Original subtitles

They're all coming to the mill! We'll get engaged today.

I've told you everything will be arranged. Are you happy?

- You must come, that's why I ran here. Let's go. - No, I'm staying here.

I'm sorry...

This is for you.

You're really beautiful today. Go, run, don't make him wait.

Bye!

Hey! I'm here!

Ah, at last.

- It's cooked, mother.

- Here, take. - I think it's just fine.

Scansafrasca salutes you! What a nice smell.

Master Cecilia! Come on, come on!

Oh, here we are. At least we got here.

- Oh, Berta! - Master Cecilia, here we are!

I'll send you the boat. Move, didn't you hear?

And let hose books, "who can read, pays taxes".

- Bravo! Did the horse take you up to here? - He's also from this parts.

- Hey, take your pigeons. - And you do me a favor and tie the horse.

- I've got 7 brothers... - I said I don't want you looking in the mirror.

- It was for Orbino. - Here she is, the Madonna of the Seven Graces.

- If Orbino wants her, he must take her even ruffled. - Yes, mother.

Come on, move it, come outside.

They've all here, come as soon as you've loaded. - Alright, alright, mother.

- Good day, master Cecilia. - Oh, good day!

- Even grandpa Michele is here. Good day. - Good day, good day.

I'll steal his betrothed, I can still do it.

Do it, do it!

- The pair of pigeons is for you, Berta. - You'll learn how to make love.

- Here are some eggs and other things for you. - You're offending me.

Unfortunately, I know you. To make you Scacerni accept something...

That's how we are. Nobody can change us.

- Hello to everybody! - Best wishes to the betrothed!

Thank you, today there's drinks for all. - We'll come at the wedding!

- Hey! - Hi, Orbino! - Hi! - Careful, you're capsizing the boat.

- Good breed... Verginesi. - Thank you, they really are beautiful.

Good breed, male and female, good ones!

- Good day. - Good day. - Step in, step in. Make yourself at home.

- They really are beautiful. - I saw your dovecote was empty.

- They'll keep you company. - We'll put them in right now.

At first, let them get accustomed. Feed them here every day.

- If not, as soon as they can, they'll fly away. - For now, I'll lock them in.

- Are you happy, Berta? - Because of the pigeons?

You know it! This time we'll get married.

- I can climb down very well by myself. - Can't I even touch your hand?

I'm happy we're getting married.

And love you, I do. Since long ago, since we were children.

And you know it.

- Hey! - But there's no one!

Enough! Enough!

Don't you want to see my trousseau?

What a mother you've been to your children: all know it, master.

Nothing, only my duty.

And now that the children have grown up and we could fare better...

...the government lays taxes on milling and puts counters at the machines.

- Accursed piemontesi. - "Everyone with his cross", master.

You the counters and we the new boss.

We, the Verginesi, have lived in Coguazza for 300 years.

And he, just arrived, treats us... we "cry for vengeance to Heaven".

- This, enough, finished. That's what is. - But...

I know by myself how the trousseau of a Scacerni should have been...

...had things been different.

But I hope that before the wedding I'll be able to enlarge the dowry.

You've done so much for us, mother, we'll never forget it.

I'm very happy like this, if you're too...

Even without nothing, Berta.

, "Do no harm, fear not" master.

Why are you fretting? The fabrics are good and we're satisfied.

We've done, in all good conscience, all we could.

- And then... let's drink to that joyfully! - Very good. Let's go.

Make yourself at home, drink.

Oh, wait, there's still time before you take her away.

- Didn't you bring the violin? - He learns, learns, and never plays it!

- Long live you all! - Long live the bride and groom! Drink!

- Drink! - Cheers!

Come, boys, get drinks! All of you!

- Two well-of families. - Mother, the taxes police.

Have you detached the counters?

Careful!

I'll go, mother.

- Where's Scacerni Cecilia? - Here I am.

- And these, who are they? - The Verginesi from Coguazza, sergeant.

What do you want? You read the counter 15 days ago. - We'll read it again.

Hey, you, wait a moment. Can't say you're not in good health, ma'am?

It does me good to see you here often, playing masters of my house.

It's a solace.

- Why are you so worked up? - Because of the arbitrary way we're dealt with.

Because never has such abuse befallen millers.

The strings are at their place, everything's regular.

And at every turn, a penny the government robs from our pocket.

Better this way. This is for you.

Sooner or later, this slacker that busts our balls even when sleeping...

...I'll throw it in the Po!

- Who are you talking about? - The counters! - Just try!

You've already been caught without the strings once...

...and then even a second time.

Here, put it somewhere, but where it can easily be seen, miller's wife.

- And what would that be? - The proclamation with the penalties.

First time: Fine Second time: Three times the fine.

You'd be at the third.

At the third fine: jail and confiscation of the mill that'll be auctioned.

- What?! - No more talk, place it well in sight.

To Hell with it!

Watch your fist, it might hurt you, one day or another.

Goodbye to everyone.

Wretch! In the Po with this slacker!

- Is the pole that anchored the other mill still there? - Yes, there it is.

This is the chain my grandpa put.

The first of the Scacerni to go into milling.

Last year it was much closer to the water.

Every season, earth is carried away, the banks change.

It never settles down.

Who knows in 100 years where the banks will be...

Did you think it was a stream? It is the Po!

That's where the Pane Perso went down and nothing was found.

After we'll marry, you'll live on firm ground, where the river can't get you.

