Original subtitles

82 International Film Festival Venice Biennale 2025 Official Selection

Portobello, a TV program on RAI

from 1977 to 1983, and in 1987.

It broke records in Italy with unprecedented viewership.

New Organized Camorra, NCO,

a criminal organization founded in Campania

by Raffaele Cutolo in the '70s,

involved in international drug trafficking and extortion.

In the early '80s, it expanded,

seeking to annihilate rival clans in a war resulting in hundreds of murders.

Giovanni Pandico, known as the Lunatic,

part of Raffaele Cutolo's New Organized Camorra,

sentenced to life for multiple homicides.

Enzo Tortora, Italian television personality and journalist,

host and creator of Portobello.

Loved by millions, he was considered to be one

of the most influential figures in Italian television.

Slow down, eh? And be careful. The floor is wet.

We're ready. You can come in now.

We're starting soon. Thank you. Quickly, quickly.

Quickly. Thank you.

Find your seats, please. Ma'am, you can sit right there.

The first one you find, thank you. We'll start soon.

Good evening.

Dim the lights.

How are you, friend?

Oh.

Say, "Oh."

Coming to you live right now, it's Portobello,

the Friday market hosted by the one and only, Enzo Tortora.

Theme song.

FIRST EPISODE

♪ Portobello... ♪

Come on, give me a giant round of applause.

I want to hear all your voices.

Folks, is that all you've got?

More! Come on.

Let's get a little energy going.

This is the top broadcast in all of Italy. Let's hear it. Come on.

♪ Portobello ♪

Break a leg. Break a leg. Break a leg.

How we love you, dear Italy.

Go!

MILAN JULY 1ST, 1977

Louder!

No more, no more, no more.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's incredible to have you here

at the recording of our sixth episode of Portobello.

Before we begin, I'd like to start by thanking our audience.

When the series started, we had, according to the statistics,

5.5 million viewers. And with time, it has grown.

This last Friday night, we were able to reach,

or you reached, an audience of 12 million.

Our phone operator switchboard is literally about to explode here.

It's time to get back into our first announcement

-of this evening. -Portobello.

Blow a little air into your instruments, and music.

Go, go, go. Come on.

Let's hear it.

They're good.

What's he doing?

I was a Bersagliere.

That's it.

Thank you, Marshal, my good sir, I would like to thank you, first of all.

-Your name? -Leandro Bortuzzo.

Do you want to go ahead with the delivery of these hats

to your talented men?

Yes, I do. March.

The delivery of the hats. Come on. Come on, guys.

And there they go. Yes. Great.

Now we're talking. Look at that.

Let's jump into the heart of our show.

Starting with the first segment of tonight's broadcast,

All for Sale and All for Hire, again, at our market right here on Portobello.

There's a job to do.

Help change this raggedy old bell to a shiny brand new one.

Come out, Father Pietro.

Opening up a window in the middle of the Po valley's my recommendation.

The only place to do it would be right here

at the Turchino Pass.

Level the entire thing.

Level the mountain.

Another offering, a tenor with experience

seeking engagement in a major opera house.

A performance to tug the heartstrings.

I'd feel the same as any ordinary Italian girl out there,

and I'm looking for a husband.

Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

Now, as of this broadcast, I can say that Portobello

is now set to be broadcast and shown tonight in color.

Yeah!

And all of us here are immersed in color, too.

Look around, look around.

Girls, take control of that phone switchboard of yours.

And now...

Call the police! He shot him.

What the hell!

Hey. Was I good up there?

You were splendid.

-Sure? -You'll see the ratings tomorrow.

If you help me...

Now let's see.

Tell me if this is right.

So what happens now, exactly?

This mask sends electrical impulses to smooth out the texture of your skin.

Can you feel it?

I feel it. Definitely.

The package ready now?

-Yeah. -All right. Now...

"To the gracious Mr. Tortora,

I'm honored to send you these fine creations

which I made for you by my own handiwork,

with certainty that they will satisfy your most illustrious interest.

I look forward to hearing what you think

"and wish you luck with all your future work."

-I'll put your signature. -Better than a cross.

"Domenico..."

"Barbaro."

It's never too late to properly learn how to write.

What an outrage, sir.

Excellency.

Those who've taken, taken, taken. Those who've given, given and given...

No one as pathetic as those who mock a way of talking.

They're just awful at it.

What are you waiting for...

Pathetic joke.

-A cuckold, too. -He's a cuckold now, too?

Perchance.

Excellent.

Now, we all know we're not the French.

You won't see us doing the can-can

because we've got something much, much better than that.

Who in the audience can help?

The tarantella.

The tarantella!

Making fun of us. Look.

In a world without us, he would cease to exist.

You stalk and feed, you thrive and sustain on our tragedies.

Can't be bothered to respond.

