Original subtitles

He would do well at school.

Six kilometers there, six kilometers back... it's a long way.

He's got stout legs.

Just when we're expecting another one.

He could have helped in the house.

He'll help later.

Be guided by Providence.

I grew up without ever seeing the schoolhouse.

The Lord

has bestowed the gift of intelligence on your son.

Now it is your duty

to support the Will of the Lord.

That's all we needed.

THE TREE OF WOODEN CLOGS

Enacted by the people of the Bergamo area.

A peasant's son going to school, what will people say?

The end of the last century. A Lombardy farmstead occupied by several families.

Four, five families of peasants used to live there...

The house, the stables, the land. The trees, the livestock and the tools.

Almost everything, even two-thirds of the harvest belongs to the landlord.

Don't make a noise, or you'll frighten the foal.

Make the sign of the cross.

Pray to your guardian angel.

Are you glad you're going to school?

It's the farm bailiff.

The maize will be weighed today.

Vita.

Bring me the figures later.

Tell my wife to come here.

Mind no one sees.

Unload all the sacks.

Be careful! Mind you don't split the sacks.

"May the Lord keep us strong and healthy

and may we want for nothing."

For you, you poor thing.

Don't laugh at him, those who are wretched are nearer to God.

By Saturday.

Get back.

Let me jump on.

We'll take turns.

Start counting.

...forty-nine, fifty.

Your turn.

You're heavier than me, so I'll only count to forty.

The lady says she needs them by Saturday.

But I've all this to do.

Look, aren't they nice?

Take the baby and go along to Grandpa.

And send Pierino to help Grandpa.

Won't you let me greet you?

I'd like to wish you good evening.

If that's all, there's no harm in that.

And you?

I'll wish you good evening, too.

Is it warm enough?

Don't worry, it's nice and warm.

First we'll wash your back, then your neck and ears...

Is that my school book?

Don't touch.

Go to sleep now.

Say a prayer before you go to school tomorrow.

The Lord will guide you.

Why do you need the chicken droppings?

They're for when I plant the tomatoes.

Mama, they're squabbling!

Day in, day out, they fight like cats and dogs.

You're the son of Andrea?

The one who died?

I knew your father well.

A good man.

He left six children.

His widow has a hard time.

She earns what she can by doing washing.

- How old are you? - I'm fifteen.

I need a lad here.

I'd come gladly.

Ask your mother.

You could start tomorrow.

Here's the stable.

- Now what? - Go in.

The suitors are here.

Just you keep quiet.

The pipers! Come outside, children.

Mama, the pipers are here.

They'll be at the landlord's house.

It's freezing.

They're good pipers.

It's really Christmas.

Grandpa, the moon.

A hazy moon means snow soon.

It's too cold for snow.

The ground needs snow.

Who's there?

It's snowing.

Where are you going?

It's one o'clock.

I'm going to spread chicken manure on the vegetable patch.

It's an experiment, for when I plant the tomatoes.

It's better than cow dung.

It doesn't take much to keep the frost off the soil.

Must you do it at night?

The others won't see me then.

This year my tomatoes will ripen before the others.

You'll catch your death of cold.

"Bones to the dogs, meat to the butcher.

The blackbird peeks the soil.

Women are silent, men do the toil.

Snails come to life, lads want a wife.

Blood for the pudding, too.

And a kick in the pants for all of you."

Where does he get them?

New ones every night.

Time for prayers, children.

You'll be too sleepy later.

You must wait 'til tomorrow night.

He'll need warmer clothes for school.

We'll make do for now.

There'll be the midwife to pay.

The women here can act as midwives, it's not my first time.

Don't talk nonsense, it's too dangerous.

Only two glasses for now, the others can drink later.

They're killing the pig.

It's coming down today, eh?

"In the autumn, make the wine, In the winter, kill the swine."

Let's pray for a good vintage.

Enough hot water?

The more hot water, the better.

The bailiff.

Madam landlord?

He's not coming, he's too busy.

- What about the weighing? - I'll see to it.

A glass of wine?

Later.

Are you trying to kill it before its time?

What do you say?

A lovely animal.

I met your son on the road, how is school going?

We've nothing to complain about.

You'll be proud of him one day.

With the Lord's help.

Where's the widow?

Down by the stream. Shall I call her?

No, I'll go to her.

A fine animal.

We can't complain.

Plenty in it.

Better than any human.

Then pray to God you don't come to the same end.

But I've never harmed anyone.

That's not enough.

- What about the weight? - We'll come to some arrangement.

You can have some, too.

You go indoors, I'll hold the umbrella.

I'm sorry you've found me like this.

Just carry on. I've come to tell you something important.

I didn't see you at church on Sunday.

I had no time. You know, with six children...

I haven't come to chide you.

You do well to care for your children.

