Original subtitles

Lucy, what's that?

look! It's Jesus! But where are they going?

look! Oh, have a look! They're coming down.

What's that statue? What is it? Where are you taking it?

- What? - Where are you taking it?

They're taking it to the Pope.

They want our phone number. No!

Hey, you! Come here a moment.

What did they eat at table sixteen?

- The prince ordered snails. - And what did they drink?

Soave.

They're drinking Valpolicella.

- Hello, Marcello! - Hello, Pierone!

Snails and Valpolicella.

- Let me take a picture. - That's out of the question.

Why do you give him money?

If you want any information, ask me.

- Manager! - Stop that photographer!

- Let me have the film. - No!

People have a right to privacy.

Give me a light.

- Listen, handsome, come here. - Who? Me?

- Yes, you! - What is it?

l want to talk to you.

Good evening, ladies...

- Well? - Sit down.

- Where? There isn't a chair. - Squat down.

- Excuse me. - You're a naughty boy.

- Why? - Because you're a naughty boy.

You know what l'll do to you? l'll smash your face in!

I've got to keep the public informed, it's my job.

- Besides, a bit of publicity... - So you call this publicity!

She'll be in trouble with her husband now.

Do l stick my nose into your business?

- But you aren't a journalist! - lf you call this journalism...

- Shut up, you. Be more careful, Marcello. - You'll kill me.

- Has he arrived? - Not yet, miss.

When he does, tell him he's a fool.

Give me a whisky.

Why don't you close this dump?

Good evening, Maddalena. Are you alone?

- Do you want to dance? - No.

- let's have a vodka. - No,

tonight's not my night. l'm going.

- Can I take you home? - All right.

Your friends are at it again!

Marcello, where are you off to all dressed up?

- Maddalena. - Leave me alone tonight.

She's back. She's more photogenic than a film star!

Every night the same thing! Don't they ever get bored?

Stop it! You should be used to it by now. You're always in the news.

Marcello, tell us where you're taking her!

I'd like to live in a new town and never meet anyone again.

l really like Rome, it's a kind ofjungle...

warm and quiet, the ideal place to hide.

l'd like to hide too, but l never can.

- What shall we do now? - Let's go for a drive.

Oh, even Rome is a bore! l'd like to be on an island.

- Buy yourself one! - l've thought of that.

But would l ever go there?

You know what your trouble is? You have too much money.

And yours is that you don't have enough.

So here we are, both of us!

There's nothing wrong with that.

There are so few of us left who are dissatisfied with ourselves!

- What happened to your face? - Nothing.

You shouldn't worry. With all the money you have,

you'll always land on your feet.

- You really think so? - Sure.

l can't even stand on my own feet.

I lack that vitality ones needs to feel confident...

When l make love, l feel that tension.

- Only love gives me that strength. - Well, long live love, then!

Annamaria! Come and have a look!

That's no car, it looks more like an apartment!

Who is it? Liliana?

No, l'm not Liliana.

- And who are you? - Good evening.

Hello. Who are you talking to?

Who is it?

liliana isn't here any more, she's gone to Milan.

- Want to come for a drive? - What, me?

Yes. Come on.

There's a lady who wants me to go for a drive with her. Shall l go?

Let's go for a drive with this girl.

What are you up to?

Nothing, let's go for a drive. Maybe we'll take her home afterwards.

- Do you know her? - No.

At least, I don't think so.

We're going to have a bite to eat. See you there.

Here they are. Switch off your headlights!

Make sure they pay you well,

they're richer than Onassis.

Are you coming?

If you don't mind me asking... could you take me home?

- Are you coming? - No.

l live a hell of a way out, though.

- Get in the back. Can you manage? - Oh, sure, thanks.

- Are you alright there? - l'm fine.

- Bye, - bye, Ananamarie

- Where do you live? - ln "Cessati Spiriti" Street.

- Is this your car? - Yes.

Did you buy it for her?

No, her father did.

That's some father. All l ever got was a beating!

- Do you know my father? - Yes, you introduced me to him once.

What about your parents? Where do they live?

- ln Cesena. - ls it by the sea?

No.

Well, how's it going?

What do you think? The same as always.

Wasn't it a good night?

No!

Just one poor wretch...

who gave me a thousand liras and a pack of cigarettes.

Was he young or old?

Huh! I didn't look at his face!

Would you ever go with a woman like this?

No.

Why not? She's no worse than others.

Don't you go with women like her?

Sometimes.

Listen here, Gregory Peck, what's going on?

What are you up to?

- Didn't you want to be taken home? - Oh, sure.

We're taking you home.

Why, what did you think?

Me? Nothing. What am I supposed to think?

Let's not make any noise. Turn the radio down.

We're going right away, aren't we?

Who do you live with?

What's the lady saying?

She's asking if anyone's in.

l live with my cousin but he's away.

Well, then. Will you make us some coffee?

Sure. l make good coffee.

Don't expect to find a palace!

l'll show you the way.

The coffee.

Mind the steps. The other day, a very kind gentleman...

Oh, Lord! It's flooded again!

What a mess! Damn!

Wait a minute!

That plumber should've been an undertaker!

I'm paying for all my sins and everyone else's! God Almighty!

Please go into the bedroom.

Oh, hell! It's flooded here, too.

Make yourselves at home while l put the coffee on.

l just don't know the right people.

l've waited two years for a flat...

- and I'm still here. - Don't worry.

Well, I'll put the gas on, all right?

Will you shut the door?

You want to make love here?

No?

l'll leave the coffee here for you.

Didn't you fix a price? You're crazy! Why did you do it?

l don't know. They did everything.

Should I have thrown them out?

They'll give me something.

Something? I set the prices here!

Are they husband and wife?

Sure, they're married!

Here you are. And thanks.

Do l have to back out or can l turn round?

Just go down to the end, then turn right.

- Can I kiss you goodbye? - Thanks so much, thanks a million.

- Come back any time! - Bye!

Don't go too fast in that car!

Emma!

What is it? Answer me! What's happened?

What have you done? You crazy girl!

Emma, it's alright. Calm down.

I'll look after you. But why did you do it?

Why are you so crazy?

Do you want to ruin me?

One of these days I'll really let you die. l'll let you die.

Emma, speak to me. That's enough now.

