Original subtitles

Gasoline in truck?

Yes.

Tapestry?

In the vehicle.

You let him in with the tapestry through

the main door.

Takes 15 seconds to get to the exhibit

of religious paintings, then...

I?

I go to the museum director's office.

Go on.

I show him the papers.

Ask him to sign the papers.

Yes, yes, I know that.

He says that we brought it to the

wrong museum.

He says, take the tapestry out.

30 seconds to remove the tapestry from the

wall...

With the painting hidden inside.

45 seconds to leave the museum.

Now.

Now, the robbery is discovered.

They say to you, why did you let

the thieves go?

How did I know they were thieves?

They came in with the tapestry.

They left with the same tapestry.

Good.

I wish it were not a religious painting.

You're superstitious.

I was brought up to respect religious property.

Of course.

But if we make it our own property,

we can respect it all the more.

You go on duty in a few minutes.

I'll do it.

You better get in the truck.

Go and see.

Un po',

per favore?

La razza resta qui o no?

What's the matter, you hot?

Okay.

Young surplus, huh?

Very okay.

Gasoline?

Is this

for sale, Ms. Vasari?

Only two kinds of artists can afford to

collect their own paintings.

Rich artists and bad ones, Ms. Vasari, is

neither.

You wish to buy it?

17,000 francs.

Oh, that's about $50.

Thanks.

Hello, Charles.

You cut any throats lately?

I'm painting.

You have it?

How is your health?

At the moment, fine.

Sam, I want you to meet Mr. Aramescu,

Sam Conrad.

How do you do, sir?

Mr. Aramescu is a great artist.

He's an art collector and connoisseur.

Sam Conrad is my loyal friend and partner.

It was for Mr. Aramescu that we miraculously

found the painting.

I've waited a long time for this moment.

They say that collecting art is a disease.

Not dangerous, but contagious.

Well, here's to art.

The only world where age comes before beauty.

It's a painting.

Let me see it.

I'm ready to pay.

As anxious as a bridegroom on his wedding

night is for a painting, Sam.

I haven't got it.

He's right.

This is no place for business.

We'll go to his hotel.

Is my car being used, Charles?

The painting's gone.

Burnt.

What do you mean, burnt?

The boat accidentally caught fire.

I was lucky to escape with my life.

Lucky?

You call it lucky to destroy such a

masterpiece?

Such a...

You idiot.

Burnt.

Waiting all these years, and now...

Oh, no.

How did you say it happened?

I told you.

Well, then tell me again.

The boat...

I don't believe you.

...caught fire.

How?

He's lying.

Get the police officials in carpet.

So the painting is burnt, eh?

Well, it's either saved the painting or my

life.

But there are so many lives in this

tortured world, and so few clients willing to

pay me $100,000.

Here you are alive, and so much money

is dead.

I'm in deep mourning.

Helix, you don't trust me, do you?

I trust you as much as you trust

me.

The truth would melt in our mouths.

You think I've kept the painting for myself?

No.

But someone else, someone less loyal than you,

might try it.

What good would it do him?

None.

He couldn't sell it on the open market.

The painting's too well known.

And the museums wouldn't touch it.

But a few private collectors might buy it.

It'd have to be somebody you didn't know.

It's hardly likely.

Sam, if I ever found out that the

painting was not, uh...

You'd kill me.

Yes, dear boy.

My word.

Well, then.

Helix?

What was the name of your boat?

Huh?

Of a lucky girl, Ragazza Fortunata.

Registered out of Palermo, paid for with your

money, not insured.

Oui, oui.

C'est ça.

Merci.

Give me one minute with him, and he'll

tell the truth.

What will you do, Charles?

Squeeze it out of my toes with a

toehold, or out of my ears with a

headlock?

I thought you had to rehearse before you

wrestled.

Charles, please.

You know how I detest violence.

Well, dear boy.

$8,000 in cash invested in this venture,

lost.

A $100,000 client, lost.

Not exactly.

We're the only people who know that the

painting is burnt.

The rest of the world, it's only stolen.

Right?

What's to prevent us having half a dozen

imitations made?

That way, we'd have six clients instead of

one, each of them swearing that he owns

the original.

My affection for you is returning.

Well, you could get out freighted with the

imitations.

Now, he's in jail in New York.

Oh, there's Max.

He paints in the Renaissance style.

Well, Max has turned honest.

He's starving to death.

I'll send him a cable.

If I can help it, I never do

business with honest people.

Well, are there any of the local talent

to be persuaded?

The best is here tonight.

I exhibit their paintings for, well, I call

it civic pride.

Ruff, ruff, Fortunis.

Now, let's see.

There's that one.

He's very good.

The best, but too rich.

He won't be tempted easily.

The one on the left is good, but

paints only modern.

The other one should be painting fences.

He could do it, and he's poor.

But she has been at his style, and

she needs money.

That case is not my type.

Well, you are more her type than his.

Take my word for it.

Excuse me.