Fucking bastard.

Any idea how full of shit you are?

Asshole heard me.

How could he have heard you?

Thank you. Yes.

A huge thanks and applause for our guests,

-the Guarracini. -Without our suffering,

you'd be absolutely nothing.

We're shouldering the weight, and you sit there and cash in.

You don't think about us, of Giovanni Pandico,

or anybody else here, like Domenico Barbaro.

We sent you a package. Wrote letters to you.

Why don't you reply?

You did all right.

Your benevolence, generosity, what do we get? Nothing.

Only dust under the table.

Beware your own gluttony,

and think of what Epulone got when he finally died.

Epulone?

...Salvatore Totaro of the Guarracini.

Mr. Tortora, I serve as the head of the group.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes...

Why are you making that stupid face?

For you to evolve, be at the top,

one must continue reading, studying, furthering their education.

Drop that for now?

He doesn't reply this time either,

I'll cause a scandal for him in the media circuit.

I'll feed him to the press.

Whoa, that's a look.

See that? That made him scared.

-Here we are... -Who? He can't see you.

What do you mean, who? Right there.

Tortora?

To play a great game, Portobello.

You really didn't see?

Because he heard what I said, I'm sure.

You know, we emit these certain electromagnetic forces, all of us.

They travel through the walls and mountains and oceans.

Because of that, he heard it.

I saw it. When I insulted him, when I shouted,

I saw him flinch for just a second. Not much.

If I turn the press against him, I'll completely ruin him.

Telepathy.

Through telepathy?

Powerful thing.

Shouldn't you be using it right now? Try it.

Terrible, terrible animal.

We'll give you 30 seconds, which you'll use

to then attempt to get him to say, "Portobello,"

before the clock runs out. Go.

Portobello. Portobello.

-Portobello. -Portobello.

Portobello.

-Portobello. -Portobello.

-Portobello. -Portobello.

Portobello.

-Portobello. -Portobello.

-Portobello. -Porto.

-Bello. -Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

-Porto. -He's getting ready to say it. Come on.

-Portobello. -Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Times up, girls. Time's up. I'm sorry.

Bastard. That was on purpose.

Can see him getting ready.

Now I'll write a little poem for you.

...at the end of the day,

these parrots are nothing more than brightly-colored chickens.

Please come, take a seat.

Dear illustrious Sir Tortora...

Thank you for joining us.

I'm convinced and feel it's my duty

as an inmate of a correctional institution...

very soon, next Friday, please come back once more.

To prevent anybody from extracting any profits

or material gains in kind... In kind,

out of my situation or from my current status

as an inmate.

The package in question was sent and delivered

directly to the RAI offices at 27, Corso Sempione.

DOMENICO BARBARO PENITENTIARY - PORTO AZZURRO

Its contents included 20 handmade lace doilies,

embroidered by me, personally,

as I've already written several times before.

Should you fail to resolve the issue in question,

within 20 calendar days of receiving this registered letter

I will bring a suit against you under Article 646

of the Italian criminal code for embezzlement

and under Article 485 of the Italian criminal code for fraud.

In addition, I will be forced to expose you

and this matter to the press.

Domenico Barbaro.

"Dear Mr. Domenico Barbaro, I'm filled with regret to inform you"

that I was never aware of your package at all,

and I never saw any trace of it.

Mr. Tortora, I can tie knots with my tongue.

Later, later.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

Have you found it?

No. There's nothing.

We looked for the package everywhere, but the lace doilies, it appears,

never arrived here.

Perhaps they were misplaced by the RAI team.

When I tell you that they are completely incompetent,

you all say I exaggerate.

Yes, but it can't be that big of a deal.

It could happen to anybody.

Somebody's error. But if I may, it's my face attached to this.

It's not the first time. He sent letters before. You know.

-Where was the letter sent to? -It was addressed to my house.

Ugh.

Just a second. I'm confused.

How could an inmate have your address?

If his number's in the phone book already, I guess his address is, too.

Should I have you unlisted?

For this year,

-it's already too late. -Do we know this person?

Is there any information on this Barbaro?

Is this guy a psycho, a murderer, a lifer?

Is there a difference?

There's absolutely a difference,

because it's one thing entirely to be a bank robber, or a killer,

and a very different thing to be a thief

or some guy selling cocaine.

Do we at least know if he's a low-level guy,

or if he's a part of a large organization, a gang?

Because if it's the latter,

this letter could be a warning from a damn mafioso. Ugh!

He's in the 'Ndrangheta.

He trafficked pharmaceutical drugs.

No, so this guy is really in the 'Ndrangheta?

Now I'm even angrier just by knowing all of that.

'Ndrangheta is one of the most ferocious organizations

on the damn planet!

What you're saying is that someone in the 'Ndrangheta

sent a letter to my home, and as clear as day,

made severe open threats to me?

