Original subtitles

The Window on Luna Park.

- Hello. - Hello. I took Mario to school, then went to pick up the papers.

- I hope he's promoted. Daddy's waiting. - We'll know later how it went.

- I was looking for you. Take these two chairs to Cavour St? - Yes.

Righetto, have you made that thing for me?

- Lord, what's that? - What's happened?

Run, Nino! Run!

Where are you going? Nothing happened! Where are you going?

Lazzaro, run, there's been a crash!

Come on, run!

- Nan, mummy went under a truck! - God, Ada! Ada! My Ada! Ada!

- Come on, mum. - Yes, yes.

Righetto.

Come on, Mario!

The lawyer is busy with another case, but he said he will deal with it.

- But will it save us? - Yes, yes. - It's difficult to agree.

- Anyway, I'll call from Rome. - Yes, okay.

- Be brave, madame. - My poor daughter. - Mum, don't cry.

- Condolences. - We did everything that we could. - Be brave.

Condolences. Niccodemo, if you need anything, contact us.

Aldo!

- When did you get here? - This morning, by plane.

Mum, we go home now, eh?

- We brought here back to her land. - We waited for you as long as we could.

- If we had had a telegraph, but... - Aldo, my boy!

Righetto, it's daddy.

It's daddy.

- Where's Mario? - I don't know. - Over there. - Mario! - He's over there.

Mario!

- Condolences. - Condolences. - Thank you.

Mario, it's the daddy. Righetto, Aldo's arrived.

Aldo, you remember Righetto?

If it had not been for him, we would have gone crazy these last few days.

Thank you.

Let's go, Aldo.

Mario, come, come.

It happened down there, you see?

She came out of the shop and you can see how it happened.

She was running to get the tram.

Mario, where are you going? Go to daddy. Aldo, coffee.

- You broke all the toys! - Boys, go down. Do what you want.

- Aldo, will you stay in Rome? - And where will he find a job that pays nearly a million?

- You'll return to Africa? - I have to, I have the contract.

- It takes a lot of courage. - Er, yes.

One works, makes sacrifices and then... Look how it turns out!

- And Mario? - If you leave him with us, we'd be happy.

We thought, that if you were leaving...

...to move to your home: me, Rosa and the kids.

We all sleep here, in this room.

We look after your house and Mario is here with his grandparents.

- There's a good school nearby, which he needs because he's a little behind. - What?

Leave it, we'll talk about it later. You understand now? Still behind.

Mario, haven't you taken your exam?

- Speak up, answer. - Eh? Yes I have.

- Good. - But I didn't pass. - Good! - I didn't know.

I wouldn't send him to school. Who needs to study so much?

I only completed secondary elementary. So? Did I miss something?

Leave him here with me, I'll teach him, things they don't learn in school.

If I'm not mistaken, there is an obligation to attend school until 14.

And leave the obligation to make him a man.

I know what he needs, not you, you haven't seen him grow up.

Ah, yes, because I've been off enjoying myself?

- Who said this? But you're always away. - He's right, it's the truth.

- Dad, leave it, now's not the moment. - I know how he thinks and I know what you think!

- We have one who hasn't passed the exam and thinking of the future... - Don't let's argue.

My son, do what you think.

And who said he can't? Allow me, however, to say what I think.

Mario has no-one and let him stay with us, we are his family.

And what does Aldo most want? Freedom to go where he wants in pursuit of business.

- Mine, right? - Mario, keep daddy company.

- Paolo is down there with Righetto. - And you're staying up here, come on.

- Mario, listen, we're going home. - Where are you taking him? Where are you going?

A few more days in Rome, no?

I'll be in my house, looking after my interests and taking care of my boy.

Are you taking him to the house now? It will make an impression.

- Mario, let's go. - Uncle was going to take me to enroll in school.

- I'll take you tomorrow. Let's go home. - Are you offended? Can't we work it out?

- If you don't mind, I'd rather work it out alone! - Keep your voice down, you'll wake the baby!

No wonder he wakes up. With all the noise out here...

- Do you have to bring anything? - No. - Good evening everyone.

And thanks for the nice welcome.

Come on, Mario.

Well, I said she'd wake up.

- Why haven't you told him? - I will, but I don't know him anymore.

I've seen him once, when he came at Christmas. Like you, ultimately.

- I saw him at the cemetery, but not at the house. - No, of course, however, when he understands...

- Absolutely. - It doesn't matter to you?

- He said this time he was returning to live here. - So I thought, but it starts again.

- Hi, Mario, I thought you were with your grandparents and here you are. - Oh, here's Mario.

- How are? - Condolences. - Thank you. - Good evening, Mr Garulli. - 'Evening.

- Hi, Mario. - I say this sincerely. Condolences. - Thank you.

- Mario, do you know if your father's staying? - I don't know.

They were discussing everything at your grandfather's today.

Can you tell me what they decided about the house?

He's been fighting over it with his uncle.

Fighting? Why?

Yes, because he wants it.

Mario!

- I knew they wanted it! - No hanging about! If they're fighting, there's no agreement.

- Make him a good offer. - Relax about the good offer!

Yes, yes, relax, relax "and the horse lives"!

She was so good, everyone loved her. Life really does just hang by a thread.

- Be brave. - Thank you.

- What are those? - They're "the irons" of Righetto.

- Who came in those days? - Nobody.

- Whe did he leave them? - He left them here to work.

He was finishing the tiles in the bathroom.

These are new, eh?

Come on, give me a hand.

You know where everything is, eh? Let's get a little bit of order.

Mario, why don't say anything? You're always silent. Do I make you uneasy?

Answer, at least.

