Original subtitles

This is another world, Maryam, you'll have to get used to it.

You'll feel a little melancholy in winter. This isn't a place for living alone.

But there are two of us.

I feel strange, of course. I know nobody but you. Absolutely nobody.

Nevertheless everyone knows you here.

THE OFF-ROAD GIRL

I can't imagine how it will be in spring.

You'll see.

The first warm sunshine will work a kind of miracle.

You won't find such green vegetation anywhere else.

This is not like the Nubian desert

which doesn't change over the seasons.

Our juxtaposition is just right.

It's an excellent advertising stunt.

The desert bug, the four-wheel drive,

in stark contrast to

the civilization of the pharaohs.

Look over there. - Let's go see. - Yes.

It's amazing how they could raise the whole temple up to 80 meters.

I bet someone wouldn't believe it, even if he knew.

It's an Italian project. - Yes, I can speak Italian.

I studied foreign languages. My name is Maryam.

I'm Giorgio Martini.

And here's Mimmo, a photographer always looking for stunning things.

You'll be sure to find stunning colors and people here.

So I see.

You're right.

She's gorgeous.

Oh, hello. It's a small world isn't it?

How are you? - I'm having fun.

What about your kids?

I'm not working today. I'm on holiday.

And your photographer friend?

He's making proofs for photos of a four-wheel drive.

I used to write articles for a motor magazine.

I'm here for an advertising piece. It's for the launch of a brand new car.

Haven't you found inspiration yet?

Yes, at Abou Simbel, where we met.

Sure! You'll be perfect! - What?

That's the juxtaposition I was looking for! "The off-road girl".

Not a bad slogan.

Off-road girls have their social function.

At least for you men.

Thanks. I take your compliment well but I don't think I'll do it.

I simply wanted to make you a job offer.

I know but

I'm a teacher and so I have a schedule.

What a pity. You're so beautiful.

You will do well here.

This country and this people are almost trouble free.

We are happy as we can be content with little.

The problem is that I can't be content with little.

I always want the best.

How come?

I was just passing by.

No, that's not true. I came here on purpose.

I'll take you home. - Thanks.

Why this surprise?

This is not a surprise. You were expecting it. Don't cheat.

It mustn't be for the usual story of the photos.

What if I fell in love with you?

I won't think about it.

It makes me scared.

I'd rather be loved by kids.

They are so spontaneous when loving

and never cheat.

But on on the other side, as the background is ugly.

I've shot two rolls of film for now.

I think they are enough. - Yes, agreed. We can leave.

Listen, I'm going for a walk.

When I get back, I'll go to the dark room.

I'll try to develop the film before evening.

OK. See you at the hotel.

At 8 o'clock. - Agreed.

Bye. - Bye.

Why?

I'd rather be loved by kids, who are so spontaneous when loving

and never cheat.

So what?

Friday is a holiday here.

I'm free on that day only.

That's fine. So may we meet up?

Yes. In order to take those famous pictures.

What?

I like it. It's a nice city.

A little bit provincial.

You know, a small city is another world.

You'll see. Life has got another pace.

More drowsy. Even more intimate.

We're all friends.

Enough with that light mink. I look like one of those bad women.

Sure, since we're the good ones, aren't we?

What does it matter? I don't like it anymore.

And I want an apres-ski coat.

You know, at Cortina...

Look who it is.

What an idiot. He's brought her here.

We're full. The black woman has come too.

Wow! She looks even better than on the poster.

He's actually the off-road boy.

I'll take care of this. - Sure.

Does your husband like black women?

Fool.

Look. Where the hell have you been?

I came around the corner... to Africa. This is Maryam.

Pinin Marchisio. - Nice to meet you.

Sant'Apollinare in Classe, at Ravenna.

That's where I've seen eyes like yours. -Stop!

Here's a rather mad painter. You have to take him like this.

No, I have to take her as she is.

I have to make a portrait of her with these eyes.

Gladly, if Giorgio gives me time for that.

If you're interested to end up on a kind of ex-voto...

He's a good journalist,

but has never understood what naive painting is.

The charm of the primitive and the genuine.

The most genuine thing you've got is your wine, Pinin.

We'll come see you.

Whenever you like. You know the way.

See you. - I'll be waiting for you.

Here she is.

Hello.

Adriana Morganti, Maryam. - Nice to meet you.

Her husband, the gynecologist Morganti. - Nice to meet you.

Pino Bordoni, our industrialist.

Mara, our cover girl. - Hello.

The engineer Giraldi with Elisa, his charming wife.

Nice to meet you.

And here's our playboy, Carlo Franzero.

Charming and irresistible.

We don't want to know about her. Let's discover her slowly.

No, it's a waste of time, my dear.

Here I'm the only one who will really discover her.

Why?