-Don't worry about it. -I am!

I'll tell the team at RAI and the executives.

Don't just do that. You'll demand that RAI

reimburse this gentleman for the value of his laced doilies.

-All right. -Resolve this!

All right, Enzo.

Let's give the main office a call.

Don't you think you exaggerated?

I don't know. I could have.

What's the problem?

We're unable to recognize or distinguish what's important here.

Our last broadcast, we reached 17 million.

I don't know if you realize that.

We're doing pretty well. We're beating out everyone.

That's the thing. Seventeen, 21, they're just numbers, Anna.

You're content when they're going up and terrified when they go down.

We should be more than content.

We're exactly where we've always wanted to be.

NAPLES - POGGIOREALE PRISON 1 YEAR LATER

-Hey, Giuse'. -Hey.

-You're hiding something. -I need to bring it to the Professor.

Good morning, Professor.

I hope I'm not bothering you.

Can I get you a coffee?

AKA THE PROFESSOR HEAD OF THE NEW ORGANIZED CAMORRA

I was taking in the view a bit.

Hey, Scribbler, how do I look this morning?

-Amazing, sir. -You're wrong. Look closer.

-My left side burn got cut too short. -Can't even tell.

You feel like it's too short.

Feelings are important, kid. Especially mine.

Some gifts I brought for you, from my mother.

And the salami from Nola. I remember how you liked it.

And there's one more thing.

I really wanted to give it to you.

Years ago, I carved the entire thing by hand.

I was thinking of you.

In the prison in Lecce. Remember?

Had to fight through hell to find the Virgin Mary.

I used to be quite gifted.

My old professor in drawing...

There's only one true Professor.

I have the honor of seeing him in front of me. Anyway,

this small-time professor

told me I could become someone great like Donatello, Michelangelo.

But my parents didn't want to hear about it.

I had to get my diploma, and so I uselessly became an accountant.

Provincial mentality they had. Heads as hard as wood.

It's butt ugly. Put it over there.

Sure, sure. It was... How do you say? It was just a thought.

Fortunate is the man who knows his own talents and limits.

Wise words, Professor.

-I should write to my sister. Sit down. -Right away.

Ready for you whenever you want.

"Rosetta, my dearest sister."

"Our great family..."

"Our great family..."

"Is more than large enough

to give all the love we got to everybody that has love for us as well.

"And to defend against all of those who wish us for dead."

"All of those who wish us for dead."

"We don't allow any type of..."

"Threats."

"Secessions." Write that.

"Secessions." All right.

-"We do not allow secessions." -"Secessions."

"I would like

for you and the others

to answer "Yes" to the very kind wedding invitation

of the Tortoras of Castellammare.

Attend the wedding

"and present the sacred gift of the Professor to them."

Graciously spoken. They all must be disposed of.

What? Why is that? They haven't done anything yet.

-They're new. -The suspicion should be enough.

We make them disappear ahead of them getting one over on us.

Kill them all, Professor.

Just write.

"Kindly, as always."

And of course, with my love for you all,

"Raffaele."

I'll pretty it up for you. Don't worry.

Scribbler.

Bring that statue with you.

Whoa.

I'm joking around.

I'll find the right spot for it later.

-All right. -Thank you, Professor.

Go on.

Now, welcome our wonderful guest this evening,

a real and incredible hypnotist.

And without further ado, Marco Zecca.

Good evening. Good evening.

Good evening, Mr. Marco.

Let's not waste any time. Let's jump straight into it.

Look out into the stands

and choose someone, any audience member you see,

-and do your hypnosis exercise on them. -No, Mr. Tortora.

I would like to use this instrument to hypnotize everyone.

The whole of Italy.

Guy says he's a hypnotist, huh?

I'll just take a step back

and very happily leave you here with cameras and all of Italy.

Dear television viewers, please stand in front of your TVs

and get as close as you can,

because we're about to perform an experiment in hypnosis

for the first time in Italy on an incredible scale.

Don't participate if you're home alone.

The rest of you, prepare yourselves,

and combine your hands and fingers like this.

Lock your fingers together as tightly as you can.

Tighten your hands and your fingers. Very good.

-What are you doing that for? -Screw off.

Harder.

-I'm already... -Tighten your fist.

Look straight into my eyes,

breathe deeply, look at me

-as your fingers tighten... -Start breathing.

As if they're glued together, impossible to separate.

Keep looking at me intently.

Concentrate on your hands as they get restricted...

-What happened? They're stuck. -I can't pull them apart.

Keep staring. Stare into my eyes intently.

The more you stare, the more your hands tighten.

They become bound, completely stuck.

Straight into my eyes.

Now breathe deeply and look at me.

The more you look at me, the more immovable they become.

