Original subtitles

You think you caught me sleeping?

No one in the village sleeps during the day...

except once in a while in church on Sundays.

This is a normal village, just like any village anywhere...

only it's in Sicily.

My people live simply.

Work hard, they plant seeds when they should.

And, they grow as they should.

And it follows that in due time...

we harvest our crops, and our babies.

Crops and babies, a normal village.

That is, this was a normal village...

but not since the trouble came.

Jessica, the new midwife.

A bit of fluff, a lock of hair, a fleeting smile...

a wisp of a girl, a wisp of an American girl.

One of nature's more formidable accidents.

What has she done to my people?

She has reshaped the course of business.

Be still, darling.

She has hopelessly tangled communications.

My sister's best teapot.

- Peppi, have you seen my teapot? - No.

Because of her, property owners...

are denied their lawful rights.

She has cause a downward curve in our farm programme.

Of all the husbands, there's only one you can point to with pride...

the Mayor of the village...

but then, as has been said, to fast...

when you're not hungry, what is it?

Meanwhile every other husband is dreaming of a banquet.

Lord, we're in trouble.

Hello Father!

I'll talk to you later.

Hello Jessica!

Where are you going?

Signora Risino, my first confinement on my own.

Your first test.

Everyone in the village will be watching to see how you do.

Does that worry you?

I'm a good nurse.

Yes, it's not as a nurse that they'll judge you.

Yes, I know. Jessica Brown Visconti, girl midwife.

A most unusual midwife.

Because I'm an American?

Not at all, I'm not Sicilian, and they've accepted me as their own.

But, there are other things in you, unusual in a midwife.

Jessica, do you mind? Why did you come here?

I don't know Father.

It's alright, You don't have to tell me.

No, I really don't know.

You see, all my life I've been making plans.

As a student nurse I planned to be head nurse.

Then one day in the corridor of the Passavant Hospital in Chicago...

I met a young medical student, Carlo Visconti...

so I had to make new plans.

We were married in his mother's home in Palermo.

Everything went as planned, the wedding, reception...

setting off on our honeymoon, The only thing we didn't plan...

was a tree on the road and Carlo was driving too fast.

He died, and I came out of it without a scratch.

After that, I didn't make anymore plans.

So, when your letter came to the hospital...

well, here I am.

That's Priscilla, they told me about her.

"Priscilla, to Father Antonio in gratitude for his help...

from the boys of the 3rd company, 5th Army, USA ".

Your American boys...

are so generous, so enthusiastic...

and our girls were so pretty.

Oh well, that was then.

Have you thought of marrying again?

Of course, Father, but I've been too busy.

Let's see, what single men have we?

There's Peppi Torriello, the Messagero Municipale...

who owns the wine shop with his sister...

You mean the teapot?

You know him?

You're right, he won't do at all.

Now there's, Edmondo Ramo...

Who?

The Marchese, No, he's not right.

He's not like his father. He's all wrong.

Really? Why, Father

Then there's... Gianni!

Hello, Father.

How are you?

I'm well, Gianni. This is Gianni Cruppi.

Signora Visconti.

Did you say signora?

I did. Signora Visconti is our new American midwife.

Midwife? You? To take care of other people's babies?

What a waste.

I hope your trip was a success, Gianni.

You've been gone what, two weeks? A long time.

Too long.

Nicolina must think so too, she must be waiting...

Nicolina.

Gianni!

Signora Risino must be wondering where I am.

It's going to be a lucky baby.

The first face it sees will be yours.

It might not be if I don't hurry.

If it's a boy, he'll wait.

Jessica, one more thing.

Gianni is very fortunate...

He'll inherit all the Lombardo farmland one day...

Old Maria Lombardo thinks of him as a grandson.

In fact, he's going to marry her granddaughter Nicolina...

in a few weeks.

Nicolina, the gentle, pretty girl.

Yes, with a strong, big grandmother.

Don't worry, I'm not that lonely, I won't cause trouble.

My child, you are trouble.

Mama, Mama!

Yes, dear. Father, pray for me.

I will.

Ever since you came I've been praying, for everybody.

Gianni!

Nicolina!

Hi Gianni. Rosario.

Gianni, where have you been?

Having fun.

Gianni! I've missed you so.

What took you so long?

I was bringing to terms the sharpest olive dealer in Messina.

Did you get him?

When I finished, even your stiff grandmother will be pleased.

Gianni.

Gianni, don't.

Why not?

Someone will hear.

Then don't struggle.

I meant, what took you so long on the road?

I saw you talking with Father Antonio and Jessica.

Who?

Signora Visconti, The American girl.

Isn't she pretty?

I didn't notice.

You didn't...

Why should I? A married woman?

She's not married. She's a widow.

Really? And her name is Jessica...

Gianni, what are you thinking?

I was just wondering how she must feel.

Who?

Jessica, the midwife.

To have known a man's love, his arms around her...

his mouth on hers, then not have it anymore.

She never had it.

Her husband was killed on their wedding day.

Oh, a virgin.

Signora Lombardo we came about the midwife.

