Original subtitles

This film was restored by PATH� in 2013

THE PROUD ONES

Filthy drunk!

Stop that!

Finished dancing?

If your wife could see you...

She can't.

It's my second flat today and I have a sick man in the bus.

- Where can I find a doctor? - I don't understand.

Got my pig's head?

What pig's head?

The one I was promised.

I have a pig's head.

Give it to me.

Where can I find a doctor?

Disgusting!

You boor!

Here it is.

Let's get down to business. My bottle.

Won't you stay with me a bit?

Stop joking.

You have the head. Give me my bottle.

Haven't you drunk enough?

I want to drink...

Drink till I see you blonde,

pink skinned and blue eyed.

I don't know if one bottle's enough.

This caterpillar is not very fat.

- You never eat meat. - Never.

I make an exception for caterpillars.

If you like,

I'll cook you some tongue with ravigote sauce tonight,

like in papa's house.

Does your papa live far? Where does he live?

In a whorehouse, I suppose...

like his son.

Look after your varicose veins.

I've seen you all.

My hot water... I take the 10:00 bus.

My last consultation.

On Monday I'm going to be operated on.

Was it what you suspected... ulcer?

If all goes well, I'll see you in a month.

Or I'll send you a young doctor.

Don't talk like that, doctor.

Goodbye, behave yourselves.

Good luck!

Give me your case.

Go to hell.

Let's part friends.

What do you have against me?

Who did a curettage on Rosa?

I see.

You, of course?

If I hadn't, she'd have been infected.

- I thought you gave up medicine. - That's not medicine.

Just a friendly service.

And while you were drunk...

With your drunkard hands.

Lost your memory, you bastard?

It doesn't recall anything?

Take my case.

Some advice: don't ever provide that service again

or I'll have you locked up.

Very well, doctor.

Who will help me get him down?

I don't want to get out.

I think we'd better stop

for a few hours.

I can go on.

And if you throw up?

I'm better now.

It stinks enough in here as it is.

The doctor will decide.

I have a sick passenger.

You're in luck. The doctor's in here.

Doctor, I have a sick passenger.

I'll go and see him. Bring my case.

Poor doctor... they won't let you alone.

You're losing my sugar.

It's probably the local food.

We're not used to it. We arrived yesterday.

Afraid to let me hold your hand?

I might be contagious?

You're not contagious, darling. It's just some digestive trouble.

He can't travel.

What's he got?

Where's my case? You put it up?

Something wrong?

He'll be all right. There's a good hotel.

You're in good hands.

Get me a towel and water.

You heard, George?

It might be my cigar?

He's been sick.

You can't let the lady wipe that up.

No, not him!

He's used to it. He does my toilet when I'm drunk.

You'll do it, George?

I'll give you a nice glass of tequila if you do.

You'll cheat me out of tequila.

Take him to my place, not the hotel. He may be contagious.

And his wife?

Wherever she likes.

You've earned your glass.

Dig a hole and bury everything.

And wash yourself.

I wash when I feel like it.

Get me two men and an armchair.

Get my case.

I can't go today.

In here, madam.

You'll be fine here. This is a cool room.

The doctor's on his way.

I hope he'll hurry.

What did he say?

He's leaving the chair.

I have a high fever, don't I?

How can you tell in this heat?

I'm cold.

There, you weren't sick this time.

What a vacation.

A fine end to Holy Week!

Today's Good Friday.

The joy comes at Easter.

You'll be up for Easter.

Or Trinity.

You don't trust me anymore?

I've cured you before.

Remember Angoulême Hospital?

What a sight, that poor sergeant who stepped on a mine.

And it all finished well.

Not entirely.

There's still something wrong.

What a life you've had!

A very fine life.

But I always knew you'd need me.

That's why I've always loved you, Tom.

You should have accepted it by now.

But I swear it's not finished...

not for you

or for me.

Well then?

We go on?

Careful. I may be contagious.

You can catch health too!

Why celebrate Christ's death with firecrackers!

It's like being in the street.

Listen, let's go back to Vera Cruz to a real clinic.

The doctor...

I'll take the responsibility.

- Where are you going? - To get a taxi.

Can you?

Libre para Vera Cruz? Is that it?

Bravo!

I'll be right back.

The Spanish for "right away"?

I hope I'm wrong and can leave tomorrow.

Doctor's always having his belly opened.

I'm not thinking of my stomach.

I'm all alone here and helpless.

And if another case appears...

Have you had cases of meningitis?

Yes, at the hospital.

