Original subtitles

Attention, please. To all our dear and loyal listeners

To mothers, fathers and relatives - Stella Film announces a contest

They're looking for a girl between six and eight years of age

A pretty Italian girl

Take your daughters to Stella Film offices...

...in Cinecitt� Via Tuscolana, km 9

It could be your and her lucky day

Only girls between six and eight years of age...

...can enter the theatre quietly and calmly...

...to be seen by Blasetti, the director

Keep quiet and stay calm!

Do you understand?

Hurry! Hurry!

- I've lost my daughter - She lost her daughter. Vito!

Where is she gone?

- What's her name? - Maria Cecconi

Little Maria Cecconi!

Quiet! Quiet, please. There

Politeness goes a long way

In other words, we'll be able to screen test your little girls...

...if you keep calm and quiet. Right? Good

- Shall we start, Taparelli? - Yes, we're ready

- Glori, send the first child - The first child!

The first child, come on

What can you do?

I can imitate Betty Gable

That's great. Let's see

Well done, you're really good

- You're starting early. How old are you? - 11

Good. Give her a number. Next one, please

Quiet, over there

Come on. Keep that child quiet

- What can you do? - "Arrivano i Nostri"

Good. Start singing "Arrivano i Nostri"

Good

Very good

Yes, louder

Very good. Chiari, give her a number

- Next! - Tell them to be quiet over there

You have a Chinese hat, good. Quiet!

I've spent hours looking for you

How could I go home without you?

Look at the state of you

Just look at that. Get up now. You deserve to be smacked!

Why are you crying? Look at the state of you

Damn it! You drive me mad. They even called you over the megaphone

- Mummy! - "Mummy" what?

What did she do wrong?

What did she do? She nearly gave me a heart attack

I've been looking for her all over Cinecitt�

- They won't let us in now - Are you here for the contest?

Yes, we are. But look at the state of her now

She looks worse for wear. Come here

If I were you, I'd leave her like that

All dirty? Yeah, right

They're much cuter like this, all grubby and untidy

Very funny

She's got a pretty smile. She's very photogenic

And she's got beautiful eyes. Let's see

Really beautiful

At least it's something. Let's hope they'll pick you

Gosh, I'm lost now

- They're at number 5 - Number 5?

- Studio number 5 - And how do I get there?

- Calm down, I'll take you there - Will you?

How kind of you. Let's go. I'll settle up with you when we get home

This is the girl who got lost

- Let the lady through here - If you say so

I've brought some photos of her. Do you think it's a good idea?

Pretty. This child is really pretty

- Well, at this age, they're all pretty - Yeah?

They're all pretty, but I prefer their mothers

May I give you a piece of advice?

The second audition will be harder and these photos won't help you much

- Are they ugly? - A bit

You need bigger and better ones

Go to a professional photographer. I can give you a name

- That would be great - Tell him I sent you

Alberto Annovazzi, that's my name

The photographer is in Via Quattro Fontane, number 14

- Go and see him, he's great - I'll definitely go

- Thanks a lot - Don't mention it

I don't know how to thank you

- Can I go in? - This way, it leads straight to the studio

- I'm so lucky I met you - Best of luck

- Say bye - Bye, and don't run off again

- I'm holding her tight - Good

- Goodbye - Goodbye, madam

Painter, I need to talk to you

While you paint this altar

l am just a poor black man

And to pray God here l am

l know you'll be listening...

Excuse me. I should have been up there long ago

I had lost my daughter

Excuse me

- Did you find her? - She's found her!

Good evening, Mr Blasetti

Madam, stand back

Good, well done

But she's finished singing

Mancinelli Silvana? Mario! Give her a number

OK, now the next child

Next child, come on

Madam, who are you?

The incident's over! Go back to your seats!

- Enough! - That's it, the incident's over

This is the child who got lost

- Oh, yeah - I lost sight of her

This place is like a town. She was somewhere around there

- Where did you find her? - By the pool

Ladies, quiet please

Quiet, please

- Where did you find her? - By the pool, she was fishing!

- She got dirty - Yes, she ruined her dress

Cute. What's your name?

- Maria - Say your name

- Maria - Very good. Maria what?

- Maria... - "Gecconi"

- "Giacconi"? - No, she lisps slightly

- So, what's her real surname? - Cecconi

Cecconi, good. Repeat, "Maria Cecconi"

- Maria "Gecconi" - Oh well, it must sound right to her

When I made the announcement you were outside looking for your child...

...but I said that the child has to be six or seven years old

- Not younger - But she's seven

Is she? She looks a bit... small

Really? No, it must be the dress that makes her look short

In all truth, she hasn't grown much this year

She'll grow more next year, it doesn't matter

So, what can you do? Do you dance? Sing? What can you do?

- Venice! - You do Venice

Mr Blasetti won't understand if you say that

- She means a poem about Venice - Ah, OK

Good. You can begin reciting the poem. Go on

"Venice, to thee comes at last the last hour

"Martyr illustrious, in thy foe's power

"Bread lacks, the cholera deadlier grows

"From the lagoon bridge the white banner blows"

Did you teach her that? She's a star

Not even at Christmas did she recite it so well

Just for you

You know what? We need to hurry

It's two o'clock, and if we get to the stadium late...

...it will be full and we'll have to stand up like idiots

- Let's hurry - I don't feel like going anymore

What do you mean? You're not coming to the match?

Bruno, did you hear that?

You know that I'm worried

She left early in the morning and took the child with her

I'm not in the mood, Franco. Don't insist

She told you she was going to give an injection in Monteverde, at her friend's

Why would she go all the way to Monteverde to give shots?

Exactly

It's Sunday and the tram costs 20 lire each way...

...and the child pays full fare

- I know - Your wife is mad. Tell her that

Franco, drink your coffee

See what you've done? This moron's always laughing

Whatever. Drink your coffee and shut up

Give me a chance, it's still boiling hot

Mum, I won't even bother about her. She always does as she likes anyway

- She has to respect you - Yeah, exactly. She has to respect you

You know what? I don't think she's gone to Monteverde

What are you talking about? She's taken the child with her

That's exactly why I think she hasn't gone there

Let's go, guys. It's three o' clock and we're still here discussing

- Let's go, it's late - Let's go Spartaco, come on

- Come home early - Give her another kiss

Mum, you never change. OK, I've made a mess of myself

I'll clean you up. Bye

Kiss my forehead

Have fun, don't catch too much sun

- OK - When you see Maddalena tell her...

Yes, I'll tell her not to go away again with the child

It's two o' clock and she still hasn't eaten

- Bye - Goodbye

- See you - Enjoy yourselves

- It's late - Bye

Hurry up

Shut up

Spartaco, there's your wife

- And you were worried - There she is

Where have you been all this time?

- Spartaco! - Slow down. What's the rush now?

- I went there! - Where?

To Cinecitt�, for the contest

- Are you mad? - Maybe

- In any case, they picked her - Who?

Our daughter, not me. I wish!

- Don't lie, you're always telling lies - I'm not lying

Don't even bother, she always does what she wants

She's all talk. Let's hurry, guys, the match will have started

Mind your own business for once

- Don't use that tone with him - Whatever

I'll come to watch the match too

- No, you go home and feed the child - Your mum can feed her

- No, you feed her! - Take me to the cinema tonight

Forget it. We'll talk at home

- Let's go, Franco - What?

