Original subtitles

Mar�a!

Mar�a! The light went out!

I'll check the box, to see if it's a fuse.

Do not cry, sweetie! Do not cry, your papa is here!

Come here! Come here!

You were frightened, my little one?

We are going to light matches and you'll like it, you'll see.

Now you'll see.

- What happened to the light? - Go out to the patio and you'll see.

- Did they cut off our electricity? - Certainly, because you didn't pay the power bill.

That's the only one I didn't pay. Take the baby.

And didn't you say anything to the guy that came to turn it off?

And what was I going to say? That we don't have a penny?

That we owe even the shirt on our backs?

- Don't start that again. - Yes, not a cent.

And the worst thing is that we will never have it, with your character.

What I have is a bad luck. Everything turns out badly for me.

Bad luck! You spend to your life traveling to sell junk,

and you refuse the good business that's offered to you.

Good business? I would call them swindles!

Would you have like to see me take the last one they offered?

And why not? Was it a swindle, that one with the casino?

Certainly. To extract money from people.

Nonsense! In Mexico they made you managing director

and with a big salary, and yet like that you do not want.

No, no, no! I have many faults, but I am an honest man.

Oh, yeah, real honest.

So honest! And if the gentleman is so honest and so worthy,

why does he leave his family with little to eat and me dressed in rags?

And what do you want me to do about it?

If things have gone badly lately, it's not my fault.

- No, you're never guilty of anything. - Don't get angry.

All I want is to be able to give you and our daughter the best of everything.

- You know how I love you both. - Yes, yes, lots of love, but...

I've told you often that I don't want to get into dirty business.

Listen, silver is always cleaner than pennies.

So you will have lots.

You'll see when this new project pans out.

It must be Julio.

Oh my goodness, it's almost 7!

Good evening, ma'am. Is Quint�n ready?

-Come in and have a little coffee. -No, thanks, we need to get going.

-What's going on, Quint�n? -I'm ready, I just need to put on my coat.

-Hurry up, or we'll be late. -Get me a handkerchief, Mar�a.

You're not going to stay mad at me, right? You'll see, when I come back things will change.

Come on, let's say goodbye to Daddy.

I hope you'll return quickly. You'll see, everything will go well.

I hope so, because if this fails me,

Mar�a is liable not to let me back in the house.

How are you, gorgeous? How is the queen of the house?

-Why are you looking at me like that? -She woke up in a bad mood.

-Are we leaving? -Let's go.

Well, goodbye my sweetie. Won't you give your Daddy a kiss?

So precious, my baby! Goodbye, darling.

And don't get upset over anything.

Come on, you!

-Good night, ma'am. -Good night.

Say goodbye to Daddy! Bye, bye!

Goodbye, my little baby!

It's time.

Don't forget to telegraph me and let me know how things are going.

Don't worry and you don't know much I appreciate

that you have given me this opportunity.

Don't be silly! Who better than you?

Yes, but there are many that know more about these things than I do.

-Yeah, but you are my friend. -Yes, I am.

And you see, I am always complaining about my bad luck, and maybe I shouldn't.

I have things that cannot be bought with money.

My wife has her attitude, but...

-Well, I'm leaving. -Ok, time to board.

-Goodbye. -And telegraph, right?

-Are you blind? -Excuse me, sir.

A telegram, sir.

Landslide at k. 17 stop train's departure tracks repaired by morning

Hello, hello? Crossing 2?

Puebla speaking. No. 23 has just left.

Make them return to the station immediately. Understood?

Listen, what time will the train be leaving again?

Not till 6:30 tomorrow morning, sir.

And am I going to have to be here all night?

That's your business, do what you wish.

Till 6:30, gentlemen. Till 6:30.

Till 6:30.

Don Quint�n, weren't you going to Monterrey?

I have to wait till tomorrow, there was a landslide.

That's natural, with all the rain we've had!

But listen, I don't like to...

-Look, what lovely laces! -Do you like them?

I love them!

-I've never seen them on you! -You never notice anything!

Hush!

No, Quint�n, no! For God's sake, please!

What are you going to tell me? Leave my house!

Out of my house!

My daughter!

You think you're going to take her with you after what you have done?

-My daughter! -To the streets!

My Daughter! Let me go, she's my daughter!

I heard gunshots! I'm sure! I thought they were shooting in the street!

What's going on? What's all the yelling?

You're leaving right now...!

Don't think I'm leaving her behind! She's mine!

Tomorrow I'm taking her away, and you'll never see her again!

No, you can't do that, she's not your daughter!

Let me go, let me go, you dolts!

Don't let him go, he'll kill her!

Don't let him go, he'll kill her!

This is going to cost you! Let me go!

To�a! To�a! Somebody's knocking!

I heard it! Who can it be?

God knows.

-Should I open? -Yeah, but be careful, eh!

I'm coming!

To�a!

To�a!

See what I found!

Look what they've left.

Santo Ni�o de Atocha! An infant!

It was outside at the door.

I do not think she's from anyone around here, because she's very well dressed.

-And now what do we do? -I don't know.

I just don't understand how people can be so heartless, to throw away their child like that?

And to top it all off, she's not a newborn!

And if her parents threw her away, why should we pick her up?

The best thing to do is leave her at another door.

No, leave her alone, Lencho, leave her alone. The poor little one is hungry!

I can rear both of them.

Perhaps when she is grown she will love us and repay us well.

Well, do what you wish.

-Thank you very much. -Excuse me, sir, but...

I have said thank you very much!

Or is it that you want it to be a "home run"?

It's ok, mister.

Play, gentlemen! Play!

No more!

No more bets!

16 black.