My dear, I'd like you to meet Sam

Conrad, a lover of art.

Miss Anna Vasari.

We may be able to help you sell

your paintings.

Excuse me, she's a very good genius for

Renaissance.

You're very attractive to be an artist.

You're also rather young to be a genius.

And you are a little old to be

so rude.

Miss Vasari?

Italian?

Are you from Rome?

Milan?

Mademoiselle Salva?

Please sit back.

I'll see Mademoiselle home.

Why?

Because I've never rude to the same lady

twice.

Thank you.

Good night.

Would you like to sell your paintings?

I can help you.

Why?

You're an artist and I'm a dealer.

We can both do with the money.

May I?

You like it?

It is bad?

No.

I'm thirsty.

Oh, excuse me.

What are these sketches here?

Oh, I do them for a magazine in

Rome.

Magazines, huh?

Corruptors of art.

Oh, no.

Without magazine to pay us.

Most of us would not be painters.

And the rest of us would be starving.

To all those wonderful people who pay bills,

huh?

You got many more sketches to do?

No, tomorrow I'm finished.

And then?

Then I must find more work.

What, here in Tunis?

Oh, well, wherever I can paint.

I have a feeling your future is here.

Did you do this?

Yes.

Wonderful.

It's copied from Raphael's Madonna del Granduco.

It's not bad, but it is a copy.

Texture.

Brushwork.

Detail.

These were aged and cracked.

Of course, in Raphael's time, the white didn't

have zinc, and this blue is synthetic ultramarine,

not used before the 19th century.

Raphael was dead a long, long time before.

Go on.

Have you made any other copies of old

masters?

Yes.

Of the Renaissance period?

Mm-hmm.

Have you ever thought of selling one of

these?

But who would buy a copy?

Someone who didn't know it was a copy.

I don't understand.

Well, by painting in the name of Raphael

and aging it, this could be sold as

an original.

It's good enough to get by in some

markets.

You understand?

Mm-hmm.

Yes, now I understand.

Good night, Mr. Conrad.

You're offended?

Why do you paint?

For art's sake or for money?

My paintings are for sale.

Mine.

Not copies or imitations.

But mine.

My paintings.

Not me.

Because nothing can't be bought or sold.

People, things, and especially copies.

Please, Mr. Conrad, go away.

I believe you.

You are telling the truth.

I'm glad.

Otherwise, well, some other time perhaps.

Thank you, Anna.

Don't ever be anything except what you are.

Good night.

R.F. Hart.

Barclay.

Art galleries.

Brussels.

Merchandise for sale.

Well, cable arrangements.

Sam Conrad.

1800 francs, please.

Yes, sir.

Frank, what's

your problem?

May I talk with you?

No.

Why don't you trust me, Mr. Conrad?

Don't you want to make me rich?

Yes, and happy.

That's why I don't trust you.

What can you lose?

Please.

Belle Italazionale.

Have you ever wanted something so you can

think of nothing else?

So that it scratches inside you all the

time?

That is the way I want to own

a Benetti painting.

That particular Benetti painting.

I own many things.

Gold and silver ornaments worth a fortune.

The papyrus in which is written the Ten

Commandments.

A vase said to contain the ashes of

Hannibal.

They say the painting of curative powers.

It has healed blindness and sickness, they say.

Belongs in my collection.

I would even kill for that painting.

I've offered Felix $100,000 to get it

for me.

I'm offering you $5,000 more.

I'd like to oblige, but the painting is

burnt.

No, it is not.

You will give it to me because you

have it.

I do not feel funny, Mr. Conrad.

Oh, but you look it.

Hello, Sam.

That cologne of yours is very loud.

But in tune, it's very necessary.

I did not know he was here, I

swear to you.

Sam, wait.

Sorry, I have an appointment with a lady.

Do not tell me that thing was loaded.

As much as I do not think it's

in his nature, Sam may be telling the

truth.

The painting is probably burned.

No, it was not burned, I will not

believe it.

Come in.

Hello, Mademoiselle.

Come in with Mr. Antoine, who is downstairs.

Anton.

Sam just left.

Did it ever occur to you that he

never stole it in the first place?

That it was someone else?

That Mr. Conrad is only capitalizing on his

theft?

If it has a crooked aspect, it has

occurred to me.

I go back to Tarmino.

Twice before it has been stolen.

Twice before it was returned to the church.

This time I will intercept the painting.

This time I will succeed.

You seem very positive.

I have faith.

In that case, accept my condolences.

Good day to you, Mr. Caron.

Good day, sir.

Photograph.

Photograph.

Have you seen this paper?

Have you ever heard of Enrico Bonetti's painting,

The Savior?

I've seen it in the church in Tarmino.

It was stolen.

It was stolen.

This is not a simple theft.

The thief must be a vile scoundrel.

Stolen from a church.

I first heard about it last night.

A dear friend of mine...

Anna, are you familiar with Syracuse?

No.

Well, this dear friend of mine from Syracuse,

the Marchese d'Agragento, phoned with the bad

news.

