Original subtitles

IL TERRORE DELLA MASCHERA ROSSA (THE TERROR OF THE RED MASK)

I tell you, you have to pay the toll!

- This is intolerable! - No, it isn't. We have every right.

This bridge is ours; the owner of this land gave it to us.

Let him see the decree.

Look at this decree, can you read?

- No. - Well then, take a look!

But I told you I can't read...

- You know... - Give it here, I can read.

"In the middle of life's journey..."

"I came upon a dark forest..."

"in which the straight path became lost..."

What is this nonsense?

The path was lost, and you must pay to get it back.

- See, there's the stamp. - No, it's a seal.

Be on your way, my good man, there's nothing to worry about.

- Thank you, master. Bless you. - One moment...

Let it be, Giuggiolone,

the gentleman will be so kind as to pay for you.

And you can be sure he will pay!

- Because of a fake document? - No...

because of this sword, that I promise you!

Would you care to try?

It'll be an honour - for you...

Here is the right weapon for the likes of you!

- What're you doing down here? - Be quiet, Giuggiolone.

In any case... we wanted to be down here.

Keep it, old man...

I have paid the toll for you, as those two required.

Now you can go in peace. - Thank you, sir. God bless you.

And to think they say a hay wagon brings good luck...

You are lucky; I usually cut off the ears of highway robbers.

We aren't robbers, we are unemployed soldiers

who still have far to travel. - Ah, yes?

And where are you heading - to death by hanging?

No, we are looking for a battle to join.

They say there is fighting somewhere around Caserta

and that Ugolino d'Amalfi is enlisting soldiers.

What! Ugolino d'Amalfi?

Are you laughing at us?

No, it's just you are too late, my friend,

Ugolino won his fight, and has demobilised his army.

What's that? You making fun of me?

Well, no, unfortunately,

for I was with him, and...

now I'm left without a job, and so...

I'm going to sign up with another captain.

- Then we'll come along with you. - Who is this other captain?

Get going! Move along!

- Come on, we can do it... - Lazy oafs!

Mindless bullies, Ulderico would not have treated us like this!

He is dead. Astolfo, his brother, will punish all who don't pay their taxes!

Astolfo the tyrant! One day he will pay for his abuses!

Help! Help! - Here comes The Red Mask!

I was expecting you, dog!

This time I will tear that cursed mask off of you!

I could be wrong; but I think I recognise that music?

That's a battle down there!

Well well, here be dragoons! Those are Ulderico's soldiers

- Are you sure? - Yes, there is a dolphin on their banner!

- They are fighting some bandits. - We're in luck, what an opportunity!

- That makes sense... - One moment, I beg of you.

But the battle is over there.

He's making sure Uguccione, his little monkey, is safe.

Giuggiolone, come back, and join the fighting!

Leave him to me, my lord.

- You wield a strong sword. - There's a large reward for him.

See if you can profit from it. - Thanks for the information.

I can already feel the money in my pocket.

Let's see your face.

Take that, you rogue.

Giuggiolone... "GIRLS"!

Come on! Come on!

Follow them!

I want him alive!

Did I hear correctly?

Was that his voice?

Well now, if you have a voice... speak up.

Don't let me regret having spared your life.

Kill me, if you want... you will learn nothing from me.

Well, of course...

if I kill you, we will learn nothing...

But I will not kill you,

you have to live.

I want you to suffer...

and suffer so much, that you will curse life itself.

Carry on!

If he won't speak, then he shall scream.

I want to hear him scream!

Can't you hear it?

I can; but I'm deaf and dumb when I'm eating...

I don't like eating while someone's screaming.

How sensitive you are; and yet in battle you are so different.

I am what I am, a soldier!

Not a murderer.

If your friend says what he thinks,

he won't find life easy around here.

Seems our jolly singer makes a sorrowful fortune teller.

Who is the Red Mask? Speak up!

I want to know who he is, and where he hides out.

I don't know...

Again.

Do you know, now?

- No-one knows, I swear it. - You lie!

It's the truth, none of us has ever seen his face...

And you expect me to believe...

that you are loyal to a man you don't know...

