Original subtitles

The digital restoration of Rome, Open City was based

on the original image and soundtrack negatives

and a vintage fine-grain print preserved at CSC - Cineteca Nazionale.

The restoration work was carried out by Cineteca Di Bologna

and CSC - Cineteca Nazionale at L'Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in 2013.

ROME, OPEN CITY

"This film is based on the heroism and tragedy

"of the nine-month occupation of Rome by the Germans,

"but the events and characters portrayed herein are imaginary.

Any resemblance to real people and events is coincidental."

Oh, my God!

Coming!

Mr Giorgio Manfredi?

- He's out. - Where is he?

We don't know. He doesn't always come back.

- Where does he go? - I don't know.

A single young man, you know how it is...

- Where is his room? - Over there.

Does he have many visitors?

- He used to, but not anymore. - Naturally...

- Any other lodgers? - Two.

- Where's the phone? - At the end of the corridor.

Stop! I'll go!

Is Giorgio there? Mr Manfredi. Who is that speaking?

- A friend of his. - Which friend?

Who's speaking?

It was a woman. Who is she?

How should I know? I didn't see her.

- That door? - The terrace.

Now don't panic.

- Who lives there? - It's the Spanish Embassy.

The city will be divided into 14 zones.

The Schroeder plan we have applied elsewhere in Europe

enables us to comb densely populated areas

with a minimum of men.

Bad news?

Somebody missed an appointment.

Somebody important?

I hope so.

Do you know them?

No. Who are they?

He calls himself Manfredi.

I've heard that name. Seems he's a leader

of the Liberation Committee's military junta.

I have reason to believe this is the man.

How did you get on to him?

I met him here, on this desk.

I always take a long stroll around Rome in the evening

without leaving the office.

I love these photos that catch people off guard.

You meet some very interesting characters.

A while ago, I happened to bump into

Mr Manfredi and his young lady friend.

I said to myself, I've seen this man before.

Look at this group.

The second from the left.

I received these photos from Berlin.

I don't think I'm mistaken, am I?

Goodness, no! It's him. The very same person.

What a nuisance! Excuse me.

What's all that noise?

Sorry, sir. We're questioning the professor.

Good, but no screaming.

- These Italians are so noisy! - Indeed...

Who's the girl?

A certain Marina Mari. A showgirl.

- I've seen her. Pretty girl. - Very pretty.

Calm down now!

- What's going on? - They're raiding the bakery.

- Can't you do anything? - I'm in uniform, worse luck!

Sergeant!

I can't stop them! I'm helpless.

I know. And six ounces a day...

The dirty pig! He had biscuits and all! Look!

And he said he had no flour!

Why don't you go yourself?

I can't, I'm the sacristan. I'll go to hell.

Well, then, you can eat cookies in heaven!

Why, Pina! In your condition!

Am I supposed to starve to death?

- Sergeant! Help! - Go to hell!

I'll walk you home.

Bread! Bread!

- Here we are. - Thank you.

Like me to carry it up for you? It's heavy.

There. It's not so heavy now.

I shouldn't really, but I'm that hungry...

Pina, do you think these Americans really exist?

Looks like it.

- Like a few eggs at 16 lire? - Get away with you!

You've got a nerve. Right before my eyes. That's black market stuff.

Forget it, Sergeant. Goodbye.

- Who were you looking for? - Does Francesco live here?

- Yes, but he's not in. - Where did he go?

How should I know?

- Who are you? - What business is it of yours?

- You must be Pina. - How do you know?

Francesco always talks about you.

- Oh, you must be... - A friend.

How stupid of me! I took you for a policeman.

- What can I do for you? - I'd like to get in.

Right, I'll go and get the key.

Sorry, I couldn't find the key... Come on.

It's a mess, I'm afraid, but there's so much to do...

Don't worry about it. Listen, do you know Don Pietro?

The priest at St Clement's? I'd like to see him.

- I'll go and get him. - No, not you.

I'll send my boy. Wait in the other room.

- What? - Come down a minute!

- I can't! - I want you to do something!

- I'm busy! - Come down, I said!

You mustn't go up to Romoletto's! It's dangerous.

- Run along to Don Pietro. - What for?

Tell him to come at once.

Go straight there!

He's on his way. Don Pietro won't be long.

We raided a bakery this morning.

- It's the second one this week. - How are the women reacting?

A few of them know why they're doing it,

but mostly they just grab all the loaves they can.

Today they even pinched some shoes and the scales.

I wonder who pinched my stockings!

- Oh, Mr Manfredi! - Good morning, Laura.

- Were you looking for me? - Well, yes... I was.

I met him on the stairs and I let him in...

- Why didn't you tell me? - I was just going to.

I wanted to ask you a favour. Excuse me...

- Will you be seeing Marina? - At the theatre, this afternoon.