You told us we should go and watch...

I mean, help the midwife.

Signora Risino is in labour.

Signora Risino, not yet, nothing to worry about.

I hope you won't bother her?

Thank you, this is not the time for a husband.

Later after the baby comes, yes. Now, it's your wife's time and mine.

Go back to work.

I'm hungry.

You know better, you'll be in the way. Go back to work.

Why not?

It's just a scratch. Go back.

I want to see my wife.

Alright. Go ahead.

Holy Mother. What are you doing here?

- I came to see you... - What for?

- The baby. - What's the matter?

You think I don't know how to have a baby?

Who do you think had the others? You? Signora Visconti!

Tell him to leave.

Does it hurt?

"Does it hurt?" Throw him out.

Come.

Leaving his work in the first place, He's never done it before.

Why this time?

Signora, I want to tell you something?

Now go, shoo, shoo...

and don't come back.

I'll send one of the children to let you know, now go.

We can't blame her. She pushed him out.

Yes, but did she have to?

We're here to judge her as a midwife.

What if she's good?

She won't be, she doesn't have to be.

Would you work in the bakery if you were as pretty as the midwife?

She washed their faces.

- So neat. - No dust.

Smells good.

Already? She usually takes days.

We came to help. She had no trouble?

None.

She always did before, with the old midwife.

Filipella always has trouble, her hips are so narrow.

You love babies?

I'll love my great grandchild.

I'll love the baby of my granddaughter Nicolina and Gianni.

I love them all. They're so wise.

They come into the world knowing where food is.

Thank you for wanting to help.

Well, Signora?

I was wrong.

Do you think she's good?

Worse.

Worse?

She's good, honest and loves her work.

She's impossible.

How did it go?

Fine.

Anything go wrong?

No, everything went beautifully.

That's what I heard.

We've other things wrong in the village this morning.

Let me take that. Heavy, isn't it?

You must be so tired.

You were smart to grab me away from the others...

who wanted my services as a housekeeper.

You gave Maria Lombardo and the others a shock.

I heard all about it.

How could you hear?

When you're as deaf as I am, you make an effort.

I knew there was something, old Cruppi has got blood poisoning.

Who?

Old Cruppi, the gardener up at the chateau.

He's Gianni's uncle, the boy who's going to marry Nicolina.

You met Gianni?

That boy, Gianni. If I were only 55 again...

What about the uncle?

He's cut his hand.

Gianni asked if you can have a look, but don't do it.

Can you reach the cups?

Blood poisoning or not, Cruppi's an old grouch.

The coffee.

He hates doctors, probably, hates midwifes even worse.

Won't pay his bills, won't even die.

He's so mean.

There.

I better go up to the castle to see him.

He'll throw you out, for your pains!

Signor Cruppi?

That's right.

Hello, I'm Jessica Visconti.

That so?

The new midwife.

There must be a mistake, I'm not having a baby.

A pity. However, I came about something else.

Your nephew, Gianni...

My nephew is an idiot.

That may be, he asked me to see your hand.

It's already been seen to by me.

Please, won't you let me?

No! I won't let you, and that's that.

Are you afraid of a bill? Are you that stingy?

Yes I am, yes.

Are you afraid I'll hurt you?

That's right. I'm afraid of that too. Now, please leave me alone. Go.

Alright. I'm sorry to have bothered you.

Signor Cruppi, aren't you supposed to be the best gardener around here?

I'm the best gardener anywhere.

Really?

Why?

Putting all those tulips and wallflowers in the same bed...

and mixing all those colours.

What's wrong with it?

It clashes.

Clashes! Come back here and look at that.

Do you know what they say about my borders?

The richest in the whole of Sicily.

Those borders are every colour of the rainbow.

I've has tulips as red as a drunkard's nose...

with iris as yellow as the sun beside them...

red and white geraniums and blue lobelias. All in the same border.

That can't be a garden you're talking about, sounds more like a jungle.

Jungle? A jungle is the most beautiful garden.

Beautiful to the eye and to the heart.

There's the bee to think of to.

He uses flowers as food, and he likes variety in his diet...

just like the rest of us, just as we do.

To begin with, buttercups. Main dish, chrysanthemums...

for dessert, azaleas. I plant my garden...

more for bees than for people.

They're a lot less ungrateful...

and God knows they're more intelligent.

It's only infected, nothing serious, but don't use if for a few days.

You tricked me.

Yes.

I'm not a doctor, but you don't look...

like a well man.

I'm not.

But, then, would you?

I would not.

I suppose you expect to be paid for this.

Certainly.

How much?

To be allowed to come back to see your garden.

It's too much.

Then consider the account paid.

However, if you happen to be passing by...

you can come in, I'm here every day.

Thank you. I'd love to.

Goodbye Signor!

- Rosario, how does it look? - Sweet.

If the bride gets a look at the groom, she may change her mind.

Her dress is crooked.

Why bother? The dress will be in shreds by the end of the night.

Really? Why?

Because men are so nervous, Virginia.

About what?

Jessica, I need you. Over here.

What do you think of this?

