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THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS (The Avenger of Venice)

At the start of the fifteenth century, while the discovery...

...of a New World spelled the inexorable decline...

of the grand Mediterranean powers, the Republic...

...of Venice was troubled...

...by internal strife which divided the patricians into factions...

...ready to do anything to defend their interests and privileges...

...which often sharply contrasted with the decency and goodwill...

...of the people they represented in the Senate.

With all respect and obedience...

..due to our Serene Doge, I believe it is our duty...

...to oppose by every means the law which he proposes...

...for our approval.

By all means, Noble Davila?

By all means, Most Serene! By all legal means, I mean.

You propose to abolish...

...the rights of pirates sailing ships into San Marco!

And that would abolish forced conscription, the only way...

...to supply the galleys with their needed crews.

Would eliminating it force pirates to serve as their own crew?

For centuries our ships have dominated the seas!

Gold has filled the coffers of the Republic.

Sure, but moreso the coffers of their owners.

- In the name of Venice-- - The name of Venice is tarnished...

...by raids that take place in the shadow...

...of her flag!

A disgrace which we have decided to stop.

- And this time, forever. - The Doge is right...no?

Yes, he's right, unfortunately.

No Venetian should be taken from his family.

Nor should they be compelled to embark on a galley's voyage...

...too often without returning.

To compensate for this lack of revenue, you'll tax the people.

Sure! Tax those who have more means.

Let us limit, at last, the waste and pomp that surround us.

And the people will thank the Doge, just as he wishes.

Captain Altieri, we are deeply grateful!

You too, like his excellency Davila, will be impacted...

...by this law.

I bow to your decision, Most Serene!

One shouldn't put the interests of the individual before those of the community...

...which is so dear to your heart.

Not every man may agree with my decision.

They would sooner satisfy the ambitions of Doge Candiano...

...instead of the interests of all those who form the heart...

...of the Republic!

Davila passionately defends his friend's interests.

But my friends are more numerous than his, for they are...

...the people of Venice. The soul of the city that I...

...have the honor of serving.

Unfortunately, Most Serene, the new law can only be approved unanimously.

We need to convince Davila.

We should all be grateful to Davila for leaving...

...the Council. Thus the law which the Doge wanted approved...

...has been blocked. - Old Candiano is beginning...

...to be dangerous. We must defend our interests!

For now, the most important thing is for the Doge...

..to keep faith in you, Captain Altieri.

Don't worry about that...

...but I do think we should act soon. - Right!

You, Bembo, as the Grand Inquisitor, are feared...

..by all, even the mighty Doge.

You must act before it's too late.

Do you think I've been sleeping?

- Do you recognize this writing? - It's the Doge's!

- And this? - Also his.

But the Doge didn't write this!

I know a Levantine who...

...with pen in hand, can make miracles, believe me.

Yes, but there is no Doge's seal...

Lorenzi! The Doge's seal is in the hands of our friend.

And then we get rid of the Doge.

Which could be child's play, if it's carried out right.

Doge Candiano is an honest man and surrounds himself with other...

...honest men, but remember that he has a son.

- Rolando. - Yes.

Rolando Candiano, a son who adores and worships...

...his father. And his right arm is very dangerous...

...when it's holding a sword. - Should we try to hurt the Doge...

..through his son? - Why not? Think about it, Altieri.

It won't be easy to get rid of him. Rolando isn't stupid.

Not stupid, but in love and ready to marry.

At the moment, Rolando only thinks of the preparations...

...for his wedding and the happiness to come.

After all, the beautiful Leonora...

...is the most desired woman around, and perhaps Rolando's...

...happiness might be overcome...

...by making him a spurned lover. Got it, Altieri?

- Great, right? - Excellent!

You're an enviable woman, Leonora.

Your beloved Rolando is battling just like...

...Saint George when he slayed the dragon.

A dragon that exists only in your mind, Cinzia.

Maybe!

Gentlemen, the match is over!

Bravo, Rolando!

- You're still the premier blade of Venice. - Thank you!

Enough! This is too much excitement for a simple match.

- Fortunately your blade is blunted. - Forgive me, master!

For Rolando, everything is easy, especially when his opponents...

...are so beneath him. - Sorry, I don't understand.

I mean that everyone becomes weak...

...in front of the Doge's son. As in arms, so in love.

Noble lords, it is time for the final match.

Rolando Candiano against Captain Altieri.

On guard! To you, sirs!

- Only these? So few. - Didn't you promise him the...

...other half soon? - Of course, I told you!

- Right, Scalabrino? - Yes, I know. But I thought there'd be more.

So, we're agreed! Tomorrow night at San Trovaso.

Here's your part. You can count them.

- No need, I trust you. - You shouldn't.