- Keep yakking - Stop it, idiot

We're going to the cinema tonight, right?

Don't act the fool. Just go home and feed the child

How nice. Let's go, darling. Bye, darling

One, two, three, four

One, two, three, four

Mrs Molteni!

What do you want?

Shout louder, I can't understand you

It's all because of this damn noise

They wake people up early in the morning. What do you want then?

Is my mum up there?

No, she isn't here, Maria

She's gone to Margherita's for the injection. Let me call her for you

Maddalena!

- Maddalena! - What?

- Maria is looking for you - Who?

- Your daughter is looking for you - What do you want, Maria?

Mum, there's a lady who wants a coffee

I can't hear you!

There's a lady who wants a coffee!

Honey, don't hold me up, I'm giving an injection. I'll be right down

Be good. Thanks

Mum said she's coming down

She's busy giving a lady an injection

You see this egg?

God helps those who help themselves

- Your daughter's been calling you - I know, my dear

- Is she ill? - Not at all. She's been picked

We're going to the photographer. When are you going to have this baby?

What are you doing here? Don't you have a house? What a pain!

Those lovely images

The times that have gone by...

Gisella, can you please ask your daughter to do Maria's homework?

We're going to the photographer. She's been picked

She's been picked! Bye

Good for you

What a fanatic, she's completely mad

Don't choke, please

Is this the lady who wanted a coffee?

Sorry, but I had a cramp... in my stomach

I asked the child for some coffee

I know. We don't have that, but you found the eggs

- They're better - Yeah, they're even better

By the way, who are you?

- How silly of me. You don't know me - Exactly

I'm Tilde Spernanzoni

- The actress - What?

The actress

I'm not working anymore... I'm tired

When you get to a certain age, you must rest

Moreover, you have to make way for the younger generation

I do a bit of film work

Mum, the lady drunk an egg

It doesn't matter

Little blabbermouth

So, is this the child that has been selected for the second audition?

Listen, who sent you here? Cinecitt�? Stella Film? Who?

Somebody must have sent you here. You can't have fallen from the sky!

Somebody I know gave me the names of the ones who were picked

She's very pretty

Give me your hand

Let's go, good girl

While mum prepares a nice cup of coffee with plenty of sugar...

...you are going to recite something for me

What a lovely garden!

Excellent. Let's go

Yeah, this place is like a palace! Thank goodness we're moving

Where are you going? I know for a fact that lessons aren't necessary

They like her like this

As long as she's bright and intelligent

And my daughter is very intelligent

- Plus, we can't afford it - I see

Sacrifices need to be made for our children

Our children come before anything else. Let's go

Did you come here to teach me how to be a good mother?

You're holding us up, we need to go to the photographer

How do I have to tell you?

- Go there later - What do you mean, later?

Where are you going?

Maria, recite her the poem, you know it by heart, so we can get rid of her

Yes, recite me the poem in the garden

Who sent her here?

Who on earth sent her here? I really don't know

You come home and find a crazy person waiting there

She tells you her whole life - she's an actress, she's tired...

I've got my own problems already, I didn't need her here

She's wasting our time. "Now I'm tired, I no longer teach..."

No, she's far from being crazy

She may be tired, but she drank three eggs

She doesn't have any manners

I'd better lock the meat up

We're wasting half an hour to let her hear a poem

This is ridiculous

We'll miss our appointment with the photographer

Doesn't she have anything better to do?

Wouldn't she rather be at the park, where it's much cooler?

Instead of drinking other people's eggs! I can't stand her

This business about the eggs is really bugging me

- Madam, listen - Is the coffee ready?

It's coming. Would you like it sweet?

The child is very good. But she'll get to poetry later. Now, it's too soon

It's tiring for her. I'm going to teach her something new

Let's find a quiet spot, let's see

Here's perfect

Give me your hand, follow me

Come here, dear

You'll see what I'm going teach you. This is a lovely place

Come here. Good girl

Pretend that you are in a meadow

A nice, large, green and cool meadow

You have come here to pick strawberries

- Understand? - Madam! Madam! She's deaf too

The first exercise is role-playing

Basically, you pretend to be in a certain situation

Do you like strawberries?

So you're happy to be picking strawberries

Look how many strawberries there are under that oak

She's mad, where does she see an oak?

Quick, go and pick them

Bend down. Good girl

Pick them, there are so many. Look how many

And she's so silly to listen to her. Madam, you're turning her brain to jelly

Maria, what are you doing?

She's picking strawberries

Can't you see? She's picking strawberries

Give it to me, dear. What a nice strawberry

Bend down and pick it. Good girl. See? They don't understand anything

If she doesn't leave...

Hurry! How long does it take you to come here, darling?

We're running late

She was driving us crazy. Who is she?

You must only listen to mum

Come on, we're late

Wash your hands now

Here's some water. Get the soap, come on. Hurry up

Look at the state of you. Were you in the coal shed?

How slow are you?

Can you not be any quicker? Rinse your hands, come on

And also your face

Look at the state of you. In the meanwhile, I'll get ready

What a strange person that woman

"Go and pick the strawberries"

She was just joking, darling. She was teaching you how to act

Yes, to act...

After all, what is acting?

If I imagined to be someone else...

...if I pretended to be someone else...

...I'd be acting

You're not interested, are you?

It's like when you say the nice poem about the butterfly. How does it go?

"I'm a butterfly, half white and half yellow"

The one where you move your hands like this

Say the poem

"I'm a butterfly half white and half yellow"

What about the hands?

Gosh! You see? You can act too

You can act

But make sure you don't stutter, honey

Don't stutter, OK?

Let's go, we're late

Listen to her and you'll end up picking strawberries

You listen to mummy. The other mums here make me laugh

"My daughter this, my daughter that" They're just not made for this

But you're my daughter and you can become an actress

You really can. I could have too, if I had wanted to

Let me fix your hair. You look so messy

Let's see how you look with a centre parting

No, you look ugly. Never mind

All combed back, like mummy

Let's see

How pretty!

Let me undo your plaits

Let's see. These plaits!

You're so pretty

You look more simple and natural in this way

We'll have your photograph taken but it's all we can afford

Do you understand, honey?

Mum, am I going back to school tomorrow?

Dear Lord! Now you're both stuttering and lisping

- Say "school" - School

- School - School

Are you doing this on purpose?

You never stuttered or lisped before. Say "school"

- School - Great

Pronounce it properly, you can't speak Roman dialect...

...if you want to be an actress

- Come here. Say "house" - House

- House - House

This is a real problem. And now "soap"

- Soap - No, say it properly, without lisping

- Soap - Soap

You're making me lisp too, darling

Get your shoes. Go and get dressed over there

Go and put your shoes on, then put the dress on

Careful not to mess up your hair

Here we go again! Every time I open the window, you're there

Get out of the way, please!

He's got no shame. And he's so young

This is crazy. They come right into your own house!

Yes, in your own house. Gosh, I'm lisping too now

What's going on here?

Are you ready, Maria?

Don't mess up your hair when you put the dress on, or I'll smack you!

That's too high

Are you ready?

We're always rushing around

Are you still there? How annoying

What if that crazy woman was right?

Maybe you do need to study...

Maybe lisping runs in the family. Maria, are you ready?

What does she look like? Let me see her

There you go. Excuse me

How are you sitting her?