Nicolina, Are you home?

In the bedroom, upstairs, Jessica.

You did come.

We're all in here.

I can't stay, but I had to give you this.

How wonderful you look. Yours?

Yes.

It's beautiful, the way you're beautiful.

Jessica.

I want you to have it. My husband gave it to me to carry to my wedding.

I'll be happy to carry it to mine. Thank you, Jessica.

You hold your husband's memory lightly, to give such gifts away.

Does it dishonour the dead to believe in the living?

Of course not.

We've customs about accepting gifts from strangers.

We can't accept yours.

But Jessica is my friend.

Yes, I'm your friend, but I'm also a stranger.

Your grandmother knows I didn't mean to intrude...

just as I know, she didn't mean to offend.

Take the gift.

Goodbye, Nicolina.

Goodbye and thank you.

Why did you give in?

I've changed my mind.

Are you beginning to like her?

I'm beginning to hate her.

Because she puts you in the wrong?

Come, we haven't all day. Who has the pins?

Here she is again!

Don't let her get away!

Pour some wine. You have to toast the bridegroom.

- A toast to the groom. - A toast.

And a kiss to the groom.

What are you afraid of?

Signora Lombardo, You should see this.

Think of him as one of your babies, a boy baby.

She was right to be afraid.

Aren't you a little early, my children?

Your wedding isn't till...

Jessica!

I was congratulating the groom. His friends insisted.

Father, I'm about to give up my freedom forever.

Will you have some wine with us?

No, no.

I have to make final arrangements for the wedding.

Then, I've an appointment up at the castle.

Another time. Meanwhile, have fun...

not to much.

We will.

Goodbye, Father.

Don't forget I'm picking you up for the wedding.

I'll wait, Rosario.

- Goodbye, Jessica. - Goodbye.

Don't forget, I'll pick you up.

Good morning, Anna Maria.

Good morning, Father.

Is the Marchese in?

He's off in the woods, with his dogs.

I'll wander out, perhaps I'll see him.

Father, don't ask him for any favours today.

He's in one of his mean streaks.

- Who said so? - How did you get here?

- Through the back, why? - Excuse me, sir...

Alright, get out. I mean get in.

Hello Father, want to take a walk? I need to speak to Cruppi.

Alright.

Why the honour? Need another donation to your church?

Yes, I do.

How much this time? Or am I being too crass?

Not at all. In fact, I brought a list.

If I recall, I said no to everything in your last list.

Yes, I remember.

Item one, Old Bugianni died last month.

His widow cries, because she can't afford a headstone.

What good is a headstone to a dead man? No. Next.

You must go to the wedding of Nicolina and Gianni.

You know I never go to church. The answer is no.

I'll not go to the wedding. What's next?

The mortgage for old Vantorte's farm.

Yes.

A wooden leg for old Spani.

Yes.

Maria Lombardo is the Matriarch of Forza d'Agro. You owe it to her.

What won't he do now, Father?

He won't go to the wedding of your nephew and Nicolina.

Of course not, he's afraid it might make somebody happy.

It's odd to think he looks so much like his father.

I'm not my father.

And yet, you were like him once.

Was I? I forget.

I must be off. See what you can do with him.

Why me?

Because you're an obstinate old man and he's getting like you.

You're right, one like me is enough.

They don't pick themselves up for me. The way they use to.

My boy...

in all the years I've tried to be your friend...

I've never given you advice...

but now, open your windows to the light...

unlock the doors, step out.

You think I shouldn't sit in the dark...

just because a group of cowards, calling themselves fascists...

dragged my wife into the night and shot her.

That was a terrible thing, forget it.

You're right. I must remember that.

- Anything else I can do for you? - Yes.

- You can go to that wedding. - Alright.

On one condition. That you go, too.

- Me? - Or I won't.

- Jessica. - Jessica.

The way she rides that Vespa, it's vulgar.

- She smiles all the time. - She has that sweet voice.

- The way she walks. - Her body.

Beg your pardon, Father. Her shape.

- Her legs alone are a sin. - The sin is yours.

- You're all jealous. - Me? Where did you get such an idea?

Alright now, enough.

Excuse us, Father.

Now, my daughters, it's time we had a talk.

You're all upset because of Jessica.

She's making you very unhappy.

You want to get rid of her. I don't blame you.

Obviously she's a terrible midwife.

No, she was wonderful.

Well, she was.

Perhaps, that was an accident.

There've been other babies? She must have been terrible.

No she was not, she was good.

Then, you want to get rid of her...

because she makes eyes with all the men.

She uses her smile.

Her sweet voice...

her shape in a sinful manner.

No, she doesn't do any of that.

No?

No.

Then, it's the men who make eyes at her.

Yes.

They withhold their attentions from you.

No, they don't. I don't know about the rest...

but for me it's more attention than ever.

But, what's wrong?

- I'm so tired. - Not only that.

Every time he gets next to me, he's thinking of her.

- How can you tell? - They close their eyes, Virginia.

Oh, my goodness.

If the situation is this painful, then you must tell...

