Original subtitles

'Check To The Queen'

As you wish, but I had hoped to visit Tokyo with you.

I'm sure it's a beautiful city, but I hate your beautiful cities.

Pity, when I married you I thought you'd always come with me.

Well you were wrong.

You know, whenever I go away I get scared you'll forget about me.

That's also why I'm lazy.

And when I return, I'm scared I won't find you.

You know I won't disappear.

- I'm sure I'll find something to do. - I have to go.

I'll write.

- Can I help you? - I'd like to see the lady of the house.

- She isn't home. - Finally, you're here...

The photographer is here, you'll have to wait.

I told her you're penniless, that you're looking for work to earn some money.

- I need to work because I get bored. - We'd better not mention that.

- This house seems so strange. - You think so?

It's a box of surprises...

You'll see what she's been up to inside.

- Don't be surprised by anything. - Okay.

She's looking for someone to act as a secretary and keep her company...

Like that, a caprice.

- How did she live before was successful? - I don't know.

Look, she wants to be called lady...

The servants, the governess, us secretaries are all young ladies...

She's the lady.

- Let's hurry up. - Okay, in front of that light.

Don't speak.

- And the eyes? - Yes, open them slowly.

Come, let's sit here.

I'm tired, I'll see you tomorrow.

Are those pearls real?

- Yes, they're real. - And you've come to work for me?

Anyway, that's your business.

I don't know if Dina has explained it properly...

But I need someone who is always silent and obedient.

Not a friend. Someone I pay...

And has to put up with me because I pay them.

You see, I always do what I like in my home...

I prefer to tell the truth, I find it more convenient.

I'm free, rude... You may have already noticed.

I can't stand having someone who disapproves of me close to me...

Even the thought of it.

Those cheeky smiles, that air of superiority...

Better nothing, no reaction.

She obeys, and I don't see her or hear her.

Could you live around me without upsetting me?

I can try.

Then walk, all the way over there.

Go on.

Come back.

What must I do now?

I throw something on the floor, and you pick it up.

Get used to picking up my things, I never do it.

Come on, pick it up.

I'll throw it on the floor again, and you'll pick it up again.

Good... A little smile won't upset me.

You will obey me without asking for explanations.

Understood?

If you want to think about it you're not obliged to answer me straight away.

- If you don't like me? - Who said that?

You can start immediately, if you like. Wait here for me...

I have to go out, I'm in a hurry. We'll discuss payment when I return.

Listen...

I like people who use soap and water...

I hope you're not clean and elegant on top, but then underneath...

May I?

Yes, that seems fine.

But I'd prefer it if you wore a bra.

Don't let it get to you, I told you I'm rude.

Bye. Let's go.

Don't mind her if she's aggressive, she likes you.

Listen, have a look around, play some records, do what you like...

There's the television, the bar is over there, do what you want.

I'll see you later.

Coming.

- Are you new? - Yes.

- My name's Vittorina, and you? - Silvia.

Sit down.

Thank you.

What are you doing?

Sit down.

We will supply you with shoes, they're handmade...

The lady's cobbler makes them, the most expensive in the city.

- Aren't mine okay? - No, the heel must be higher.

Good morning, madam.

Give it to me.

Half a kilo less, see, you did it!

- How much do you weigh, Silvia? - 51.

- And how old are you? - 26, madam.

More than me, but you don't look it.

Dina tells me you've never cut your hair...

- You'll have to show me. - When you want, madam.

Are they longer than this?

No, not that long.

It's an amusing wig, isn't it?

I find it better than a bath robe. Come.

- Madam. - What is it?

The dressmaker... The invoice.

- Have you known Dina long? - Since I was a child.

- She came with us to the seaside. - Was she always like this?

Like what?

Such a fool.

Dina isn't like that, madam, she hasn't had an easy life.

She's not the only one.

You shouldn't pity her... If you heard the rumours.

I'm doing a new experiment, you should've figured it out.

I'm tired of commanding servants.

Very well, madam.

And if I were to cut off all your hair, would that hurt your pride?

Do you really want me to cut it?

- Would it upset you? - I don't know.

They're for you. Put them on.

Give them to her.

Naturally, you understand why I make everyone wear matching shoes.

- I imagine it's a uniform, uncomfortable... - Right, but I'm the master here...