We know of his bravery, and we strive to be worthy.

A nice reply, my lad...

Astolfo, my lord,

if what he says is true, we'll not get anything out of him.

And if it isn't true?

I fear it'll be the same. These bastards are stubborn.

No!

They are resolute!

We must respect men of such valour!

You can keep your life...

you are free.

Thank you, sir.

Are you one of the new soldiers?

And you? Ah, one moment, I can guess.

You are a ray of splendid sunshine...

Ah, you are also a poet...

No, only a soldier.

And you are on the side of the victor, am I right?

I saw some bandits attacking Astolfo's force, and so...

How did you know they were bandits?

In my opinion, anyone who attacks uniformed soldiers

is a bandit.

You know the laws of Astolfo well...

Ha... I know nothing about Astolfo.

My sword is at his command... and he pays me for this.

And you will serve him loyally and obediently...

Certainly.

A soldier is a man of honour.

A fine honour it is...

to kill the enemies of the people who pay you,

without finding out which side is in the wrong.

- Why do you hate Astolfo so? - I don't hate him...

I cannot...

because, unfortunately, the same blood flows in our veins.

I am Iolanda, his niece.

- So Astolfo's cause is also yours? - No...

my cause is that of my Father, Ulderico.

While he was alive, peace reigned across this land.

And there was respect between the people and the gentry.

But then, after his death,

we became plagued by this scourge of the Red Mask,

a good-for-nothing who incites the people into revolt

and threatens the peace of this land.

Return to my Father's ways and the Red Mask will disappear,

he's told you that many times. - A rebel doesn't make the law.

We know best how to keep people on the right path.

With enforcement by the sword?

You don't imagine outlaws use rose stems for weapons.

What do you say, Marco?

Today I tasted the iron of their leader, and...

it's less pleasant than your lovely face.

You are brave, Marco; but you are also insolent.

I didn't mean to cause offence.

You should learn to know your place.

Please forgive me, my lady.

Come along, this is no place for you.

I'm not stupid like that bear, I would break my chains.

Me, too...

- What's wrong? - Nothing, he has a tic, but I have magic word.

"GIRLS"! - Where?

Bravo! Bravo!

Soldier?

You saved my life...

Let me treat your wound.

It's nothing, thank you.

I am in debt to you for what you did.

It was my pleasure, for all that it was distressing.

Remove that bear, I don't want its dead body in my house.

Quickly, Ivano. Let's move the bear, we need to finish.

And so I - Astolfo, Duke of Castle Delfino,

drink to the health of this brave soldier.

What's his name?

Marco.

Were you anxious when it looked as if I might be in danger?

But it was not you who dealt with the bear.

A nice reply, very sweet...

you are clever, little niece.

Egidio, find yourself a bear of your own to kill.

Martino? - Yes? - You could at least laugh!

You risked your life for me...

I would like to be able to repay you.

Well, you're taking care of my wounds...

Don't you think that's enough?

How sad! A man without desires.

Who told you that I have no desires?

Even sadder! A man with desires that are beyond his reach.

And to think it was you who enlisted that hero

What do you mean?

I, nothing. But it's enough to look you in the eye...

Jealousy...

I don't understand you.

I have the impression that our noble lady...

feels a particular fondness for that soldier.

- You always were a buffoon. - And why not! It's my job...

Bravo, Egidio. You have a good eye when choosing soldiers.

How come? He is already regretting...

- Why? - I think I have done you a disservice, my lord.

A disservice? But you have brought me an excellent soldier.

Just so.

His prestige will obscure your own. - Already damaged by the Mask.

Everyone knows I am stronger than him!

Marco has the respect of the men

and he fascinates the women.

The gypsy is currently with him.

Marco!

Where are you? - Yes, my lord.

That's enough.

Make a circle!

Now!

Have you the courage to fight with me?

Why should I do it?

Because I challenge you... and I order you to obey!

The challenge is enough... the order is not necessary.

The winner will be the one who knocks the other out the circle.

Or, onto the pikes.

Bravo, you understand the game...

And the stake? I will not fight without a reason.