Jessica to leave...

but you must tell her and your husbands why.

Then we can do nothing.

Excuse me, I was thinking of something funny...

A story Tuffi told me. It's a story called "Lisistrata"...

about a group of women who lived a long time ago.

Their husbands kept going off to wars...

and they didn't want them to.

They decided to deny themselves to their husbands.

Pretty soon, the husbands stayed home.

The women denied themselves? This couldn't happen here.

- In Sicily, never. - This happened in Greece.

They had a strike, a kind of sit up strike.

It's a wonderful idea. Don't you see?

Deny yourselves, no babies. No babies, no midwife.

It solves the problem. It's perfect.

We must all stand together.

- We'd put it to a vote. - Yes, a vote!

Bring them back to their senses.

But I'm on their side.

Have you so little trust in Gianni Cruppi?

This girl, Jessica, she's a fire...

she's burning the heart of every man.

It's not her fault. Why must she be punished?

She's not. You don't kick the fire that burns your house...

you just put it out.

It's against nature.

Nature will survive.

It's a sin, a denial of life.

Not life, self. It's self-denial.

Which makes it a virtue.

Maria, these are just words. You know it.

You also know, as do all of you, a wife...

has no moral right to deny her husband.

Therefore, there's nothing more, to be said. But you'll say it.

I'm older than you, I regret I've led you astray, but...

I can't wait until Musodino starts whining.

If I say yes, it means no more babies?

- That's right, no more babies. - And no more?

- No more. - But it's Saturday...

- Lucia... - Alright, I vote yes.

And will Nicolina be with us?

I vote yes, and her answer will be yes.

Strike!

All the women called a strike today.

Strike? That's interesting. Against what? 01:35:47:06,01:35:50:00,-Against sex. - Hm?

Never mind.

Gianni isn't to make love to me at all?

Only for a time.

You'll be together.

There's a great deal more to marriage than physical love.

That's something you'll learn later to enjoy more fully.

There's many years ahead of you, Nicolina.

If Gianni loves you, he'll wait.

But I'm ready now.

I ask this of you now, Nicolina!

It'll even be more difficult for Gianni.

It's good for a young man to learn self control, it'll do him good.

Now, will you promise me this?

I'll attempt it, grandmother.

The attempt of a Lombardo, is better than the accomplishment of others.

As long as you're under my roof you'll keep your promise.

You may find me wiser than you think.

While Gianni is dreaming of possessing his wife...

he has little time to dream of anyone else.

Many wives have discovered that.

But there's no one else to dream about.

I wouldn't be so sure.

That's another discovery wives have made.

Grandmother.

Are you thinking about Jessica? I know she's beautiful...

but Gianni wouldn't, he loves me.

Love, love is for Sundays.

No matter how much in love a man might be...

he still scratches an itch.

You've got a lot to learn and time to learn it.

But, for now, promise me this.

Yes, I guess.

That's good, it's very good.

Open the door! Where am I going to sleep?

I don't care. Take your cough and go sleep in the oven.

Why did I wait till now? Why didn't I think of this before?

This is not the first time it happened.

It happened a long time ago in Greece.

- A story called Lisistrata. - Come to bed.

Their husbands kept going off to war so the women decided...

to have a strike, pretty soon...

Filippo!

My children.

No, that's the Marchese's chair.

What?

You can't sit there, it's the Marchese's chair.

There has been a promise of marriage...

between Gianni Cruppi and Nicolina Lombardo...

both of this parish, to take place this coming Saturday...

This is the second publication of the banns.

My sermon today is inspired by the Epistle...

of St Paul to the Ephesians. Chapter five.

"Let women be subjects to their husbands as to the Lord.

Because the husband is the head of the wife...

so also let the wives be the subject to their husbands...

in all things. "

Father Antonio was great.

- But I tried, see? - You must try harder.

Tonight when he climbs into bed, I'm behind you all the way.

He did nothing but talk of you.

This is the first time, in 30 years...

my uncle said anything good about anybody. He's a mean old man.

No, he's a wise old man.

Good morning.

How are my children?

Come on everybody. March.

Antonio!

You look well, Signora Lombardo. What's worrying you?

Nothing, nothing.

And you, my dear, look like an girl of 18.

Really?

Nicolina, your wedding comes closer. I'm so happy for you.

Thank you, Jessica.

Nicolina! Gianni! Come.

Goodbye, Jessica. Come.

Goodbye.

- Drink. - I don't want to get drunk.

I don't want to get drunk, I...

It's a proud day, Father.

I only wish my Roberto had lived to see it.

Your Roberto would've out-drunk them all.

Yes, out-drunk, out-shouted and out-loved.

Come on, let's dance.

It's alright, they're not married.

It's Edmondo.

Good evening.

Why, you came!

Good evening, Father.

What a pleasant surprise.

How could I miss the marriage of my goddaughter...

with the nephew of my old friend Cruppi.

By the way, where's old Cruppi?

He has a small errand, but he'll be along.

He'd better.

Signora...

will you have a glass of wine with me?

Of course.

Just look at my wife.