Darling... My love!

Quickly!

Rubini! You brought that woman in who tried to kill herself?

Listen, do me a favour, don't write anything about this.

I'll have enough trouble with the police as it is.

- What's up? Tell me. - Nothing.

But who is she?

l can't tell you.

Do me a favour and leave me alone!

- Sir, you can come in. - All right.

Emma.

Don't tire her, she needs rest.

She can go home in a few hours.

You must report the incident to the police.

Emma.

Why did you do it? Tell me why.

The police officer wants to see you.

I'll be right back.

Please wait there, he won't be long.

- May I use the phone? - Of course.

- Come on down. - l just want to take one picture!

Only one! Take your hands off me!

Sylvia!

Please, your glasses!

Sylvia, your glasses!

No, go back.

Sylvia, take your glasses off!

Come on, smile.

Shall we give her the flowers or the pizza first?

- The pizza! - Come on with that pizza, you idiots!

Get back, please!

The famous film producer Toto Scalise has arrived.

He has signed up the film star for an big co-production...

that will be shot in Cinerama.

Who is she?

I'd better not look at her or I'll have to kill my wife tonight!

Long Live Sweden!

He is offering the splendid Swedish actress some pizza!

She sinks her dazzling teeth in and tastes the typical Italian product,

which with its colours and aroma seems to symbolize our country's joy of living!

Hi, she's a beauty, isn't she?

The producer escorts the film star to the customs hall.

Such a long trip and she's as fresh as a rose.

Clemetelli, go over to customs, immediately.

- Was it a good flight? - Very good, thanks.

Ever seen such a crowd?

Oh, look at all the chicken.

Come on, overtake them!

Shut up! Don't you see we can't move?

Come on! Run them down!

Is it true you bathe naked in ice every morning?

Have you ever done Yoga?

How long will you stay in Rome?

Ask her which ltalian historical figure she would like to play?

Do you like men with beards?

Would you like something to drink?

Now a question for the radio... what do you think about ltalian food?

I adore it! Especially spaghetti and cannelloni.

How do you sleep... with pyjamas or nightgown?

Neither...I sleep only in two drops of French perfume.

Miss Rank, what do you think of ltalian actresses?

Do you think ltalian neorealism

is dead or alive in the new wave?

Do you believe in friendship between nations?

What do you think you like best in life?

I like lots of things but there are three l like most...

love, love and love.

When do you intend to come to Britain to make a film, Miss Rank?

No, I didn't get the chance to call before. Thanks.

What do you think l'm doing? l'm working.

Did you take your drops?

Are you alone with her?

There are at least fifty people here!

Swear on your mother's life!

All right, l swear on my mother.

Beautiful? Well, if you like the American type of beauty!

She's a doll, imagine a big doll...

Its so exciting... l wanna try this one. May l try it?

Miss Rank... which was the happiest day of your life?

What is the answer for this question?

lt was a night, dear.

Why do you work in pictures?

Because they discovered I have a big talent.

Yes

Marcello. lf I come there, l'll tear your eyes out

Marcello. Why don't you come here now?

l can't...

- l want to make love. - What?

- Yes, hold on a second - Where shall we take her?

We'll take her to St Peter's

and to the Quirinale.

Well, good idea!

Good morning everybody.

Gentlemen, here's Robert! Our diva's fiance!

I was expecting you at the airport. What happened to you?

l was sleeping.

They want to know what do you think about ltalian man.

Marcello

Are you going out?

No, I'll wait for you here. l'll be at home all day.

What would you like to eat? Something light?

A nice plate of ravioli? l've got everything,

I'll just go downstairs for vegetables.

And then we can go to the cinema, or stay at home.

Whatever you like.

But do you love me?

They are made of wood! Why doesn't the elevator come all the way up here?

Look at all these names. Edna give me a pencil.

l want to write my name too.

Don't leave her alone.

Edna, come and look.

- Sylvia! Sylvia look here. - lt looks like a ship.

- How many feet high is it? - Oh, very, very high.

Sssh, we are in a church.

This is where I wanna write my name. Give me a pencil, please.

Let me take another one!

She won't stop for a moment!

Excuse me! l should go ahead.

This is the right way to loose weight.

l must remember to tell Merylyne.

l've run out of film, l'll get some from the car.

- Now where's she gone? - She's got a built-in lift.

Sylvia.

Come on. Come on.

l can't believe it. Show me where giottos campanile is?

lt is not in Rome. lt is in Florence.

Do you know? You are everything. You're the first woman

on the first day of Creation.

You're the mother, sister,

mistress, friend, angel, devil, earth, home...

Oh, that's what you are, home...

But why have you come here?

Please go back to America.

What am l to do now?

So, our Robert is an artist, too!

l must see you, I must talk to you!

That was only the bath of the Emperor.

- Sylvia. - Frankie.

Who's that madman?

It's Frankie Stout, a divine actor.

- Give us Caracas. - OK. Caracas.

Hey, you fool, who let you in here.

What are you doing in Rome.

lm making a picture in Rome.

Do you like my sexy beard? Take it easy, dear.

Take this rat away. Cha...cha...cha. Wait... let me take my shoes off. The other Sputnik.

- Excuse me for a moment. - Go on.

He's dancing with the lady.

Well, is it a good likeness? May I see?

l think l'll put moustaches on you.

Oh no, that is all I need.

Yes, you look much better with only a moustache.

Frankie, no please Frankie let me down.

Robby, don't forget you have to work tomorrow!

You are right. You are so right.

Hello, darling.

- Oh, he's marvellous. - Very good, yes.

- You're eating banana flambe. - I was hungry!

- Here are the lady's shoes. - Give them here.

- I found them on the floor. - That's fine, thank you.

Excuse me...One moment.

I think its a silly mixture of Roman and Phoenician, you see.

You see the border... the border is all wrong.

lt should go like this, you see.

Adriano, come on!

- What do you want? - Rock and roll for Sylvia!

What has happened to you?

Come on everybody. Follow me.

Come on. Young Man.

Bravo! Bravo! Frankie, you are great.

Bravo! Very Good!

Look, you made me cry. Bravo!

Terrific! What class! Just divine!

Very dangerous but very beautiful.

Thank you, sir.