Just so! Twenty gold scudos, against your pay for 6 months.

What do you say, Marco?

Very well.

- 5 scudos says Astolfo will win. - But I don't have any money!

- We will have. I bet on Marco and these are mine! - No, mine!

- Very well, they are ours. - He took my scudos!

Here are five scudos, my champion is Marco!

You are a good fortune-teller, but this time you've got it wrong.

Here is the money, give me yours... - They'll be safer in my hands.

Go for it, Marco! - Come on!

< Go for it, Marco!

And you, who are you supporting?

Both of them... At least they are fighting each other fairly.

Since when have you loved violence?

I don't love it at all...

I love courage and those who display it.

I hold myself in readiness to fight your enemies.

50 scudos...

if you let me win...

- Not enough! - 100.

And if I don't agree?

100 lashes...

at the earliest opportunity.

I prefer the 100 scudos.

Deal agreed then.

Let me win well.

Make it look good. - If I can.

- I recommend that you can. - As you wish.

< Take him, Marco!

< What are you doing?

< I'm ruined!

- Astolfo! - Hurray, Astolfo!

Hand over the scudos!

What's going on?

He lost, and doesn't want to pay.

Yes, it's true.

I believed in you, and I lost.

Keep your money...

for I won also.

Thank you.

And so, hero, who will give me my money?

Give me credit until tomorrow, please.

Tomorrow?

I'll see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow you'll have 10 scudos?

I'll have more than that...

Tomorrow I'll have 100, courtesy of a generous Astolfo.

So that's why you lost!

Why did you let him win?

Giuggiolone, you never understand... they came to an agreement.

- Silence, or they'll cut out your tongue. - That would not be a bad thing,

your tongues have little of honour to boast about.

- Why is she getting at you? - At me? She's getting at him.

A nice quiet place here, lovely...

The arms of the Duke of Monferrato.

What does that dolt want?

Can't you guess?

Iolanda...

Come away!

Greetings, noble Astolfo...

My noble Lord Gaiano, Duke of Monferrato,

sends me to you, with tokens of his friendship

and gifts for the Lady Iolanda.

We bid you welcome, noble emissary of my friend Gaiano,

today is a happy day for me and...

for my niece Iolanda.

Come speak with me... with news of your lord.

Be more careful, how ill-mannered you are!

Don't take so long...

- Thief! - Let me go!

Your green pastures, the sweet olive groves,

everything one can see here, fills the soul with joy.

Well, it's said that the air here whets the appetite,

so come and refresh yourself.

Thank you, but later. First, I would like to take a bath.

A bath? But, why?

It is an old Greco-Roman habit that is coming back into fashion.

It reinvigorates, and it removes those bad odours that,

especially after a long journey, emanate from the skin.

Well... whatever the desires of my guests,

however extravagent, they are fine with me.

Martino, accompany him.

With your permission, gentlemen.

- Perhaps he'll drown himself... - Gaiano would only send another.

< Don't touch me, let me go, crook!

What's going on?

Let me go! Don't touch me!

Let me go!

This woman is a thief, my lord, I saw her steal this.

It's not true.

I have stolen nothing,

I just wanted to see how I looked.

Leave her alone.

You can all go. - All of you, out!

Egidio... even you.

Close the door!

Let's see how you look...

Does it please you, my lord?

- What do you want? - Let me pass...

Why are the gypsies protesting?

I don't know, my lady,

I saw a soldier take a woman away.

It's Karima!

Let her through, quickly!

I will kill anyone who has mistreated you, whoever it is!

No-one mistreated me... absolutely no-one.

Astolfo wants to see your leader!

Karima is my woman, I will answer for her.

Take care you don't have to answer for yourself.

Come forward, you.

The gypsy girl is free.

A pity...

you've missed a great opportunity,

once again to prove your courage...

Save her from Astolfo?

No thank you, my lady, I'd like to keep my head.

But the bear could have removed it from your neck.

Of course, but your uncle is even more fecorious.

And more generous...

That poor beast could still be alive,

if he'd had 100 gold scudos to give you.

Or 100 lashes...

What do you mean?