Please tell her I can't see her for a few days. I'll call her if I can.

- Anything else? - No, that's all.

Goodbye, Mr Manfredi. Sorry I'm such a mess.

- Does she live here? - She's my sister.

Surprised, are you? I bet she told you no end of lies

about her plush house. She's ashamed of us.

Calls herself an artiste. Says we're working class.

But I wouldn't change places with her.

She's not a bad girl, mind. Just stupid.

How come you know our Laura? Sorry, I'm being nosy!

She's very friendly with a girl I know.

- Who? Marina? - You know her?

Since she was born! Her mother was the doorkeeper at Via Tiburtina,

where my father had his plumbing business.

The girls practically grew up together.

But please don't tell Marina

I told you all that.

- I won't be seeing her again. - Why not?

I just feel it has to end. It's lasted long enough anyway.

- Have you known her long? - Yes, four months.

I'd just arrived. We ate at the same restaurant near the Piazza Di Spagna.

One day the alarm went off, and everybody ran for it, except us two.

She laughed, not a bit scared.

- And you fell in love. - These things happen.

Yes, they do.

But she's not the right type for me.

Maybe if I'd met her when she lived in Via Tiburtina...

Love can change a woman, you know.

- Who says she's in love? - Why shouldn't she be?

Heavens, I didn't even ask if you'd like coffee!

- Don't put yourself out. - It won't take a minute.

Not that it's real coffee, mind.

Don't make all that noise!

I've told you before, no rough play!

It's a miracle seeing you in the church playground!

I'm here because my mum sent me.

Good for her. It'll do you good.

I haven't finished. She wants you to come right away.

It's important. I don't know what it's about.

There must be somebody at Francesco's.

All right, let's go.

Get out of the way.

Agostino'll be here in a minute.

You're in charge. Mind you behave yourselves.

Come back here. Must you run off all the time?

Why did you stop coming to church?

It's a waste of time these days.

What a thing to say!

You wouldn't understand.

We've got to forge a coalition against the common enemy.

Who tells you these things?

- Romoletto. - He does, does he?

But don't tell anybody, will you?

Here comes Purgatory!

- What have you got there? - I went shopping.

Gosh! Did you use up all your ration card?

- Not one voucher! - Where's all the bread from?

I don't know. They were celebrating...

I don't know what it was. Even the baker didn't.

Excuse me, I must be off.

- What were they celebrating? - Er... I don't know...

I hope my mum got wind of it.

Here we are. It's nothing special but at least it's hot.

Don't let it get cold.

Francesco says you're getting married.

A bit late in the day, as you can see...

We'd planned it sooner but we had to keep putting it off.

This time it's definite, though. The wedding's tomorrow.

I'll have to give you a present!

Heavens, no! This is a war wedding.

We'll just pop along to Don Pietro.

- Oh. A church wedding. - Yes. Francesco was against it.

But I said, better to have Don Pietro, who's one of us,

rather than some fascist official.

- I suppose you're right. - Yes. The fact is...

I believe in God.

What do you do? Do you work?

I did once, at the Breda machinery plant. But they gave us all the sack.

The Germans are stripping the place.

That must be Don Pietro.

I'll leave you to it.

Thank you for coming.

- What are you doing out here? - Who's in there?

Why do you want to know? Go and fetch the water. Hurry!

- I've got to talk to you. - Come in.

There's 500 of them in the mountains.

Good lads. We can't abandon them.

The rendezvous is tonight at six on the Tiburtina Bridge.

I'd better not go. They're on to me.

Besides, the curfew starts at five now.

- I'll go. - I knew you would.

- What's the message? - There isn't one.

It's a sum of money from the military junta.

Am I asking too much?

No. Too little, even, for men who give their lives.

How will I know him?

He'll be whistling, "Mattinata Fiorentina".

- Of course, you wouldn't know it. - How does it go?

Everybody's singing it.

Of course everybody's singing it...

Good morning. What can I do for you?

Do you have a St Anthony?

Sorry. We did have them, but there's no demand.

However, I do have a St Rocco.

No thanks, I'm not interested.

What? You're not interested in a saint like Rocco?

It's fine piece of work.

I'll be off, then.

Remember to call in at Chiurazzi's.

I won't charge you much.

I need to speak to Francesco.

The man in the tight shoes sent me.

Please wait a minute.

This way, Reverend! He's waiting for you.

- Where? - Down those steps.

Oh, it's you, Don Pietro! What happened?

Nothing serious, thank heavens. But it could have been.

The SS went to Manfredi's last night.

- We heard. Where is he now? - At your house.

Pina let him in. He'll stay a few days.

He gave me this note.

I told him he'd be safer with the Passionists,

but he refused to go. Said he'd be too cut off.

It's a lot more risky for him now that they're on to him.