Like this

That's not good. Make her look more natural

Mind your own business

Excuse my wife. She's been invalid so long, and this is her only distraction

Let's be quick

You can start choosing a pose

- Sit up straight, petal - Do as I said

I thought you knew each other

After all, you're both auditioning...

...and are acquaintances of Annovazzi

Me? I hardly know him

Maria, lift up your chin

Come on

Lift up your chin. Keep your head straight

I met him for the first time at Cinecitt� and he was interested in the child

Look that way. Don't cry, sweetheart

We'll take a nice picture of you. Aren't you happy?

He suggested I come to see you

He liked her eyes the most

Yes, her eyes

Darling, why are you crying?

Poor thing, she's not used to this. She's scared

Smile, come on

I see your child takes ballet classes

- They have to dance in the film, right? - No, they don't. Who said so?

I thought they had to, because one of the other girls who came here...

...was at the Opera School - The Ruscaja School

- No, the Opera School - The Ruscaja School

How annoying!

Excuse me, are you really sure they have to dance?

In the novel the film is based on, the child dances

I've read it. The novel starts in that way

I don't want to insist, but I think you're wrong

It doesn't start in that way, it starts with her saying she has had enough

It starts like that. And the child dances around the table on her birthday

No, she tells him that she's leaving him

He wants to kill her, and the daughter, who is so happy because of the party...

...is dancing and fooling around the table, where the cake is

- In the book the child dances - Excuse me

Anyway, the more they can do, the better

Dancing is not necessary

- Are you ready, sweetheart? - Wait, I'll fix her hair

Madam, keep out of the way

Smile to the man, look at the camera

Done!

- You almost set me on fire - It was fine

You scared her, she probably closed her eyes

No, she had her eyes wide open

- Are you sure? - Don't worry, madam

- That's all I'm interested in - Madam, I'm very busy

- I'm the photographer - OK, no need to get upset

- It's Isabella's turn - Darling, were your eyes open?

- Yes - You tell a lot of lies. Were you scared?

Or else we're wasting time and money here

Excuse me, when can I see the negatives?

Come back tomorrow morning

- Can I please come this evening? - I can't have them ready tonight

- Come back tomorrow morning - You're so kind

Do you want to take it home? I'll get you one like it

We're late. Take the bag. Dad must be starving

- Goodbye and many thanks - Not at all

These photos are very important. I'm in your hands

- Don't worry - Goodbye

- Don't worry - Say bye to the gentleman

- Say bye - Bye, sweetheart

The needle's ready Just keep steady...

- Are you ready, madam? - Yes, I am

Good, me too

Choose a place where you want to have the injection

I've found it. It's on the right side

But you've got so many bruises on that side

But it hurts on the other side

OK, then. Let's do it on the right side

But if it hurts, don't complain

- Is it Penicillin today? - No, you are done with that

- So what is it? - We're starting the Balerofosforo again

- I've had a whole box of that - But you need more. You're worn-out

Just look at the white of your eyes

You're big built, but very weak

- I hope it works - What a chatterbox!

You're making me waste so much time, when I'm so busy. Are you ready?

- I'm ready - Can I use your phone later, please?

Are you still lying there? Come on, just find a place

I have to call my daughter. We've had the photographs taken

They're really nice. Come on, turn over

You're going to set the bed on fire

Come on, turn over

- Don't hurt me - Look at all this abundance

- Who enjoys all of this? - Who knows?

- Relax your leg - Don't hurt me

I'm in a rush. I have to go to see the Commendatore afterwards

- He's diabetic, poor thing - Poor him

- You drink, eat and smoke too much - They're my vices

- I can't help it - Come on, relax your leg

Don't hurt me

- You hurt me! - You make me sweat when I come here

You haven't even felt the needle

I have such a light hand

The Commendatore says that he wants only me for his injections

- He must be in love - I don't care, as long as he has them

All done. You're as good as new now

- Can I do this phone call now? - Of course

Thanks. If you don't mind, I'll take the phone over there...

...because I don't want to spill anything

- OK - Do you have guests today?

- No, it's my breakfast - No less!

- Do you eat four eggs? - I need to get back on my feet

Your liver must be bombproof!

- Madam, why is she complaining? - No idea

- Do you need an injection too? - No, I don't need it, right, madam?

Of course you need it. You have so much room in that body

You're fat but I'll help you slim down

Where did you find her?

Hello? Mrs Gisella?

Hi. This is Mrs Cecconi

Yes. Can you do me a favour?

Thanks. My daughter is in the courtyard

Could you tell her... No, don't worry about going downstairs

Just tell her from the balcony...

...that I'm not coming back...

...and she is to carry on with her lesson

The acting lesson. She's in the courtyard with her teacher

And tell her that we'll collect that stuff tomorrow

A black cat crossed my path, how unlucky

What's he doing?

Has he died?

- Who is it? - Finally

It's me, Mrs Cecconi. Good morning

Oh, yes. Sorry

- She's locked herself in - Come in

Another black cat

- Don't be afraid - No. How's the barrister?

- God! Another one - Let me tell you

He's not well. He's got high temperature again

The doctor said to start again taking the Streptomycin every 12 hours

And not to stop, even if his temperature goes down

- Of course - You thought this was your last visit

Instead, you'll have to come back many more times

- Luckily - What do you mean?

No, I meant, luckily for him I can come back

I'll be right there

I'll take the syringe and I'll be there in a minute

I'll be very quiet

He's not well, after all... Good for me!

Five days, and the dress is paid. Thank you, St Joseph. You're so good to me

I'll light a candle to you when it's all finished

- Eleonora, what are you doing? - Wait, I'm coming

Hurry, don't keep the lady waiting

- This is all the tulle I've found - What are you talking about?

- The stockroom is full - That's all I've found

- You're talking rubbish - Look, madam

- Do you like it? - Beautiful. It looks as soft as a cloud

- Let me touch it - Sure

- Isn't it a bit hard? - Look at this other one

It's a pre-war fabric. I can give you a good price

- This looks better. It's very soft - See?

This is the pattern - a fluffy tulle skirt...

...and the sleeveless satin leotard. Have you seen "The Red Shoes"?

I'll make you something like that. You'll be pleased with it

You'll be beautiful, darling. Do you like it?

- I'm a bit concerned about the price - Don't worry. I'll give you a good price

I have had to spend a lot of money recently for my little girl...

...so I thought I'd mention this just in case

I'm a nurse, so should you need any injections...

Are you joking? I hope I won't need them

I am in very good health

You don't need to have injections only when you're ill

You can also have them when you're well, to keep in good shape

Did you come here to jinx me?

No, but maybe you have a relative who needs treatment

I'm fine, I don't need any injections

The same goes for my family. Right, girls? I don't buy into these sort of things

Come here, darling, I'll measure you

Up here, come on

That one is so cute. She must be my daughter's age

- Yeah, she's young - Yes

Goodness gracious!

Excuse me, madam. Why is she always keeping her close to the wall?

She'll hurt herself

Don't worry, she won't hurt herself. It takes time

We don't have time, we're in a hurry. She should put her with the others

Don't you agree, madam?

She's still keeping her by the wall

Excuse me, but why is my daughter always stuck by the wall?

Couldn't you put her with the others?

They've been studying for three years

You came in here saying, "Make her dance like a butterfly"

What do you expect?

And she's so small

Why, how old does she need to be?