Because he has an advantage over us.

He's a gynecologist.

Women of the city have no secrets for him.

Well, I'm still a maiden.

Like me.

How about having a drink?

Yes, we'd better.

She's nice though. - Playboy!

It's on me today.

Agreed.

Can I have a bitter? Would you like one too?

Yes, thanks.

Cheers. - To your health.

I'd say she's rather beautiful.

Yes. Anyway, there's always that thing of her skin and smell,

not for racism, I mean...

I've never seen such a gorgeous black woman.

A truly perfect face.

2,500 Lire.

Thanks, Mr Giorgio.

Idiot. Wasn't I enough for you?

No.

No, Maryam! You need to let go!

Your body... has to become almost part of the car!

Got it.

Like that?

Let me see! That's it! Very good.

Grab the dress!

Try to keep it steady.

That's it.

Don't move! Perfect! C'mon, Mimmo!

Shoot!

Day comes fast here. I'm going to sleep.

Good night. - Good night.

You...

Do you have a woman in Italy?

Yes, once I had one.

And I also married her.

Then we got... separated.

Divorce?

No.

I had my marriage annulled.

It's like I'm still unmarried now.

So you're free.

Exactly.

So I can woo you.

Why?

Because you're becoming very important for me.

THE OFF-ROAD GIRL

What's up? Are you nervous?

A little.

There's no reason. My mother and my parents are unbiased like me.

I know.

But everything seems more difficult for me here.

Human relations are colder.

Like this climate.

My country is different.

A gaze or an extended hand can quickly give you a friend.

I hope you'll like it here in Ferrara.

Yes, thanks. - I'm glad.

Mom? - Yes, my dear? As usual.

How does my sister look? - Very nice.

Once they used to call me Carlo Alberto.

Now they call me Rin Tin Tin because of my dentures.

C'mon, grandpa, we're having tea.

It's all because of the Amba Aradam.

He had to open tins of meat by means of his teeth.

This isn't a joke.

I was just about your age at the time.

But I left a trace in Africa.

I've brought one here instead.

Since we're on the subject,

I'd like to tell you something very important.

Say it, my dear.

Maryam and I are going to get married.

Oh my God, that's great news!

Something new finally happens in this home!

Maryam, believe me, I'm really happy to be your sister-in-law.

Thanks.

I'd have liked that too.

And once also I wanted to. But I couldn't.

I was a career officer.

I had one gorgeous woman at Decamerè, with such eyes...

C'mon, dad, please.

It's not my fault. I had one Abyssinian piece of woman who...

Giorgio, what do you want me to say?

I'm happy.

Mom? - No, thanks.

Well, grandpa, do you like her? - Of course.

What about you? - Thanks.

They are getting married. Paola told me.

C'mon, I can't believe it!

If it's alright by him... C'mon, it seems impossible to me.

Just a question for you, who usually go on safari.

Is it true that black women are hotter?

Sure!

But you must be careful. When you give it them quickly,

if you don't slow down, you don't even feel the taste.

Because it's all over at once.

Think what a rip-off would be with those two black women.

It must be completely different with Maryam instead, my dear.

I think you're all crazy.

What's so upsetting about them?

My dear, a genuine beauty, which can't be removed by soap.

Sure, as they don't use soap.

So don't come and tell me that you're not racist.

That may be so, but I don't like these black women.

I would hope so.

Hit on them and it will be over between us.

You know what? I will go to Africa too!

Right away! - Have a nice trip!

Hello. The show is nice, isn't it?

Nice.

Really nice.

Yes, we're going to get married. You are glad, aren't you?

We're...upset with joy.

A new purchase, in all respects.

Hope it lasts.

Not everything necessarily ends soon.

Does it, Carlo?

You know what, Pino?

That chocolate will be mine.

Yes. It's that kind of woman you know who you start with,

but you don't know where you go to.

One day, if she comes across, I'll screw her.

Calm down, I saw her first.

Shall we bet?

How much? - Whatever you want.

By the way, what about Giorgio? - Who cares about Giorgio!

How come he's allowed to go with your women, and I

am forbidden to go with his chocolate?

Bordoni, I'm the wildcard!

And I'm the winner who takes it all!

Good night. - Good night.

Do you know how glasses of champagne came to life

and why they got that shape? - No.

It was a homage by the King of France to his favorite,

Madame de Pompadour.

He wanted glasses of champagne

to copy the shape of her breasts.

He'd have been in a difficult situation with me.

And now, in order to conclude our monthly meeting,

so useful for charity to our institution,

let's turn your grateful thoughts to the Blessed Virgin

and let's get together again here next month,

ready to extend our hands and help our poor people.

I'll let you know the next meeting. Goodbye, my dear friends.

Bye, Monsignor.