I'm coming, I'm coming! That's my chip!

It's mine, I put it down. The gentleman can tell you!

What gentleman? I'm telling you, it's mine.

Or is it that you want me to give you a "home run"?

-For the dealers. -Thank you, sir.

There's that Home Run, doing his thing.

If the boss comes, the blood will flow.

-Excuse me, I would like to talk to the owner. -He's not here.

-You can wait if you wish. -Thanks.

-That one just got skinned! -You only need to see him to know.

If he's going to ask the boss for a loan I don't want to be in his shoes.

-The boss will eat him alive. -Depends on how hungry he is.

His bark is worse than his bite.

Yeah, bite! The bit of a vulture.

I've been here over 2 months, and I know his quite well.

Going to a funeral makes him very happy.

He only reads the crime pages in the newspaper.

The other day was his friend's birthday,

and he gave him a casket for a present.

Listen Angelito, Home Run is causing trouble,

and since no one dares to stop him, you do it.

-Do you want me to be persuasive or violent? -Whatever you like, but hurry up.

Hold this for me.

Let me take your place.

Place your bets, gentlemen.

No more bets.

28 black.

Past post.

Excuse me, gentlemen, it was 25 - I made a mistake.

And me too.

That was easy, no?

Do you want to go outside with me?

-We'll talk later. -Not later, now.

-Come on -Come on, man.

I'm shakin' in my boots!

You think you're so tough?

-Try me and see. -I don't eat hippo meat.

-What? -Quiet Catalina, quiet.

Come on, introduce me to Catalina.

Let's go outside.

Listen you little prick, pay me my winnings or I'll make a home run out of you.

Home run, with me? With me you couldn't get to first base to save your life.

Did you see that? Man, oh man!

-Fire. -No, you fire first.

-No, you first. -Ah, so they'll throw me in jail, eh?

-Fire first. -You fire.

-Come on. -Hurry.

-Well, come on. -I'm not going first.

What all this bullshit?

Nothing Don Quint�n. This gentleman here,

and I use the term loosely, wants to win by cheating.

It landed on my number. He wouldn't pay me, and on top of that he's insulting me.

But I'm too much of a man to let him get away with it.

The gentleman is right, he has to be paid.

And I�ve already told you that I want no scandals in my house.

And that no customer should leave unhappy.

Come into my office, sir, and I will pay you what is owed to you.

It's a good thing you're a decent person, because otherwise...

You come also, Angelito, so you can apologize to the gentleman.

All right, the show's over.

Excuse me, sir.

-What do you want? -To talk to you about something.

Wait a minute if you wish, I have to take care of this gentleman first.

Come in.

Come in young man. Don't worry.

Come in

Did you want to talk with me, young man?

I'm listening, say what you wish.

You know?, I wish, I wish to ask you for a favor.

A favor from me? I don't do favors, even for my father.

Wait, I work for the electric company.

-I needed money to get married, and... -The usual.

You took money that wasn't yours, and you gambled and you lost it all?

Idiot, twice an idiot - for gambling, and wanting to get married.

Well, how much did you lose?

-1500 pesos. -And if they find out?

They'll put you in jail. You'll never be able to get another job.

When you're released and you look for another one, they say you're a thief.

Move.

What do you want from me?

Probably that I return your money.

Yeah.

Man, you're making me laugh.

And what are you laughing about?

I, who hate humanity, and would like to see it go down in flames,

should do a good deed?

I could die laughing.

-Then? -Then get out of here.

If you're not man enough to face the consequences, shoot yourself.

Not a bad idea.

Especially if I do it in a gambling hall.

Careful, eh!

You can shoot yourself wherever you want, but not here, here I'll kill you.

Angelito, get rid of him!

Come on, young man, you heard him, let's go.

This is not a lending bank.

Man, I'd forgotten you.

And now that you're awake, you can hit the road too.

My gun?

I'm keeping it for my collection! Go fly a kite!

What happened? Didn't you hear me?

Well, chief, now that we're in accord,

I think you need someone like me,

who can look out for people like me...

- Like you? - Yeah

Just imagine if someone like me comes, who's gonna get rid of him?

Me.

Yeah, but so you're not bothered all the time.

Usually everybody's afraid me,

I don't know what happens to me when I'm around you.

What do you say? Yes?

Let me go!

Mar�a!

Wait for me outside.

How dare you show up here?

I've been looking for you for months.

-What do you want? -My daughter.

-I told you that you'd never see her again. -Please, Quint�n.

I recognize my guilt, and I swear to you that I am repentant.

Look, do what you want.

I will live alone. I will not let anyone see me.

But give me back my daughter.

I don't even know if she's alive,

-Where are you keeping her, where is she? -Where you will never find her.

-You can't do that, the girl... -Don't even say her name.

She's yours Quint�n, she's your daughter.

That night, when I saw that you were throwing me out of the house,

and that you wanted to take the baby away from me,

I said she wasn't yours so you would let me have her.

That is the truth, I swear it, Quint�n.

Get out of here! Get out and don't come back! Out of my house!

I shall come back! I shall return every day until you listen to me, and you're convinced.

Get out of here! Get out! Get out!

You want a job? Really? Well, start working.

You see this woman? I don't want her to come back here.

If she bothers me again, I'll take it out on you. Remove her!

-Please, Quint�n! -Out!

''I don't know if you're good or bad, but I'm sure you like money.

As long as this child lives, you will receive $60 every month.''

Blessed Virgin! Don't you see we did well by keeping her?

''Take good care of her, because if something happens to her you'll lose the money,

and it could also cost you dearly.''

Hey, what do you think?

A miracle, but where did they give you this paper?