That when your uncle made his proposal...

he put those two choices on the scales.

A soldier is not a slave, as far as I know.

Nothing keeps you here within these walls.

Perhaps... there is another bond.

Your pay?

No, that's not it.

I believe it's something...

more precious, more desirable.

I cannot say more.

I don't want to know more,

your problems don't interest me.

Your proposal, my lord, mortifies me and my people.

Enough, I haven't called you here to listen to your whimpering.

I asked you... how much?

It's not a matter of price, my lord.

Our women are not slaves and do not sell themselves.

Much less Karima, who is engaged to my son.

If I were...

You are powerful, my lord, you can crush us under foot,

but you cannot buy us with your money.

Bravo...

Would you prefer to be paid with a cord around your neck?

Ah, each to his own taste...

As for integrity, reflect...

Wouldn't a bag of gold coins be better?

But why does your son want to marry Karima?

He can marry another girl, they are all the same to him.

There's nothing to be done. He is obstinate.

Very well... go.

< I excuse you. You are free.

Jester... I'll have you whipped!

I have just finished eating, and the sight of blood...

And you, begone! Thank this jester for saving your life!

- It's you who should thank me. - You annoy me...

Have you forgotten that fat dandy who arrived from Monferrato?

I don't care about him.

Not him, perhaps. But his master, yes.

Gaiano would happily go to Rome and talk about certain of your deeds.

If he got to hear of them...

But I cannot be beaten by a dirty gypsy!

If you can get what you want, without breaking the law,

the others will just leave.

- Explain yourself. - Tomorrow the gypsies will be leaving.

What of it?

Many things can happen before tomorrow is over.

The refined nobleman always suggests... honest solutions.

What is it?

Nothing.

You keep looking back... it brings bad luck.

Me?

Or maybe you hope that someone is following us?

And stop staring at me...

you are hateful. Would you have preferred Astolfo to whip me?

Well? - Instead of what?

Instead of nothing...

he recognised my innocence.

Or do you think I bought his forgiveness with my charms?

Come on, speak honestly. - You brought up Astolfo.

You are not jealous of him?

I love you, Karima...

and I am jealous of anyone who tries to tempt you, or

touch you, however fleetingly.

Who would have dared as much in the castle, according to you?

One of those mercenaries dared much more,

he gave you some money and you took it.

Marco!

You're talking of Marco... - Stop your laughing,

the day will come when I have him at my feet.

If I were in love with Marco, the blame would be yours.

Why didn't you challenge him, when first he saved me?

Is it because you aren't good enough with the dagger?

Or is it because you lack the courage...

I shall not fail when the day comes...

where I have to kill those who attempt to take you from me!

Halt!

Halt!

- < Soldiers of the Duke! - Look there.

Scoundrel!

With thievery, that's how you repay our hospitality!

But we haven't taken anything.

Search the wagons for the gold tableware!

Search!

But what tableware?

- It's not that one, it's the other! - Ssh!

- How did you know that? - I don't know it, but he does.

While we were on guard duty, we saw them hide it.

- The gypsies? - No, people from the castle.

- Are you sure? - Of course. Look!

We've found it, sir!

Catch him!

There are too many of them. Withdraw!

< Long live the Red Mask!

Hurray for the Red Mask!

I am much better, for many reasons. Thank you for everything.

- Take it. - No, keep it for yourself.

Treat it as a gift.

I wouldn't know what to do with it.

Listen, why don't you stay with us?

No... I don't want to serve a man who hides behind a mask.

Or a leader who cannot pay?

That too. I'm a soldier, not a knight errant.

Have you seen Giuggiolone and Fanello?

No, Marco.

- Were you looking for me? - No.

Why did you take me, Marco?

I have not taken you...

I have offered you my love and you have refused me.

There is no insult worse than this for a gypsy.

If I took your love without returning it, then...

you would have something to be offended about.

You don't know what would be enough for me. But...

there is someone stronger than you, who will do anything for me.

Cover me in jewels, give me anything I want.

So! You would lose out with me, for I am only a soldier.

No... You are brave and strong...

And I love you...

Love is more than jewels and riches,

it is more than anything else.