Excuse me, Vittorio. Can you please dedicate

some time to me for a rather important matter?

My dear cousin, I'm at your disposal.

What's it about?

About Giorgio. - Yes, I imagined.

Someone told me.

She's a good girl, you know. Nothing to say.

She's also very beautiful, from a good family, a graduate...

but... - She's black.

Yes. - Is that what’s bothering you?

No, it's not for us. You know us.

You know our faith, our feelings...

My gosh, if we lived over there, it'd be different, but here...

My dear Silvia,

all men are equal before God.

And you cannot find in me what our religion doesn't grant you.

Is she Catholic? - Yes.

Well then?

If there are no concerns about her morality and feelings,

what can I tell you?

She will be a good wife.

She will be a good mother.

And I might be a grandma.

And a grandma can also love a black grandson.

A grandma.

What about other people?

Let other people speak. It's the true Christian morality.

On the other hand, my dear, I wouldn't get so worried.

Today kids come to life only for parents who try to have them.

Do you understand me, my dear cousin?

Anyway, may the will of God always be done.

Amen. - Amen.

Your home is nice now.

Yes, it is.

Instead the problem is

where you'll get married.

Why?

Would you have the bad taste to get married in the cathedral?

You've done that once. - So what?

You don't know, but your father and I

would have loved to get married at Poggetto.

Do you know that ancient little church,

so romantic,

set in the middle of our countryside?

Are you trying to hide the thing?

You're trying to cover our marriage up.

Few people will see,

few will know, few will talk about it.

Don't you think that your mother...

That's exactly what I think!

So let's drop the act! You think the same too!

Anyway, no worries. Our mayor will be the only one who knows.

We'll get married at the city hall.

No! Why us?!?

We're close relatives of the bishop Monsignor Vaudano!

Are you crazy? - No, I'm sick of that!

I'll do it the way I like!

Giorgio, I beg you...

Don't be bad.

Bye, mom.

And your paintings?

Please, not so formal. When shall we be friends?

We've been friends forever. So, what about your paintings?

That's kind of you to call them paintings. That's for real painters.

And Pinin is a decorator.

Stop. Let's clarify that my painting is a work of art.

I'm the best naive painter in the lower Po valley.

I'm not a trivial advertiser like you.

Got it.

We can't joke with you.

Not with my art.

Anyway, one who goes hunting

with red pants is already banned at the start.

Here they are. No one is missing.

Monsignor Vaudano is there too. Is it Easter already?

No. I think it's only a marriage. Let's go.

My dear Giorgio, you're here too. And there's also...

Yes, there's also Maryam, my girlfriend.

Here's Monsignor Vaudano. We're related.

Monsignor.

No, my dear. No need to be so formal in this case here.

Fine, I hope you'll fit in with us here. - Very much so, thanks.

It was hard to get up, wasn't it?

Hi, Giorgio. Would you take Monsignor on the boat, OK?

I know I have to.

Your handsome face looks so worn out.

It was a busy night, wasn't it?

Hey, listen, what's that all about now?

Preparation.

If you need a bra for the bags under your eyes,

I'll give one of mine.

Thanks, I'll use it. Maryam doesn't wear one.

Asshole.

Plan to attack the black woman.

My dear Maryam, how are you?

Fine.

Listen,

don't get me wrong, I can't wait to have you as my client.

Sure, a serious physician is so rare.

Ouch! You got me.

Is our bet still on? - Sure, I'm keeping a tally.

Tally.

"Vale"? Glad you haven't forgotten your Latin. Well said.

Never!

Monsignor, let's be clear.

What is this all about?

Yes, let's talk like men.

There're two important things to explain.

Which? - It's very simple.

The first one... can be very easily overcome.

There's no reason not to get married in church.

Do you want people to say that your wife

is pagan or Muslim?

A black panther with no God?

Well, what's wrong with that?

What matters is that she's honest.

Agreed. What about the heartbreak you'd cause your mother?

That's fine. It will be in a church.

What about the other thing to clarify?

The children.

Those mulattoes or blacks who might be born of you.

Or they might come to life all of a sudden.

Maybe after some generations,

for parents who would never expect that.

Yes, this really is a problem.

I fully understand this.

And I must confess I've just decided.

This thought had never crossed my mind.

Because a colored kid would be just logical over there.

A logical child.

What do you suggest?

The Catholic birth control

or the calculation of probabilities?

Who knows... I'm a son of the Ogino-Knaus method.

I used to suggest this method to my devotees.

But, about such a family matter,

you know what?

The pill.

Bring it here!

Here. They have just started their boom, boom.

Who knows if one day they will grow up and stop playing war?

I think that my idiot husband, after going boom all day long,

won't go zoom zoom in our bed tonight.

Are you sure?

Well, it doesn't seem so to me.

So, girls, shall we try to make sense of today?