Yes, but we're only a few and if we all go into a convent...

- I understand. - This is our editor.

- Pleased to meet you. - I've heard a lot about you.

That's bad for my modesty. And for my health.

You do a great deal for us. Thank you.

It's my duty to help those who are in need.

Come this way, please.

Here you are, Reverend.

Manfredi told me it was a sum of money.

They're books, but there's not much to read in them.

- All the same? - 1,000 pages.

- A million lire. - Correct.

- Yes? - It's me. Let me in, Marina.

- Guess who I saw today? - Who cares!

Manfredi! He came to see me.

- Where? - At my house.

Why? What did he want?

He says he can't see you for a few days. Maybe he'll call.

Didn't he say anything else? Didn't he tell you why?

No. Anyway, I didn't ask.

I was in my dressing gown. Curlers and all!

Aren't you getting changed? You're on soon.

How did he know where you live?

Yes, I wonder? You must have told him.

I'm sure I didn't.

Well, I certainly wouldn't!

My house is nothing to be proud of.

Speaking of which, I can't stay there any longer.

Do you mind if I move in with you for a while?

Be my guest. I've told you often enough.

You're a darling!

- What are you looking for? - A cigarette.

I'll get it for you.

When did he come? Giorgio, I mean.

Early this morning. I wasn't even dressed.

Miss Mari, you're on!

I don't get it. Do you love him or don't you?

He's nice enough, I'll give you that...

- Would you mind not prying? - Oh, it's no skin off my nose!

Don't you feel well?

- It's nothing. - Oh, Marina... not again?

- You know it's bad for you. - Rubbish!

So many things are bad for us but we do them anyway.

Coming!

- Hello. How are you? - Fine, and you?

You look wonderful! But then you're always so chic.

I'll be off then.

Get a move on or you'll hear from the manager!

- Excuse me, I must go. - Yes, dear.

Found it? Oh, what a darling!

He keeps the strangest hours. In and out all the time, even these days,

when nobody ought to poke their nose out of the window!

- He must have his reasons. - I just hope she's worth it.

- I'm surprised at you! - You can talk!

You think I don't know it was you at the bottom of that business at the baker's?

- Me? - Yes, you!

I'm not stupid. I know what's happening.

You people will be in trouble if you keep this up.

- Let's hope not. - Indeed... Cabbage soup.

I can tell! What time is it? The curfew starts at five.

- Let's see... 4.30. - I must be off.

Like me to give Don Pietro a message?

No, I wanted to speak to him. I'll see him in the morning.

Here he is at last!

I've told you before not to cook on the heater.

- And cabbage at that! - Well, if you want chicken...

Don't answer back.

Well, make up your mind. Either it's a heater or it's a stove.

We've no money for food, yet he keeps buying more books.

I'm taking them to St Lorenzo's.

You're not going out again? The curfew starts soon.

Doctors and priests are exempt.

Midwives, too!

Some troublemaker might take a potshot at you in the dark.

Don Pietro, I... I wanted you to hear my confession.

Oh dear, I've got to go out. Can we make it tomorrow?

All right. I'll walk part of the way with you.

Let me carry that for you. A priest with a parcel!

Whatever next! It's no trouble for me.

Come on, we'll be late. Let's go!

- Don't worry. - This war's driving me bonkers!

Are you the parish priest? Don Pietro Pellegrini?

I'd like to speak to you.

Be right with you.

I'll be off then... I wonder what he wants.

Maybe you'd better...

Wait for me over there.

Leave us a minute.

What is it?

From Don Saverio Derisi, the parish priest at Minturno.

Please don't think I'm a coward.

I can't take any more!

Don't despair. I'll try to help you.

Where have you come from?

Cassino. It's hell on Earth.

What did he want? Who is he?

He was just asking about something.

Just the sight of that lot makes me...

It's so long since I've been to confession, I'm ashamed.

No, let me finish. I know I haven't lived right.

I've done a lot of things I shouldn't.

Don't you think I'm ashamed of going to the altar like this?

But you wouldn't understand. Things happen and you think nothing of them.

They don't seem wrong.

I was so much in love. And he's such a kind man.

I often think he could have found somebody better than me.

Somebody younger. Not a widow with a grown child and no money.

I had to sell everything I had to keep going.

And life keeps getting harder and harder.

How will we ever forget all this suffering?

All the anxiety and fear? Can't Christ see us?

A lot of people ask me that. "Can't Christ see us?"

But can we be sure that we haven't brought this calamity on ourselves?

Are we sure we've always lived according to God's law?

Nobody thinks about mending their ways,

then when their sins find them out, they wonder, in despair,

"Can't the Lord see us? Has He no pity on us?"

Yes, the Lord will have pity on us,

but we have a lot to be forgiven for.

That's why we must pray and forgive.