Look, Scansafrasca's fish nets, the rope must have broken.

We must catch them! If he loses the fishnets, the poor man...

Berta, they're too far away! Be careful, you'll get all soaked up.

- Go on the other side. - I'm not going in!

They're here, Scansafrasca, I've saved them!

Hey, thank you! Well done, Berta!

- Hi. Here they are. - I've taught her not to be afraid of the river.

- I don't like water too much. - But you've taken a miller as wife.

And couldn't have made a better choice!

Orbino, I salute you, I'm going back. Can't stay here in wet clothes.

Scansafrasca will take me to the mill won't you?

Bye!

- Bye, Orbino! - Farewell, Berta!

Tricked again your mother, eh?

- Couldn't you take me to them in daytime? - To women, one goes by night.

Mooched flour, well done.

- You're starting to be a man. - Let's go! - You really are in a hurry!

You'll see news tonight, politics.

Believe me, this is serious talk.

Beyond Po the thing's already done.

All are in it together, peasants and day laborers.

And owners go through one of those frights.

Now, we should also start it here, at us.

Unite the forces of the workers, be all on one side.

- Did you hear him? - It could be...

Shall we go?

Why did you bring me here for?

The League chief, Raibolini, said you're a man who likes justice.

But what do I care about the Workers' League?

I'm a miller, I don't have to ask anyone for anything.

This is middle-class selfishness, today we need class awareness.

"All for one, and one for all".

This is the proletarians watchword...

...in their fight against capital and exploiters.

- Home! Go home! - Let me go!

She's not for you.

And you millers must end your arrogance!

- A word to the taxes police would suffice... - The taxes police?!

This is out of the question. We'll take care even of you, of your taxes.

Oh, hell! In our mills we do as we see fit!

And we don't give a damn on tax police, government, and all of you!

And if we want to take off the strings, come nose around...

...if staying alive smells bad to you.

Ah, you're going away?

I'm warning you, think well, who is not with us, is against us.

What a good talker you are!

His loss...

Tomorrow you'll visit the dairies, see them all.

The Vegri, Coguazza, the Ronco...

Propagate the idea and one day they'll be with you, you'll see.

- The scarecrow is ready. - Well done.

Put it in the field, behind the old house.

This League will be the peasant's socialist future. Understood?

It will be the union of farm workers, farm tenants and day laborers...

...against capitalists.

And we will show the owners. Have you understood?

We must all be in it, sign in, because it's ours, the workers' union.

- You, a worker? - Yes. - But you've done nothing since you were born!

But it's about the League, the peasants... Don't you get it that...

Has ever anything good come from the Piarda degli Stamplinati?

You plant celery and grow thieves.

We, Verginesi, have never had anything to do with bums.

The trees! Come you all!

- Luca! - What is it? - Luca!

Quickly, we must stop them! Run!

But what's happened?

- They want to cut the trees! - Cut the trees?! - Yes.

- No! - Who's sent them, Clapasson? - Yes.

- Come.

Oh, Holy Virgin!

- Stop it! Nobody touches anything. - It's you we were waiting for!

It's with you, big head, that the boss wants to speak.

He has ordered you to cut them down. Tell your brother not to...

I don't know anything about it, big head or not, you'll touch nothing.

I'm only telling you this: Here nobody touches anything, not a tree, not...

I had warned you, hadn't I? I'll shoot the first chicken I see in the fields.

It's my as well as your interest.

The one that made most eggs!

Problems, eh? I was expecting it. With two obstinate rednecks like you...

Say it, say it all, I already know it all by heart, don't I?

"They've always been here, our forefathers did that, grandpa planted them..."

it's their beauty.

Our forefathers have planted them for the summer shade, mister commendatore.

Forget the titles, I'm the owner, call me mister owner...

It's soaked wood, even the leaves are not good.

There's enough shadow for an army, holy cow!

If the ancestors did it, it means they were animals.- But during so many years...

"So many years ago" doesn't mean anything to me. Imagine you were a boy.

Come, we'll cut everything down and turn them to fertilizer.

I'm sure we can irrigate it with those springs...

...and feed much more animals!

It's in your best interest too: the peasant must become partner with the owner.

Honest partner, let's make it clear.

With the development of agriculture, we'll get more from the land, us both...

...owner and peasant.

You must put your trust in me.

In me, not in those trouble-makers that roam around subverting the peace.

Have you got it? Do you understand it's to our common advantage?

I'll cover the expenses. Are you in? I'll pay in advance.

Hey, I'm talking to you, Verginesi!

I understand, the owner is always the friend of new things.

We don't know how to read or write and we don't want to owe money to the owner.

And giving up the old ways and starting new ones...

These are things the son of my father doesn't want to do, he wants to continue like before.

- My father's son?! - Yes, that's what he says. - The s... The sons of...

Sons of... I don't say whose!

And I'm losing time with ignorants like you!

"The son of..." Well, I deserve it, giving leeway to two pumpkins...

...to two obstinate rednecks who think themselves above the owner...

...because they pissed for hundreds of years on the same farm!

The whip we'd be good for you! The whip!

If the new terms you're offering us would really be advantageous ones...

...we'd see it for ourselves.

I even admit they might be advantageous, and you might be right...

...but you should show charity!

The ancestors that have always toiled, damn it, should be respected!

- Who's this boy? - Orbino, our nephew.

- Tita's, the one that died. - So, a Verginesi that thinks?