Money tempts every man, especially those...

...with long arms. - The deal is all set.

- I took my percentage. - Hold on, let me check.

Oh no, now you see!

Now you don't trust me. Goodnight!

Look! He stole three ducats!

It takes a lot of courage to steal from a thief.

- Villain! - What kind of manners are those?

You'll see, tomorrow night I'll make him spit out my money.

Bravo! You always use your hands.

When will you learn to use your brain?

Now tell me what you're doing tomorrow night at San Trovaso?

- Nothing, a small job. - What kind of job?

No, I can't tell you, it's a secret.

A secret, huh? I know all your secrets.

You'll show your usual cowardice! Get put behind bars!

In prison? I always say you don't understand.

What I'm undertaking on this job is to be...

..the Captain of the Guard. Get it?

It's completely safe.

And don't you see all that money there?

Tomorrow I'll get even more. Lots of money.

We could get married. Come on now, kiss me.

You look sad tonight. What is it?

I'm afraid, Rolando! It's like a premonition.

Your father and his new laws, he's making too many enemies.

- And now Davila-- - Davila and all those like him...

...have to give up their...

...unjust privileges. If necessary...

...it'll be by force.

That's what I fear, a civil war.

No, there won't be war!

Most of the councillors, including your father...

...are in favor of reform. Even Altieri has sided...

...with them. - Rolando, you're wrong to trust Altieri.

You think he envies my military successes.

- No, not just that. - What else?

Nothing. I'm just a fool, afraid of shadows.

I love you, Rolando, and I admire your great loyalty.

You think all men are as sincere and loyal as you.

Leonora!

Poor Ginevra, she spends her whole life looking for me.

She hates me because I'm about to take you away.

In a few days the Patriarch will unite us forever.

It's not days, but hours.

Help! Help! Let go!

For the love of God, let go!

Courage!

Go on, kill me! What are you waiting for?

What's your name?

- Scalabrino. - Begone, Scalabrino, it's late.

- You should already be in bed. - What? Won't you kill me?

Begone, I said!

- But I attacked you. - And I disarmed you.

We're even!

Ah, there now.

You need me to get rid of someone?

Don't be stupid, Scalabrino.

I'll spare your life to celebrate my marriage.

Help!

I'm drowning!

Don't be afraid, vegetables float.

If you hadn't come, Rolando!

- Imperia! - Thank you. Please don't leave me alone!

There's no danger now.

I'm afraid. They could come back, for pity's sake!

- Okay, let's go. - Rolando.

I confess that I'm grateful to those criminals for...

...letting you show your devotion.

Defending a woman is a duty.

Let me believe that you risked your life just for me.

You haven't forgotten what there once was between us.

Some memories fade with time.

Yes, with time.

Even then, while you were in my arms, you were always...

..dreaming of another woman in your heart. And now, you've found her.

You're far too admired now, and you ought to forget...

...our passion, which offered you nothing. - Would you want me now?

Sure, you're right.

A courtesan is not allowed even a little love.

It's a mistake to give in to sentiment!

Pretend you don't remember it too.

Pretend we're meeting for the first time here.

You're Rolando Candiano, and I am what I am.

- No thanks! Farewell, Imperia! - Rolando...

Stop!

Davila, look there!

- Rolando Candiano? - Deplorable conduct for a man...

...who is about to marry.

- A shame! Let's wait half a minute... - Yes!

I pulled this from the belt of Rolando Candiano.

Liar! Wretch! He was here, I saw him with my own eyes.

- Jealousy blinds you. - It was Rolando Candiano!

- I knew to look here. - The information came from...

...your friend Altieri, right? He likes to make you jealous.

Imperia! You want to make a fool of me!

Between me and Rolando Candiano, there's been nothing for a long time.

You know, you haven't kissed me yet?

So, what are you waiting for?

Sorry for this unpleasant incident.

Bastard! You lied to me! You lied to me!

- No one was to be killed! - That's your fault.

You were supposed to delay Rolando Candiano until...

...the arrival of Davila.

But I didn't know! I didn't know!

Didn't you know we needed a conflict between these...

..two gentlemen?

But it's better this way, because that's the signature dagger...

..of Rolando Candiano that's killed Davila.

It's not true! It wasn't him! No one will believe it!

Everyone will believe when you swear it!

No! You can't ask that of me!

She's your daughter, I think. She looks delicious, a real flower.

Her name is Bianca, and she attends the Venetian college at Mestre.

Sandrigo has already paid her a visit.

I'll keep this, as a reminder.

Why? What do you want with my daughter?

We won't harm her if you follow our advice.

And file a complaint against Rolando Candiano.

On the occasion of the wedding of my son Rolando...

