nino... - What?

- Why don't you tell me? - What do you mean?

What's going on. I can see something is worrying you.

- An affair at work?

No, really, just sleep well.

Have you seen? A letter from the alleged murderer.

- What? - Mario Lucchi, the nephew of the caretaker.

The one the police are looking for.

- Don't you have anything else to do? - Yeah... right. Excuse me.

Okay, read it.

"The alleged monster from Via Porta wrote to our newspaper."

It's the headline. Here's the letter, read it:

"Your newspaper has published stuff about me that is not true.

The truth is different and I know it well.

My aunt was a lackluster, but she didn't deserve to die like that.

I didn't go to the police station, because you know...

...you enter, but only when they let you out.

What a chutzpah, but he's right.

"Once I decide, I'll explain everything.

I will give my version, which is the truth, tremendous and incredible.

I know there's someone who knows the truth and can help..."

What do you think?

What I can say? I know as much as you.

- News about the crime? - What?

- Sorry. Want some? - Yes.

- Woman beheaded in Via Porta. - Ah, yes. They are looking at the nephew.

Despite his exculpatory letter he seems to be the murderer.

- What could have been the reason? - Who knows. There could be many.

It was a heinous crime, angry, with hatred...

cruel.

- Are there any more suspects? - For now, no.

An umbrella seems to be a clue...

An umbrella?

Black, open, near the crime scene.

But it took us nowhere.

It was sold in Milan 3 or 4 years ago.

Apparently the umbrella was a good piece.

Yesteryear they facilitated abortions, but not anymore.

- Excuse me. - Sure.

Very good singer, not to mention the lyrics.

I am organizing a recital of parts of Paul Claudel,

a great playwright and a good Christian. - There is a book about Claudel...

I'd like to read it. - Nice. Who is the author?

I haven't read it yet. But I'll read it for sure.

Rice!

Here it is.

- Have you greeted Monsignor? - Yes.

Everyone loved the concert. They congratulated me.

- Can I take some rice? - What?

- There's rice, can I take some? - Sure.

Something's distracting you lately, you're nervous, tense.

- What's wrong? - Nothing. There you go.

- Here, Teresa. - Thank you.

- Would you, Nino? - No, thank you.

- Rice, Monsignor? - That's my secretary.

Nino...

- You're Nino Monti, right? - Good evening, Mr. Gaspare.

- Long time no see. - What is your life like now?

As always, focused at work.

And you, immersed as always in your books?

Yes, increasingly.

I am finishing a biography of Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist.

I am also translating Coleridge.

You know the "Rime of the Ancient Sailor"?

No.

"Red were his lips, daring his gaze,

and her golden hair as gold.

Pale skin was like that of a leper.

She was the nightmare, the living death,

man's blood run cold."

I've seen her, you know?

Seen who?

By the pale lady who speaks Coleridge.

Lesser, thin,

wrinkled skin.

A defunct.

- Nino Monti, visit me on returning. - Where? I'm not going anywhere.

- A little rice? - Thank you.

Nino...

Yes?

I wanted to talk to you about poor Loredana.

- What's wrong? - I'm afraid she's not feeling well.

She feels it's something serious.

But she only trusts her doctor and asked me to accompany her.

- Because he's here in Pavia. - Where is he?

In Sondrio.

In Sondrio? - Yes, it is a far and uncomfortable ride...

Can you join us?

Can't you take a taxi?

Are you kidding? From here to Sondrio?

Okay, I'll go.

Thanks.

Loredana, how about you?

Well, thank you.

At Sondrio I might make a phone call.

Sorry, we do not know. Is it Zighi, the Countess' husband?

I'm a friend of Professor Arnaldi, can I see him?

He is the husband of...?

Most likely the widower.

Yes, I'm talking to you because a strange thing happened to me.

No, I do not know.

I knew Anna, his wife. Did she talk about me?

Yes.

Some time ago we had an affair. Yes, many times.

I confess I still love her.

Is she alive? Where? She's very sick, right?

Tell me the truth. Is she dead?

There are many cars, we have to wait.

- I'll take a walk. - Okay, but not too long.

No, an hour or so.

- Coffee. - Well.

- Do you have a phone? - There.

- Hello? - Is this the house of Count Zighi?

Yes, who is it?

- Can I talk to the Count? - And who are you?