And I have the right to be more comfortable than all of you.

What are you still doing here?

You see how round her behind is compared to the rest?

It embarrasses her so I always make her wear tight clothes...

Indecent!

And you, Silvia, why don't you sleep here?

I'll have a room prepared for you on the floor below...

This way you save on the taxi fare and earn more.

You can go, thank you.

Tell me, are you seriously thinking of staying?

It wouldn't be my first job.

Anyway, I like being a companion.

Perhaps you're doing it to relieve the boredom...

But I don't see how you could enjoy it.

I never understood why you work, but it's very different here...

- You've seen what she's like. - She can be very difficult.

I swore you would've run away immediately.

I have to earn a living, but you?

You have beautiful hair.

- You called, madam - Come and help me.

Aren't they beautiful? Sit down.

Every now and then you need to touch money...

Look at it! Otherwise it isn't money anymore...

Just numbers, like my money in the bank.

See? It's real money.

It isn't like signing a cheque...

I keep these at home, they keep me company.

I know, that if I want...

A whistle, a phone call...

The money's ready, and I have everything I want.

Sometimes, I think; how much does a prostitute cost?

10,000 lira?

I can pay for a thousand prostitutes for a regiment of soldiers.

I once fell in love with a man only because he was rich...

He seemed so handsome.

He became poor and went back to being just like the others.

Yes, we continued dating, but there was no love left...

It makes me angry how some men look down on a woman...

They say they love a man just for his money...

Don't they know some men don't have anything else?

- Read it. - This is the best day of my life...

What are you saying? You can't even read.

Counter-attack. Come on, defend yourself.

Do something. Come on!

I'll show you, I'll beat you like a rug.

Defend yourself.

You're lazy, you're weak...

Have you ever seen my mechanical horse?

And now you'll see it in motion!

Are you ready, horse?

Faster.

What is it? Can't I make love in peace?

What are you doing? Stop, sit there.

Wait for me to finish.

Yes, go to your kennel.

Come in.

- Spartaco, send Maria here. - Yes, madam.

I want to smoke.

Light it.

Don't look at me like that.

After all, it's convenient...

In emergencies when my beau isn't available, and I don't want to wait...

- Waiting bores me. - And Maria?

I made it quite clear when I hired them.

10,000 a time... I enquired about the price of a second class call girl.

Spartaco isn't worth any more, he lacks the gift of speech.

Yes.

You called, madam?

Give it to her.

- From the lady of the house. - Thank you, madam.

You see?

How many times a month do you make love, Silvia?

I don't know.

Try to answer me when I ask you a question...

I asked you how many times a month do you make love?

Five, six times... It depends.

That's very little. Training is what counts in these things...

Otherwise you lose the skill, and the desire.

Making love is like eating.

Understand?

You need a constant diet...

At least three times a week.

I always keep two lovers.

That way one of them is always available.

At home, I have Spartaco...

For those times when I can't be bothered to have a conversation, or similar trivialities.

This keeps them at arm's length, I don't bother with boyfriends and husbands.

Silvia, wake up.

- What do you want? - What's got into you, Silvia?

Wake up.

- I'm tired, what is it? - Get up, the lady needs you.

- What time is it? - Two in the morning.

Get a move on.

- You've never been spanked have you? - I don't remember, I don't think so.

It's much better to give than receive, I assure you.

Come here.

Look at us from the back.

Well?

You're about the same size, there isn't much difference...

Perhaps it's the hips.

Yes, hers are slightly narrower.

Take off your night gown, let's see.

Her shoulders are also narrower, but, in costume...

Yes, with the wig... She'll be wearing a coat...

You won't see a thing. Get the measuring tape.

- Silvia, what size are your hips? - 85 or 86, I don't know.

Measure her.

Good, I'm 90, just fatten her up a few centimetres...

- Can you do it? - Yes, I'll take care of it.

Good.

They can always shoot the scene with the slap at the end.

Just fatten her up...

Milk and potatoes, her skin will improve as well...

You'll be beautiful, tense, lucid!

Let's not make a fuss about it...

I don't feel like being slapped and it happens at least three times in the script...

All for a film I didn't want to make.

Just thinking about it keeps me awake at night.

Right, they had to include a slap as well.

If that fool Van had told me, I would've torn up the contract.