This painting was a part of the altarpiece.

The sick and the poor, the unhappy people

prayed for it, even as Artaloni prayed.

The Marchese feels the same way.

They will catch the thief.

Wait.

You will see.

I don't think they will.

And neither does the Marchese.

He's so unhappy about the whole thing that

he wants another painting made, exactly like Bonetti's,

like the one that was stolen to put

back in the church.

He'll pay $400 to an artist to begin

the work and another $400 when the painting

is finished.

You wish me to.

You were thinking of this last night?

Please help me, Anna.

If you won't do it yourself, perhaps you

know someone who would.

A friend.

But the way you paint, the feeling you

have for the subject, no one could do

it better than you.

Then, last night, why did you not ask

me?

Well, to a sensitive artist, imitation...

I worked more than her own original work.

Then you'll do it.

You could certainly use the money, and it

would mean so much to the people of

Sicily.

It is not easy, without Bonetti's painting to

copy.

Oh, well, there are lots of photographs and

lithographs in all sizes and colors.

When did you start?

I must first arrange for the copy.

That's already done.

And canvas.

Well, Bonetti's savior was painted on wood.

This I know, but for the copy...

For us, nothing but the genuine article.

The cheapest thing in Africa is life.

What is the most expensive thing?

Honor.

British?

You are far from home.

You have many children?

Well, none that I know of.

You do not like babies?

Shouldn't you ask me if I'm married first?

No.

Because I do not wish to hear the

answer.

Okay.

Are you?

What?

You know.

No.

I like this answer.

Look.

What...

What do you do?

I mean...

How do you make a living?

Oh, I live.

But the money?

Money?

Oh, what's that?

The salary, the wages.

Oh, to pay all those taxes?

Ah.

Stoney, have you been to Carthage yet?

I think I'd better begin to paint.

Oh, no, no.

In this part of the world, no one

works when the sun is high.

In fact, I know some people who don't

work when the sun is low either.

Why did you do that?

Salty.

We must go back now, yes?

I must begin to paint.

I must earn my money.

You are.

Good morning, Sam.

Good morning.

What a coincidence.

Yes, isn't it?

I was looking for you, and you were

looking for me, and we meet.

Coincidence.

Well, first, accept my apology.

What did you do to Minard?

I still don't know who did what to

whom.

Oh, you thought I was trying to sell

the painting to Aramescu, remember?

Well, dear boy, what else could I think?

With Mr. Aramescu, all roads lead to the

Benetti painting.

Are you still doubtful about him?

Knowing you, yes.

My dear boy.

Well, don't be.

I've started things moving on the imitation.

Good.

I gave up a whole day to Miss

Fasari.

I know.

Anton saw you.

Oh.

You had me followed?

Don't you even trust my relations with her?

Knowing you, no.

But the whole day, why would I do

that except for business?

Why not?

She's a very nice girl.

To me, that's her least appealing feature.

Well, she'd be grateful for any little favors

extended by an attractive woman.

Oh, this is the kind of woman who

wants to get married.

Shall I have a little talk with her?

Oh, no.

The better she knows you, the less she'll

trust me.

Say, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

How much progress have you made with Miss

Fasari?

Well, either she's extremely naive, or what is

worse, she's just plain honest.

But she'll do the imitation, of course.

She's agreed to do one.

That's bad.

It's always easier after the first time.

That's good.

I promised her $400 to start.

That's bad.

I'm afraid I would have cost five times

that.

Tell me, how good is she?

Professionally, I mean.

Her own work is mediocre, but as a

copyist, she'll be invaluable to us.

I need a few more hundred dollars for

expenses.

Dear boy, when you ask for money, you're

appealing to the most unresponsive side of my

nature.

Bye.

How's my credit?

I'll have a look at you.

Flash.

Flash.

Hermione, my friend.

If you wish to be my friend, your

trouble must be great.

All I want is the loan of $400.

Have you ever heard of the Marshall Plain?

We don't lend money, we borrow it.

Good morning.

Hello.

Who's...

Hawkely?

Who are you talking from?

The hotel lobby.

What, this hotel?

All right, come right out.

Room 302.

Yeah.

This is Mr. McWade of Edinburgh.

He's an art expert.

I'm sure you don't mind if he checks

the painting.

May I?

You shouldn't have come here.

Why not?

According to your cable, you were...

My cable said that I was ready to

make arrangements.

In a few days, I'd have brought the

goods to you in Brussels.

You're too hot to be in Brussels.

You're the same temperature in Tunis.

Police?

Oh, it's other complications, yes.

I don't want to hear about them.

The same plane that brought me leaves in

an hour, I intend to be on it.

Now, may we please get on with our

business?

What's this?

I don't intend to pay $100,000 for

a fake.

You think I'd try to fool you?

You would, you have, and you'd try again.

Since when do you need someone else to

back up your opinion of a painting?

Since people like you started selling them.

Will that thing hurt the painting?

