Original subtitles

That boy should be going to school.

Yes, but four miles to school and four miles back

seems like a lot.

He's young. He has strong legs.

Just when we're about to have another baby.

He could have started helping me around the house.

He'll help you even more when he's older.

Let providence provide for now.

I grew up without ever seeing the inside of a school.

That's not a good reason, and you know it.

If God has given your boy a good mind,

it's a sign he expects more from him.

As the boy's father, it's your duty to do God's bidding.

As if we needed something else to worry about.

THE TREE OF WOODEN CLOGS

Featuring the people of the Bergamo countryside.

A peasant's son going to school. What will people say?

A typical tenant farm in Lombardy

at the end of the 19th century,

housing four or five peasant families.

The lodgings, stables, land, trees,

and some of the livestock and tools

belonged to the landowner,

who also received 2/3 of the harvest.

Minek, pull up your pants!

Let him see too, and be very quiet.

The foal is frightened.

Move, dummy!

Watch it, damn it!

Give it here.

I'm scared.

- Does it bite? - Of course not!

Olga, bring that bowl here!

Moretto, Moretto

He's a handsome young man

His hair flows in waves

Like the waves of the sea

His boat glided swiftly

Over the water

Rosina called out to him

"Moretto, come here!"

"I cannot come to you

For my mother is waiting

Oh, what great sadness

I feel in my heart"

Try not to get husks in the maize.

Make the sign of the cross now:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Into bed now,

and trust in your guardian angel, who's always close by.

Happy you'll be going to school?

Hold the sack tight.

Grab the edges and open it wide.

Giddyap.

Let's go, girl.

Back it up.

- Come on. - Me too, Grandpa!

I want to get on too.

Come here.

Where are you going? You're too little.

Stay here!

Little rascal.

The foreman's here.

- What is it? - It's the day to weigh the corn.

You see to it.

Bring me the figures later.

All right.

Rosa, please tell my wife to come up here.

Very well.

Next! Pull forward. Hurry it up!

Hurry up with those rocks!

Next wagon! Pull forward!

Hurry it up.

Almost 1,300 pounds.

Giddyap!

Pull forward!

You there! Pull up closer to unload!

Stop fluttering around like geese!

And careful you don't punch holes in those sacks!

Listen.

- What's that? - Quiet!

Giopa!

Giopa's here!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...

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

May the Lord always grant us work and good health

and never let us want for anything.

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women...

Take this, Giopa.

Take care.

Lord, grant that our dear departed ones

and all the souls in purgatory

may quickly ascend to heaven...

Don't laugh, children.

Poor souls like that who have nothing are closer to God.

Take this, girls.

Pick it up!

This too.

Tell your mother I need it before Saturday.

Come on.

Stop that horse!

Stay inside, girls!

Buschì's horse got loose!

Careful or it will get loose again!

Teresina, let me get on.

All right, but we have to take turns.

Fine. Start counting.

...48, 49, 50.

That was nice.

Your turn now.

You're a lot heavier than me.

I'll only count to 40.

Fine.

Careful. Go slowly.

1, 2, 3, 4...

The wash is all over the ground!

I couldn't go any farther.

It's all over the ground.

I'll push it.

The lady at the hotel said to bring these back before Saturday.

How? Can't you see I have two full baskets?

That's what she said.

Cechino, look.

Teresina, look at the pretty rocks I found.

Girls, take the baby

and go see if Grandpa Anselmo needs anything.

Come here, sweetie.

And tell Pierino to help Grandpa wash the milk pails.

There were 29 of us on board

Only seven were saved

The other 22

Went down

To their deaths in the sea

I wanted to ask if I might say hello.

I'd be happy if I could at least say good evening.

If that's all,

there's no harm in it.

Will you say nothing back?

I wish you a good evening too.

The water's hot.

It's ready.

Is it warm enough? He won't catch a cold?

It's fine. It's nice and warm.

There you go.

Sit down now.

That's good.

First we wash your shoulders...

then your neck...

and ears.

Now close your eyes tight

and I'll soap you up good.

You'll see how nice!

I want to take a bath in the bucket too.

There you go!

That's my pen for school.

Leave it alone.

Minek.

Go to sleep.

Tomorrow morning before school,

say an Our Father and a Hail Mary

so God will enlighten your mind.

Move over there!

Move over.

Come on.

Now back up.

Need some help? You can handle it?

Give it here.

Why do you collect the chicken droppings?

For the springtime when I plant tomatoes. Don't tell anyone.

- You lazy scoundrel! - You're always yelling.

I'll teach you a lesson tonight!

Lazy good-for-nothing!

- Mama! - What is it?

They're fighting!

They're always at it like cats and dogs every day!

- Where do I put this? - Over there.

- Aren't you Andrea Runk's boy? - Yes.

The man who died recently?

I knew your father well.

He was a decent man.

Left a widow and six children.

The poor woman

has to take in wash to feed them.