- Of course, but... - But you love another, am I right?

No Karima, I love only my sword.

A soldier has to be free.

I tell you there is a woman you would take away!

But she is not for you.

I don't understand you...

You know well what I'm saying...

Iolanda... the niece of Astolfo.

What do you mean?

Astolfo shall hang you because you joined the rebels!

Not so! For me & my friends, our sojourn at Castle Delfino is over!

We will leave, and never return.

I never want to see you again!

Marco?

You looking for your friends? Nando saw them mount horses.

They have gone, Marco, but I don't know where.

They have gone to hang themselves... imbeciles.

- Peace be with you, brother. - Peace be with you.

- Peace be with you, brother. - Peace be with you.

- Peace be with you, brother. - Peace be with you.

Look at where we are now, and it's all your doing...

We are taking all this trouble - for a little monkey!

Stop crying, and let's hurry, because if we get there late,

they'll be killing people, let alone a monkey.

- But you know I don't give a damn about... - Uh-uh!

As I really don't care about your monkey...

If Astolfo catches her, he will turn us into sausages.

If you think so, good luck to you.

- Peace be with you, brother. - Peace be with you.

- How much do these brothers get? - This much...

Very good!

The lunge, always the lunge! Otherwise, you are a grand master.

- I know it... - Ah!

You are sure that this weapon is better than the traditional?

But certainly.

Like a long dagger, it hits the target first.

< I will tell Gaiano that every day you are training...

for a return to combat.

He will be concerned to hear that, in your lands,

peace is disturbed by rebels

and that your soldiers desert for love.

You've kept your ears open while you've been my guest.

But this was not the reason for your trip.

You know well that it wasn't,

we have spoken a lot about my Lord's feelings...

for your niece...

But I have told you that...

my niece will not be marrying

the noble Gaiano, nor anyone else, for now.

She made a... pledge

when my brother died. - Praise in Heaven to Ulderico.

And... Glory on Earth to noble Gaiano.

Convey my greetings to him. - I think I'll start today.

If that is your wish, I will not detain you.

Accompany him.

Let's resume.

En garde.

A pledge...

a brilliant idea.

A pledge your niece doesn't even know she's made.

You are in an unfortunate situation....

Today you are a powerful lord, but tomorrow...

Tomorrow?

If Iolanda gets married...

she will have the right to govern this land.

But Iolanda is not getting married!

The unfortunate situation...

is hers!

What do you think?

Dangerous... as you will find out.

If Iolanda dies...

the land will pass in direct line to the Borgias

and they have a reputation for getting what they ask for!

Do I speak true? - Thrust! - Parry!

Giuggiolone, come on.

Look over there.

We have a wounded companion who has need of you.

- But really... - My son,

we do not know where your companion is, we are new...

Come, I will take you.

It's all your doing!

- "Speramos-bene"... - "Speramos"...

Be so kind, my son. Where is the injured man?

Over there.

"Osse, due-osse, tre-osse, quattro-osse"...

"Tagliamos-la-cordas"...

- "Tagliamos-la-cordas"... - "Tagliamos".

- "Tagliamos". - "What-are-we-doing"...

- "Who-knows"... - Here it is! The monkey!

Alarm!

"GIRLS"!

Alarm! Sound the alarm!

Raise the drawbridge!

Giuggiolone, make haste, come on!

Not in there, this way. Come on, quick as you can!

Where are you going, imbeciles, that way!

Where are you going? In there...

Giuggiolone, Giuggiolone... - Uguccione.

- Praise be to Jesus Christ. - Always may he be praised.

What is happ....

- Stop that. - If I let her go, she'll scream.

Let her go.

- Lock the door. - Did Marco send you?

No, in truth we came for Giuggiolone's monkey.

- Uguccione... - Listen to me.

What do you want? You may not enter these rooms!

We are looking for two men dressed as friars.

There are no friars! Only the Lady Iolanda, who is resting.

Get away from here!

And so, I want you to report to Marco what I've just said.

Take care, the steps are slippery. - And where does it lead?

- Outside the castle. - Let's go.

Thank you also for this, my lady.