You're jealous, Luigi?

Jealous? Not at all.

Had the American been here...

Nunzia would have been on the sidelines.

When I left, Jessica was dressing to come...

waiting for that.

He was supposed to pick her up.

Signor Cruppi, but I... Where's Rosario?

Drunk if he has any sense.

Aren't you ready yet?

Is that for me?

Of course, it's for you.

Then, you can have this.

Okay?

You'll catch a cold. Come on.

Wait a minute.

For you.

And, so I won't catch a cold.

This is how we do it.

We go.

My children, I've no words of wisdom for you, no warning...

not even a wedding gift, only a wish.

It is better to love...

it is better if you would.

It is better than be loved...

than be loved, if you could.

To be ever in love...

it is better if you do.

It is better to give love...

than have love given to you.

For the gift of love comes with giving.

And you'll have a life full of living.

It is better to love.

It is better if you could.

It is better than be loved...

than be loved, if you just would.

It is better to love.

It is better if you could.

It is better than be loved...

than be loved, if you would.

To be ever in love...

it is better if you could.

It is better to give love than have love given to you.

For the gift of love comes in giving.

And have a life full of living.

It is better to love...

It is better if you could.

Look at my old friend Cruppi.

Never mind. Come on.

I told Rosario not to bring her.

I know, Rosario told me.

How did old Cruppi know?

In a village everybody knows everything.

I've never seen her before. Does she belong here?

That, my boy, is quite a question.

My Roberto always said it wasn't a good wedding without a fight...

but I don't like it.

What do you expect of a village that sleeps with a volcano for a pillow?

- Guess what? - What?

More wine, Jessica?

Should I?

It's up to you.

Then, I won't. How did you know my name?

Father Antonio told me all about you.

I'll take the wine. What did he tell you?

Every man in the village wants you.

That.

But he didn't tell me which man you want.

I don't want any of them.

You mean to tell me not one of those tanned...

muscular young fellows has caught your eye?

Being young isn't that good, it's better when you're older.

Yes.

I mean you've got that grey around.

Your mind's better when it's older, or it ought to be.

And your feeling are finer.

Then I'm the one you want. Why else bring me to the garden?

- Whenever you're ready, my dear. - Are you tired?

A little, if you'd rather stay.

I was just marking time, waiting for you.

- Thank you, Pasquale. - Antonio.

Yes, of course.

I love wine.

Alright, your name is Giuseppe...

you own fishing boats in Taormina...

in the morning, you're going off with your fishing fleet...

and won't be back for several weeks.

What else about you?

Nothing, except that I'm a lucky man.

Because you're going away?

Because I met you tonight.

Are you sure you're a fisherman?

Of course, why not?

I don't know, it sounds...

it sounds dull, I don't know.

You know, if you know what I mean.

Fishing, dull?

You mean it's exciting?

If you go after a game fish, a fighting fish...

a fish worth taking, yes, it's exciting.

It's not a rich man or a poor man...

who catches the fish, it's the lucky man who knows how to wait.

That's so cruel.

Cruel? It's the fish that comes to the hook...

the hook doesn't seek the fish.

But the fish hasn't got a chance.

What does a fish need a chance for?

If I don't take it, what would it do with its life?

Poor fish.

What?

Never mind.

I almost forgot.

Are you married?

No.

Engaged?

No.

Mistress?

No.

Then nobody's going to get hurt.

Luigi it's late, close the shutters and come to bed.

That's why the wives were urging the husbands to get drunk.

- So they wouldn't be able to "oho". - That's right.

It's going to be "oho" every night, for months.

- You too, Nunzia? - Me too, what?

Are you part of this conspiracy?

- Certainly, I'm a woman, am I not? - You certainly are.

- What are you looking at? - A woman.

- A most desirable woman. - Who?

You, Nunzia.

Luigi!

You've taken on the delicious savour of forbidden fruit.

- I think you've gone mad. - A Rubicon has been crossed...

a drawbridge raised, I must confess I find you at this moment...

extremely desirable.

Whether it's the moonlight, something has been done to me.

There's this deliberate challenge to me as a man.

- I can't explain. - There's no need to explain.

Nicolina...

Grandmother will hear us.

You'll hear nothing that she doesn't expect.

But she will, she will.

Gianni, not now.

Why not?

I'm sleepy.

You've never been less sleepy.

We must talk, reasonably...

intelligently, like two sensible people...

Oh, Gianni...

No, we can't.

Don't fight, little one, I love you.

Yes, I promised grandmother not under her roof.

Nicolina, let me tell you something...

All girls are afraid at first, afterwards they like it very much.

Trust me, don't be afraid.

Afraid? Who's afraid?

I've an idea. Let's go to the orchard.

The orchard? Now?

You want to leave a warm bed for a cold orchard?

Yes, please Gianni, please.

I want our first night to be under the stars...

and moon, on the soft grass.

You want to sleep in the orchard?

Then, that's what will do.

Your shoes.

Come, crazy one. Hurry up.

Gianni.

My hand looks no different.

Did you think it would?

The trees are no different.