Quick! The machine's out of grain.

- How old are you? - I'll be 15.

I need a strong boy, if you want to work here.

I'd like to work here very much.

See what your mother says.

You can start tomorrow.

- Hi. - Hi.

Who goes in first? - You go.

You think the dog's tied up?

Down, boy!

Here's the stable.

- What do we do? - Go inside!

- Who's that? - The suitors are here.

- Good thing we brought the nets. - But you didn't catch anything.

- We will. - Not many.

- Who will pluck them? - Grandpa.

Shh! Quiet a minute!

What is it?

Children, come outside!

The pipers are playing. You hear them?

Hear that?

Mama, the pipers!

- Where are they now? - Sounds like the landlord's house.

That's right.

They must be freezing!

Quiet.

Tonino, listen how nicely they play.

It's really Christmastime.

Grandpa, the moon!

"Haze around the moon, snow is coming soon."

Not if the cold doesn't let up.

What's that mean?

The earth needs snow.

Tone, run to the wolf

Here I am

Who's there?

Who's there?

It's snowing.

Papa, where are you going at this hour?

It's not even 1:00 a.m. - It's snowing.

I want to try putting chicken droppings in the garden.

Chicken droppings?

Yes, for this spring, when I plant tomatoes.

Chicken droppings are hotter than cow manure.

If I put down just a little, the ground won't freeze.

Do you have to do it at night?

I don't want anyone to see.

If it works, I'll have ripe tomatoes to sell in town

two or three weeks before anyone else.

Just make sure you don't catch

your death of cold!

Quiet, Garibaldi.

It's snowing!

Bones to the dog

Meat to the butcher

Rich folks piss in their pots

Straw is woven into chairs

Witches ride brooms through the air

Blackbirds peck at the soil Women are silent while men toil

When snails are on the rose, a lad to his lady does propose

There's blood to make a pudding too

And a kick in the pants for all of you!

Listen to you!

How does he make all that up?

- It's a new one every night! - That was good!

Let's say the rosary before the children fall asleep.

- It's still early. - You'll be too tired later.

Tell the one about Tagliana falling into the ditch.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He can tell that one another night.

O God, come to my assistance. - O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father...

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

All done? Good boy.

Into bed now.

Minek needs warmer clothes.

It's starting to get cold.

He'll have to make do for now,

because we'll have the midwife to pay soon.

We can get the women here to handle it.

It wouldn't be their first time.

Don't be silly.

It can be dangerous.

The tub needs washing.

- Just two glasses. - What about the butchers?

They'll drink when they've finished.

The butcher. He's here to kill the pig.

Ah, there you are. It's a wet one today!

You can say that again!

You're lucky. "A pig in the snow is like wine down below."

Only if the grapes were good.

That's the important thing.

Is that water hot enough?

The hotter the better. Keep the fire good and hot.

The foreman's here.

The landlord's not here yet?

Not yet. He'll be here later.

- Then how will we weigh it? - That's why I'm here.

How did you raise this animal?

Come inside and have some wine.

Maybe later.

You mean to kill that animal before its time?

Come here, sweetheart.

Poor animal.

Get ready out there!

Turn it around so I can grab its ears!

Hurry up with that pot!

Make sure the water's good and hot!

Don't burn yourselves!

Give me the stick.

Lift in that direction. Two more turns and we're done.

Come on!

Bring that stick here!

In the middle. Get your fingers out of the way.

- This way a little. - Singe the back a bit.

What do you think?

- It's a good animal. - Happy, Finard?

Of course!

My respects, Don Carlo.

Batistì, I just saw your son on his way to school.

How's that going?

Fine for now. Can't complain.

You'll be pleased with that boy someday.

If God grants me that blessing...

Tell me, where's Widow Runk?

Down at the stream. Shall I go get her?

No, it's not important. I'll go find her.

Nice big animal.

I can't complain.

- There'll be plenty of meat. - I raised it myself

with tender, loving care.

See that you love God, or you'll come to the same end.

What have I done wrong? I've never killed anyone.

That's not enough.

- What about weighing it? - Work it out with the landlord.

- Don't you want some to eat? - We'll see.

Back up.

Let's go.

Go join the others at home. I'll hold the umbrella.

Forgive how I look, Father, but what can I do?

Don't worry. Go on with your work.

I've come because I have something important to tell you.

You weren't in church last Sunday — - It's true.

Sometimes I don't know which way to turn...

how to go on raising six children.

I didn't come to scold you.

You're right to stay home and care for your children.

That's a duty that comes even before Mass.

Even the Lord understands certain things.

It's precisely your children I've come about.

My children?

I spoke to Mother Superior at the orphanage yesterday.

She said there's no room right now,

but I explained your situation.

They'll take the two little ones

to give you some breathing room

while the others grow up.

What do you think?

When my oldest boy comes home from work tonight,

I'll speak to him about it.