- Eight - We can't wait another three years

Say what you want, my dear. She's got tiny legs...

She's got two perfectly straight legs, can't you see?

Having straight legs is not enough

You need other things, such as intelligence

You dance with your head, not your feet

What?

You dance with your head, not your feet

My daughter has brains, she was born healthy, my dear lady!

This is your opinion. I'm starting to get annoyed

We are the teachers. We say if a child is intelligent or not

I can say that because I'm her mother

My daughter is not dumb

Sweetheart

Why are you crying, my darling?

They're not going to hurt you. You'll become a good dancer

Look how good that one over there is

See? Don't you want to become like her?

You'll become very good too

Did you have to make her cry? How rude

Let's go home now. Show me a nice smile

Don't let daddy see you cry

I understand that the child is a bit disheartened now...

...but I'm telling you now that in this place people study very hard

I've been dancing for 40 years, but if I didn't practice everyday...

...I wouldn't be able to do arabesques and all the rest

See?

- Very good - Placida, tell the lady

Yes, madam. In here, you have to study and sweat

- Sweat and sweat - That's right

- Hi, Spartaco - So, now you go out even after dinner?

And you take the child too

What else could I do? You were not here, I couldn't leave her at home alone

- Where have you been? - I went to give injections

Say hi to dad

Hello, darling. Give daddy a big kiss

- Maddalena - Yes?

The installments have gone up from 60,000 lire to 65,000 lire

- Why? - Because of the lift

We didn't count that. But everybody paid for it, and so will we

What did you get up to?

- Tell daddy - I'm tired

Little petal

This is the new house that daddy has bought for you. Here we'll put your bed

And daddy will buy you a Pinocchio

Do you know the story of Pinocchio?

The boy whose nose grew longer because of all the lies he told

He lied to his father, an old man who...

Here there's only 60,000 lire

I don't have any money left

What am I going to do?

Spartaco, is the installment definitely due next Monday?

Yes, on Monday

It's only an extra 5,000 lire and I have a few people who owe me money

You haven't fed the child

As if I was starving her

Anything else?

She had a big cup of coffee with milk and two cookies

Tell him

Mum is going to undress you

- Let me do it - Careful, you'll tear her dress

OK, do it yourself then

- Give it to me - Dad will put you to bed

Tomorrow I'll take you out and buy you a nice ice cream

Ice cream makes her tummy ache

Maddalena, go next door

Sure, you know I do whatever you say

Did you see how tired she looks?

Leave me alone

How pretty. The baby of the house

Do you love your dad? Give me a big kiss and a pinch

Listen, don't tell anything to mum

Tomorrow dad will buy you an ice cream

Are you happy?

I have a lesson tomorrow

A lesson? No, tomorrow you go out with dad, no lesson

Give me a big kiss

And now go to sleep

lf they�re tired, they won't escape

Don't drive them too hard the whole time...

See? It's Montgomery Cliff

He's nice, isn't he?

Maddalena, forget about cinema

Spartaco, you don't understand me

Look at those beautiful places

And look where we live

When I see these things...

Maddalena, it's a fantasy world

It's not

Look. They're taking the wagon across

Unbelievable

The horses are in the water

Lucky them

It's great, isn't it?

How beautiful

I'm falling asleep

- I can't keep my eyes open - Come on, let's go to bed

- Listen, with this ticket you can't... - No, I'm first!

- I'm in front of her - Madam, stop being so pushy

- I'm not pushy - Calm down

He's holding my ticket and you still come here and say you are first

- Where do I go? - The room next door

- What is the matter with you? - So many injustices in this world

- She just doesn't shut up - So pushy

- Don't you ever get tired? - I'm so tired I can hardly stand up

It doesn't look like it

Look, madam. I had my granddaughter's photograph taken...

...but I made her stand up because I think she looks better

- Definitely - We only took one, it was so expensive

- They told me one is enough - Of course it's enough

- Did you want to bring the whole film? - True

My child has only got one too

The photographer wanted to take it while she was dancing

I told him that she'd show what she can do at the audition

This is if they choose her for the audition

I've heard that they've already made their choice

We're all wasting our time here

I wouldn't be saying this if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes

- What have you seen? - Tell us

Well, yesterday I came here because I got the days mixed up...

Mixed up! No, she did that on purpose to get here before all of us

No, madam, I genuinely made a mistake

Basically, they were doing their special auditions

Yes, for those who were recommended

I've seen it with my own eyes. There was a lady with a child...

...and she didn't ask for the director

- She asked for the other one - Who?

The fat and ugly one. The one that yells into the megaphone all the time

The nasty one

- Glori! - So what?

As soon as he saw her, he said that the girl was very pretty

What's wrong with that? My child's pretty too

He was saying how pretty she was, but he was looking at the mother

- Ah, now I understand - That's how it goes nowadays

It doesn't mean anything. You're just making a big deal out of it

Do they think we are all stupid here?

Probably, but I know exactly what that lady is talking about

But we'll go and speak to the producer, the director...

...and we'll tell them that this is a disgrace

It's clear that there are favourites, while we should all be equal

Yes, this isn't fair. We have to do something about it

Actually, I think my husband knows someone who works here

I'll call him and ask him to put a good word for me with Stella Film

My husband is a friend of one of the phone company directors'

What have the phone company directors got to do with this?

Well, he's an important person, that's all that matters

Don't make us laugh. If we want, we can all find someone to pull strings for us

We can all find someone important

I have a relative who knows a waiter in Cinecitt�

He knows him very well. He's got such a good job...

Excuse me, what are you doing?

Federico, I'm in a rush

- Good morning - Bath or shower?

No, thanks. We just need a trim and set

That way, please. Amerigo, a haircut!

- Don't we need the receipt? - No, it's OK

- Thanks - Can you add colour as well?

- Are you joking? - She needs lighter hair

Lighten it? If I take her home blonde, all hell will break loose

It's just a slight...

She only needs a trim and some curls

One moment, after this lady it's your turn

What? Where are you? They're making us waste time here

- If it's only five minutes... - Listen to me

- We'll give you a good tip - That's not the point

But it's going to take two minutes. Come here, darling, let me show him

It's just a trim...

...and a couple of curls over the shoulders

Can't you see that I'm busy with this lady?

- But she's almost finished - I haven't finished

I've paid, I have my rights

Do you want to stay here until tomorrow?

I have another client waiting. You don't have an appointment

But it will take you two minutes, do me a favour

- Leave her there, I'll serve her later - You're so moody

- Do the balloons bother you? - It's OK

You're so kind. See how kind this man is, darling?

Sit here. Give me the balloons so I'll tie them here

- Do they bother you here? - No

They'll keep you company. Mum will be right back

- Be good. Will we make it back in time? - Yes, I think so

If I don't come back, Mrs Spernanzoni will come and pick you up

If I can't make it, a blond lady will come on my behalf

She's a middle-aged lady. Her name is Tilde Spernanzoni

She looks a bit odd. She's her acting teacher

- You'll recognize her immediately. OK? - I don't want to stay here!

What do you mean? You have to

They'll make you so beautiful

If you have to stay with her, we can go another day

No, it's not possible

OK. Remember to lighten her hair to make it a softer shade

- You want colour - No, she's not having it coloured

Not a real dye. Just highlights, natural streaks

Just lighter streaks?