The sun's no different. Nothing's different. Only me.

Gianni, I'll never be the same again.

Finally, the bride and the bridegroom left.

That bridegroom with eyes like slow burning fires.

The girl's lucky.

The boy's a prize.

Jessica! Do you have to be so noisy?

Those feathers crashing together.

You had the best of it last night. Vino and amore.

Me, I only had vino...

when I saw you walking out with the Marchese...

You mean Giuseppe?

Who's Giuseppe?

The tallest, most handsome, the one with the eyes...

and a cruel mouth...

that isn't cruel at all...

The one I'm saying, who led you into the garden.

The Marchese Edmondo, from the chateau up there.

Giuseppe is the Marchese?

There are girls all over Sicily looking for him.

But not here, never with a girl from here before.

I suppose he broke his rule for you, because you're a stranger.

Mamma Parigi, are you sure the man...

you saw me with last night was?

The Marchese? Of course, I'm sure.

When it comes to a man, I've still got the eye.

There was something going on last night.

The husbands all drunk and the wives all happy.

The women are up to something and it's against you.

It's about to explode.

I can hardly wait.

You won't have to.

Why didn't you tell me it was a strike against me?

It would've upset you.

Why didn't you stop them?

These women are fighting for important things...

their husbands and their homes. I couldn't stop them.

You think they're right to do this?

They're right to fight for their homes.

Why? What wrong have I done?

You're here. My child, you're the occasion of sin...

a temptation to their husbands a torment to their wives.

No married man has touched me.

No, but you're in their dreams.

And that's what the wives can't forgive.

What if I want to stay?

You're right too.

Then, what do I do?

That's something no one can tell you. It's up to you.

Yes, of course.

Thank you, Father.

Why didn't you tell me it was a strike?

Doesn't make a difference. You kept your promise?

Yes.

I hope you're not sorry.

Of course not.

You'd better take that grass out of your hair.

Anything else?

Yes, some brown yarn.

His socks are full of holes.

She begins early.

She looks tired. Didn't you sleep well?

I slept beautifully, the night was short, as you know.

As we all know.

I'll say! You should see him.

I fail to see the humour.

Have you any idea of what you've done?

Do you think it's funny...

she has betrayed us, sabotaged us, humiliated us?

Us, Virginia?

Why not us?

I haven't had to lock my bedroom door lately.

Go ahead and laugh, if it wasn't for me...

some of you would be crying now.

I was the one who saw the danger of this Jezebel, this American.

The first to see her evil plan.

The first to see that she was going to use her devil inspired body...

to steal every man in the village.

Good morning, ladies.

Father Antonio told me about your strike...

and I was going to leave. That was before I heard you.

"My devil inspired body. " What quaint words you use...

for your dirty thoughts. As for stealing your men...

I'm innocent, and you know it.

You tried to get rid of me because I might be trouble.

Ladies, you don't know what trouble is.

Such insolence!

Che bella Jessica.

Che divina bambina.

In all the world no replica...

of Jessica, of Jessica.

When Jessica comes into town...

that little town is turned around...

and everything is upside down with Jessica around.

For Jessica, has laughing eyes...

her tantalising hair.

For Jessica, ender lips... 02:17:52:14,02:17:55:00,and honey coloured

The baker cannot bake his cake.

The farmer leans upon his rake.

They're feeling so romantica for Jessica.

For Jessica, che bella Jessica.

Che divina bambina.

They're feeling so romantica because of Jessica.

La bella Jessica. Che bella Jessica.

Voila.

Ecola.

ILord, I must confess to it...

I must have made a mess of it...

can't be the fault of thee.

So, it must be the fault of me.

The ladies in the town are right...

the gentlemen are down right, right.

And Jessica is also right.

But everything is wrong.

My little town is turned around...

My quite little town...

My little town is upside down...

with Jessica around.

The ladies in the town are right...

the gentlemen are down right, right.

And Jessica is also right.

But everything is wrong.

I cannot blame the men.

I cannot blame the men.

Amen.

Perfect. Perfect specimen.

Exquisite proportions. The legs, perfect.

The body faintly mottled.

I waited a long time for this. Good afternoon, Jessica.

I've never seen anything so perfect, and I've seen quite a few.

Wait a minute...

You can't always tell the male from the female...

but I don't have a doubt this time...

A real hairy old grandfather.

What?

A spider.

Where?

It's gone now.

Are you interested in spiders?

No, I'm not, but I'm glad to hear you are.

It's my life's work, I'm writing a book.

About spiders?

Their qualities, their patience, their cunning...

the infinite delicacy of their handy work.

Consider, Madame, a web.

A dangerous weapon of infinite beauty and grace.

I could spend my whole life with them.

- He's coming. - Ladies.

No, I must not be disturbed...

I must be alone, to recapture this afternoon's experience.

It was unique, it was, staggering.

Well?

- Poor thing. - Too bad.

- The American girl? - Naked as a grape.

A spider.

Luigi, how sweet of you.

Now, my love, I've some news for you.

You're going to be a father. What do think?

- Father... - Yes.