It's only an ultraviolet ray, mister.

It'll show if the painting's been retouched.

If it has, we'll see differences in fluorescence.

I'm satisfied if you are, Mr. Hockley.

Do you realize science is a menace to

decent, hard-working forgers?

And do you realize that of the 3

,000 paintings by Corot, about 10,000 of

them are in the United States alone?

Think what it's done for art.

Do you mind if I take the painting

with me?

Do you mind if I see the cash?

Surely you don't think I'd bring all that

money with me.

I think I ought to resent that remark.

Maybe it stays here.

Very well.

McWade will remain also.

I'll cable you a bank draft for the

cash in a few days.

You'll turn the painting over to McWade.

Check it before you accept it.

Yes, sir.

Agreed?

It'll take a deposit to hold this.

One percent of the price, if you will.

Now, take a receipt, please.

Now, wouldn't you look silly going to court

to collect on a stolen painting you wanted

to buy?

You'll receive instructions about getting this painting out

of here and into Brussels.

Yes, sir.

Oh, uh, glad to see you again.

Yes.

You know anybody in Tunis?

No, sir.

Anybody in Tunis know you?

Not likely.

Good.

Well, keep it that way.

I'll get you another room somewhere in another

hotel.

And stay away until you've got the cash.

Yes, sir.

Now, isn't that a beautiful picture?

He's a handsome guy, Franklin.

Now, Madison's portrait on one of these is

worth 5,000.

Chase's, 10,000.

And Wilson's, 100,000.

One of these pictures worth 100,000 dollars?

Very interesting.

Forget it, chum.

There's only one Wilson.

And that's framed and hanging on the wall

of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving in

Washington.

Oh.

Do you know what day it is?

The day my luck changed and you changed

it.

That's a nightdress.

You don't have to press it.

And it doesn't crease, whatever you do with

it.

The girl says this one fits you.

It does.

There's a bag to match.

Ladies from Paris.

And, madam, your fee.

400 dollars.

And get dressed for that big night I

promised you.

Oh, it's coming along fine.

Just fine.

Before that's finished, I bet a lot of

people would sooner own that than the original.

Hey, what's the matter?

You remind me of my father.

Oh, is that good or bad?

Both, I think.

He was like you.

One day happy, the next sad.

But he was always exciting to be with.

Did he make you happy?

Mostly happy, sometimes sad.

But he was a happy thing.

Where shall we go tonight?

Ah, surprise, surprise.

I'll be back in an hour.

Half an hour.

Sam.

Good evening, Sam.

Did you lose something?

You're not even warm.

And please put that horrible looking thing away.

I told you the painting was burnt.

Charles is a skeptic.

He doesn't believe you.

Being a skeptic requires intelligence, something Charles hasn't

got.

Just keep making jokes at me.

I joke to be stupid, Charles.

Look at it our way, Sam.

Mr. Hawkely arrives in Tunis.

Now, who is Mr. Hawkely?

One of the cleverest art dealers.

One of the few men in the world

who could buy Benetti's painting and know how

to get rid of it.

He comes here to see you.

Why?

He's not here for pleasure.

He stayed a few hours and then I

saw him leave the country.

So it must be business.

His business is with you.

Now, what could you have that would interest

Mr. Hawkely?

The Benetti painting, naturally.

I came with Hawkely.

It was for sale.

He came a little sooner than I expected.

I knew you wouldn't let $100,000 burn

up.

We'll rearrange our deal 70-30.

Felix.

I want to hold it against you, dear

boy.

Felix, I'm talking about the imitation of the

Benetti painting.

I'm sure he's gonna buy it.

Not Hawkely.

You can't deceive Hawkely with an imitation.

I don't expect to.

He'll be our middleman.

Sure he'll get a cut.

He can peddle all our work.

Why did he leave here so quickly?

Well, would you let him see an imitation

that wasn't finished?

No offense, but how good can a forgery

be without the original to work from?

It works amazing.

How much for it?

Great deal seems to depend upon Miss Vasari.

I'll look after that end of it.

Mr. Hawkely didn't come alone.

There was a man, a stranger, with a

suitcase.

Oh, him, yes.

Jewelry salesman.

He came to show me a few samples

of the ring.

Oh?

A banner.

Oh.

Already?

Well, if he wanted to do more than

one imitation.

A ring gives her a rosy feeling about

the future.

Excellent.

Marriage will make a silent partner of her.

Who's talking about marriage?

I am, if it's necessary.

Hey, wait a minute.

Why should you object?

Statistics prove that married men live longer than

bachelors.

Good night, dear boy.

How'd that stranger with the suitcase?

Find him.

And find out what was in that suitcase.

Remarkable.

Thank you.

And you copied this only from the photographs?

Remarkable.

For what are you looking?

Charles is looking for the original Benetti painting.

He doesn't believe that anyone, not even you,

could make such a realistic imitation without copying

from the original.

But if it was stolen, I could...

You think I stole it?

At the church.