About time!

I have a proposition for you then!

An obscene one, as usual.

Shut up, bitch. - Moron.

Well, not you... Not even you.

You...You...

You, Maryam! - Yes?

You know what a safari is?

Maryam!

Don't move!

Stop!

Why?

Ouch! Are you crazy?

Don't you dare! Never again!

Maryam! What are you thinking? I was just kidding!

That cannibal!

Well done, Pino!

You got a poor haul, didn't you?

Yes, I did.

Ditto for you... Does it hurt?

That's how it was this time, but the next time...

The next time I'll show you how to do it.

Here. Light your cigarette. Well done. Like that. Inhale.

Open your eyes! Don't move!

Here! Like this! Don't move! Stare at the camera!

Here. Very good.

Don't move!

Move to the right!

Open your eyes! Like this. That's fine.

Perfect.

Hello Janette. - Hi.

I'm almost done. I think I'll give you some proofs tonight.

Fine. Well done, so we can examine them together.

Yes.

Bye Janette. - Bye.

See you soon. - Bye Mimmo.

Come. Sit down here.

Put your legs over there.

That's it. Turn you head. A little to your right.

Lower your head.

Listen, Mimmo... - Yes, just a moment.

Hello?

Yes?

Oh, hello mom.

Where are you? At 6 o'clock at the cathedral square.

Agreed. Say hello to Maryam. Bye.

Instead I wouldn't change the other bedroom for now.

Of course. Well, if a child came to life one day...

Well, in case... - Yes, in case...

Because it's not bad to wait for a while, after all.

What if, waiting for too long, a child won't come then?

Nobody is going to die for it.

There're many childless couples.

But you and Giorgio love each other.

See, Maryam,...

Giorgio is already 30.

Let's suppose that a boy will be born.

Before he graduates and is independent it takes another 30 years.

30 plus 30 equals 60.

These are not many but not even a few years.

And if you found yourself alone one day,

how... would you manage to get by with a child?

Are you ready to take such a responsibility?

And...

if the child weren't white...

Did you ever think about that?

For this wind in which we're unconscious grains of sand,

for this river, first source of any existence,

for this sun, the highest creator of life,

oh wise one, please grant me

the fertility

to give a child to my man.

So, Maryam, if I were you,

I'd think before having a child.

Sure.

Why did you make up like this?

Black is in fashion. And, horny as you are, you might jump on me.

Hey, I've nothing to do. Women have spoken, got it?

What a shitty country! You never have your own privacy!

Especially through the woods. - Idiot!

I don't know whether you look like Hitler or a tram driver!

Little black face from Abyssinia, you will get the Italian flag

when we are... Oh, speak of the devil.

Look, you'll have fun. - Welcome to my home.

Go, Adolf.

Please, come in.

Here are all our friends. - Yes, I see.

You're hot tonight.

Look, the Rio carnival has come.

A wonderful festival. I was over there.

You can feast your eyes on those women.

I can see...

Sex!

Sin!

And a night of love. - With whom?

With me!

There's luckily something new tonight.

Who? - You.

Hey! Hello Maryam.

You look wonderful. - Adriana, you look great too.

It was easy for me, a little bit of black and that's it.

C'mon, let's dance.

Maryam, are you going downtown tomorrow? - I think so.

Why don't you pay me a visit? - Why not?

I'll show you my home.

Enough with long term plans!

It's carnival, let's have fun and dance like crazy!

She may be gorgeous, I'm not arguing.

I'd like to know the idiot who dares to marry her though.

May I? It's me.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Hello, come in.

Do you like my home?

It's nice, isn't it?

It's clear that I live here since someone wants to.

Someone who's useful but not so essential to me.

I mean, yes...

I play the photo model only when it's worth it.

I think a big city would be better for your job though.

That's true.

But a small city has an advantage.

When you're able to enter into that circle of 20 or 30 VIPs,

you're quickly at the top.

I've been lucky.

I've come here with Giorgio

so I'm feeling good, everyone is a friend.

No, not everyone.

Don't believe it.

You come from far away.

From a different world.

That's it. It's just like you've been transplanted.

If you don't want to be rejected and put down roots,

you must accept some habits.

Which ones?

Well, let's say some kind of compliance.

Would you like a drink? - Yes, thanks.

Look...

There are some friends who would like to know you better.

In what sense?

In the sense of the senses.

Try to understand.

The sense is unique with us here and always takes one to bed.

It's a way to spend time

and not to get bored.

Oh, because you...

Hello!

Should I stay or go?

Stay.

I'm going to make a phone call.

A private one, if you please.

Hello Carlo. - Hello chocolate.

Who were you speaking against?

Everyone. She told me about some male-female approaches

amongst friends, as if love were... - A game?

It is, Maryam.