Strange, I hadn't expected it.

So, then, you who understand, tell him that until now I tried convincing him...

...but now it's an order.

Either you do it my way, or I'll fire you. In one word, I'll throw you out!

Fire us? - Yes! And down with the trees. Come on, we already wasted too much time.

Come on, boys, get to work.

For the new contract I'll be waiting you on Sunday.

Everything here must change, you can't even imagine it.

Or, if not, I'll fire you...

- Fire us! - Us, Verginesi, that've been here for 300 years!

And he, this piemontese, because he's the owner...

O Lord, punish Clapasson, turn him into a madman...

...so he ends all his mad thoughts!

Punish the owner, O Thee our Lord...

Grandpa, don't you know misfortune befalls he who calls for it?

If you don't want to miss it in the time of need...

...you must now look for help at the League.

Or what will you do, all alone, when the owner will throw you out?

On Sunday there's the meeting.

You, Verginesi, come also. It's in your interest.

These beggars!

- Let's go, let's go. - Wait, mother, let's hear some, I want to have fun.

Because you've seen your friend, that bandit of Smarazzacucco.

- Bravo! - Let's sse this great novelty!

Hey, Caterinone!

- Even Caterinone has come! - He hasn't moved from his mill in 20 years.

- Even master Saladino from Piarda del Nano's here. - And the Tampinelli.

- All the millers are here, all of them. - Let's go with them.

- Good day, master Cecilia. - Good day.

Where are you going? We're in the back, listening to the meeting.

The meeting's starting. Let's go! Move down there.

All must come. We will be preaching today.

The meeting's opened!

Come, attack.

Silence! Silence!

What do you think you've come to listen to today?

You're used to the speeches of those you send in Parliament.

And you aspect from me the same empty words you get from them.

Because they are gentlemen, bourgeois...

...that know nothing about you, and your needs.

But I'm a proletarian like you, and like him: Amilcare Cipriani.

And I tell you that what you'll be hearing from me today...

...the others have never told you...

...because I'm speaking in the name of a new doctrine: Socialism!

The doctrine we must defend against the hate...

...and the hidden plots of bourgeois.

Citizens, one moment!

Citizens, hear me out!

- I had told you to wait for Lupacchioli. - Alright, speak.

I should have been first, no? Give me the flag.

This is the flag of free thinking.

"I salute you, Satan", as the poet says it, rebellion!

Citizens, in the name of Satan, salute and brotherhood!

Go hide yourself, Lupacchioli, old senile!

In the name of free thinkers...

Long live Princivalle!

Long live Princivalle! Long live Princivalle!

He's really mad!

Shame on you, heretic woman!

Hold this, hold this a moment.

Silence!

Citizens, the priests' obscurantism...

...the seven hundred headed hydra...

7000!

I meant 70.000!

700.000!

Long live Princivalle!

Silence! Silence!

You're ruining my meeting with your problems.

I'm taking you the speech, you'll wait until after me!

Down with that flag! I've said down with that flag.

And you, down there, if you think you're smart, I'll...

Come to the mill, Raibolini, I'll teach you how to fish pikes with your mouth!

Bravo!

Bravo, Princivalle!

And don't understand their defense is here.

Tell me what good you've seen from all the government's reforms...

...starting with the monetary one!

Workers, peasants, employees, what is it you're asking for?

Just bread and work.

But bread and work aren't enough.

You have the right not to be exploited by those that don't work!

Because the age of capital is past.

Who doesn't work, must not enjoy others' toil.

And, I tell you, this is the new law of Socialism!

Factories to the workers and land to the peasants!

You're God sent to have said these words!

But you're making the apology of crime! You're preaching social hate!

What are you waiting to intervene? - Be calm. - You know what I'm saying?

Four bullets in the heads of those ruining the people...

...would be good work.

I'm going away, less I'll make something rash.

Follow them, follow them! See where it'll lead you to!

But we must fight... Fight for a better future!

For the socialist society! Where we'll be brothers!

Where there'll be no wars, nor injustice!

Let's not look at our sacrifices, let's make a future for our children!

Workers! Unite!

I'm going back to the mill and I won't budge from there for another 20 years.

- Nice doing! Buffoons! - Not one word about milling.

Go home! Only nonsense!

And Princivalle?

Now you can speak.

Up the flag!

Citizens...

Citizens, the meeting will not be over...

...until we'll not have exhausted the most important topic...

...at which I've now come to, and I protest.

Protest against the Vatican!

Protest against the holidaymaker on the right bank of the Tiber.

Reverend, please, Don Cipriano.

We'd like to know if this "Land to the peasants" is an heresy.

Because if it's a sin, we don't even want to think about it.

In matters of faith, it is not, so it can't be heresy.

Thank you, Don Cipriano.

But, "Cristiani in primis et ante omnia"...

...being afraid of the Lord and Christian charity.

- Remember that. - Good day, reverend. - Good day. - Reverend.

- Come, inside! Come sign. Let's go! - Come, come!

We've seen him there, in the back!

Princivalle! On this wind...

- Shall we go? - Yes.

- Where are you going now? - I don't know, leave me be.

No, priest, Satan doesn't go back!

Happy? You didn't like me?

- Let me be. - I'm in love, Princivalle.

I didn't think I'll ever be again, but it's true.

You're a man, you're strong... I like you!

- What's all this about? - I know who I am! And I know you very well also.