But my painting will go to the church.

What?

The Marchese d'Agrigento paid me $400.

No, it is him you're working for.

Charles.

It's his money.

That's enough.

No.

Everyone thinks I am stupid, but I am

not.

You and Sam have Benetti's painting.

This fort is going to make us...

Wait outside.

We apologize, my dear.

What did you mean?

It was your money.

Charles is very impulsive, and even though he

denies it, he is stupid.

What did you mean, I'm working for you?

Only that when you work with Sam, you

also work with me.

Sam is my most cherished friend and partner.

But what have you to do with Benetti's

painting?

Well, as an art dealer, my interest is

only natural.

It's a valuable work of art, and we

wish only to see it returned to its

rightful owner.

No need to be alarmed, my dear.

You are very young, very talented, and very

lovely.

And I'm sorry that we interrupted your work.

Politics, business, and art bring together strange bedfellows.

Au revoir.

Hello?

Oh, hello, Felix.

Oh, hang on a minute, will you?

Hello, darling.

Sam.

Oh, excuse me, I'll be with you in

a minute.

Yes?

Yes?

We visited Miss Vasari this morning.

Charles was with me.

I'm afraid he alarmed her.

You know Charles.

Hello?

Sam?

Hello?

Yes?

Somebody with you?

Oh.

Well, call me back.

And, Sam, hold on to her, no matter

how you do it.

Promise her anything.

As a last resort, you can even promise

her more money.

But only as a last resort.

I know, I know.

I'm a liar.

I'm also a cheat and a fraud.

You're angry, and you have every right to

be.

There is no Marchese.

The money, it came from Felix.

You see, when I read about the painting

being stolen, well, I...

I thought we could make something out of

it.

Oh, Sam.

You are like a child.

You think to sell my painting, a poor

imitation.

But you cannot.

You might as well try to sell a

fake Tower of Pisa.

I have tried.

Look.

People buy paintings for four reasons.

One, they love art and beauty.

Two, to make their friends respect them.

Three, to furnish their homes.

And four, to make money out of them.

That's the only one you can't fool.

The one who's in it for profit.

You fool me, too.

You made a cheat out of me.

Well, you're in good company.

Look, the customer gets his money's worth.

He doesn't know that the paintings are fake.

What do you lose?

You can't smell a rose through somebody else's

nose.

The artist who fakes, he cheats himself.

In the end, he will pay.

But to sell the fake, to cheat the

innocent, that is...

That is business.

I said business.

Is that why you made love to me?

Business?

To make out of me a profit?

Do you believe that?

What else can I believe?

Anna, darling, I love you.

After I left you, I felt a great

emptiness.

I only hope it's not too late.

I must confess something to you, but I

don't know how.

I want you to know the truth.

I am guilty of...

Oh, that's as far as I got my

letter.

I love you, baby.

As much as I've ever loved anybody.

More.

How can you use somebody you love?

If you can't use those you love, whom

can you use?

I want to marry you.

Tomorrow.

Tonight, if you like.

Oh, it's wrong.

What we do, it's wrong.

But hold me, Sam.

Hold me.

Everything's arranged.

The marriage license, the wedding ceremony, even the

honeymoon.

No delays, no problems.

I'm very pleased.

You're very pleased?

You're not getting married.

Here are your boat tickets.

We leave this afternoon, about an hour after

the ceremony.

First stop Palermo, then Naples, then the train

to Rome.

We'll join you there at the Excelsior.

You're going to chaperone the entire honeymoon?

We're changing our base of operations from Tunis

to Rome.

It's quite necessary.

Police?

They've been asking questions.

About me?

About somebody who arrived in a burning boat

chartered out of Palermo.

Someone who entered the country without going through

customs.

Coffee?

Breakfast?

You're so unhappy.

Marriage is a lottery.

You may be getting a prize.

It's a lottery.

There ought to be a law against it.

See you in church.

You think deep down he loves her, yes?

Dear boy, love is something that takes place

before marriage, not during and never after.

For proof, ask any of my four ex

-wives.

In the name of the French protectorate of

Tunisia, and in the name of the law,

we, Gérard Follin, mayor of Tunis, pronounce you

husband and wife.

Madame.

With my compliments, your certificate of marriage.

And congratulations.

The book of family.

Sam, congratulations.

I'm so happy.

Good for you.

Good luck.

Thank you.

What are these 12 spaces for?

Our children's names.

I'll be

with you in a minute.

Let me tell you about this cloister.

What did you think you were doing on

your knees?

Praying.

Well, how did you make out?

Nothing happened.

No burning bushes, no voices, no miracles, nothing.

Just a pain in my knees.

I was praying that you'd give me $2

,000 as a wedding present.

Do you think my prayer will be answered?

I don't know.

No one got in touch with me yet.

What's the matter?

I'm very happy.

Hello, Carla.

Hotel Eden, please.

Would you give me McWade's room, please?

Hello, McWade?

Hang on a second, will you?