That duty comes before attending Mass.

The Lord understands these things.

I've come about the children.

I've spoken to the nuns at the orphanage.

They say they're very full at the moment.

But they would take the younger ones to give you respite

while the others grow up.

What do you say?

I'll mention it to the eldest when he comes home from work.

That's all I can say now, I can't say more than that.

Emma?

A cold night.

I've heated some water for you.

Don't spoil the fire for the bed-warmer.

Come on, before the soup gets cold.

Let's eat here, by the fire.

Grandpa, make sparks fly.

They're devils escaping from hell.

Why do they escape from hell?

To look for souls.

Are souls in the chimney?

No, there are devils in the chimney.

They fly up the chimney to the roof in search of souls to damn.

Are they afraid of good people?

Of course, they run away when they see good children.

And the sign of the cross.

Do you say your prayers?

Then you've nothing to fear?

The devils will flee.

Away, devils!

Only good children here.

Father Carlo came.

Rheum,

there's a chance that Annetta and Bettina could go to the nuns.

I said I'd mention it to you when you came home.

Is it really necessary?

If we can't manage,

Teresina can start work at the spinning-mill in spring.

Pierino will help in the stable.

I'll work day and night, but the little ones will stay with us.

- What are you doing? - Planting tomato seeds.

- And now? - Hiding them in the warm.

They'll germinate under the straw.

Let's hide here.

You look one way, I'll look the other.

Look under the cart.

Stay here. Come closer.

Look behind the doors.

Grandpa wants you.

She won't eat or get up.

She must be ill.

Let's call the vet.

Send Pierino for the vet.

Mama says go and call the vet.

They're playing hide-and-seek.

Call your mother, the vet's here.

- Well, Anselmo, what's happened? - It looks serious.

A nice ride?

Take a bucket of water to the stable.

Go back indoors.

Is the cow yours or the landlord's?

Ours, by the Grace of God.

You're out of His Grace this time.

What's wrong with her?

Take my advice.

The fact is, you should slaughter her now.

Make something on her...

As if things weren't bad enough.

Do as I say, don't waste time.

Don't tell the children.

You can pay me later.

Start making the polenta.

Let's put the water on.

Lord, don't forsake me now I have to manage on my own.

I do my best.

But without your help, we'll never survive.

Lord,

You who died for us.

Don't consider our merits, think of Your goodness?

Let this blessed water

wash away the pain of the body and the soul.

Forgive us our sins.

Even those we unknowingly commit.

By Your wounds,

by Your Holy Mother Mary's grief, by all the saints,

grant me this mercy, You can't refuse.

You eat something, too, while it's hot.

So here you are.

Come near the fire, then you can warm your feet.

Mind you don't get blisters.

- What did you learn today? - All about water.

Lots of little animals are in it.

- Fish? - No, others.

Very tiny animals.

There are lots, even in the water we drink.

Even in the water we drink?

They're so tiny, you can't see them.

Then how do you know they're there?

You can see them if you look through special things.

Like doctors have?

There's no end to learning.

You frightened me.

Why come here?

I wanted to see you.

You see me every night at the farm.

That's different.

It's not like seeing you alone.

It's cold.

No, the stream has thawed.

The month of Our Lady is nearly here.

I wanted to ask you for a kiss.

That sort of thing happens all in good time.

Goodbye.

Good evening, then.

Watch what you're doing, you idiot!

Curse you for striking your own father!

God doesn't forgive a father's curse.

The cow stood up.

Tell Grandpa to come at once.

Thank you, Lord.

Priki is here with the finest cloth, ladies!

Back to swindle us?

Priki's no swindler. I respect women as much as I respect apes.

I'll make your men proud of you.

It's all the finest quality.

Lovely colored ribbons and lace.

Hear that? It said hello.

You couldn't get them cheaper, even if you stole them.

This stuff is from Paris, from abroad.

Mark my words, I've been to Africa and I know all about apes.

They reason better than men.

He talks about apes just to confuse us.

How much is this?

It's the best.

She's getting married.

I've never yet disappointed a bride.

Once, some foolhardy lads insulted the French troops.

To punish them, General Lutrec

decided to burn down the village.

So the people ran to the church to pray to Our Lady.

In time of need everyone calls on Her.

And the Heavenly Mother performed a miracle.

Her portrait on this wall began to shed tears.

They told General Lutrec.

He refused to believe it, suspecting a trick.

But when he saw Our Lady crying, he knelt down

and laid at Her feet

his helmet and sword.

For three hundred and fifty years that helmet and sword

have continued to remind us

of the perils of the world.

And every year, we remember that miracle

and all the other miracles that take place on earth

for the life of mankind and creation.

Miracles represent the strength that man lacks.

They are the strength of God's love,

which is as vital to us

as the air we breathe, the land that feeds us,

water and light.

