Original subtitles

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

WOMAN: "One of the most impressive edifices in Florence

"is Pallazzo della Signoria, or Pallazzo Vecchio,

"attributed by tradition to an Arnolfo di Cambio,

"1298 to 1314.

The tower soars to a height of 160 feet."

Mother, this lion doesn't have any teeth.

I'm hot and my feet are tired.

I've just got to sit down somewhere.

There. Doesn't that look like a nice, restful place?

Mother, let's have cannelloni for dinner tonight

and some gelati for dessert.

Mother, please?

I don't feel like discussing it now, Clara.

You had...

You had cannelloni for dinner last night

and again the night before.

Mother, I worship cannelloni. I just adore cannelloni.

Oh, alright, Clara. It's your stomach.

You may have cannelloni tonight.

An orange fresca for the signorina,

and for me Cinzano on the rocks.

Ah, si.

[WAITER LAUGHS]

Mother?

What did you say this place is called?

Piazza della Signoria.

It's nice.

What happened here?

Well, that statue over there,

the tall white boy, is by Michelangelo.

You remember him.

Then, though it isn't a very happy thought,

a man was burned to death right over there. A monk.

Why was he burned? Well, he was a preacher

who told them they were wicked, and they didn't like him for it.

It all happened a long time ago.

Grazie.

I think they must feel sorry about it,

because they put down a plaque on the ground to his memory.

Oh, I want to see it.

No, Clara!

[♪♪]

[LAUGHS]

Mama, he says he's seen us before.

Do you remember?

[SPEAKS ITALIAN] I'm afraid I don't.

Signora, I-- My--

My English is not so, uh--

Well, my Italian is "not so" either,

but I do thank you for helping my daughter.

Clara, I think it's time we-- Signora, I--

On Sunday I see you in the square.

How do you say? The bigger square.

Piazza Repubblica. You remember?

Music...

[IMITATING GUITAR STRUMMING]

[CLARA LAUGHS]

And the lady. You remember? Fantastica.

♪ Oh, solo mio ♪

[LAUGHING]

Fantastic, eh?

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

My store, it is there.

Please?

Please don't think it's rude.

Scusi, but it is getting late and we--

CLARA: Mother, I haven't finished my orangeade.

Grazie mille.

Prego.

Oh, uh....

May I read it?

"Ties, Borsalino hats,

"gloves, handkerchiefs.

Everything for the gentleman."

It's not for you, but for your husband.

He isn't here, unfortunately.

Ah, but you must, uh, take him presents.

And for your husband also.

[LAUGHS]

I haven't got a husband.

Signorina? Yes!

Ah, forgive me.

Fabrizio Naccarelli.

I'm Clara Johnson.

John, uh, Johnson--

Johnson.

Ah, Van Johnson.

Uh-huh.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN] [LAUGHS] Oh, no.

No, we are not related.

Signora, you have, how to say?

The most, uh, beautiful, uh...

tan, tan.

Grazie.

And you also, signorina.

Bella.

Oh, I'm tan all over. My whole body.

Except for where my swimming trunks and my-- You know.

Oh, Mother, how do you say "bra" in Italian?

We haven't time to look it up, dear.

Quanto?

[SPEAKS ITALIAN] No. Really, no.

I couldn't allow that.

Va bene. Grazie.

I bring you taxi, no?

You're very kind, but it's only a short way.

We'll walk. Grazie mille.

Ah, then you're staying at the Savoy?

No. Not the Savoy.

The Excelsior Italia is very near.

Oh, we're staying at The Grand. It's a keen hotel.

FABRIZIO: Ah, The Grand. Very nice.

Come, Clara.

Thank you again, so very much.

Prego. Fortunatissimo.

Bye, now.

Mother, what does it mean what he just said?

Uh, fortunat...

Fortunatissimo.

It means very happy to have met you.

I think.

Fortunatissimo, Fabrizio.

Fortunatissimo, Clara.

[♪♪]

Finished, darling?

Almost. Shall I read it to you?

Yes.

"Darling Daddy, how are you?

"I'm fine except for this morning in front of the hotel.

"I saw a dog, a collie dog.

"He had a white spot on his nose just like Ronnie,

"and I started to cry.

"I miss Ronnie very much.

"I miss you too.

"Mommy is fine also.

"Tonight for dinner we had cannelloni

and then..." [PHONE RINGS]

Excuse me, darling.

Pronto?

This is she.

Oh, hello, Miss Hawtree.

Not at all. I've been expecting you.

Come right up.

Who was that, Mama?

Oh, it was some very nice English lady I heard about.

She's lived in Italy for the past 20 years.

And she teaches Italian to Americans and people like that.

I thought it would be fun if she taught some Italian to you.

I already know how to say--

"Come in" is avanti,

"good evening" is buonasera,

and "goodbye" is ciao.

Oh, there's more to it than that.

Let her teach you, and then you can teach me.

Wouldn't that be fun?

You know what we could ask her right off?

How to spell Fabrizio.

Why?

Well, I could write Daddy all about him.

Oh, Daddy wouldn't be interested in that.

[DOORBELL BUZZES]

You just tell Daddy some more about that dog.

Mrs. Johnson? Yes?

Do come in Miss Hawtree.

My daughter, Clara. Darling, this is Miss Hawtree.

How do you do? Hello.

Buonasera.

Why, your accent's almost perfect.

Would you like some Strega or Galliano?

Well, Strega I'd love, frankly.

Really? Mother let me taste some last night.

It's too...

It's too sticky.

Oh, everything Italian is "too."

That's why we underdone English adore Italy.

[MEG LAUGHS]

What a pretty broach you're wearing.

Oh, thank you.

Mother, when I wanted to buy you one like it,

you said you wouldn't be caught dead in it.

Darling, why don't you take your bath

while Miss Hawtree and I have our drink

and talk arrangements.

Well, I have to finish my letter to Daddy.

You can finish it in the morning.

Alright.

Goodnight, Miss Hawtree.

Goodnight.

Very lovely-looking your daughter.

Thank you.

Why don't we take our drinks out to the balcony?

It'll be so much cooler there.

Do you mind the Italian heat?

Not too much.

We're from the south, you know.

At least I've lived in Winston-Salem

ever since I've been married.

That's Winston-Salem, North Carolina?

I think I have vague idea where that is.

[CAR HORN HONKING]

MEG: You're so right.

Everything in Italy is "too."

How long are you staying in Florence?

I mean, if you're planning

to have your daughter learn Italian.

Well, I don't know.

A few weeks, a few days, a few months.

It depends.

I don't know why I hesitate.

I've been through this so often.

I brought you out on the balcony

not because it's cooler.

It's so that Clara shouldn't hear.

When Clara was a little girl she had an accident.

On the right side of her head,

the hair hides it, she has a scar.

It's shaped sort of like a new moon.

Clara had a Shetland pony,

and one day while she was grooming him, he kicked out.

At first we didn't think Clara would live.

She was unconscious for four days.

And now she has that scar...

and the mental age of a child of 10.

Oh, Mrs. Johnson.

I know.

Meeting her for the first time, it does seem incredible.

