Original subtitles

[roaring]

[breathing heavily]

[woman moaning]

[upbeat music]

♪♪

[moaning continuing]

♪♪

[moaning continuing]

♪♪

[moaning continuing]

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[woman moaning]

♪♪

[moaning continuing]

♪♪

[moaning continuing]

♪♪

[bell tolling]

[man] How did Giuditta take it?

[woman] Oh, you can imagine!

[man] The house belongs to Bebe.

[second woman] No, it's Giuditta's.

She's had it since she came from France.

[first woman] Even the furniture?

[man] Everything.

[third woman] He gave her a Modigliani.

[man] Hmm, a Modigliani.

He didn't even leave her enough to bury him.

That's what I heard.

No, thank you.No, thank you.

Look, here comes her daughter.

Ah, Sveva.

[woman] She had an audience with the Pope

in a black miniskirt and six strands of pearls

instead of a bra.

[man] It threw the Vatican into a panic.

How are you, Alberto?

[woman] Have you found a good interior decorator?

[second woman] I'm doing it myself.

You are clever.

Excuse me just a moment, will you, dear?

Uh, darling, did you know Bebe's wife?

I only met her once, poor Giuditta.

Poor Giuditta?

Poor Bebe!

She's a tramp.

You won't believe me,

but two nights ago, I dreamt of Bebe.

He was very pale and motionless,

and then he moved away.

He waved at me.

Farewell, farewell.

[man] You're confusing him with Hamlet, stupid.

Oh.

I won't go, you hear?But you must go.

[man] Carlo, it's been a long time.

[second man] How is Carla?

Is she still in the sanitarium?

Yes, the poor thing.

[woman] I only went to Paris to get a refill for my lighter.

[man] You're lucky they make that kind.

[woman] Flavia, don't disappear like you usually do.

When you're ready to go, give me a little warning.

Did you see Bebe?

He's being cremated.

Burned like a witch.

[man] I went to Dublin in June

and bought a magnificent stallion.

[second man] He must've cost you the earth, didn't he?

Not much, only $3,000.

You're sure they haven't sold you a donkey

like the last time?

How did it happen?

He died so suddenly.

I don't mean to speak ill of the dead,

but really, Bebe...

[woman] If you didn't like him,

I assure you it was mutual.

May I have a Coca-Cola?

[man] Help yourself.

Ladies and gentlemen, please.

[overlapping chatter]

♪♪

♪♪

You adore a man for so many years,

and you can't even go to his funeral

because all of Milan would talk.

♪♪

Diraghi.

♪♪

[exhaling]

♪♪

[door opens]

Are you Countess Passani?

I am Lallo di San Marciano.

Lallo, my, how you've grown.

But you are a man.

One morning, I woke up and realized that I was 40.

By the time I pulled myself together, I was 50.

Were-- were you there when-- when he died?

No.

One always arrives late.

Remember that, will you?

I was always waiting for him.

And, for once,

I was the one who was late.

I left Naples early this morning, Countess.

No, don't.

And your grandmother,

do you still stay with her?

Good.

And your mother?

Fine.

She's fine.

♪♪

Hmm...

So many suits.

Bebe, your father...

seemed always to wear the same suit.

♪♪

He had such chic.

♪♪

All these beautiful things are for you now.

Thank you, Countess.

I'll go to the cemetery later,

when no one will be there.

Well, you could've come before.

How were we to know you were in Milan?

You didn't show up the day of the funeral.

Now I have to go.

Well, I had to see people, friends of my father.

It's useless.

You'd better forget them.

Your aunt is out for lunch.

You haven't met her yet, but you'll see.

She's very nice.

Domenico...

show my nephew to his room,

and-- and tell my wife as soon as she returns.

All right, sir.

[kiss]

[women chattering quietly]

♪♪

[woman laughing]

♪♪

"The Master wishes to inform you

"that his nephew from Naples

is sleeping in the guestroom."

♪♪

[gasping]

[shattering glass]

You! Who are you?

♪♪

Are you Lidia?

No, Lidia's in the other room.

I came in here for a drink of water,

but I see I'm too late.

I'm sorry, I thought there was another bottle.

♪♪

Oh, it's Lallo, my husband's nephew!

[woman] Oh, he's cute!

Look at what Lidia's keeping in the kitchen.

She doesn't have to say it's her nephew.

Neapolitans always take their shoes off

the minute they're alone

and go running around barefoot

as if they never left their hovels.

Oh, Gilberta, the poor thing.

Gilberta's always joking.

Go put something on,

and you can join us out there, all right?

Aunt Lidia, if you don't mind,

I'd prefer to go back to sleep.

I am tired.

♪♪

I don't know whether or not

Lallo knows Giuditta was his father's mistress.

It's a little delicate.

And why isn't he here?

Oh, Carlo, you're so impatient with the boy.

Look, I have no obligation to him.

I haven't seen my sister for years,

and Bebe was more than I could take.

Look, can't you make these over?

Nobody wears double-breasted jackets anymore.

Excuse me, I'm late.

Double-breasted jackets are back in style.

Don't get up.

Oh, please, there are more important things.

Yes. Lallo, your uncle wanted to talk to you.

Your aunt and I were thinking--

you would like to stay in Milan, wouldn't you?

Oh, yes.

Well, as you know,

besides this stuff, you have nothing.

That's all your father left you.