I don't know what to tell you.

It's all that can be done for the moment.

Children, be careful you don't get burned.

It's cold tonight. The sky's full of stars.

I heated some water for you.

Go easy on the coals,

or we won't have enough for the bed warmers.

Eat your soup now or it will get cold.

Bring the soup here. We'll eat by the fire.

Grandpa, make the sparks fly!

Sparks are devils escaping from hell.

Why do devils escape from hell?

To go out looking for souls.

So there are souls

in the fireplace?

No, there are no souls in the fireplace.

Devils go up the chimney and out over the rooftop

to look for souls to harm.

But devils are afraid of good people.

When the devil encounters an honest man or a good child,

it scares the devil off.

- The sign of the cross too. - You always say your prayers?

I do!

- Me too. - Then there's nothing to fear.

I'll stir the fire.

Watch them go flying.

Fly from this house, you devils!

All the children here are good.

Tell us the story about Gioanì.

Finish your soup first, or it will get cold.

I'm almost done.

Don Carlo came by today.

He came on our account.

He said the orphanage might take Annetta and Bettina.

I told him we'd talk about it tonight.

Do we really need to send them away?

We don't have enough to get by...

Teresina will be 12 this spring.

She can start at the spinning mill.

Pierino can help around the house

and the stables.

I'll work night and day,

but we're keeping my brothers and sisters here.

Close the door.

- What are you doing, Grandpa? - Planting seeds.

- What kind of seeds? - Tomato seeds.

Now what are you doing?

Hiding them under the straw where it's warm.

They'll sprout there even in the cold.

One, two, three, four...

Come here by the cornstalks.

Antonio, you go that way, you go that way,

and I'll go this way.

Look in the hayloft.

No, I'll look there!

We'll look under the carts.

There's no one up here.

Don't let them see you.

Squeeze in tighter.

Go look under the straw in the stable.

Mama, Grandpa says to come to the stable.

He said to hurry.

- What's wrong with her? - She's been like this all day.

She won't eat, and she can't stand up.

Blessed Mother! I hope she's not really sick.

All we can do is call the veterinarian.

Teresina, go find Pierino.

Tell him to go get the veterinarian.

Pierino!

Mama says to go get the veterinarian right away!

They're playing hide-and-seek.

Maybe behind the rabbit hutch!

The veterinarian.

Annetta, go tell your mother the veterinarian's here.

Hand me my bag.

Thanks for coming, Doctor.

Anselmo, what's happened to this poor animal?

It looks bad this time.

Was it fun?

Pierino, bring a bucket of fresh water to the stable.

Go in the house.

Does this animal belong to you

or to the landlord?

It's ours, by the grace of God.

I wouldn't call it the grace of God this time.

Blessed Mother, what happened to her?

Listen to me.

If you want the honest truth,

I wouldn't let her live till noon.

Butcher her while there's time.

At least you'll make a little money.

Go in the house.

This is all we need.

You know our situation.

We can barely get by.

Take my advice.

Do as I said while you still have time.

Don't say anything to the children for now.

How much for your trouble, Doctor?

You have enough troubles. You can pay me some other time.

Start cooking the polenta. I'll be back shortly.

Let's put on water for the polenta.

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,

through the mystery of the death of our Lord Jesus.

Lord, don't abandon me now,

now that I'm all alone.

I do what I can. You can see that.

But without your grace, I'll never be able to go on.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

O Lord...

you who died on the cross for our sins...

look not at what we deserve but consider your own goodness...

and make this water that flows beneath the cross of Calvary

wash away all the ills of body and soul.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

My dear Jesus,

forgive all our sins,

even those we commit without knowing.

By the love of your five wounds,

the sorrow of the Virgin Mary,

and all the saints in heaven and all the blessed souls,

grant me this blessing, Lord.

You can't refuse me!

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name...

Come sit and have some polenta

while it's still hot.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name...

Ah, you're home?

Come warm up a bit.

It's cold today, huh?

His feet are all wet.

Let's take off your socks and clogs and get you warm.

It's cold today.

Be careful or you'll get chilblains.

Here, eat.

What did your teacher tell you? - He talked about water.

Water?

He said there are lots of little animals in water.

- Fish? - No, not fish.

Other teeny tiny little animals.

He said there are lots of them

in a drop of water, even drinking water.

Drinking water?

Yes, teeny tiny little animals that you can't see.

If you can't see them, how do they know they're there?

They have a machine that has a thing

that looks in the water.

- Like a doctor's instruments? - Yes.

The things there are to learn about in this world!

Let's go.

- Holy Mary! You scared me. - Why?

- What are you doing here? - I wanted to see you.

We see each other every night when you come to the farmhouse.

It's one thing to see you at the farmhouse

with everyone else around,

and another to see you here alone.

It's still very cold at night.

No, even the water in the ditches isn't freezing anymore.

In two weeks it will be the month of Our Lady.