- And a light perm - No, don't ruin her hair

Not a perm, just a set. Her hair's too fine and won't stay in place otherwise

- She took it from me - I could give you a nice hair-do too

Don't even try, no one has managed that

- I could manage - You'd waste your time

Anyway, how much is it?

- 1,250 lire - Shall I pay over there?

- Let's go - Be good

Make sure you just trim her hair, and curl it a little...

...so that when I comb it, it's all fluffy

- Be good, darling - Let's go

Mum is coming back

I don't want to stay here!

Hey, you're not alone, the gentleman is here

- Be good - Bye

I don't want to stay here!

Don't start. If you behave, I'll buy you some sweets afterwards

Be good and I'll curl your hair nicely

Amerigo, you have to set my hair. It's still all wet

Michele will take care of you. Just a minute

- I don't want Michele - Michele, come here

Coming!

I want to go home! I want my mum!

- Yes, Amerigo? - Trim this child's hair

How can I? I'm very busy

- Call Guido - OK, I'll call Guido

- Hurry up! - I went to get the shampoo

- You're always complaining - Come on

- I want to see my mum! - Guido, give her a trim

I want to see my mum!

Just give the child a trim, then maybe she'll pipe down

- Amerigo, are you ready? - Coming

- Just a simple trim, OK? - Yes

- I'll take care of her - Amerigo, hurry up

- I'm coming - Just a little trim?

- Yes, just a trim - Let's cut it here... And here

I had an appointment and now I am late because of a child

- That's one done - This is ridiculous

- Amerigo - I'm coming

And that's the second one. Are you happy?

Are you happy, miss? Is that OK?

I wonder what you must be thinking of me since I asked you to meet me

What can I think? When a beautiful lady asks to meet me...

...I think well, very well of her

If you see it like this, even better

I'm not used to long walks anymore

Listen, be honest

Do you think my daughter can make it?

I'm a little discouraged

For no reason, you convince yourself that something is very easy to get...

...and then you don't think so anymore

You start feeling worried

I'm not sure if you know what I mean

I wouldn't want to make so many sacrifices...

...and then see someone who's been recommended win

You do understand me, don't you?

Yes, but it depends on you

What do you mean?

- A recommendation can help or hinder - No, no. It helps

We're so used to recommendations, both to making and receiving them

If they were really worth something, unemployment wouldn't exist

In Italy we rely on recommendations, "Please, don't forget"

"I assure you", "I promise you"... But we can't remember everyone

Who are we supposed to remember and why?

- There's only one foolproof method - What is it?

Putting the person who needs help...

...in a position to ask for your help, do you know what I mean?

- No - Do you already want to leave?

No, it's so lovely here

I've never been here before

Actually, I've been here on a Sunday, but it was too crowded

Today it's very pleasant

Yes, it's very nice, but it's not a place to come to alone

You should come here with someone nice

- Am I nice? - Very

In that case, do me this favour, please

- You're the nicest - Even better

I want my daughter to have the best recommendation ever

When the audition is over, I'll sleep better

Look, it's as if she'd already auditioned, the result is certain

But it all depends on you, it's very simple

Now I understand. Do you know what we say in Rome?

"Nothing given, nothing received"

- You're not only funny but also clever - Everybody says so

- And you're quick-witted - That's right

To make a big profit, one must take a big risk

50,000 lire sounds fair to me

You must be out of your mind. 50,000 is a lot of money

It's not peanuts

Nowadays, 50,000 is nothing

Maybe to you, but to me it means a lot of sacrifices

In our case, it's the bare minimum to achieve our goal

I'll manage the 50,000 lire and get you a contract

You'll earn, at least, a million which is 20 times the amount you staked

Do you think I'll be spending it?

The money's not for me but for the favours we need to do in return

Who will you do these favours to?

To everyone and no one

A bunch of flowers to the producer's wife, a bottle of perfume to his lover...

...who is often the wife of the leading actor

Things like that happen. It's not that they need it...

...but it helps them to remember a name

In this case, your name - Cecconi

"Mrs Cecconi, who sent that gift, is very kind", and so on

The word will spread quickly

Have you ever thrown a pebble into a pond? The pebble falls in just one spot...

...but from that spot waves ripple out until they reach the ocean

- How shrewd you are - Shrewd?

It's a practical way of getting through life

Listen, do I have to take this risk without any guarantees?

What risk would it be otherwise?

Do you want a guarantee?

I'll give it to you. Your child will have a screen test

All right?

I'm in

It's a deal. Because I do have that sum

I even brought my savings book with me, you see?

The problem is, I need the money straight away

It doesn't matter

Let's hurry. Banks are closed now...

...but a friend of mine will take my book and give me the money

And then she'll withdraw the money tomorrow

Listen, if it's a problem for you...

...shall we just forget about it?

Moreover...

...I wouldn't want to have a business relation with you

With you I'd prefer, maybe...

...I don't know...

I prefer it this way. It's much better

Let's hurry, it's late

- Did you bring the money? - Of course. Here it is

One, two, three, four, 50,000

- Where's the scooter? - Out here

Here it is. Do you like it?

You and your beautiful smile

You are easing my pain

You know that you can't stay away from me

l see you, my beloved

You and your beautiful smile

Tell her that there�s no one else in my heart

Tell her that l love her more than ever before...

- It's not my fault - Look at the state of that girl

Where's her mother?

Who's complaining? All I'm saying is, I've had enough!

The child has learned enough

Do you expect me to thank you after you've ruined her?

Of course. I'm used to being thanked and respected

I thank you and respect you. My wife has paid you, this is the door. Out!

Your wife is the only one who understands art

Art, sure!

- Come on, I said get out - Watch your language

Why are you shouting like this?

- Are you mad? What's happening? - It happens that I've had enough

I don't want any strangers in my house

I won't leave my daughter with her

In my life, I've never been lucky, but I have been respected a lot

Who should be interested in your daughter anyway?

- Don't exaggerate - No, madam

I've been patient but now I've had enough

Do you understand me? I've had enough!

Will you stop making a scene?

- Get out, that's the door - Spartaco, please

Let me say something

Darling. What happened?

Are you asking her? Where were you?

You left the child with this wretch

- Are you calling me wretch? - Yes, wretch!

- I'll report you to the police - Spartaco, don't make such a fuss

It looks shorter because she's got curly hair

I'll wet it and straighten it out

- Yeah, make her catch bronchitis - I won't make her catch anything

Madam, why didn't you keep an eye on her?

- Look at the state of her - I'm not paid to look after her

I'm an actress

Yes, but you also have eyes. Or just because you're an actress...

...if they cut her head off you stand by and watch?

This is the door, get out

- Excuse me - Who is she?

Is Mrs Cecconi here?

- That's me - Fracassini the dressmakers

Shall I leave it here?

Did I get here in time? I have the invoice with me

- I must collect the money - Thank you

What did they do to you? You have short hair

Don't take me for a fool. Pay up what you owe me

That's 1,260 lire

1,000 for yesterday's and today's lessons...

...200 lire for the child's haircut...

...and 60 lire for the tram. Don't forget it

Don't get stressed. We'll pay in full. I'll see to it

You won't see to anything. You've got to stop this nonsense

- Hands off, Spartaco - How much do we owe you?

There, 1,260. Now, go

- I'm 10 lire short - We'll give it to you

- You can keep it - How generous. Now, go!