As a matter of fact,

even the house where your father used to live

belonged to Giuditta,

and she's already rented it.

For the time being, you could work with me.

It would give you a little pocket money,

and you'd get some experience.

Will you put that shoe down?

Thank you, Uncle Carlo,

that would be very nice,

but I have other plans.

[Lidia] Whose Mini Minor could that be?

[Lallo] It belongs to me.

You?Yes.

Why?

What do you mean why?

Only the other day,

I had to give you cigarette money.

Yes.

[rapping]

That's the money I used.

I've quit smoking.

[engine starting]

[humming]

I have to go to Gilberta's

to get the tickets for the concert.

Do you remember her?

Ba-dom, ba-ba ba-ba.

That friend of mine, brunette,

rather nice-- the first night, when you arrived.

Ba-ba, bom-bom.

Don't you remember?

The one who made fun of you

because you were barefoot.

I never understood

why she took so much of a dislike to you.

Bom...

Don't you remember?

Bom-bom, bom-bom.

[bells chiming]

Excuse me, did Mrs. Bassi

leave an envelope for me?

No, ma'am.

As usual, she forgot.

Come on.

[phone ringing]

[squawking]

Good morning.Good morning.

Good morning, Baron.

Mrs. Bassi is sorry, but she had to go out.

She left something for you.

I'll go and get it.

♪♪

Baron?

How did he know that you were a baron?

How do I know?

How would you like a drink?

♪♪

[announcer] And Giovanni received the pass from Lucio.

There he goes!

He's heading straight down the field

for Balenya's goal.

And he has the field completely to himself.

♪♪

No, wait!

Gaining on him steadily is Forenzi.

He's passed him

and gotten between Giovanni and the goal.

Giovanni tries to fake, but he can't seem to lose.

[servant] Good-bye, Baron.

Good-bye.

♪♪

Can you explain to me

how you knew Gilberta's apartment so well?

And how is it that you knew

exactly which floor it was on?

[kiss]

I didn't give you the address.

You got it all by yourself.

No, you didn't give it to me.

All right, if that's the way you want it,

have it your own way.

But what I don't understand

is how you did it.

After all, you've only seen her once.

Huh?

That first night in the kitchen.

Shall we go?

[buzzer]

The master is waiting for you, sir.

[groaning]

Uh, good morning.

[man] Hmm?

I am Lallo di San Marciano.

Oh, yes.

Yes.

What time is it?

Almost 3:00, sir.

Is the sun out?

No, sir, it's foggy.

Draw the curtains.

[groaning]

Hmm.

[yawning]

[door closes]

I wonder why every morning,

I have to be cranked to get going.

So, you're Bebe's son.

Yes, yes.

Papa wrote me once, I could turn to you

if I ever came to Milan.

Of course, of course, absolutely right.

For money?

No.

But weights and measures, addresses,

up-to-the-last-minute tips, information,

the latest telephone numbers--

if you need any of those,

you have only to come to me.

I have already heard about you.

I was curious to meet you.

I understand you are with Gilberta.

She's even given you a car, I believe.

But I didn't think anybody knew about it.

Too passionate.

[door opens]

The masseur is waiting for you, sir.

[door closes]

♪♪

You know, as far as women are concerned...

Milan is the end of the line,

not a point of departure.

You should travel,

and you must make a name for yourself.

Go abroad-- uh, Paris, for example.

I thought that nowadays,

the thing to do was to go to New York.

Hmm, New York, New York.

Yes, of course,

Paris is no longer what it used to be.

But I can assure you that depressed women,

lonely women still go to Paris.

They buy their beautiful coats from Balenciaga,

their evening dresses from Givenchy,

spend millions on jewels.

Then, in the evening,

there they all are at the bar,

alone, without a man to put them on for.

I still remember all the friends--

that poor Marco was killed bobsledding.

[patting]

The fact is, you've come late.

Women nowadays have become misers.

They're worse than bookkeepers.

They say good-bye to us

without the slightest qualm, without even giving us

the possibility of a peaceful future,

and after all the trouble we've gone to for them.

I-- I don't think you can complain.

[groaning]

But what a job it is...

to have to be always nice, witty, cheerful.

Always ready to make love

and with imagination

because of your reputation.

Look at this.

Be very careful about it.

You must never have this and always have that.

Well, it's less tiring than being a clerk.

It's more varied.

And less secure.

Do you remember what your father used to say?

"The day Giuditta drops me, I'll be out on the street."

And you?

Call me Alberto.

Otherwise, you make me feel old.

Me?

I have a plan, of course.

If it works, I'm saved,

but I'd rather not talk about it yet.

Baron von Tuner on the phone, sir.

I'll call him back.

Hey.

♪♪

Why don't you talk to him?

Me?

Well, it wouldn't be too bad an arrangement.

Better than Gilberta.

But, excuse me, isn't he a man?

♪♪

[door closes]

So what?

♪♪

Listen, for you young boys, nowadays,

men are much better--

more thoughtful, more affectionate--

in a word, more everything.

No, it's only, I was thinking

of a little good-night kiss from the elderly gentleman.

[laughing]

Well, my dear Lallo,

you'll find out for yourself

that in our social position,

the little good-night kisses

are often very bitter pills to swallow.

♪♪

[laughter]

[man speaking German]

[footfalls]

I just can't wait for them to go back to Hamburg.

If this deal doesn't go through,

it's just as well.

What do you mean, just as well?