I wanted to ask you for a kiss.

For these things one must wait for the right time.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Pick those things up!

Can't you see you're standing on them, you lazy good-for-nothing?

You're spilling the milk all over...

you idiot!

Then you do it!

I'll split your head open!

If I catch you, I'll kill you!

Mama, they're killing each other!

I'll kill you...

you worthless son of a bitch!

They're fighting!

Holy Mother of God!

They're killing each other! Stop them!

Get upstairs! You're a disgrace to the family!

Finard, aren't you ashamed?

- I'll kill you! - They're like cats and dogs.

The lazy bastard!

I'll curse him for good!

Never a moment's peace!

Raising his hand to his own father!

A boy who raises his hand to his own father

will be cursed all his life!

Don't say that, Finard.

Curses don't fall on deaf ears.

Stay here, children.

Mama, the cow's on its feet!

Mother of God!

Run and tell Grandpa to come right away.

Grandpa, Mama says

to come to the stable. The cow's on its feet.

Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I thank you.

The sickle cuts the grass

To turn it into hay

The sickle cuts the grass

To turn it into hay

I'll not go out to the country

For the sun will do me harm...

It's Frikì!

Frikì is here, ladies!

Look at this beautiful, first-rate cloth!

Very reasonable prices.

Come and admire these beautiful skirts!

You going to swindle us like last time?

Frikì has never swindled anyone!

I respect women as much as I respect monkeys!

You and your fancy talk!

Ladies, make your husbands look at you that way again.

Look at this top-quality cloth.

Ribbons of every color, buttons, and thread!

I'll give you a good price this year too.

What's inside here?

- This is just right for you. - The color's too light.

Then take that darker cloth. Look at that pretty skirt.

- One like this. - I'll give you a good price.

Look at this apron.

You hear that? It said hello.

- Don't you have one like this? - Let's go around and see.

Highest-quality cloth

to make a blouse or skirt for the Feast of Our Lady.

If you give me a bargain —

They're all bargains!

You couldn't steal them for less!

These are top-quality goods from Paris

and abroad!

Listen to Frikì.

I've been in Africa. I know about monkeys.

They reason better than men do.

Feel this cloth!

All this talk of monkeys

just confuses us so he can cheat us!

How much for this?

Smart girl. You picked out the best!

Give us a bargain. She's getting married.

Ask any bride in these parts

if I didn't give them a good bargain!

Quiet now! Frikì's a rascal!

Come, my sweet brunette

Don't give me that. You and all your stories!

Come and look, ladies!

Come, my sweet brunette

Come out to the country

One day, a group of foolish boys got the idea

to throw stones at the French soldiers

passing through.

Their commander, General Lutrec,

decided to burn the village down as punishment.

In desperation, the people ran to the church

to pray to the Holy Mother,

just as children in danger cry out to their mother.

So the Virgin, our heavenly mother,

mother of us all, performed a miracle.

The Madonna and Child painted on this wall began to cry.

A messenger was sent to tell General Lutrec.

He didn't believe the man, who was a good Catholic.

Lutrec suspected a trick, so he came to look.

But when he saw the Madonna crying,

he fell to his knees

and placed his helmet and sword at her feet in devotion.

Over 350 years have passed,

but that helmet and sword

are still there to remind us

of all the dangers waiting in the world.

We gather here every year

to remember that great miracle

and all the other miracles

that happen everywhere every day

in the lives of men and of all creation.

Dear friends...

we wouldn't be here without miracles.

Miracles are the power man doesn't have,

the power of God's love.

We need that love

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

and the water and light that give us life.

And the only way we can deserve God's love

is by loving our neighbor.

Praised be Jesus Christ.

Almond brittle!

Candies!

Licorice! Jawbreakers!

Get your candy here!

Check your eyesight! Find the right glasses for you.

There's a pair for everyone!

Move it close and then far away.

Wait, let me try.

For practically nothing, bring home something fun for the whole family:

children, the old folks, even your wife when she's upset!

Come on, kids! Today is a big party!

Don't stand there drooling! Have some!

Ladies and gentlemen...

I'd like a volunteer.

Someone step forward,

because I want to demonstrate

what this animal can do!

Come here. Step forward.

Step up here. Take that off.

Not your hat! Take off your jacket.

I want to show the people

the miracle this ointment performs,

this ointment that truly heals all ills.

Give me your hand.

You feel any pain?

Here? What about here? Can you all see?

You have to apply it like this.

Always spread it on like this,

from the bottom to the top.

See the water coming out? That's arthritis.

You have arthritis. Yes, sir!

Everyone together: "This man has arthritis."

What's he doing?

He bet he could eat 36 eggs

and drink ten bootfuls of wine!

He won the bet!

- Mama, Papa is — - Is what?

- He's going straight upstairs. - Good Lord!

Look at you. Can't even climb the stairs.

What's wrong with you?

- They got me drunk! - Is this any way to come home?