But didn't you sense something strange?

Well, something you couldn't quite put your finger on.

But of course the first thing you think is how pretty she is.

I know.

All the young men I've had to take aside

and explain Clara without wounding them.

My husband's no good at it.

Too abrupt.

How awful for you.

Oh, not really anymore.

I've evolved a sort of formula.

It goes something like this.

Every mother, in some way, wants a little girl

who never grows up.

And taken in that light, I do often feel fortunate.

She's remarkably sweet, you see.

And I find her a great satisfaction.

Mother, I just love those green bath salts of yours.

I used up half the bottle.

Are you mad? No. Of course not, darling.

Smell me.

[SNIFFING]

Essence of pine.

Delicious.

Miss Hawtree will be here tomorrow too.

You will have your first lesson.

Do you know, I like Miss Hawtree.

She doesn't seem like a teacher.

Yes. She seems very nice.

Well, I'm glad you like her, Mother,

because now maybe you won't have

to be with me all the time.

Oh, I like being with you, Clara.

There. Now I think we're ready to turn off the light.

I'm not tired yet.

Would you read to me a little?

Alright, dear, but just a little.

You remember where we left off?

I marked the place.

Mother? Yes, dear?

Just in case I-- I go to sleep while you're reading to me,

would you look now?

Alright.

Now, let me see.

I've already looked in the bathroom.

So that leaves only the closets.

Nobody there.

And under the bed.

All clear, darling. Not a ghost in sight.

You didn't really think there would be, did you?

Well, I feel better when you look.

You'll have to take Mommy's word for it, darling.

There are no ghosts, especially in Italy.

Now, here we are.

"When the tea bell rang,

"Joe appeared looking so grim and unapproachable

"that it took all Amy's courage to say meekly,

"'Please forgive me, Joe.

"I'm very, very sorry''

'I never shall forgive you'' was Joe's stern answer."

I attend to that at once, the midnight to Paris.

Buongiorno, Signora Johnson.

Buongiorno. Any mail?

Sorry, signora.

No mail this morning. Perhaps this afternoon.

Where are you lunching today, may I ask?

Well, according to my schedule, at noon we should be near

the Street of the Illustrious Tuscans.

Is there any particular place there that you can recommend?

Oh, in that neighborhood you cannot go far wrong.

The Cafe Risole is perhaps a little the best.

Grazie. Signora.

[BELL DINGS]

FABRIZIO [OVER PHONE]: Pronto?

Fabrizio Naccarelli.

Parla.

Fabrizo. Questa e Carlo.

Giovanni Boccacio.

Nicolo Machiavelli.

Nicolo Machiavelli.

Is that the right way to say it, Mother?

Well, it'll do for now.

Miss Hawtree will give us the correct pronunciation

this afternoon.

Remind me to ask her.

Galileo Galilei.

CLARA: Galileo Galilei.

MEG: Pier Antonio Michelli.

Pier Antonio Michelli.

FABRIZIO: Fabrizio Naccarrelli.

Signora! Signorina!

This is the happiest of coincidences!

Buongiorno, Signora Johnson.

Buongiorno, Clara.

You see? I remember your name.

Buongiorno, Fabrizio.

Eh, come stai?

He's asking how goes it. How are you?

Ask me that tomorrow and I'll answer you in Italian.

I'm having a lesson this afternoon.

Oh, scusi.

The lesson. There is charge?

Of course.

I teach you Italian no charge.

Oh, Mother!

That's very generous of you,

but I've already arranged for the lessons.

And, besides, forgive me, but I'm afraid

that your English isn't good enough

for you to teach Clara Italian.

Well, Clara teach me English, I teach Clara Italian.

I don't think that would work out too well,

but grazie mille.

Okay, I ask you in English how are you, Signorina Clara?

Fine, thank you.

Fine, thank you. And you, Signora Johnson?

Bene, grazie.

And, Signor Johnson, he's fine also?

Well, we don't know.

There wasn't any letter today.

Well, let us hope he is well.

And Signor Van Johnson, how is he?

[LAUGHS] We told you we don't know him.

He's not even in the family.

Oh, scusi. I forget.

Signora, may I offer you lunch?

Grazie, but we haven't time for lunch.

Mother, I thought we were going to eat

in the restaurant the concierge told us about?

Well, unfortunately we, uh, dawdled too long

at that museum.

We'll have to snatch a sandwich at the hotel

before the signorina arrives for the lesson.

Well, perhaps some other day lunch,

or perhaps il pranzo, dinner.

Yes, perhaps.

Straighten your hat, Clara.

Taxi!

Fortunatissimo, Fabrizio.

No, no. We meet already.

Now we must say arrivederla.

To again seeing you.

Oh, yes.

Arrivederla, Fabrizio.

To again seeing you.

Arrivederla, Clara.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

[DRIVER SPEAKS ITALIAN]

I tell him straight hotel, no cheating.

[SHOUTING IN ITALIAN]

Buon viaggio.

Buon viaggio. [DOORBELL BUZZES]

Have a good trip or a good journey.

That's right.

Buone vacanze.

CLARA: Buone vacanze.

For Signorina Johnson.

CLARA: Is it for me, Mother?

Grazie. CLARA: Oh, let me see!

Let me see.

Clara!

Oh!

Oh, isn't he darling?

Oh, Miss Hawtree, isn't he the darlingest?

[READING IN ITALIAN]

"Best regards, from your friend, Arrivederla.

Fabrizo Naccarelli."

Fabrizio!

How did he know I worship dogs?

Isn't that sweet?

It is sweet of him, Clara,

but we can't accept gifts from a stranger.

We'll have to send it back. But he's not a stranger.

We met twice. Oh, please, Mother.

Please. Look how sad he looks.

We've just got to give him a home.

Please. Alright, Clara.

If you'd just quiet down. Thank you, Mother!

Grazie mama mia.

Is that right, Miss Hawtree? Yes.

I know what!

Let's call Fabrizio and thank him.

That won't be necessary, darling.

We'll write him a nice note and ask him please

not to do it again.

[♪♪]

Lovely, isn't it?

Hmm.

Signora Johnson. Clara.

This is the happiest of coincidences.

Fabrizio.

Look.

I'm wearing one of the carnations.

Grazie. Di niente.

Fabrizio, in our note thanking you for the dog,

we asked you please not to send any--

Scusi, Signora. You say not to send any more dog.

You no say do not send fiori.

Signorna--

Grazie, Fabrizio, but we've already had lunch.

[♪♪]

"Your mother said do not send any more dog, any more flowers.

"She do not say no candy.

Fabrizio." [BOTH LAUGH]

A 10-pound box.

Terrible stuff.

And he's uncanny.

He knows exactly where we're going to be each day

and at what time.

He's a bloodhound.

Tell me, he doesn't see anything strange in Clara?

How could he?

They just talk in bits and pieces,

but his English and her Italian.

But they don't seem to need much verbal communication.

They're like two children playing.

Two happy children.

Clara! [LAUGHS]

Isn't that Fabrizio?

[LAUGHING]

I got your foot!