..with Leonora Dandolo, I have decreed that every...

...man who is contracted in debt to a patrician...

...see my treasurer, who will pay the debt for him.

Long live Candiano! Long live the Doge.

- Are you happy, my daughter? - Yes, father, I am the happiest...

...of women!

With this exchange of rings, you swear your eternal faith...

..forever and ever, for better or for worse.

In eight days, in San Marco, the Patriarch will bless...

...your marriage.

With your permission, Most Serene!

As a sign of their deep devotion, the Consortia...

...of Artisans seek to offer their gifts to the noble...

...Rolando Candiano and his promised bride.

The consortium of goldsmiths!

The armorers of the Spadai district!

Thank you! With such a weapon, I shall fear no enemy.

The glassmakers of Murano!

Your gift moves us, and your skills enchant us!

The lacemakers of Burano!

The merchants of the Oriental district!

It's Davila! Who could have killed him?

The horror that we feel is eased only by the certainty...

...that the guilty man will not escape his punishment.

This dagger, which is engraved on the handle...

...with the arms of Candiano, is the material proof that this crime...

...was commited by Rolando Candiano--

No, it's not true! That weapon was stolen from me!

I didn't kill Davila!

What's equally clear is the motive that guided his hand.

Rolando Candiano plotted against the security...

...of the Republic, and I will show you the proof!

Bring in Captain Lorenzi!

Captain Lorenzi, tell the Council what you...

...said at the inquest. - The truth, Captain!

I appeal to your honor as a soldier!

- Speak. - Several times the Noble Davila...

...spoke with me about his suspicions as to the...

...revolutionary actions of Rolando Candiano.

And why didn't you mention it to others, such as the Grand...

...Inquisitor, as is your duty? - Perhaps I was waiting...

..for other, more telling elements. - What were...

..the proofs mentioned by Davila? - Certain writings...

...which he kept in his pocket and never allowed me to read.

I presume it was a list of names of his conspirators.

You're just making fanciful conjectures, Captain Lorenzi.

And I ask the honorable Chief Councillor...

...to reject them! - The witness may leave!

From the deposition of Captain...

...Lorenzi, Most Excellent Councillors, we can clearly...

...see the motive for this horrendous crime.

Rolando Candiano killed him to seize those...

...very compromising documents with which Davila...

...intended to denounce this conspiracy, hatched...

...by the accused, to seize power and establish a dictatorship...

...in Venice led by the Candiano family. - Words!

They're only words that say little and prove even less.

His allegations fall without thinking about...

..what the Most Serene Doge has done for our Republic...

...and about how Venice should be thankful to Rolando Candiano...

...for his brilliant feats of arms in Malta, in Rhodes, in Trogir!

Noble Dandolo, we are not here to recount the wartime activities...

...of the accused. In support of the allegations made, there exists...

..a letter addressed to myself. This is not an anonymous...

..complaint, it carries a signature and also a voice.

Bring in the other witness!

Speak freely, but before you accuse, please remember...

...that your words could send Rolando Candiano...

...to the gallows. - Do you know the accused?

- Yes. - Louder, I cannot hear your answer.

- Yes! - Then tell us everything you know about him!

What I'm about to say is frightening.

Come on, we're waiting!

Rolando Candiano was plotting the downfall of the Republic.

How do you know?

Rolando Candiano was my lover.

Every night after ten, he would come to me.

We met each night in my house.

And he was so sure of my love...

...that he organized his plot under my roof.

I tried to warn Noble Davila, but he told me to stay quiet.

He wanted undeniable evidence of this...

...conspiracy so he could expose Rolando Candiano and his collaborators...

...in front of the Council.

Careful, Imperia! Your accusation is so absurd...

...that it seems guided by jealousy, because you are still...

...in love with Rolando Candiano! I can see it in your eyes!

Most Excellent Chief Councillor, I would not...

...question the witness.

An accusation of a political crime has nothing to do...

...with passion! - Continue your deposition!

The other night, Davila suddenly appeared at my house.

Rolando was there.

Davila showed him the evidence of his treason, and Rolando...

...killed him. I saw him kill him.

That's false! False! This woman lies!

The testimony we have heard is a clear condemnation.

Rolando Candiano, you are a murderer!

The gallows will judge your sins!

- How horrible! - I thought he was a hero.

- What a terrible end. - Who'd have thought it?

Having examined the evidence and heard the witnesses, the Council...

...of Ten has ruled that Rolando Candiano...

...is guilty of murdering Councillor Davila...

...and also guilty of treason and conspiracy against...

...the Republic of Venice.

Therefore, the Council condemns him to death...

...by means of quartering. It only requires your seal.

I don't believe my son is guilty!

I will do all in my power to save him!