You're right, Don Pietro. But when I see those creeps,

I feel like I want to hit them!

I quite agree with you... Heavens, what am I saying?

Give me the parcel. It's getting late. Goodbye.

She'd come about her boyfriend.

The Germans had taken him to Via Tasso.

Don't worry, I said. Boy, did she have some thighs on her.

Hands up!

I've got a pass.

Printer.

It's in my papers.

All right. Go home and be quick about it.

Francesco! You startled me!

It was late and they insisted on driving me home.

There's nothing wrong with that, is there?

- So you made it? - Yes, this time.

The landlady and Nannina were marvellous.

You know they searched the place this morning?

Then they were wasting their time.

Don Pietro told me Pina let you in.

It was very kind of her. You're doing well to marry her.

She thought I was the police. Gave me a frosty reception.

I can imagine!

Did you know that Don Pietro met Gino too?

I'm glad. What did Gino say about me?

He's worried. The old man's here.

- He's here? - Yes, but you mustn't see him.

Gino says to avoid all contact with the Centre for a while.

He's right, but having to stay put after months of work...

I can't understand how they got to me. We must find out.

We'll try, but Via Tasso isn't as easy as Police Headquarters.

Let's hope Don Pietro found our mountain friend.

Let's hope so.

Ah, I brought you the paper.

Came out well, didn't it?

- How many copies? - 12,000.

That's Pina.

I'm so worried about Marcello. He's vanished.

I've looked all over for him.

- He must be at Romoletto's - No, I've looked.

And the other kids are missing too.

- Where could they be? - I'm worried they've gone out.

What, while the curfew's on?

Well done! I'm proud of you.

Let's get a move on.

Wait for Otello.

Ah, so there you are! Wait till I get my hands on you...

If he was my dad, I'd give him what for.

You little bugger, you...

We'd better go in one at a time.

Right... You go first.

Oh, you're back are you? They've come back.

- You little devils! - Just you wait...

Worrying me to death like that!

I'd better go and keep the peace.

- Look at the state of them. - Where've you been?

- At Romoletto's. - That's a lie!

- We were in the yard. - Where?

Can't you see they're lying?

- I'll give them a good seeing to... - I'll give them what for...

Go to bed, you two! Calm down now.

- They've gone too far. - But they're just kids.

Stop it, can't you?! There's never any peace in this house!

- I work all day! - You call that work?

What did you say? Speak up!

- Oh, go back to bed! - Or else?

Can't I speak in my own house?

It's my house! Go and speak in your room!

- We pay to use the kitchen, too! - Oh, just forget it!

I'm sick of living in this zoo!

Why stay, then?

Come on, now. Stop fighting.

That's it! I'm packing my bags!

If she doesn't go, one of these days I'll...

Is it ready yet?

Oh, my God, it'll have burnt. It's all her bloody fault!

Come here.

It's a surprise.

She's making you a wedding cake for tomorrow.

You won't fall out at the last minute, will you?

Only, I'm really looking forward to a slap-up meal.

- He's all right. No worries! - Let's get to bed.

Turn the light out, will you?

We really showed them!

- You never take me with you. - So? You're a woman.

Can't women be heroes?

Sure, but Romoletto says women always mean trouble.

Why aren't you asleep?

Take cover!

Go to sleep!

Still awake?

I'm not sleepy.

Where did you boys go with Romoletto?

- Can't tell you. - Not even me?

It's a secret.

You're right, then. You mustn't tell anybody.

- Listen... - What?

Is it true I have to call you 'Dad' from tomorrow?

- If you want. - Yes. I love you!

- What's wrong? - I had a fight with my sister.

Not again?

She's moving out. She says she won't even come to the wedding.

She was just saying that.

No, she meant it. She's packing.

She'll change her mind in the morning.

I'm so tired.

I'm so tired!

Are you crying? Come on over to mine...

- No. He's in there. - So what? He's a friend.

I know, but it's so long since we had a quiet talk together.

Come on... Let's sit here.

Like the first time we talked to each other. Remember?

Do I remember! You came banging on my door with such a scowl on your face!

Well, all your hammering had knocked my mirror off the wall!

It didn't break, though.

"Who do you think you are? The king of the castle?!"

How I hated you! You'd been here two months,

and you never once said hello.

That was two years ago. Doesn't it seem an age?

Things were so different then. Yet the war had already started.

Everybody thought it would soon be over.

That we'd only see it at the pictures. How wrong we were!

When will it end?

There are times I think I can't keep going any longer.

The winter seems to go on forever.

It won't, Pina, it won't. Spring will come again

and it will be the best ever, because we'll be free.

We must believe that. We must want that.

You see, I can feel it in my bones but I can't explain it.

He could. He's educated. He's travelled all over.

He's a good talker. But here's what I think.