They'll stay stuck together until I snap on the count of three.

One. You can feel a slight separation.

Two. Stay concentrated. Breathe. Concentrate.

Three. Okay, now separate them.

Pull them apart. Separate them.

They're free. They're completely free.

They're separated.

You'll feel much better now.

-All right? -Mister, wow,

-thank you. -Mama. Michele!

Thank you. Come here. Come here, Mr. Marco.

We also had a bit of a problem here

with our crew member.

Take your fingers apart, Nonna.

You can't do whatever you see on TV.

-Would you like to say anything? -I didn't hear a thing.

Someone might still have their hands stuck.

They're stuck. What do I do?

What the hell did he do?

They're still stuck! Oh!

-Knock it off. -Enough!

-You can never have a laugh. -I'm trying to relax here.

Palermo-Varese, 2-1, Villa-Pescara, 1-1...

NOVEMBER 23RD, 1980

Anything else, sir?

Go.

Wait.

-Have the heat turned up. -Consider it done.

"Oh, brothers," I said,

"who, amid 100,000 perils, have come unto the West

to this so inconsiderable vigil."

"Be unwilling to deny the experience,"

following the sun

"of the unpeopled world."

"Consider your origins."

Ye were not made to be brutes,

but for the pursuit of virtuosity and of knowledge.

So eager were my..."

Professor!

Guard! Let me out!

Let us out!

Guard! Open up this goddamn cell!

You want our blood on your hands?

You're coming with me.

Come with me.

Over here. Come on, come on.

-Go, go, go! -Let me out!

-Pasca'! The Professor, where is he? -Out of the way!

Holy shit! Come on, we gotta run.

Grab that dickhead!

Sasa'!

Go and take care of him. You know who.

Keep it moving.

Come on, come on.

Keep it moving. Let's go.

-Everyone out! -Behind me.

-Don't crowd the door. -Let's go.

Come on.

We got four for sure.

Four out of five is a good percentage.

Now they know who's running Poggioreale.

We have to kill all of them.

This isn't your part of the game.

Go clean yourselves up.

Thank you, Professor.

From this point forward, we're vigilant proletarians.

No gloating for now.

You hear him?

A tragic toll from the earthquake in the south.

According to Carabinieri sources,

821 deceased have been extracted from the rubble.

Several thousand injured.

The area affected by the earthquake

covers 26,000 square kilometers and has seven million inhabitants.

These are agonizing hours following a disaster.

People are doing their best trying to cope.

Also tonight, I would like to express my gratitude

for the truly unique generosity

of the sincerely great, immense people

and country of Italy. Allow me to say that.

The starting bid,

as the illustrious brokers over at Christie's say,

-is set at... -One million.

One million to bring home the prize of this first mink coat.

Who starts with the first bid? There it is.

1,250,000 from the lady.

And now 1.5 million there as our second new offer.

There in the audience, more hands going up now.

1,750,000...

A new offer of 2 million.

A caller is offering 2 million.

Now, 2,250,000,

as the number grows and grows and grows on our sign of total funds raised.

Rising higher by the second.

Now at the astonishing amount

of 2 billion, seven-hundred and twenty million raised.

It's truly incredible. It really is.

I'll say to you all and all that are tuned in,

we're continuing this auction as well as this broadcast

until we've raised at least three billion tonight.

I am very proud to make this announcement to all of you today

in this grand auditorium of this most glorious university.

Mostly because even the young people in our society have the chance to see

that the Italian political leadership, in particular, the Christian Democrats,

as they are today,

are well controlled and worthy to govern Italy through this hardship.

-What is that whistling? -Your Excellency,

it's how they display their enthusiasm.

We're gathered here today to make an important announcement.

The government has allocated to you

a 50 billion reconstruction package in the wake of this earthquake.

That is 50 billion,

not million.

And I would now like to solemnly pledge before all of you today

to do everything in my power

to ensure that this reconstruction effort is fast and efficient,

and that all the contracts are transparent.

-Thank you. -Once our region has

all that cash rolling in,

we'll ensure it holds on to every little bit.

-To our earthquake! -Yeah!

To our earthquake.

-God bless the earthquake. -I would say this earthquake

has been a blessing after all.

It could easily become a curse.

Pasca', how about thinking positive once in a while?

Our enemies are on us like starving hounds

and there are bodies in here and out there.

Too many to number. And ours especially.

Pasca', remind me of my name.

-The Professor. -In Ottaviano, what name did you have?

-The student. -Listen to the Professor.

We've got 50 billion reasons to be optimistic.

Come on, Pasca'. Raise a toast!

To our beautiful earthquake!

CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY SECTION ALDO MORO

Yes, but I'm saying an entire winter has passed, as well as spring,

now it's the end of April,

it seems incredible that we're still in this situation.