I do not know..

I'm...

It doesn't matter.

I'm from Pavia and my name's Giovanni Monti.

Nino? Is that you?

- I'm Anna. - Anna?

�Anna!

- So... - What a surprise, Nino.

What are you doing in Sondrio? We must get together soon.

Yes, but tell me where.

- Didn't you come to work? - No.

- Forget it. - Okay.

- Come and get me. - Okay.

So long ago...

- I'll give you the address. - Yes.

- Where are you? - In a bar.

Sorry...

A pen...

I got it.

Tell me.

Can I?

Nino...

Finally.

How beautiful you are, Anna.

Just as before.

What do you say?

I am full of gray hair.

I can't see them. Maybe you have some, but I adore them.

You're fine. You've hardly changed.

Just a little.

I'm glad you called.

- It's time for him to know you. - It is true.

I had long wanted to come and see you.

- Why did you come to Sondrio? - Well...

No, do not tell me.

I like to think that you have come just to see me.

It's kind of the truth.

I waited the first time.

For a few days, the memory of you haunted me.

The memory of our great love?

Do not mock me.

- It is true. - Nino, I'm married!

- You should behave. - Okay.

- Are you married too? - Yes.

- To someone I know? - No, I don't think so.

I left to Pavia after you left.

At that time I wanted to know.

It helped.

I said, "I must start a new life."

I needed to forget.

It was my fault you married someone else. Or thanks to me, if you prefer.

We wanted to build something solid, a family with children.

But the children didn't come.

Years passed, and now we live like old friends.

God! We are getting so dramatic.

Yes, you're right.

Let's talk about you.

Are you happy with your husband?

I'm trying to be.

He is a very serious man, also affectionate.

He gives me everything I want.

A quiet life, provincial.

You have a very nice house... that's important.

- Come, I'll show you. - Ok.

This is the dining room.

But we almost never eat here.

My husband is in town today. He usually dines out.

Come on.

My husband's bedroom.

We sleep in different rooms.

After years of living together some freedom is appreciated.

This is my bedroom.

- This? - Yes, it is. This is my bedroom.

The bathroom was meant for the children, but we had no children.

- Want a drink? - Yes.

I think there's walnut liqueur from my aunt.

Yes, there's a little.

- Want some? - Yeah, some would be nice.

Thanks.

- You don't drink? - No.

- To your health. - Thank you.

I don't even know how many times I wanted to call you,

and I nearly did...

- Why didn't you? - I don't know.

- Fear of your wife? - No.

- Or that my husband would answer? - No, not really.

And you, have you not been back to Pavia?

Why should I?

I have no relatives and no friends.

Why would I go?

To see me, for example.

- To see you? - Yes.

Yes, why not?

It would be wonderful to see you, great!

I do not know why, but...

I have had nightmares for days.

I shouldn't tell you, but I had a hard time because of you.

- Because of me? - Yes.

I heard horrible things about you.

That...

you were dead.

- Do not tell me? - Yes.

Who told you?

Arnaldi, a doctor friend of mine.

He clearly confused you with someone else.

Now the nightmare is over, and here you are.

I returned to find you, and I will never leave you.

Dead? That's funny.

Now I understand why you called my husband.

You wanted to offer condolences?

- It is true, they said that? - Yes.

People say some things. They talk and talk without knowing.

Did they say what I died from?

Of a serious illness.

- That's hilarious. - Yes.

- How did you react? - You can imagine.

"The poor Anna Brigatti".

Well...

Yes...

After all, maybe it is the truth, that I'm dead.

I have a nice house, I'm Countess Zighi.

A friend of my husband has come to woo me,

so did some young man on the beach last night.

Truckers whistle at me down the street...

But actually it's completely true.

What is true?

That marriage is a grave. I'm dead.

Anna...

- Anna, my love. - No, Nino...

Make no mistake,

I'm not unsatisfied, although my absent husband is unfaithful.

I never cheated.

What a wonderful life we had together.

- It has been many years. - Yes.

I thought about those days and still do.

Our first meeting, in that old dance club.

- Remember? - Yes.

The Ticino, the boat.

And we made love behind the bushes.

You've been my only love. I had not noticed,

but now I know.

- I want you. - �No! �No!

- �No! �No! - Why not?

- Just no. - Why?

Please, darling, not here.

�No!