I'll hold on... it's difficult to get you.

You're worried about an epidemic?

One case doesn't make an epidemic.

One case doesn't make an epidemic,

or one swallow does not a springtime make.

A mobilization does not a war make.

Why do you say that?

You're doing it on purpose? You want to jinx us?

Shut up, you two.

What is this meningitis... or whatever it is?

A little creature you swallow

and the next day you're dead.

Always?

Some people survive.

But then the doctor was wrong and it wasn't meningitis after all.

A pair of sheets... I haven't any.

For the patient?

So that I can burn them afterwards

or bury them in the garden?

Get the doctor a pair of sheets.

Lupita, go and get a pair of old sheets.

- Send them to my place. - We are busy!

George will take them.

You'll have a drink for your trouble.

Later.

Now.

There's no "later" in an epidemic.

Later we may be dead.

Where are the sheets?

He's dead.

Don't touch him!

- I forbid you! - Let go!

He's contagious.

He died of cerebro-spinal meningitis.

He died of heart failure... He didn't suffer.

Promise you won't touch him and I'll let go.

Promise?

I promise.

Excuse me.

I can't leave him like that.

Of course not.

Though there's little one can do.

What would you do?

Fold his hands.

- Like that? - Yes, thanks.

Aren't you afraid to touch him?

I can touch him.

The dirt acts as a shield.

You're much too clean.

- Let me do that. - Give.

No, let me.

Jewels help if you're short of cash.

It can't be true...

I'm not even crying.

It proves nothing. You're not even sad at first.

It begins at the cemetery.

And it's important...

to know if you'll be a good widower

or in your case

a good widow.

- You had a wife? - You'd think so.

Did you cry?

Well, I cried.

I had reason to.

I owed her that.

But you've nothing to regret.

I could see that...

What did you do?

Is it your business?

Then why tell me all this?

Because I'm drunk.

I'm a marvelous wino.

Respectfully yours...

Sorry, I forgot the sheets.

Above all, don't do that yourself.

Don't force the tears, let them come.

Dear Tom, you see? I'm not crying.

That proves nothing.

You heard what he said?

Medicine from the doctor.

Seven pesos, madam.

I don't have money. I don't need your remedies! Or a taxi!

Do you speak any French?

I'm from Paris.

Really! Where can I sell this jewel?

How is your husband?

He's dead.

So it's an epidemic!

What a business!

You're contaminated.

Not jewels!

Everything... your skirt, your hands...

full of microbes.

Not very brave, miss?

Madam...

Why should I take risks for a stranger?

Quite right, madam.

You came here without money?

I can't find my husband's wallet.

I arrived here without money too

and I'm not ashamed.

Not even a cross to sell.

Something else, maybe.

Don't take that attitude.

I'm someone's wife.

I'm the wife of a dead man. You're right.

Maybe if we boil it with vinegar...

So your wallet's been stolen?

I didn't say that, madam.

My husband had it on the bus and now it's gone.

I'll talk to George.

Who's George?

The Frenchman with the sheets.

I'm not accusing him.

I'm not saying you did. But he may be able to find it.

He's nothing to do with it.

100 pesos. Gold's worth nothing here. Happy?

If I can cable France.

I don't include the laundry and the basin,

and don't say thank you.

Post office on the left.

What's this? A cross in boiling water?

It's a contaminated cross.

And don't touch the tart who sold it to me.

If you want to stay alive.

Her husband's kicked the bucket.

Have you a pen?

God help me to keep calm.

"Tom died suddenly today. Stop.

"Am alone here in remote town without money. Stop."

Wallet missing. Stop.

Want to bring body to France... Beg of you...

Any letters for me?

French?

110 pesos.

Write, I don't understand.

Give it back to me.

You must copy it out again.

It's for France?

87 pesos.

It's expensive to France.

Your receipt, madam.

Oh no!

Yes, my pen...

Must be in love.

For the lady.

Give them to me.

I want to give them.

You can't come in. It's dangerous.

I thought it was the vaccine.

I thought it was the coffin.

I think of the living, you think of the dead.

No, I'm thinking about me,

about traveling with the coffin.

Out of the question.

He's not to leave Mexico.

But why not? He must go into the family vault.

No, he'll be buried tomorrow. My order.

You can reverse the order.

My order takes precedence.

The law gives you the right to dispose of my husband's body?

He's dangerous to approach or touch...

until he is buried.

Which he'd never allowed.

Mexico is as good a place as any to await Judgment Day.

Excuse me.

And your respect for the dead?

We respect the living first.