Don't you realize it's very important for me?

Then be realistic.

It seems to me that this man has no intention

of settling the deal the way you want it.

[man speaking German]

Is there anything I can do for you?

My wife wants to go to La Scala.

Lallo say that it is possible a rehearsal to see.

I go to town tonight.

My wife stay here,

Then I come back tomorrow to collect her.

Ah, Lallo, bitte, bitte, La Scala, hmm?

[orchestral music]

♪♪

[music crescendos

♪♪

♪♪

Do your filthy little things when you like!

I'm not a prude!

But at least show some sort of respect

or courtesy, for heaven sakes,

for-- for La Scala, for Verde.

Do you understand?

You can do what you like

and with whomever you like,

but not with the wives of people

doing business with your own uncle.

You run the risk of ruining everything!

♪♪

Well, what are you doing?

Are you going to come in?

♪♪

It's after 1:00!

Where do you think you're going?

[inhaling]

To take back these.

And I'll tell Gilberta.

No, you won't tell her anything.

Oh, now, finally you admit

that there's something between you and Gilberta.

Oh, Lidia, do you think that

this is the right moment

to discuss, uh, such things?

[engine starting]

[train whistle blowing]

It's done, it's done!

I do business only on paper.

I don't even look at the goods.

A signature, and that's it.

It already belongs to somebody else.

Two trains of 25 cars--

just a question of knowing how to play the game.

[Lallo] Uncle Carlo!

Lallo!

Lallo, I was sure you'd come.

After all, it's his doing, too.

Come here.

Is everything all right?Yes, sir.

You're absolutely sure?

It's important!

Yes, everything's in order.

Don't worry.

Let me add my congratulations.

Now I understand the way you work,

and there's no doubt you get results.

If you happen to write to Frau Breuner,

will you please thank her for me?

Me, write her?

You're right.

These aren't matters you can handle by mail.

But why are you wearing your tuxedo, huh?

Because there's an opening at La Scala, uncle.

Oh, I see.

Well, instead of taking your Aunt Lidia to La Scala,

I'm going to take her for some scaloppini.

Get going, or you'll miss the first act.

We've already heard the first act,

haven't we, Aunt Lidia?

Come along, darling.

♪♪

She gave me a look that-- that mussed my hair.

[woman] Oh, Gilberta!

Oh, come and sit down.

How was the opera?

Hideous.Why?

My husband had to go to the press club.

Every year, it's the same story.

First, La Scala, and then that funeral wake.

He said, "Do you want to go?"

I said, "No."

So I came here, but it isn't much better.

Hello.Ah, Lallo!

Look at all these beautiful women!

In Milan, love is wonderful.

Anywhere else, it's just imitation.

Only a Neapolitan

would say a foolish thing like that.

Actually, it was said by a Frenchman who loved Milan

and Milanese women very much.

Go on, go on, go on.

Dance with girls your own age.

You're a perfect beast!

Gilberta, don't you think we'd better go to the...

Oh! My dress!

My new dress!

Here, take my handkerchief.

Gilberta.Waiter, waiter!

It's ruined!

Ruined!

It cost $1,000, and I haven't paid for it.

Gilberta.

[sobbing]

Gilberta, Gilberta.

Help me, Lidia!

Please, you must help me!

I'm losing him.

He doesn't show up anymore.

You talk to him.

I love him, and he doesn't even know I exist.

I'm nothing to him anymore.

[sobbing]

[woman singing in Italian]

♪♪

[door hinges creaking]

Is that you, Aunt Lidia?

Oh, you're in bed already.

It's 4:00.

You just came in.

Well, I don't have to take off any makeup.

You can hear everything in this house.

So?

[takes deep breath]

I wanted to talk to you about something,

because, during the day, it's never possible,

and, besides, if your uncle found out--

How can you go to sleep

with that smell of cigarettes?

Look, it's no use beating around the bush.

I want to talk to you about Gilberta.

Well, sit down.

That's not necessary.

Now, you listen to me.

I can understand perfectly well

that she's a woman who'd attract you,

because Gilberta, after all,

is a delightful woman.

Tonight she was splendid, huh?

When she came in, wasn't she beautiful?

I didn't even see her when she came in.

All right.

Well, let's admit that when you get fed up--

because obviously you are...

You are?

But you're barefoot!

Don't interrupt me!

I can't stay here all night, can I?

All right, then, I am fed up.

[laughing]

Oh, you young men, sometimes

it's really impossible to understand you.

What do you mean?

You said yourself that sometimes

she can be a real nuisance.

I said that?Mm-hmm.

Oh, well, everybody says things like that

without thinking.

But, actually,

Gilberta has lots of good qualities.

But sometimes, she may behave

in a sort of impulsive manner.

You know as well as I do

that nerves can play funny tricks.

So she throws a scene,

and, certainly, in public that should be avoided.

Like tonight-- and besides it's not true

that her dress cost $1,000.

Do you know that she wanted to leave her husband

and everything else in order to live with me?

Oh, poor woman.

How'd we have done that?

Would she have come to live here?

Well, she's a friend of yours.

You could be her aunt, too, Aunt Lidia.

That's not funny.

I mean, you shouldn't make fun of her.

She's ten years older than you.

No, six.

What do you mean six?

You're 22, and Gilberto was in school

with Tassi's sister,

which means that she was born in '36.

Ah.

And she offered me a job in her father's company.