Why don't you say anything? Come on, say something.

When are you leaving?

Bravo.

You make a nice speech.

Mummy!

Mummy! Mum!

- Mario... - Mummy!

No, Mario...

- Mummy... - Mario...

Mummy, where are you?

- Mummy! Mummy... - Mario, don't do this.

Where are you? Mummy!

Mario, come on!

- Come here. - You talk to him first!

- What do you want? - May I? I'm Spartaco Cecchetti.

I'm the boyfriend of Ms. Torelli, who lives here.

Ms. Bini has told us that you're going to leave the house.

And we came to tell you that we'd like to take it.

Like I said, Antonietta lives here and it's convenient if I live nearby.

We can offer a generous buyout.

If you'll allow me, I must also decide what is convenient for me.

Of course, but if you're leaving...

I'm not leaving, the house is mine and is staying so. Even is she doesn't like it!

Bloody hell!

After all that has happened, all I'm finding is people ready to seize her affairs.

From the misfortune of others!

- Happy now? - Who knew he was crazy? - Don't insist about the house, don't argue!

- Well, how did it go? - Good, good. It's okay, madame.

Oh, dear, thank you. Thank your mummy.

Go to your class. Bye, dear.

She also tended, like many people, to make school responsible for her troubles.

You can never find anything here with these employees. Here it is!

Many people think like this and don't realise that looking in this way...

...prevents them from seeing their children as they really are.

Ah...

It seems like you're saying my son is a cretin and his going to school is useless.

Garulli, please, go to the fountain in the yard and get a little water.

Thank you.

It's good that children aren't present when we talk about them.

In the mind of a child, one stray word can gain too much weight...

...and we don't always weigh them carefully...

The fact that the child was banned does not mean he's not intelligent.

He's just lazy, sleepy.

He should be kept an eye on, and if you can, put in an institute.

If I remember, he was also absent quite often in the last year.

- Mario, wait outside and close the door. - But no. Come in. Come in, dear.

- Didn't you have whooping cough, last year? - What did you have? - Nothing.

I thought that you had it. We'll find out soon enough.

- We had to do the disinfection. - I had a cough. - See?

I know the poor lady did give some private tutoring. At least, so she said.

- Really? But who gave you these lessons when you were sick? - Righetto.

Righetto! In any event, the child is coming here and repeating the year.

- Come on, Mario. Good day. - I'm content. See you soon.

Come on.

Half a mo'...

- Have you ever taken flowers to the headmistress? - No.

I knew it. Go to sign up, go!

Then go to class. I'll see you at home this afternoon.

No exit, work in progress!

- Where can I get out? - There!

- There! - There!

There!

Mario! Where are you going?

- There's no school today. - Don't lie. They're all there, I saw them.

- Those are other classes, mine starts on Monday. - Ah!

- Have you registered? - Yes.

- Are you sure that you registered? - Boh!

Because, you know, I wouldn't want... that baloney is a non-starter with me.

- And now, what are you doing? - Nothing. - What a school!

- Monday, did you say? - Yes, but Tuesday's a holiday!

Well?! And what do they start doing then?

- Come with me. - Where? - Come on!

- When you're not in school, what do you do all day? - Play in the fields.

- And you spend all your time playing? - Uh!

I go to grandma's. Or I go to the junkyard.

- Where? - For Righetto, where he works all morning.

- You don't work at grandma's? - No. I sleep at grandma's and clean up in the evening.

In the morning I go to the junkyard, in Casilina St., in a bigworkshop.

They earn so much money, and when I'm there, I earn lots too.

- Because there's so much to do. - Ah, yes? And what's the job?

I told you, there's a workshop, that's all. When I work, they give me money too.

I go there alone!

What do you do? What sort of place is it?

It's a great place, they have motors. Righetto was lucky, he always says.

You saw that gold plate at home? I got it from there.

But so many work there?

I can't remember the names, but I told Righetto not to hire others.

I'm too little, otherwise they'd hire me.

Well, let's go now, come with me.

- Hang on, where's the bus stop? - There. - Come on then.

- Stupid! - Look, it's Mario.

- Call him. - Mario!

You can go with them...

but only for the morning. At midday, you must be back at the house.

At midday, you get me?

Claudio!

Claudio!

Claudio! Claudio! He's gone. I'm coming with you!

- What are you doing? - Waiting for Giulio to play football. - You need him to play?

Yeah, he has the ball.

- Was that your father? - Mm-mm.

- Stay with him, it's not true that they'll let you stay with your grandparents. - Boh!

And wherever I was...

...I saw houses, dams, offices built by Italian workers.

- Stand up, stand up. - "This is the work of Italians", they told me.

And I felt proud to belong to such a people of builders.

Quiet, quiet, silence, please.

- Doctor. - Silence!

Nice ceremony, eh?

Sorry, doctor, for coming to look for you...

...but I came to warn you, that as I have to leave after 8 days...

- Leave within 8 days. - But I can't go anymore. - Shush!

The Italian emigrant no longer exists, there exists the Italian labourer...

...who leaves with his head held high as an ambassador of labour.

Good luck and a good trip. Good luck and a good trip.

- Good luck and a good trip. - Come on, come on, quick. Hurry up.

- Giulio! - Quick, all aboard. - Bye, Maria!

Good luck and a good trip!

- Listen! - Ah, but it's you? The one whose wife died?

- It seems like only yesterday that she accompanied me here. - Eh, I understand.

No getting off! I said no getting off. Understand? Get aboard.

I've seen the situation and I can't leave.

Apart from the money you'll lose from the contract, I'll make a nice offer...

this time I'll let you accompany me. Won't even charge travel expenses.