Mind you, Candiano, to oppose this ruling is treason!

A word all too familiar to your family.

Do you dare?

In the slums, people were cheering...

...the name of Candiano. Several Councillors were attacked.

I repeat that my son is innocent!

I, and other members of the Council, have received...

...letters that threaten us with death...

...if your son is executed.

I don't believe a word of what you're suggesting.

It's strange that you don't believe me.

What do you mean?

In this handwritten letter, found on the person...

...of your son, you have pledged to confiscate...

...the assets of his opponents, for distribution among...

...those in the conspiracy.

With this paper, Rolando would easily gain...

...the support of his accomplices!

- This is a disgrace! - Yes, a disgrace bearing...

...your signature! Arrest him!

No!

Unfortunately, I don't think the people will forgive...

...you consenting for your daughter to marry an enemy...

...of the Republic.

The people love Rolando, they may not change their...

...minds so quickly.

I have invited you to my house to tell you that...

...your position may be compromised by the passionate...

...defense you gave for the accused.

Defending the young man was part of my duties...

...as Councillor. Also, remember he is the son...

...of my dear friend. - Dandolo.

I recommend for your own good and for Leonora...

...to never mention any friendly relations...

...between you and the Candiano family.

There are already too many rumors and hints...

...that you may not have been completely ignorant...

...of the conspiracy. - Enough!

Nobody in all of Venice has ever dared...

..to question the loyalty of the Dandolos!

Please, don't worry! We're here because we're friends...

...no, more than friends. You must know that for...

...some time, I have loved your daughter. Loved her secretly.

- You? - I always wished her for my wife.

I advise you to consider it.

By bringing into your family a man as noble as Altieri...

...whose devotion to the Republic is beyond...

...question, I'm sure you would silence any...

..voices against you.

There is much discussion these days over who should become...

...the next Doge. Now it's been over a month...

...since the Doge's seat has been vacant.

You've always enjoyed the affection and esteem...

...of all Venetians. The marriage of Leonora...

...to Altieri might help even things out and...

...bump your name into the ranks of candidates...

...for the office of Doge.

No, impossible! What are you saying?

That I don't lack the authority...

...to influence the Great Council. - Doge of Venice.

- Me becoming Doge of Venice? - The stakes are...

...very high! What say you, Dandolo? - Speak to your daughter.

Convince her to accept my hand.

If you can, I assure you within a few days you...

...will be the new Doge.

Forgive me, father. I regret to cause you...

...so much pain, but my decision is made.

I shall not leave this convent!

- Would you leave me alone? - I love Rolando more than anything.

I am convinced of his innocence.

And I shall stay faithful to our promise.

I also consider him innocent.

Maybe a miracle will happen. God may hear my prayers...

...and one day shed light on the truth. - One day, perhaps.

- Meanwhile Rolando will be executed. - My God!

Unless we can change the death sentence into...

...life in prison. - And you think it's possible?

Only the new Doge can commute the sentence.

- But who will be the new Doge? - Maybe...it could be me.

- You? So we're saved! - Calm down! I wish it were so.

It won't be easy. Bembo and his friends will support...

...my election only if they think I'm a...

...puppet in their hands.

Help me, father, I implore you!

I'll do everything possible.

But I haven't yet told you that my election...

...could depend on you. - On me? But I'd do anything...

...to save Rolando! - Anything? - Yes.

Would you be willing to marry the nobleman Altieri?

Rise!

Having assumed the high power to guide the destiny of...

...the Most Serene, the Noble Antonio Dandolo, new Doge...

...of Venice, has issued a general amnesty to all territories...

...on the occasion of the marriage of his daughter Leonora...

...to the Captain of the general army, Noble Altieri.

Rolando Candiano, by virtue of this act of clemency...

...the death sentence that would have you see the gallows...

...is commuted to life in prison, a sentence to be...

...served in solitary confinement.

How marvelous! It's a beautiful house, mother!

How beautiful! I'm glad to be here.

I wish I could give you a palace, Bianca.

You're so dear, Mom!

I beg your pardon, Imperia.

I hate to play the part of ogre in your...

...fairy castle, madam. - My daughter Bianca...

...has just arrived from college. This is Captain Lorenzi, a friend.

Forgive her if she leaves. Go dear, you need your rest.

Lorenzi, if you want our relationship to continue...

...you can never set foot here. Find another place...

...for us to meet. - Shall I leave?

No, but I don't want anyone to frequent my house...

...while Bianca stays here.

A pity! Even the Grand Inquisitor intends to...

...pay Bianca a visit. - Bembo?

Please, dissuade him. Never allow him to see her!

- Why? - Why? You know him well.

I warn you, I'm ready to do anything...

...to defend my daughter!