Why don't you two go around passing the hat.

Give me some champagne!

Robby, you remember Frankie, don't you?

Hello Robby, you are the only American I haven't bumped into in Rome.

Well, isn't that nice?

When did you stop working with the wealthy widows, Frankie?

That's a good one...

You see that improbable Roman over there. He just brought back your shoes.

...we are waiting for the rest of your things.

You stupid drunk. l never wanna see you ever again.

Sylvia, please... Robby was kidding.

O Robby, why did you do it?

It's alright.

Well, ladies and gentlemen l've had enough of this table.

I think l'll say good night.

That's fine. Night.

I'll bring her back here.

Give me the shoes. l'll be right back.

- But why did she get so angry? - l'll handle it!

There's Sylvia!

- Sylvia, your shoes! - What's happened?

Nothing's happened, go away!

Let's take your Lambretta.

Good idea, Marcello!

Let's take her to Ostia!

- Sylvia, please come back. - l don't wanna come back, no.

Paparazzo, this isn't funny. Get out of the car!

It'll be a great story! We'll send it world-wide!

l'll give you fifty per cent!

To hell with your fifty per cent. Go away!

l will give you thirty per cent.

Sylvia!

- Get lost! - Marcello. Tell me where you're going!

He didn't tell me where he's going. Come on, quickly!

I have had enough of it. All the same men.

Damned bears with long nails. They never cut their nails. Never.

We've lost them.

Where do you bring me? l don't wanna go back to my hotel.

Yes... No... Of course.

l don't. l can't.

- Everything is so difficult, Marcello. - Yes.

Let us get out.

Sylvia.

Sylvia, l've never found a woman like you.

Listen... He's calling someone.

Sylvia, be careful because... it's full of holes there.

Sylvia, let us go out.

Listen, listen. All the dogs woke up.

We'd better be going now.

Sergio's away, he's back on the twelfth.

l'm his mother.

Have you got the key?

No. He took the studio key with him. l'm his mother.

- Was it about work? - Yes, it was.

lt was about work. But l'll...

I'll phone him on the twelfth. Never mind.

Sorry to bother you.

lsn't that lady the American film star?

- Yes. - She's so gorgeous!

Good night.

l can't take you to my place.

That crazy girl's there, she wouldn't understand.

Understand?

l have an idea that might work.

Telephone for you, madam.

Are you sure you've got the right number?

Can I bring someone over?

- Someone? With whom? - Who is it?

Just somebody.

Why? Aren't you alone?

l'm playing cards... with my father.

Oh, your father's there.

But tell me...what do you want?

Nothing. l'll ring you soon. Sorry. Goodnight.

Sylvia, what are you doing?

Where can l get milk at this time?

How do you know where I can get milk?

Over there.

Sylvia, where are you going with that cat?

Rome is full of cats, if we start...

Come here! Stop!

No, it's not here, it must be over there.

You don't know. Wait in the car. l'll go get it.

I'll go.

Excuse me, where can l get some milk?

Thanks. All right. All right.

Oh, hello!

Marcello, where are you?

Where did you go for that milk?

My goodness.

Marcello, come here. Hurry up.

All right, l'm coming! I'm coming too.

But of course, she's right. l've been wrong about everything.

We all have.

Sylvia, who are you?

- Listen. - Sylvia.

Turn him round.

Stay right here. Good. Don't you move.

And to think that this guy used to play Tarzan.

Straighten him up.

Let me get one from here.

Hold it. Let me get one of you all.

Here they come, here's Marcello.

Mr. Robert.

Look, guys, don't start again. Go away!

Wake up! Come on, Sylvia! Look!

Marcello, you've got to give us the details.

- Go away and leave me alone! - l have to work, you know.

- Enough! - Listen, clear off!

Hey, why is her dress wet?

- Why is it wet, Marcello? - I don't know.

There's going to be a punch-up here!

- Good morning, Robert. - Good morning.

Good night. Thank you.

Now, wait a minute.

You really missed something. Why didn't you come with us?

l have seen a most beautiful fountain.

Go to bed.

You shouldn't do things like that... particularly in front of people.

- Go to bed. - I haven't done anything, Robert...

Go after her! How do you say, "Go after her"?

Goody, goody, it ain't over yet!

- Here's Marcello! - Hi, Robert.

Can you fight in English?

l understand you, but...

Marcello, why don't you fight back?

Lift your head up for a minute.

- What? He's off already? - Hey, what's happened?

Hey, I've done this one. What'll l do now?

Put the horse on the table, and her down on the floor.

- l'll be back in a minute. - What are you doing tonight?

l'll pick you up.

l'm not vain, dear. l work.

- Marcello. - Steiner.

l thought it was you.

How are you? What are you doing here?

What about you? l'm so glad to see you again.

l come here often, you know.

Father Franz has found a book l've wanted for ages.

lt's an old Sanskrit grammar book.

We haven't seen each other in such a long time. How is your book going?

l'm collecting material. Actually, it's finished,

I'd like you to read it, when you have time.

I read an excellent article by you recently.

- You think so? - lt was excellent.

lt was clear and convincing.

lt showed your best qualities.

and that in spite of everything are part of you.

l don't think l'm a real writer.

I live nearby, why don't you... spend an evening with us?

- listen, can you stay another five minutes? - Of course.

Father, may l come up with a friend of mine?

- Yes, sure. Come on up. - Are you sure we're not disturbing.

As you see, these priests aren't afraid of the devil.

On the contrary, they even allow me to play the organ!

But don't make too much noise!

Don't worry! At the very most you'll hear... a bit ofjazz!

Couldn't we close the church?

l like it.

No, forgive me. I promise l won't do it again.

Would you like to try?

We aren't used to hearing these sounds any more.

It's like a mysterious voice coming from the bowels of the Earth.

What shall l play?

Whatever you like. I'll leave it up to you.

What did they say? That it's at the end of a wall?

They said about forty-seven kilometres.

Emma, cut it out! I don't want a boiled egg at this time of the day.

Eat it!

- And chew it slowly. - All right.

We should have come yesterday!

Now there'll be photographers from all over the world.

Is there any coffee left?

Yes, but it's for Marcello.

I don't want a banana!

- But l don't want a banana! - Eat it.

- Chew it slowly. - Yes.