To be blunt, am I speaking Turkish? I told you you couldn't get off!

- It's not possible, there's the child. - What are you worried about?

We'll put him in the Antonelliani orphanage, it's a paradise.

- Thank you, but I don't... - This appeals to you, yes or no? - Yes. Fazzeri Carlo...

What are you doing, are you mad?

- You see that? - Eh?

- It's been going on for 10 days. - What? - They've taken guard and sent her within.

It's not the first time.

- And what did you steal? - Mah!

- So? What do you have to say? - Nothing. - Nothing.

- Do you want to earn something? - Yes. - Yes.

I offer a cigarette for one.

- Don't smoke, eh? - No. - Luckily!

I offer 10 lire a head, okay?

- What do we have to do? - Run me an errand. Today they're doing the washing.

Stop!

- Here. - What should I take? - She'll need another bucket. Go make her pay for it.

And our water?

- Madame, will you let us help with the washing? - Be off with you, go play!

I'll bring the water.

Bring it.

Clear off, go and play.

Sorry, is there a Righetto here?

Righetto, no. There isn't.

- Who's he looking for? - A certain Righetto. - No, there's no Righetto here.

No, no.

There he is! Righetto!

Righetto! I was looking for you. How long have you worked here? Mario has said that you're well.

- Yes, yes. - Did you work here a long time learning the trade - It's not difficult.

- Ah, you've misunderstood. I work here. - What?

- What are you doing here? - Reclaiming.

The scraps can be used for many things.

- Look, see over there? We make wood chips. - Wood chips? - Yes.

It's a small job, you know.

In the afternoon I have to make deliveries for your father-in-law...

...so I couldn't take a job that lasted all day.

I also make 15000 lire a month. Not bad, no?

Then I have some additional jobs.

I do a bit of work in the neighbourhood, electrician, carpenter...

Yes, in short I'm an odd-job man. I manage.

To hear Mario, this is a palace and you earn millions.

Well, for a kid, you understand, it's a fun place.

- I think Mario is stupid. - No. - Yes. Good work.

You came to see if there was work for you?

Basically, there would be, but you have a craft. It wouldn't suit you.

And who knows what suits me?

This school where the grandparents want to send him, will they keep him all day?

- I know that you've inquired - I don't know, but I can ask. I've been doing some work.

- They're nuns. - Nuns? - Yes.

They seemed to me very good. They made a good impression.

Okay, understood.

Don't think Mario is stupid, I don't understand.

Mario is intelligent, very much so.

You'll see, if you spend some time together. He's better in the company of an adult.

Stay with him and then tell me. He's just a little timid, unrefined.

He doesn't know how to deal with useless questions, like they ask in school.

Perhaps for a month the teacher doesn't look at him, then suddenly they ask:

..."What is a square? What is a circle?".

And he cannot answer because he doesn't learn like a parrot.

And so it goes on and on. Instead no, the opposite, he's intelligent.

He sees a circle and understands at once that it's different to an oval.

The border of a circle is always the same distance from the center.

He understands right away. Like he understands everything, everything! You'll see I'm right.

You see he has some practical sense, like me.

He is a kid like few others.

When he comes here, the morning flies by.

- Righetto, I saw you did some work at my home. If you need something... - No, no.

Were you paid?

- In short, if you need anything, tell me. - Nothing! Nothing.

- Give me the rag, I need it too. - Oh, eat some soap!

Give me the rag, I also need it, you know!

- Claudio took my rag. - But if he has it, what do I work with?

Here, take this. What do you have?

- Did someone die for you? - His mother died, under a truck.

Oh, you poor thing. It was her who died a few days ago? I know who it was.

She was such a dear. You know your father... He loved her so much.

I saw them many times out walking.

They looked like a proper huosehold. They sometimes had a young child who looked happy.

Yes, yes, you were with them sometimes.

But that wasn't daddy, it was Righetto.

Ah!

Let's go. Well... can I trust you?

Do it right, eh? Take her bucket back to the lady and leave mine.

I give 50 lire altogether.

- Thank you. - Thank you, miss! - Thank you.

But don't get used to it.

When you're big... you can buy me presents.

Hey, don't you like me, you know?

- Move it, work. - Give me the 50 lire, for safe-keeping. - Oh, yeah!

Mario!

Congratulations, if the rest is like the voice...

Mario!

I've been looking for you for an hour! What are you doing there? Come here!

- I have to finish my work, don't I? - Eh?!

- Mario! - Leave it, your friend will finish it.

- Damn! - Mario!

- I have to get my shoes! - He helps out a lot. I pay him, you know?

You must leave that boy alone, he wants for nothing.

- Listen to him! What does he do? - Go for you walk.

- Oh, just because you're in mourning! - Let's go for your walk.

- Mario! - I'm here, what is it?

Look at you: all grubby. Now we have to go home and wash you.

Are these the games you play? If I find you here, see the slapping you'll get!

- But she pays me. - And you'll give her the money!

I don't have it, it's with Claudio.

- And she knew mummy. - Yes?...

Indeed, yes. She told me.

- Ah, yes? - And she knows Righetto too.

- Mm, well! - Sure! And she thought he was my father!

Better she minds her own business? Come on, let's go!

Look at the state of you. If I find you here again...

What did you tell me about Righetto? He's a rag-and-bone man.

And if you keep going there, you'll end up with scabies.

When I'm big, I'm going to work there.

You really don't understand anything. Go on, eat.

- I brought some water for the child. - Thanks.

And sit straight, otherwise the food will go down the wrong way.

Tell me, Mario, what is that?

- This? - Yes, that.