Vittorina, take care of it, slap Silvia.

Come forward.

- How should I do it? - How you like.

Ready? Go.

You call that a slap? Harder!

You'll kill her like that! Not so hard.

- Was someone there? - Yes, a beautiful stranger.

- No, it's just Silvia. - Is she an actress as well?

What is she doing here?

Do you like her?

No, I'm just curious.

So...

This Silvia...

Tell me who she is?

A lunatic, she has a screw loose...

I'm doing her a favour looking after her.

She's strange, we need to find a way to cure her...

- Heal her. - Why? Is she sick?

Perhaps.

- She look at herself in mirrors. - What else?

And she likes being a slave.

She wouldn't happen to be a lesbian?

You had to say something stupid.

You know I find them disgusting.

If she were, I wouldn't keep her here.

Come on, let's go.

Don't wait up for me, I'll be working late...

And I do not wish to be disturbed in the morning.

- Mr. Wagner is here. - Thank you.

- I've decided to change everything. - At your service, empress!

We'll put the orchestra here.

- I want lights in the park... - Hello, Dina.

- And we'll hang the lanterns here.

- Use the lights in the studio... - Yes.

And call the make up artist at least three or four hours before.

Consider it done, empress.

- Do you like them? - Yes, they aren't bad...

But I'm better! How many have you made?

Will you tell me why you changed everything, and why you need a make up artist?

An idea.

You've woken up badly. Empress' don't have ideas.

Right, only you do. You should thank me...

If it wasn't for me, the parties would be such a bore.

Whose idea was it to put cocaine in the sugar, yours or mine?

You didn't want to, but it worked out beautifully.

Except for the woman who dived into the pool to cool herself down.

- I have a better discovery this year. - Yes?

- I've invented a living statue. - And what is it?

We'll cover Silvia in plaster, put her on one of these pedestals...

Still, in the shadows, she'll look like a real statue.

The guests will have a field day!

You could cover her in glue, then whoever touches her will remain stuck.

She has the body, but will she allow herself to be covered in plaster?

Why not? It's a joke.

- Won't you introduce us? - True, you don't know each other...

Wagner, this is Silvia.

Keep still for another minute.

- You're still at this point. - It's done, I've finished.

You might be good, but you're frighteningly slow.

That party will be over soon, and all this will have been for nothing.

37.7, it's nothing.

You look like a boiled egg. Do you want to do it?

Do you remember everything? You know what to do, wait for my signal.

Let's hope it works. Hurry up, Rafaello.

You need to be more rigid. Don't move.

Go away.

Help, the statue has come to life.

Margaret, can I take her home with me?

I want to touch her.

What did I tell you?

- Why are you running away? - Let's get her.

- She's disappeared. - She went that way.

- How is it going? - Badly.

Go... Get out of here.

I'll be deducting 10,000 lira from your wages...

You thought you could get away with it...

And for free.

It doesn't work like that if you want to sleep with my driver...

No, my dear Countess, you have to pay here.

I'm the mistress, and I pay, you're the servant so you must also pay.

A countess, but also a bit of a whore.

What are you doing?

Look, you've dirtied the sheets.

She's fine, the doctor says the infection has passed.

- She's faking it. - Too bad for her...

If she likes being in prison, then let her...

- Have you turned off the water? - Yes, three days ago...

- But she won't apologise. - Then take the mirror away as well.

You see? She's fine.

Come on, eat.

Just be grateful she only punished you instead of reporting you.

Have a good look at yourself...

Because you can't have it back until you apologise.

She's here, madam.

I'm listening, what do you want?

- I want to apologise. - She finally decided.

Good, now you can leave.

I may? Or I must?

Listen, Countess...

I don't know what you're doing in my home, or why you want to stay?

What's more, I don't care.

- But be careful. - There's no secret, madam.

Stop it, I don't want to hear your lies.

I know you're up to something.

- Too bad for you. - It's the truth, madam.

I don't like living outside...

The noise, the people, it frightens me.

I like it here, I feel comfortable.

I obey you, and you heal me.

- Like a luxurious dog. - Like an object.

Very well, then stay...

Seeing as the Countess is staying, clean her up, she's absolutely filthy.

Look at the state of you.

Let's begin the restoration immediately. Sit down.

I've decided to cut her hair, it's too long.