Once in a while it's enough for me and you're not bored with me yet.

You dirty...!

He's talking to you!

- You're both disgusting! - Ah, he's talking to us! Take her!

Bum! Thief! Go away!

Go away or I'll take your eyes out!

- Ouch, what blows!

What blows!

You, miller, I know how to get even with you! You'll see!

- What do you mean? - No, don't go!

Quickly, Giovanni it's alone at the mill. - Princivalle should be there helping him.

The usual compassionate mother!

How did it end with Clapasson?

Well... He must be liking me and even you, millers.

He's a little mad, but he's not bad and he knows about peasantry.

Orbino, were you bewitched by the land idea?

Berta, move it, this wind carries floods and there's no time to waste!

I'll go ahead.

- I'll come with you. - It's not necessary, farewell.

- Bye, Orbino. - Farewell, Berta.

- What do you think about this? - About what? - The land thing.

Does it mean the land is for all, and not ours in any case...

...or even that Coguazza, let's say, would be ours, Verginesi?

We've signed.

Mother, call the others too!

Yes! Berta!

Take this. You're also coming with me.

- Give me the harpoon. - Yes, mother. - Watch out, you two. - Yes, alright.

Water's still raising, look at the pole.

What did I tell you? It's a big flood!

And that no-good Princivalle leaving us alone in danger.

- Look! - He's a miserable one.

Let him go in Stamplinati's pigsty! Rather than become a hog...

It was better if he wasn't born.- Mother, you shouldn't say such things. - What?!

The biggest are coming.

You always say the right things, but Princivalle is no longer a kid.

- Take a harpoon. - What?!

At my age, you're teaching me what to say?

Careful there.

Mother!

Give me the harpoon, I'm here!

- Careful at that one. - I'll pierce it like a pike.

Enough now. You know that once the first rush is over there's no danger anymore.

I don't trust it, someone should stay guard this night.

- I'll do it, gladly. - Berta, gas. - Yes, mother.

- Here. - Have you all eaten? - Yes. - You can give mine away.

- I'm not very hungry. - Eat in peace, take it.

Flood is the miller's Witch. The night to cut the strings.

- Giovanni. - Antonio, you go. - We'd better leave them be this time.

- In such a night? - The new sergeant is a scoundrel!

- I know it, but we must take the chance. - I've got a bad feeling.

Have you heard, mother? And I thought that bad feelings was gentlemen's stuff.

- Go and take out the strings. - Better not, mother.

- Better not! - Why? Answer.

I'll tell you why! There's something on your conscience that makes you a coward.

- Mother! - You shut up!

Bad feelings? Look him in his face, this pig!

Say, rather, that when you go out with that Smarazzacucco spy...

...among those sows, you can't keep your mouth shut.

You've spilled out? And you're afraid they've gone to the sergeant.

I only said not to take the strings of, why should I have spilled myself?

Because you're a simpleton, because anyone can trick you!

And I thought playing important with those gypsy women!

Shit! I've had enough living like shit!

- Ah, that's how it is? - Yes, that's how it is!

Take the strings om, the mill must turn for us, not for the government.

Do you think I'm not afraid?

But had I given in, where would you be now?

Would you have paid the debts?

And now, Berta must get married, have you forgotten that?

Be careful, stupid. Come, go back! Upstream again.

Jesus Christ! Giovanni!

Mother! Mother! The boat is here!

- I had said so! - Shut up, animal!

Get the gun, it isn't the tax police, it's robbers.- What're you saying, mother?

- It's the tax police, mother, don't talk nonsense. - Help us, Holy Virgin!

Antonio, Giovanni, go meet them, and you put back the strings.

- There's no time. - Shut up and put the strings back.

- Who's there? - Tax police.

- You stay in the boat. - Esposito, come with me.

I'll try to retain him as much as possible.

- If you don't make it, burn everything with gas. - Eh? - Yes, yes.

This time they won't forgive us, it means prison. Go!

Where are the others? Give it to me.

Bad night for strolling on the river, sergeant.

- Everyone with his cross, miller's wife. - You want to come in? Do so.

But first I want to look at the counter. Hold this.

It's closed. Bring me the key.

I don't know where it is, sergeant.

How could you not know? Open it up! Understood?

Open up! There's someone inside!

Open up!

Open up! It's burning! There's a fire inside!

- Oh, Holy Virgin! Blessed Virgin, you protect him! - Away!

Save yourselves! It's burning!

You'll pay dearly this farce! To the boat!

The wind makes puts everything on fire! - Berta's trousseau!

Save yourself, mother, quickly!

- I'll break the roof. - Berta, Antonio, move it!

Take everything to the boat!

Dosolina, come here!

Damn millers, they are burning alive!

Get on the ground!

Princivalle, for God's sake, save yourself!

To the bank!

There are flames everywhere.

No!

Come, quickly, let's catch up with him!

Help!

You save him, O Lord!

Lord, punish me who have sent him.

San Míchele's burning! People, the mill is burning!

Look, they've saved them.

- Son! - Mother. - Take care. - Hey! - No hands, eh?

Give him a coat.

Forgive me, mother, but the lit lamp fell on the gas.

You love us, Scansafrasca, take care of my mother.

Poor Berta...

We're ruined, if that doesn't suit you, you're free...- You know it's the same.

- I only have one word. - Come, move it, let's go.

Don't doubt it, we all know how the misfortune happened...

...and we'll all come and testfy for you.