I'm giving you a shot.

- I don't want it. - I didn't ask you.

You can't force me.

If I have to.

He mustn't touch me.

Be reasonable. Let's not fight.

Undress.

Don't go. You have a minute?

You know I always have a minute.

When you like, doctor.

Sit down there.

Does it hurt?

I'll make sure it doesn't.

Sit down.

Can't you draw the curtains?

You could have done it.

Lean forward.

A tube of vaccine wasted.

Not him with his dirty hands.

Will you stay still?

Wash your hands then, George.

I'll do it for you, lady.

It'll take me a week to get it grimy again.

So you think I took your husband's wallet?

I didn't dream it.

You don't think I rob corpses?

No, you look mean but you don't look like a thief.

Why do you hate me?

You're too beautiful

and too clean.

What brought you here?

Nothing deliberate.

So you're blameless.

Take your dirty shirt off.

I'm filthy underneath.

Hold her tight.

You didn't scream this time.

You'd have liked that.

Lie down there.

All right?

Now, George, give me an injection.

I'll make a mess of it.

I have to risk that.

I won't.

You must. There'll be more patients tomorrow.

I can't die.

It'll be a massacre.

Here?

There?

Don't play the fool. I know you can do it.

Well, you made me do it... Happy now?

It's your turn now, George.

Keep your drugs.

Save them for the foolish.

But he risks dying like me...

Don't you think he doesn't know it?

Feeling bad?

I'm very hot.

Come have a drink?

Not gone yet, doctor?

Help with the coffin.

I was going to.

You see, they can't do without me.

He must be taken somewhere.

- I'm going home. - Out of the question.

Stay away.

Want to infect your family?

I want to be treated at home.

You're a good Christian?

Yes, I'm a good Christian.

If you go home, it's like killing your family.

You think God wants you to get well?

I'll look after you in the church vestry.

If you obey, you'll hear the bells at Easter.

Not alone in the vestry?

You won't be alone for long, don't worry.

Remember your old house?

Stop! He's probably hurt.

The day he doesn't want to kill himself, he will.

Goodbye, madam. God bless you.

You speak French well, Father...

I'll have your luggage picked up from the doctor's.

The señora honors us as our guest for a few hours.

Delighted, madam.

May I?

So we can receive you as a friend.

And you have the nerve to accept!

I was crazy to help you!

What's that?

George wanted this for the French lady.

It's occupied.

You'll be all right here.

This one's free. I'll tell them to bring some flowers.

Don't bother.

What is it?

The ice, madam.

Come in.

Put it on the table.

No, there!

Not gone yet? Waiting for the quarantine?

What quarantine?

We're going to drop like flies.

We'll be surrounded by troops.

Your luggage, madam.

Come in!

Anna's not here?

- What do you want with her? - I'm thirsty.

Forget it.

Anna's in a bad mood... It's no time to ask her.

Well, what about you?

Ask the boss.

Just a drop, boss.

The dregs of your glass.

Aren't you ashamed to beg? Why not earn it?

I don't ask any better.

What about dancing?

Not today... It's too hot.

Too bad for you. You'll have nothing.

I'm not drunk enough.

Forget it.

Rum for me and nothing for George.

I'm not very fit.

That walk to the cemetery did my legs in.

Have a drink... That'll make them better.

The right one's better.

Look at the left one.

Here, drink.

Now, yes.

Now, George, what will you dance?

A wapengo!

Stop the music!

George will dance a wapengo!

If he dances well, he'll have a bottle of tequila.

I think it's cold enough... I'll take it to her.

No, I'll take it.

Champagne at 80 pesos? I hope the widow's paying.

Don't worry. She's rich enough.

Her? Rich?

Are you kidding?

She's a whore.

May I offer you a glass of champagne?

I'm not thirsty.

Just a sip! It's French champagne.

It will do you good.

Is it true there will be a quarantine?

Who said so?

George... just now.

You shouldn't listen to a drunkard.

He's off his head.

He seemed sober.

Come and look.

If there was any danger,

I'd be the first to warn you.

Look at him go!

Give it to me.

Go on...

or you'll lose your drink! Come on!

Go on!

Come on, dance!

Stopping already?

I'm tired.

The lady came to see you dance.

I promised you a bottle and you say you are tired.

I think I've earned it.

But if the lady came to see me...

He's drunk.

He's never been so sober.

You're not drunk, right?

If I were, I wouldn't need your bottle.

Disgusting...

Him? He's a great guy. He has heart.

But you can't understand.