- Scoundrel! - Out!

You did the right thing by cutting her hair short

It will make her feel cooler, isn't that right?

Why don't you just leave?

- What's in there? - Don't touch it. It's mine. Don't ruin it

- I paid it with my money - It's not true

I never asked you for any money

Spartaco, I beg you, let's not fight over it

No, Spartaco! You only act like this because I'm weaker

Can't you see you're scaring the child?

It's been a week from hell here. You didn't take care of the house at all

- Am I not in charge anymore? - I've had enough of you

I've done far too much for you

I've done far too much for you! Get out!

- Get out! - I'm going to kill you!

- Go on, kill me, you lout! - Am I a lout?

Concierge! Come down!

He's killing Mrs Cecconi!

Concierge!

- What's going on? - Go inside. They're killing each other

- Concierge! - I'm coming, just a minute!

- I can't risk breaking a leg - It's the Cecconi's again

They're always fighting, damn it!

Are you going to stop it or not?

Spartaco, today you've really crossed the line

Don't cry, darling

I'm leaving this house. Let's go

Spartaco, what are you doing?

If you take the child, you won't see me again

Take her away, you think I'm not a good mother anyway

He thinks he's the only one who loves her and makes sacrifices

I am the one who ruins her. And do you know why?

Because I want her to become somebody

Yes, that's what I want for my daughter

Am I entitled to feel this way or not?

She mustn't become a loser

She mustn't depend on anyone or get beaten like me

You don't know what sacrifices I made...

...to find the money to pay for these little things

I've been running up and down Rome, keeping it a secret from him...

...not to have to touch his money

And how does he thank me?

By beating me to a pulp. Leave now!

Get out! I can't stand the sight of you. You've ruined me. Look at me

I'm full of bruises

I'm full of bruises, look at me. I'm all swollen

Go away. I can't stand the sight of you

He ruined me

- Maddalena, stop acting - I'm not acting

Come on, Spartaco. She's made so many sacrifices

She went as far as Piazza Vittoriana for a diabetic. What more do you want?

Give her the child. I'll settle up with you later

I don't want to see him again

This man will be the death of me

Give me the child

We made it, honey

If we didn't do that, we wouldn't have got an audition

My dear, do you think I'm working for nothing?

Cheer up! You have to sing

The children...

I've even lost my voice, but you'll see how I sing tomorrow

My darling

My sweetheart

FILMING IN PROCESS

Quiet, please!

What's he saying?

It's the voice of director Blasetti

I'm going to faint

Madam

She's gone mad

Good morning. My daughter is next

We're trying to listen here

Will you let us listen?

- What does she want? - Madam, please

If you say so...

Come over here a minute. I have to tell you something

- I'm going - Good

I also have to tell you something else

All the gifts, the presents...

All taken care of

- Did you send the flowers? - To Blasetti's wife, of course

Because it's important, you see

- What about the perfume? - To the cameraman

To the cameraman's wife, actually. Cigarettes to the cameraman

Right. And did you send a big bunch of flowers?

Instead of a bunch of normal flowers, I sent orchids

They cost more but are more impressive. You'll see that the gifts work

I'm so nervous, I don't care about anything

My heart is in my mouth. My hands are shaking

- Don't faint like that lady - I won't. She was a fanatic

Who is she? With that funny hairstyle

That's Mimmetta

- Hi - How are you?

What a rogue you are

Did you get the scooter?

Yes, I did. So, how are we inaugurating it?

With a proper launch, a bottle of champagne

And maybe even with a patroness

I don't like ceremonies

You know, Alberto, I may have a part in Colamorucci's next film

Glori promised me

Well done. Congratulations

So now you have to thank me, right?

Right

Mum, I've finished

- Yes? How did it go? - Very well

Mum!

Excuse me, Mr Annovazzi

Can I go in? It's my daughter's turn

- Let me in - How rude

There she is

She's so pretty

That dress really suits her

She looks like a hen. See?

Mummy's sweetheart

Make up, ready. You come here

- What's he telling her? - Blasetti is explaining to her what to do

Does she have to eat that cake?

They're lighting the candles. She has to blow them out as if it was her birthday

- She won't have to eat it? - No

She would have been good at that, she loves sweets

Why is he picking her up?

She's cute

- He kissed her! - Calm down

He kissed my daughter! Did you see?

Well, that's how it is

Everything's going to be fine, I'm sure

Come to my mother-in-law's restaurant on Sunday

And bring along that lady... what's her name?

- Mimmetta! - Yes, the one wearing trousers

Your fianc�e, I mean

You should have seen this child, she was phenomenal

All the spotlights were on her. I felt as if I was in Piazza Navona

And director Blasetti - he overawed me

I couldn't even look at him

But she was calm and confident

- So calm - She's a very calm child

While you were so agitated, as if it was your audition

- Don't be silly - But you were shaking

Maybe a little. After all, my daughter's future is at stake here. Right, honey?

Your medicine! I forget everything these days. My head is in a spin

You have to take this medicine...

...because soon you have to start working so hard...

...that if you don't get a boost... What is it? Glycerophosphate...

- Sodium glycerophosphate - It will do you so much good

- I don't want it! It tastes nasty! - Come on

If you don't take it, I will

- See? - You know what's going to happen?

The children who don't take this medicine turn into geese

Tomorrow morning, you'll wake up doing this...

Come on. Take it. It tastes like water. Quack quack!

- I'm taking it - You see?

Did you have to bring this chancer home with you?

Don't make such a big deal out of it. Why are you calling him chancer?

You're never happy if you're not arguing with someone, are you?

Sweet like a cherry

You know why I brought him here - he helped me

Don't pretend you don't understand

- Here's the fruit - Thanks

- Up with Rome! - Up with Rome!

Do you support Rome now?

Gosh! Get out of here

What's the world coming to?

I want him to meet Spartaco so he can tell you if it's true

- Mrs Maddalena! - Yeah!

- You don't believe me, you'll believe him - Come down to the river!

- Are you mad? - You'll see how cool it is here!

He really is mad. I can't come because I'm in high heels

Don't worry. I'll give you a hand

Listen to me, come up

- Are you coming down? - What a pain! I'm coming then

- I'm in high heels, it will be a struggle - I'll give you a hand

Careful not to hurt yourself. I'm coming

I nearly fell down

Here you are

You're mad to make me come here in these heels

See how fresh the air is here?

Fresh air? It's bloody hot here

- It's cooler - Don't let me fall

- Look what lovely greenery and water - Where?

This is nature

But we're so used to it. It's no fun at all

Then why do you stay indoors all the time? You can walk down here

It's shady and cool

Shady and cool? This is a refuse dump!

- We're hiding like quails - No, no

Don't push me down. No tricks

- What... Oh, Lord! - Don't hit me, or you'll fall

Let me take off my shoe because it's full of sand

Don't push me down there or I'll take you with me

- I'll drag you down with me - Fine

Let me take off my shoe

Heavens! It's full, I'm not lying. Look

- Nice soil - I must wash my feet. Hold me, please

- I can't believe this - I'll hold you

Oh, it's so cold

Oh, Lord! I am going to have a heart attack

It's lovely here. Almost better than the Naviglio canal

This man is mad

- I'm glad you came - This is madness

- I really needed it - What?

- 10 minutes alone with you - Really? Why?

Did you want to thank me for the gift I gave you?