A frivolous, amusing and exciting one.

Just like a game.

So you don't have to give it too much significance.

If it has no significance, it's not love.

Just an instinct.

And even a bit immoral.

Well, let's not go that far.

You take these things too seriously.

Here Carletto is coming on to her.

We'll see.

This little blackmail won't pay you as usual this time.

Yes, but what about my own satisfaction?

I can't stand that kind of plaster saint.

No Carlo, I can't get the immoral aspect of all this.

There's no need to talk about immorality in this case.

Our worst enemy is boredom here.

If you need a burst of the new not to die,

believe me, Maryam, you'll look for it where you can.

For example another man's woman?

Yes.

Yes, if the woman is as beautiful as you.

What are you doing? Are you crazy?

No, please, Maryam... - Let me go.

Why? - Because I want you!

No! Let me go!

Stop it! Don't do that, Maryam.

That's enough! Stop it!

Damn it!

Maryam!

Please Maryam, stop for a moment! Listen to me!

Maryam! Try to listen to me.

Listen, I don't know what happened to me.

Maryam, don't do that, please.

Can you forgive me? Do you forgive me?

Nothing has happened.

What's it got to do with me?

I wasn't there. He will blame Carletto any in case.

And we'll laugh about it.

Let's only hope that I shot some great footage.

We'll have a special invitation evening.

Just not to get bored

as usual.

Let's hope so.

Hello Maryam. Where are you going?

To Giorgio's.

What's happening? Are you sick?

I'm fine.

Listen, you can tell everyone

but not a doctor.

Maryam, tell me what happened.

Nothing.

I paid a visit to Mara.

Oh, I get it.

Listen, don't go there anymore and if nothing embarrassing occured

don't even mention it to Giorgio.

It's no use tormenting him.

Sure.

Here he is.

Hello Giorgio. I've taken a walk with Maryam as she was alone.

Now I leave her with you and run up to the hospital.

See you.

You don't like Morganti, do you? - That's true.

What a pity. He's your friend.

If you only knew how many my friends are...

I guess we're even, aren't we?

Sure. One to one. We got to do the tie-breaker. - Of course.

Anyway, Giorgio is the only winner for now.

Here's the typical Sunday parade. - We have it in my country too.

Yes, but those who take the money to Switzerland are to blame.

They do well, as things stand.

What a pity. - Hence the Stock Exchange will go to shit.

Good morning. - Hello.

It's clear that she didn't tell Giorgio anything.

Sure! The bomb would already have hit otherwise.

Either Maryam is so altruistic that she's totally stupid,

or she's smarter than we think.

No way!

He's waiting for us at six, we only have five minutes left.

Here, I'm ready.

Monsignor will forgive us being late. Isn't he your cousin?

When you have a Monsignor as a cousin,

that kinship is mostly essential for those who envy us.

Must I think I'm privileged just because he'll marry us?

Well, let's say that, when you have a VIP in your family,

you need to know how to manage him.

Especially in front of the others.

Look, my dear, you have many things to learn,

many habits to lose

and many customs to accept.

Now, after hearing your confession, I'm the one who,

without taking anything away from Giorgio, knows you better.

On moral terms, at least.

Now I know you as you are.

An honest and frank woman.

But, beware, all the people around you won't be the same.

How they look is one thing, their minds are another.

Do what they say and never tell what they do.

You'd make enemies.

You must already have this marriage tolerated.

So, wait for the others to finally accept you

before traumatizing them with a child.

Why?

Because they would never stand these two things together.

And you need to wait with the hope in your bosom

and this must not be so hard for you.

It's just a matter of faith.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Like this.

Another one over here! Smile please!

Thanks. Another one again.

So she did it.

Score one for her.

We'll see in the second round.

Here they are. - I was just telling Mara

that I'll be eagerly waiting for your return.

I can imagine. - Really?

My best wishes. - Thanks.

How long will they be away? - For ten days at Cortina, I think.

If there's snow. they'll go skiing, they say.

I won't tell you to write since you won't.

You really know me, don't you?

Don't worry, I'll do that.

Just think of the embarrassment of a honeymoon with a black wife.

Yes, but she's beautiful.

Exactly. Everyone will undress her with their eyes.

Blessed Giorgio who will undress her with his hands!

What a pig! - Yes, I am.

Here they are, our honeymooners.

Made it, didn't you?

Maryam, only you could make him wear a tie. Only you.

I'll be missing you.

Anyway, you know where we are,

if you want to reach us.

No, thanks! I don't want to be a third wheel.

Bye, Pinin. - Bye, Giorgio, have fun.

Bye, mom. - Bye, Giorgio. Have a good trip.

Have a good trip.

See you, everybody! - Bye! Have a good trip.

My best wishes, my dear.

And lots of male children.