Now are you convinced?

Rolando Candiano is crazy.

For months now I haven't even opened his cell door.

And I suggest you do likewise.

Nothing to drink?

There's enough water. We're under the canals here.

Here is a necklace of turquoise, just as you requested.

Very lovely. Look at these marvelous topazes.

They'll light up your face and glow in your eyes.

- Do you like it? - Yes. But it's too much for me.

Don't worry. If you like it, it's yours.

When you return to college, your friends...

...will envy you.

For this necklace I might make a special exception.

Am I allowed to give my counsel?

Your Excellence.

- This is Bianca, I imagine. - Yes.

Dear Imperia, it's a crime to have hidden such a...

...treasure for so long!

She's only a child and soon she'll go to a convent.

And in the meantime you've made a convent of your home.

- And you've stayed locked inside. - Excellency, I'm trying to enjoy...

...my daughter's company as much as I can.

You're so selfish!

I'm sure Bianca would love to know more...

...about our beautiful city. Right, Miss?

Each of these pearls is worthy of adorning the neck...

...of a queen. - Don't listen to him.

Sweet-talking is his nature.

He would pass off an old horseshoe as gold...

...and make a precious gem out of something...

...he found in the sand.

However, these pearls are equal to his praise.

Take it! And simply accept my humble tribute...

...to your beauty. - I can't afford it, Excellency.

I wouldn't advise opposing the will of the Grand Inquisitor.

It's rare that I offer a necklace of pearls...

...instead of an iron collar.

You see, Imperia, how these jewels shine more than ever?

They're trying to compete with your daughter's beauty.

Who are you?

Just what you see.

A poor prisoner like you.

Months of work just to find another cell.

You've chosen a nice companion, one who's sentenced to death.

- Why, what have you done? - Nothing.

They wanted me to be a guard! And they even knew who I was.

- And so? - I refused.

And I returned to my band. But then, because...

...of a damned spy... - You were arrested.

Yeah! And then, while I was escaping, I don't know...

...how, but my hands were around the throat of a guard.

And you killed him.

But it's not my fault. How could I have known his neck...

..was so fragile.

My poor old mother was right. These hands...

...are a curse. Fortunately...

...I'm not afraid to die.

Yeah! When one is alone and has no other--

No, no, you're wrong. I have a girl who loves me very much.

She's young and beautiful.

You'll feel better, you'll see. I just feel sorry...

...for that poor old blind man. - Your father?

No, but he might as well have been.

His son saved my life one day.

- That old man is the Doge Candiano! - How did...

...you guess? - And you are Scalabrino, right?

But who are you? How do you know my name?

Don't you recognize me? I'm Rolando Candiano!

What?

Someone's coming.

Kneel, Scalabrino! Tomorrow morning you...

...will be executed by decapitation.

Sealed in this black bag of penance, reflect on...

...your horrendous sins, and implore the Almighty...

...for the grace that men cannot afford you.

May God have mercy on your soul!

Did you hear? Tomorrow morning I shall be sent to the afterlife!

Maybe your time has not yet come.

You see all your friends, Scalabrino? They'll attend your funeral. Go.

Courage! We shall allow you one last look at Venice.

He's not Scalabrino!

Damn! We must catch them! Or it'll be our heads!

- Come in, you damned charlatan! - Please...

...Excellency. - Silence!

How dare you present yourself before me?

I should whip you! You should be put to torture!

You will have to confess you allowed Candiano to escape!

Excellency, he can't have gone far! We'll find him!

- Miserable liar! You're deceiving me again! - No.

You're being what you once were-- a highwayman!

Please let me speak, Excellency! I can capture them.

I assure you. Where could they hide, in their state?

Venice is large, and Candiano has many friends.

We will watch everyone, and when we find him, we'll kill him.

Trust me, you won't regret it!

You seem certain you'll succeed.

- What gives you such confidence? Speak! - I know many men.

Nobody can resist the prospect of earning...

...easy money. If you put a nice price on the...

...heads of these two fugitives, you'll find that anyone...

...will be willing to betray them. - Yes, your...

...idea is not entirely wrong, but what if it still fails?

It won't fail, Excellency! I like my head where it is, and I...

...know what awaits me if I should fail.

No more rowing! You don't have the strength for it.

Where is your wife's house?

It's still far, beyond that river.

Now we should wait for night.

Change out of these rags, sleep for a few hours.

Otherwise we won't make it.

See? You're ill! Fever has taken you!

I just need some rest.

- There's a hut over there. Should we risk it? - Yes.

Hey, go away, you two!

Don't be afraid. We only seek a roof and a little...

...bit of fire. - Turn back, I said!

- For Heaven's sake! - No funny business!

Get out of here!