- A plate. - All right, everyone knows it's a plate, but what shape is it?

Look closely, I want you to pass the exam.

What shape is it?

- Well? - How should I know?

What form...

What form is this?

- Are these two plates the same? - Yes.

- Ah, yes? And why? - Can't you see they're both white?

I'm asking you about the shape!

- The shape of a plate. - Yeah, eat!

Damn...

Antonietta?

- Are you ready? - I can't, mum is sleeping. Come up.

- No, come down! - I told you I can't!

- You can't or you won't! - Are you angry? - Yes.

- Bye. - Wait!

- I'm going to lose my voice! - When you say you won't come, it's not a novelty.

- You won't come down because you always fear the worse? - You know why.

- So if I promise you... - Wait, come up! Only promise me...?

Yes, yes I promise you, but it's boiling hot down here!

- What are you doing? - Nothing.

Damn!

Go to sleep, it's hot.

But I say...

What are you doing today?

You're not going to want to stay inside all day catching flies.

You're not going to play in the fields alone. Come with me or stay at home.

- Alone? - Yes, alone.

- Why are you afraid? - Me?

Yes.

- Let's go, come and sleep. - I don't want to. - Move it!

What a scoundrel, a materialist!

- But he likes you too. - But I'd tell you I didn't want to, but you'd be hurt.

Stop it! We're married. I'm fed up acting also as your confessor.

- Uh, some confessor! Give me a kiss. - Get off!

Mario, where are you going?

- There, on the rides. - No, don't you run off.

- Do me the courtesy of not moving. - Leave the poor kid alone.

And you don't want to hinder yourself with the facts?

- I don't butt into what doesn't concern me. - And always saying the wrong thing.

And I'm going to give you back what you gave to my son. How much was it?

- That was business between me and your son. - Eh, no, it was also my business: take it!

I take it, what'll they think?

- What are you looking at? - Don't get offended! - I'm not offended!

My son wants for nothing. He's not a son of a bitch like you think.

- Me?! I don't think anything. - Come on, you mentioned Mario!

- I did what? - Looks like you've nothing to hide.

Who can understand you?

I said that you have nothing to hide, don't try to make it into a big mystery!

Eh, what do you want from me?

I've never been a spy, it's useless to try to goad me!

Spying! You're the one who thinks badly when there's nothing bad to think?

- She's crazy. - I'm not crazy, it's you who asks questions and gets mad if I answer.

I'm angry, yes, answer this one...

why did you tell my son that you thought I was somebody else?

If you say this isn't true, you'll create bad blood between us where there is none.

But I didn't mean to, I meant no malice, I didn't know you well enough.

You can get to know me!

- I'm sorry... - Good evening everyone.

Come on, Mario. Let's go home.

And you're not going to play in the fields again.

Uffa!

And you'll also be going to college.

- Hey, listen! - Talking to me? - Eh!

You wait here.

Look, on that matter, we can talk about it again, if you like.

- Oh! Oh! About the house? Can we get it? - Well, if you agree.

- Eh, of course we agree! - Don't discuss it, maybe we have another commitment.

When he's ready to discuss it, you know where to find me. Mario, come on.

- What was the point of that! - If we look too keen, you know the price he'll ask?

You're smart, but I'm smarter than you!

- I'm seeing my father, and if you won't see him, he'll do the rest! - Antonietta, come here.

Antoniuccia!

You think I won't marry you? I'll marry you, I'll marry you! Stop this nonsense, come on!

Mario! Mario, listen.

What is this? Did we talk for nothing? Go and have a look, no?

They won't eat you! Come on, get up!

You do everything to make a bad impression. Do you know it's the best orphanage in Rome?

- I'm not an orphan. - What?! - I'm not an orphan.

- Do you want some watermelon? - No.

Take it. Let's eat and then we'll see.

They're waiting for us.

If you knew how many references it took to get accepted...

Here. Take it!

Come, stop doing that.

Eat!

It's good, you know? Go on...

Try to understand, since the tragedy I can no longer live here.

Nobody understands me. It's like a village here.

There's no future for someone who works with his hands.

I've looked for work, but everyone wants to rip me off for two lire.

But Righetto is here.

For once, shall we leave Righetto out of it and think about ourselves?

I'm not going there!

But I have a unique opportunity, I can't lose it.

Listen, if I leave tomorrow, I don't even have to pay for the travel.

- Where can I leave you? - At grandma's.

No, not at grandma's, they'll make you ignorant...

...and you have to become an intelligent person.

I go abroad to work and you stay here to study. In two years we'll have a future.

Get up, be brave, come with me.

- Where are you going? - Home. - Please!

Let's just go and see it! It's a nice place.

- Don't you want to obey your father? - No, I'm going home! - Then go home.

- Good morning everyone. - Look who's here! - Good morning, Aldo. - Did you bring Mario?

- No, he's at home. - Why didn't you bring him? - I need some advice.

- More than advice, it'll be a pleasure. - Can I stay here or am I in the way?

- We can talk here, you're family. - Bye. - Bye.

Say, you never can tell. Righetto, will you bring me a drink, please?

I've decided to leave. I have an opportunity I can't miss. I'm returning to Kenya.

- When do you leave? - Tomorrow. Mario has a place in college and I need the documents.

I have the information but can't do it tomorrow, I wondered if you'd do it.

- Why're you putting him in college? You hear? Why put him in college! - It won't kill him!

- I'm doing it to give him an education, it will be better for him, no? - Ssh!

Why all the shouting? They can hear you in the street.

- Hi, Aldo. - Hi, Rosa. - What's going on? - Nothing. - Come over here, keep the noise down.

Rosina, shut the door.