- Father. - Luigi. Luigi.

Bravo, Tuffi.

You're a true son of Sicily.

It was the first shot that caught the bird.

Bravo, let's drink.

No, you're in too deep.

They're in two inches, the way you said.

Ou're choking them to death. 02:23:37:07,02:23:38:20,Al

He's killing all my flowers.

That's too bad, you just stay down.

I keep telling him every day for four weeks...

he never listens.

He doesn't want to listen, he won't learn.

You'll have to help him.

Alright.

You're the only one who listens to me.

Nobody else does, nothing does.

My legs, I tell them to get up, they don't move.

/ not move? 02:24:15:09,02:24:19:10,When I still have sc yet to do?

You see, how you've weakened me with your soft ways?

Why do you do it?

Who else would put up with your moods?

I've the moods of a saint.

And God knows I'm more interesting.

Now go on, to that boy, before he kills my flowers.

Go on, I want to sleep.

Don't do me any favours...

if tomorrow you should happen to be passing by...

I'll be passing by.

What do you think?

Terrible, it couldn't be worse if you've planted it this way.

Will you ride me home on your Vespa?

Why not?

Everybody would see, that would make it too serious.

Now a way to plant, look at this!

Your uncle and I have always told you time again how to do it.

Deep, but not too deep.

The rose straight and neat...

Well, Gianni. So soon?

I'm going away for a couple of weeks. Get your uncle anything he needs.

I'll take care of it, when I return.

But don't tell him that, he's stubborn.

He should've gone to the hospital weeks ago.

If he had, he would have died.

You're an authority on that?

No, my best subject is fishing.

Really? I would've thought you an amateur.

I am, but I learn quickly.

How lucky for your friends.

Come on, if you want to come on my Vespa.

Gianni, remember me to your wife.

Tomorrow, Jessica?

Why not?

Gianni, you're late.

Father Antonio and grandmother already finshed supper.

I waited for you.

Nicolina, we...

I told you to keep this woman away.

Nicolina!

I mean it. Get her away.

Stay and have supper.

No, I'll see you tomorrow.

That is, if you're allowed out.

Arrivederci Gianni.

Gianni, come in here.

Mind your own business, old woman. Nicolina!

Gianni, I want to talk to you.

Save it for the church.

Nicolina!

Where's my supper?

Gianni, please, don't be mad.

Let me know when it's ready. I'll be in the barn.

Gianni...

And fix the bed in the spare room.

I don't know what to do about it.

I don't know either, but I'll try.

Of course, I can't be sure that it'll work.

On the one hand, I've Edmondo.

On the other, I've the girl.

I feel, that Edmondo could save the situation...

and she could save him. So, I have to try.

Even though it's risky.

Not risky, crazy.

Pretty, isn't it?

Beautiful.

Will you do it?

I don't know.

The girl seems to have done a good thing.

The village has a quickening of interest.

I agree, she's brought life itself to the village.

You want me to throw her out?

Yes, I do.

You won't give me your reason?

No.

Alright.

As soon as I get back, I'll throw her out.

Now, tell me more about her.

Don't worry, when your baby comes I'll be there.

I wanted to be sure.

You can be sure.

How many women so far?

This is the third positive, and four probables.

Seven scabs, all coming in secret and bringing presents.

Here comes another one.

Who is it?

She can't be coming here.

I'll get it.

Sra. Visconti, I've a present for you.

Forget the present. Who's the man?

- My brother Peppi. - Your brother!

My brother Peppi, as Messaggero Municipale of Forza d'Argo.

Sra. Visconti.

As Messaggero Municipale of this area...

I've been instructed to read this to you.

Jessica, if you want to fight this, I'll help you.

"Marquis Edmondo Ramo orders said...

"orders said Mrs. Jessica Brown Visconti...

to vacate such house within 15 days...

from the date hereof. Signed, Edmondo Ramo. "

Legally, he can do it, but I can find ways...

Why, how dare you!

For you Jessica, I'll do anything.

That's how it is with you? She's a hussy...

shameless, shocking, unspeakable. I'm talking to you.

- Where are you going? - I'm going to the wine shop.

Why don't you go to hell?

What is it? What do you want?

It's you.

I came to see you.

What can I do for you?

Come inside.

It's safe, the fisherman always leaves it up to the fish.

Please.

Sit down.

I'm not tired.

As you like. What's this?

I see...

Why have you ordered me out of my cottage?

I own it.

I pay rent.

Why must I move?

No special reason.

I won't give it up.

Then you don't have to.

Someone asked me to do something. I did it, that's that.

Drink on it?

No.

Afraid?

Yes.

Alright, then go.

Still here? How nice.

Please.

Giuseppe, or Edmondo whatever your name is.

Why did you lie to me?

I don't know. It's automatic.

I lie, you want truth. I tell the truth, you want lies.

I'm glad you see the injustice of it.

Since I don't remind you of the lies you told me.

What lies? I told you no lies.

You gave the impression that you loved being here, gathering babies.

When really, you were gathering the fathers.

Now wait, it was only after and it wasn't serious.