We mustn't be scared. Not now or in the future.

Because we're in the right. Do you understand, Pina?

Yes, Francesco.

We're fighting for something that must come. That will come!

It might be a long haul,

but we'll get there, and we'll see a better world.

Most of all, our children will see it.

Marcello and... And him. The little one that's on the way.

That's why you must never be afraid, no matter what happens.

Yes, Francesco. But I'm not afraid. Ever.

Hello? Oh, no, Miss. He's not back yet.

Hasn't he even called? Didn't he send anybody round?

Nannina, tell me the truth. Do you know where he is?

No, Miss, I swear I don't. I'd tell you if I did.

Let's hope that noth... Good night.

Stupid girl! Asking for news over the phone!

Enough to get the Gestapo on to the lot of us!

- The Police Chief is here. - Show him in.

My dear friend, what good timing!

I have something very interesting for you.

Manfredi was seen this morning in the Prenestino district,

and a short while ago, a bomb blew up a petrol tank in the railway yard there.

I have even more sensational news, Major.

I spent the afternoon at the records office,

and I met a very interesting character, too!

Wonderful! Luigi Ferraris, born in Turin,

on 3rd October 1906, arrested in Bologna on 4th February 1928.

Sentenced to 12 years for conspiring against the state.

Escaped en route to jail and reported to have been seen in Paris and Marseille.

- You've beaten me. - I wouldn't dream of it.

The hardest part is yet to come: catching him.

Don't worry, I won't let him get away!

- Like me to handle it? - No, I forbid you...

I mean, it isn't that I have no confidence in your methods,

but I'd rather deal with it myself. Excuse me.

Good evening! How are you?

Thank you for the flowers. And the coffee!

You're corrupting my officials, Chief Constable,

but I forgive you. He's made a very interesting discovery.

Really?

That's enough of words, Ingrid. We must act at once.

Leave it to me.

Good morning, boys.

- Praised be Jesus Christ. - Now and forever.

Praised be Jesus Christ.

Now and forever. But you're always the last to praise him.

- Who is it? - The police!

Good morning, Sergeant! Just a minute. I'm getting dressed.

Then, if we may, we'll go and pay our respects to the bride!

The Germans! The fascists! They're surrounding the house!

Look, they're surrounding the building. Get back!

You three go that way and get everybody out.

You take that side and do the same.

Try to make them talk.

You! Come here!

Ask him why he's here.

What are you doing here?

I'm here on duty but I've got to go now. I'm a sergeant.

You'll have to stay here.

- What's wrong? - The Germans! The fascists!

- At our house! - Let's go, fellas!

Hold it. Wait a minute.

The Germans are there!

You stay here. I'll go and see.

- We've got to go! - I said stay here!

But Don Pietro, there are bombs in Romoletto's attic.

- Quick, to the railway! - They're in the courtyard!

- Francesco? - He's getting some stuff.

- Don't worry, it's a big house. - Don't tell Pina!

I won't. Now hurry up!

- What are you doing here? - Getting my washing.

Be off with you. No one's going to touch it while we're around.

How stupid of me! Why didn't I think of that?

Come on, over there!

- Where's Francesco? - Don't worry, he's safe.

Those bastards. They're even making sick people leave.

Grandpa wouldn't let them bring him down!

They won't do anything to him, don't worry.

My boy! My boy!

What's the world coming to?

- Where was he hiding? - I don't know!

They've taken him away! God knows what they'll do to him.

Where are the men in this house?

Answer! Where are the men?

How should I know? I'm not the doorkeeper!

What does he want?

- Where are you going? - To comfort a sick man.

- He's the parish priest. - There's no need. We got everyone out.

Impossible, he's very sick. I must go up.

- Stop! - You took your time, Reverend.

The old boy's probably dead now.

Hang on a minute. What is this? They made everybody come down!

Not this one. He's disabled! Go on, Reverend. Hurry!

Ruddy useless! They used to come running in the old days.

Romoletto, open up! It's me. Don Pietro's here, too.

- Go away, the lot of you! - Open the door!

Go away or I'll blow us all up!

I said open the door!

- What are you up to? - I'll blow the lot of them up!

- You'll kill us all. Give me that. - Stop. Watch what you're doing.

Help! Let me go!

Where does this dying man live?

I don't know. Third floor... fourth floor.

I'll go and take a look at him. I'm something of a doctor.

- I'll come with you. - No. I don't like the look of you.

Nobody here. Let's look upstairs.

The door!

What is this?!

What are you doing here? I'm fine! Never felt better!

For heaven's sake calm down. Pretend to be sick.

I'll live to be a hundred just to spite you!

But they're coming! The Germans!

I don't give a hoot about the Germans and the fascists...!

Look in there.

Come on, Biagio! Wake up!

Hand me that.