But he's almost bankrupt.

You know, Lallo, we must be fair to Gilberta.

She's always been so unlucky.

Her first husband ran off

only two weeks after they were married.

Then there was her brother, who swindled her

out of every penny she had.

She had to get a job at $150 a month.

And when her cousin's baby died,

they died together-- the nurse and the baby.

It was such a sad story.

And when her sister-in-law

threw herself off of the balcony,

she didn't even die, the poor thing.

She remained crippled in both of her legs.

♪♪

No!

You're a sadist.

♪♪

[Flavia] Bruno, turn right at the next street.

[horns honking]

[Bruno] I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't.

It's a one-way street.

I said, turn right!

And stop looking at other women

when you're with me!

[Flavia] Turn right, I said!

[horns honking]

I'm sorry, but I can't.

I said, turn right!

But it's impossible!

It's a one-way street!Turn right!

This time I've had enough.

Here, I'll send you the rest tomorrow.

You can drive it yourself!

You stupid idiot!

[horns honking]

Parasite!

Who is she?

Flavia Menobo, steel and plastic fibers.

Let's go, darling, it's getting late.

We said we were going to talk.

Yes, but not here in the middle of the street.

It's terrifically important for me.

Hey, look at the walkie-talkies! But--

You can call me on the phone.

Since we live in the same house,

we never call each other,

which is what lovers do, after all.

What are you doing tonight?

What?

If you're free for an hour or two,

I won't make any other dates.

It's green, over.

You call me back.Hello, hello?

Ah, in any case,

I know that you're taking advantage

of the situation

because if I tell you that I can't,

you will go out just the same.

Carlo's a man I respect, after all.

And I-- [Lallo] Funny kind of respect.

And don't talk to me about your husband all the time!

Excuse me, please, would you let him try it?

Otherwise, I'll never get him home.

My love, just thinking of you in bed with that fat ass!

Fat ass, fat ass!

Who is that?Marco Sabatini.

All right, my darling. Hello?

Hello?Give it to the lady.

Thank you very much. Who's Marco?

A child, my love.

Whom did you think it could be?

But, look, it's just that

I need my own place with you.

I hate doing it in your house.

If I had a little money--

My darling, I told you that I can find a way.

I have my own money.

Hello, hello?

This thing doesn't work at all.

Hello?

I'll give you money, darling!

I'll give it all to you!

You're not listening to me.

I'll give it to you...

You are a real bastard.

Am I?

You don't care about anyone.

Is it my fault if just as soon

as I'm satisfied with someone,

another one comes my way?

You know, I jump from one bed

into another with the same ease...

when it's to my advantage, of course.

Have you ever been in love?

With the first man--I see.

Yes.

One night, he wasn't expecting me...

[all screaming]

It was a beautiful spring night.

He was a painter, fresh from a small town.

He had very little money,

but great faith in himself as an artist.

We were both very young, very sure.

We hadn't yet experienced the disillusionments

that come sooner or later to all of us.

I remember he said,

"For me, it was love at first sight."

He had seen me with a lot of other girls,

and he couldn't take his eyes off me.

You know, it was something very beautiful,

which rarely happens these days.

The only question he ever asked me was,

"What's your name?"

As usual, our beautiful love died,

and I was a bit sad, a little--

Let's go.

If you don't stop this sad story,

you're going to make me cry.

[laughter]

[woman] Is Lallo with you?

Someone's been calling him.

[second woman] Is Lallo here?

[man] He just came in with Puccio.

Oh, Lallo, someone's looking for you.

Lallo's wanted on the telephone.

[overlapping chatter]

[woman] You're wanted on the phone.

They've called you three times already.

Thank you.

Hello, yes?

[Lidia] Lallo, I've been trying to find you all night.

Why? You must come home at once.

How come?

What do you mean at once?

Something terrible has happened.

Come right away.

Tell me what. I can't.

What is it, Lidia?

I absolutely can't tell you on the phone.

Ah, all right.

I'll come right away.

Bye.

For one tiny irregularity!

What the hell can they prove?

If they investigated everyone,

they would have to arrest them all, one by one!

As though I were the only one worse than the others!

I think I'd better go.

I doubt if the warrant

will get here before tomorrow morning,

but it's always wise to be cautious.

Carlo and I have to leave immediately.

This friend of ours came to warn us.

It seems they found

something wrong with my books.

Anyway, I had a--

a suitcase packed for you.

You can't stay here any longer.

It's possible they will seize the house

and everything in it.

Where will I go?

That's your business, I'm afraid.

[P.A. announcement in Italian]

Watch your step.

[P.A. announcement in Italian]

Sorry, that's the way it goes.

If things don't straighten themselves out,

join us in Venezuela.

[woman via PA] Alitalia flight 346

announces its immediate departure, gate number 12.

Attention, please.

Flight 346 Alitalia going to Tunis,

gate number 12.

♪♪

Taxi!

♪♪

[driver] Where to?

You can take me to town.

♪♪

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

Darling, remember to fasten your seatbelt.

There are times when you'd better do as you're told.

Hmm.It's safer.

And the children's lesson,

£2,000 an hour.

Oh, well, it's the last year.

Now, mademoiselle, be careful, please.

The little one has to eat bland foods,

and she has to take a laxative tonight.

Ask their cousin to come to tea. Oui, madam.

[speaking French]Oh, boy, we're going!