Mr. Tortora, when will the funds you raised be distributed?

The money is being held in two banking institutions,

safely backed by the protection of guarantors, including myself.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

Good morning, sir.

Why haven't you dispersed any funds?

I would like to tell you confidently,

the money we collected for reconstruction

was collected for your sake and only for your sake.

It's entirely possible to do this.

We must be sure that your funds

are safe from the hands of the dishonest profiteers.

The unruly, greedy hands of the Camorra

must be prevented from taking even a single cent of yours.

Nothing more.

-Did he say where he's going? -Showers.

Get him out.

Go get him. Bring him up here.

Pasca'!

They killed Marciano!

Those guys killed Marciano!

-They killed Marciano! -Professor, they killed Marciano.

Close this cell door.

Close it and lock it!

Close the door!

Close the whole block down! Everyone inside!

Lock the cell door!

Let's go.

Why do I need to change cells?

You want to go out like your buddy Marciano?

-Okay, where am I going? -They're transferring you.

-What? Why? -Again? Really?

For your safety, that's why.

I couldn't care less.

You can keep killing each other,

but for the sake of the warden, this war needs to end fast.

What do I do with these books?

They'll go to storage and get shipped to your house.

I don't have a house.

My mama's living in a container.

Quickly. Let's go.

Just take the basics.

What are you doing?

What kind of racket is this?

Your boss is gone.

He transferred out.

How is that possible?

He didn't request to get transferred.

I write all of his letters, and he never asked for a transfer.

It's the end of the time Cutolo gives an order and everyone obeys.

Watch your mouth when you're speaking of the Professor.

He's like the word of God. Jesus Christ on Earth.

Once upon a time.

Move it, Scribbler. Fun's over now. Come on.

"My dear Professor..."

Please allow me to disturb you for the fourth time,

as this utterly miserable company has saddened me,

and I long for the splendid old days of Poggioreale,

when I had the honor of serving as your secretary,

-interpreter of your thoughts." -Stop it!

"Here they had the nerve

-to speak the impossible." -Enough!

"They say you've made a deal with the authorities to shield yourself

from the attacks of our enemies.

They try to discredit you.

-They'll pay for it." -Stop!

"They'll pay for this."

I'll wait patiently for you, and resist.

I dutifully await your orders

in the certainty that your sudden transfer is just a small hiccup

"in the context of your grand design."

Morning. I'd like to send out this letter.

Good morning. Has anything come in for me?

There's nothing.

So, no response or mail from the Professor yet?

Wait, wait.

There's a letter from your mother here.

It's odd. I've sent four letters since this transfer.

There's nothing.

There's nothing.

MASS MURDERER PASQUALE BARRA KILLS MILAN MAFIA BOSS

Pasquale Barra, known as "the Animal," mass murderer and prominent member

of the New Organized Camorra, an organization led by Raffaele Cutolo,

has decided to cooperate with the authorities as well as the state.

Barra, a staunch loyalist of Raffaele Cutolo,

also known as "the Professor," has been determined to be responsible

for the brutal murder of Milanese mob boss, Francis Turatello,

who was savagely gutted in a surprise knife attack last month

in the Badu 'e Carros Prison.

Barra, who has been deemed responsible

for 66 homicides in total...

There's your buddy on the TV.

-Is perhaps one of the most... -Who's Barra?

That guy did 66 murders.

-I don't know him. -You don't know him?

You talked to him in Poggioreale.

We talked back in Poggioreale, but we were never friends.

...gave the order to murder Turatello.

The murder of the Milanese mob boss

shocked the criminal underworld of northern Italy.

"My dear Professor",

they're saying Pasquale is ready to cooperate with the authorities.

I find it to be remarkably unfortunate.

But I am not afraid of him.

The only thing that one should fear is fear itself.

I swear to you, I have no fear.

Because I know that you're there.

"You're always there."

-Good morning, sir. -Good morning.

Nothing here for me?

Nope.

-Sure? -You know I am.

Look more. Give me the courtesy.

You don't want to get on my shit list.

-Thirty-five anybody? -Not over here.

Not over here either.

I got a 45.

"My dear Professor",

I wish you a very happy New Year.

They're celebrating here in the prison.

It's an unfortunate sight.

"But let's not try to dwell on such trifles."

We're live on the first day of January, 1982.

With us tonight, with 82 candles is Paola Borboni.

"I've read about it, I've heard of comrades

who have sold themselves out to our enemies."

Congratulations.

"A shameful set of betrayals."

Happy birthday. Here you go.

I can't fathom that Pasquale Barra is cooperating with the police.

"Better to be dead than a traitor."

To all of Italy watching us tonight, Paola is truly extraordinary...

"I'm in need of a sign from you.

Some form of reassurance."

To everyone out there, you're a great lesson in true optimism,

in youth, in enthusiasm.