What a shame, it's so beautiful.

This should lower her pride.

- Shall I? - Go ahead, cut it.

I told you when you first arrived...

It doesn't matter if you cut it...

Anyway, she likes being treated like an object.

Isn't that right, Silvia?

Turn around.

That's better, she had too much hair before.

Yes, it was all too much.

Turn around again.

You've also lost weight, you look like a clothes peg.

Your clothes fall off, she tried but they don't fit anymore.

You know what to do, throw them away...

Now I'll have some fun dressing her.

Let's start with black.

No, I don't like this.

Better light... Put this on.

Come on, get undressed.

It suits you.

See how pretty you are.

Now, let's make a nice big cut.

So everyone will know you aren't a lady.

We'll put this on your head.

Hold it still.

Come forward.

Turn around.

Turn around. Like that, good...

You look like a hen.

Wait, let's try with the lead.

But no one else has a doll that talks and walks as big as her.

- She doesn't say very much. - But she's thinking!

What would she ever have to think about?

I don't feel like it. Take it away.

Hello, little slave...

Come on, let's go.

Get in as well.

Wash my arms, don't hurt me with your nails.

Don't get my hair wet.

Now massage my legs, from top to bottom...

Be careful, don't tickle me.

- Excuse me, madam. - What is it?

- Mr. Wagner. - Yes! Show him in.

Silvia, quick, come here.

- It's a hot. - Then it's true...

Empress and slave.

- You didn't believe it? - No.

Frankly, I didn't think you were capable of something so strange...

Yet so smart.

Slavery, in this socialist century. My compliments...

You have my full admiration.

- Unless... - I know what you're getting at.

I have a doubt...

I'm doubting whether I know your tastes as well as I thought.

I expected nothing less from a depraved man like you...

- But you know what I'm like. - It's true, I apologise.

And you? Why do you stay?

I don't know.

I think you know very well...

You like being a slave.

I don't like being one, I like doing it.

You'll never get the truth out of her. She's false, and she's a liar, right?

- Then why do you keep her? - Do you really want me to answer that?

What are you suggesting? I'm not forcing her to do it.

Don't get upset.

Having a slave is nothing to be ashamed of.

Does she really do everything you order her to?

Silvia, down.

On the floor.

She makes quite a good foot rest.

And, if you order her to undress in front of me?

Silvia, you heard. Undress.

No strip tease.

Get dressed, and go back to your bed.

- I bore you, don't I? - Yes.

- I need you. - Deal with it.

You can't pull your head back before he slaps you...

You have to take the full hit, suddenly...

Otherwise it looks like you're scared.

- I look like a sack of potatoes. - Let's do that again, just the slap.

- I'm sorry, Silvia. - 'Encounter by the Lake'. take 5

- Silvia, did I hurt you? - Yes, a little, but it was to be expected.

I wanted to tell you I was sorry.

- Have you done this before? - No.

You wanted to try...

But why? What are you doing here?

- What are you doing in Margaret's home? - I work.

You know Margaret thinks you're crazy.

- Do you believe her? - No, of course not.

You don't believe her, because you don't know.

Don't know what?

Silvia, what's wrong?

- Sometimes I believe her. - That you're crazy?

- That I'm crazy. - No!

Silvia!

What are you doing? Hurry up, we're waiting for you.

- Talk to Alessio about the photos. - Thank you, goodbye.

Let's go.

Poor Countess, wounded and hurt. Feeling better?

Let me see... No, it's nothing.

- He's still an animal! - Margaret.

- Aren't you dining with us? - No, I wouldn't dream of it...

I'm going back to my den. Goodbye.

- You're not getting changed? - No, goodnight.

That's quite enough for today.

Take off my boots.

Massage them.

Put some effort into it.

Now you understand why I don't like getting slapped around...

Right, it hurts... But you, it's good for you...

It's good for you, Countess. If you knew how much I'd taken...

Not only in the movies.

Look at all that traffic.

Wake up, Spartaco, get in front of that car.

And will you cheer up? You look like a frightened chicken!

I'm okay at home, I never want to go out again.

- Hello? - Is that you, Silvia?

Margaret isn't here.

- Hello, Silvia? - Margaret isn't here.

Don't you like being caressed?

Please be quiet.

Look...

Do you like those two?