That way, they'll be occupied.

One thing after another.

And how are you getting back?

I'll take a walk.

It's cheaper,

and a good excuse to get some exercise.

And, remember, above all,

a telegram as soon as you arrive,

you understand?

Well, if we crash, you'll know immediately.

You're such an idiot.

[kiss]

[quiet chatter]

A Campari.

How soon do we leave, please?

In ten minutes.

[woman] The last time...

[second woman] Yeah, there was the almost awful snowstorm,

just ten minutes after we left the airport.

[first woman] I grabbed his pants and ran for my life!

[second woman] I wish I could've seen his face!

[Lallo] Miss, Miss?

Excuse me.

Excuse me, miss, could you tell me

how high up we are here?

It's the first time I've come to Cortina.

Are you going to the village?

No?

Because if you'd like, I could give you a lift.

Hey, answer me when I talk to you.

You're a bastard.

Ah, come on, Ida, get in.

Who was that-- that woman who answered

the phone when I called you?

Did some woman answer?

Oh, now, don't start answering

my questions with other questions!

[gasping] Oh!

Oh, my God, my husband!

[breathing heavily]

Oh, I hate you!

Now stop.

You realize how long it's been since I've seen you?

Two weeks.

I couldn't stand it any longer. Sure.

According to you, I'm suppose to believe

that for two weeks you didn't--

You know I always tell the truth,

even when it's unpleasant.

But, you, instead...

It's quite different for me.

He's my husband.

I'm obliged to--Why?

Isn't your husband a man?

♪♪

[first man] Here comes your carriage, Milord.

[second man] Oh, a regular Cadillac.

Hi, coachman.

[woman] Ooh, he's cute!

♪♪

[desk clerk] Hello, Ida.

Good to see you.

♪♪

[overlapping chatter]

Good morning.

[laughing]

[man] And you know what she said?

"But, honey, that's what I'm waiting for."

Hello, Mr. San Marciano.

Good morning.

A Scotch, Lallo?

It's not a drink I want.

Ida, let's go upstairs.

Lallo, please.

[laughing]

I've seen her before.

Who is she?Flavia Menobo.

They're in steel.

Oh, yes, and plastic fibers, as well.

Do you know her?

I'm sorry, I was thinking of something else.

Shall I tell you what I was thinking about?

Hello, Flavia!

All right, but don't follow me right away.

[woman] It's your fault.

It's all your fault.

Leave me alone.

I can't take anymore.

♪♪

[applauding]

♪♪

Der gute, wunderbar!

[applauding]

♪♪

Hold on, I am out of breath!

Once in Gstaad, I skated three hours without stopping.

Were you talking to me?

I was saying that skating well is very difficult.

There are very good instructors here.

In a few lessons,

they'll have you skating rather well.

But I don't need lessons.

Didn't you see me?

No, I was asleep.

You woke me up.

[overlapping chatter]

♪♪

Oh, where did they come from?

They're German princes.

Oh, I see.

Big names, big fortunes,

and big marriages-- from America,

the Near East, Australia,

and, with a little luck, Italy.

Out of one of Musil's books.

Who?Musil.

He wrote several interesting,

even significant books about Austria

at the time of the empire.

Anyone who's as well-educated as we are

has a duty towards history.

The boy is very clever.

Ah, that's something new!

Baron von Tummler has his eye on a new chauffeur.

It's so difficult these days to keep servants.

They're so pretentious.

They're always finding a woman

who pays them a fortune, or a man

who takes them to the south of France.

Oh, look at that unhappy woman.

The poor thing.

She makes me feel so sorry for her.

♪♪

Oh, what's his name?

That's Alberto Tutz.

He doesn't recognize anyone,

now that he's officially part of the family.

Twenty years in the waiting room,

but he's made it now.

Yes, he got himself all set, and nicely.

A bit late.

Ah, sleeping beauty.

If you knew what I've been doing-- Oh, Flavia!

Do you know each other?

Lallo di San Marciano,

Flavia Menobo, from Milan-- Naples.

[auctioneer] Gone!

[gavel banging]

Sold!

And, now, we come to number 24...

a matching enamel set with initials set in diamonds,

cufflinks and studs.

They are Russian.

"LSM."

They seem to have been made especially for me.

The starting price is $800.

Who will offer more?

850.850.

$1,000.

1,000.

Do I hear more?

1,050.1,050.

1,200!1,200.

$1,200 has been bid.

Do I hear more?

Lallo, have you gone mad?

$1,200.

$1,600!

$1,600.

2,000.

2,000.

Who will bid more, ladies and gentlemen?

2,000 once, 2,000 twice, 2,000 three times!

[gavel banging] Sold!

[overlapping chatter]

[auctioneer] And now, ladies and gentlemen...

Lily?Oh, hello.

A Campari.

It seems to me

that you liked very much these jewels.

That is why I bought them.

Allow me to offer them to you.

No, they cost too much for me to accept them.

You are the kind of person

to whom offering such an expensive gift

is a pleasure.

Has no one ever told you that before?

No one ever told me so clearly...

and never a man.

So, it was time that someone did.

Anyway, remember that these are yours.

Consider them left with a friend.

At any time, they are at your disposal.

[auctioneer] 1,250.

1,250.

1,250 once.

1,250 twice.

1,250 three times.

Sold! [gavel banging]

[overlapping chatter]

How does it feel to be auctioned?