- You deserve to lose your head! - No! No!

I'm a poor man like you! I'll give you what I can!

Help my friend into your boat and take us to your hut.

But no jokes, understand?

- Only you live here? - Just me.

You think I want someone else to endure this hellhole?

He's in a bad state.

Fever has soaked into his rags.

- Do you have any wine to boil? - Here.

But to warm it I have to return to the shore.

This hut would catch fire.

Go then, and don't dawdle! You don't want to provoke me.

I'll keep an eye on you. Come on, move it!

Go and call someone! Those men are wanted!

You're mad! I'd rather just split the money between us.

Why split it with others?

- But how can we catch them? - Wait until they fall asleep.

It won't take long, believe me.

- The chain, quick! - Goddamn bastards!

We'll need a bigger boat to take them to Venice.

It'll suffice to tell some soldiers that we have them.

Bravo, stupid! So that they can take them from us.

Did you kill them?

- They wanted to take us in. - The first one to move gets shot.

Come to shore with your hands up.

Pietro! Pietro!

Don't be afraid, he's a real friend.

I met him in jail!

By all the devils, I never expected this!

Long time no see!

- My old friend! - Scalabrino!

I came from Venice. It's in an uproar...

...from your escape. - You know, those two wanted to sell...

...us to the police, so I had no other choice.

I once had the honor to serve your father.

- But how did you-- - It would take too...

..long to tell, and we're in a bit of a hurry! Can you lend a hand?

Sure! But we'll need more than me, to help you two gentlemen!

You can't walk around just wearing these rags!

- Tell me more. - I don't think they'll mind if we...

...borrow their clothes. - Right! Good idea!

Don't worry, the worst is past. Before long...

...we'll be safe with Juana. - I hope!

For sure, my house is beyond this border.

Even the bastards around here aren't to be trusted.

How's your arm?

It hurts a bit, but my stomach's complaining more.

- My hunger is the worst! - Come on!

Scalabrino!

- Who's that? - Fear not, it's his son.

- What happened? - It's nothing...

Who is it, Juana? Who is it? Is Scalabrino back?

- He wasn't alone... - It's me, Rolando.

No! No! That's impossible.

Don't you recognize my voice, father?

Rolando, my son!

You bring light into my eyes.

It's too beautiful. It must be a dream.

Don't wear yourself out, please. Stay calm, father.

I'm here now.

- You're free at last. - Yes.

- Did they realize your innocence? - Yes, father.

I'll always stay with you. We'll go back to Venice.

Venice. My Venice.

Poor man! He's been delirious for several days.

Tonight I thought he'd... I prayed to all the saints.

- He's ravished by fever. - I've cared for him all I could.

I'd like to do more, but poverty is too harsh.

- People have avoided me like a leper. - Why?

For their reputations.

I welcomed the Doge when he was condemned into exile.

- And you still... - I've grown fond of him.

Rolando!

My father.

Thus dies a gallant man!

I'm returning to Venice.

Okay, let's go. And this time, someone will pay dearly.

No, Scalabrino. I don't want revenge, but to reclaim...

...the name of my father. But you can help me expose...

...those who betrayed him.

You're watching me now? Go away!

You have good taste.

She too is against me!

It will be your turn too, Leonora.

Here they are, Captain.

Let's see!

- Not too pretty. - I told you!

They've been in the water at least a week.

And the fish haven't been kind to them.

Look, this one has a wounded arm.

And their ankles and wrists show signs of the irons.

What do you say?

No doubt about it.

I'll give the order to award you the prize.

I can't believe I have such luck.

Read it.

Are you sure you saw? Was it him?

There's only one man so disgusting. There!

Days ago I told you your house had become a convent...

...but now I think it's more like a prison.

To see you, I had to get up at dawn.

How did you know we would come to Mass at San Marco?

You forget who I am, Imperia. And my powers as...

...Grand Inquisitor. Might I have the honor of your company...

...in my gondola? - I imagine I'm not...

...permitted to refuse, right? - Indeed!

No such luck.

These two women will ruin our plans.

Not necessarily, friend. Look who's coming.

Lorenzi! He's also on my list.

It would be a joy!

This morning I have no need for you, Captain!

I'm taking the ladies to see the sun rise over the lagoon.

Call everyone! They're after me! Capture them!

The canal ends here.

Look! There's light in there!

He's inside. We can't miss our chance!

Come on!

You must confess that you lied at the trial!

No, never!

- Stop! Can't you decide? - Wait! We need him alive!

Speak! Come on! Speak!

I'm sorry. As usual, I squeezed too much.

- Should we throw him in the canal? - No, I want them to find his body.

You forget too often that I'm your husband.

You want to humiliate me with your passive obedience.