It's strange seeing you after 20 years.

Why did our love end with no reason?

It ended? Not to me.

The love I feel for you has never died.

I am a woman,

and women do not destroy anything, they care, retain.

I have not forgotten what I experienced.

I keep all my memories, especially of you.

I keep it all inside.

You know that I have kept all your letters?

You used to write a lot.

Not like now, a call and that's all.

Your cards are beautiful. Full of love and promise.

I like to reread them occasionally.

- Have you kept mine? - Yes, of course.

I'm not as tidy as you, but I have.

I have the pictures too.

But...

after all these years,

why do you come to Sondrio? To see me?

I told you that I have seen curious things.

I found a strange woman, with a sick face.

I thought it was you.

Can you describe her better?

Yes.

She was somewhat smaller than you,

all wrinkled, with crazy eyes,

in a long raincoat, old and dirty.

I know who she might be.

A friend of mine that was jealous of me.

She was ugly and I was pretty.

I haven't seen her for a long time, she suffered from serious nervous disorders.

Yes, "You'll be yourself again, sooner or later".

So says Franchinetti, the psychiatrist.

Poor thing.

How did you come across each other?

The first time was a few days ago, on a bus.

- I gave her money for the ticket. - Hundred lire?

Yes.

One hundred lire, yes.

The second time was in front of the house on the night of the murder.

The concierge with the cut throat?

Yes.

Have you read the latest news? It seems like it was the nephew.

Mario...

- Mario... - Mario Lucchi.

I knew them both well. They were very unfriendly.

Did you know that Mario Lucchi was a suitor of mine?

Ah, really?

I'm afraid that they won't ever find him.

But what matters is you're here,

that at last we can see each other again.

Goodbye, my love. You better leave now.

But we will meet again.

You know where I'd like to meet? On the river, like we used to.

Yes, will you call me?

No, you better call me.

�What a passion! Have a little patience.

One day, you may not remember,

you offered your open lips to me to kiss them and I didn't realize.

I realized later, but you were gone.

That's not a tragedy.

No, but I owe you that kiss you wanted...

No matter how much I kissed you it wouldn't compensate for that one kiss you asked from me

and I denied you.

Why are you laughing? You think I'm crazy, right?

Stop laughing.

But it is true that you are somewhat crazy.

You said something very nice.

That kiss you owe me... give it to me at the river.

I was trying to control my legs, they wanted to run.

Perhaps she was looking at me. What do I do? May I come back?

I felt light, as if I was drunk.

That heat, the perfume of a woman...

Could I have rediscovered that after so many years?

Those kisses, those caresses, so touching and desirable.

It was something great.

I had to wait... a week or less.

- How did it go? - Wow, I have nothing.

- As healthy as an apple. - Good.

The doctor has forbidden me to start worrying again.

Get comfortable, ladies.

I knew there would be nothing wrong. Today is a great day.

What did you do in the meantime? You ask if he's been faithful?

Get me Dr. Arnaldi.

I'm Nino Monti.

- Hello, Nino. - I'm calling because

I want you to know something.

- Do you know who I saw two days ago? - No, who?

Anna Brigatti, Earl's wife, you said she was dead.

She is alive and well.

More beautiful than ever.

- Do you hear me? - Yes, are you sure? Where did you see her?

Leave the details, I just saw her. That's all.

Don't want to talk about it?

Admit you were wrong?

Hey, we better talk in person.

Do you want to talk?

I just wanted to tell you this.

If you want to talk about it,

come see me later, okay?

Great, see you later.

I was excited by the visit to Anna.

I had promised to call her, but when?

It had been three days.

Then I decided to call.

Hello. Hello!

- What has happened? - Dr. Arnaldi had a heart attack.

- Is he dead? - Yes.

- Where have you been? - I was out here.

I heard a scream, like someone could not breathe.

- A cry of fear. - What did you fear?

When the time comes, everyone's sorry. They all feel terror and anguish.

Welcome, I was waiting.

Good morning, Don Gaspare.

I am the only one in the world who has deciphered the Centuries of Nostradamus.

Nostradamus, the sorcerer.

Sorcerer? Why? For the ignorant

and for the Church.

Not for the initiated.

You're right, Don Gaspare, I'm ignorant in these matters...

But, precisely for this reason, the other night, when you told me I should leave...