A little while ago, in town.

-And the money? -I have it here.

But there's only $40 here. Where is the rest?

Well, you know how things are.

The mailman asked me to celebrate

and I had no choice but to invite him for a couple drinks.

Well, when you need to buy drinks for your friends,

go to another bar, that one was too expensive.

$20 for a couple of drinks!

Ok, ok, that's enough!

So much to do for a few pennies.

Aren't you ashamed to spend money that isn't yours?

Why not? With what I spend on her?

What expense? I'm the one who spent it because I'm the one raising her.

This money that the Virgin sent us is so that the child,

and we as well, don't want for anything.

Well, shut up, you old battle-ax!

In the end what I say goes here!

Yeah. And what you're doing is pretty bad, and God may punish you.

Shut your mouth unless you want me to shut if for you!

Marta! Marta!

I'm here! Don't scream so much.

Why shouldn't I scream, this house is a joke.

Let me see, what do you have for lunch?

For lunch we have hunger.

That means there's nothing.

What's there to have? Look!

Nothing but air.

You don't give me money for bread, lard, not even coal.

-All you give is orders. -Yeah, more respect!

More respect when you're talking to your father.

What father? You're not related to me.

Oh, no? We brought you up as our own child,

I and that sainted woman, who God has in His glory.

Yeah, who God has in his heaven because of the beatings you gave her.

Graceless one! And I'm gonna give you one worse that the one I gave you yesterday!

Let her be, don't hit her!

Let me be! I'm going to teach that ungrateful one.

Take you hands off me!

All right, but I'll get you this afternoon.

Don't cry.

I can't take it any more. All I do is work and go hungry.

For what? To go around covered with bruises?

But if he hits me again, I'm leaving here.

Don't say that, you'll see, everything will change.

Yes, but when?

When I become an actress and work in the movies.

We will eat every day, and we'll have fox stoles,

like the ones the society ladies wear.

-You're nuts. -Yeah, crazy.

Someday I'll be a great movie star,

and I'll make movies like the ones in the newspaper ads:

The Jungle Virgin.

See how soft.

And then I'll go into the theater

to parade in one of those dresses that glitter,

"It doesn't matter to me that you don't even give me five bucks''

The one who hasn't given us five is the old man,

and I don't see how we're gonna eat today.

You're right.

Listen, do you think they'd give us credit in the store?

They like you a lot, so maybe...

Ok, I'll go and give it a try.

-What's wrong? -Nothing, just being silly.

Sometimes I think someone will come and get me out of here.

Idiot, moron! What don't you walk on your side?

And you, why didn't you honk?

But this is a highway, what are you doing walking down the middle?

You should look where you're walking.

-Are you hurt? -Yes, I'm hurt.

Wow! With your face, you'll always be right, girl.

Forget it, it was my fault.

But, are you hurt badly?

No, just my knee, and I think I have a bump here.

You're not bleeding.

You have a light touch.

What time do you come through here so I can have a wreck every afternoon?

So I can be touched by your lovely hands.

Look at your car, and all because of me.

Don't worry about it, it's insured.

And besides, my boss has more cars.

-What are you looking at? -I'm not looking, I'm admiring.

You live around here, near the highway, true?

-How do you know that? -Well, I say it because of the curves.

God knows what you're talking about.

And now what are you going to do?

Well, I'll see if someone wants to give me a ride to a phone.

-And you? -I'm running an errand.

Then...

Listen, pretty one, if I would return, let's say Sunday,

and I would walk under those trees,

there'd be no way I'd encounter you?

Sometimes I go there on Sunday afternoons.

-Then, Sunday - ok? -All right.

I am the happy young man

Who wakes up drunk with the bottle in his hand

Now that you have it in your hand, pass it over, compadre.

Grab it.

-There they are again. -What, compadre?

See that car between those trees?

Yeah, I see it.

Well, it belongs to a little couple who go there to hide.

It's been two Sundays that I've seen them visiting.

Look, leave me alone, you're not making me that happy.

I can't believe that with those beautiful eyes you don't want to look at me.

I've told you that I'm really mad.

But my queen, I've already explained. My boss wouldn't let me come.

I'm going to have to fix your motor, just like you say.

Because you blame everything on your boss.

Yeah, but I won't be able to,

because I'm gonna be the boss from now on.

-What? -Come here, I'll explain.

Prepare yourself for what you're going to hear. Sit down.

Lean back on me and prick up your ears.

I've taken a little money I've saved from my mechanic job,

and bought a partnership in a garage.

And because business is good and it's enough to support--

-What's this? -Nothing.

-What is it? -Nothing.

-When did he do that? -Last night,

if it hadn't been for my sister he would have strangled me.

Miserable bastard!

Listen Marta, this has to be taken care of.

I cannot come back, and I cannot leave you with this brute,

so the best thing would be for you to come away with me right now.

No, Paco, not that way.

I will speak to the old man.

I'll tell him that we love each other, and perhaps I'll convince him.

Ok, do it, let's go.

Today you'll talk to him.

I'll come back for you tomorrow, to tow you back to my garage.

And if your old man gets mad, I'll kick his muffler.

How brazen you are!

But I love you with all eight cylinders.

[in bad French] -Delighted to have met you. -What did you say?

Enchanted to have met you.

-Je ne comprends. -I don't buy bread either.

-Goodbye, eh? -Au revoir!

- See you tomorrow!

What kind of mood is the beast of a boss in?

He should be in a cage.

Has he hit anyone yet?

He bit someone's finger because he pointed it at him like this.

What a brute. I don't understand why people come here!

He treats them like dirt.

Look there!

-Good evening, Padre. -Good evening, son.