There's never a smile, never a good word for me.

Nor do you try to understand my love.

You know I only consented to this marriage so that my father...

...could save the life of Rolando. I've never hidden that.

I try to fulfill my duties as a wife with absolute honesty.

But I would say that--

Come.

- Lorenzi's been murdered! - Where? When?

In an underpass in San Geremia. He was found with his...

...neck broken. - Has Bembo been informed?

Yes, he sent me. He's waiting.

He wants to see you soon.

I don't think it's worth all the fuss.

But I'll tell him that soon.

It's as I thought, there's no cause for alarm.

Yesterday Lorenzi had a disagreement at a tavern.

- Evidently... - Yes. He was given to such adventures.

And there's no doubt that dead men can't return.

Now, we must think of replacing him.

- We need a trustworthy person. - It won't be difficult to find one.

May I? In all of Venice...

...you will not find a more devoted man than myself.

Approaching them will become even more difficult.

Do they suspect that we're still alive?

No, they'll credit some other cause.

You know the new head of the guards is Sandrigo?

That damned spy! But I'll take care of him.

Please, don't take any more heads, or all could be lost.

Let's first try Imperia. If she admitted that they...

...made her lie... - She'd get put behind bars...

...by Bembo and his allies. They're more feared than the devil!

- But we can't count on her. - You forget one thing.

She has a daughter who claims all her affections!

Yeah, a lamb among wolves.

What are you doing here? Get out!

I'm waiting for your mother. But seeing you makes it...

...well worth the wait. - You're despicable!

Indecent! How could you spy on me?

My child, you should be flattered by the...

...admiration I show you. - Exit my room at once.

I long for you every day!

- Leave! - You're cool and soft, like a new rose.

Mama! Mama! Mama!

Bianca! My darling, what happened?

Nothing's happened.

Your daughter evidently suffers from hallucinations.

What are you doing here? How did you get in?

You're disgusting, Bembo! My daughter is still a child!

Judging me doesn't seem appropriate.

Have you ever thought that Bianca would be safer...

...under my protection? - She's more protected...

...under her mother. Tomorrow she'll go back to college.

You don't think this is a rash decision?

I either have to send her away, or take your life...

...with my own hands. And now, please, Excellency...

...leave this house! - I advise you not to get...

...carried away by sentiment. I don't think you're so imprudent...

...to turn against me. You know the consequences would...

...fall not only on you, but also on your daughter!

You'll need at least two men who are reliable.

Can you find them?

It depends on the price, Excellency...

Here's enough to pay them.

Now, the window to Bianca's chamber is--

--is the second from the corner.

It'll be a breeze, Excellency. I'll bring the girl to...

...your home like a bud freshly picked from the plant.

This very night. Understood?

I'll dismiss the servants.

Your men will keep watch in the garden...

..and make sure their eyes are open.

Your will be done, Excellency!

- No! No! - Shut up!

That's two.

Quick! Take the girl!

Is that you, Sandrigo?

A delivery from Rolando Candiano.

An assassin!

An assassin! Help! Quick! Get him!

Rolando!

No, don't be afraid, Imperia. I didn't come for revenge.

- I came here for your daughter! - What happened to my daughter?

Bembo ordered Sandrigo to abduct her.

No! Bianca! Bianca!

Madam, what's happened?

- Don't worry, she's in a safe place. - Where?

You'll find out after you've publicly confessed to your lies!

Rolando!

If you keep silent, you'll be sorry.

You know Rolando Candiano is alive.

- And you certainly met him too! - You should tell us.

Yes, it's true. It's he who saved my daughter from the...

...trap you tried to spring. - Where is Candiano hiding?

- I don't know. - But I'll bet he told you where...

...he's hiding Bianca. - Even my daughter knows nothing.

- I swear. - Mind you, Imperia, your silence won't save you.

I can convince her to talk.

Altieri, put this woman behind bars.

And let her be put to torture.

No! No! I know nothing, I swear! Pity! Pity!

Captain, search through every corner of Venice.

Make use of every man you have, but bring me...

...Rolando Candiano. I want him alive!

- You must find him! - You'll find nothing, Excellency.

- Let me go! - Who is this girl? Get her out of here!

Listen! You seek a man, I can give him to you!

Wait! Let her go!

- Who do you mean? - Rolando Candiano!

- Do you know where his hideout is? - Yes.

And I'll show you where, if you pay me well.

- Are you sure of what you say? - Absolutely!

And why didn't you report this to the Council of Forty?

Because cops don't pay for information.

- Right! But can I-- - Oh, you can trust me!

But only if you pay immediately.

Here are twenty coins.

Wow! You're a true gentleman!

And I promise many more will follow.

- When will you provide proof... - Right now.