It was my friends!

What could I do?

They got me drunk!

Look at the state you come home in.

So what if I'm drunk!

Stop it now!

- Off to bed with you now. - Bed? Why?

Careful, damn it!

- See ya, Buldù. - You boys going home?

You have to stick your belly out and open your mouth.

Is this how you go to Vespers, shameless girl?

You say you're off to church, then you come here to dance!

Sure, laugh! You're all on the brink of hell!

You won't laugh when you're burning

in the flames of hell!

Reprobates!

You have no fear of God!

I'll tell your husband!

Her husband's too old for dancing!

Thank you, folks.

"Your coins and my song make the blues run along."

Thanks, gramps.

Good luck to you all, and good night.

The social order unfortunately always lags behind

the fresh demands of life.

Only when knowledge and progress

are the possession of all

can we finally speak of reaching new heights in civilization.

When greater justice and respect for every citizen's rights

become everyday institutions

and a way of life practiced by all...

when one man no longer enjoys privileges

denied to his neighbors,

only then can we say we've built

a democratic society.

Unfortunately, social progress moves slowly,

hindered by those who fear it

and by the lack of courage and sacrifice of those

who nevertheless invoke it as a human right.

So most people remain passively in the background,

waiting for events to develop in their favor,

while a small band of rebels and innovators

bravely forges a path.

Throughout history...

all great progress has come

from the fervent efforts of an enlightened minority.

Always looking toward the future,

they seem to be dreaming in the present.

But they're not idle dreamers!

They do everything they can

to change all that is mired in the past

and outdated in the human spirit.

Fortunately, this minority,

rich in intellect and nobility of spirit,

never ceases to advance and gather new converts.

And those ideas at first considered dangerous

or utopian or even simply bizarre

are gradually taken up and championed by all.

This is how society takes on new life.

Science, art, industry...

and even politics are transformed.

My friends...

the old social order is becoming outdated

as a new one takes shape on the horizon...

Down, boy! Down!

Go lie down, you mutt!

That's a good girl.

Give me your hoof.

Did you have breakfast? See you later, then.

Coming!

I have a son who wets the bed every morning!

A boy of 15!

It's not my fault. It's an illness.

They'll teach you when you're a soldier.

You'll still be wearing a diaper

when you get married, Mr. Piss Pants!

Run! Hurry!

Batistì!

Come home. The baby's being born!

Let's go.

Come on, girl.

Let's go.

The wolf and the fox climbed through the keyhole.

Inside they found the pails of milk...

and started lapping up the milk.

The clever fox went to see

if she could still fit through the keyhole.

But the wolf kept lapping up the milk.

When the fox saw that she could still fit...

Use the cotton bonnet, not the woolen one.

- Where is it? - On the nightstand.

Lay him here next to his mother.

Did you put a diaper on him? Pull that blanket higher.

- What about these things? - Give them to me.

Another boy.

I bet you're happy about that.

Let's leave them alone for a while.

Batistì...

she should have white bread while she's recovering.

Yes, that would be best.

I'll see to it.

Ladies, I don't know how to thank you.

For what? If we don't help each other...

Listen to him cry.

It's good for his lungs.

Newborns need to cry.

You ladies took a big risk by not calling the midwife.

Babies come into this world by themselves.

They don't need anyone's help.

Do you feel well at least?

Yes, thanks be to God.

Well, another mouth to feed.

Don't worry about that.

Remember what your poor mother used to say?

"When a little angel comes to earth,

God gives him his own bundle."

He's not home yet.

Could something have happened to Minek?

No, Dido, stay back. Leave me alone.

Stay back.

What happened to you?

Minek...

is that you?

Yes, he's home.

Why so late?

He must have dawdled.

Children don't realize when it's getting late.

Come on.

Let's put you by the fire.

The ashes are still nice and warm.

There you go. Warm those frozen little feet.

Let me see that.

How did you break your clog?

Minek, come and see.

You have a new baby brother.

He came home with his feet all wet.

Don't tell her your clog broke.

Not a word.

Come closer.

You see him?

Are you happy you have a little brother?

Here, have some white bread.

You deserve a treat too.

Evening, Maddalena.

Batistì's wife had a little boy.

They named him Giuseppe. - Nice name.

Be good, children.

I'm going out for a moment.

Behave, you hear?

Grandpa, tell us about the gratacornia again.

"The gratacornia, says Zambel,

has no skin and has no shell.

Up the stairs she will creep

at the children for to peep.

She sees all who do not sleep.

At the foot of the bed she waits, I'm told.

Under the covers before you get cold!"

Me too, Grandpa!

"Under the covers before you get cold!"

Quiet now. You'll wake the baby up.

Let's say the rosary now, boys,

to thank the Blessed Mother.

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

O God, come to my assistance. - O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

- Praised be forever... - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

The first sorrowful mystery: the agony in the garden.