That's enough. He's earned it.

Give it to him, Pedro.

No congratulations for the victor?

I danced for you.

Music!

Why don't you laugh? Not amused?

They're both horrible.

You blew it.

Would you all get out?

Don't you know it's contagious?

George, treat me.

You haven't been vaccinated.

- Let me help you. - Get out.

Take her head, Louis.

Let us through.

The sooner in the vestry the better.

George, bring my dress.

Close the door. Keep out of her room.

Open the door.

- Don't leave me, George. - Don't be afraid.

Will you go with me for some cheese?

From Chihuahua?

Enough!

No more of that!

For how long?

Till the epidemic's over.

I'll have all your brothels shut.

Let me go with her.

Hang this over the bed.

You again?

Don't send him away. I'm scared.

Don't worry. He's a much better doctor than me.

Let go.

Let me see the arrangement.

Want to see them die? I'm sorry.

There's only place for patients and staff.

We only want those who want to live. Go away.

Poor fellow.

Who is that?

A former doctor.

He came here five years ago.

He couldn't take the heat.

He was drunk delivering his wife.

And she died?

Yes.

He's been drunk ever since.

Did you come to talk of George?

Were you asking for quarantine?

That's my business.

Mine too. If you do, I must go.

Go if you want. But you're not out of danger until tomorrow.

So any minute...

Yes, madam... me too.

Father...

they took me through the town in my petticoat.

My Son, God has been kind to you.

He allows you to repent before dying.

Where's that wallet?

Under my pillow, Father.

Put him on.

There's a man vomiting.

Put him where you want but stop him.

Hold all those who were with him.

And unload the car for disinfection.

The car?

Of course, the car.

Unhook the car.

Get me Vera Cruz Medical Service.

I'll ask for quarantine.

I want to take communion tomorrow.

Will you hear my confession?

I've good news for you, señora.

I've found your wallet.

Who gave it to you?

The penitent thief.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost...

Father, I have sinned.

I confess to God Almighty, the Virgin Mary,

Saint John the Baptist and all the saints...

I have sinned in thought, word and deed.

You understand?

A little bit.

I feel no sorrow for my husband.

His wallet was stolen. You just returned it.

These little things have bothered me since his death.

The only tears I shed were when I was without money.

His death should have been a shock to me.

I feel nothing.

I thought God was being kind to me by soothing my sorrow.

I thought He is easing my grief

in order to help me face my difficulties.

But this night, my difficulties seemed insignificant.

It belongs to a life that's not mine.

Tom's death left me indifferent.

Is it the climate?

Is it the heat?

I feel like I must live without memories, without a past.

It's absurd.

Tomorrow I'll be gone.

Yet what's happened here is more vital to me than anything else.

I cannot imagine any future.

Perhaps these are my last moments.

Is that all?

There is a man who is always in my thought.

With my heart-felt condolences.

It's promising. It's my second wreath this morning.

And no more trains.

What's that?

They're making all the passengers get out.

By tomorrow the road blocks will be up.

I'm not waiting, I'm unblocking right now.

Anna, send me a double tequila.

I feel ill.

You're not sick, are you?

No, I'm vaccinated.

I spent the day driving patients

who keep puking in the car.

Where's the doctor?

At Joaquin's. The child is sick.

Maria-Antonia? I had her on my back just now.

Not the time for firecrackers.

Pack a bag. We're going to Vera Cruz.

Give the ambulance man a tequila.

And throw the glass away.

He's got an epidemic look.

Going by Joaquin's?

Give me a lift?

You delivered her, now you take her away...

To put her with the dying!

I tell you, don't try to take away.

If I don't, I can't treat her.

Then we'll never see her again.

Put up that gun!

Don't touch it or I'll shoot you!

I'm not taking her by force.

I've come alone, without a car or nurses.

Entrust her to me. Her mother can come too.

Come with me, Maria-Antonia.

We'll go and hide, they won't find us.

Lazy bums!

She has the sickness.

The doctor's in difficulty at Joaquin's.

What's the matter with her?

Same as the others.

It's dangerous for you.

I'm shielded!

No microbes can live in alcohol.

Think you're strong.

No, I'm panting like an ox.

Yet it's not her weight...

I'll put that right.

Shall I tear it off?

Take off the sole.

I'll get it repaired. It's my only pair.

And the rainy season is coming.

What rain!

The crabs come up here to get dry.

Making fun of me?

You'll see.

No, you won't see, you'll be gone.

Would you knock? My hands are full.

Don't you want to treat her?

I'll wait.