What are you doing? Are you crazy?

No, please, Maryam... - Let me go.

Why? - Because I want you!

For me, a man jumping on a woman in that way is already banned.

I know I wouldn't mind that. On the contrary.

Too bad it happens so seldom.

Perfect. Great shooting.

That's uplifting.

Who shall we assign the commentary to?

To Giorgio. They're going to come back from the mountains.

Why don't you submit this to him?

I was just thinking I haven't given him a wedding present yet.

So, how did it go? - It was wonderful!

Ten days of sunshine.

It's a pity we had to come back.

But, on the other hand, Giorgio has got his job.

I'm happy. You're here now and we can always see each other.

Sure. I've lots to tell you.

And maybe one more.

I've just to go to Dr Morganti first.

Wow, really?

Yes. Maybe yes. - That's great!

No, mom! You weren't to talk to Maryam about that!

You had to talk with me!

What do you know about our plans?

And about our problems?

Or do you think we're not adult enough to solve them by ourselves?

Whether we'll have children or not

it's our business alone!

Don't stand there petrified! Say something!

What do you want me to say? You said it all!

I was only worried about telling Maryam

what your future life would actually be.

That's why we incidentally hinted at talking about kids!

Incidentally?

Just like Monsignor Vaudano did.

Oh... what a nice family...

And all that bunch of hypocrites who have nothing to do

but mind other people's business!

If you listen to gossip,

you'll be no longer Mr Giorgio Martini

but the one who married the black woman.

Don't forget it.

Here, that's fine?

No, not this. Go forward a bit.

We have to find a better moment.

Here it is. - Yes.

Here it seems that she likes it.

She plays along with him here. You can see that.

She closes her eyes. A feeling of pleasure,

of enjoyment.

Yes, here. That's perfect.

With this we can say that madame is served.

Franzero has his back to us, so he can't be recognized. Perfect.

What about the reels?

They will be lovingly edited. Nice gift for Giorgio, aren't they?

He'll find them amongst his ad reels at his studio tomorrow.

Prof Dr GIULIO MORGANTI GYNECOLOGIST

It might also be positive

but I prefer a regular analysis.

Let's wait.

I won't ask if you'll be happy.

I can understand that just by looking at your eyes.

Yes, I want a baby.

Because Doctor, see,

you can find a husband,

but you have no idea to what extent he's yours.

A baby belongs to you since you actually had him.

You're telling me,

who has only ever seen the birth of other people's children.

Believe me, my wife has never had those eyes you've got now.

How I envy your husband.

A woman who can't be a mother isn't a woman in our country.

So a husband who wants to have children will find another woman.

It's simple and logical. I understand.

What if the other woman...

is already the wife of one of his friends?

He will give up.

Sure.

Anyway, if you...

Well, you know, you can count on me.

I need you as a doctor right now.

Maryam, I've been waiting for you for half a hour.

Didn't you want to go to town with me? Where have you been?

I went to buy a pair of shoes, then to a perfumery.

I couldn't find a taxi.

Is that all? - Yes, that's all.

So I'll leave my stuff and then we can go.

No! It's late now! I'll go alone!

I don't understand. - There's nothing to understand!

Giorgio, your aperitif.

What's wrong with you?

Me? Nothing.

What shall we do this evening?

I don't know what you'll do.

I'm going out. I'm busy.

I'd like to stop this moment.

I want to be like this with you forever.

And then?

Then I've something very important to tell you.

I'm going to marry you.

The problem is that I can't be content with little.

I always want the best.

That's why I need you.

You'll see, the first warm sunshine will work a kind of miracle.

You won't find such green vegetation anywhere else.

Yes, I'm free. So I can woo you.

Because you're becoming very important.

Very important...

What kind of reasoning is that?

Do you think two people must always live with smiling faces

and give flowers or caress each other?

No, my dear. The law of contrasts exists even inside a marriage.

You can't appreciate the sweet if you don't know the bitter.

If it weren't so, believe me, love would be pretty boring.

Sure, but there's a reason for every contrast.

And I can't see any between me and Giorgio.

However he's changed.

It's like he's racked by something.

There! You women think that everything is only a matter of love.

Look, a man may be worried, sad or absent-minded for many reasons

which have really nothing to do with love.

It may be... but I just don't get it.

Don't worry, it will go away.

Now that my wife is back, I have to toe the line.

Come in. - Right, she's got the money.

Where have you been? - To Nairobi. - Nairobi? My God, how wonderful!

Good thing I'm back, since that retarded husband of mine

only needs to see a black woman to become a kind of Puerto Rican.

Hello. - He used to befriend them.

Black is in fashion here. Don't go too far, though.

No. You weren't in Nairobi. - Sorry.

During our last safari,

I caught him playing golf on the tummy of a black woman.