It was a joke.

I like jokes, but not jokes, against my people...

by intruders.

Perhaps, I'm being unfair.

Maybe, you're sincerely and wonderfully in love with Gianni...

Antonio Risino, Pietro Musodino...

Filippo Casabranca, Peppi Torriello...

Aren't you forgetting your gardener?

Old Cruppi too?

I thought you were using him to get to his nephew.

You give me too much credit.

Not at all, I know talent when I see it.

Good for you.

Now your vote is in, that makes it unanimous.

I'm sick and tired of you people sitting around...

deciding whether I'm good enough.

Now it's time I decided whether you people are good enough for me.

You want to know something, you're not. Beginning with you.

Jessica.

I thought Gianni would be here.

No.

He didn't come home. Was he with you?

No.

Jessica, don't take him away from me.

You can if you wanted to, I don't know how to stop you...

but please don't.

Don't take him away? I don't want him.

I don't want any of them.

Don't you women understand...

I'm not the one to be afraid of?

It's yourselves. You ought to be ashamed instead of afraid.

How can you doubt the men you love?

Don't you trust them?

Never mind.

Nicolina, don't worry about Gianni.

You never did have to. I'll take you home.

Jessica, my uncle's dying, he wants you to come.

Gianni.

Nicolina.

Let me come too.

Where the hell is she?

I didn't hear. What was that?

I said where the hell is she?

Lie still, lie still. She'll come.

Is he in pain, Father?

No.

What do you know?

These idiots think I'm dying.

Don't push me! They're in for a surprise.

Yes, yes, but I want you to rest.

I want to see my garden.

Later. Rest first.

I haven't time for later. Help me, lift me!

What's wrong?

My garden, Jessica.

Yes, the storm.

I want to see it. I want to see it.

Help me, help me.

The fruit of 60 years.

My garden, all gone.

I'll plant it again.

We'll do it for you.

Will you?

Will you really, Jessica?

Exactly as you had it. Flower by flower.

You'd better. Remember, I'll be up there watching.

Father, can you pray me in up there?

I'll do my best.

Maybe, you ought to get...

a head start.

- Edmondo. - Yes? 02:40:30:07,02:40:32:09,Am I really dying?

Tell me the truth.

- Yes, you are. - Exactly.

And half dead as I am, I'm more alive than you.

Wake up, boy. Wake up.

Jessica.

I'm here, Cruppi.

Lie still, don't talk.

What do you mean don't talk?

You know nothing stops me from talking...

In nome di Padre, Figlio et Spirito Santo. Am�n.

We're sorry, but we're off to Rome to forget it all...

It's nice of Sra. Lombardo and the others to send their apologies...

but we're hurt in our feelings in a terrible way.

Tighter with that buckle.

Good for you. Finished with the trunk, Jessica?

Then let Father Antonio close it for you.

Jessica, isn't there anything I can say?

Jessica, we're not forgetting...

our dead husband's picture?

Excuse, Father, you were saying? Did I interrupt you?

Don't go to Rome.

Why shouldn't we go?

Jessica, I made a bad mistake.

I was the one who asked Edmondo to put you out.

I wanted you two to be together again...

because I was sure, that is, I felt...

that is, I hoped...

but I was wrong.

It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong.

We forgive you.

Shall we lock the trunk now so we can go?

Won't you stay?

Because of me?

Father, of course not.

The women?

Not the women.

Then, who?

I don't know.

I think I know.

It's the Marchese.

I was going to say that.

The Marchese!

What?

- I was afraid you'd gone. - We were just leaving.

- Come, Jessica. - Wait, please.

I'm sorry to break in this way, and about many things.

The way you feel about babies, is how I feel about promises.

I like to see them taken care of.

What promises did you have in mind, Marchese?

Come, Mamma Parigi. Out.

Why?

You promised to help restore my old friend's garden.

What are you going to do about it?

The colours mixed together. It looked like a jungle.

That's the way we wanted it to look and I think a jungle...

is the most beautiful garden of all.

Boys.

A son has been born...

to Signor and Signora Tuffi.

Congratulations.

Two boys.

Two sons!

Two sons have been born to Signor and Signora Tuffi.

Peppi, two boys.

Just slipped.

Mother and sons...

and father...

all doing well.

The text of my sermon today is...

"When the fruit is ripe...

it's time to reap".

Will you please join me for a prayer of thanksgiving.

We thank thee, Almighty Father...

that after an unusually dry beginning...

thou hast showered us with the rain and sunshine of thy mercy.

Our once barren fields...

with abundance... 02:47:51:05,02:47:53:15,thanks to thy

And we ask thee, to continue to keep thy fatherly eye...

upon us as we prepare to gather this great harvest.

For without thy help, we can go wrong.

Oh, how we can go wrong.

Che bella Jessica.

Che divina bambina.

In all the world no replica...

of Jessica, of Jessica.

When Jessica comes into town...

my little town is turned around...

and everything is upside down with Jessica around.

Che bella Jessica.

Che divina bambina.

In all the world no replica...

of bella Jessica.