While you say the rosary, I'll finish my work.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

Let's hurry now, and don't let anyone see.

This is something only your grandpa does.

The ground is hard on top because in winter it forms a skin.

Why?

To fight off the cold

and not let the warmth underneath get out.

- Is the ground underneath warm? - Of course.

So the seeds won't die.

Run and get the peg on the wheelbarrow.

Peppino!

He's going to work.

When you plant the seedlings,

you always leave some of the soil around their roots.

There.

That's one.

Why plant them all by the wall?

Because the wall holds the heat from the stable inside

and from the sun outside, and tomatoes need heat.

If we don't get a frost,

this year we'll sell our tomatoes in town

two weeks before everyone else.

What will the others say?

They'll stand there gaping with their mouths wide open.

Let's plant another row here.

Olga...

run inside and close the kitchen window

while I bring in the wash.

Get them in the stable.

A storm's coming.

Mama, it's raining!

At midnight, when there wasn't a living soul out and about,

the man left his house

and went to the tomb

of the woman with the jewels

and with a pickax slowly moved the marble slab aside.

He sat on the edge of the grave

and then jumped down inside.

Move over!

The coffin was of polished wood.

He tried to pry it open with his pick,

but the wood creaked and moaned, as if unwilling to open.

So he stood on it

and gave it one great blow — crack! —

and split it apart.

The dead woman

lay there in her veil with her arms crossed.

First he took the tiara from her head.

Then, to take her pearl necklace,

he slipped his hand under her neck and lifted her head.

The rings on one hand came off easily,

but try as he might, he couldn't pull

the larger and more valuable rings off her other hand.

So he took out his knife

and chopped off the hand with all the rings.

No one ever found out he'd done this.

But one night the man went to a great party in a villa

near his village.

On his way home, when he came to a crossroads,

his horse suddenly reared up and wouldn't go on.

Over by the chapel of the Madonna

he saw a woman in black.

"Do you need anything, ma'am?"

She asked if he could take her home.

So he helped her up onto the gig

and started whipping the horse.

But instead of heading for the village,

the horse turned down the road to the cemetery

and stopped right outside the gates.

He kept whipping the horse, but it wouldn't move.

"I'm home," said the lady.

"Please help me down."

The man was beside himself with fright,

but what could he do?

He got down, went around

to help the lady down, and said...

"Give me your hand, ma'am."

The lady stood up and said to him...

"My hand?

You already have it!"

Blessed Mother, you scared me to death!

- You scared the kids. - You know any others?

Damn it!

What happened?

He landed in the cow shit!

Sure you didn't shit your pants?

You can all go to hell!

Grandpa, will this stick work?

Yes, just fine.

- Now what do we do? - Now we sing.

Hit it hard, hit it soft

And we'll drive the winter off

March is on the way and spring has come to stay

Here, use these.

Hit it hard, hit it soft

And we'll drive the winter off

March is on the way

And spring has come to stay

All together now.

Out into the fields! Into the sun!

All together.

I'm coming too!

Where are you going? Leave that here.

Out into the fields! Into the sun!

Attaboy!

Be good now.

Holy Mother of God!

You filthy, thieving bitch!

I'll kill you!

I'll kill you!

Now you've really gone and done it!

Stop! Stop!

That horse has gone mad!

Get it! Stop it!

Get out of here, you ugly beast!

Stop that horse!

You lost my gold coin, you stupid nag!

For the love of God, what's happened?

What happened?

Filthy, thieving beast!

You've really done it this time!

Don't say that!

Thief!

He's lost his mind!

The woman who reads signs is here.

- What happened? - He took a fright.

Did you take a fright?

What fright? I'm angry!

Start by saying some prayers.

By your five wounds, Jesus, have mercy upon us.

Glory to the Father...

Put some water in that glass.

You pray too.

Holy souls in purgatory, pray for us

and we will pray for you...

Worms!

These are worms.

The fright drove them from your flesh

into your belly.

We all have worms, and if we leave them alone,

they stay put.

But if they leave their spot, they crawl around in your belly

and then up into your throat and suffocate you.

What should I do?

I'll tell you:

Run a thread through a clove of garlic seven times.

Then get some of those big furry leaves from the fields

and grind them up.

Add some earthworms with a bit of dirt

and mix it all together into a paste.

Rub that on your belly tonight,

and in the morning you'll be fine.

Because I gave you a kiss

They put me in chains

If I could give you a thousand kisses

I'd gladly suffer the same woe

I'll become a nun

I'll wear black and white

Because I gave you a kiss

What suffering I'll endure!

They bound me

With a thousand chains...

Doesn't this look like an E?

I've been waiting a while. What are they doing up there?

You know women. Just be patient.

Mama, the groom's here.

- Come in for a drink? - No, he's taking communion.

He needs a drink more than anyone!

A drink for you, ma'am?

Thanks, but it's too much trouble getting down.