That's the way I like it, Padre, cheerful and happy.

Come in, what are you drinking?

Shut up. How can we be of service?

I wish to talk to Don Quint�n Guzm�n who, they tell me, owns...

this place.

-It's something very serious. -Follow me, please.

This way, please.

Girls! Girls!

That way Padre, that way.

Move! Move! Here comes the priest!

This way Padre.

Aces full.

Ay! This miserable stomach pain!

When your stomach hurts you never lose.

Well, gentlemen, I believe it's time we leave this game.

I don't know how many hours we've been here.

What? We're quitting? I'm a big loser.

And me! Let's play another hour.

It's just that I'm very tired, and besides, my belly hurts a lot.

Yeah, but when you're losing, nothing hurts you.

-What are you trying to say? -Nothing.

-Boss! -What's up?

-They're looking for you. -Right now I'm very busy.

-It's very urgent. -Tell whoever it is to wait.

But the one that's looking for you is a priest.

That kind of joke, you can tell it to...

That one died already, but really, a priest is looking for you.

A priest? that's really funny, a priest here.

Let's see what flea has bit him.

Don't worry, I'll be back in a little while to clean you out.

Watch my chips.

-Are you Don Quint�n? -Yes.

-You wanted to speak to me? -Yes, sir.

Sit down and speak your mind.

The matter that brings me here is very delicate and of extreme gravity.

-He's playing tricks on us. -He won't come back.

What a man! In order to win from us, he even brings in the clergy!

What balls!

You can go in.

The doctor says not to stay too long.

The poor one has only a few hours of suffering left.

You have to be understanding, son.

Come closer.

I have been praying to God that he would let me live until you got here.

Well, he's granted your wish. And now, what do you want?

So many time I have tried to see you and you have never allowed it.

You have returned my letters without opening them,

but now, finally, I can talk to you.

I have confessed the whole truth to Padre Martines.

And what do you think?

You have to learn to forgive, son. This poor woman has suffered so much!

And I have not?

Ours has no remedy. What is important is the girl.

I do not want to die knowing that you have abandoned her.

I feel responsible for everything that has happened.

I don't know what the Padre has said to you, but it looks like he's frightened you.

Yes, I wish to remedy the wrong that I've done.

The girl is yours Quint�n, I swear it.

I am not lying, now that I am dying.

Tell me you believe me.

I believe you, yes.

Twenty years of bitterness, of hating everything because of you.

Even my own daughter.

You must know how to forgive.

You, yes, because it's your obligation.

And God may also forgive her, but I do not.

Well done, well done! My cuties!

You went all out! How pretty! You gave it your all!

You did very well, beautiful!

Your dancing makes me dizzy!

You can wish me well, but hands off the merchandise!

And what did you say about me? Don't you remember?

Come here my sweet! Listen, all that I'm touching is nylon?

And what do you care, it's not for you!

Angelito, don't do that!

Don Quint�n doesn't like you to behave that way!

What do I care about Don Quint�n?

-Angelito! -Don Quint�n!

-Give me a hug! And you also! -What's happening with you?

Tomorrow we're going to go get my daughter.

Tomorrow, what?

-Your daughter? -Listen, Don Quint�n...

-Has he come? -No.

Maybe something's happened to him.

You say the same thing every day. What're you thinking, girl!

It's just that when he's late, I feel it here.

Hey chiquita, look at you.

You don't eat, you don't sleep, you just spend all your time mooning over him.

If you're so much in love, why don't you get married?

That's what he wants, but the way your father is, I don't even want him to talk to him.

My Paco is so good, and so handsome.

And so shameless! I saw him yesterday.

What were you doing, spying on us?

No, just passing by. But I noticed him kissing you.

-Just one. -Yeah, one - one after the other!

There he is.

Yeah, move it.

You have a good time with your boyfriend, and I have to wash the clothes, right?

Wait till I'm an actress - you'll see all the boyfriends I'll have.

-Better than yours! -That would be hard.

Yeah.

-Have you come back? -Yeah.

What's wrong?

What's wrong? I'm furious!

Why?

Who's that guy you're running around with?

-Me? -Yeah, you.

I just came from town, everybody was kidding me about it.

My buddy told me he saw you with someone, and you were stuck together like glue.

Well, let me explain.

Miserable one, is this the good morals I've taught you?

I haven't done anything wrong.

If I find out you've seen him again, I'm going to break...

Don't run away from me...

Come here, go to your room!

You'll stay there locked up until you stop acting this way!

Bitch! Because you're a bitch! Move!

Marta! What's going on?

-He hit you again? -Yes.

-Someone saw us together and told him. -Son of a bitch!

I'm happy, because now you're finished with him.

Get in the car, and we'll get out of here right now.

-But, to leave like this, Paco? -We sure are.

From now on, I'm in charge.

So wipe your eyes, they'll not weep again.

But before that a question - do you love me?

Yes Paco! I love you more than any other woman could love you,

because I never met my father, and you are...

Well, I don't know how to explain it, but you understand.

Well, we're in accord on this point! Get in!

Where are we going?

To look for an old lady who has a real good son,

and who is just waiting to take care of you till we get married.

-Paco! -Get in!

-Are you the owner of this house? -Yes, sir.

Do you know who I am?

Truth is, I'm a real bad guesser.

I'm Quint�n Guzm�n and I'm here because your name is Lencho Garc�a.

Well, I don't see the...

I've come to get my daughter, who I abandoned at this door 20 years ago.

-Ah! Then you are the... -I am her father.

-Of the girl, no? -Of the girl, yes.

Oh, well.

Tell me something, is she alive?