< Iolanda, where are you?

Stay here!

Did anyone come in here?

Why? Are you searching for someone, my lord?

No... No, no...

If they come from the castle, they will come in that direction.

I will wait for them until tonight.

You can both go. - Well, as you wish.

Stop, Marco, stop!

No, don't kill it.

Another step and it would have bitten you.

A ridiculous end for a soldier, to die from the poison of a viper.

Although it looks like a viper, it isn't one, in fact.

It's a species... similar, but very rare in Italy.

More merciful. - Not deadly?

On the contrary, its poison would kill you in a few minutes.

A brief agony. - Throw it away, I shall kill it.

A gypsy never kills a snake.

The ointment that healed your wounds contained poison.

Poison is just like love...

love that enhances life, can also lead to death.

Remember that, Marco.

Marco!

Marco! Don't you recognise us?

Fanello! Uguccione!

Where have you come from? What devil dressed you thus, eh?

A diplomatic mission, It was all his doing!

- Well, we had to save Uguccione. - All that fuss for a monkey.

By the way, Marco... they would like to see you at the castle.

- Yes, but in the prison...

- What is that?

Don't worry, there are lots of animals around here.

Don't you see?

What's that? Iolanda helped you to escape?

Why are you surprised? Don't you know?

Your friends are friends of Iolanda.

Stop it, by now she won't even remember I am in the world.

Are you sure? Tell him some, tell him...

And so? Come on, speak.

Well, I bring you good news.

Tomorrow at sunset, your lady will await you at Devil Rock.

- Seriously? - Eh!

Perhaps we seem to you like types who only make jokes?

Perhaps he is playing the joke... What is it you do to women?

Oh, delicate... - The Hand of Fate.

Stop, stop... I'm not your enemy.

Who are you?

I am a gypsy.

I'm here to take back a woman. - How do you know she is here?

Anyone who is kidnapped is against Astolfo

and only you can offer him a place of refuge.

Marco did not kidnap your woman,

it is not him you need worry about, my friend.

Take your Karima and go far away from here, as fast as you can!

I don't give a fig for your chances while you're on Astolfo's land.

We have come a long way since this morning.

And we will go further, to be safe.

- The horse must be exhausted. - We will rest for a few minutes.

Drink.

Karima... my love...

No... not here.

I forget everything when I hold you in my arms.

No, Ivano, not here...

it would bring us bad luck. This land is cursed for us.

Yes... perhaps you're right.

Let's get away.

My strength will fail me, if I don't get something to eat.

But I don't have anything.

In my bag... hanging from the saddle...

there is some bread.

Yes.

A snake! My dagger...

You... You knew...

Did you think I would be yours? I feel nothing in your caresses.

But it's finished... It's finished!

It is also finished for you! You also will die!

No, let me go! Let me go!

Yes, of course. One day I will also die...

but you will already be rotted by then.

Curse you. You are evil!

Think about your soul, gypsy!

Karima...

- I feared I would not find you here. - And I, that you would not come.

Nothing could have prevented me.

Not even a warning from the Red Mask?

I am no longer against the Red Mask.

You were right; his cause is just.

So, you have shaken hands?

Well, I haven't had that honour,

seeing that he galloped by me without saying a word.

It was ever thus, as they say.

And so you are still curious to know who he is?

He is honourable...

and that's enough for me.

There was another thing I wanted to know about the rebels

and now I know. - What is it?

Whatever happens, you will be safe. I have their word.

And now... I can leave.

Why? When you yourself said that their cause is just?

I will not fight against you.

Not against me...

I know you do not approve of your uncle, but you are...

the lady of the castle, and its soldiers are your soldiers.

You are understanding, Marco...

Marco?

It's the first time that you...

Yes, and it won't be the last, because I'll tell you one thing...

< Your sword, Marco!

Surrender, Marco!

- You are worthy of your uncle! - No, Marco!

Listen to me...

Marco!

Marco!

And so, killer of bears...

soldier... traitor

and finally, pretender to the hand of my niece.

What else?

You never cease to amaze me, with your changes of role.

Well...