"Why don't you respond to me?

I need it like the very air that I breathe."

Yes, yes, that's very true.

I've always been one you'd describe

as a hard worker, considering my age,

as I've been around a very long time, you're able to see.

I've always been entirely centered

and committed to the most serene thing,

and it's that search,

search for liberty.

"Libertà." Because I'm free on the inside. To be free is to be young.

Who the hell is this maniac?

Maniac?

It's a performance. She's an amazing actress.

To be open to all possibilities,

and importantly, to the things which exist beyond.

Paola, I'd be truly happy if on this wonderful evening,

while we're here for your birthday,

if you could channel the beyond, if you'd do that for us,

and finally make this terrible animal speak.

There's the little parrot.

I would love to. Yes.

And there's even a sorceress cloak befitting the occasion.

Would you like that?

Wow. Hand me the cloak, I'll wear it now. How lovely.

Help me to put it.

There you go. Sandro Massimini is there as the cloak assist or.

Would you help me tie it, Sandro, darling? Can you help me?

I don't think I mentioned it, but we've got a hat.

Oh, how lucky!

I got 89 over here. The old lady.

How lucky am I! It's so beautiful.

My, how wonderful, thank you, thank you!

I want it a bit more askew. There.

Is it pretty? Do I look pretty in this wizard's hat?

To me, she looks like a fairy.

-She's so pretty. -The fairy from Pinocchio.

Paola, you'll get just 30 seconds to do your trick.

Ready? Now let's see if you can use your powers

to break the spell.

We're off.

Portobello.

-No way she can do it. -I know you can do it.

-Let's go. -Now.

Portobello.

Portobello.

-Portobello. -Portobello.

We're not doing a silent film, Paola. What are you doing?

Portobello.

Hey, hey.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello.

Portobello!

Portobello.

-Portobello. -There!

Portobello!

That was incredible. Ladies and gentlemen...

He said it. Did you hear it?

Bravo. Smart parrot.

He's still going. The marvelous and talented Paola...

I was the one that did it.

...broken the spell.

-What's he saying? -I was the one that did it.

He's full of shit.

Ladies and gentlemen, Paola tamed

this beastly little animal,

and Portobello finally spoke.

They get it all while others get nothing.

Fucking son of a whore.

...incredible, inimitable artistry of Paola Borboni!

-Happy New Year to you. -See you next Friday.

See you all next Friday.

Happy New Year!

Hello, ma'am.

You are absolutely divine.

That's so kind to say. Thank you.

With the utmost sincerity, you were so moving.

-May I accompany you? -Yes, you can.

Happy New Year to all of you. Happy New Year, everyone.

They'd give him a show if he was garbage?

Are you hearing yourself?

Be quiet. Hey. No more. Let's watch the show.

-How was I tonight? -Don't you see it?

You're like a kid up there.

Impeccable as always.

Thank you, Barby.

Good morning, sir.

That was it?

You haven't even checked.

Listen, you're such a colossal pain in the nuts

that whenever I'm on duty, the first thing I do

is check if you got something.

There's never been anything. Not a thing.

It's impossible that the Professor wouldn't respond.

He just hasn't been responding?

Let me speak to the warden.

Get the fuck out of here. Go to your cell.

This is your doing.

You've been throwing away the Professor's letters to me!

It was you!

Get up. Come on.

Soon we'll be the ones in power.

You'll be spitting blood. Wait and see.

You've reached 28 million now.

Yes. I mean, it's as shocking to me as everyone else.

What now that the word "Portobello" has been exhausted?

Well, we have a new one.

-"Brazil." -Enzo.

You're not supposed to say it.

It's not public yet?

Remove it. You can't write that.

The article will be published in four days.

It's only four days until it's out.

Radiocorriere's the newspaper for RAI. You can write it. Write it.

Do we want to say why it's "Brazil"?

We chose it in honor of a poor little boy

who was left disfigured after a horrible accident

and Mrs. Borboni offered to have him flown to Brazil

to get an operation with one of the greatest surgeons in the world.

A feel-good story is the basis?

What's the issue with a feel-good story? Why is that a bad thing?

I'm not asking you,

but I would really like to ask all those contrarians

and all those snobs, all the people who sit there and judge my show,

and label the entire thing as provincial and tired,

and paint it as tear-jerking garbage. Everyone's can voice their criticism,

but these people should be obligated to start their own program,

and pull together their own semi-decent audience.

Look, I don't have political comrades, or saints up there looking out.

My saints are down here,

sitting at home in their chairs every Friday night.

You know what I have to say?

You're trying to convince yourself and not addressing your critics.

Mmm.

What if it's because I'm tired of it all and can't stand those critics?

-Can I put that in? -Yeah.

And if RAI kicks you out again?