[BOTH LAUGHING]

I don't know why I should feel surprised.

He's probably been swimming under water

ever since we got here.

Ah! [LAUGHING]

I can't help thinking of two butterflies

flitting through the sunlight.

Except that butterflies don't really think

very much about sex.

They day my husband and I decided

that perhaps I'd better take Clara abroad

was the day she ran out and threw her arms

around the grocery boy.

Oh, poor Clara.

Of course, we consulted the usual doctors.

We had to face these problems, they said.

Explained patiently to Clara over and over again

what one did and didn't do

in order to be good.

But...

I see. Impulse is innocent about what's good or bad, isn't it?

I promised myself I wasn't going to smoke today.

[LAUGHING]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

She's overexcited.

She'll be in tears in a moment.

[PANTING]

If only I could do that.

Buongiorno, signori.

Buongiorno.

Look, I have a scar over my right ear.

A scar. See?

No, no.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

And your hair is beautiful. [LAUGHS]

Clara, it's time for your lesson.

If Fabrizio would excuse you.

CLARA: Oh, Mother, please.

No lesson today.

On one condition I excuse.

I offer you dinner tonight.

The ristorante in Piazza Signoria.

Otherwise, I no excuse.

Well, we'd love to, but it so happens

that tonight we have another--

You're the meanest mother in the whole world!

I just won't take the lessons!

I, uh, call for you at the hotel.

Seven o'clock.

Ciao.

Fortunatissimo, Fabrizio.

No, no. I tell you before.

No more fortunatissimo.

Now we say arrivederla.

I like fortunatissimo better.

You like better?

I like better.

Fortunatissimo.

Excuse me. I left the books in the car.

Clara, I don't think we should meet Fabrizio tonight.

I don't think we should make friends with him.

Why not?

Because he has his own life here and he'll stay here always.

But we must go away.

We have to go back home and see Daddy and Ronnie.

You know how difficult it was to leave Ronnie,

even though you were coming back.

Well, it would be very hard to like Fabrizio, wouldn't it?

And leave him and never come back at all.

But I already like him.

I could write him letters.

Things are often hard.

We'll have a nice, quiet dinner together,

and you can have cannelloni.

Wouldn't you like that, Clara?

I'm not talking to you,

or to anybody else!

MEG: My, what lovely-sounding dishes.

Clara, if you keep refusing to eat I think you'll be sorry.

This place was very highly recommended by the concierge.

He said that it was-- CLARA: Fabrizio!

Signorina.

Che fortuna.

There, you see? Signora, I go to hotel.

I got to ristorante in Piazza Signoria and no signora,

no signorina.

I am most unhappy.

I walk and I walk, and I see you.

Che fortuna.

There was a mistake?

Yes, there was some mistake.

Fabrizio, how pretty you look.

Grazie

How nice you smell.

Uh, cologna. A little.

Oh, I see that, uh, you no order.

Permette?

Yes, please do.

What do you like?

Oh, cannelloni.

[SIGHS]

If you're naughty I'm going to make you stand in the corner.

[LAUGHS]

[COINS CLATTERING]

[TRAFFIC AMBIENCE]

Fabrizio.

Ah, Papa. Fortuna.

[LAUGHS]

I am so surprised.

Papa.

Fabrizio, you didn't tell me.

Oh, signora, permette.

My father.

Signora e Signorina Johnson.

Piacere. Piacere.

Piacere, Signor Naccarelli.

How do you do?

It's a pleasure for me to meet you.

You speak English very well, Signor Naccarelli.

Well...

[LAUGHS] Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

As a matter of fact, my English is a bit rusty.

I most apologize.

During the war I came to know many Americans.

I was fortunate enough to be able

to do certain small things for them in liaison.

You understand?

During the occupation.

And I found them very simpatico.

Not like the Nazis, whom I detested,

absolutely detested.

Well, I wasn't terribly fond of them myself.

I very often take a constitutional after dinner,

a brisk walk of a few miles.

And, uh, imagine my surprise or the happiest of coincidences.

Would you like some coffee, Signor Naccarelli?

Thank you. I'd love some coffee.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

Fabrizio tells me you are related to Van Johnson.

No, no. I do not say this exactly.

You are not?

No, We are not.

He's of no importance.

Even though he's a fine actor.

CLARA: Fabrizio!

Oh, Fabrizio is very naughty.

I have to punish him.

Of course, he's naughty.

He's my son. What else can he be?

How are you liking Florence, signora?

Well, naturally we're entranced.

Is one allowed to be anything else?

Oh, no. No.

We Florentines are not very strong.

A harsh word from an American would trample us.

[CHUCKLES]

And where are you staying, if I may ask?

At The Grand. Ah!

Tomorrow is our Saint's Day, San Giovanni.

You have seen perhaps they are putting up the seats

for the calcio.

Uh, you would say the football game.

If you would be my guests?

Oh, Mother, please!

It's very good of you, Signor Naccarelli.

We'd be very happy.

NACCARELLI: Benissimo. Molto bene.

You must excuse it if my wife doesn't come.

She's in mourning. Oh, I'm very sorry.

No, niente.

My wife is a Neapolitan.

Her family in Naples is a large one.

Somebody is always dying.

Then my son will arrange where we are to meet and the time.

Signora.

Signorina.

And I must go.

I have at least three more very brisk miles to walk.

It's so good for the health.

Arrivederla. Ciao, Fabrizio.

FABRIZIO: Ciao, Papa. [SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Charming, is he not, my father?

[BAND PLAYING PERCUSSION BEAT]

Scusi. Permisso.

Scusi. Scusi.

You come. You stand here.

Now you see Parate di Nobili.

Uh, Parade of Nobels.

Two times every year.

During the tourist season, of course.

Ah, there is my cugino. My cousin, Marchese Vallino.

Not a very distinguished, uh, horse, eh?

Poor little horse. He looks kind of sad.

Oh, he is sad.

Marchese! Marchese!

The calcio, the football game

is about to start.

Uh, my father, he wait for us in the garden.

Andiamo.

[FANFARE PLAYING]

[CROWD CHEERING]

[CROWD CHEERING]

Scusi.

Oh! Somebody pinched me.

Where? Well, you know where.

Right on my-- That's alright, Clara.

Fabrizio knows where.

[SHOUTING IN ITALIAN]

Fabrizio.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

[CHUCKLES]

Buono sera. Buono sera.

Buono sera. Unfortunately, the seats are not together.

Fabrizio, you sit with the signorina on the top row.

Bene. Prego, prego.

Grazie.

Program?

Thank you.

Over there.

[DRUMS POUNDING]

[EXPLOSION] [WHISTLE BLOWING]

[CROWD CHEERING]

[WHISTLE BLOWING]

I wonder how the children are doing?

[LAUGHING]

Oh, yes, they seem to be enjoying themselves.

A handsome pair.

It's a shame that you will be leaving Florence.

Not too soon, I hope.

Well, we really have no set plans.

Many Americans spend a long time in Florence,

even take a small villa.

I have heard some of them say they never wish to leave.

I can understand that.

But I'm afraid we'll have to leave sooner or later.