I'm cold.

How can you be cold if it's so hot in here?

Okay, I should probably leave, Margaret might come back.

No, it's still early. Are you disappointed?

Me? Not at all. Why?

You thought I enjoyed making love in front of the mirror...

You were wrong.

But, if it pleases you, I can tell you most expert expert I've ever met.

- Happy? - But I don't know if you're happy.

Do you want something to drink?

Wait.

Iris. Maria.

I heard footsteps.

Someone's there.

Now what?

It was just Vittorina, Margaret will be back in three or four hours...

- We have time. - Time! What time?

We're locked in.

Get dressed.

It's pointless, we're trapped.

What are you doing? You're still naked.

She can't find us like this.

You can break that mirror and escape if you like?

Yes, it would be like admitting everything.

She can't find out about us.

We'll think of an excuse.

You can say you weren't feeling well.

Would it really upset you?

Margaret means a lot to me.

- Do you love her? - I said she means a lot to me.

Now you'll be kicked out, and I'll be punished.

You're crazy.

I can punish her how I like.

Suppose she had an expression on her face that I didn't like...

Or she stole something that belonged to me...

Even if it was just a comb...

I'll take it and I'll throw it out the window...

And she'll get what she deserves.

And you?

Do you think she has the right to punish you?

- No. - Well, then?

But she believes she does, and that's enough.

Exactly.

- She was also whipped. - Whipped!

Yes? What happened?

Did you whip her?

Me? Are you crazy?

Vittorina takes care of these things.

Perfect symmetry...

The mistress, the slave...

And the witch.

It was inevitable there would also be some flagellation.

Come on, tell me what happened.

She took me to the bathroom, and she told me to undress.

- And you assisted. - No...

Your questions are beginning to annoy me...

Do you have any more?

Didn't you want to get revenge?

Not at all.

That's all I need!

She knows she deserved it.

Vittorina, untie her.

And give her wrists and ankles a good massage.

I've had enough, let's go.

No, Margaret, I disagree, you're wrong to punish Silvia...

Because you're still treating her like a human being.

You don't punish an object, you use it.

Yes, you have a slave, but you still don't know...

What it means to have another person at your beck and call...

Who'll do anything you like, transforming a person into a thing.

What do you think I should with her?

Come here.

Sit down.

Tell me...

What do you feel for her? Hate?

Go on, tell him.

Love? Admiration?

She's the master, she feeds me, she clothes me...

- And she takes care of me. - You don't have anyone waiting for you?

- Nothing that interests you? - Only irritation and boredom.

And here... Are you happy here?

Not always.

Not always.

Only when madam needs me...

Or when everyone is away and I can be alone...

Spending all day at home, with nothing to do, to say...

Waiting only for my master to return and give me orders.

- She's lying. - No, she's telling the truth.

It's marvellous...

Slavery in all it's beauty.

All it takes is for an empress to appear, and the slaves come running.

The world is full of insane submissive desires...

It isn't just about sex, you see.

Most people are scared of freedom, they don't want it.

Freedom means responsibility, risk...

And people don't want to take risks, they want security.

This one here loves slavery so much, that she'll end falling in love with her master.

You're wrong, she doesn't love anyone but herself.

She loves what you do to her...

And you can do whatever you like to her, do your realise?

What would you say if she transformed you into an erotic object?

I don't think that's her intention.

She could watch us making love, without participating...

Sitting there, like a dog.

Or we could line her skin with gold leaf and precious stones...

And perform a tiny operation on her vocal chords.

Stop it. You're a monster.

I'm joking.

I know Silvia is yours, and she mustn't be touched...

But we could do so many things together.

I could. Not you.

Let me try for a moment, you'll like it, you'll see.

And she'll like it, too. You'll see.

Don't you want better?

To start with, sit on your knees.

- What's that? - To stop her talking.

It used to be called the pain sphere...

We can do anything we like to her with this, she won't make a sound.

Stick your tongue out.

Enough.

You're starting to disappoint me.

- Everything is ready, madam. - I know, I'm not tired.

Well? Will you leave?

I know how to get into bed.

Close the doors, and go to sleep.

There's no one here anymore, madam.

- And? - Nothing, madam.

You, bring me a newspaper.

Not that one, it's old. Fool!

- Don't look at me like that. - What do you mean?