Well?

My poor daughter, she looks so good in that photo.

- When did you do this? I've never seen this. - Didn't you take it?

- It was done a couple of months ago. - No, I didn't take it.

- How did it get here? - It must be Righetto's, he sleeps here.

This kills me. In a couple of years she would have had a home, like I said.

She would have had everything I promised. She would have lived like a queen. Yes, a queen.

I have the intelligence, I have strong arms, and I use them.

I'd like to know why won't you leave Mario with us.

Mum, he'll study there, as he hasn't been doing. You saw how he failed.

- You're right, I'm not saying you're not, but you think in your own way. - I think correctly.

In short, no more discussion, will you do me this favour, yes or no?

Mario would be happier staying with us.

Mum, drop it, there's no arguing with him. He's used to doing as he likes.

Meanwhile he leaves and we stay, and we can remove Mario from college.

Ah, yes? Because I'm crazy? I'm glad you've told me!

Mario is my boy and I didn't bring him to be a child of this leech!

- If you mean me, say it clearly. - I won't have him with someone who can't see past his own nose.

What will you leave to your children?

You want to exploit him like you exploit poor Righetto, who sleeps in this hole?

- Calm down, son! - Calm down yourself!

I've made my mind up about tomorrow. I'll sort it out myself without your help.

Aldo.

Mario, what're you doing there? Eh?

Mario, look. Look at this bottle, eh?

What's up, you don't like it? You know we can make a lovely light out of this?

- You can give it to your father, you'll see how much he'll like it. - He's going.

Ah, he's going?

When, immediately?

- Tomorrow. - Tomorrow? That'll be the end of your permission. Where'll you go?

- Righetto, don't forget about the leather strips. - I'll go right away.

- Where are we going? - There's a more beautiful bottle than yours. - Ah, yes? Show me.

- Let's see whose is better, yours or mine. Where is it? Eh? - Let's go.

- Daddy wants to send me to college. - But college is a good thing.

I went there too.

- When? - When I was little.

You know they make you play? And they give you a uniform.

This is not a college, it's an orphange.

Eh, what do you mean? It's still a college.

- Where does the light wire go? - You have to make a hole in the base.

- Yes, but there's a danger that it'll break. - Of course it may break.

Then we put it outside. It will make a beautiful effect the same.

Then you fill it with coloured water...

- Green or red? What do you say? - Let's see if we break it.

Say, why can't I stay here? I can make the work and you can sell them.

I can sleep behind the workshop, where Tonio slept.

- But it's bad here, the air's foul. - I like it.

Mario, you have to obey your father because he's doing what's best for you.

- But he's going to Africa! - But you know he's going there to work.

But can't you work here?

Mario, I have to take the leather scraps to the factory. Coming with me?

If you promise we're coming back here, I'll come. I'm not going back home.

Well, let's see, eh?

- Can we get a drink somewhere? - We can't with this load, not with those kids about.

Eh, but we could keep an eye out.

If you approach that, look out!

- Two slushies. - A green one. - Two green.

- When the kid returns, sort everything including T-shirts and trousers. - Mm.

It's for the best, we must be ready for tomorrow.

- I'm just drying this out. - On a day like this? Of course it's dry.

I'm getting a little concerned. It's been three hours...

What am I saying? He should have been home four hours ago.

They're kids, they don't think of the suffering they cause the parents.

Rather... I'm sorry, I can't wait any longer.

Did you mean that you want me to mark all the clothes with the child's name?

I understand, when one has had a misfortune, one always fears the worst.

But he's playing... Playing, I tell you.

What should I do now? Close the house?

- Have you seen Mario? - I'm called Mario. - Me too.

- No, no, my son. A boy this high. - There are lots called Mario. - Who knows him?

- Here's Mario. He's called Mario. - There are so many!

Mario!

Have you lost your son again? You should keep him on a leash, you know?

- Mario! - I'm serious.

At Triton I saw an American lady who was holding a chiild on a leash.

- He was smaller than yours, but still... - You haven't seen him in the field today?

After the scolding you gave him, you think he'd be brave enough to go back there?

- Mario! - But don't take on so.

When I find him, he'll get what for.

- When one works, there isn't time to look after a child. - I'm putting him in college.

Maybe you're right. I also have a kid. I put him in college, back where I come from.

Who likes it? I have to work. Like you.

Look how handsome he is! When I last saw him, he hardly recognised me.

How's it with you? You've been away so long.

Hey, one skill is like another. What do you think?

- And who says nothing? - Patience. We do it for our children.

Hopefully when we're old, we'll get a little gratitude.

Maybe then we'll be the ones saying: "But I hardly know you! You never visit!".

- And you find it something to laugh about? - What do you want me to do, cry?

Can't you count the hours! I was about to go to the police, you know?

- Sorry it's my fault, Mario wasn't aware. - You really are clueless, you know?

No, it was my fault. Send him home, we need to talk, it's important.

- So you're going to tell me all about it, are you? - Do me a favour, Mario, take this home.

It's very important, I assure you, believe me.

Go home, and don't move from there. You understand?

I found him sitting on the drain.

He wouldn't go home, so, as a distraction, I took him with me.

- He's a little calmer... He's afraid you want to put him in college. - Sure I do.

No, don't put him in college. If you put him there, he'll suffer greatly!

- Ada would never forgive you, I know it. - You know everything, eh? - Yes.

Something else...

- don't leave. Stay here with him. - And you feel comfortable speaking to me like this? Thanks.

But, if you do not mind, I do as I say. And if you'll get out of my way, it's better.

Aldo, if I speak like this, it's for Mario.

If you put him in college, and leave, you're a coward!