- Come, come, get moving. - Yes, sir.

Come, come, I'll show you the threshing machine. Come!

- Where does the grain come out? - From there, and the straw from here.

- Eh, progress! - What?

Progress. The ugliness of progress. Did you know it's from England?

Can't compare it with doing it by hand!

- Danger! - It doesn't matter, I'm insured against fire.

- And the christians' life? - What? Stop it, enough!

And what about the christians' life, if the barn catches fire?

The christians will be careful when we'll thresh.

And these are a senile's words!

It's been years since progressive people use machines.

Tonight I'll take the shot-gun and shoot this Devil's instrument.

- You'll take care of the machine. - Yes, mister master.

Damn it, either for seeds or fertilizer, or for this, or for that...

...always the same resistance!

It's not because they are bad, it's just that they're used the old way.

Of course this machine is a beautiful thing, very practical.

No, from these beloved Verginesi of yours there's nothing to be hoped for.

Yes, I make them obey me, but they hate me, but as soon as I turn the other way...

No, I need people... like you and like Berta Scacerni.

Tell me, how long has Berta been employed by you?

Since the mill has burnt.

Dosolina they've sent her at Bragana...

...and Berta was taken by my parents, to help her family out...

- How does she do on land? Well? - Ah, very well!

My parents are very pleased, she works like a true peasant.

She's afraid of animals, of course, she's not used to them, but for the rest...

And what are you waiting to marry her? I'll make you administrator of the Ronco farm.

And when these beasts of relatives of yours will see the results...

...they'll either drop dead, or be convinced.

You'd take me and Berta as administrators?

The farm will be ready in one month, I have to put someone, don't I?

Better you than someone else.

In one month? Had it been before the...

I mean before the misfortune. But now...

Princivalle is in jail, they haven't finished repairing the mill...

...and before we could talk about wedding...

...and before we could talk about wedding...

...and before we could talk about wedding...

Stubborn! What are you lacking, I'll take care of everything!

I'll set you up, at the beginning, then you'll pay me back!

- It's true, mister master. - Talk with your folks, and with Berta...

Master! At St. George, we're having a holiday here, if you want to come...

We'd talk about everything!

Mister commendatore wanted to offend us.

The former owner never missed the St. George holiday! And he had such fun!

Take this, go!

And mother? Antonio?

They haven't come.

You know mother, she doesn't want to be pitied by no one...

And Princivalle?

It seems he'll be out soon. Maybe when he'll be back the mill will be ready.

- Are we in a lot of debt? - Eh...

- Clapasson, Fragana... - How mush is he charging for the mill?

20 scudi!

- I'm alright. Everyone says I've put on weight! - I wouldn't say...

But I haven't thinned, have I?

And tell mother I have put on weight, she already didn't come ashamed I'm a servant!

Alright. And Orbino?

Hey, you forgot yourself?! Wash the glasses!

I've got work to do. - Bye, Berta - Bye.

Are you still thinking about that? I'll talk to the boy if you can't.

There's no need. I can say these things.

Don't play the buffoon, grandpa, you may get sick!

- Come on! Have you heard? Wine! - Music! Music!

Take it, please.

Orbino! What are you doing?

Maria, take it to the table.

- No, no. - Don't worry! Come with me!

Look, see the miller!

No, I'm not going! I can't!

Long live the bride and groom!

- Enough! Let me go! I've got work to do! - I'll settle with a dance.

- Yours are not pleased, Orbino. - But I'll marry you, Berta.

If you want, I'd marry you even tomorrow. - Tomorrow?

Clapasson puts us administrators in Ronco, us two, and takes care of everything.

My people oppose his offer, but I want to marry you, and I accept it.

Like this, you won't enter poor in my parents' house, but in your own.

- Blessed Virgin, Orbino, are we getting married?! - Sure.

Look at her, how cheeky she is!

Look, look what a beautiful lover!

Kiss me also!

Yes, a kiss!

Just wait, now they'll kiss all over under our very eyes!

Come on!

Don't be afraid, it's only us!

- Are you afraid you'll blow up? - Anyway, you'll be married before nine months.

Are you crying? Why, Berta? They were only joking!

Why are you crying? It's only jokes!

It's because her secrets have been revealed.

She will not be able to allude to my mother, and sees her husband slip away.

Susanna, I don't want to be offended, or I'll give you a lesson you'll not forget.

Don't play the little saint, you were clever enough to get into Orbino's house...

...here, in the country, were you can fulfill all desires.

- Aren't you ashamed? - Don't make me laugh, I thought you cleverer.

Come on, Orbino, do you also not know a joke when you see one?

Susanna is a merry girl, she hasn't said anything harmful, has she?

Come drink a glass of wine with us, I want to speak to you.

Nobody has invited you to play judges even in our home.

You've understood perfectly what my sister has said.

However, be this good or wrong, it's not your business!

Why? They could very well be my business, even more...

- What's happening here? - Nothing, mother, holiday jokes.

Susanna had one glass too many and...

I was telling her not to make Orbino lose time and she wanted to hit me...

...after saving her from misery and hunger.

Shut your shameless mouth!

Berta knows how she must behave until things will have changed.

You have helped us, and don't worry that you'll have reasons to complain about me.

You're a reasonable girl, you know that now you must wait.

And you keep your antics to yourself.

And think about eating, or isn't this why you came for?

Let's take a few steps, we can talk better.

You know, Orbino, that I could be your father, don't you?