Ah! So that's why our Nino came...

Because he wants to know, he wants to ask, he's afraid.

Afraid? No, I'm not afraid.

Fear, fear, skeptics are fearful and the ignorant...

Ignorance leads to skepticism, and naivety too...

That's true.

The naive distrust...

But the shrewd, on the contrary, believe.

I didn't come to question you, Don Gaspare. I came to pay you a friendly visit.

Friend!

You came because of Dr. Arnaldi's death.

A strange death, isn't it?

- He left you restless, afraid. - No.

I was sorry, but not afraid.

How about the trip? It was like a trip to the past,

but when you told me, I didn't know I'd be making it.

"There are more things on earth and in heaven, Horatio,

which may never be explained with your philosophy."

Why are you so interested in folk legends?

As a priest you should have a concept of the afterlife...

higher.

I have given up that habit,

but beyond is not that far away from here.

It's here among us.

Death is another way of life.

One day we shall live too, or perhaps you've already lived.

Look...

I loaned it to a lady who makes curious experiments.

With this apparatus she has recorded voices of the dead.

- Really? - Yes.

Not for the first time.

In 1961, a man left a tape on in the garden

to record the birds at night...

He found he had recorded the voice of his dead mother.

How's that possible?!

Since then this system has been used extensively.

Listen...

You know where I am.

From where I speak.

Hello!

Hello!

But... who's that?

But... but...

We hear...

- Do not answer. - It could be for me.

I've warned I was coming...

�Nino, do not answer!

Hello.

- �Hello! - Nino?

�Anna! I've been waiting for your call.

I have fulfilled the promise. Aren't we arranged to meet?

- Sure. When? - Tomorrow.

- Okay, yes, but... - With whom are you talking?

- Where? - In Ticino.

- Yes. - Agreed?

Okay, at the riverside. We'll meet at Torre d'Isola, at 10.

- But who's talking? - Okay, at 10.

Anna, if you knew...

Hey...

Hey...

Don't go there, Nino.

- Hello. - Hello.

Luigino...

Don't you remember me?

Dr Nino, how are you?

Good, good.

- Been a while, right? - We're old.

- Have a boat? I want to paddle. - Yes, I have three.

- Which one should I take? - That one.

Hey, want a ride?

�Nino!

- Where are you taking me? - Guess.

At last, paradise. Remember?

- I recall it well. - Yes, with white sand,

and the scent of wild herbs.

Where we made love.

The two of us in this boat, as in one of those old romantic films.

Like a photo that becomes yellow by the passing of time.

A photo of two former lovers, separated for life,

but always united, faithful. - Faithful?

Yes.

There is a loyalty that lasts over time,

deep, spiritual.

Yes, but I meant...

I was thinking a while, about Mario Lucchi.

- Mario Lucchi? - Yes, you said you knew him.

Yes, he courted me, I told you.

- What else? - What do you mean?

You think it's time to talk about it?

It's true, I'll let it go.

No, let's talk about that.

He was crazy about me, and very jealous of you.

What was between you two?

It was so long ago.

It doesn't matter.

No, we'd better know the truth once and for all.

We may not meet again.

That is up to you.

You've changed suddenly, you're cold, distant.

If you must know, I left because of Mario Lucchi.

What? Your mother said you were transferred and suddenly disappeared.

There was no transfer, it was a lie?

You ran away?

Yes, it was a lie. But I ran away from him, not from you.

I cursed him that day.

And I believed that...

Mario Lucchi and his aunt ruined my life.

Explain...

It was fair to punish them, they both deserved it.

I don't understand. Punished for what?

That Mario was violent, vulgar. He took me by force,

he was destroying everything he touched.

He wanted to completely humiliate me and left me pregnant.

You couldn't know. How could you know?

The old hag knew.

He took me to the gatehouse

as if I was a w-whore... and that disgusting woman did the rest.

He sought an abortion and forced me to do it.

You were forced? You had to agree?

Some people have a power...

a sinister power, which...

you can not resist.

These people can...

always get what they want.

It was horrible, but...

I could not resist.

I was full of rage and...

I grew a desire of revenge.

Some things you never forget,

never forgive.

And those two paid for it.

She was slaughtered and he...

- And he? - He's gone.

But they say he killed her, that he was the murderer.

Yes, so they say.

No more of that talk, stop.