Boy, that was some punch you gave him, Don Pietro.

It's all right.

You bastard!

Remember, when they get to the bend.

Aim at the drivers.

Flavio? We brought you some meat.

- Where is it? - Right here.

But I run a restaurant, I'm not a butcher.

We'll do the butchering.

Oh yes, you're good at that.

Good evening, sir! Just go right in.

Your young lady's waiting for you.

Giorgio, at last! I've looked everywhere for you.

I was hoping you'd come here. What happened to you?

Nothing, why? What are you talking about?

- But your house... - Let me introduce you to a friend of mine.

It's a pleasure.

- The SS were there. - Who told you that?

Your doorkeeper. What do they want?

Maybe it's because I'm an officer.

- Where will you go now? - To a friend's.

- Why not stay at my place? - No, not there.

Could be risky for you. Besides, I'm with him.

So what? He can sleep on the sofa in the lounge.

- It's very comfortable. - Spaghetti for everyone, is it?

- Drop it for now. - Ration cards, please.

- I haven't got mine. - I'll give you a voucher.

I'll see to this table.

They arrested Menzetti. At six o'clock this morning.

We'll all get picked off if we don't disappear for a while.

I bet that's where you were going to stay.

Somebody's double-crossed us!

Poor things!

They always play jazz at night on this American station.

How about a drop?

This bottle was a present. It'll warm us up a bit.

- Are you not feeling well? - No...

You've got a fever! He's burning up.

- I'll make up your bed. - Don't trouble yourself.

Cheer up, Francesco.

Give me a hand, Giorgio.

You'll be very comfortable, you'll see.

Get to bed, then I'll give you an aspirin.

Would you pass me the blanket, please?

You can't be too careful with all this flu going around.

These days, it's just about the only thing that does go around.

Who can that be at this time of night?

- Who is it? - It's me, Marina.

Oh, it's you.

Hello, darling. See? I did come!

Fritz wouldn't let me go, but I...

- You're drunk. - Just a teeny bit.

Then you'd better get straight off to bed.

Who've you got in there? Visitors?

Oh, Mr Manfredi!

- Go to bed, Lauretta! - I won't eat him!

Francesco! What are you doing here?

Did Pina throw you out on your wedding night?

I think Marina's right. Take her to bed.

- Come on now. - Charming. I should've stayed with Fritz.

I'm telling Pina the minute I see her.

Go to bed, Francesco, you're sick. I'll get you some aspirin.

I've fallen out with my sister and I'm not going back!

- Marina. - Come in.

Don't look!

- I was after some aspirin. - Look in the drawer.

That fool just had to turn up, didn't she? Where will you sleep now?

Don't worry, I'll be all right in one of the armchairs.

You'll be uncomfortable. And cold. I'm so annoyed...

Oh, it's you. Good evening...

How are you, dear?

I was waiting for you to call.

How come? Aren't you alone?

Have you seen him?

Is he there?

Oh, our little Laura...

She's staying with me for a few days.

All right, I'll call you in the morning.

Good night.

- What are you doing with this? - What?

Oh that! The dentist gave it to me for my toothache, remember?

- No, I don't remember. - It was this tooth here.

I used to dab it on to soothe the pain.

- And does it still hurt? - Oh, no. Not anymore.

But you carry it around just in case.

I was going to take it back to the dentist's.

- Ah, that explains it! - What are you doing?

We'll go to the dentist's together.

Give it here!

- Here. - You might lose it.

And I can't afford for that to happen, given what it costs.

Why look at me like that? Surely you don't think...

I don't think anything. You're free to do as you please.

I don't own you. What am I, anyway?

Just... a ship in the night.

- You mean one of many. - I didn't say that.

But you thought it!

I've had lovers, it's true. What was I supposed to do?

How do you think I bought this furniture? These clothes?

On my pay? That barely covers nylons and cigarettes!

I did what any girl would do. That's life.

Life is what we make it.

That's just make-believe. Life is mean and dirty!

I know what poverty is and it scares me.

If I'd done any different maybe I'd be married to a tram driver,

and we'd all be starving by now. Me, the children, and him!

Poor Marina! Do you think happiness is

an elegant apartment, nice clothes, a maid, and rich lovers?

If you'd really loved me, you'd have changed me.

But you're just like the rest. Actually, you're worse.

At least they don't preach!

You're right. I'm sorry.

You've been fighting again, just for a change.

- Eavesdropping as usual... - Not me!

You can hear everything in this house!

We'll speak to Don Pietro. He wanted to hide me in a convent.

- Why don't you come with me? - No, I couldn't.

I've got to work twice as hard. She's dead now.

I know how you feel, but you're not thinking straight right now

and you'll act rashly.

Your work would do more harm than good.

Don't be afraid you won't get there in time.

It's a long battle. Ours has only just started.