I decided to sell myself to the lowest bidder.

What about Ida?

I don't know.

She has disappeared.

If you look carefully, you'll be able to find her.

But I don't want to find her.

[background chatter]

Have you got a car here?

[keys jangling]

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[tapping]

♪♪

[dog whining]

♪♪

[whining continues]

♪♪

[whining continues]

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[whining continues]

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[bird squabbling]

♪♪

[clacking]

[discordant horn music]

♪♪

Ah!

[bell tolling]

[piano music]

♪♪

[woman] The best part of the story is that it happened to me.

Do you realize that?

♪♪

Would you tell me where you disappeared to?

Really, I don't understand

this attitude of yours at all.

All these pretenses just because, according to you,

nobody realizes that we're together.

Lallo, please.

I spend the whole evening looking for you,

and you keep disappearing

to prove that you're independent.

Look, if I came to Cortina, it was because of you.

But I know that.

It was a misunderstanding,

especially because--

What is it?

I have to go to Milan tomorrow.

To Milan?

Yes, my mother isn't well at all.

How long will you be gone?

About ten days.

Liar!Lallo!

You take advantage of me

because I'm in love with you!

[Lallo] You see that?

They all have less money than you do,

but they would tear themselves apart

for the ones they love.

[Flavia] How dare you say that I'm stingy.

Well, you are, in proportion

to the money you have.

Do you know how much money

I've given you since we've been together?

I don't know, and I don't want to know.

That's something that concerns you.

[man] If I'd known you were here, I'd have come sooner.

[Lallo] There's a woman with style.

[Flavia] Go on, I'm here to learn.

I'm unfaithful to her.Shall we be on our way?

I leave her, and she withdraws in silence

with real dignity.

More than dignity-- it's a question of habit.

You see?

You're no lady.

I'll punish you.

No, Lallo!

And can I ask you what you're going to do

with all this money?

Of course, sure you can.

It's your money.

Well, what are you going to do with it?

I want to give Ida a present.

And, after all,

it's only fair that you should...

[kiss]

pay for it.

[woman] Yes?

Mrs. Vermasconi, please.

You can't go in, sir.

Excuse me, please.

[hairdryers humming]

Look.

Tell me what you think of it.

Filipo, just a second, please.

I don't know what you have to say to me,

and I'm not interested, especially here

in front of all these people I know.

Why don't you open it?

It's awful.

Of course, it was very expensive.

Frightful.

You don't think it's beautiful?

I didn't make a good choice?

Well, of course,

it depends on the person you had in mind.

Whom did you buy it for?

It's for you.

I want to give you a present.

I want you to have something from me.

Now you get around to it,

now that everything is finished between us.

It's not very clever.Why?

Because, if I wanted to make trouble for you,

I could go to your friend, Flavia,

and say, "Look, darling, what Lallo gave me today."

Oh, she already knows.

What?

I asked her to give me the money especially.

"I want to give Ida a present,"

is what I told her.

You're mad-- out of your mind!

Did you think you could get rid of me with a bag?

No, pretty boy.

In that case, it would take much more.

Go away, get out!

I don't ever want to see you again!

To hell with your pride!

I'm through!

I've had enough!

[woman vocalizing]

Would you like this bag?

I'll make you a present of it.

I beg your pardon?Take it.

It'll make me very happy.

I don't understand.

What's your name?

You know, I can never remember it.

This is for you.

All right, if you want.

Has anyone called?

Yes, Mrs. Vermasconi called twice.

She asked you to call her back.

All right, thank you.

[dialing phone]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Flavia, at last I found you.

I've already called you several times. I know.

Has something happened?

Lallo-- he came to the hairdresser's,

just like that.

All of a sudden, he wanted to give me a bag.

Well, what did you do?

I refused it, of course.

How did he know you were there?

I really don't know, Flavia.

He must've called my place.

How do I know what goes on in that head of his?

To disappear the way you did, without making a scene.

After all, that would've been very natural.

Now he does nothing

but irritate the hell out of me,

"Ida here, Ida, there.

What class, what style."

I don't like it.

I don't like it at all.

I help you get rid of him,

and to repay me,

you want to pass yourself off

as the heroine, who withdraws nobly

and suffers silently, and you're--

Now, Flavia, you're not being fair.

I was quite satisfied with Lallo,

but when I saw you liked him--

All right, I don't want to talk about him anymore!

But, apart from that, it seems that things

are going rather well between you two.

Oh, I like him well enough.

But you were right, he's very expensive.

Bebe-- like father, like son.

Just imagine how much Bebe must've cost Giuditta.

[laughing]

You know, with shampoo, perfume, creams,

and what have you, he would do nothing

but moisten himself up from morning till night.

[laughing]

Flavia, if you'd fallen in love with Lallo,

I would've never forgiven myself.

What?

Me, in love with Lallo?

Oh, it's all very pleasant,

but the day things change,

I go one way, he another,

and we'll stay friends as before.

Oh, by the way,

I spoke to daddy about your husband,

and he's sure he can find a place for him.

See you at the ball tonight.

I've ordered a Cossack's uniform for Lallo.

Take care.

Bye, darling. Bye.

♪♪

Why aren't you wearing your costume?

Now, go upstairs and change right away.

At least you could tell me why you didn't wear it.

You liked it so much.

Oh, poor darling.

The cat got your tongue?

Are you in a bad mood?

Okay, let's go!