- You smiled when you looked at me. - No, madam, I only smiled after.

- Then why did you smile? - I don't know.

You don't know... Just say you can't be bothered to reply.

What should I say?

Get me a glass of water. Go.

- You did that on purpose! - I didn't, madam.

You're so insolent! You deserve...

Do you want to whip me, madam?

Yes, I want to whip you.

You're crying.

Come on, it didn't hurt that much.

Silvia, stop it.

I promise I won't do it again, okay? Are you happy?

You know I was only joking.

Now you're laughing!

Come here. Stay still...

What horrible hands you have! Why don't you use some nail polish.

I get it, I have to do it.

You know what I'm thinking, I'll do each nail in a different colour...

Do you like it?

Have you ever thought about having children?

No, never.

You know, to be honest, I've never thought about it, either.

My career always came first, but why don't you want any?

You're healthy, and all the rest of it.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I don't know, nothing, I think.

I never decided. not even then.

Anything was good for me, as long as I could earn lots of money.

I was born to be a mistress, to command.

But what about you? You'll have to do something.

I'm okay here, I never want to leave.

Of course you'll stay, you know I appreciate the things I have.

You'll stay.

And you...

Aren't you tired?

Stay, if you want.

Goodnight.

Go away... Go back to your room!

Go away!

What does she want to do?

- Is she ready? - One moment.

Hurry up, she's calling.

Dina, what is she going to do? Tell me.

I told you many times to leave.

At least I have an excuse, I must work because I'm poor...

But you?

Let's go.

Let's go.

Put this on, it's an order.

Here she is.

As I told you, tonight I'm auctioning a slave to the highest bidder.

- Who is she? - Is it a game?

No, it's not a game.

She's the daughter of a rival king who's been taken prisoner and put up for auction...

A slave. Not a person, but an object...

And whoever buys her can do what they like to her.

But who is she? Is she a film star?

No, she's a real slave, and I really am selling her.

Now, show her to these gentlemen.

Beautiful, isn't she?

- A luxurious object. - Quite right...

Look at that perfect body, gentlemen...

Thank you Vittorina, you can go.

Look at these hands, gentlemen, they're oozing class.

You know it would be great if this was real...

To buy a woman like that... A slave like that.

She must be a prostitute.

And why not? I like to think it's real.

Just think, this used to be normal.

What fools we've become.

I think the idea of selling someone is quite exciting.

Come here, you know about these things.

Look at those legs.

- I'll buy her. - No, hold on a moment...

To the highest bidder, it's an auction.

We'll start on a 1000, and go up in increments of 500...

Okay, who's going to start? It's an exceptional offer!

Gentlemen, the auction is open. It's a magnificent example.

Come on, gentlemen.

- Who's going to buy her? - 1500

- 2000 - 2500

- Her real value is much higher. - I assure you she isn't expensive.

To feed her, make her pretty...

Take care of her, educate her...

It's been a very expensive job.

- 3500 - Don't be mean.

She's so docile... Already trained...

But she can also be perfected according to her master or mistress' tastes.

- Come on, we're at 3500 - Can I bid as well?

- I'm not selling her to you. - 3500

No more bids? No?

To you, sir...

The highest bidder.

You were wrong, she's different to what you expected.

I'm sad you're leaving. I wanted to tell you...

You can always come to me if you need anything.

- Goodbye, madam. - You can go, Dina.

Remember, it isn't a real contract...

You can always go back home and live a normal life...

You're not well, and you know it.

I'm not strong like you, madam.

If I fell in love, it's because when I'm with you...

I don't feel so alone, like I used to.

And that's why I sold you.

I'm trying to accelerate your recovery.

All I ever wanted was to look at you...

...and to be protected.

Perhaps because I don't deserve it, or I've loved so few...

Something is still waiting for me...

The serenity...

Or a certain equilibrium.

Look, I don't know if this is the reason...

But I do know that what happens next will depend on you.

It frightens me to think about it.

Right, you always expect something from others...

And this is wrong...

You have to learn to live among people...

I'm telling you, it's not as hard as you think.

You have to do something...

You have to decide.

You can't spend your life looking in mirrors.

Good luck, Silvia... I mean it.

Subtitled by Giuseppe Mazzini www.cultfilmsubs.com - Nov 2011