Here's that aspirin you wanted.

What?

You know, maybe Manfredi's right. We're stupid.

Hush! Go to sleep.

- Gentleman to see you. - Show him in.

I was expecting you. Your ration card's ready.

Giovanni Episcopo. Two years younger! Thank you.

Who's that?

The Austrian. Didn't Francesco tell you?

A good man... This is the gentleman who's coming with us.

I've spoken to the prior. He's expecting us.

- What about Francesco? - He's outside with Marcello.

We'd better get going. Hand me my...

Agostino, I'll be a bit late.

When will you stop getting into trouble?

You and the boy have supper, then go to bed.

Ah, Don Pietro! If I have to feed the boy, I'll be needing...

- There you go. - But that's all you've got!

- No, I'm all right. - Hm... A likely story.

We won't see each other for a while,

but I'll be back and then we'll always be together.

- Let's go, Francesco! - I'm coming.

Dad!

Just in case you get cold, Mum gave me this.

The information was correct. Well done!

The information was correct. Well done!

Do you like it? Try it on.

Come on, darling.

Wonderful! Take a look at yourself.

- Have they arrested him? - Yes.

- What will they do to him? - They won't hurt him.

We need some information.

As soon as he gives it to us, we'll let him go.

- What if he refuses? - Nonsense.

Don't you worry. He'll talk.

- What if he doesn't? - Why wouldn't he?

Yes. Why shouldn't he?

- Do you love him? - I don't love anyone.

Why are you treating me so badly tonight?

- I want to go! - No, you're staying right here with me.

No. I won't do this anymore. Let me go!

Why?

What have I done? What have I done?

Are you hurt, Don Pietro?

- No. My glasses... - They're broken.

Never mind.

It's all my fault. They must have followed me.

No, I don't think so. They were probably watching me.

I shouldn't have asked you to come.

Quiet! Walls have ears.

So what? For all we have to say to each other.

- Isn't that right, Don Pietro? - Quite right.

We've nothing to say to each other.

Hear that? We'll scream like that too!

Calm down.

These were found in the priest's house.

And these are the prisoners' papers. All false, of course.

You searched the priest's house?

- Yes, and the sacristy. - That's unfortunate!

There was only the sacristan there, and a boy.

They're so scared, I don't think they'll talk.

Don't you worry, they'll talk. Thank you.

Tidy up in here.

- Aren't you scared? - Yes, very.

But I feel very calm, too.

Funny, isn't it? I don't know why, but I...

I know what you mean.

You're insane!

Listen to me. I know...

I know you have something to hide. I'm sure of it.

Human lives depend on your silence.

You think you can hold out against their torture!

But you have no idea!

They can make cowards out of heroes.

We're not heroes,

but they'll never get anything out of us.

- What time is it? - Half past eight.

Those men must talk while the curfew is on,

before anyone finds out they've been arrested.

We have ten hours.

Listen, Don Pietro...

I don't know how long we have or if we'll ever meet again,

but I want to thank you for all you've done for me.

No, let me finish. I want to tell you the truth.

I'm not who you think I am. I am...

Hear that? They're coming!

Don't give me away! Please!

Please...

What is your name?

Giovanni Episcopo.

Episcopo. Born in Bari. Tradesman.

- What do you trade in? - Oil and wine.

Oil and wine. Splendid.

Look here, Mr Episcopo. If I had any time to waste,

I would find it most amusing to discuss your trade with you.

But I rather admire you, so I will make you a proposal.

I know your real name and your past political activities.

As for the present ones, my informers tell me

you are one of the leaders of the military junta

of the National Liberation Committee,

and that you are in contact with Badoglio's military centre.

I urgently need to know the details of this organisation,

and you are the best man to tell me.

You say you know who I am and what I do.

Why make this proposal, then? Do you really think I'd squeal?

I know that in this building, perhaps in this very room,

that very same proposal has been put to Italian generals.

Badoglio's men, you call them. They paid with their lives

for their loyalty and silence.

I can only hope to be their equal.

I'm sorry to see you refuse such a reasonable proposal,

but I must admit I was expecting it.

You Italians, whatever your political persuasion, have a weakness for rhetoric.

But I'm sure we'll reach an agreement before dawn.

Cigarette? Come now. It's hardly going to make you talk.

People say the strangest things about the Gestapo.

Take him away!

Keep calm, my son. Try and pray.

We found all of this at your house.

Clearly, you intend to harm the Reich and its armed forces.

Not exactly.

What do you call someone who provides false papers

and shelter for Italians who plot against our troops,

and who even gives help and sanctuary to German deserters?

A man who is unworthily trying to exercise charity.

A traitor punishable under the martial law of the Reich!

God's will be done.

Then listen to me carefully.

Your friend Episcopo is at the head of a military organisation

of which you, too, have full knowledge.