Stop.

I don't think you could be that bitter and hateful.

I hate like I love, without limit.

Could we stop here?

- Nino, let's stop. - Agreed.

I want to make love.

Nino...

- Yes? - Look at me.

Look into my eyes.

Do you want me?

Yes, I want you.

As much as I love you?

Yes.

Nino...

�Anna!

�Anna!

- Do you want coffee? - Yes, thank you.

- Anything new? - Nothing.

- Want some? - No.

- Want some? - Thank you.

- Mr Monti, did she live here in Pavia? - No, in Sondrio.

I thought you were in Pavia.

No, she came from Sondrio and left the car at Torre d'Isola.

We passed by there and we didn't see any cars.

- Was there a car at Torre d'Isola? - No, sergeant.

- Can I use the phone? - Yes, feel free.

Hello! Teresa, it's me, Nino.

Nino? Where are you? It seems far away.

I'm out of town. And now I have to go to the police.

- The police? But... - I'll explain later. It happened...

I'll explain later.

- Something serious? - Listen, do me a favor.

Call Luciano, find him and tell him everything.

And do this urgently. Understand?

But, Nino, what happened?

I can't explain right now. Find Luciano, and quickly. Bye.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but I don't know how...

I don't know where I left my car.

Calm down. For what are friends for?

- And Teresa, what did she say?

She knows everything. In a little town news travels fast,

especially bad news.

Who was it?

Let it be.

Married?

- Yes. - These things happen.

I've always avoided getting married, to avoid problems like this.

Sorry, Teresa, but these things have always occurred.

- Tomorrow, we'll have lunch together. - Thanks.

- Imagine how I feel. - Goodbye. Try to sleep.

Take off your boots, you'll mess up the carpet.

- Cheer up, girl. - Till tomorrow.

- Yes, goodbye. - Goodbye.

Take a shower, in the kitchen there's something hot.

I'm not hungry, thanks.

I have prepared a bed for you in the office.

Say something.

Thanks, I know.

You are very kind. Goodbye.

Could you at least tell me who it was?

Is it that important?

No.

I don't have to know who it was, but I know it.

What's the use of talking about it?

Yes, you're right, nothing has happened.

So why bother talking?

Anyone here?

Hello?

Count Zighi?

It's me.

It's Nino Monti.

Sorry I came in, but the door was open and...

Come in.

I came from Pavia... Thank you.

I have come to speak, I wanted to call you, but...

I thought it my duty to come and explain in person.

Her death, it was a combination of bad circumstances...

I'm still disconcerted...

But I want you to know, I tell you as a gentleman,

Anna and I were just friends, our appointment was innocent.

Although...

I loved her for a while, yes, very much.

We wanted to visit places from the past.

It doesn't seem right, and rightly so, for that I apologize.

I did what I...

But it all happened so suddenly.

Out of sight in an instant.

I don't understand anything.

Don't you understand?

From what you're saying... no.

But then...

maybe you still don't know.

- Don't you know your wife? - What?

�She drowned yesterday!

She drowned and died.

Mr Monti, what do you want from me?

What the hell are you talking about?

I have come to fulfill my duty, to explain that...

My wife died three years ago.

Yesterday I went sailing with Anna, it is useless to hide.

And I saw her here a week ago.

Go away.

- I talked to her here. - �Go away!

But...

Excuse me, I thought...

You live here?

I am the servant of Count Zighi.

- I talked to him, because I wanted... - What do you want?

- How long have you worked here? - 12 years.

Then you met Anna?

The poor countess, sure I knew her.

I lived here with her.

Is she dead?

Yes. She died three years ago.

I thought so. Can I ask you a favor?

- It will take up to 10 or 15 minutes. - Agreed.

Come.

There it is, look.

Poor thing.

I come here every week.

I change the flowers, check the lamp.

Lord, give her eternal rest. Shine for her eternal light.

Rest in peace. Amen.

Look.

Look how poor she looked just before she died.

The world has gone mad.

Heaven and earth are scrambled.

I'm mad..

Yes I have a decomposed brain. God!

Was I alone in the river? Was I alone?

I'll finish in a straitjacket in a madhouse.

No, no, calm down, I have to think straight,

find an explanation to this nonsense.

There is a question regarding the victim of the accident.

- The drowned woman whose body... - Still has not appeared.