Where are the children of Our Lady?

- The field of the miracle, where is it? - lt's over there.

Wait here, there's too much confusion around here.

Look after this and stay there!

Where are these children?

They're locked up in the police station and no one can get in.

Take me with you! I'll tell you what the Communists did!

- Is that the miracle tree? - lt's down there.

Damn you! Damn you!

You can't keep them locked up in there!

You're misusing authority!

He says they're up there. Let's go inside.

- Where is it? - This way.

- Where have they put the children? - I don't know.

- Where's the police officer? - God knows.

Where are the 500 liras the man from the newspaper gave you?

Can I go home? Please, officer?

The lady gave you 1000 lira...

l'm aching all over.

- I'm shivering all over, I am. - You're right,

it seems like winter.

lf you give me money, don't tell my husband,

l won't give you any.

- Look over there. Where? That way?

- Here we are, now stand over here. - We've even got Grandpa here.

- What are your children's names? - Dario...

- What? - Dario and Maria.

Dario and Maria? Very nice! Good! Yes, Cry!

It's a real miracle!

Our Lady remembers everyone!

- You're terrific! - Do I look alright?

- The cigar? - l'll give it to you, but sing now!

- So, you'd say this is not a miracle. - Yes. The Lord performs miracles everywhere,

in fact, they happen to the most unlikely people.

But once in a blue moon.

Couldn't this be one?

No, I think the children are acting in bad faith,

because who has seen Our Lady has a different kind of expression,

and doesn't seek profit from it.

Miracles come from pious meditation, from silence,

not in such chaos.

So you were going to school, when suddenly,

near the tree, you saw whom?

- The Blessed Virgin. - Who saw her first?

- I did. - Both of you at the same time?

No, he saw her first.

And what happened then?

They are my niece and nephew,

We both knelt down, and Our Lady smiled and looked at us.

She didn't touch the ground with her feet.

But how did you know it was Her? Did she tell you?

They really don't want to believe.

Was it really Our Lady?

lt makes no difference!

Why do you say that?

Oh, it doesn't.

ltaly is a land full of ancient cults,

rich in natural and supernatural forces.

So, everyone feels their influence.

Besides, those who seek God find Him, wherever they want.

Have you come for a miracle too?

No, I'm here with my fiance. He's a journalist.

He's here for the story.

All these people and the shouting, it's a bit much for me.

You three stay right here, don't laugh.

You, go right up, as high as you can. More. Still more.

No, sorry! I'm wrong, get down, come back, right down.

Let's try to get a shot of the children first.

Don't forget, they're small.

Tell me when you have them in the shot. Are they all in?

Come on, women, all of you, now start, hurry up!

- There's my fiance! - Oh good, go to him!

Excuse me a moment.

- Are you ready? Start! - Oh, Blessed Virgin!

Louder! Why don't you ask for an act of grace?

All of you shout! Implore! More!

It's seven o'clock, come back in two hours.

Go and eat. Thanks a lot. See you tonight!

Oh, Blessed Virgin, Holy mother of God, make my child well again.

Have mercy on him, I beg you with all my soul! Blessed Mother of God. My Lady.

Marcello...

The Blessed Virgin hears my prayer! She's good! She understands.

An enormous crowd is gathered here, in what was once a deserted, unknown place.

Many of the people are believers, and many others are just curious,

and of course there are journalists and photographers

from nearly all over the world.

There are hundreds of cars.

lt is a damp but starry night.

The weather has improved after the downpour.

We hear that the children are still being held in custody

and no orders have arrived yet from Rome.

Now let's interview these two children's uncle.

We will ask him when exactly for the first time...

let's put it this way, they saw the miracle.

My niece and my nephew saw the apparition of the holy image of Our Blessed Virgin

on the 15th of March... of next year.

- This year, you mean. - This year. And...

They're coming.

- They're giving permission. - Really?

- They're letting them go! - The children are coming!

Emma, don't move from here. I'll be right back.

- Where are you going? - l'm going up there to see something.

- I'll come too. - No, darling, you stay here.

Come on, stay with this lady.

Marcello, come down!

But I've only just got up here! Come on!

I'll come up then!

Why have you changed so much?

Why don't you love me any more?

Oh, Blessed Virgin, if he were to marry me,

l'd come here every day to thank you. l'd walk all the way.

But l won't ask you that.

All l ask is that he loves me again.

I want him to be mine, as he was once.

They are coming.

Here they are. Get up as high as you can,

and as soon as the kids reach the tree put the lights on them.

Start when I give you the "go" with the handkerchief.

Hi, little girl, how are you? Central lights on 5,000!

Both of them, centre! Focus the lamp on the crowd!

My wife's in that crowd too.

Sometimes she makes me mad!

Heal me! Let me get well!

Calm down.

One at a time.

- It's raining. - lt's dangerous here.

The rain will make the lamps blow!

Turn them all off!

Switch off all electronic devices!

We have to find refuge in the control unit, as heavy rain has started to fall.

Maria...

There she is, the Virgin Mary!

The children are getting up

and running in the opposite direction.

They're shouting that they saw the Blessed Virgin!

The crowd is following them!

The children are running off towards another spot.

There she is!

Let me through! The two kids will catch their death!

They'll catch pneumonia!

Our Lady says to build a church here,

or she won't come back.

Quiet, everyone! Our lady says

that if a church isn't built here, she won't come again.

Go home, everybody! Go to bed! Good night, all!

Emma...

- Let me go! - Stop it! Don't start again!

lt'll be a smashing picture!

Let me go. You can't do this! This is no way to behave!

You're worse than hyenas!

You have no respect for anyone!

Oh, go to hell!You coward! Bastard!

Why are you crying now? Where did you leave her?

l don't remember.

He's dead! He's dead!

Good evening, l'm Mrs Steiner.

Please come in. We were expecting you.

Hello, Marcello. How are you?

Fine. What a beautiful home!

- This must be Emma. - lt is.

I've looked forward to meeting you.

- Thank you for coming. - Excuse me.

Anna, how are you?

Have you finished your book?

This is Margherita. l'm sure you've seen her paintings.

l can imagine!

You didn't even turn up at my exhibition.

- What nice hands! - She's a great admirer of yours.