Now I want to suggest one...

that perhaps will suit you best.

The hapless victim!

Tortured... martyred, if you prefer!

Flogged for as long as you have skin on your bones

One moment.

I have a right to have my voice heard.

You govern in my name as my guardian...

But I do govern!

There is no law that requires me to seek your opinion.

I know that, unfortunately,

but I want to know just the same what he is accused of.

Treason!

Marco... you, here?

You once said that your sojourn at Castle Delfino was over.

Instead you are still here...

and I warned you.

Love is like poison, remember?

Love that enhances life, can also lead to death.

Forgive me, my lady.

Yes, it was myself...

I told Astolfo how he could capture you.

Because anyone who betrays Astolfo... is my enemy...

who I want to see dead.

And you will do it!

You can be sure of that.

You have degraded the office that was once my Father's...

Now you lay it at the feet of a... - I suppose it was your wish to...

reverse this decline by marrying a mercenary like that!

You call him a mercenary, but he is a free man,

with a thirst for justice. You may kill him; but there...

will always be another ready to raise our banner with pride!

The Red Mask has not yet been taken by you.

The day of reckoning may be coming for you too, Egidio...

and for you, gypsy!

Here, days of reckoning come only from me!

This castle has solid walls!

And it has strong defences!

I am afraid of no-one!

Only I... can arouse terror...

in my enemies.

I will sweep them away!

Starting with you, Marco!

Take him away!

Nando... let's go, it's up to you.

True enough.

Take my place, stand guard and keep your eyes open.

All's quiet.

Friends, the fate of Marco saddens me,

but we can't get into the castle.

- I have an idea. - I, on the other hand, have a cold.

- Warm yourself! I have an idea. - Then tell us.

Let's go to the Red Mask and tell him he must do something.

What is there to laugh about?

The Red Mask, where is he?

If you don't know...

In fact we don't know him, neither who he is, nor where he is.

At the right moment he just appears, hopefully he'll do so this time.

Let's hope he arrives at least in time for the funeral.

Giuggiolone, your frozen brain must be thawing out.

Let me try it.

Keep it!

This is for the 10 scudos, this is for the gypsy's kisses

that I paid you for.

The Red Mask!

< Astolfo!

Astolfo! - What do you want?

Everyone, outside!

Whoever touches Marco, will meet Death!

The Red Mask...

What does it mean?

An arrow killed the man who was whipping Marco.

The Red Mask is here, then.

In the castle. - The arrow was fired through the grating.

When we left there was no-one, he had disappeared.

When you left...

But when did you leave?

One hour later!

When you were quite sure there would be no-one to see!

You are cowards and traitors!

< It happened because I wasn't there. - You, silence!

You are no less a traitor than the others...

You might even be the rebel himself.

No, I am beyond suspicion,

I crossed swords with him several times.

Not all those who are here now can say the same.

Did you hear me, Martino?

Yes... I heard you, but I don't follow you.

For one thing, everyone knows I don't use weapons.

Other than my tongue, you understand?

Your tongue is loose when you speak, and when you sing...

your voice is unmistakeable.

Could it be that is why the Red Mask remains mute?

Where were you when the arrow was fired?

He was in my rooms, singing a ballad.

- Of love? - Wherever he is, and whoever...

I am not afraid of him!

I challenge him!

Try and save Marco!

Marco will be executed tomorrow at dawn, in the courtyard.

I can assure you, he will die in the most atrocious pain!

I make this solemn oath!

This is my challenge to the Red Mask...

and to Marco, whom I'll go and tell myself!

Go ahead of me.

And... you too!

I thank you, Lady Iolanda,

but I am genuinely surprised. - Why?

- Because I was not in your rooms. - I know it...

And where were you?

You don't think that I am the Red Mask?

No, but as you are so certain that I am not he,

perhaps you know who he is.

Perhaps I do...

You are unfortunate, gypsy...

The Red Mask is a friend of Marco.

He will put you to death. - You know who he is...

You know him, you are a friend of his...

But I can't imagine who he can be.

That's not true! You know him.

You can save me...

- But... - Save me!

And... what will you give in return?