Was he on the last hole?

Yes. That's exactly why I didn't invite that woman.

I'm sorry for Giorgio but...

Look, she's discreet and very decent, you know.

She may be so but my husband isn't.

I don't want him to come on again like on the last hunting party.

Oh, why? Has anyone told you?

My dear, it would have been a surprise if it hadn't happened.

Haven't they invited you?

Strange. I thought English people had overcome these prejudices.

Obviously not.

And Pamela can't tell me she has forgotten.

Since she doesn't know Maryam, this was the right opportunity.

What a pity. I'd have liked to see you.

They are all at Bordoni's.

We haven't been invited because of me, right?

Yes.

Stop! You have to speak now!

You've been acting for days as if I've done something to you!

And you did nothing, did you?

No. I mean, yes, I married you, Giorgio.

And if you think it's a fault,

that means you're just like everybody else, or rather worse!

THE OFF-ROAD GIRL

Mrs Morganti is here. She has asked about you.

Have her come in.

Hi. - Hello.

Don't ask me why. I realized it was time.

You really know me, don't you, Adriana?

If I don't know you...

Well?

So an evening like this can happen.

There's so much fog,

the highway is dangerous, my husband is at a medical conference

and I've got a home here in Bologna.

Do you remember?

How could I forget?

Good morning, Miss. - Good morning.

Hello Maryam. - Hi, do you want coffee?

Yes. Thanks.

What about Giorgio?

He never came home last night.

Why that face? Are you crazy?

Who knows how many other times it will happen again with his job.

Yes, but I have another impression.

Hello? Oh, it's you, sir. Right away.

Madam, it's your husband.

Hello, Giorgio.

All right.

I understand.

Well? - He won't be back.

He'll go to a city called Fiuggi.

I think he'll be awarded a prize. - Aren't you happy?

He's acting as if he had something to hide.

I don't know. I feel a sense of emptiness all of a sudden.

Just like I were cut off.

Madam, a telegram.

It's for Giorgio. What do I do? - Open it. It may be urgent.

What is it?

It's Giglioli, his agent from Rome.

He needs to talk to him and wants me to call him.

Call him. He's sure to be at the Terme hotel.

Mr Giorgio Martini? I'll put you through, please wait.

Yes?

You can speak to me. I'm his wife.

Giorgio is out.

Hello?

Who is it?

Hello?

Who was it? - I don't know.

It must be a mistake by the switchboard.

Hurry up now, my love.

They are waiting for you at the press conference.

If you do that, I won't ever get there.

Is it you, mom?

I've just arrived.

Is Maryam at your place?

What?

You've been looking for her too but she wasn't at home.

She spent the night out.

No, nothing. Thanks.

Bye, mom. Thanks.

If you're looking for your wife, she's at my place at Porto Garibaldi.

Take it, I'll give you an advance, her portrait.

But, if I were you, I'd go get the original.

Why is she at your place?

Because I'm so handsome, seductive and knock all the women out just by my look.

Don't be so stupid. You know why she came to me.

Where could she go, poor thing?

Look, she's not one of your usual little sluts

you can get or leave whenever you want!

Anyway they always find a warm bed they can get into!

What do you know about what happened? What?

Shut up!

It's just you who, suspicious of Morganti and listening to

the rumours, gambled a marriage like a poor idiot.

Do you want to ruin this one too?

What if I will? - Think about it.

By any chance have you realized you were wrong

and now you look for an excuse to back down?

What did I do wrong? - Bringing her here.

Your marriage was right there, in Africa.

It would have been easy for you there. It's almost impossible for her here.

Unless she doesn't mix with the corruption around you.

The truth is different. You realized that your African adventure

was sunstroke, an exotic infatuation,

even if you apparently refuse to admit it.

Why? I'm asking you why.

What did I do to you to be treated like this?

I didn't ask you to bring me here among these people.

Neither did I ask you

to have me lose face in front of everyone either.

What does that mean?

So you don't get it?

I'll explain.

You were with another man!

What did you say?

That you're just like other women! You're a slut, that's all!

Look, it's just us two here. I didn't want to come.

No, it was me... Oh, Giorgio's here.

Giorgio, I'm sorry...

Poor thing, let's hope she's going to be okay.

Very logical. She couldn't be a more "off-road girl" than that.

Oh, you're always the same!

Cheer up, madame, that's all behind you now.

It was just a great fear.

Now it's all up to you to quickly recover.

All the tests we made have reassured us.

Madam, you were lucky, just some grazes and nothing more.

There's no reason to worry about the child either.

Everything is fine.

Come with me, Mr Martini. Let her rest.

Good morning, Doctor, how is she?

Nothing serious. We'll still hold her just as precaution.

No, there will be no complications.

Not even for the child.

I'm glad. I'm her gynecologist.