I have a home to take care of, a husband, a family.

Ah, of course.

But it would be so nice.

[WHISTLE BLOWING]

Tell me, what does Signor Johnson do?

He owns a part interest in a cigarette company.

Keeps him very busy.

Ah, cigarettes. I'm very much impressed.

but I'm also impressed with what I do.

Lady's shoes.

The best.

Would you like a cigarette?

Thank you.

The brand of your husband?

No. I don't like them so I don't smoke them.

Ah! What independence.

An Italian woman would never dare.

Tell me, your daughter,

she seems so happy.

Does she wish to leave Florence?

No.

I think it's clear she doesn't.

Good.

Fabrizio will be pleased.

Signor Naccarelli?

[CROWD CHEERING]

Signor Naccarelli?

Yes?

There's something I must tell you.

It's about Clara.

[EXPLOSION]

Excuse me. I think I know that man.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

[ALL SPEAKING ITALIAN]

[WHISTLE BLOWING]

[CROWD CHEERS]

My wife and I invite you to tea with us on Sunday at 4:00.

You will come, no?

I should so like you to meet my wife.

[BELLS JINGLING]

Now, you know, Clara, we can't stay too long.

Why not?

[KNOCKING]

Ah, buono sera.

Buono sera. Buono sera.

How beautiful you both look.

Please come in.

Mama, permette, Signora and Signorina Johnson.

[BOTH SPEAK ITALIAN]

Piacere. Signorina.

Fabrizio, I imagine you both know, huh?

Hi there.

Hi there, you too.

Signora, permete.

My son, Guiseppe.

How do you do? How do you do?

My daughter-in-law, Francesca.

Signora Johnson.

GUISEPPE: My wife, just like my mother.

No word of English.

What a darling, beautiful little dog.

Oh, is he yours, Fabrizio?

What's its name?

No, it is Francesca's, and his name is Stella.

And he had five children a little while ago.

[LAUGHS]

Oh, I must take you home and introduce you to Ronnie.

The celebrated Clara. Bella.

Is it true, signora, that not for one moment

you leave your daughter alone?

That she's not permitted so much as to mail a postcard

without her mama along?

Well...

Guiseppe.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Oh, you must not pay the slightest attention to Guiseppe.

That I gathered immediately.

Fabrizio naturally exclaims grand impatience.

But in heart he's pleased with Clara's behavior.

So are we all.

Grazie mille.

Signora Johnson...

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Oh, she says will you have milk or lemon?

Milk, please. Latte.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Latte, per favore.

My son, Guiseppe, he enjoys much success with women.

Well, I'm glad for him and sorry for his wife.

And this little piggy went to market.

And this little piggy stayed home...

Signorina.

Oh, grazie.

Could I have a cup for Stella?

Never mind. I'll give her some of mine.

There you are, Stella.

I hope you like milk in your tea.

[CHUCKLES]

Oh, she's delightful, your daughter.

Charming.

Stella! Stella!

[♪♪]

You like it?

There are in Florence, I would say conservatively,

2000 Madonna and childs.

Clara likes them all.

Oh.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Si. Capisco.

Yes, he is a good boy.

Mother, why can't I have a real live baby brother?

I mean, why don't you please have a baby?

[ALL LAUGH]

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

[ALL LAUGH]

Well, I'll tell you what, Clara. I'll get you a doll instead.

Well, I already have a doll.

[ALL CHUCKLE]

Before the war, we never spent a summer weekend in Florence.

We had a country villa not too far away, a lovely place.

Unfortunately, it was blown up during the war by the allies.

Uh, the Americans, in fact.

But it was a necessary military objective.

No question of that.

I apologize for my countryman's marksmanship.

These things happen in all wars.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

I've been noticing you have some lovely paintings.

Oh, they are no good whatever.

Only one perhaps.

I'll show you.

It was painted by Ghirlandaio.

Not the famous picture in the guide books, of course.

Ghirlandaio painted it for an occasion,

the wedding of one of my ancestors.

I cannot remember whose.

It has a certain quality that...

[♪♪]

[CLARA SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

[♪♪]

[SINGING IN ITALIAN]

Actually, I haven't lost my passport or anything like that.

You see, well...

it concerns a courtship between my daughter and a young Italian.

I'm sorry. The consulate can give no advice

on personal matters.

Gabriella?

A priest, perhaps, or a minister or a doctor.

Oh, Gabriella, there's a services list

in the top of that file cabinet.

If you'll just get us a copy.

We pay for people like you to come out here

and live in a palace.

It would help me just talk if you would only listen.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I'm just tired.

[♪♪]

Borgo San Frediano, prego.

Si, signora.

[♪♪]

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Stop! Stop!

[INAUDIBLE]

I know what I should do and must do,

but I make no motion towards doing it.

I was always able to act logically

on whatever I knew to be true.

But-- but now I feel immobilized.

I think that somehow things will straighten themselves out.

They'll tire of each other or something.

I just drift along with the days.

You have, in fact, come fact to face with Italy.

Now, let's see what is the crux of your problem,

as you've explained it.

Your daughter is being wooed by a young Italian

of the nicest sort, but naturally,

a Roman Catholic.

Yes.

Very sad when two healthy young people fall in love,

and the only hurdle is the young man's religion.

Is it not, Mrs. Johnson?

I'm sorry.

Is it not what, Dr. Herlie?

Is it not sad?

Yes. Very.

You're certain that there are no obstacles

other than the lad's religion?

You're absolutely certain?

Why do you ask that?

Well, there is something in your manner that...

Of course, I could have imagined it, I suppose.

Yes, you-- You could have imagined it.

Would you have some more tea?

No, thank you.

Mrs. Johnson,

I have come to love Italy and the Italians.

I should like to be able to say to you

these two young people love each other,

why shouldn't they marry?

But, you know, of course, that the boy's parents

might insist upon your daughter's conversion

to the Roman Catholic faith.

Well, I suppose so.

And how will your daughter feel about that?

I'm afraid it will make very little difference to her.

And you?

What would you feel about it?

I-- I don't know.

And her father?

Oh, he would feel very strongly about it.

Noel is so...

Have you written to her father?

Why, no.

Mrs. Johnson, are you and Mr. Johnson divorced?

Oh, no.

Good. I'm glad to hear that.

I thought Americans...

Excuse me, Dr. Herlie.

Mr. Murdoch is on the telephone.

Tell him I'll call back.

Please, Dr. Herlie. I'm going.

I'm afraid I haven't been able to help you much.

Maybe it's my fault, not yours.

At least, do you promise to write to her father?

That's a wonderful idea. I'll do it tonight.

If your daughter and your religion mean anything to you,

I urge you to make very careful use of your brains.

I'll try.

Goodbye.

Goodbye. Thank you.

[BELL TOLLING]

[♪♪]

Where do you think you're going?

How did you get out of the hotel?

Where is Miss Hawtree?

She went to the bathroom and I just slipped out.

Where were you going, Clara?

To get some ice cream.

There's ice cream all around the hotel.

Now, you know we never tell each other stories.

Well, if you must know, Mother, I was looking for Fabrizio!