- What are you talking about? - What's it like? Does it run well?

How fast can it go?

- I don't understand what... - Oh, you innocent!

May I give you a piece of advice? Look after it

You need to get a cover for it so it won't get wet

Because if you ruin it, you won't find another fool like me ready to buy it

I hope you don't think that I...

- No. I wouldn't dream of it - Seriously

I don't care how you spent the money. I knew it from the beginning

I was interested in getting what I wanted

Fix your hair, you look dishevelled

- You're fun to be with - I know, everyone says that

I'm just too much fun!

So, don't be cruel

I'm a sweet little angel

And I'm also obedient

It's so nice in here - nice lunch, sunshine...

- All is missing... - A girl, I know. But you didn't bring her

- Mimmetta? She's not my girlfriend - Really?

We dated for a while and we may get back together, but right now...

- Did you leave her? - Me?

I never broke up with anyone

- What if I told you it was your fault? - Here we go

- Where do I come into it? - You do

If you want to talk seriously, we'll talk seriously, if you want to joke...

- I've seen her twice with you - Right

- Is she jealous? - Yes

Of me?

Find a better one

A pretty girl like her. What am I compared to her?

- Come on - Well...

Do you think a girl can't be jealous of you?

I'm not saying that, but...

- Has your husband ever told you... - Of course he's told me, many times

- Let's hope they win - Lazio?

- Rome! Let's not fight - No, Lazio

- Woe betide Rome if they lose - OK, then

That's better. Let me hear what they're saying

I can't hear anything from here

- That's nice - No, that's not nice at all

Keep still. Stop it

- Who, me? - You have such a shrewd face!

- Let's be honest - Yes, let's

I've helped your daughter

I've lost my girlfriend

You bought a scooter. What more do you want? Come on!

Lord, how cunning he is

- What a son of a bitch! - Yeah

- I got the scooter I wanted - Damn you...

- Life is great, isn't it? - Sure. Life is great

It could be great, instead you only live once...

...and life is short and not always good

I know that you love your husband...

...and are happy

You're happy when you're with him and the child...

...but I also know that today...

...right at this moment...

...we are happy here together

Why shouldn't I say so? It's the truth

We understood each other perfectly

It's nice here. And I...

I'd love to hug you

Is there anything wrong in saying so? I don't think so

For example, if my mother ...

...who's quite old now ...

...had let someone hug her when she was young...

...in the sunshine, on the riverbank like this...

...instead of tormenting herself by thinking...

...what my life would be like as an adult...

...today maybe she'd be less sad

She spends her days mending my socks and washing my shirts

My mother

Everything that she's given up...

...she's turned it into hopes for me

Bless her

And now, like Mimmetta, she too does nothing but say to me all day...

..."Be a go-getter. Be a go-getter"

I am a go-getter. You know that very well

I never pass up any opportunities that come my way

I don't live in a dream world

But I don't want to have any regrets

Am I right, Maddalena?

Don't make me end my Sunday...

...counting the ants on the sand

Listen, Maddalena

Have you ever tried letting yourself go?

Doing one of those silly things people do just like that...

...once in a while, without thinking much...

...like rich people do when they throw money away

That's the best feeling

It spices up our lives

It's everything

Do you know that in this light your eyes are blue?

Or maybe green, like the water

They change according to the light

Now they're very light and seem to be smiling

Come on now, you're talking nonsense

Look at this, I'm all dirty now

- Why did you stand up? - Because I have to go

Do you want to stay and count the ants?

Stay, if that pleases you

I can send you my mother-in-law, so that she can give you a hand

Let's go

Aren't you coming?

Or do you want to go in the water, to cool yourself down?

Let's go. We need to see the screen test. Hurry up, come on

Poor dishevelled fellow

It wasn't your lucky day. Never mind

You'll be luckier another time, don't worry

Let me get my jacket

If you want to see the screen test, come to the editing room in Cinecitt�

- Ask for Iris, OK? - Yes, thanks a lot

Goodbye. Goodbye everybody

Goodbye

Did you take your shoes off as well?

Can I come in? Is Iris here?

That's me. Come in

- Am I disturbing you? - No, do come in

Mr Annovazzi told me to come and see you

He mentioned that. I was expecting you

- He said you have the screen tests - Yes

Of all the girls?

- Then you have my daughter's too - Which one is she?

- This one here - Number 7. It's in the can

- What do you mean, in the can? - To be taken to the viewing room

Ah, the film itself. I see

- Can I see it then? - This is a different screen test

- Ah, it's another child - Right

It's not very clear

She sounds like a cat

She gives me the shivers

- Can you show me my daughter's now? - You must be joking

Blasetti is waiting for me downstairs

Iris, hurry and bring the tests down as Blasetti is waiting

- I'm coming - He's angry

- Room number 3 - OK, bye

- Are they watching the screen tests? - Yes

- Including my daughter's? - Yes

- I'm begging you, let me see it - Sorry, it's not possible

- I've come all this way - I am going to end up in trouble

- But who'll see me? - Nella, you tell her

- Try to understand - It's just impossible

Hey, do I know you?

Where have I seen you?

Where have I seen you? Help me to remember

- Tell her. Are you ashamed? - You saw me in a film

That's right. At the outdoor cinema

That really nice Roman film... "Under the Sun of Rome"

- Yes - What a nice film

You were the one who got slapped

I've enjoyed it so much. Do you remember her, honey?

You loved it too

What do you do now? Are you in this film?

No, I don't make films any more

- I work here. I do editing - So you don't make films anymore

Why?

I'm not an actress

They only hired me once or twice...

...as I was the type they needed

I even got my hopes up

And I lost my job and my boyfriend

All I can say is, either you are a professional actor...

...or give up your dreams and stick to a real job

I'm sorry to tell you this, because you're full of hopes

You might be right, but I doubt it

So many people ended up badly thinking they'd make it in cinema

I convinced myself I was so great and so beautiful...

...and yet, I'm stuck here, doing editing

Nobody called me, so I'm here

Really?

Poor you. But I'm sure it's not the same for everyone

That would be terrible

That would be really terrible

Irreparable

I risked everything for her

I'd be disappointed

Don't worry...

...everything will be fine

She's so pretty

- Did you see the screen test? - Yes, I did

- Is she cute? - Yes, very

Please, let me see it

- How can I? - Let me see it

How can I? Nella, what do you say? Shall I send her up?

- Why not, give it a try - No one will see me

I'll stand behind you. You're so kind

I'll take you there, as long as you stay quiet

I won't say a word. I won't move

Thank you

It's my daughter's screen test

Please let me stay. You're very kind

You see her?

That's the girl who was at the photographer's. Remember?

- Do you see her? - Yes

Quiet, or they'll throw us out

- What's her name? - Maria Cecconi

That's you. Gosh, how small you look from afar

What are you doing? Oh, yeah, you're blowing out the candles

Blow, blow!

Poor thing!

Couldn't you manage?

You have so much breath at home, but not there?

My goodness, you make me feel ill

She really can't do this

Stop it, guys!

I can't work like this

Guys, please. Enough!

- Who brought her, Glori? - Not me

- Maybe him, Annovazzi - Did you bring her?

I only directed her here because her mother asked me

Now the poem

You recite it so well

"Venice, to thee comes at last the last hour

"Martyr illustrious, in thy foe's power

"Bread lacks, the cholera deadlier grows

"From the lagoon bridge the white banner blows"

Did you cry?