No, I was kidding, she doesn't even know one word of Italian.

- She only said you were very decorative. - She's right.

It may seem odd to you, but I feel as if I know you.

When you realize that you love

Marcello more than he loves himself, ..you'll be happy.

The only real woman is the Oriental woman.

Where was Eve from? ln the Garden of Eden.

and where was the Garden of Eden? In the Orient of course.

There love is really something...

Then why did you marry me?

I know l made a big mistake.

The oriental woman is mysterious, maternal,

mistress and daughter at the same time.

She is happy to lie at your feet, curled up,

like a little tiger in love.

He's talked about the Orient for fifteen years,

why doesn't he go there?

Won't you introduce me to Emma?

Of course.

Of course. What a lovely face!

May I tell you something?

Hold on to this man.

l'm telling you for his sake, not yours.

The Oriental submits both her spirit and her flesh entirely.

l'd like you to meet my friend Marcello...

...and his fiance, Emma.

Good evening.

l agree with your views on women.

We have a lot to learn from those oriental women.

They have remained close to nature,

the same nature they conquered after centuries of civilization.

What use is civilization to you?

Say what?

The result is that you no longer know how to make love.

Speak for yourself!

- Will you have a drink? - Yes, thanks.

l really envy you.

I've read all your reports from all over the world.

I too, would love to travel!

To meet extraordinary people, women of all races and nations,

to have children of all colours.

Like a bouquet of wild flowers.

Can't you talk about anything else?

What wonderful memories you must have.

You think a man of my age can be content with memories?

l have plans.

What a magnificent creature!

Are you our friend's fiance?

- Yes, I am. - You must be from Southern ltaly.

He's extraordinary!

He's written more than ten books,

and you know of what importance they are, and yet he has kept a childish candour.

I'd like to know where he gets his optimism and faith from.

l like him coming here, and he always amazes me.

Sometimes l wonder if l envy him.

You have a magnificent Morandi.

Oh, yes. He's my favourite painter.

His objects appear in a dreamy light

and yet he paints them with such precision, such severity,

that you feel you can almost touch them.

It's a kind of art which leaves nothing to chance.

Steiner says you have two passions

and you can't choose between the two:

journalism and literature.

Be careful not to get caught up!

Stay free! Be available, like me.

Don't marry. Don't choose.

lt is better to be chosen in love, too.

The great thing is to burn but not to freeze.

l read your poems some years ago,

when l wanted to write some too.

They are strong and concise. They don't seem written by a woman.

What do you know about women?

It's the style I prefer. lt's the style of the future.

A simple, concise art, without rhetoric,

an art which doesn't lie, that doesn't flatter.

l do a job l dislike but l often think

about the needs of the future.

We must think of the future but we mustn't forget to live for today.

I believe that if one lives intensely with complete spiritual fulfilment

every moment counts for a year,

and every year makes one five years younger.

lris, you're an oracle tonight.

An alcoholic oracle.

My friends, you think too much about the future.

But you aren't like us. What do you do?

I mean, what do you like doing best?

Well, l don't know. And you?

I know very well, the three great oblivions:

smoking, drinking and sleeping.

You call that wisdom?

You've read my poems, but you've never understood me.

You are the true primitive!

You're as primitive as a Gothic steeple!

You're so high up that you're unable to hear anyone's voice!

lf you could see me as I really am,

you'd realise that I'm no taller than this.

Quite a moment please.

Dialogue between female wisdom and make uncertainty...

as primitive as a Gothic Steeple.

You are so high up that you're unable to hear anyones voice.

lf you could see me as I really am...

You'd realise that l am no taller than this.

This is an old recording. Let me take it off.

What's that? Can we hear it?

No, l don't want to bore you. They're meaningless sounds.

He recorded some sounds of nature.

- Ask him to put them on again. - No, it's not worth it.

Why did you record them?

I thought they were beautiful. You want to hear them?

But I've heard them already. They are extremely stimulating.

As you like.

Birds!

That's exactly how they sound!

lt's a forest!

What are you doing here?

- Why did you get out of bed? - Excuse me a moment...

No slippers? You'll catch a cold!

Your storm must have woken him up.

- You just wanted to give me a kiss! - Daddy blockhead!

Now everybody knows that your daddy's a blockhead.

- Daddy blockhead! - What lovely children!

- Hasn't he got intelligent eyes? - Hasn't he?

lf you say something that interests him,

he thinks it over with a very serious expression,

then suddenly he laughs and is happy again.

If you give him a flower, he looks at it from every angle

and then laughs because he knows that it's beautiful.

Just as it makes you smile when you hear some lovely music.

Well, now you must be good and go to bed.

I promise I'll come in later.

- Say goodnight to everyone. - Goodnight.

My little girl is quite different. She likes putting words together.

A new phrase enchants her.

She invents some lovely ones herself.

For example: "Who is the mother of the sun?"

Isn't that beautiful? It's like a phrase of a poet.

Do they sleep in the same bed with you?

They'd like to, but we won't let them.

But, sometimes... the little one tiptoes into our room

and jumps into the bed, between his mother and myself.

He takes my finger and squeezes it hard.

You can't imagine how wonderful it feels to fall asleep

with a tiny little child beside you.

Have you know Steiner long?

Yes, l have. But we've only met three or four times in all. But...

You'll have a home like this one day.

Don't we make a nice couple? We're made for one another.

lnvite me here more often.

Come whenever you like.

What's on your mind?

I need to change environment. l'd like to change many things.

Your home is a sanctuary. Your wife, your children,

your books and your special friends.

I'm wasting my time. l'll never achieve anything.

I used to have ambition, but... maybe l'm losing it all.

Salvation doesn't lie within four walls.

l'm too serious to be an amateur,

but not serious enough to become a professional.

Believe me, the most miserable life would be better

than a life where you are protected by so-called society

where everything is organised, foreseen and perfect.

l can only be your friend,

I can't give you any advice.

I could introduce you to a publisher for instance,

who will offer you a decent job, and will give you the chance

to dedicate yourself to what interests you most.

It'll be better than writing for those Fascist papers.

Think it over, and then we'll talk about it again, shall we?

Yes.

Come.

Sometimes, at night, this darkness and silence weighs me down.

l am afraid of peace an quiet.

l fear it more than anything else.

lt seems to me like a kind of apparition that hides hell.

l think of what my children will have to go through in life.