Listen, this time I've got a giant shield

of over 28 million Italians,

so I would say I'm more likely to walk out.

Should I write that as well?

No.

But who are these guys, Anna? More people for tryouts?

-No, they're real. -What do you mean, they're real?

-What? -Mr. Tortora.

-Hello. -The President of the Republic

names you Commendatore of Merit of the Republic of Italy.

-You did it. -But you all knew about this.

-Congratulations. -Thanks.

And thanks to the President of the Republic.

I'm not sure what to say.

Congratulations and good day.

Thank you. Thanks.

We're so proud of you.

So from this moment on,

I demand that you refer to me as Commendatore.

-Got that? -Bravo, Commendatore.

-Cheers. -Let's get a photo.

And here we are. Here we are. Here we are.

All right, I'm going. Bye.

Ciao.

What is it?

Don't you see? Commendatore Tortora in a big country of commendatori.

-I'm sorry. -You're not happy about this either.

-And why do you say, "Either"? -Before,

when you said it could be you that decides to go.

No, but that was just talk.

You say what you mean, you never just talk.

You've never doubted what we're doing?

So now I'm left thinking... that we renew our contract here,

and how can we do any better than we're doing?

By doing the same things until we get tired?

There isn't any more time for us to be uncertain.

We have to decide.

And the offer, economically, just look, I mean...

No, I don't want to know.

Eight zeros. And no exclusivity.

See you tomorrow.

Ah.

Enzo...

Yes?

Francesca...

Yeah. What?

It's evident.

You're separated, with a family back in Rome.

And even if it were true, aren't I a free man?

You're a popular public figure,

with a certain demographic you appeal to.

In a pious, moralistic, Catholic country, too.

Since we are living in a pious, hypocritical country,

I should behave in the same manner?

I just wanted to make sure you were aware.

Ciao.

Have a good night.

Good night.

All right, now take a look.

Mmm.

Your usual level of perfection.

Thank you so much.

And thank you.

Ah. Thank you, Diego.

Thank you.

Good morning, ladies.

See you all again soon. Good bye.

-Good day. -Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you later.

-See you soon. -I'll see you again soon, Roberto.

Good to see you.

Okay, let's go, let's go.

It's all right, they're all ancient anyway.

Don't look out there.

Come on.

Bravo! Bravo!

See you later. Goodbye, now.

See you on Friday night.

This man's an illusionist.

He makes castles out of cards.

And how quickly is he able to build these so-called castles?

In one episode, he'll start and he'll be finished in time for the next one.

Eh, interesting. All right.

And her?

She can make herself cry on command.

So how come she's not crying for us?

-It takes a few minutes. -Well, we can't afford to be kept waiting

too long in the middle of a show, now, can we?

Why don't we see some more?

Good morning.

And you?

The reason I'm here is to honor my brother, sir.

Ah.

I swore not to cut my beard since my brother was brutally killed.

And I'm never, ever going to, until they've captured whoever did it.

Let's hear more of this story.

Thank you.

And these gentlemen... Our two clowns.

They are looking to garner more support for elderly circus performers.

When we're too old for the circus, we'll be out on the streets in no time.

A request for assistance.

All right. All right.

Hello, there.

He is a professional dog trainer.

So what's its name, then?

Her name is Nami.

A dog who thinks she's actually a horse.

Enzo, she's crying, we gotta go.

-That was nice. -Thank you.

But why is she crying?

Or more like, what's her motive for crying? She needs a motive.

Because her audience at home is gonna demand to know

why this poor girl is crying.

-You're what's making her cry. -No...

Well, at least that's what her mother said.

Her mother sent a letter into our show, asking if we'd have her on our broadcast.

Is she in love, do you think?

-No, no. -I don't think so.

It's a nice image either way, isn't it?

Sure, it's a beautiful image indeed, but...

I don't know if it's the right fit for Portobello.

Look again...

The poor thing's still crying.

No, sorry for the cynicism, but look, at this point, a million viewers

could change the channel if they hadn't already. Eh?

Sorry, uh... Sir, we lost Ramon.

What do you mean, you lost Ramon?

-They left the door open out back I think. -Then we need to find him right now.

We can always find another one, too.

No, Anna. This has never happened before.

This is a bad sign.

Come on. We need to find the parrot immediately.

Ramon.

Please, please come in.

Mr. Tortora, it's such an honor to meet you.

-It's a pleasure. -The pleasure is all mine.

Well, I mean, when I found him in here earlier this morning,

he was perched on a kneeler there, but he disappeared, so...

So now what?

And now I don't know where to find him.

But I do know that he's around here.

Ramon?

Commendatore, quiet.

We have to be gentle, he must be terrified.

-Ramon? -Ramon?

Ramoncito.

-Ramon. -Ramon.

Ramon.

Ramon?

He's there. Look.