Why did you start crying?

They're amused, see?

Perhaps you made them laugh

"Venice, to thee comes at last the last hour..."

What are they laughing at?

What are they saying?

Not good things

Why are they laughing so much?

Why are they so amused?

She's a dwarf, look

Bastard

Bastard. I can't take this. I can't take this

What's all this? Isa, stop the film and restart it from the beginning

- What's so funny? - She's so funny with that fringe

She's not a kid, she's a dwarf - she went to school with me in 1925!

- Are you saying you're 30 years old? - Good

- What do you think? - It's a counter-productive test

I see

Excuse me, but if I may say my opinion...

...this last screen test is a waste of film

I would have realized straight away that the child was going to do that

I have already told you...

Your name is Annovazzi, isn't it? You were in the Army, right? Stand up

Good. By the left. By the left!

Quick march. Get out!

- Go away, because... - Sorry, Blasetti

If you carry on like this, you're out. I won't be able to hire you anymore

- You have no chance - At least let me apologize

Do I have to lose my job for such a silly thing?

- Let me apologize to him - I'll do that for you

See, Blasetti, I was right. We wasted time, money and film

Time, money, film and health

Our health, because we've been looking nonstop for two weeks for this girl

And now you tell us that we've wasted money. Stop it, Filippo!

You've been laughing until now. Go and check what's happening over there

- No, let me in - You can't come in

Leave me alone, keep your hands off

- Calm down - I want to talk to the director

- What do you want to say to him? - What?

What was so funny about this little girl? Where is he? There he is

Mr Blasetti, listen... Let me through. Let me through

Excuse me, Mr Blasetti...

...but I was hiding up there in the booth

I've heard you all laugh. What was so funny?

Why does she make you laugh so much? She's like any other child

- One of you even called her a dwarf - No, no

How rude! You've no respect for other people's feelings

You've no respect for other people's sacrifices

I made so many sacrifices to buy her this dress...

- Calm down, madam - And the other guy, that Annovazzi...

- Where is he? - We've thrown him out

Well done. You're a person who understands. You did the right thing

- Let me speak - Well done to you

How can we tell if someone is hiding in the projection booth?

Mr Blasetti, please, don't send me away like this...

...without a glimmer of hope

You see, Antonelli? This is cinema

We're responsible for all this. Glori, come here

We can't deal with the mothers too

- Isa, put reel number 7 back on - The one with Maria Cecconi

I want to see the test again. Do you want to go?

- No, I'll watch it again too - I'm pleased

The dwarf in the land of the giants

Blasetti, remember that I'm a Northerner

I come from Milan, I never go to Donei's

- You can get good deals there - Do you go to Motta's?

Quiet now, please

"Today, tomorrow and never" Seventh screen test

Help!

Annovazzi! Alberto, wait for me. Stop

We need to find that child who did the screen test

The one that made us laugh. What was her name?

- Cecconi - Yes, Cecconi

Blasetti wants her

Blasetti kicked me out, it's no longer my business

Don't be stupid

- We must find her - You find her. I'll give you the address

It's Via Alberto da Giussano, 4. Bye

If you find her, and if we sign the contract this evening...

...you'll work on this film, I promise you

- Swear - I swear. I give you my word

She lives in Prenestino, via Alberto da Giussano, 4

I'll go ahead, you take the car

Da Giussano, 4? I'm off. Orsini, hurry. You go. Orsini!

The contract is ready and signed by the producer. All we need is your approval

- We have the best actors, like... - Amedeo Nazzari

- And that American actress... - Lana Turner. If not her, a better one

Absolutely

Maybe he's not interested in this because he's worried about his wife

Don't worry, your wife will be back. She's not a child

Are you worried? I'll take care of that. The police and us are very close

Orsini, go straight to Via Genova...

...and talk to Superintendent Giusillo

Tell him Glori sent you...

...and that I need a favour

- They even find people who drown - Forget about the police

He's right

My wife will be here soon. She always wants to do things her own way

I'd really like to know where she's gone

I've asked somebody to let me know when she arrives

Take a seat

- Orsini, you can go - We can discuss the contract

Fine. So...

"With this private agreement, we hire Maria Cecconi...

"...as the leading young actress..."

Spartaco. She's here, come up

She's here

After all you've done, you made it

Stand back. Don't touch her

- Don't touch her - Maddalena

Hi, Spartaco. Don't wake her up

Don't wake her up

Let me through

Don't touch her

- Thank goodness she's here - Her husband was waiting for her

- Her eyes are red - She's been crying

What's going on, Maddalena?

You made it

For once you're right, and you start crying!

Let's sign this contract

We don't have many options

Either we sign that contract or we end up in the street

She's crying again

Here she is, our Greta Garbo

Don't you dare touch her

Don't touch her

Come on, let's sign the contract. We just need one signature

And I'll give you 250,000 lire immediately

A further 250,000 in a week, and more in two weeks

I'll give you the first installment straight away

Where's the cheque book? Do you have it, Alberto? No

It must be at Cinecitt�. I'll be right back to pay you

It's two million lire. You're going to get two million

Plus a thousand lire a day that no one can take away

Don't turn your back on this, it only happens once

Please, just sign it

Very well

Do you want her with curly hair or straight hair?

Does she have to lisp or stutter? Which one do you find funnier?

Haven't you had enough fun, all of you?

I'm really sorry...

...but my daughter is staying here

I didn't bring her into this world to amuse anyone

To me and to her dad she's beautiful

She's beautiful

We're keeping her here

Go now, or you will wake her up

Go away

Spartaco, what are you waiting for to tell these gentlemen...

...that your daughter will never make films?

Kick them out

Kick them out, Spartaco

Kick them out

Maddalena! Maddalena, can you hear me?

I don't think there's much we can do. I know her very well

Take the contract and go back to Cinecitt�. I'm sorry

What are you doing? You're always a nuisance

Really? We're always a nuisance?

What about you, with all the racket you make?

I'm the concierge. Don't I have the right to tell these ladies...

...what goes on in the building where I work?

- Am I right or not? - Be quiet. The child's sleeping

- Be quiet - Let's go because the child's sleeping

Do me a favour and take these cows away

Are we cows now?

Quiet. My daughter is asleep. Go away

Go away

What are you doing still here? Go away

You'd better stop it, or I'll send down my husband

Send whoever - your grandfather, your uncle... Just go away!

How rude!

How will I look in front of the producer and everyone else?

And Orsini, who's got the car, has left. How do we get back to Cinecitt�?

I'll give you a lift on my scooter

Let's go

- Goodnight - Goodnight, or rather, goodbye

Goodbye

Goodbye

Goodbye

That damned outdoor cinema. Always disturbing us

My poor little house

My poor little house, what's going to happen now?

Give me my usual four slaps

Give them to me so that you'll feel better. Go on

What are you waiting for, Spartaco?

This crazy wife of mine

Don't worry about the house

Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'll pay for everything

Even if I had to kill myself with work

Even if I had to get everyone in Rome to develop diabetes

Don't worry, Spartaco

Don't worry

- Can you hear him? - Who?

Burt Lancaster. He's so nice

Maddalena, now you really deserve a slap!

Am I not allowed a joke anymore?

Quiet, don't talk, don't wake the child up

Don't wake the child up

Translated by Lorena Uras