I'm a coward? I am a coward?

You turned my son against me!

And you have the nerve to call me a coward?! You, you yourself!

Come on, doll, let's dance. Come!

Nobody turned him against you. Nobody. He thinks for himself.

- Same with Ada. But that's not true, believe me. - Ada?

Why Ada?

You believe yourself in the right so suspect others.

Since you're back, you've talked about your sacrifice...

...but have you thought about those who suffered from your absence?

If Mario doesn't love you, it's not his fault, same with Ada.

She didn't expect you.

I know how much you made her suffer.

You never worried about her. How could you, eh?

Here was a young woman. Here...

Here...

What was it to you? Now you're going to tell me!

Tell me! I told you to tell me!

There's nothing to tell! I'm just speaking up for Mario! Stay with him.

Mario? Why do you care so much about him? You must tell me what was between you and Ada.

No, Ada loved only you!

I don't want to know anything. Shut up! Shut up!

Aldo, listen to me, I must explain.

Not for me, but for her.

It was not like you think.

Aldo... you must listen to me.

You wanted to make them happy...

...with a well-being you could only secure with a sacrifice.

She was too proud to tell you that she'd have given up all that...

...to be close to you.

You, every time you left, said that it was for the last time.

Then you'd want to do more.

You thought you could freeze time and she'd be waiting for you.

She waited, in fact, but she wasn't happy.

You remember when you left for the last time?

You're never happy: you complain that your husband doesn't think of the family, you who...

- No, I don't complain, no. - She doesn't complain, she weeps.

I'm not weeping, I'm just saying I'd rather stay in a shack with him... with Aldo...

...than stay alone in a palace.

I'd like to see it in pratice.

Time passes by. For me this last year has passed without me knowing it.

Lucky you. For me, it seemed more like 10 years than a year.

When Aldo came back, I didn't have time to say "Welcome back" before he was saying "Bye".

- You're silly. You should have said: "Stay". - I told him!

But he'd say: "when it's finished, who'll leave?".

"Two more years and then I can start on my own". He had that fixed idea of a workshop.

I told him: "Take us with you". Of course not! "You're fine here. You lack nothing."

"It's a brutal posting, if you come there are no conveniences, you need a household."

"When one makes a sacrifice, it's better if the sacrifice goes all the way."

"I'll stay in a hut and save money". And here I am, alone!

- You have the rest of your life to make love! - Shut up, dad!

You'll see, you'll be happy.

If you open the workshop, in a year you'll be able to buy a car and a TV too.

He wanted to buy me a TV. "So you can watch it at home in the evening". Yes, like a fool!

Then maybe another year will be wasted paying the installments. I don't want a TV!

If I was brought one, I'd throw it out the window!

It's a blessing to be so in love with your husband.

Aunt Ada, Mario feels bad!

- He's vomited. - Where? - Outside, in the street.

- Love! - Mario, what have you done? What's happened? - My sweetheart!

- I brought everything up. - Don't cry. - Don't let it be the convulsive cough!

- Drink slowly. Slowly, eh? - Slowly, love. - With vomiting, you shouldn't drink.

Mum, water won't do any harm, he didn't vomit from his stomach.

What agony if it is the convulsive cough. Do you remember my children last year?

I'll get the syrup.

Love, slowly.

That's it, that's it, I recognise it.

- They say it's good to go to the sea. - It's too soon to say. And how would we go?

They won't let you stay in a hotel, the train won't take you.

Why would you need the train? Righetto could take them in the van, early morning.

- What do you say, Righetto? - For me... gladly.

We shouldn't miss trying this.

Now... now I understand why Aldo said the boy seemed frail and nervous.

But he's not nervous, it's that he doesn't know his father at all, he has no confidence.

Every time he talks to him, Mario is afraid. I've tried to tell Aldo, but he doesn't understand.

He says that Mario must love him the same, even if he doesn't know him. What pretension!

Mario's cough was the convulsive cough.

And so on the first day of good weather I loaded them into the van and took them to the sea.

Here we are. We've arrived.

- There's nobody here. - Thank you.

- Now go down there, close to the sea, where the sand is compacted. Here. - Thanks.

- Are you leaving? - No, who would take you back? I'll wait here. - Come, Mario.

But come, come with us, we can play. Mummy, ask him.

No, Righetto doesn't want to play. We've alreday been too much trouble.

- Heavens, I'd be happy to, only I don't want to disturb you. - What are you saying? Come on.

- Righetto! - I'll bring the cushions so you'll be more comfortable.

Oh!

I'm not dead!

Goodness, how scary!

Mario!

You see? You must stay relaxed.

Let's go down to the sea. Come.

But... where are you?

Ah, giddyup!

- Really, Righetto, you don't want a little fruit? It'll ease your thirst. - No, thank you.

Tomorrow I'll bring... a big bottle of water like this!

I didn't realise it'd be so warm, it's almost like summer.

- Say, should I wake him? Is it late? - No, it's not late.

Let him sleep, in case he didn't close his eyes last night.

He couldn't stop coughing, I was afraid...

You should call a sister or your mother to sleep with him, so you can rest.

No, what would I say to him? Anyway, I couldn't sleep.

You need some company, you're always alone.

I want to ask you something, but you must answer just as you feel.

Don't be surprised, I know how it goes.

We women, when we marry, it's like we we lose confidence in our parents.

Who knows why, but it's true. Some things we can no longer discuss.

Even if we did, I'm not sure they'd answer truthfully.

They would say something to make me happy.

Could it be that Aldo thinks of someone else? is there another who interests him?

So yes, what do you know about her?

Is there something that's made you think this?

No... No.