No, I don't need a nanny!

Hey, down there, have you fallen asleep? Music! Music!

You stay here.

The Scacerni are your enemies and if you mary her, you'll be against us.

You'll be considered our enemy.

- Whose enemy? - The League's. - I?!

The hell with it!

Come and hear this!

He has put it in his head to make and break matrimonies in our house.

Marry her... Stupid world!

Don't you want to understand I'm speaking for your good?

What will you do when her family will be boycotted, eh?

Can you guarantee that when mother and brother will come asking for help...

...you'll keep the door to your house closed?

And you say it just like that? It's a thing that makes your blood boil!

It's boycott! It's worse for them who have asked for it.

But war is war and we'll treat them as enemies.

I've told you, who is not with us is against us.

And the power of the League must be seen here, where the blood boils.

Alright! You see this sign? I'm here, you're there!

Look into my eyes, yours is a cowardly and filthy abuse.

And I'll marry Berta.

But we, Verginesi, are with the League.

What we don't do for us, we do it for our children.

And if not, for the children of our children.

- And I don't look into no one's eyes. - Uncle Luca!

If the League doesn't want you to marry her, if they boycott you and your wife...

...even we, the family, we, your own blood, we'll boycott you.

May God have mercy of us.

- Tell the headman everything, yes? - Alright.

Then, will you accept or not?

When you and I agree, the rest doesn't matter.

Yes, it doesn't, and after all, I've made the offer, didn't I?

I like the girl...

...whatever you need, even the spade and bed, I'll provide them.

Thank you, mister master, I'll do my best.

Yours are also with Raibolini? Have they signed?

- You should ask them. - Correct, correct.

I don't need these from you, I've got my snitches!

Good ones!

Good ones.

I know everything. The old God-fearing gentlemen have signed.

But this is a camorra, a mafia, a mob.

And they're in, the Verginesi!

They renounce their blood to support that good-for-nothing Raibolini.

Let them go to him looking for work; on my land, no camorra, no mafia, no League.

Or out of the League, or out of Coguazza, I'll fire them, I'll drive them away.

- From where? - From Cataio, from Bengodi, from Luna, from Coguazza!

Yes, I'll drive them away from Coguazza!

I'll give them an ultimatum tomorrow, and the other owners will do the same.

You who can think, you can advise them. There still is time.

Mister master, for us tenants, firing means ruin.

- The Verginesi have been in Coguazza for 300 years. - What's your problem?

What have you to fear? You've got other ideas, you're a man.

You must think at your family.

You've got my word. In fact, you can already consider yourself married and settled.

I'll give you an advance for the expenses.

That'll show I not only can punish, but also reward.

Here.

No. I only wanted to get married peacefully.

I thought you had taken me because I know how to work.

But I see I haven't yet understood how this world moves along.

I thank you, but if you're chasing the Verginesi, that's what I tell you:

...I'll remain with my own.

Good day.

Good day.

Load and get back. And send immediately Lazzaro with the other cart.

Tell them down there to stop scything, water doesn't crumble the grass.

All to loading!

Yes, it's alright! Come, let's go home.

- You, the things in the hut. - Yes, I'll take it.

He'll send us away.

He'll fire us.

He'll evict us from our fields!

Let's hope you don't bring hail.

Quickly, to the hut!

Berta! Come... Berta!

Come! It's over.

Come...

Please, don't look at me with those eyes, Berta.

- What happened? - Lightning, but it's gone.

- Lightning? - Yes. - Where?

It hit the scythes, but we're safe.

What is it, Berta? Why are you crying?

- Don't! Why? - I don't know...

I don't know... I still feel it, at the back of my head.

O God!

It seems a bad omen.

It's a bad omen, we'll never begin our life!

- Why do you say that? - I'm afraid!

Yes, it's true, all I had hoped, has crumbled.

Clapasson chases us.

I don't know anything anymore:

...when will we get married, what will we do..

Everybody hates us and I love you to death!

And I can't live without you.

If you'd see how I feel, you'd cry.

How beautiful you are!

How I suffer, not having you, do you know it?

I don't know what to do, there's nothing in the world.

We'll emigrate, we'll go to America...

...I want you, I'll marry you!

No!

It's what I've been waiting for, and now it's beginning.

The Verginesi will not leave Coguazza.

All for one, and one for all.

The owners don't want the League and we have only one weapon: the strike.

Nobody must work the land.

No one will harness the horses, nor yoke the oxen.

- Nobody will feed the animals. - But the animals will die.

Let them die!

You're soldiers of social equality. You can't have a war without casualties.

And without war, you won't have the land.

And nobody must let blacklegs into his home.

Nobody mustn't even talk to them, nothing!

If a blackleg gets sick there must be no help, no medicine.

- And not even the gravedigger to bury them. - Christian charity...

Christian charity is over.

Social justice begins.

Nobody must talk to blacklegs.

Nobody must let them into their houses.

Nor help them, nor medicine and not even the gravedigger to bury them.

Hey, della Favorita, I'm here!

Hi, Princivalle!

It mills! It mills again! Mother!

Damn it! Mother, Princivalle's here!

- Mother, I've come back, I'm here with you!

- O, damn! - Princivalle!

To hell with them!

The wheel turns again! Damn it!

It's over! It's over!

I showed the judge with all his questions!

You did well that night. You've never taught us to be afraid!

- And the strings, are you still taking them om? - Yes. - Well done! Show the government.