But only by loving our neighbor,

can we merit God's love.

I want a volunteer.

I want to show you what this animal can do.

Not your hat, your jacket.

Now I'll show you how miraculous this ointment is.

It cures everyone.

You've got pains, haven't you? Here and here.

You must apply the ointment like this.

Water's coming out.

You've got arthritis. Arthritis. Don't you all agree with that?

He's bet he can swallow thirty-six eggs and drink ten boots of wine.

Papa's coming in.

He can't even climb the stairs.

It's not my fault, the others got me drunk.

It's their fault.

All right, I got drunk. What of it?

You said you were going to Evensong

and here you are dancing.

You'll all end up in hell.

You won't laugh in hell

with your backsides roasting.

For shame, you've no fear of God.

Civilization can only exist where there is true justice.

It can only exist

when respect for a citizen's rights is a respect held by all.

Only when privilege is abolished

can there be a truly democratic society.

Don't hang back in the struggle for social progress...

Have you got your lunch?

You big baby, still wetting the bed at your age.

I can't help it.

They'll cure you in the army.

You'll get married in a nappy.

The baby's coming.

Another boy.

We'll go, so they can be alone.

She ought to eat white bread for a while.

That would be best.

Thank you all.

If we don't help each other...

You took a chance, not calling the midwife.

Children come into the world by themselves.

Do you feel all right?

Thanks be to God.

Another mouth to feed.

Don't worry.

Do you remember what your mother used to say?

"God gives every new-born baby a little bundle of its own."

Our Minek is late home from school.

What's wrong?

He's here.

Why so late?

He was probably daydreaming, you know how he is.

Come and sit by the fire.

The ashes are still hot.

Warm your feet, they're frozen.

How did you break it?

Come upstairs, you've got a new brother.

Don't tell her about the clog.

Come closer.

Are you happy to see him?

White bread.

You have a treat, too.

She had a boy, they're calling him Giuseppe.

Behave yourselves.

I won't be long.

Grandpa, tell us a rhyme.

Here's a rhyme from Zambel.

"Without bones, without shell.

Up the stairs it will creep.

All the children I will peep.

As they lie in bed asleep.

There it is, bold as bold.

Snuggle under, it's so cold."

Keep quiet, or you'll wake the baby.

Let's recite the rosary to thank Our Lady.

I'll go down and finish working.

Let's be quick, so no one sees us.

In winter, the soil has a skin on top.

Why?

To keep out the cold.

Is the soil warm underneath?

Yes, so the seeds won't die. Bring me the dibber.

He's off to work.

You must leave some soil around the roots.

Why by the wall?

The wall holds the heat from the stable and the sun.

The tomatoes need it.

If there's no frost

we'll sell our tomatoes in the square before the others.

What will the others say?

Their mouths will drop open.

You shut the windows, I'll bring in the washing.

Shut them up in the stable, a storm's coming.

It was midnight, not a soul about.

The man crept up to the grave.

He knew the dead woman was covered in jewels.

Slowly he lifted the marble slab

and let himself into the tomb.

There was the polished coffin.

He tried to pry open the lid with his pickaxe.

The wood creaked, but he couldn't shift the lid.

Then, with a sharp blow, it was off.

There lay the dead woman, with her arms crossed.

First he took her diadem.

Then, to remove her necklace

he raised her head with his hand.

He managed to slip the rings off one hand

but, tug as he might, the rings wouldn't come off the other hand.

So what did he do? He took out his knife

and cut her hand off.

The man went to live in another place

but one night, after a party, he came to his old village.

At the crossroads, his horse reared and refused to go on.

Standing there was a woman dressed all in black.

She spoke to him and asked him

to take her home.

He helped her into his gig and set off.

But the horse headed straight for the cemetery

and stopped before the gates.

He whipped it, but it wouldn't budge.

"I've arrived", she said.

"Help me out."

So what did he do?

He got out of the gig.

"Give me your hand," he said.

The lady got up and said:

"You already have it!"

He sat on a cow-pie.

Or shat himself.

"Beat loud, beat soft, we'll drive winter off.

March is on the way, spring is here to stay."

Let's welcome the sun!

You thief!

I'll kill you!

It's gone mad.

You wretched animal!

What's happened?

You wretch, now you've done it.

It's a thief?

He's lost his mind.

The wise woman.

What happened? Was it a fright?

Rage, not fright.

Start with some prayers.

Put some water in that glass.

You pray, too.

Worms.

The fright made them come out and wander around.

Usually they don't bother us

but if they start to wander

they can reach your throat and choke you.

What should I do?

Take some garlic, slice it five or seven times.

Add some big leaves from the fields.

Crush them with earthworms and make a nice mixture.

Put it on your stomach and tomorrow you'll be all right.