Darling, go downstairs and pay the bill of

the desk, will you?

I love you, baby.

You made the most beautiful bride in the

world.

Hello, McWade?

I was just about to telephone you, Mr.

Conrad.

Look, I've had to change my plans.

I'm leaving Tunis.

Now, what I want you to do is

this.

Get in touch with Hockley.

Tell him not to send any money.

I'll bring a painting to him in Brussels.

That's what I was going to call you

about.

I have a cablegram here from Mr. Hockley.

I received it this morning.

It says, uh, widespread investigation...

Widespread investigation has made sale to my client

impossible.

Deal off.

Notify Conrad.

Excuse me a moment.

There's someone at the door.

Don't go away now.

Can I help you, sir?

Now, just a moment here, mister.

Now, I want the Hotel International, please.

Hello?

Could I speak to Mr. Aramask, please?

Oh.

When did he check out?

Did he leave a forwarding address?

Thank you.

Hotel Tramonto, Taimina, Sicily.

Thank you.

There is not much room.

Oh, we won't need much room.

It is only one night.

Sicily and I do not take up much

space.

Where will you sleep?

May I come in?

My dear, I wish you every happiness.

It is my sincere desire that everyone gets

what he wants.

Bon voyage.

Hey, get him to something comfortable, huh?

Thanks for the flowers.

It was nothing, dear boy.

That's what I thought.

By the way, don't get off the ship

at Palermo.

Stay in your cabin.

For people who are just married, this will

not seem so strange.

Oh.

Well, keep her busy, my boy.

Painting, I mean.

If this deal with Horkley works out, I'll

make you an equal partner.

Have a pleasant honeymoon.

With what?

With your bride, of course.

What else?

Nobody got in touch with you yet?

Oh, your prayer.

Yes, you see?

I'm casting bread upon the waters.

I'll make it another slice, huh?

Tell him.

Tell him what you told me.

The painting I examined was genuine.

He's an expert.

He tested it.

Well, I'm not so stupid, eh?

Oh, please, Charles, I have a vile headache.

Knowing Sam, he made a deal to sell

Horkley the original painting...

and then suggested that we make imitation of

it.

He made the imitations for two reasons.

First, to make us believe that the original

was burnt...

and second, while selling the fakes, he could

sell the original...

and keep the money for himself.

Not bad, eh?

Well, Horkley's out.

Knowing Sam, he'll not go to Rome but

to his next customer.

Darling, I'm

sorry I kept...

Sam.

That's right.

I stole it.

We shan't be going to Rome after all.

Taormina is better for it.

The church that owns Di Benedetti is in

Taormina.

That's right.

And we go there to return the painting?

No.

To sell it.

Why don't you say something?

All right, I'm a thief.

Well, say something.

Nothing like a wedding night to get acquainted

with your husband, is there?

Sam, sometimes people take things because they cannot

help themselves.

Thank you.

But that's not my reason.

And let's not blame it on environment either.

I wasn't born in the slums, my father

didn't beat me...

and I don't hate my mother.

In fact, I can't think of a single

reason why you should forgive me...

or even want to.

I'm only trying to understand.

You lied to me?

Right.

But Felix is your friend.

You told him the painting was burned.

Why?

Oh, him.

That's something else again.

The golden rule, baby, you know.

Do unto others.

But what he did to me, he's got

it coming.

What did he do?

Oh, we had an equal partnership.

You know, I took all the risks and

he got all the money.

Until now.

Oh, that's between him and me.

As for us...

He wants some good advice, Anna.

Walk away from him now before you get

hurt anymore.

You want me to go away?

But you expect me to.

Yes.

Always you think bad of people.

I do not go.

I stay.

Why?

Because I love you.

You really do, don't you?

I know.

You just met me?

Yes.

Thanks.

Mr. Aramescu, please.

Who's calling, please?

Sam Conrad.

Mr. Aramescu is not in his room.

Do you know where he might be?

Yesterday he goes motoring.

When he comes back, who can say?

Tonight, perhaps tomorrow.

Do you wish to leave a message?

Tell him that Sam Conrad is here.

I'm staying at the Hotel Nazionale.

Well, he's

here.

Do not be so cryptic, Charles.

Conrad, he's here.

He was asking for Mr. Aramescu.

What are we waiting for?

We know he has the painting.

Yes, dear boy, but the question is where?

Where does he have it?

What are we supposed to do?

Wait until he sells it?

Exactly.

We wait.

Aramescu comes back.

Anton waits for him.

You wait for Sam.

And when Aramescu and Sam get together, one

with the money, and the other with the

painting, that's when we make our entrance.

Until then, we wait.

Oh, vanity, vanity.

Do you think that monkey glands would be

easier?

I agree.

It's a terrible thing.

A crime.

Not only against the Church, but also against

the people.

But against these people, who regard this place

as a shrine.

Excuse me, priest.

With your permission, Mrs. Conrad, I am Detective

Massiro.

Police.

Speak English, please.