- Oh, Princi, Princi! - What did you learn in prison?

To speak a lot and say nothing.

- Is Berta still at the Verginesi? - Yes. - And Dosolina and Antonio?

They all work, we'll need time to pay our debts.

Scacerni! Raibolini said there's a strike.

You must stop your machines! Woe whom works for the owners!

- Strike? - And what's that got with us?

Who doesn't boycott the owners and Clapasson, is boycotted.

- The League's order! - Have you all gone mad?

We can't give up working for Clapassòn, it keeps us afloat.

Go give the League's orders to whom you want!

On our mill, we are the owners!

And we'll mill for whom we want and like! Got it?

Ah, you're blacklegs? Careful, no one will speak to you.

Your girls will have no work.

There will be no bread for you, nor help, and not even medicine.

Go away!

Princivalle, I've warned, the time of abuses is over.

Hey, you, no one must work the land!

Nobody must harness the horses, or yoke the oxen.

Hey! Hey, attention! Do not move the boats!

Nobody must work on the river, Raibolini's orders!

The strike of all workers has begun!

Hey! Starting today, all day laborers are on strike...

...defending the League!

Alright!

My dears... Giving up to the Verginesi... Do you know what that means?

It means we ruin ourselves. Not only mine, but all of us.

It means not being masters anymore in our own homes...

...renounce to run our lands.

And then we'll be parasites...

...and we'll give leash to instigators to social subversion.

So, may all go to pieces, but I'll not give up.

And you also, eh? You mustn't give up also.

Why don't you try to get along?

Violence can only give you back disasters and animosity.

But shouldn't we better go to the city waiting for the storm to pass?

Our place is here!

And all strategic moves for wining the battle are ready.

We'll reap our fields, mill our grain...

- Your order, sir. - Ice and anisette. - Yes.

We'll labor them, we'll drive the carts...

- No!? You'll go yourself? - If I have to, yes.

But until them... let's see. Come, come, I was waiting you!

Tell me, are you afraid to mill for us?

- Afraid, I? - You know him all, don't you? Princivalle Scacerni.

I'm afraid of no one. My mill, mills for whom I chose.

Oh, bread is assured!

Here, smoke! Smoke!

And for urgent labors I've recruited day laborers from the other side of the Po.

- Here. - We can also work. - Feed the animals.

Raibolini, the League and the Verginesi will go to the Devil!

What kind of people are you? Damn it!

- Help me! - Come, quickly, help me!

One, two, three, four, five.

Five scudi! Damn it! How nice!

- The hay was fermented? - Silence...

They've killed them, they are dying.

They've given them fermented hay.

- Quickly, to the veterinary! - We mustn't!

Nobody moves, nobody does anything.

Nobody touches it.

They're calling for me... They call for help!

4 cows and 2 oxen are dead. And we don't know about the others.

You should have died instead of the animals!

Letting them die without moving a finger!

They were not mine, but were like my children.

They should all die better than letting someone like you in the country.

You've done it on purpose! You've given them fermented hay.

- I don't speak with madmen! - You'll speak to the police!

Tell the truth! You've changed the fodder in the manger.

I should whip you!

Take it on me if you want to get crushed!

Go! Go! Go away!

You're not worth the skin of one of these animals.

You'll pay for it, I'll show you all.

- I'll show you! - Do what you want.

We'll suffer, but we'll change things for our children.

Clapasson has brought soldiers for the reap.

- Goodbye strike, and now what will we do? - Who knows? - Let's go and see.

I'll close shop.

Blacklegs! Here they are, they've come!

You've sold yourselves!

- The soldiers are here! - Let's go see!

- Shame! - Oh-oh!

The soldiers are here, eh?

Am I boycotted?

Well done, league men! Well done, league men!

Oh, see Orbino.

Hey, Verginesi!

- Here you are! Or have you melted? - Let me be, Princivalle.

You know I'm not afraid of shaking your hand, in front of all, you're like a brother.

- What's this, Verginesi? - Do you see the soldiers?

They're going to Coguazza to reap our wheat. It's over.

Bad for you to have messed in.

And Berta must not be caught in the middle!

And Berta must not be caught in the middle. Understood?

I don't know nothing anymore don't know what I'll do.

I don't know who my friends or foes are, they're all my enemies!

Only one thing I do know: I love Berta and she loves me.

And I'll marry her!

Even if I have to leave my county.

Stop! Take the scythes and go in the fields.

- We've chosen peasants, able handed. - Bravo, bravo.

Quickly with the scythes.

Look! Look!

Damn the cowardly bourgeois!

Nothing happens! Nothing!

Bad thing! - Bad thing, lieutenant, Clapasson little does he know!

- Sell-outs!! - Away! Sell-outs!!

- Enough! - Rascals! - Disgusting rascals!

Jerks!

Traitors of the people! Enough! Cowards!

Enough! Sell-outs!!

- Long live the League! - Courage!

Lieutenant!

- In God's name! - I've told you!

Back! Back! Gather! Gather!

Let's do something, let's take action. We must enforce the law!

Calm and cold blood, commendatore, here I'm the law.

They are also citizens.

- What are you doing? - I'm clearing the field.

Impossible...

- Let's try to tell them a few words... - Yes, you talk.

You can't do this.

Those are soldiers, and I must enforce the law, you must leave.

You don't want to work? Alright, don't work, but it's not your grain.