Sure she's alive, but she's not a little girl any more.

That's the first thing that's gone right for me in this world.

Give me a hug, my friend Lencho! Embrace me!

Angelito!

-My bad luck is beginning to change. -You didn't deserve the bad luck!

Yeah, you're a real pessimist.

-And tell me, is she a good girl? -Yeah, she's a cream puff.

-And pretty? -She looks like you.

Poor girl!

-And do you love her? -A lot.

It's the whole truth, boss.

All she had to do ask and I gave her whatever she wanted.

Well, call her because I can't wait to see her.

Marta!

Marta!

That's strange! She was right here. Maybe she's lying down.

Marta!

Look Don Quint�n, look what's come in.

What a beautiful daughter you have!

Come here, gorgeous, come here!

You'll see what a big surprise is waiting for you.

Come, come!

What's with you?

Kiss your daddy. This is your daddy, daddy.

That's not her! That's my daughter!

Then mine, where is she?

-Where's Marta? -I don't know, I just came from the river.

Se�or Lencho! Se�or Lencho!

What's happening?

-Your daughter left -Marta?

Yeah, I saw her in a car with a gentleman.

When was this?

A little while ago. I was going by and she called to me, and said to tell you she was leaving

because she couldn't stand the beatings you give her,

and that she's not coming back

and not to hit the other one so she leaves also.

-Hit my daughter! -No, my general. I...

Let me go, you son of a bitch! Let me go!

Shut up! Sing something more cheerful!

Don't make a scene,

this is a serious place, I don't want any funny business.

But we came here to have a good time.

Well, go have a good time in the streets. Here, no one has a good time, now you know.

Let's go, let's go!

Let's go, doll!

-And you, what are you doing here? -Boss, we couldn't do any more.

You're eating and getting fat while I roam desperate on the streets.

-We've walked through half of Mexico. -And you haven't found anything, right?

Couple of idiots, more than 2 months looking for her and nothing.

It's very difficult.

We don't even know what she looks like, only that her name is Marta.

-Maybe she left Mexico. -Don't say that, she has to be here!

You won't eat or sleep again till you find her.

You're putting us on a diet?

-What, are you complaining? -No, boss, whatever you say.

-But how stupid I am. -We know that.

-Why didn't I think of it before? -What?

-The other one, the one who lived with her! -What about her?

Because they cared for each other, maybe she has written and knows her address.

Is true.

As soon as it's daylight, get over there pronto.

And I hope she knows something, because that's the last hope I have left.

You see how once in a while I have good ideas?

With this one you have a three base hit.

-Good morning. -It is you?

Yeah, me, the one who was here the day of the shooting.

-Do you know anything about my sister? -No, nothing. And you?

Nothing.

Well, you've just signed my death sentence,

because as soon as I tell Don Quint�n...

R.l.P. cadaver,

but since I'm still alive and well,

allow me to admire your four cardinal points,

that are indeed tremendous.

Let's see, turn around please.

North, it's fabulous, south, why speak of it,

the left and the right...

and tell me, all those outstanding things, are they yours?

-My mother gave them to me. -Well, your mother was a good giver.

It's a shame they're being wasted here.

Won't be for very long, because I'm thinking of going to Mexico City,

and you'll see, when I present myself as an actress.

Ah, are you an actress...?

Yes, before I wanted to be a movie star, but now I prefer nightclubs.

The other day I was on an amateur contest on the radio,

and they didn't ring the bell until almost the last minute.

Well, you've found the man you need, because I...

-I'm the owner of a nightclub. -Really?

Well, not exactly, it's Don Quint�n, but he does everything I want.

Oh, but that man is really mean.

He's like that with everyone else, but to me... I got him wrapped around me little finger.

I swear to God, he'll do anything I want.

He's got a miserable personality.

The other day the barber wanted to cut his hair

and he insisted he do it with his hat on,

-and then he got really nasty... -Oh, my!

But really, can you...?

Can you do it?

Make you a star? I think so.

Sometimes to succeed in the big city is a real lottery,

and hope we'll hit our lucky number.

What a joker you are!

No, I swear to God I'm serious. See, what I'm saying is true.

Here's a business card from the nightclub.

Let me see. The Inferno?

Yeah, but don't let that scare you.

In this inferno there is an angel, and I'm him.

-My father! -My mother!

The door! The door! Over there!

Over there, over there!

No, papa, no!

-Gabriel! -What's going on, Angelito.

Angelito hasn't come in? I meant, Don Quint�n...

No, no he's not here.

Are you sure he's not here?

No, man, no, why, what's up?

Just as usual, but only worse.

Come in and we'll have a drink.

You're sure he's not here?

What are you drinking?

I'll have a tonic for my nerves, so I don't shake so much.

Give me a glass of water.

And me a few pills for my heart. Give me water too.

And why?

We're very ill because of that fiend Don Quint�n.

-Is he so terrible? -Terrible?

I'll tell you, he will hit you 2 days before you offended him.

Before, we put up with it because he only bit inanimate objects,

but since his daughter disappeared...

he scratches, he bites and he kicks.

We have to take him to the dentist with a muzzle.

And he has such an imagination for bad things!

I'm letting you know, in the neighborhood, they fear him more than smallpox.

-Why do you stay with him? -Because we're sorry for him.

-We're his only friends. -We don't have the heart.

Excuse me, with your permission I'm going to sit, I'm very tired.

My bunions are burning.

I knew I'd find you here.

Don Quint�n, we...

-Good evening, Don Quint�n. -Good? Maybe for you.

A chair.

-Mine. -No, mine.

-Mine. -Mine.

-No, Mine. -Yours.

Mine.