Ramon.

You see what I got you?

I brought you a treat.

Ramon.

Ramon.

Ramon.

Ramon.

He got down. It's working.

Ramon.

Buddy, hello.

There you go. Bravo.

Yeah.

And now we're saved.

In Rome, just a few meters from the SISMI intelligence agency,

lies the shell of the burned out car belonging to Vincenzo Casillo.

Not much remains.

Casillo, a fugitive, was a key member of the New Organized Camorra

led by Raffaele Cutolo,

to whom Casillo was considered the right-hand man

and main representative throughout their territory.

This horrific murder leaves behind more questions than answers.

More and more Camorra members are being pursued

and are willing to cooperate with the authorities.

We can mention, among others, Pasquale Barra, Salvatore Sanfilippo,

and Salvatore Imperatrice.

They believe Cutolo was involved in the kidnapping of Ciro Cirillo

and in the negotiations that followed in order to secure his freedom.

And it is natural to wonder whether the place where he died

might possess some particular significance,

If it might contain some sort of indication or sign

that the recipient of that message will know how to interpret.

Now what is certain is that the endless trail of blood

that the camera has left behind in this voracious war

will inevitably serve as the very path...

-Hey sit, sit down and eat with us, c'mon. -No, thanks.

Days of oppression by the Professor have finally...

It's butt-ugly. Put it down over there.

My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Pandico, what now?

I'd very much like to talk to the warden.

I'm calm.

There's nobody calmer.

They're gonna kill me. I must speak to him before I die.

I have to confess to him and do what my conscience is saying.

In the letter, it's all clear.

Dear Professor, in the general collapse...

you permitted the killing of Vincenzo Casillo,

your most loyal, faithful man,

your designated heir, your favorite.

There are certain moments in a man's life

when true courage consists of admitting his own weakness.

Loneliness and solitude belong to the strong man,

because they're the result of a long, profound experience,

and convey a deeper understanding of others.

The Camorra member is the first victim of the Camorra.

I don't recognize you anymore.

NAPLES PASTRENGO POLICE STATION

You never wanted to understand that a true boss...

is first and foremost, the boss of himself.

Now, weep,

just as I weep today,

In reproach for not having killed you.

He worked for Cutolo.

He committed a massacre several years ago.

PUBLIC PROSECUTORS

He's an avid reader, he's read all the classics,

appears to want a degree.

Mmm. Unclassifiable.

I got that much.

Come on in.

Please.

We're deputies Di Persia and Di Pietro.

A pleasure. Giovanni Pandico.

Take a seat.

You confirm your willingness to cooperate with this judicial authority?

I confirm, yes, Your Honor.

But if I may clarify just one small thing to you first.

-Please. -I'm not an informant at all.

Ah.

What are you, then?

I would call it, "disassociated".

If I may, Your Honor, I can say that... Well, put simply,

I've read and I've studied and what I can say is,

an informant, should they collaborate, gets the world.

When you're disassociated, the difference is that you...

give away everything, you get nothing.

Very well, now that that's clarified and out of the way,

why don't we begin with what you're able to tell us?

I agree to recount everything I know

in regards to the criminal organization named the New Organized Camorra,

of which I'm an affiliate,

in addition to its boss, Raffaele Cutolo, to whom I was a trusted advisor.

I know all there is to know, Your Honor.

Mr. Pandico, what brought you to the decision to cooperate?

Because Raffaele Cutolo is a traitor.

And as a means to save his own hide,

he didn't waste any time making deals with our enemies,

either of the family or the state, so I didn't choose to become a turncoat,

but to be disassociated.

Right.

You can begin.

Court reporter, you can get ready to write.

It's currently 9:10 in the morning on the 6th of February, 1983.

Go!

Stay where you are!

-Put your hands up! -Stay right there!

Don't move. Don't move!

Hands in the air! Move away!

Come here. Come on, come on, come on.

-Hey, let go. -Don't make me have to pick you up.

Get up! Come on.

Stop squirming! Let's go.

Move it!

Come on, let's go!

-Now, if I ask you about a name... -What is this?

That's a photocopy of an agenda

belonging to a man you talked about earlier.

Giuseppe Puca.

A trusted lieutenant to Cutolo.

This name.

What can you tell me about him?

So, the name?

My mother,

I want to know whether she likes her new accommodations.

We took care of it.

Unfortunately, there were no undamaged houses,

but she's already been assigned to a new container home.

So,

can you give me more details on this name?

Yes, he's involved, too.

Ah, and even the pet parrot?

I confirm it.

END OF EPISODE ONE

TO FRANCESCA BENEDETTI

Any references to real persons or events are fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

All characters, institutions, and entities are freely reinterpreted,

Any resemblance to persons, living or dead,

who are not explicitly identified is purely coincidental.