Exactly.

- You knew her, right? - Yes.

You say her name was...?

Anna Brigatti Zighi.

We met 20 years ago and...

and we happened to meet recently.

Yes, but the police station in Sondrio says that there must be a mistake.

"Anna Brigatti, etc. Zighi married, etc.

died, three years ago."

From cancer, I know.

How do you know?

Your Honor, I think that...

I'm crazy because they say those who see the dead can't be sane.

I guess you will not believe in ghosts,

because, like me, you received secular education...

So I tell the truth, the whole truth...

and nothing but the truth.

Your Honor, the reality is different.

You speak as the lawyer but also as a friend.

You are my friend, aren't you?

Sure.

Then, as a man, a friend, you'll understand.

I lied. I made it all up.

That poor woman I had just met on the road...

You know, where you stop to meet certain ladies.

I took her in the car. She was elegant, didn't look like a prostitute,

and she said her name was Anna.

When it happened, unfortunately, the incident, as you said,

I didn't want them to think I frequent whores...

...so I told them her name was Anna Brigatti.

You understand, right?

You think I'll have problems with Justice?

It has caused discomfort and been a big waste of time.

Yes, but we are all only human...

and sinners. - We'll try to fix it.

Interrogate the girls working in the area to see...

Say it.

What?

Ah, ok.

What?

- The body appeared. - I beg your pardon?

They're talking about the body in the river.

- Coming? - Yes, of course.

I'm getting to it.

- What's wrong? - Nothing, only nerves.

The body appeared. Well, I'm glad.

Good morning, Judge.

- Where did it appear? - It was there.

- Show it. - Alberti...

- But, he is a man. - Yes, sir.

It's Mario Lucchi, documentation was still legible.

He had been in the water at least one week.

A week? How is that possible?

- If two days ago... - What?

Nothing.

You said...

Nothing.

Everything was normal, right? What's so funny?

He was dead and I saw him. Quite normal.

Also, she is dead and I kissed her.

Ghosts exist, ladies and gentlemen.

The dead return and kill, because they are vengeful.

But we must forgive.

We have to feel pity for them and for us.

Pity for love...

How mad is that man?

First he slaughtered his aunt and then he jumped into the river.

He was probably depressive manic.

Stop, I want to leave.

- No, I'm taking you home. - No, I want to take a walk.

Where are you going? Wait!

- You look very nervous. - Thank you, Mr. Judge, bye.

With permission.

�Anna!

Make way, I wanna get off.

�Anna!

You came back and followed me, Nino.

You wanted to see me again.

Because you love me, I know.

Yes, it's true.

I've always loved you and I still love you.

But now you're not the same, it's not you, Anna.

You're a poor creature full of resentment,

that came back only for revenge.

You called me. Your love brought me here.

It's gone.

Wandering in the dark, like a ship without a rudder.

But you are the light that attracts me,

strikes me and makes me do things I would not like to do.

No, for me there is only love, no hate.

Haven't you learned yet to forgive?

For now I'm here.

I can't get away from you, I can't manage to leave you.

I would like to get away from you forever.

"Goodbye, Anna, forget me, go away".

Ok.

I'll say goodbye, disappear, but...

I won't forget you.

I will never forget.

Then we split forever.

Don't you want that last kiss?

�Anna!

Anna...

�Nino!

Nino, I'm gone.

I'll be a few days with my mother. It will be better for us both. Teresa.

See, dear sir?

Everything they say about the afterlife and this side are just stories.

Because it's always us.

We're alive and we're dead, at the same time.

Don't believe me?

I know, it's hard to explain, but it is.

I met her, I loved her madly...

I experienced horrors and passions.

And she was gone...

disappeared in the river, forever...

But that's how it is.

No, look... I'm going to tell you a secret...

she didn't disappear.

She's always by my side...

Because she told me: you need me to live...

Like... like a nocturnal butterfly needs light...

As long as I live... she will live.

Do you understand?

Because love...

is eternal life.

It's life and death.

But... simply...

no one believes me when I tell them this simple truth.

Even here, these good and studious people who guide us...

the teachers...

they listen to me, they write too...

But... I understand very well that people don't believe me.

They...

Excuse me, but now I must go, they call me.

The producer thanks the authorities and inhabitants of Pavia

for their hospitality and collaboration during the shooting of the film.