Clara! Benvenuto Cellini,

Michelangelo, Donatello...

Oh, thank goodness. I was beside myself.

Serves you right for going to the bathroom.

Clara, you go right in your room and stay there!

Pick up your shoes!

And you're forbidden to look at television.

HAWTREE: I'm terribly sorry.

Oh, it's alright, Miss Hawtree. No harm done.

I ran into her at the Ponte Vecchio.

Good heavens, what's that?

HAWTREE: It came a little while ago.

I'm sorry. I have to run. I'm late for my next lesson.

That's quite alright. See you Wednesday.

Yes. [DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

I must do something.

I really must.

Clara.

Come here, darling.

Clara, I've just been to the doctor.

That's where I went.

I didn't tell you.

You've been having such a good time.

But I'm not feeling well at all.

The doctor says that the air is very bad for me here

and that I must leave.

So I'm going to call for reservations

and start packing at once.

We're going to Rome.

Oh, Mother...

We'll come back, of course.

Just as soon as I feel better.

Look...

I'll call Daddy on the phone right away.

Maybe if you ask him very nicely,

he'll join us in Rome in a day or so.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

And Ronnie too?

Oh, I'm afraid not, darling.

Dogs get sick in airplanes.

You wouldn't want Ronnie to get sick, would you?

I'll tell you what. There's the phone.

You pick up the receiver and tell the operator

that you want to speak to your daddy

all the way in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,

the United States of America, the Western Hemisphere.

How's that?

Hello, I'd like to speak to Winston-Salem,

North Carolina, the United States of America.

[SHOUTING IN ITALIAN]

Clara, do you want us to miss the train?

I can't go without seeing Fabrizio.

You left a message, didn't you, Mother?

Yes, I did, dear, but you know about messages in Italy.

You can write to him and explain.

Come on, dear. Come on, darling. Come on.

[MAN SPEAKING OVER P.A. IN ITALIAN]

[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS]

[WHISTLE BLOWING]

Fabrizio!

Mother! Clara!

CLARA: I see him! I see Fabrizio!

Fabrizio! Fabrizio!

Clara! Momento!

Clara!

Oh, Mother, what'll I do?

Wave to him.

Oh, no. I must talk to him. I must.

Clara!

Didn't you get my--? I call the hotel.

They tell me. Clara, why do you go?

It's just for a little while.

Do not go, Clara. Please do not go.

We're coming back. No, no. I am afraid.

Oh! Please don't go.

We're coming back, I tell you.

No, no. Your mama, she do not like me.

Oh, Fabrizio, where did you get that silly idea?

Mother?

[SHOUTING IN ITALIAN] Please don't shout in my ear.

It's people like you that give us Americans

a bad name in Europe. Oh, do be quiet.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Oh, alright, alright.

Here, you keep Bambino for me while I'm gone.

Would I give you Bambino if I weren't coming back?

For you.

Caramelle.

I worship caramels. [MAN SHOUTING IN ITALIAN]

We're coming back.

[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS]

Mother, Fabrizio is gonna take care of Bambino for me.

We must go now, Clara.

Come along.

[ALL SHOUTING]

Fortunatissimo, Fabrizio!

No, no. Arrivederla! Arrivederla, Clara.

Arrivederla, Fabrizio! Arrivederla!

[WOMAN SPEAKING OVER P.A. IN ITALIAN]

Daddy! Daddy!

Hello, baby. Daddy!

Mwah, mwah.

Alright, baby. Oh, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy,

Alright, baby. Leave something of me for your mother.

Hello, Meg. Hello, darling.

Now, let me take a good look at you.

Doesn't she look ravishingly Italian?

Pure pizza.

Oh, what is that contraption?

Aren't you mad about it?

It's animals, musical instruments and...

and Fabrizio.

What's a Fabrizio?

Fabrizio is my sweetheart.

Darling, why don't you prove to your daddy

how wonderful you get along in Italian?

Get us a taxi and a porter for you daddy's bags.

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

What the hell is all this about?

[BOTH SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Did I have to leave my office

in the middle of our most important ad campaign?

Meg, why didn't you just take the mother or father aside

like we've been doing for years?

After all, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

Nothing we could help. I tried to tell Mr. Naccarelli,

but-- Oh, I don't know.

Oh, Noel, if you could just see the two of them together.

They're so-- Meg, for heaven's sakes,

don't tell me that you...

[SPEAKING ITALIAN]

I told him to put all the baggage in the taxi.

I'm very proud of you. That's more than I could do.

Oh, Daddy.

Wait till you see the view from the hotel window.

Don't skip, honey.

Don't skip.

[BAND PLAYING DANCE MUSIC]

Goodnight, darling.

CLARA: Goodnight, Mother.

Sleep well.

How'd you get so tan?

No magic to it.

Just lying in the sun.

Well, it's damned attractive.

I won't be a minute.

Noel.

Yeah?

Noel, don't you think Italy has done Clara a lot of good?

In what way?

Oh, well, doesn't she seem to you...

well, more, you know.

Mm.

She seems the same to me.

You don't think there's any improvement?

Well, she's learned a little Italian,

but outside of that, no.

Well, I think she's...

Good Lord, Meg.

Are you still kidding yourself?

Are you still dreaming?

That dream is the only thing I have left, Noel.

The dream that one day Clara will be perfectly well.

Doggone it. Women like you never surrender, do they?

They never give up.

Do you want another fiasco like the time you registered Clara

at that fancy Rosecrest?

Oh, that was so long ago. Clara was 14.

Well, I haven't forgotten it yet.

I know. It was insane of me.

To put it mildly.

Well, I couldn't help myself.

You were in Bermuda. I was alone.

It was one of these times when Clara seemed so...

So normal to me.

And it was such a lovely private school

in an entirely new section of town.

So you told them a pack of lies to get Clara in.

But it didn't take them long to find out the truth.

Those two weeks were the happiest of my life.

Waiting in my car to pick Clara up

along with all the other mothers.

Doing homework with Clara at night

on the sofa under the lamp.

Great.

And what did it do to Clara

when the other kids laughed at her answers in class?

And what did it do to me when the principal sent for us

and you had to confess?

That was some fish fry, believe me.

It did something to me too, Noel.

And you still keep on dreaming.

[♪♪]

Nobody with a dream should come to Italy.

No matter how dead and buried you think it is.

In Italy it'll rise and walk again.

What's that? What'd you say?

Nothing.

Non e niente.

Now, don't go sneaking in those Italian phrases on me.

I have enough trouble with your English.

Change the subject. I love you, Meg.

I love you too.

Oh, hell.

How is a man expected to make love to a woman who's crying?

Please, Noel, be patient with me.

I've been worried. Upset.

You've been worried and upset for a long, long, long time now.

Oh, Noel. That pony did more

than just kick poor Clara in the head.

It kicked the hell out of our marriage.

And please don't say, "Oh, Noel" again in that tone of voice.

Alright, I won't.

Cigarette?

Alright.

Thanks.

[♪♪]

I wish they had berths on those planes, though.

It's still a long ride.

Daddy, do you have to go back now?