She's not 20 anymore, like back in the day...

Back up.

The groom's here.

Teresina, go tell the women we're waiting.

We have plenty of time.

Women take forever to get ready!

- Brena says they're waiting. - Tell them to go on ahead.

The bride arrives last. They should wait in church.

I had to walk to the church on my wedding day.

My father needed the cart to bring in the harvest.

He kept us all waiting half an hour!

I was still too early! I should have stayed home!

The Lord punished me. You ladies laugh!

They said the groom should go on ahead.

Of course. The groom's party goes on ahead.

The bride and her father arrive when everyone's in church.

Then we'd better take you along.

- Who should I take? - The bride and her mother.

And the groom mustn't turn to look at the bride

until they're at the altar. It's bad luck.

That's nonsense!

We'll go on ahead.

- Where's the bride's witness? - Where's Batistì?

Here he comes.

He's all dressed up! He looks like a groom.

It seems we were married just yesterday. Right, wife?

Braggart! You have three kids already.

- Because I'm good! - Listen to you!

Let's see if he can do as well.

- We'll see you in church. - I'll be right behind you.

Let's go.

Back up, boy.

Here comes the bride.

She looks so pretty!

Take care, and all the best.

May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob be with you.

And may he fulfill in you his blessing,

that you may see your children's children

unto the third and fourth generation

and afterward possess boundless and everlasting life

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

lives and reigns forever,

world without end.

I too would like to congratulate the newlyweds

and address a few words to all of you.

First of all, there's no cause for gossip

just because these two are marrying early in the morning

and not later in the day, as is the custom.

They have nothing to hide. There's another reason.

They're setting off immediately on a long and dangerous journey

all the way to Milan,

where they'll visit their aunt,

Sister Maria, Mother Superior at Santa Caterina's.

As for the two of you,

stay alert and keep your wits about you,

because people today have strange ideas.

Pray to God and to the Virgin to protect you always.

And above all, try always to love one another.

The love between two people is something money can't buy.

God says not to seek worldly riches

but the blessings of paradise.

And remember that paradise begins with the love

that we show each other here on earth.

Are the ladies comfortable?

Then we'll be going.

Thank you for everything. - It was nothing.

- We'll have a glass to celebrate. - Make it two!

Good-bye, and thank you.

Good-bye, ladies. Best wishes to the bride.

- Where are they going? - Milan.

By boat. They'll be there in an hour or so.

Newlyweds!

Best wishes!

- Cheer up, you two! - They are happy!

We're here. Everyone off.

Ladies, I'll help you.

Come with me.

I know where to go.

Where do we catch the boat, please?

The landing is a bit further down.

- Where do we pay? - On the boat.

Thank you.

It should be here by now.

All the way down. I was here once before.

Let's hurry.

There's no rush.

- Where do we pay? - On the boat.

Here it comes!

- Is it here? - Yes, it's coming.

Don't fall in.

It's coming.

- Here it comes! - Let's go.

Here it comes.

- Toss the chain here! - The water's calm this morning.

Let's hope the weather doesn't change.

Catch!

Take care.

- Anything to unload? - No.

- Catch! - Got it!

Step back, please.

We have to put the gangplank in place.

Excuse us. The goods get loaded first.

All together.

All right, come up.

Good thing it's not many people.

It's a quiet day.

We're lucky it's a nice day.

There are still two containers of olive oil to load. Be careful.

Go on, folks.

Go on.

Let's sit there.

I'll take your suitcase, ma'am.

Very kind of you. Come, children.

Thanks so much. - Not at all.

Let's sit there.

Did you look before you sat down?

Watch your fingers.

Watch your heads!

- How's that side? - Fine.

It's really moving now!

It's noon.

Would you like some, Father?

Thank you very much.

It's nothing fancy.

Here, and don't get crumbs all over.

A bit of wine, Father?

Thank you.

An orange?

The crumbs go to the fish.

They're hungry too. - Are you a fisherman?

- Can you tell? - Only they feed the fish.

It's the smart thing to do.

A bit of bread can bring in a basket of fish.

But you have to be smart about it.

There are more fools with fishing poles

than there are fish in the water.

Mama, look!

- There's smoke over there! - Where?

- Looks like a fire. - Dear God!

- No, they're burning something. - No, it's a fire.

Must be a bonfire of some type.

No, with all that smoke,

it could be a barn roof burning,

unless it's soldiers fighting demonstrators again.

It's possible.

The other day, two farmhouses burned down in a clash

between soldiers and demonstrators.

Dear Lord, how terrible!

Poor people.

What's the world coming to? There's no respect for others.

Be careful! You're getting your pants all wrinkled.

- What do I do? - Hold the bag and be careful.

- The weather stayed nice. - Push with that pole!

I am!

Throw it!

Got it! Give me some slack.

That's good.

Careful! Stay back.

Lemonade!

Stewed pears! Who wants stewed pears?