No need to alarm anyone about the painting.

You arrived yesterday in Palermo.

You shop, you buy things, but you do

not go to church.

You arrived today in Taormina.

Many fine shops here, places of interest.

Ancient ruins to visit.

But no.

You come first to church.

This church.

Either you're very religious or very guilty.

You have nothing to say to me?

Your husband is a thief, senora.

We know he stole the painting.

Ah.

You are saying this policeman is bluffing.

If you could prove my husband is a

thief, he would arrest him.

Ah, si, has ragione.

But most important is the return of the

painting.

What can I do, you say?

A woman is more sensible in these matters,

senora.

She does not want to see her husband

in prison.

And that's where he will be if the

painting is not returned.

You ask what if it is returned, what

then?

What will happen to my husband?

Very good quiz.

I guarantee it will go much easier with

him.

Who knows?

Perhaps even freedom.

You have other questions?

No?

Good.

Shall we go to get the painting?

The day after tomorrow.

Sunday evening.

Can I give my answer then?

Why not now?

Time will not buy his freedom, senora.

Before you leave Sicily, I will have that

painting or your husband will be in prison.

There is no third way.

All right.

See you on Sunday.

Goodbye.

Hi.

Hello.

Where have you been?

Looking around.

It is very beautiful here.

And you?

Looking around.

You know, I owe you an apology.

These sketches are good.

I guess I've never really looked at them

before.

I guess I never really looked at you

before either.

Would you like some wine?

Darling.

That imitation of Benetti I was making, remember?

I told you to forget it.

How are you going to make it look

old?

Like a real Benetti?

Why?

A wife should know her husband's business, no?

No.

Tell me, please.

After it is finished comes the varnish.

Then one must make tiny cracks in the

paint.

But how?

First.

Second.

And third.

Yes.

This is the ancient Greek theater built in

358 B.C. That is Montaigne.

Did Mr. Adams ask you back yet?

Yes, sir.

I believe he's in his room.

Thank you.

Will you ring Mr. Aramescu's room, please?

Never mind.

Thank you.

Sleeping?

No.

Hotel Tramonto, please.

Baby, take a walk for about an hour,

eh?

Something's wrong?

No, no, no.

Just business.

Sam.

Hello?

Mr. Aramescu, please.

Can we go away from here?

Maybe.

Tonight?

We'll see.

Hello, Mr. Aramescu.

This is Sam Conreed.

Can you come over right away?

Yes.

You got the cash?

Of course.

Room 206, please.

Yes?

Good.

Well, stay with him.

I'll join you.

And tell Charles to forget about Mrs. Conreed.

Business, my dear.

Where's the

painting?

Where is it?

Where is it?

Pronto?

Si.

Where's Charles?

Maruf, I'll wait in the lobby.

And put that weapon away.

How did you know?

I have three extra senses.

Caution, suspicion, and distrust.

What kept you away so long?

The police.

Detective Massimo.

That's why I went away.

He's the one who found the painting when

it was stolen before.

Oh.

Oh.

This is a very important moment in my

life.

Mine too.

They say it's supposed to heal people.

I expect it to cure me of a

lot of things.

Chief.

You tried to cheat me again.

Do you think I'm blind?

Do you think I'll be deceived by this

cheap imitation?

Look, where's the inscription?

The Latin inscription, from the Pope to the

church.

Look, look at it.

Is that Panetti's work?

So it was burned after all.

No, it was not.

Yes, it was, it was.

Shut up.

All these years trying to find a fake.

You think me a fool, huh?

You don't understand.

How can you?

To you, the painting means only money.

To me, possessing it is the exact ecstatic

moment of love.

To possess something that no one else can

have.

Go back to your hotel.

I'll get the painting, the real one.

What about them?

They'll follow you, but knowing Felix, they won't

touch you.

But I can't...

Sam.

Ed.

Turn on the light, Emma.

No.

No, please, I do not feel well.

Friend of yours, Fern.

Yes?

Detective Macero.

Mrs. Conrad has business with me, he said.

What business?

You made a deal with him, didn't you?

Didn't you?

Yes and no.

What did he promise you?

Some part of the reward?

Sam, please.

Oh, excuse me, I forgot you're an artist,

gentle.

What else did you have to turn over

besides the painting?

Me too?

No.

If I give him the painting, you are

free.

You will let us alone.

Where is it?

The painting, where is it?

He was going to arrest you.

That's why I finished the imitation.

That's why I took the benedict to...

Where is it?

Where did you put it?

I asked you where...

What happened?

Charles?

He also wants to know where is the

painting.

I do not tell.

There is much pain, but I do not

tell.

Do you know why?

No.

Because you believe in nothing.

Not in me, or us, or even yourself.

You do not change.

I do not change.

The benedict, it is under the table.

You told me.

You said for me to go.

You are right.

Now I go.

Wait a minute.

You have what you want.

Adam!

Operator.

Good morning.

Mrs. Conrad asked me to call her this

morning.