Baby, I told them at the office I'd be gone only three days.

I've already stayed five.

We're going to miss you, Noel.

Say, listen, why don't you two come on back home with me, huh?

You've had enough of Europe.

Go back now? Sure.

There must be two more seats on that plane.

First class is never full.

Daddy, we can't go back.

Why not, baby? Don't you want to see Ronnie?

We have to go to Florence. I promised.

Promised? Who?

I promised Fabrizio.

I told him we were coming back.

Now, darling. Fabrizio doesn't really expect--

Yes, he does! He does so expect!

You promised! I told him we were going back!

Please, Clara. Don't shout. Mother, you promised!

A promise is sacred. I told him we were coming back.

Stop that, honey! Stop that!

But she promised! Mother promised!

Mother, you promised! You promised!

Oh, Clara... I told him that you were...

Clara! I told him we were going back.

MEG: Clara, Clara.

Please, Clara.

Taxi!

MEG: Clara...

Wait here.

Clara. [SOBBING]

I promised Fabrizio.

[CRYING]

Hotel Hessler, please.

Is she asleep?

Thank heaven for luminol.

Ah, if I know Clara she'll have forgotten

the whole thing by morning.

She won't even remember what it was all about.

Not this time.

Not when Fabrizio's involved.

Meg, do you really believe it's possible she loves him?

In that way, I mean?

I know she does.

Your daughter may not know long division, but she's a woman.

Well, damn it, you shouldn't have let things go on this long.

Why do you think we came to Rome?

Literally ran away from Florence?

I don't understand it. These-- These people,

what's their name? Naccarelli.

Some name.

You mean to tell me that these people

have no suspicions about Clara?

Don't any of them speak English?

I don't know how much they know.

Well, maybe they don't want to know.

After all, they're just after the money.

No, Noel. They have money.

And nobody is trying to get to America either.

Am I crazy or do I have a hunch

you actually believe it's possible for Clara

and this boy to marry?

I don't know any more what's possible and what isn't.

But, of course, I think about it.

How could I help thinking that the life I thought

forever closed to my daughter could suddenly open up like--?

Are you out of your mind? How could Clara ever marry?

How could she ever meet the responsibilities

of running a household?

She wouldn't have to run a household.

Have you any idea how these people live?

People with a little money, I mean?

Even the young married girls Clara's age

with one or two children have a nurse for them,

and a maid to do all the cooking and the cleaning.

And their mothers-in-law

practically bring up the children.

Believe me, Noel, nothing beyond Clara

would ever be required of her here.

I see. Tell me more.

Well, I know this:

Clara would be able to spend every day

in a simple way, doing things that please her.

In the afternoons she'd dress in pretty clothes

and walk to an outdoor cafe to meet some young friends

of the Naccarellis.

A very pretty picture.

And what would they talk about?

About movie stars and their dogs and cats.

That's about all they talk about.

I've heard them.

But the main thing is Fabrizio adores her just as she is.

He loves her for the same things we love in her:

her gentleness, her sweetness, her goodness.

Oh, I know.

I know, I sound like I'm trying to talk myself

into something.

You're going to have to stop this, Meg.

You're getting worse all the time.

Look, Meg, I did something while you were gone.

I know we've been through it before, but...

What?

We've been through what before?

My God, I haven't finished packing,

and I'm due at the airport in less than an hour.

Desk?

Mr. Johnson.

Could you have a cab ready for me in 10 minutes?

Thank you.

I wish I didn't have to rush back.

Noel, you were going to tell me something.

Something you did while we were gone.

Something we've been through before.

What is it, Noel? Well, you know, what it is.

I've been wanting to do it for years, but you always said no.

It's the only sensible thing.

Noel, if you mean-- Listen, Meg,

do you ever stop to think

what happens to Clara if anything happens to us?

Or after we're gone?

I won't listen. Yes, you will.

You'll have to face this once and for all.

You and I both know that the best thing for Clara

is a sort of school for people like her.

Noel, you promised me you'd never bring that up again.

The only reason I bring it up again

is because I love Clara just as much as you do.

And, damn it, don't look at me that way!

It's not an institution.

I went up to Maryland and took another good look at that place.

It's practically a country club.

Should be. It cost a fortune.

And believe me, they're happy there.

Clara will be happy there.

What you mean is you'll be happier with Clara there.

I mean Clara will be happier there.

She won't have to cope with anything.

The Fabrizios or anything or anybody.

Can't you see that at home Clara is our daughter, a person?

But shut up in a place like that--

Nobody's shut up.

They come home for holidays, Christmas, Easter,

occasional weekends,

and we can visit her any time we like.

But it's so final. The end of everything.

You mean it's the end of your fantasy.

The miracle: Clara somehow, someday, perfectly well.

I don't care how hopeless it is. I must have that to hang on to.

Well, you can't and that's final too.

It's not fair to me, it's not fair to you,

and it's not fair to Clara either.

[PHONE RINGS]

Pronto?

Yes.

He'll be right down.

If you want to make that plane you'll have to leave now.

If I've left anything else behind,

you can bring it along with you.

I don't suppose you could drive to the airport with me?

What if Clara should waken?

Meg, it's the only chance left for the two of us

to have some sort of a life together.

Don't you see that?

You've got to make up your mind, Meg.

Are you going to be a warden to Clara or a wife to me?

Well, it's been grand.

[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]

[CAR DRIVING AWAY]

[♪♪]

Hello?

This is Mrs. Johnson.

Could you get me two tickets on tomorrow morning's train

for Florence?

Yes, two.

Grazie.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Oh, yes. The same suite, Signora Johnson.

I arrange everything.

Grazie.

Oh, Signora Johnson, there is a letter for you.

Oh?

In true Italian fashion, Fabrizio threatens suicide.

The mother of Clara has scorned him because he was Italian.

Each one in the Naccarelli family had something to say.

The household was in a turmoil.

Oh, I'm terribly sorry if--

Not at all. It was very exciting and stimulating.

My wife, Signora Naccarelli, collapses in tears

and refuses to eat.

She retires to her room before an image of the Virgin.

I believe she is still there.

I'll send Signora Naccarelli some flowers in the morning.

There is no need.

I have already done so in your name.

Thank you very much.

Oh, niente.

I was the only Naccarelli whose appetite was unaffected.

I knew that Fabrizio would not commit suicide

and I knew that signorina and Signora Johnson would come back.

They are in the time of life, Clara and Fabrizio,

when each touch, each look,

each sigh arises from the heart.

The heart alone. [CAR HORN HONKS]

[SHOUTS IN ITALIAN]

For them, love is without thought,

as to draw breath, to sleep, to walk.

Ah, you and I, we have come to another stage.

We have known all this before.

It is sad. There is nothing to do,

but we can see our children.

I don't know about Fabrizio.

Of course, it would be hard to find a young Florentine

who has had no experience.

I myself at a young age...

Do you know my first love was a peasant girl?

No, but I assumed it.

Uh, what I mean is,

isn't every signor's first love a peasant girl?

[LAUGHS]

You are laughing at me.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

I don't know if your daughter will be for Fabrizio the first.