I will give you everything you want, I don't love Astolfo,

I could love you, if you want.

Come... take me!

You are... the most selfish and unfaithful woman...

I have ever met in my life,

even though, in this castle, there are many!

The Red Mask will not forget,

he will kill you!

He will kill you!

Halt!

Bring together the horses, and put them into the shelter.

- Will you give the order? - It will come from the castle.

As soon as the drawbridge is lowered, mount up - and attack.

You, warn the others.

Who is lowering the bridge?

The Red Mask.

Come on.

But are you sure that... - Ssh!

Are you sure that kidnapping Iolanda will help free Marco?

Yes, either Astolfo frees Marco, or his niece will die.

Right, the woman is treacherous and traitorous.

- Like your monkey. - Just because you are... - Ssh!

Don't make any more noise.

- You? - Yes...

- What are you doing here? - We were just passing...

You know how it is... listen, and I'll explain.

Well, the two of us were... Ready with the what's-it.

Ready - ready - now!

Be brave, we are only kidnapping you for a bit...

Who put the light out?

< Be brave, come with us, we'll take you to a quiet place...

Here I come.

My promises are being met!

Let everyone see this!

Hear it? You know that music?

They are taking him to the gallows.

Now is the moment... watch the drawbridge.

As soon as it begins to drop, everyone to horse.

- Giuggiolone, we've made it. - These branches...

We can't carry her far like this,

like a sack of potatoes. - Then put her down...

Now that we have Iolanda, Marco is safe.

Untie her... Good, eh?

Good...

Good girl, we aren't playing games, truly...

Giuggiolone, get that sword, before it cuts someone.

Imbeciles! You are colossal imbeciles!

If Marco dies, it'll be your fault.

I am the Red Mask!

Cut that short, you!

Or continue to pray together in Hell!

Go ahead!

Let us call on the Red Mask,

as we put to death his protector!

Scoundrel!

Where are you?

Come and save him before it's too late!

< Stop!

You are killing your niece, Astolfo! Read this!

I have no choice...

The life of Marco... for that of Iolanda.

- What has happened to Iolanda? - They have kidnapped her.

Open it!

Come out.

Stop him, to the death!

50 scudos to whoever catches him!

Surrender, Marco!

You are free... I swear to you on my honour,

I will spare your life!

On my honour, I tell you! - I know well your honour,

and I prefer to trust my life to my fists.

Trust in this, Marco!

Thanks, my friend.

It will cost you dearly, that deed.

Instead of Marco, I will kill you! Defend yourself!

I don't know how to fight, but I know how to run!

Kill him. He is the Red Mask!

You are a coward!

And you, wanting to kill an unarmed man?

He is here... I tell you he is here!

- He is hiding. Kill him! - Where are you, coward?

You have always lived as a worm, at least die like a man!

The bridge!

To horse!

To horse!

He is the Red Mask!

Kill him... Kill him!

You haven't killed me yet...

Bastard...

You are the Red Mask!

You are the Red Mask!

You will not escape his revenge! He will kill you!

He will kill you!

Iolanda.

Iolanda!

You will not escape his revenge.

No escape.

You are an assassin...

No escape from the Red Mask...

I am an assassin.

An assassin.

No escape...

No escape from the Red Mask.

Assassin...

It is monstrous...

But it's the truth.

Astolfo killed your father...

Hold onto it!

Surrender, Astolfo.

Yield to me... and save your life.

Very well.

Leave him to me!

Oh, Marco!

Iolanda is the Red Mask!

Surrender and save your life.

It's an order from the Red Mask.

The Red Mask!

And now you have to die!

En garde!

< Kill him, Marco!

- Iolanda! - How bad is she? - Shush!

But... it's Karima, the gypsy!

< Finish him, Marco!

This time your 100 scudos are not enough!

- Marco. - God be praised, you are alive.

I understand, Father...

A mask is not enough...

to hide... from divine justice...

Forgive me.

Tell him...

Tell... Marco.

Hurray!

Hurray, Marco, Duke of Castle Delfino!

Hurray!

It was all my doing...

English subtitles: David Blake (2013)