-What are you drinking? -Poison.

-The rats finished it. -Then beer and appetizers.

And you, what is your pleasure?

Don Quint�n, since we're having problems with our livers...

Livers? Waiter, liver for the two of them and beer for everyone.

And what? Still no word about your daughter?

None, it's like the earth swallowed her.

There is no need to lose hope, Don Quint�n...

Hope!

Everything has turned out badly for me in this life, I've never found a loyal friend,

or a true love, or sincere gratitude.

-That's not true, because these friends... -Friends?

This is a dog that follows me because of the bones I throw him.

Oh, man, Don Quint�n!

Home Run! A killer who I hired for a pittance.

Don't say that, Don Quint�n. What do we gain at your side?

We are with you because we're truly your friends.

-Don't stroke me, don't stroke me. -It just bothers me.

There no need to be so pessimistic, Don Quint�n.

Do like I do, ever time you hit me,

I say, ''Well, at least he didn't hit me twice."

You have the spirit of a beggar, or a coward.

Music, that's all I needed.

-Did you turn that on? -Yeah.

-Well, you can turn it off. -What are you saying?

-That you turn it off. -Why?

I pay the same as you do.

Sure, don't listen to him, man.

If he doesn't want music he can leave.

I leave? You're the ones who are going to leave right now.

And you first. Get out, get out of here!

Out, or I'll shoot you! Move!

Everyone, get out!

Look, kids, things are turning ugly.

Move! Move!

-Excuse me. -On your way.

While I'm here, I don't want anyone else to come in, understand?

-You'll ruin me. -I'll pay whatever it costs.

For a long time I've wanted to drink coffee by myself, without milk and without people.

Listen Don Quint�n, don't behave like this.

It's just like I feel like the devil has taken me.

My daughter ran away with a man, and since most men are scoundrels,

by now he's probably abandoned her and she's roaming the streets...

a fallen woman.

Hey, girl. Do you want me to take you home?

What a boor!

Ah, so stuck up!

Listen, seriously, I'm inviting you for a bite to eat and a movie.

I know a little place with good food.

-Are you game? -Don't bother me, slippery one.

Yeah, yeah. Just because you're so pretty you think you're so hot, no?

But I have someone who's nuts about me.

She must be crazy.

She's great, it's just that once in a while

I need an adventure with a gal like you.

-Come on... -Back off.

-Come on, get in the car, come on. -No way, no way.

-He's trying to force her. -Yes, he's taking advantage of the situation.

He's trying to force her into the car, call a cop.

-Listen, friend! -What are you trying to do?

-What are you trying to do? -Let me go!

-What are you trying to do? -He was trying to abduct her!

It's been a while since I tried to capture one of these Tarzans.

He is my husband. He is my husband. We live in that house.

We'll see if that's true.

Yes, it's true. We were married 3 months ago,

-and we're going to have a baby. -A baby?

-You? -Yes, of course us.

Why didn't you tell me?

Sure. She was waiting for the right moment.

-I was going to tell you soon, but... -My darling!

Ah, how beautiful!

it's a shame it's over so soon!

Well, excuse us and lot of happiness.

Thanks, we'll be going.

Don Laureano! More oranges!

Oranges? Oranges!

Don't bother Don Quint�n, man. He doesn't like for you to eat oranges.

-Why not? -You suck them too loud.

Anybody work here?

Sorry, sir, but it's late and we're closing.

Why? You take care of me first, and after I leave you can do what you want.

A double tequila.

Listen, friend, take a hike.

-Are you talking to me? -I'm telling you, take a hike.

No man. You're funny.

-I'll drink a bottle here if I feel like it. -And you're going to drink it.

-Give me that bottle! -Don Quint�n!

-Give it to me, I'm telling you! -Are you sick in the head, or what?

-Drink it. -Are you serious?

Drink it!

All of it!

And now, get out of here! Out!

Outside!

Out!

Bravo, bravo! That's my boss!

Very good!

I didn't do that to entertain you clowns.

Listen, Don Quint�n, you compromise me.

I have told you that while I'm here, nobody enters!

-What a commotion we caused! -Yes.

I really like this place. it's not too crowded, and we can talk at our leisure.

What a cute little couple!

Look who I'm gonna have a little fun with.

Waiter!

What are you drinking?

A little coffee so you can run to the movies?

No, we want dinner.

Bring me green enchiladas with cream, and a little beans on the side.

The tortillas are gone, and the cream has spoiled,

and the beans are burned.

-It's better that you go someplace else. -But we like it here.

Then I'll bring you a sandwich and a little coffee, and you'll leave quickly.

Ham sandwich and coffee for two! On the double!

What a strange waiter!

And those guys, ever since we came in, all they do is stare at us.

They're probably thinking: ''Look, what a sweet little couple!"

And now they're cuddled up!

They look like two little doves!

They'll leave without feathers, right Don Quint�n?

I'll bring the sandwiches in a minute, drink quickly, please.

-What was that? -they threw something.

Keep quiet- you don't please that guy, and he's the type who,

if he doesn't get to bury someone every day, he feels he's missing something.

It's better if you leave soon, soon.

Didn't I tell you? Drink up and let's go.

It's hot.

Aah, he burned himself.

That's what the burned ones die of, pure ardor.

Again!

What marksmanship!

What am I going to do? Risk my life for a piece of bread?

No, my darling, I don't want any trouble, because I'm...

-We'd better leave! -No, not that!

If I leave now, they'll wet their pants laughing.

Hey, waiter! An order of kidneys for a customer.

There are people who will eat the whole bakery, little by little, if you throw it at them.

Funny! Very good!

Let's go, Paco, do it for me! Hurry up!