Why, Maryam?

I don't know.

The road was wet, I braked...

I know that. But, just before,

where were you going so fast? What happened?

Please, forget about it. - No, Maryam.

You have to talk about that. At least to me.

I don't know what happened. At some point...

Think no more about it. You're going home today.

Nothing has happened.

You think?

No. Something has happened.

I've learned to read people.

Yes, that's true.

And you're paying the price for that.

You couldn't escape it, Maryam.

You're different from them.

That's why you're important to me.

I should know.

You'd have preferred that... I had lost my baby.

I never said that.

But you thought about it.

Yes, I have. So what?

Do you want me to keep my baby?

Do as you like.

I'm not responsible for your immaturity.

What immaturity?

The one which led me to stupidly fall in love with you?

And to follow you here, to this city?

Among these people who are white only on the outside?

No.

The immaturity of a woman

who has quickly absorbed the worst aspects of a new place

and who is now

head over heels crazy with a child

just to save herself from a shipwreck.

You've been a shipwreck for me.

And I don't want

anything more from you.

Not even a child.

It really recalls the sincere spontaneity of some ex-votos.

Look, Monsignor, I didn't go to school.

It all started off so simple.

They look like paintings by kids to me.

Look, it's the best compliment you can give a naive painter.

It's about time Pinin had an exhibition.

We must buy something. We can't disappoint him.

He's so kind.

This painting is so simple that it can touch you.

If I don't help him out, he'll be only known locally.

There's a concert tonight. Would you come? - Yes, if it helps me lose weight.

I won't have fun if we don't get into bed.

Wearing denim with no panties must be unsanitary, but it's captivating.

If she wears too much perfume, it's clear that she hardly bathes.

You, who often go on safari, are black women really hotter?

What's so upsetting about them?

Maryam, the sense is unique with us here and always takes one to bed.

Look, Maryam, you've become important to me

just because you're so different from them.

Our worst enemy is boredom here.

If you need a burst of the new not to die,

you'll look for it anywhere else.

How would you manage to get by with a child?

Hello? You can speak to me. I'm his wife.

And you, Maryam, know what a safari is?

What if the child weren't white then?

You have many things to learn,

many habits to lose

and many customs to accept.

The immaturity of a woman who is head over heels crazy

with a child, just to save herself from a shipwreck.

There's a concert tonight. Would you come? - Yes, if it helps me lose weight.

I won't have fun if we don't get into bed.

Wearing denim with no panties must be unsanitary, but it's captivating.

You, who often go on safari, are black women really hotter?

What's so upsetting about them?

Well, Maryam, are you happy?

Thanks, Pinin. - Thank you, Maryam.

You were the most beautiful subject to portray. Everyone knows you now.

Really everyone.

And I know them.

Giorgio, is Maryam not coming?

No, she prefers to get bored by herself.

How nice.

What a bore. It's snowing in the mountains,

The ski-lifts are closed if there's fog. What a nice Sunday.

We could go to the usual movie theatre?

Yeah, to breathe the smoke of the workers.

My dear engineer, your wife may not offer much,

but she's democratic.

Sure, she is. She always replies to greetings from the concierge.

Well, shall we wake up, yes or no?

Let's try to lively things up.

The usual orgy.

I'd be fine with an orgy.

In the afternoon, while it's raining.

Adriana, you always say orgy, orgy, but you won't do it.

How can you say that?

It's why your husband is here.

As far I'm concerned, she can do whatever she wants.

Well, as long as we're being honest, why not air our dirty laundry?

Yes, let's play the truth game. - Oh, what a bore!

Perfect. This will be very useful to me.

For what?

To know your recent sleaze.

You know, I've been away for two months.

I've the right to get an update, haven't I?

Well, remember,

write in capitals as your answers must be anonymous.

Guys, no matters if man or woman.

My question is: which of you took Maryam to bed?

Giorgio, your answer is no use as we all know.

We must tell the truth.

The whole truth? - Yes.

Well, now that I've done my duty as a friend and confessed my truth,

I'll say goodbye.

I have a patient at the hospital who needs me.

What? Even on Sunday?

My dear, many women make love on Sunday

so it may happen that one of them gives birth on Sunday too.

Goodbye. - Bye.

I didn't.

I didn't.

I didn't.

I didn't.

How is that possible?

Sorry, but therefore... - I didn't.

I didn't.

I didn't. Guys, what have you done?!?

So, if you didn't cheat, Maryam is a kind of virgin.

It's not her fault. It's yours.

You didn't try to seduce her.

To be totally honest, I tried to.

It went wrong.

I got a bite.

Instead I...

ditto for me.

And I shot the event.

I swear it's true.

The fog is lifting.

But now... It's too late.

To the airport.

translated by quidtum September 2022