[Flavia] You haven't even told me if you like my costume.

Don't you think that it's a better idea than a mask?

More modern, more unusual.

Don't tell me that its meaning bothers you?

Why, Lallo, that wouldn't be like you at all.

[laughing]

Could you have Catholic scruples?

There's nothing more in fashion

these days than desecration.

That doesn't interest you either.

Let's see if I can guess.

You're tired of staying in Cortina.

Too much to drink last night.

Ah, have you got a pain in your tummy, no?

Why he's sulkier than a horse tonight.

Who is it?

Why, it's Lallo!

[gasping]

[moaning]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

Good evening, sister.

Good evening.

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

[moaning continues]

♪♪

Let's hope it's a masquerade.

Even so, it's a crummy idea.

Are you talking about me?

Hey, the nun of Monza!

No, it's a man dressed like a woman!

Why don't you get a job, you half-woman!

Did you ever go on a peace march?

I have!

Hah, hah! hah!

If she's going to a party dressed as a nun,

she must've gone topless.

Are you going to stand there

and let them insult me?

[all mocking]

Cha-cha-cha!Oh, yeah!

All right, Sister, swing it!

Yeah!

I can't get it up anymore!

You should be ashamed!

Is this how you behave

when you're out with a lady?

Poor clown.

Let's get this disgusting scene over with.

Aah!

[screaming]

Help me!

Oh!

Oh!

Help!

[overlapping shouting]

I hate you!

Aah!

Aah!

Help, help!

[screaming]

Oh, you bastard, you bastard!

Oh, help!

Aah, help me!

Help me!

You bastard!

Oh!

Oh!

But this is intolerable.

I'll never make a career,

and I don't have your patience.

[electronic beeping]

[woman] Henry, get me a mystery story.

Oh, Henry, get me some hot chocolate!

Not in a cup, in the glass.

Understand?

♪♪

Ah!

Ah, my love!

What are you doing here?

I'm going to Milan.Yes?

Perhaps I'll go back to Naples.

Oh, no.

No, don't go back to Naples.

It's not for you.

It's too small.

Travel.

Go around the world, have fun.

[exhaling]

[laughing]

Have you seen that long, tall fellow?

Yes.

[both laughing]

How beautiful you are.

I'm going to marry him...

the Englishman.

Oh, yes.He's a charming man.

We're going to be married in Vienna.

Madness.

[laughing]

Oh, but how could my life be different?

I knew there was something.

Did you?

I had guessed.

And-- and how?

The way grandmother kept answering the phone.

[laughing]

What did she say?

She laughed, and she was happy.

[both laughing]

She's a sweetheart.

She finds me unbearable.

She's right.

Poor woman, she will have some peace from me now.

♪♪

Mother.Oh.

♪♪

What a big fellow I have.

Why did you grow up so fast?

You're a man.

♪♪

Oh...

you want me to introduce my sweetheart?

♪♪

[both laughing]

That's my boy.

♪♪

Have you seen her in Milan?

Huh?

Giuditta?

Oh.

Oh, Lallo, your hair!

What's the matter!

It's too long.No!

You look like a hippie.

What's wrong with you, Mama?

It's always been this way.

♪♪

You're-- you're upset.

Oh...

♪♪

I'm worried.

How unlucky I am.

I can never take care of the people I really want to.

♪♪

[kiss]

♪♪

[exhaling]

Hey.

He's not coming back.

Maybe he's ran off.

Oh!

[laughing]

Oh, that would be wonderful.

You know what we'll do?

We will go both of us to Paris,

and we will have a wonderful time together.

No, Mama.

♪♪

Take care of yourself.

You've given me back my confidence.

♪♪

I've never given you anything.

Oh, yes, Mama, your blue eyes.

That's nothing?

♪♪

My darling, go, go.

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[train whistle blowing]

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[overlapping chatter]

Please, please, stop that boy for me.

That one, you see?

The one wearing the tuxedo.

Lallo?

Look, I am Giuditta Passani.

You recognize me, don't you?

Countess.Ah!

Come over here.

It's no accident that we've met.

I came on purpose to pick you up.

Your mother telephoned me during the night.

Oh!

From somewhere in Austria.

I was frightened, it was so late.

I thought, with all those terrorists--

Mother telephoned you?

Yes, mm-hmm.

Yes, your mother.

[door closes]

Yes, we have always been friends.

What a beautiful, adorable woman.

Hmm.

Bebe was so happy you looked like her.

She was the only woman that he respected.

Your mother said that you are depressed.

I'll put you to work, you know.

Now I will really put you to work

with Gianmarco Borghini, who is so nice.

He's my daughter's fiancé.

You don't know her yet.

Excuse me, Diraghi.

Since, you eat so little,

while we finish the risotto,

go get a sweater.

Something for this boy.

I just realized he's still wearing his tuxedo.

But, Countess,

is your daughter as charming as you are?

It's impossible.

No, my daughter is a silly girl.

Tell me, Lallo-- so, she was dressed like a nun.

Made up, what order?

I don't really know, Countess.

I only know that it didn't suit her.

But I want you to tell me about--

about the kick in the behind!

Really?

In the behind!

[laughing]

You can imagine that.

It's awful, ridiculous-- I mean, a bop-- pushed!

[laughing]

What a nice perfume.

It smells of Giuditta.

Ah.

At certain moments,

he's just like Bebe...

just like Bebe.