It's supposed to be a wonderful world, but how can it be?

When a phone call is enough to announce the end of everything.

One should be able to live beyond all passions and feelings.

One should find the harmony that lives in a fine piece of art.

In that enchanting kind of order.

We should love each other to such an extent,

that we live outside time, somehow detached...

l can't spend all my time phoning you!

I want to work in peace! l don't know.

Please, miss! Switch off that juke-box.

I won't tell you where l am, and

l don't know when l'll be back.

Will you keep your voice down?

- This is broken. - Well, go and get another one.

- Will you stay for lunch? - No, yes. I don't know.

The food's good here.

ls it difficult to type?

- Do you want to become a typist? - l think l'd like it.

- You're pretty, aren't you? - Oh, I wouldn't say pretty!

Come on, you know that you're pretty.

This one's broken too!

You're not from Rome, are you? Where do you come from?

l come from Umbria, near Perugia.

How come you're here?

My father is working here.

But l'll change job after Christmas.

Maybe l'll go to Rome or Ostia.

- Who is he? Your brother? - No, he just helps me.

So they treat you well here then?

Yes, they are nice to me, but I'm not all that happy here,

l can't wait to get home.

On Sunday, I saw a car

with a Perugia number plate, and I got so homesick that I felt like crying.

- Show me your profile. - Why?

Come on. Just one second. - But why?

You look like one of those angels in the Umbrian churches.

- Have you heard that before? - No

- Why are you laughing? - No reason.

- Have you got a boyfriend? - Yes, a boyfriend...

Aren't you writing anymore?

- Can I start the jukebox again? - Yes, of course.

You can throw this piece of paper away.

What do you want?

- Marcello, your father's here. - My father?

- He says he's your father. - Don't pull my leg!

He's eating. Look at that table there! He's looked for you for two hours.

Did he say he was his father?

It's true. He's sitting at that table over there.

- Where? - Near that black man.

Father!

Marcello, at last!

- I arrived in Rome this morning. - Really?

l looked for you everywhere, at home, at the press.

I was going,

when a friend of yours told me to wait here.

My work takes me all over the place.

l only go home to sleep.

What brings you to Rome?

l had to go to the Ministry to sort some things out.

Everything gets lost here. How are you? You look well.

- So do you. - Well, on the whole...

- Listen, how's mother? - She gave me a letter for you.

She's fine, you know how she worries but she's always been like that.

These things get worse with age. Here, look!

Poor mother!

My dear boy, you could write more often,

or come to see us. When was the last time?

l know but...

- there's always so much going on here. - Marcello.

- She said hello. - Yes.

- Is she an actress? - She'd like to be!

She's just an extra in films! Actress my foot!

Would you like a Gin Fizz?

What's that, a Gin Fizz? l'm all right with my beer.

By Jove, there are a lot people here.

- Is it like this every evening? - Yes.

At home at this time everything's dark.

But you're alright, aren't you? You've got used to it all?

Sure, by now...

How's work? Are you earning enough?

Look, journalism pays well if you're good.

I've been lucky really, l've made some contacts.

I can get into the ministries, into the Vatican.

- Really? - l've bought a car. I have my own flat.

Who's the woman who always answers your phone?

What?

l'm not saying anything. You're grown up now.

But don't do anything silly.

Enjoy yourself. None of us are saints,

but marriage is serious. But a girl who lives with you...

You spoke to the cleaning lady.

- So, you found him then? - Yes, thanks.

- You've met my father? - Sure l have, we're buddies.

He told me to wait for you.

- Are you a photographer? - Yes.

A photojournalist. What a great job! That's artistic work in a way!

Do you work with my son?

- Alas, I'm stuck with him! - That's a good one.

You know where the prince went? l've lost track of him!

l'll go and have a look round. Bye.

- Well, boys, I'm sure you're busy. - No, Dad.

lf you have some appointments, just tell me...

- My work is here too. - Really?

The people we're interested in come here.

We get some news, a picture... My newspaper is up there.

So you just sit around here, do you?

Would you like to see a film?

No, I'm always going to the cinema.

There's nothing else to do, at home. Never mind, no

I'll go now and leave you to get on with it. You're still young!

We don't have anything to do, really.

What could we do? To pass the time away before going to sleep?

There are only nightclubs at this time.

By the way, a friend of mine told me one wasn't bad at all...

A nightclub called Kit-Kat or something like that.

The Cha-cha-cha, but that's an old nightclub!

- That's it, the Cha-cha-cha! - You want to go there?

Just to see what it's like.

Considering that l hardly ever get the chance.

- Paparazzo! - Good. lnvite your friend too.

- Please, let me get it. - No, l'll see to it. Let me pay.

- Antonio, come here. - Waiter!

Paparazzo!

- Let's go with my dad. - Where to?

- Come on. - But we have to do the prince story!

l see, l'm paying for everyone!

Paparazzo, come on, jump in the car. Come this way, Dad. Let's go.

- Where are we off to? - To the Cha-cha-cha.

- I've got my scooter here. - Get in the car. You take the scooter!

Tell the editor. I'll call him later!

- Get busy Boys! Bye, Mariella. - See you at the morgue!

- Is this table all right? - lt hasn't changed a bit.

lt's just as I remember it.

Listen here, you... Were you here in 1922?

No, l was in Turin then.

I've been in Rome for two years.

- Would you like a drink? - Of course I'd like a drink.

- What'll you have, whisky? - Yes.

Two whiskies. No, three!

- Very well. What label? - Black and White.

Let's do a story about this place. lt's like a bloody morgue!

What a beauty! Nice legs!

- What? - He says that she has nice legs.

- Have you ever been to Paris? - No.

I've been a couple of times. l once went to a cabaret there,

it was a bit like this one.

There was a lovely girl, with great legs like her...

She did a striptease,

- and when she was naked... - she turned out to be a man!

- Is your father still alive? - Yes, he is.

He must still be a young man. What does he do?

Nothing! He does nothing all day.

He drives my mother and sister round the bend.

He kicks up a fuss because he wants to go...

- ...to the pictures. - That's not true, Dad.

Why not? lt could be so.

Isn't that Fanny?