When Aldo came back the last time...

it was like we had just got married, he was even more affectionate.

But no, I don't say this...

when there's no necessary obligation, like the call to arms

...would you leave your wife for so long, even when it's work?

I cannot possibly judge.

Aldo is a strong man, courageous, sure of himself.

For example, he can go down there and be confident he'll earn a lot of money.

And really earn them!

I, if I went there...

...I wouldn't know where to start.

Yes, because what am I?

I don't even know myself who I am.

If I had a wife, a son...

...I would need their help.

I would keep them close, always...

...because I could only be happy that way.

It's a weakness, when men reason coldly!

He has to think of the future, even at the cost of sacrifices.

- I... I live for today. - But no!

Oh, finally you wake up. Do you know how long you slept?

Golly, how much sand you have in your hair. Come here, lower your head.

Stop it, Mario.

- He's burnt, like it was summer - Tomorrow we'll go bathing.

Yes, of course, in May and with a cough!

- Ah, you hurt me, let's see how much sand there is? - Yes, after Righetto.

- Him first. - Lower your head, Righetto. - There.

- Stronger, like with me. - Okay.

How much sand he has, Righetto. Even on his shoulders.

Mario, turn around!

Mario!

We returned almost every day

Mario improved, and the day before he went back to school, I took him to the circus.

'Scuse me. Thanks.

Ol�!

A sweetie for the boy, one for mummy and one for daddy, thank you!

Ol�!

- He called you daddy. - Er, yes...

- Sit next to mummy. - When do the lions come on? - Wait, they'll be here.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you look bad by them thinking I was your husband.

- Well, why? - Because...

- Here, blow the trombone! - What? - Blow!

No, no, stronger!

Not like that! Who gave you the license?

Blow hard!

- When are the lions? - Wait, now.

- They're coming. Don't you like clowns? - No!

- But the lions aren't there. - Yes I see. They're over there.

- Where over there? - Eh, there, there.

Here you are! So you're sick, eh?

Here's a fine thing. Don't bother coming back to work, you're finished with me.

- Sit down! - If he doesn't want to work, I'm not having him.

- But I couldn't, I'm sorry. - I've already got someone else.

- Who's that? - Oh, nothing...

It's Riccardi, the one for whom I do the furniture polishing.

Ah, that's him? And now what'll you do? Losing a job to take us to the sea.

But no, I've lost nothing, he's always like this. He flares up then calms down.

Perhaps, but I don't think so. The look on his face...

What stupidity, with things like they are, with the difficulty of finding a job...

- I'm really angry, Righetto. - But no, don't think about it.

These were the most beautiful days of my life. I will always be grateful.

You could not show it to them tonight, and work on changing it for tomorrow.

Eh?

- Is your dad back? - No.

Then tell them immediately. You're lucky your father's not there.

- You know, I didn't think they'd fail you - Eh, me neither.

- You going to kill it? - No.

- So, what are you going to do? - Nothing, I'll go home and tell them.

- Did you think they'll beat you? - No. I think the "little gift" has done enough.

- It's an injustice, tell your mother that. - Eh!

What are you doing? Hand it over! Writing everywhere except in school: now you'll see!

Hi, Righetto.

Ada, perhaps to compensate me for the job I'd lost...

... asked me to come to the house to make some repairs.

I was happy to be made useful.

These are for the ceilings! In the bathroom, we'll use the tiles already there.

- Mario likes them so much. - Yes, they suit the house.

- Listen, Righetto. Come, I have to say something to you. - To me?!

I'm so upset today... Mario has brought a report card that is shameful.

- Yes, yes... - It was postponed in October, and now they say he has to repeat the year. - Yes...

I can't do it alone, he needs to be taught a lesson, it's only a matter of willpower.

Aldo once found him climbing on the scaffolding of a house under construction.

- He'd like to be a bricklayer. - Aldo did it before, but lost the desire.

I can't give him a spanking, and this can't be allowed to pass lightly.

Must I spank him?

Perhaps it's necessary.

But... okay then.

- How... how shall I do it? - Not on the head, it can bring on meningitis.

Ah, no, no, no, on the backside.

Aldo that time used... a trouser belt.

Okay, then I'll use a trouser belt.

- I should go and do it? - Yes.

- I'm going. - Yes, go, go. Don't hurt him badly.

Oh, can I do the cementing?

What's up, going to the toilet?

No!

That was a nice report card you brought home, eh?

- Drop your trousers. - Why?

Why! Why! Why! Now you'll see why!

- Drop your trousers! - Oh, have you gone mad?

- Oh, stop it! Don't, Righetto! - Stop it, Mario!

Mummy, Righetto has gone mad! Be good!

Come here!

Mario, listen to me. I'm not going to spank you, I promise.

Come here, we need to talk.

Your mum is crying.

Mummy's not crying.

I can't. No, no...

Shame on you! What am I going to write to your father? You must study, understand?

Mummy, don't cry. You didn't hurt me, you know?

She hurt herself instead. From tomorrow, I'll start teaching you.

We'll see you pass in October.

I started studying, but I made more effort than Mario.

But it was such a joy to be with him that I put everything into it.

Let's see... who founded Rome?

- Who were the founders? - Romulus and Remus.

- Bravo! And who gave milk to Romulus and Remus? - Their mummy.

- Mario, try! - No, the wolf!

But how can you not know this? I knew it without ever studying.

Who were Cornelia's children?

The Tiber!

Tiberius and Caio... Tiberius and Caio Gracco!

- Of course, you read it. - Eh, yes...

And who was Cornelia? You know?

She did not enjoy luxury or entertainment but thought of her house...