- Where's he hiding? - Not very far. Can you prepare...

...your gondola? - Sure!

- Then we can go. - The four of you, come with me!

Have the others follow me closely in a boat!

- No, that won't do for sure! - Why?

Rolando Candiano is hidden in a boat in the middle of the lagoon.

Your soldiers would only alert him!

That's true. But how can I trust you to go alone?

You're not afraid of me, I hope?

I need those other coins you promised me.

If I betray you, you could always kill me.

And I assure you I would, without hesitation.

You stay here. I'll go alone. Follow me!

It feels just like a romantic voyage.

- We're like a pair of lovers. - Is it much farther?

No, we're almost there.

Can't you at least explain where we're going?

- To the cemetery, Excellency. - What did you say?

- What did you say? - I said to the cemetery.

This is your funeral, Your Excellence!

How dare you? You'll be hanged!

Will you hang me too, Excellency?

You? Rolando?

Yes, it's me. In the flesh.

- Don't move or I'll shoot! - I wouldn't recommend that.

- What do you want? - I want you to write a reclamation...

...in memory of my father.

And to proclaim my innocence.

I swear, you'll never get that!

I also want an order for the release of Imperia.

That woman should tell the truth!

She should explain who told her to lie, and why.

If you value her life, take me back to land.

No! I beseech you!

- You coward! - Make one move and I'll kill her.

You thought you'd played me, right? But you're all in my hands.

Juana!

Juana, are you alright? Are you hurt?

Don't worry, silly.

- Juana. - This weed never dies!

He's dead.

You shouldn't have killed him, he was the only...

...witness we still had.

Yeah, I know. I didn't mean to. I just gave him a tap.

Rolando, my heart told me one day I'd see you!

Sure, you knew I wouldn't forget you!

Thank Heaven!

- If you knew how I cried... - Cried when you betrayed me?

When you married the man who killed my father?

I married Altieri to save your life.

And now more than ever, I regret it, because you're here.

But if you'd known about my visit, who would be...

...waiting here, the guards? - When I was in church...

...that day, I swear I felt like I was being watched!

Listen, Rolando, listen.

It's no use. There's nothing but hate in you now.

And it's the only feeling I have left!

Since their misdeeds have made me infamous...

...even my last hope has vanished.

Then why did you come back? Rolando!

I thought I could appease my despair with your blood.

But I can't do it.

You should be proud, Leonora, you win.

Well, go on and report me! Run!

Tell your husband to put me back behind bars...

...just like Imperia.

- Rolando, I beg you! - Be free of me forever.

But try to destroy every memory.

Otherwise your fate will be even sadder than mine!

Farewell!

Open the cell!

Imperia's cell. Obey!

Stay calm! I'm a friend.

- Go away! Go away! - Why? I came here to help.

For what reason? What do you want? Who are you?

I'm Leonora Dandolo.

- You can trust me. - The daughter of the Doge?

Yes, but most of all a woman who has cried the same tears as you.

I came here to put an end to an atrocious injustice.

And you can help me.

- Let me die in peace. - Die?

Why don't you think of your daughter?

- You know something? Where is my daughter? - I really don't know.

Rolando's disappeared, taking his secret with him.

He won't show his face so long as he's considered guilty.

You can prove his innocence, but you have to tell everything.

The truth about Davila's death. At the trial you spoke lies.

- That's true, but I was forced! - By whom?

- I can't tell you! I can't! - Bembo and Altieri?

- Yes, it was them. - What a disgrace.

Your lies also caused the death of Doge Candiano.

And brought ruin to Rolando.

Now you must tell the truth! God will still be...

..merciful with you!

This is the truth, Most Serene Doge. They forced me...

...to write the complaint against Rolando Candiano.

But he's innocent, I swear!

Your confession doesn't redeem your sin.

But it does help forgiveness. But that's for the...

...courts to decide. - Most Serene Doge, Bembo...

...was murdered! Who released this woman?

I did! Because I finally know the truth.

You shouldn't believe the horrors invented by this vile...

...courtesan! - Those horrors were committed by you and Bembo!

You should have kept silent! Now speak no more!

You're too late. I've already spoken!

This is undeniable proof of your guilt!

Drop your sword!

Stop me, if you can!

No!

Rolando!

Most Serene...

Don't worry, Candiano needs no help.

We shall promulgate the laws...

..proposed by Doge Candiano for the people of Venice, as I intend...

...to honor his memory and celebrate the wedding...

...of Rolando Candiano with my daughter Leonora.

Long live the newlyweds!

What's the matter? Aren't you happy?

- I'm just a stranger! - But you've got a voice, right?

- Yes! - So come on! Shout!

Subtitles:

[rarelust]