Now you must work.

You must work, just like Bebe.

I'm going to have a coffee.

♪♪

[woman vocalizing]

♪♪

[woman] Well, look who's here!

♪♪

You knew I was here?

Not at all.

Then it looks like we were destined to meet.

But that's the bag!

Yes, I always carry it.

The things you find

are the things you enjoy the most.

Come on, get a hold of yourself.

Are you a friend of Giuditta?

Very much so.

But, then, Giuditta is here?

There she is.

Thank you, you have done a very good job!

[woman] Giuditta.

I'm sorry, sir, I was--

Call him Gianmarco.

Do you know this one?

No.

I haven't seen her at your dinner parties.

Actually, Mama hasn't asked me for some time.

Come on, you silly girl, you do nothing but go out.

You're certainly no help to me in my old age.

Sveva, Lallo.

One of these days, I have to speak with you.

♪♪

Amparo!

Amparo!

Amparo!

♪♪

Sveva!

What have you brought me this time?

♪♪

Oh, he's so big!

He'll scare all my little ones.

Are you a he or a she?

Just look at me--

I'm a great, big male.

[laughing]

And, Gianmarco,

has he decided to buy my villa or hasn't he?

She's the one who doesn't want me to.

As far as I'm concerned--

Come on, Gianmarco, how boring you are.

It's just right for the dogs the way it is now.

And this young man, who is he?

Lallo di San Marciano.

Bebe's son.

Ah, think of that.

What are you doing in Milan?

Have you come to find a soft berth like your father?

I'm working.

Gianmarco thinks I'm doing a good job.

[Amparo laughing]

But if you two are going to get married,

why are you going around in threes?

We're friends.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Oh, you men from the south-- beautiful, fiery,

melancholy, liars, cheats, dishonest!

We've always liked you far too much.

But you-- which of the two do you prefer?

Well, I'm supposed to marry Gianmarco

in less than a month.

As if that had anything do to with it.

[laughter]

[dogs barking]

♪♪

[TV music playing]

[man singing on TV]

♪♪

I thought you were going out.

I changed my mind.

Ah.

I'm going to La Scala.

Oh, that's nice.

If you need Diraghi...

No, I don't need anything.

Giuditta?

Yes?

You know, I don't think

I'll marry Gianmarco after all.

[man continues singing]

[sighing]

You'll be late.

Oh, that's all right.

I have a box.

What would I be marrying him for?

[turns TV off]

Oh.

Diraghi,

please try to find out what this is all about.

[door closes]

[footfalls]

[Sveva giggling]

At first, we could stay in a hotel.

Well, at first.

And, then, we'll look for an apartment--

take our time, as long as it's small--

none of these big places for me.

You can't get any help.

♪♪

[laughing]

♪♪

Where do you think we should put this one?

At the foot of the bed.

Tip it a little.

If the angle is just right, you get a tremendous view.

Careful.

You know, all things being considered,

I'd really rather live in the country with you.

[laughing] Easy! Ah.

♪♪

There! [laughing]

And the one from the bathroom,

it makes me look like a ball.

♪♪

That makes four,

with the mirror from your dresser.

It's 18th century.

It's old-- you can't see anything in it.

Will we buy all our furniture

on credit, like poor people?

♪♪

[Sveva laughing]

What are you doing?

♪♪

Is it black and white or color?

Color.

It develops in 30 seconds.

Oh!

[giggling]

♪♪

[door closes]

♪♪

[Sveva giggling]

Ah.

[Lallo laughing]

[Sveva laughing]

Here, put this on.

Oh.

Wasn't I right?

It seems like ten making love

when there are only us two.

Now...

♪♪

Lallo?

It's no use looking at me this way.

It's me-- I mean, instead of Sveva.

Countess.

What a pleasure.

It's always a joy to see you.

Listen to me.

There's not a soul here-- so much the better.

I must tell you what I have to say.

Sveva has gone away.

[exhaling]

Oh, what's the use of lying.

She hasn't gone away.

I kept her from coming

because I don't like this business.

She's got to marry Gianny because--

oh, because-- because that's her affair.

There was no need--

if you two wanted to go to bed together.

Oh, it's not that, Countess.

No?

I have never been in love before.

I want to marry Sveva.

I'm so sorry

that appearances are against me.

Lallo...

♪♪

Listen.

♪♪

I was with your father for-- for 22 years,

and few people loved each other the way we did,

especially in the beginning.

Perhaps that's why Sveva and I, too--

No, dear.

♪♪

That is just why you two must not.

But why, if I may ask?

No, Lallo, don't-- don't talk stupid.

♪♪

I'm not quite sure

that Sveva is not Bebe's daughter.

Well, as a matter of fact,

I should say, I know it's so.

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

Oh, my God, Diraghi, has it come to this?

I'm so sorry about that lie.

Do you think Bebe will know that?

Oh, no, Countess,

they don't know anything anymore, those up there.

It's about time they understood,

these young people,

that they can't ignore all principles.

They can dress however they like

and do whatever they want in private,

think the way they want in politics,

but when it comes to marriage,

one thing is sure-- money marries money--

at least in Milan.

[dramatic music]

♪♪

[woman vocalizing]

♪♪

[choir vocalizing]

♪♪

[woman vocalizing]

♪♪

[piano music]

♪♪

♪♪

[no audio]

♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪♪

[woman vocalizing]

♪♪