I cannot say surely.

But still he's a good boy.

And for her he has true feeling.

And as for the first woman,

I am Italian, I can tell you this.

It is unmistakable.

There's no question with Clara.

She's been very carefully brought up.

Not like other American girls, huh?

In Italy we hear strange things.

The Signorina is another thing entirely.

My wife has noticed it at once.

Her innocence.

She is very innocent.

I tell you open and frankly,

that during this past terrible week

when Fabrizio's every thought was of Clara,

his father could not put out of his eye

the image of Clara's mother.

Clara's mother with the always sad eyes

and the small smile.

There, You see?

[LAUGHS]

There it is again. Exactly.

If it disturbs you, Signor Naccarelli,

I'll try not to smile.

No. What disturbs me is that I feel

I must find the key to the shadow in the eyes,

the smallness of the smile.

So perhaps in some little way, I can be of help.

Signor Naccarelli.

Yes?

During my stay in Italy,

I have been told on several occasions

that Anglo-Saxons know very little about passion.

Is that what you are working up to?

Ah, you think me insincere.

You find me unattractive?

No, I find you quite attractive.

Ah.

But there are plenty of American men

who appreciate women just as much as you do.

[LAUGHS]

Of course.

Ah, we make such a lot of foolishness, Signora Johnson.

But still, on such a beautiful afternoon.

My husband knows everything.

I've told him all about you, about Fabrizio,

the signora, Florence.

All these things.

And what does he say?

You yourself ran away.

You think and you think.

You see the signorina's unhappy face.

You cannot bear her tears. You return. It is wise.

There should be time for thought.

When my niece was married,

my husband made out a check for $5,000.

I have every reason to think that he will at least

double that for Clara.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

When you come back, my wife and Fabrizio say to me,

"Suppose she leaves again?"

But I say the signora is a woman without caprice.

She will not leave again.

I don't intend to leave again

until Clara and Fabrizio are married.

[WHISTLE BLOWING DISTANTLY]

Ciao! Come sta?

Bene.

You?

Bene.

Buongiorno, I was just passing by and I--

There is no need for pretense any longer, Fabrizio.

Signora Johnson has given her consent.

Clara is yours.

[♪♪]

Thank you.

Thank you for coming back.

Who can help being moved?

At least we are sharing something.

A beautiful and touching moment.

[DIALING]

Pronto? Grand Hotel?

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

[RINGS]

Pronto?

[MRS. NACCARELLI SPEAKING ITALIAN OVER PHONE]

Si.

Capisce, signora?

No, I'm sorry.

Non capisco.

[SPEAKS ITALIAN]

Signora Naccarelli, is anything wrong?

What has gone wrong?

Ciao, Signora Johnson.

What my wife is trying to tell you is that a distant cousin--

oh, we have thousands of them.

--is secretary to a monsignor,

and through him we have obtained permission

for Clara to be married in a full church ceremony.

That's what my wife is crying about.

[MRS. NACCARELLI SPEAKING ITALIAN OVER PHONE]

That means we don't have to wait

until Clara completes her instruction.

Signora Naccarelli wants me to tell you

that Farther Domenic says Clara is doing beautifully.

He says she's showing a great devotion to the Virgin.

And my wife says she has known all along this was true.

Oh, good.

Incidentally I'm going to pick up Clara in a little while.

She's with Francesca and Guiseppe at--

NACCARELLI: Ah, benissimo.

Why don't you and Clara meet me and Fabrizio in, say, an hour

at the Paroco's office in the Church of Santo Spirito?

We can fill out the appropriate forms.

Then we can all have lunch together.

Va bene? Eh?

Oh, oh, remember to bring your passports.

Clara's and yours.

And a good strong American fountain pen.

There are papers and papers and papers to be signed.

Va bene?

I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Ciao.

Ciao.

[CRYING]

Wait here. Un minuto.

[CLARA SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Ciao. Buongiorno.

Mother, you're just in time to settle an argument.

Francesca says that William Holden

is as good-looking as Glenn Ford. I say--

And I say I am most handsome than both of them.

True, Signora Johnson? MEG: Of course, Guiseppe.

Much handsomer.

You are very truthful and very beautiful.

I cannot make the decision which one to make love to first:

the mother or my sister-in-law.

Well, she's not your sister-in-law yet.

In that connection, Clara, we have to meet Fabrizio

and Signor Naccarelli at the priest's to sign the papers.

The taxi is waiting.

Ciao, Francesca.

Ciao, Clara. Arrivederci.

Arrivederci.

Ciao, Guiseppe. Ciao.

Ciao. GUISEPPE: Ciao.

[CHOIR CHANTING]

This is distressing news.

But a businessman myself, I can understand

why Signor Johnson cannot leave his office.

He is most dreadfully sorry.

I assure you that even with your husband's absence,

it will be a most beautiful wedding.

[CHUCKLES]

That is if we can ever get the documents signed.

[CHOIR STOPS CHANTING]

There. That infernal chanting has stopped.

Now perhaps the priest will be up to attend to business.

If I know priests, he's in the wine cellar.

[LAUGHS]

Ah, documents are the curse of Italy, Signora Johnson.

Believe me.

You cannot become a corpse in Italy

without filling in the proper document.

[LAUGHS]

Oh, this kind of thing goes on in America too.

You should hear my husband on the subject.

Oh, how terrible, Signora Johnson.

You're much more beautiful than this.

Typical passport picture. But look at Clara's.

I guess it's impossible to take a bad picture of Clara.

Yes. This one of the signora, it's better.

It does her somewhat justice.

Fabrizio. Andiamo.

[BOTH SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Fabrizio?

My father forget.

Uh, remember the appointments.

Domani. Tomorrow.

I'm sorry, but-- But could you tell me what--

Scusi. No English.

Domani.

[♪♪]

Mother.

Yes, dear?

Did I do something wrong?

Of course not, darling.

Wasn't Fabrizio funny?

Well, dear, he was upset.

About what?

I don't know.

Probably some silly little thing.

I'm sure everything will be alright in the morning.

Desk?

Signora Johnson.

Are you sure there were no phone calls for me?

I see.

Grazie.

Are you ready for dinner, darling?

Oh, I'm not hungry, Mother.

Why don't you go ahead?

How would it be if we both put on pajamas,

had some dinner sent up, something light.

Then we could watch television and I could read to you,

just as we used to.

We did have fun, didn't we, darling?

And we can again, can't we?

Look, you take your bath first and I'll look at the menu.

Alright, Mother.

You don't have to if you don't feel like it, darling.

It's alright, Mother.

[WATER RUNNING]

[PHONE RINGS]

Pronto?

OPERATOR [OVER PHONE]: Signora Johnson? Uno momento.

Winston-Salem calling.

NOEL: Meg?

Hello, Noel. How are you?

Never mind how I am. I called you in Rome.

They said you checked out a week ago.

Didn't take much hard thinking to figure out

that you'd sneaked back to Florence.

That was very clever of you, Noel.

What's that? I can't hear you.

I said that was very clever of you.

Okay, Never mind the sarcasm.