If you talk, or if you persuade your friend to talk,

you will only be doing your duty as a priest and a citizen.

These men who sabotage the German armed forces

are violating the rights of an occupying power

sanctioned by international treaties.

They are guerrillas and they must be turned over to the law.

- Is that clear? - I am deeply moved by your words.

At last!

- But there's a problem. - What?

I have nothing to say because I know nothing.

What little I know has been told to me in confession and must remain a secret.

I don't care about your religion and its secrets!

But someone else cares. Someone who is above you and me.

Persuade your friend to talk, then!

I don't think he knows anything about what you suspect.

Do you expect me to believe you don't know what he does?

Who he really is?

All I know is that he was in need of what little help I could give.

I'll tell you who that man is!

He's a subversive, an atheist! Your enemy!

I am a Catholic priest.

I believe that those who fight for justice and liberty

walk in the ways of the Lord. And His ways are boundless.

You're not going to preach, I hope!

I had no such intention.

Look, I have no time to waste. Are you determined not to talk?

Will you not even try to persuade your friend?

It will spare him suffering beyond your wildest imaginings.

My imagination is better than you think. But it's no use.

If he's the man you say he is, he's not going to talk, now, is he?

Don't you worry. He'll talk!

- I don't think so. - Really?

He won't talk.

I'll pray for him.

I don't think your Heavenly Father can help you.

A little more time is required. I'll be in my room.

- The deserter hanged himself! - Idiot.

- Who's winning? - He is. As usual.

Much work this evening?

Not much. Interesting, though.

So, what's up?

I've picked a fellow who's got to talk before tomorrow morning,

and an Italian priest who says he won't because he's going to pray for him.

- What if he doesn't talk? - Nonsense!

But if he says nothing?

That would make him the same as a German.

That would mean there is no difference

between the blood of a slave race and a master race!

What sense would the struggle make then?

25 years ago, I was a young commanding officer in France.

Like you, I believed that the Germans were a master race.

But the French patriots preferred to die rather than talk.

We Germans refuse to understand that people want to live free.

- You're drunk, Captain! - Yes, I am drunk.

I drink every night to forget.

And what is the result? I see more and more clearly.

All we do is kill, kill, kill!

We've covered the whole of Europe in corpses,

and out of their graves grows constant hatred... hatred,

nothing but hatred!

Hatred will destroy us. We don't have a hope.

- That's enough. - We'll all die. Die without hope.

I forbid you to continue any further.

- We'll all die... - I forbid you...

Have you forgotten you are a German officer?

- Has he talked? - No sir. He's incredibly resistant.

The man has now passed out.

What should we do?

Well?

It's impossible, sir. We have to wait until he comes around.

That's impossible. It's already too late.

Shall we try psychological means...?

Are you crazy? This man must talk right now.

Syringe!

Mr Ferraris, I have already told you I admire you

and I appreciate this proof of courage and self-sacrifice,

but you must realise that this can't go on.

You are a communist.

Your party has allied itself to the reactionaries.

You are now united against us. But when Rome is occupied,

or liberated, as you call it,

will those royalist officers still be your allies?

This is your chance to solve the problem.

Give me the names of Badoglio's generals.

Let me arrest them and I guarantee freedom for you

and immunity for your party members. Well, Mr Ferraris?

Keep on going till the bitter end!

Well? I told you it wouldn't be easy.

A cigarette?

The priest. Quick!

Look, Priest! Satisfied now? Is this your Christian charity?

Your love for your brother in Christ?

You preferred to see him like this rather than talk!

But you won't save yourself or your accomplices, you hypocrite!

You'll go the way of traitors! We'll destroy every one of you!

You didn't talk.

You tried to kill his soul. All you killed was his body!

Damn you! Damn you!

You'll be trodden into the dust like worms! Damn you!

My God... What have I said?

Forgive me, Lord... Forgive me!

Everybody out! Take the priest away!

These stupid Italians!

Damn it all, we made a mistake! That priest unsettled me!

I told you it wouldn't be easy.

- You're always right. - What about the report, sir?

Oh, yes. Cause of death... heart attack!

What about the girl?

- The lady will decide. - Lock her up for a bit, and then...

Come, darling. I need a stiff drink.

Excuse me, sir! What name should I put?

Manfredi or Ferraris?

Just Episcopo. Giovanni Episcopo.

Otherwise, we'll only create more martyrs and there are enough of them.

Just a minute, please.

For the next time!

We are a master race.

- What time do you make it? - 8.14.

Correct. They're late.

Cigarette?

Match.

Take your positions!

Come on, take your positions.

Stand by!

Attention!

Your hat, Don Pietro.

Come. Be strong.

Oh, it isn't hard to die well...

It's hard to live well.

- Fire! - God... forgive them...

Stop this!