Poor thing. But the doctor's not here.

He's gone your way.

I've just come from there.

They wouldn't let me give an injection.

- Did you ask? - I was foolish enough to ask.

But they soon put me in my place.

I've found the wallet.

Good.

Wouldn't you like to return to France?

To do what?

Your profession.

I was sure of it.

So that's the idea?

You wanted to cure me of my bad habits

and make me a doctor again.

I don't want to be a doctor.

I don't want anything.

I'm all right as I am.

And I hope it lasts.

It can't last.

All the better then.

And don't interfere!

If you want to be a drunken tramp,

if you really want that

then so do I.

But I doubt it.

Oh, you know that...

Just now, when you wanted to treat that girl...

Unless you did it to please me...

You're very sure of yourself.

No, I am not.

I don't know what's happened to me.

I'm lost.

Perhaps more than you are.

I don't want to return to Europe.

Here are the return tickets.

Does Europe exist?

Not for me.

Neither for me.

Those pals of yours nearly murdered me.

She's in the sick ward?

Bravo, George.

It won't work twice.

We should set up a sick ward there.

I'm tired. I'll send the ambulance man.

Ambulance man? He's ill.

Already.

Would you do it for me?

Could you stay sober for 24 hours?

Don't accept.

I have accepted.

Why don't you want me to?

Because you did it for me.

I don't know what you want.

I don't want you to die.

Neither do I.

I'll get vaccinated.

And what's to become of me?

You have to go.

You have to take the boat.

It's the only way.

If Anna hasn't left yet, you could go with her.

I think you're right.

Well, Anna!

Moving out?

All that's mine...

Seven years of honest work have brought me this.

I hope we'll meet again.

In times of epidemic,

they burn all the houses where there's a corpse.

Thanks a lot. Why not bury me now?

Unfortunately, it won't be me

but that frightful widow.

She buries other women's husbands.

I'll get rid of her.

There's a seat in my car. You're welcome to have it

if you intend to leave.

I don't know what my intentions are.

We know her intentions.

You're in for it, Rodrigo.

- That's why you send me away. - Send you away!

You're not holding me back.

You're not taking that!

I've spent 10 pesos on firecrackers.

Throw a match in as well.

Farewell, late lamented Rodrigo!

If you escape, you'll pay dearly.

Here we go!

Alone at last. Let's take stock.

Café, warehouse, store...

Quite a businessman.

You sell shoes?

I sell everything. Even shoes.

But not fine enough for your feet.

Men's shoes.

What size?

I don't know.

These are too small.

And these?

They should do.

You're surprised?

A little, yes.

My dear Rodrigo,

if you knew everything you'd be a lot more amazed.

Well?

I think I've guessed.

Guessed what?

The shoes are for George.

Why should I be amazed?

There's no reason.

That poor wretch.

It shows you've a kind heart.

And also that you're smart

not giving him money to drink.

What about it?

Give me two bottles of tequila as well.

Well, as you like.

I won't make him dance for them.

It wasn't meant in a bad way.

It was unspeakable.

You really are vile.

I'd forgotten you're both French.

So you're offended.

His being French doesn't matter.

What is it then?

I love him.

Surprised?

I think it's wonderful.

You don't waste time!

I'm a little astonished myself.

I can't help it. And nor can you!

This lowlife who killed his wife and begs for a drink.

Yes... him.

Tell me more about him.

I've better things to do now.

George won't be first.

Respect yourself if you want to be respected.

I'm not a woman to be raped...

unless you kill me first.

And there's a risk: I might kill you with the bottle.

Now call him for help.

I don't want him to come.

You might hurt him.

There's no danger. He won't come.

That's not his style.

I don't care.

Nor do I.

I'll tell everybody...

that I've had you.

If that makes you happy.

Everyone will believe it when you're with George.

Good for you.

I'll be with George. That's all I want.

It's a pity.

I don't think so.

Hold it for me.

You know his hut?

Not yet.

I hope you'll like it. It's worse than a pigsty.

Pigs would die in it.

He's not very clean.

That's why you're making yourself up.

Not enough.

Because I'm not quite sure that he wants me.

George is at work.

He's gone to look after the sick ward in his area.

You can't leave. It's too late now.

The town's cut off.

But I don't want to leave.

Go with a guide.

He's changed so much you won't recognize him.

Finish your game later.

Take this lady to the boat house.

Goodbye and thanks.

Running out on me?

I'm staying.

Subtitling: C.M.C.

A restauration by L'Immagine Ritrovata - Bologna