Oh!

-What happened? What did they throw at you? -Nothing, let's go.

Let's go, Paco!

-They hit you with this olive! -Let's go out to the street quickly!

He really took off, did you see how scared he was?

The coffee went down the wrong way.

Don Quint�n, how cute boss, how cute!

I didn't think it was cute at all. Yeah!

What are you saying?

That wasn't cute what you did

to that poor young man who didn't do anything to you.

-That's not something a man does, Don Quint�n! -Are you going to be against me also?

Just a moment!

Are you the one who threw this olive at my wife?

Yes, what about it?

You're going to eat it right now.

You don't want me to eat the pit too, right?

No, the pit will be eaten by that guy that's leaving...

Hey, you! Come here!

Swallow it.

And this... is for you!

And now I'm going to turn my back on you so you can kill me treacherously.

How can you allow this, Don Quint�n?

It's that I saw death in his eyes.

You missed. Now it's my turn.

I won. Want to play again?

No, it's late and Don Quint�n will be really mad.

Listen! How much do we owe you?

Right now!

We need to do a little exercise to increase our respiration.

Come on! One, two, one, two!

One, two, one, two! One, two, one, two!

Come on, a few drops of sweat!

-Sweat? -Yes, sweat. Beautiful sweat!

Are you sweating? Sweating?

Yes, but you got me wet. What happens if I get pneumonia?

-There you go again! -Why did you get me wet?

-It's late. -Let's go!

What happened? Did you find something out?

-Let us rest. -Well, but...

We're beat.

We're half dead. We've walked half of Mexico.

Come on, finish this off, did you find him or not?

-It look like the earth has swallowed him up. -We all should be swallowed.

I won't rest until I find that man and kill him.

Calm yourself! It's been 2 months since it happened, forget it.

I can't, I can't forget it.

The humiliation he made me experience, I have it stuck here.

But I will find him, I swear it! I'm going to continue looking right now!

-Don Quint�n! -What?

-We're very tired. -I can't even lift my soul.

I don't care if you're dying, keep on looking! Come on!

Boss! It's time to open the nightclub.

All right, but you keep on looking!

Home Run, let's go there!

Me alone, Don Quint�n?

Don Quint�n!

-Don't go out, don't go out, please! -What do you want?

Don't go out because there's going to be another ''tragic scene''.

-There goes Don Quint�n. -Don Quint�n?

Remember the man with the olive?

Sure, I wouldn't forget him if I lived 100 years.

Well, that was him.

He's looking for the young man who was with you, to kill him.

I had a feeling that wasn't the end of it.

Oh, why did we go to that restaurant that miserable night?

And what do we do now?

Hide, and don't go out for a couple of years.

Perhaps by then he'll have forgotten it.

Listen to me, I won't tell him you live here,

but don't go out, please don't go out.

Marta! Coward, I'll show you!

He's coming for me!

Take pity on me and stop him, please!

Don't run, you coward!

Let him go, Paco! He came to warn us, he has done us a favor.

Warn us about what?

The man with the olive, he's searching for us.

Still?

I'll let him go, I don't want to get involved with him,

but if he comes looking for me he will find me.

I'm afraid, Paco.

There you go again,

that's all you needed, someone to tell you tales

that are probably not true

Say whatever you want, Paco, but I'm scared.

-Is Don �ngel here? -Who's looking for him?

Jovita!

It's you! You're a sight for sore eyes.

Introduce me to this young woman.

Sure. A friend, Jovita.

-Nice to meet you. -Delighted.

-And what are you doing here, eh? -What do you mean, what am I doing here?

Didn't you tell me to come?

-Me? -Yes.

Oh, yeah! I told you to come.

Well, the first chance I got, I told my father a tale, and here I am.

Here you are!

You're not going to break your promise, are you?

-And what did you promise her? -What?

He was going to get me a job here as an artist, because I'm a singer.

Very good.

You better hope the boss is in a good mood, to talk to him about this.

You just tell him it's a ''home run''.

It's that now... It's that now...

I'll go tell him right now! Why not?

He'll get his clock cleaned.

Come in!

-Don Quint�n! -What's hurting you?

There's a beautiful girl downstairs who wants to be an artist.

-What does it matter to me? -I've contracted her to work here.

What?

That I have contracted her to work here!

What have you done?

That girl is your daughter's sister.

And so what?

Haven't you ever caught a duck with a decoy?

-Are you mocking me? -No, just wait, please!

If you put a decoy in the water, other ducks will come flying in

to see that little wooden duck that is in the water.

-Clown! -Stop it, please!

Don't you see that if we advertise this girl on the streets,

you daughter will see the ads

and will come here to see her.

Angelito! Now my conscience is really bothering me.

I'm going to go see.

Done? Ready!

You're hired, your debut is in a month!

Really?

What?

And just so you know who I am,

ask me what salary you want and I'll give you double.

-Did he give it to you? Without anesthesia? -I just screamed at him 4 times, and presto.

We're going to go all out on your propaganda,

huge posters,

with your picture in all the corners, in the newspapers,

so that all Mexico will know you're working here at The lnferno.

Now I understand!

Oh, I'm so happy! I don't know how to show my gratitude!

I'll try to think of something.

Do this sound good?

Even better.

Don Quint�n, don't waste your time.

Even if she comes, you won't recognize her.

Yes, you're right.

It bothers me to see so many happy people.

I'm going to my office. If something new happens, let me know.

And if this fails, you can start thinking about disappearing from the Federal District.

-Ah! It's you? -Yes, your number is going to start.

-I'm so scared! -And I?

You should not be afraid. You should have confidence in me, idiot.