Miss, these pears are sweet as honey.

Young man, impress the young lady.

Stewed pears. Who wants pears?

Bread, fresh from the oven!

- The street's blocked off. - For God's sake!

The soldiers have blocked off the street.

You have to go around.

- Look! - Dear God!

- They're firing! - Oh, my God!

Cannons!

- Must have been a demonstration. - The bells of San Carlo!

This is it.

Must be over there where the bell is.

- Yes? - Hello.

I'm Sister Maria's niece.

She's my mother's sister.

Come in.

Come in and make yourselves comfortable.

I'll go call Sister Maria.

It's been an awful day.

These are difficult times!

Are you Maddalena?

I'm your aunt, Sister Maria.

How are you?

Is this your husband?

Congratulations to both of you.

I'm very happy to see you.

You must be tired. Come.

I'm sure you're hungry too after your long trip.

How are things at home? And my dear sister?

How I'd love to see her!

It's been years.

When were you married? - Early this morning.

This morning?

How good of you to come see me so soon!

We'll celebrate tonight with the other sisters

and all the children we have here with us.

We have lots, you know?

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bless us, Lord, and the food you have given us. Amen.

They're all angels from heaven.

They make our world inside these walls

so much more beautiful.

We prepared a room for you as best we could.

We've never had newlyweds stay before.

We're delighted at your blessed union.

Marriage is a holy sacrament.

May you always be worthy

of the blessings of God who brought you together.

So many houses.

Good morning.

His name is Giovanni Battista.

He just turned one...

and he's healthy as a horse.

Isn't that right, Giovanni Battista?

All he needs to be truly happy are real parents.

A real mother and father.

Even this young he can be of help to his family,

because he receives a stipend:

a decent provision of clothing

and a bit of money

that our convent would send along twice a year,

at the Feast of the Holy Cross and the Feast of San Carlo.

For a poor family,

that can be a true gift of providence.

We must help each other in this world.

He can be of help to you,

and you can be of great help to him.

He's just learned to take his first steps.

Hold out your arms

and he'll come to you.

This is the book they sent along with the baby.

Listen.

"This charitable institution finds homes for foundlings...

both those still nursing

and those beyond nursing age.

Besides the kindness of the families taking them in,

these children receive the following stipend:

Upon consignment of the child,

they'll receive this booklet and one lira per eight miles traveled,

as well as linens and clothing

and a sum of money according to the child's age.

This institution will provide the prescribed stipend

through the end of the child's 15th year,

beyond which time the child may continue with the family

but no longer at this institution's expense."

He has such fine features.

He could be a rich man's son.

From now on, he's just a peasant's son.

The most important thing is to love him.

He'll be just as happy.

Giddyap.

Come, Bettina. Let's go see our tomatoes.

Yes: one, two, three, four.

Look how beautiful they are. Go pick some.

Pick that one.

When we go into town,

they'll look at our tomatoes and say...

"What beautiful tomatoes!"

Get those two over there.

Look how nice and big they are.

See how beautiful?

That one too.

- This one? - Yes, that's a nice one.

- And this one? - That one's good too.

Look how beautiful!

You missed a beauty there.

Get that one.

We'll have so many to take into town in the morning!

Remember how tiny they were when we planted them?

Just look at these beautiful tomatoes now!

What are you doing there?

Cutting some grass for the rabbits.

Didn't happen to cut something else, did you?

Who cut down that tree?

I know nothing about it.

Someone had to cut it down.

Well?

Are those tomatoes, by any chance?

They're not cherries!

- It's not the season yet. - My garden's a month ahead.

- Where did you grow 'em? - Under my bed!

See how everyone's looking at our tomatoes?

- Hello, Giustì. - Hello, Bice.

Anselmo!

What tomatoes! Nice and ripe too!

- Those are real beauties! - They sure are.

Tomatoes already? They look so nice.

- Grown locally? - You bet!

I wait for him and his basket every year.

Let's go weigh out a good bunch.

Old Anselmo is always the first to bring in tomatoes.

I'll take some, if they're not all spoken for.

No, there are plenty!

I always make sure.

With so many buyers, they always go quickly.

Has something bad happened?

The landlord's evicting Batistì.

He has to leave his rooms by tomorrow morning

and take his wife and children elsewhere.

How can this be?

They said he cut down a tree along the ditch

to make clogs for his son Minek.

That's taking the bread right out of their mouths.

It's a harsh punishment.

And to think they have a newborn.

The foreman's here.

Back up.

He's here to take back the landlord's cow and calf.

Poor people. They have nothing now.

Come on, you lazy nag!

I'll put the spoon away.

Just wait.

Let's say a rosary for those poor people.

O God, come to my assistance. - O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The first glorious mystery: Our Lord Jesus's resurrection.

Our Father, who art in heaven...

Come away from there. It's not nice to stare.

Our thanks to the towns of Martinengo and Palosco for their kind collaboration.