- You'll have to kill us if you want to reap our grain! - Silence!

Lieutenant, be careful.

Attention, the trumpet will blare three times.

If at the third blare, you've not left the field, I'll command fire!

We're not moving.

Load arms!

Take aim!

Shoot us! Shoot us! Shoot us!

Shoot, if you have the guts!

Make them go away.

No.

Stop!

In the air!

Fire!

Down arms!

Fall out, fall in on the embankment.

We've won!

Victory! Victory!

They are afraid, aren't they?

- Long live the League! - Back!

They've arrested aunt Argia and Susanna. They've taken them away.

They're all here. Uncle Luca is talking to the delegate.

- The soldiers? - They are in the town hall. I'll run forward.

Do you remember how close the wedding once seemed?

- Do we still love each other? - For ever! Until death.

Free them!

And now, what do we do? I can't let them go.

Opposing public forces, outrage, violence...

- And how do we set them free? - You can't put them in prison!

- The people are agitated, I'll not be held responsible. - Bravo!

There's only one thing to do: End the strike.

I'll close my eyes as far as these ladies are concerned...

How could we end the strike? Now that we've won?

Won what?

The grain will rot and then?

Two barns have burnt yesterday and now this.

Tomorrow there'll be blood, and civil war!

What can I say to these poor men?

Listen, you'll go in prison, and they'll close the League.

This men won't see their women for a good while.

The law suit, first... months and months...

Listen to what I advise you, in all honesty...

We've always been on your side. You know it.

But we want our women home by this evening.

Here's the blackleg!

Set the women free!

Comrades, our women will be freed...

...but we must end the strike!

The strike must end!

Our time has not yet come.

Listen, comrades!

Listen!

Comrades...

Here she is, the blackleg!

- Look at her! - Let me go, swindlers!

- Scoundrel! - Who?

You'll pay this!

I'm going back to the mill! Cowards! Cowards!

- Berta! - You don't move, you don't renounce your blood.

Let me go! It's over now! I'm leaving! Berta!

Shame, Verginesi! We've made the strike for you!

And now you're harboring the blackleg! Down with the traitors!

Down!

All come with me! All come with me!

Wait! Wait! You'll achieve nothing!

I'll come with you, I won't abandon you.

- Bless it, it's the flag of the poor. - Yes, bless it.

I bless you, poor people, because you'll not do harm.

In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

- Justice! - Justice!

- Berta's here! Berta! What happened? - What did they do to you?

Nothing. How are you?

- Mother! - How are you, my daughter? What have they done to you?

Oh, nothing, it's only the shock.

I'm so happy to be with you!

Have they chased you away? Have they fired you also?

No, not they, Princivalle, not they!

Raibolini... because of the League.

They began shouting in the square!

Raibolini! This time you'll pay for everything.

Don't call me your son anymore...

...if this swine Raibolini sees the night with his head intact!

- Princivalle! - Princivalle! - Princivalle! - Where're you going?

Come back.

- Princivalle! Come back! - Princivalle!

Raibolini, come outside!

Raibolini! Where are you? Come out!

Come out!

Where's he? Damn it! Where's he?

Where's he?

Come out, damn it! Out!

Out! League men!

Out!

Where's he?

Raibolini, come out! Come out!

That cursed asshole! Where's he?

Stop, or you're dead!

You'll get me, eh? Look how he's shaking!

Don't hurt me, Princivalle, I'm not to blame.

It wasn't me. Let me go, you're suffocating me.

It was the Verginesi, they've chased her away in front of the entire county.

Let me go! They've disgraced her!

- Orbino... - Orbino what?

Orbino was laughing. He was pleased. It was him, it was him...

- It's not true! - You can suffocate me, if you want, but I must tell you the truth.

I don't want to, it makes me sick, but I have to tell you.

There's sometime he said he was bored, that she was worse that a bitch in heat.

There was no hedge or bush on the Po's bank she wasn't had in.

He was content the strike had given him the opportunity of getting rid of her.

Princivalle! What's the matter?

- What have you said about my sister? - Princivalle, are yo drunk?

What have you said about the ditches, the bed? That she's filthy?

Coward! Defend yourself, defend yourself dog!

- I'll kill you! - I've never said but good things!

Let me go! Let me go!

- My love for Berta... - Don't say her name!

Up! Up!

Up, Orbino.

I forgive you...

Tell Berta, she must not think like you... Tell her!

All my love for her...

Orbino, don't die...

Tell your sister.

On God, I swear it, Orbino.

Orbino! Don't die, Orbino!

No, don't die!

Where's he?

- Where's he? - No one will know

I'm crossing the river, come with me.

If you tell me where's Orbino, I'll let you live. Answer!

The poor wretch... should I have left him here, to destroy us both?

- I did it more for you, than for me. - Why?

When a misfortune happens here, you know it well, it always happens in the water.

What place? Where?

There.

What do you want to do?

Yes, the river's taking him away.

I'm sure where he'll show up. We should wait him there.

But he won't be happy.

- He said he forgave me. - The dead don't hate the ones that offended them.

He wants you when he'll appear, you that loved him.

Not even God could give me the strength to stand before Berta.

Come, I'll talk to the women.

He'll appear here, but not until morning.

Sit and say no christian prayers, that's what the river wants.

It appears.

You, Berta.

And you?

I'm giving myself up, pray for me, mother.

Go, son!

"That's how come and go men's good and evil and time is just like a flowing river."

THE END