Now, what's the hell's been going on?

Well, what the hell's been going on

is going on no longer.

Well, what do you mean by that?

I mean you don't have to worry about Clara and Fabrizio.

It's all over.

Finished.

You mean they know about Clara?

Yes, I think you could say they know.

Well, what happens next?

We'll take the first boat home from Naples.

But that'll be eight days on the water.

Why don't you fly?

No.

One night in Florence and the next afternoon

in Winston-Salem would be too much of a jolt for Clara.

Yes, I guess you're right.

How is Clara? Can I talk to her?

She's quiet and she's resting.

Talking to you might upset her.

Well, why should it upset her?

Well, it's upsetting me.

Are you trying to be funny?

If I am I'm certainly not succeeding.

What's the matter with you, Meg?

How are you anyway?

I'm glad you asked that question.

I haven't the slightest idea how I am.

Well, I don't like the way you sound.

I don't like it either.

You'll feel better when you get back home

and we get Clara settled.

Settled where?

Look, we're not going to have a heavy discussion

on the phone at $5 a minute.

Listen, Meg,

take care of yourself.

Kiss Clara for me.

Cable me what boat you're taking from Naples

and I'll come up to New York to get you.

Hello?

Hello, are you there, Meg?

I'm here.

I'm just trying to memorize your instructions.

Kiss Clara for you, take care of myself

and cable you what boat we're taking from Naples.

Oh, it's no use talking to you while you're in this mood.

I'll see you in a week or so.

Goodbye, honey.

Goodbye.

M, M, M, M...

[PHONE RINGS]

Pronto?

CONCIERGE [OVER PHONE]: Signora Johnson, there's a gentleman

waiting for you in the lobby.

Grazie. I'll be right down.

Clara, I'm going downstairs for a few minutes.

I'll be back before you're out of the tub.

CLARA: Alright, Mother.

Don't be too long.

We will walk along the river and talk.

If you wish.

You look amused. Why?

I don't know.

You look so somber and grave.

I'm fighting back the crazy temptation to giggle.

If I look somber and grave,

it's because my thoughts are somber and grave.

I saw today-- Why did you not tell me?

What can you be thinking of?

Oh, it is too much.

Now, three years where there is love,

where there is agreement, I say it's alright.

But, no. It is too much.

Years?

Can it be possible?

But you must have understood.

My son Fabrizio is 20 years old, no more.

Whereas your daughter, I see with my two eyes,

written in the passport today in the office of the parroco, 26.

Six years' difference.

No. No, it cannot be.

I make an excuse, an appointment.

It was not true. I've lied. I tell you frankly.

I hadn't thought of her as being older.

Believe me, Signor Naccarelli,

they seemed so much the same age to me.

It never entered my mind that there was any difference.

You see, Clara had a long illness some years ago.

To me, she seemed even younger than Fabrizio.

A long illness?

How do I know she's cured of it?

You see her.

She is as healthy as she seems.

No. No, it cannot be.

Don't you realize that they're in love?

Whatever their ages are, they are both young.

This is a deep thing, a real thing.

To try to stop what is between them now--

Try to stop?

Ha, my dear lady.

I will stop whatever I wish to stop.

You are cold?

No, but thank you for asking.

Here, put on my coat.

No, thank you. I'm not-- I insist.

Just around your shoulders.

I received a letter from my husband today.

Instead of $5,000,

he wants to make Clara and Fabrizio a present of $15,000.

This is nine million three hundred and seventy-five lire.

So now you will write and explain everything,

saying that this wedding cannot be.

Yes. And that is unfortunate.

They could have been happy, Clara and Fabrizio.

My son is not a sophisticate, and, uh, well,

I confess it frankly: far, far from a scholar.

What he is looking for in a wife is a goodness,

a sweetness, a simplicity.

All the things his mother is.

All the things your Clara is.

You must forgive me if I ask a most personal thing of you.

The Signorina Clara, she would like to have children,

would she not?

My wife can think of nothing else.

Clara can think of nothing else either.

She would like many children.

[SIGHS]

Six years' difference.

I will not tell my wife.

I will not tell my husband.

Oh, there it is again. The smallest of smiles.

I'm sorry if it disturbs you.

Yes, I find it disturbing.

And I find it attractive.

You are angry with me?

No.

You did not find it, how shall I say?

Distasteful?

I should've.

But I do not.

Shall we go someplace and have a brandy?

No, Signor Naccarelli.

Like Clara, I too have been very carefully brought up.

I'm very happy to hear that about Clara.

Less happy about you.

There are moments when I have regrets too.

Ah, well.

Shall we put it this way?

Between Signor Naccarelli and Signora Johnson,

there is, uh, unfinished business.

Well, what happened, Papa? Tell me.

Everything is alright.

It is?

Yes, I had a long talk with the signora.

Tomorrow morning we will go again

to the office of the parroco.

But Papa, you caused me all this worry.

I-- I was like a crazy person.

I've never spent such a day.

Yes. Well, I am sorry.

The signorina is a bit older than I thought.

Not much but, uh...

You, my son, you are 21 years old.

No, Papa. I am 23.

Has the sun cooked your brain?

I should be the one to act like this.

Alright, alright. I was mistaken.

But my instinct was right.

You cannot be too careful in these things.

But, my son, remember to say nothing to the Americans.

Do you want her to think we are crazy, the Signora Johnson?

Mother!

Mother!

What is it, dear?

Oh, Mother. I had a bad dream.

Oh.

There now.

I told you everything's going to be alright.

We're going to meet them tomorrow just as we did today.

But tomorrow it'll be alright.

You'll see.

Now, go to sleep.

Mother, would you read to me for the last time?

Why for the last time?

Oh, oh, I don't think Fabrizio will like these kind of stories.

No.

I don't think he will either.

Alright.

For the last time.

Chapter 21.

"Laurie makes mischief and Jo makes peace.

Jo's face was a study next day,

"for the secret rather weighed upon her,

"and she found it hard not to look mysterious

"and important.

"Meg observed it,

but did not trouble herself to make enquiries."

[MAN SPEAKING ITALIAN]

[WHISPERS IN ITALIAN]

My wife says they look like two angels

who have just stepped out of a painting.

[MENDELSSOHN'S "WEDDING MARCH" PLAYING ON ORGAN]

[BELLS TOLLING] [APPLAUSE]

Happy, darling? Yes.

I'll miss you, though.

Don't worry, darling. See you soon.

FABRIZIO: Clara!

[PEOPLE CHATTERING IN ITALIAN]

Permette, signora. My cousin, Marchese Vallino.

Signora Johnson. How do you are?

A great pity Signor Johnson could not have been here

to see such a beautiful wedding.

Yes, a pity.

And I am most regretful

your cousin Van Johnson could not come.

I am sorry too.

A cinema engagement, no doubt.

No doubt.

[BOTH SPEAKING ITALIAN]

Our car, signora.

Is anything the matter?

Oh, no.

I was just thinking.

Do you remember the man who fell down

when the cannon fired that day?

What happened to him?

He died.

[♪♪]

I did the right thing.

I know I did.

[♪♪]