Not in.

I'm Detective Macero.

Yes?

May I sit down?

No.

My purpose of coming here...

It does not interest me.

I have the authority to arrest you, Mr.

Conrad.

Now.

We must respect authority, do not we?

About the painting.

What painting?

I gave my word to Mrs. Conrad to

do nothing until Sunday.

Today is Sunday.

Her day ends tonight at eight o'clock.

I will come back then.

I'm sure you will.

You will be waiting for me.

Yes?

Eight o'clock.

I will not leave without you.

I'll be waiting for you.

I'll be right back.

Come in.

Hello, Sam.

My dear boy.

What kept you so long?

Remarkable.

Isn't he remarkable?

I won't keep him in.

Help yourself to a drink.

Well.

Shall we discuss business?

Why discuss?

We have the painting.

That's the customer.

Delightful.

It doesn't give us much time, though, does

it?

Plenty of time to discuss a few details.

Oh, yes.

Well, I think we'd all like to apologize

for the unfortunate incident concerning Mrs. Conrad.

Especially Charles.

Isn't that right, Charles?

Charles.

Yes.

By the way, how is our dear little

Anna?

I tell you what.

I'll forget that I ought to kill you

if you'll forget Charles' impulsive act.

Well, now.

Shall we see the painting and get started?

We might miss our customer.

There's plenty of time.

You're a clever man, Felix.

Tell me something.

Anything, dear boy, anything.

Why did Anna take that beating?

Knowing Charles, I don't suppose she had much

choice, do you?

She could have told him what the painting

was.

Why didn't she?

Money.

It was as good a reason as any,

the best.

It wasn't her reason.

Was it a bad beating?

No chance.

She probably loved you.

Yes, I'm certain that's what it was.

My experience is that you can never trust

people who are in love, especially women.

Extremely unpredictable.

Very impractical.

She might have been killed.

And she knew it.

It made no difference to her.

Dear boy, the world, as we know, is

populated with all sorts of lunatics.

Now take the ancient Christians.

They were ready to be eaten by lions

and were.

There are only two kinds of people, the

impractical and the practical, and you cannot do

business with the impractical.

The best thing to do is to stay

away from them.

They confuse faith and ethics with business.

Have you got a faith, Felix?

Certainly.

My faith is that nothing is worth believing

in.

My faith is faithlessness, and so is yours.

If we give that up, what are we

going to live by?

A man has to believe in something, even

if it's nothing.

Let it ring.

First, the painting, please.

Yes, sir.

Remarkable.

I'll wrap it for you.

Hold this, please.

Get him out of here.

Anton.

Come on.

Well, Sam, you'd better hurry.

Oh, yes, that's right.

What about your time?

Oh, about your share.

I'll get it.

Don't worry.

Bye.

Operator?

This is Mr. Connery.

Is there a Detective Masiero waiting for me

at the desk?

Yes, sir.

Just one moment, please.

That ain't him.

Hello?

Detective Masiero?

This is Connery.

About that painting.

I was on my way down with it

when three men came in and there was

a fight, and they took the painting away

from me.

The painting's wrapped in newspaper.

I managed to hit one of the men.

His nose ought to be bleeding.

Just a moment, please.

Oui.

Mr. Connery?

You received my telegram.

Yes.

Good.

I was afraid you wouldn't come.

Let me see.

Quickly, man, the bus.

What is it?

Ah, the money.

Yes, I have it.

Yes, yes, in cash.

In the painting.

In there.

Quickly, man, the bus.

Do you ever do something for anybody?

I mean, without getting paid for it.

Once I had such an impulse, but I

managed to overcome it.

After all, why should I be a hypocrite?

Mr. Aramansky, forget about the painting.

I never had it.

Not really.

You're giving it back?

My friend, the world is not what it

used to be.

It is very beautiful.

But ours was inscribed by Pope Nicholas V.

No.

This is not our painting.

You see?

You think I would steal from a church?

Why, I would no more.

Quiet, you.

If you will excuse me, please.

I'm sorry.

Father?

Yes, tell me.

I have something to say, but...

Ah, you are British.

You were here in the war.

No, not here, sir.

How may I help you?

I'm not of your faith, Father.

How may I help you?

Well, if something was stolen from your church,

something valuable, and the thief returned it...

Yes?

Something valuable.

Someone else was involved.

Someone who is of your faith.

Someone...

You see, it wasn't her fault, Father.

Will she be punished?

It is not our duty to punish.

What moves the thief to repent?

What brings you here, son?

The painting.

Our painting.

May the Lord bless it.

Ring the bells.

Who returned it, Father?

I did not see him.

But you heard him.

Did he speak English?

Never question a small miracle.

But, Father...

Do you object now, Father, if we put

somebody to watch the painting?

But someone does watch over it.

Yes, Father.

Mr. Connery.

Don't come back here again.

Please.

Good night.

It's no use.

I'm afraid we've lost him.

And he had such a wonderfully crooked soul.

Oh, well.