It looks like an e, doesn't it?

I'm ready, but the women are still upstairs.

The bridegroom.

Come and drink a glass.

Never mind Communion, he needs a drink.

Tell the women we're waiting.

There's no hurry.

They're waiting.

Tell them that the bride must be the last to arrive at church.

I went on foot to get married.

My father needed the cart for muck-spreading.

He kept the priest and the bride waiting.

I'd have done better not to have gone at all.

Just look how the Lord has punished me.

The bridegroom goes first.

That's right, the bride comes afterwards.

I'll take the groom.

You take the bride and her mother.

And the groom mustn't look back.

It's unlucky.

Nonsense.

Where are the witnesses?

Here he is. Look how he's made himself smart.

It seems like only yesterday that I got married.

You've got three children.

We'll see if he can do the same.

She looks lovely.

Good luck.

I, too, want to congratulate the happy couple.

They're not trying to hide anything

by marrying so early in the morning.

There is a good reason for this.

They're going on a journey

all the way to Milan to visit their aunt,

the Mother Superior.

Be always on your guard.

Today, people's heads are full of silly ideas.

Ask Our Lady to protect you always.

Above all, try to love each other always.

Money cannot buy the love between two people.

Do not search for riches on earth, but for love in heaven.

Paradise begins with the love we show each other here on earth.

Thanks for everything.

We'll drink to your happiness.

Where are they going? Milan?

Yes, by boat.

Follow me, I know the way.

Where do we get the boat?

At the bottom of the hill. You pay on the boat.

- Let's hurry. - There's no rush.

It's coming.

Step back, the goods go first.

Would you like some?

The crumbs for the fish.

Only a fisherman shares his food with the fish.

It's worth it, your catch is fatter.

There are more "fish" holding rods than are in the water.

Look at the smoke.

They're burning dry leaves.

Leaves wouldn't burn like that.

Perhaps it's a battle between troops and demonstrators.

There was a clash with demonstrators the other day

and they burnt down two farmhouses.

There's no faith left, or respect for one's neighbor.

The road is closed.

The soldiers have blocked it, you must go round.

I'm Sister Maria's niece.

She's my mother's sister.

Come and wait here, I'll go and call her.

What a day, what terrible times.

I'm your aunt.

And this is your husband?

I'm so glad to see you.

You must be tired and hungry after your long journey?

And how is my sister?

How I would love to see her again.

It's years since we last met.

- When did you get married? - This morning.

How good of you to visit us so soon.

We'll celebrate this evening, with all the children here.

"Bless us Lord, and the food You give us.'

They are all little angels.

The world is a better place in here with them.

It's a bit makeshift.

We've never had newlyweds.

We're delighted by your holy union.

Marriage is a holy sacrament.

Be worthy of God's blessing, for He united you.

So many houses.

His name is Giovanni Battista.

He is one year old and in perfect health.

To be really happy, all he needs is parents.

A real mother and father.

He's tiny, but he can already help.

He has a dowry.

A good selection of clothes and some money

which our Institution pays twice a year.

When people are poor, this is a real gift of Providence.

We must help each other in this world.

He'll help you

and you can help him.

He's already begun to walk.

Open your arms

and he'll come to you.

It's the book that comes with him.

"Of the foundlings, who eat the bread of charity,

the Pious Institution may assign

the said children.

Those who take abandoned children into their care

shall be allotted the following:

On delivery,

they will receive this book and twelve cents.

In addition, underwear and garments

and a sum in accordance with the child's age.

Contributions will continue as indicated in the tables

up to and including the age of fifteen.

Thereafter,

the child may be kept, but not at the Institution's expense."

What a pretty baby.

He may be a gentleman's son.

Now he's the son of peasants.

Love him and he'll be just as happy.

Let's look at our tomatoes.

When we take them to the square people will say:

"Such lovely tomatoes already?"

That's a nice one, too.

Remember how small the plants were?

Now such lovely tomatoes.

What are you up to?

Cutting grass for the rabbits.

You haven't cut down a tree, too?

I know nothing about it.

Who did it?

Tomatoes?

At this time of year? Where did you plant them?

Under the bed.

See how they stare at our tomatoes?

What lovely tomatoes.

Are they grown locally?

He comes here every year with his basket.

Let's go and weigh them.

Anselmo's always the first to bring tomatoes.

What's happened?

The landlord is evicting Batisti.

He must leave by tomorrow with his wife and children.

They say he cut down a tree to make clogs for Minek.

It's taking the bread out of his mouth.

It's a harsh punishment.

And they have a new baby.

Here's the bailiff.

He's come for the landlord's animals?

Poor people, they'll have nothing.

Let us pray for those poor people.

Come away, it's rude to stare.

Scenario, photography and direction by Ermanno Olmi.