- Look who's here! - Oh, he's a good one!

I've been waiting to see my photo in your paper! You rascal!

You're gorgeous.

- What's her name? - Fanny

- Do you know her well? - He sure does.

- She's French. - She's cute! French, you say?

You're a liar! You dandy!

How come he's a friend of yours?

- look here, this is my father. - Come off it!

- She doesn't believe me. - Why not?

- ls it true? - Yes.

- Good evening, Miss. - Good evening, Sir.

- Good job. - You see, I had promised her a photo...

put her photo in the paper. But she's a nice girl.

l'm not doubting it.

- Shall I ask her over to our table? - Why not? Let's invite her over.

Well, how about a bottle of champagne?

- Orangeade will do for her. - No, champagne is fine.

- All right, we'll have some champagne. - I'll order some Veuve Cliquot.

l know about champagne.

I used to sell it all over ltaly!

Have some whisky in the meantime!

Here's to your health!

- Here's to you. - It's very good.

- Good. - Yes, it is.

- Did you order champagne? - Of course.

You even have a waitress. What more do you want?

- I'm Fanny. - Pleased to meet you.

I won't say hello to you. Nor to you.

Have you seen how hard your son works? Nice work, huh?

Why don't you take him home?

- It's not true you're his father... - Why not?

You can't be... you are too young!

For goodness sake, let's forget about my age.

Awaken not "the desperate sorrow that presses upon my heart".

You know what makes us old? Boredom.

When I was young, I travelled all over the place.

I felt as strong as a lion on my travels.

Even now I could show these boys a thing or two.

But when I stay at home, l feel as if l were eighty!

Save your skill for Coca Cola bottles,

leave the champagne to me.

Look!

He's so wonderful. He always makes me cry.

Please, miss!

To your beautiful legs, which I had the fortune to admire.

Very good!

By Jove, we must have another drop of this!

First I toasted your lovely legs. Now we must toast...

l wasn't going to say anything shocking.

You know, your father is much more

- charming than you. - Come on.

Oh, no! Much more charming! No, l'm not. Don't say that!

l'd like to show you a trick, it's a bit difficult though.

- Oh, yes? - Let's see if you can do it.

Look, you put a coin on your forehead. Like this.

Let it drop without it touching your nose.

- But that's easy! - Easy?

- You want to try? - Yes.

Now then, I take a coin and put it on your forehead.

Let's see you do it.

- Wait a moment! - I'll wait.

Wait, maybe it isn't...

You were pulling my leg! Now l'll tell you a joke,

a very nice story.

Well... it's the story of a lady who sends her husband to the market

to buy three shirts, six handkerchiefs

and also a... what do you call... you know, what ladies wear...

Brassiere.

So, the man goes. On the way he drinks some wine

and he forgets everything and...

- when he gets home she says... - His wife?

Yes, his wife.

His wife, come on, Paparazzo.

His wife says: "Did you get everything?"

"I did", he answers,

and takes out his hankie.

"Where are the hankies?" she says. "Here they are,

one, two, three, four, five, six."

"And where are the shirts?"

"Here are the shirts, dear, one and two."

Then she asks: "And where's the bra?"

"But I bought it, wait a minute, here it is! Here!"

You don't need one, I prefer yours.

- Dad. - Well, she's so beautiful.

There's no more champagne. Let's order some more.

Waiter!

But this is a waltz!

Miss, allow me?

- Shall we have this dance? - Here l am.

l'm quite ready!

l'm doing fine.

You know, when I was a boy, here you are...

When l was a child, my father was never at home.

He would go away for a week, or a fortnight...and he wouldn't come back.

My mother used to cry all the time.

I hardly ever saw him. I can't say that l know him.

But l'm happy to see him tonight.

- He's nice, isn't he? - Oh, very.

We must give him a good time tonight.

Yes, but...

But maybe this isn't the right way to dance it.

Don't worry. l prefer this way.

Really? Well, let's dance!

- What wonderful eyes you have! - Really?

l don't know how l should take that!

As the expression of my admiration.

l'm afraid you're like your son.

- l'm like my son? - Yes, you are!

lt runs in the family.

Your father's coming with me.

Marcello, follow us.

l drive very fast,

even if my car isn't English.

You really want to go to her place to eat some spaghetti?

He wants to eat spaghetti Bolognese with me!

Here I am! Are you comfortable in my car?

- listen here, Dad... - Yes, my boy.

- Is everything alright? - Yes, just fine.

l'm in excellent company. Don't worry.

If you made love as well as l drive,

you'd be a lucky guy.

Behave yourself! Take it easy! People trying to sleep.

Don't go so fast!

My father's still a handsome man.

Wake up, Gloria! We're here.

You certainly took the long way. Oh, my foot hurts!

Why did we have to go round this way and...

- Well? Aren't you coming? - No, l'm not coming!

- Why not? - l'm tired.

You know what, Paparazzo? l'll leave you the car,

and you can take my dad home.

Oh, come on!

Tell him l had to go to the printers.

Tell him to give me a ring tomorrow morning before he leaves.

Let's go.

I don't feel like it.

I want to go for a walk nearby, it'll wake me up.

l've been waiting half an hour for you!

- Your father's not feeling well. - What?

Maybe he had too much to drink. l was going to the chemist's.

You left him on his own?

He wants these drops. He wrote it down.

Paparazzo, run to the chemist's with this.

- What? - Hurry up! Quick!

- Which floor is it? - The third.

What number is it?

Don't shout! This isn't a slum!

Dad!

Turn the light off.

- Where's the switch? - There.

Wait there.

My friend's gone to the chemist's. He'll be right back.

It's nothing really. I've probably had too much to drink.

Of course, it's nothing.

Would you like some water?

No, it'll wear off.

What happened?

I don't know. He suddenly felt sick. l was scared.

Marcello is with him now.

Can't l go and make some coffee?

No, don't. He told me to wait here.

What part of town are we in?

ln the Italia district.

I don't know it, is it far from the centre?

When I came to Rome before, I stayed in a little hotel

near Piazza Fiume.

- What time is it? - lt's almost four.

There's a train at five thirty, l'd better take that one.

I can make it in time. Yes, l'll just make it.

listen, why don't you come to my place? You can lie down and rest.