...and especially the education of her tho children, who she wanted to be honest and just.

Righetto, I'm tired, let's study after eating.

No, Mario, Righetto is in a hurry, you must study!

Why the hurry, he likes it here. Righetto can eat with us.

- No, Mario, no. - Blimey, but it's raining!

But yes, if you want to eat a little with us... You can't go out in that.

- Yes, let's start working. - Well, okay. - No, it's better if I go.

- No, stay, I'd like that. - Well, thank you.

I get depressed at this time of year. Perhaps it's even raining in Africa.

Eh, no, they have nice weather! It's always springtime.

I read it in a magazine. I'll bring it.

There were phorographs of forests with tall trees, not like what we have here.

They form a canopy, and the sun struggles to poke through.

- No, no, it's an interesting place. - Aldo doesn't tell me things like this.

When he writes he says: "All's well, hope it is with you too." And that's it.

Well, you know, he has to work.

Tomorrow I'll look for that magazine. There was also a photo of an encampment.

Maybe it's where he is. It's nice, you know?

One evening we almost had a quarrel because she wanted to pay me.

Maybe I was wrong, because then she knew I loved her.

It's not right! It seems wrong to me that father doesn't pay for what you do in the shop.

Now you miss the rest of the day dealing with Mario and me.

- It's okay, I was expected to pay. - Pay for what?

I've told you many times, I'm happy to take care of Mario and be useful to you.

You want to pay me. I want nothing in return. What's wrong?

I have no-one, and this gives the impression that there is someone...

Does it make you uncomfortable? Yes, you're uncomfortable.

- But no! - The little I earn is enough for me.

Should I earn more and deprive myself the company of Mario and you?

This is not good.

An intelligent, sensitive man like you, should be thinking of starting a family.

- Don't you want me to come anymore? - No, I didn't say that, but I'm married.

To have too much love for the family of another...

Don't think badly, there's nothing wrong, I swear!

I have to think of myself too. There is also a danger I may feel too much.

Yes, because Mario doesn't talk about anybody except you...

...and I, if I need anything, know I can rely on your help.

- Therefore... - There is no danger, there isn't!

But if you want, I'll stop coming.

- Goodbye, Ada. - Righetto, no.

You can come when you want...

...but remember that you must start your own family.

You can make a woman happy.

It's made by having your children.

Promise?

When you don't want me to come, you tell me.

Of course I'd like to, but if it's causing trouble...

It was just that she felt sorry for me.

No, she loved you.

I was wrong.

I thought only of tomorrow. Always and only of tomorrow.

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26!

- It was 25. - No, it was 26.

- Mario, daddy has been looking for you. - But he found me.

- Going in the house? - Can't I wait here? - See? Talk to him and stop thinking about it.

Thank you, madame, we'll wait and talk to him!

And we wait.

Mario.

Can we go on the merry-go-round?

Eh?

Your father is waiting for you at the first bench of Luna Park.

- Go, run. - But why is he waiting at Luna Park?

To take you on the merry-go-round, of course.

- My daddy isn't angry? - Daddy?!

- Ah, because you came home late? - Yes.

No, he's forgotten all about it.

You, Mario, need to get to know your father better.

He's good, you know? Very much so! And he loves you.

- What did you do there? - Nothing, I fell.

- Are you coming too? - No, I can't, I have to work.

We've worked until now.

Listen, I came to speak to you because...

...because I forgot to tell you one thing.

What's that?

I'm going away tomorrow...

...and I'll be gone for some time.

- Say, kid, is your father coming home? - He's over there.

- How long before you told us? - Mah... I didn't know. - You could've said before, no?

- Well, I hadn't definitely decided. - But now you have?

Yes I have.

I want to go back to the countryside, return to farming, work in the fields.

- It's actually good, you know? - Better than working for grandpa or unloading?

Very much so.

So I'm going to college and will never see you again.

If I'm not there...

Go, go to daddy.

Bye, Mario.

Righetto!

Mario.

Mario!

- Look, if it's about the amount, we can reach an agreement. - We'll talk about it another time.

- Righetto said he's going away. - Yes, I know.

But if I'm not sending you to college, are you happy?

- Are you happy? - Yes.

If I don't go away again, if I stay here... would you like this?

We'll work it out somehow. It'll be great, we can work it out.

The grandparents will lend a hand. Would you like that?

Look, then...

Excuse me, I have no time now. It's not the moment to talk about the house, I need to think.

What do you want to do, Mario?

- Want to go in one of the cars? - No.

It's everything to become friends.

Yes, it's eveything to become friends.

In Africa, in the barracks, there was someone I worked with and he arranged everything.

Even the cooking.

Would you like us to be together? Of course, if I'm here, I'll have to find work.

But if I leave for another two years, will we even recognise each other?

What do you say?

Should I stay until you're grown up?

Then maybe it'll be you leaving me.

Want to go on the merry-go-round?

- Look, choose, what do you want to do? - Why did Righetto leave?

- I don't know. - But he spoke to you...

Yes, he told me he was leaving and that he loves you very much.

- But I'll always be with you. - Yes? - Yes, of course!

You'd like some candy floss?

Here, take it.

So, have you decided? Where do you want to go?

- There! - On the aeroplanes?

Oh, you know that Righetto was scared of them?

I'm scared as well. I'm scared of mounting those aeroplanes.

Look how strong they are. Like the real thing!

Who goes up there?

- I'm not afraid. - You're not afraid!

Eh, you're joking!

Let's go, go...

- You're leading me, eh? - Yes.

You'll fly the aeroplane.

Get it?

God... Give me your hand.

God...

- But was Righetto really scared? - Yes.