Is this the way to treat your protector, who loves you so much?

It's just that I'm very nervous with this dress on.

Isn't something missing?

The dress has nothing missing, it's my breath that's missing.

When are you going to love me, my beautiful little mama?

Who knows? If you keep it up, you'll probably convince me.

Truly?

Get ready, you're on.

I'm so ashamed, my God!

I'm going, eh! Take heart, take heart!

I'm going out on the floor to watch your number!

And then I'll return so you can give me my reward. Goodbye, little mama.

The door! Where is the door?

Quite a crowd, eh?

Yeah, who would've thought, just to listen to my sister sing.

There are not open tables?

Yes, this way.

A beer for me. And you?

-What does the young lady want? -A lemonade for me.

I don't think it could be her.

Well, at least the pictures look a lot like her.

Now, distinguished guests,

I have the honor of presenting to you

the genial songstress Jovita, who debuts here this evening.

And here she is, the lovely Jovita!

Good luck, Jovita! If you triumph, I will give you my hand.

-I have no doubt, it is Jovita. -I'm sure it's her!

Look who's there!

-The one with the beer! -No, the one with the pit!

-The same. -Yeah, the one with the olive.

And the boss?

That is what we have agreed to.

Get out of here and make the public cry someplace else.

Don Quint�n, we...

You're not making anybody laugh, just me.

That's because I like sad spectacles.

We in Paris, in France, in New York.

Yeah, and in Xochimilco, you don't do anything but the ridiculous.

Get out! Go! Move!

Get out! Get out!

Very good, my precious, very good.

Thank you, thank you very much.

Just a moment, just a moment!

Don't move, it could cost you your life!

You again? What do you want?

We wanted to let you now that the owner of this nightclub is the one with the olive.

Paco!

Don Quint�n! Don Quint�n!

A great triumph, and since happiness is contagious, well, I'm contagious...

-Get out before he leaves! -Take your hands off me!

Paco, please, let's go, don't upset me in my condition.

-Sure, man, -Outside, go!

-Leave, please! -I'm telling you to unhand me!

Please, don't get mad!

We're doing this so that nothing bad happens to you.

I know, thank you so much for warning us.

Would you do me a favor? Tell Jovita that I live at Rosales 189.

-And who should I say...? -She knows who I am.

Whatever you wish, but please leave now! Leave now, please!

-Outside! -Don Quint�n!

You'll pay for this!

Follow that car!

Well, what happened? Explain it to me. Why didn't she come in and visit me?

Is it true that girl is your sister?

Well sure, didn't you see me shake her hand while I was singing?

Oh really, so the one with the olive is Don Quint�n's son-in-law.

You're right, Home Run!

-What are you saying, whose son-in-law? -I'll explain on the way.

Don't be too late, Paco.

I'll just park the car and come right back.

You're looking for my husband, no?

Precisely. Your husband!

I'm not interested in you.

Well, if you want to hurt him you'll find me first

because I am his wife.

Women to their homes, to darn their socks!

Yes, so that men who are men can walk proudly.

If you were with you wife or your mother

and someone insulted you in front of them, you would not do what you did.

Yes, catch me by surprise

and take advantage of the situation to humiliate me to the end.

And now that he's afraid, he sends you, no?

He didn't send me, my Paco has more than enough heart for whatever is needed.

Listen, sir, I've had no love in this world but his.

I never even met my mother.

I learned that name by listening to other girls call theirs.

He is everything to me: father, brother, husband...

So count the number of times you'll have to stab me

in order to get to him.

And did your coward of a husband send you to preach me this litany?

Listen, friend, I do not send my wife to talk with hens.

Paco, for God's sake!

Let's settle this!

Move out of the way!

No, Paco, no!

Coward! You hide behind a woman!

Coward! You seek refuge behind a woman!

Release me or I'll kill you!

Shameless one!

God will punish you for doing so much harm!

You will die like a rat, hated by everyone, like I hate you.

Take you hands off me! Release me or I will kill you!

Kill me if you wish, but listen to me!

That young woman who hates and curses you is your daughter, Don Quint�n.

-My daughter! -Your daughter!

Yes, Don Quint�n, it's Marta, she lived with me, I swear it!

Yes, Don Quint�n, it's your daughter, the one you were searching for.

Leave him alone, Home Run, it's just what he deserves.

Come here.

For he who sows the wind shall reap the tempest.

Papa!

Daughter!

-Forgive me! -No papa, no need.

I know how much you have suffered, and there's nothing to forgive.

My little daughter! My beautiful little daughter!

Don Quint�n!

Embrace him, daddy, he's the man I love!

Yes, daughter, but before that I want to kiss the hand that made me swallow the olive.

No need, Don Quint�n!

Forget everything, and you'll see how happy we'll be.

This one is quite a woman, not like the ones we have at home.

Don Quint�n, you have been changed.

Yes, Angelito and is that happiness makes us all better persons.

And so that you're convinced, come here.

-What are you going to do to me? -Don't be afraid.

Notice how much I've changed.

Give me a kick and see how I don't get mad.

-A kick? No! -Kick me without fear!

Listen, I've wanted to do that for a long, long time.

-Well, take advantage. -Really?

Really!

-Ah, there it is! -Son of a...

No, no don't kill me, Don Quint�n,

I want to get to my wedding in one piece, because I'm going to marry Jovita.

Marry? Idiot!

Ah, papa! I see you haven't completely lost your cantankerous nature.

His grandson will mellow him.

My grandson. A grandson?

Where is he? Bring him, I want to see him!

But he has not been born yet.

Oh, he's not been born! My bad luck!

See how it is? Nothing come out right for me.