No, I'd rather go now, then l'll be home by ten.

- Oh, here's my watch! - But you could leave later.

No. l feel much better now, l really feel much better.

Listen, won't you stay tomorrow too? Please stay another day.

If you don't want to stay at my place, you can stay at the hotel.

Where is your hotel?

I'll take the day off tomorrow, we could spend the day together.

We could talk...

we never see each another.

No, l have to leave. l have to go.

The taxi...

- Marcello, the taxi's here. - What taxi?

I called for one. Where's my hat?

We could send the taxi away. Please go down and send the driver away.

- Please don't go, Dad. - No, l want to go. l want to go home.

- Good night, miss. - Goodbye and all the best...

Bye, Marcello.

Well, my son, I'm glad l've seen you again. Do write.

No, don't come with me. I'd rather go alone. Please.

l'll smash your face in!

Do you think I'm the kind of man to let you play around with my wife?

Hes showing off because there are women around.

- What did you say? - l'm just looking. What's going on here?

l've no idea, but it's been great.

- l'll go and find out. - Jolly good.

What he said was true.

Come here, you son of a lousy bitch!

My mother's got money.

- Nico! - Marcellino!

Where are you off to?

To Bassano, to my fiance's castle.

- Why don't you take me along? - Sure...

Paparazzo wanted to photograph you for a fashion magazine.

But l don't do fashion pictures any more. Enough is enough.

- Nico! - Here's the car!

- Nico, here we are! - ls there room for us?

No, try the car behind us.

- See you at the castle! - Okay. Bye.

Any room for two forlorn souls?

There's a bigger car behind us, you'll be more comfortable in that.

Stop, there's a friend with me, he wants to come too.

The usual no-gooders you fall for! - Oh! Come on!

I'll let you drive... as soon as we're out of Rome.

After Capranica, when we take the short-cut.

Follow us!

Will there be many people at the castle?

l hope not, so we can get to bed early.

Only the fossils will still be up at this time.

Our parties are famous for being first-class funerals.

Your brother is out hunting, isn't he?

lrene,

- why don't you take your funny little back? - Give him to me!

l woke up and my bed started to shake.

- What's the name of this place? - Perhaps it's only case a nervousness.

- Excuse me, but where are we? - Bassano di Sutri.

I'm sure that some spirits will appear to me.

What language is that? Where are you from?

l'm an Eskimo.

Goodnight, everyone.

What are you doing? Where are you going with that...

Careful, or you'll tip it over.

What's the point of taking a walk now?

- Good evening. - Giulio, look what l've brought you.

Hello, you little whore!

Who invited you?

People came from all over ltaly. Everyone was there.

It really was a magnificent ceremony, moving and sad.

It was the people, bringing flowers to their beloved leader's tomb.

May I introduce myself? l am the third son.

Rubini. Glad to meet you.

The least important one of course.

Would you like to meet the rest of the family, or have you had enough?

- Grandma! - No, please, don't bother her!

Grandmother! l'd like you to meet Mr...

Rubini, l'm very honoured.

Good, good.

She's pretending to sleep as she doesn't want to talk to anyone.

Now we'll continue to climb up the family tree.

Father! I'd like you to meet Mr Rubini,

who really does work.

ls that so? Good evening, how are you?

Allow me to introduce you to one of my son's friends.

- What a handsome young man! - Are you a journalist?

I'm wasted! I need a nurse to take me to bed.

Who wants to look after me? Jane, would you?

- Won't you be my nurse tonight? - No.

lady Rodd, don't you ever wash these smelly dogs?

- They stink. - Oh, they smell wonderful!

And this is our fabulous Irene, the most gorgeous debutante of the year

- ...who I'd love to marry. - We've already met.

Excuse me.

Come on, dance with me!

Was he making up to you?

No, l was!

You're dying to see your name in the headlines, aren't you?

Let's go somewhere quiet...

And where would that be?

- Are you a really a newspaper man? - Yes, madam.

My first husband was a journalist,

but the news was always so exaggerated.

I only found out about it when the honeymoon was over.

It's better to have exaggerated news than none at all.

My husband agrees with me.

Often, it's the public that wants those exaggerations.

lf you'll allow me,

l'll be able to give you news without exaggerating.

Are you quite sure?

I know this perfume. Maddalena.

Where did they find you?

I'm fine. I'm drunk. Have you met Jane before?

No.

She's an American painter who lives in Rome. As if it were a colony.

- Really? - She's invited everywhere,

because people love to hear her dirty stories. She's very amusing.

Those people over there are the Montalbanos.

That's Federica, the she-wolf.

She likes to suckle young boys.

Then the Confalonieris, they own half of Calabria

and the most beautiful brothels in Rome.

Little Eleonora has eighty thousand hectares of land.

She's tried to commit suicide twice already.

The Sanserverinos have a gorgeous castle in Tuscany.

And that's Don Giulio and Nico, his Swedish girlfriend.

Next year she'll be a princess, you'll see.

Don't pull that face! Did you think...

we were better than other people?

At least they know how to do certain things in style.

Who lives in the villa that one at the bottom of the park?

No one. lt's empty.

As far as style goes, it's by far the most beautiful.

l'm also uninhabited, did you know that?

What about this lady's chamber?

It belonged to the ancestors, the great-great grandparents.

What beautiful women! They all have the same eyes,

have you noticed?

You know, Maddalena, l've been thinking about you.

- l don't understand you. - Don't you?

Nor do l really.

But it doesn't matter.

Listen, if you want to talk seriously, I'd rather you didn't.

By the way, how's your girlfriend?

- So you're scared of serious talk? - No,

but l don't think you're good at it, or are you?

Where are you taking me?

Here we are, this is the ideal room to have a serious talk in.

- Sit down here! - What for?

Where are you going?

Marcello, can you hear me?

Have you ever heard me that close?

Where are you?

- Can you hear me too? - Yes.

- Where are you speaking from? - From far away.

It's as if l no longer existed.

Maddalena...

Yes, l'm still here, don't move.

Would you marry me?

Would you?

l'm in love with you, Marcello.

Since when?

Listen... Do you know what this sound is?

I've no idea.

Have a guess!

- ls it a kiss? - lt's for you.

Well, would you marry me? Are you afraid to answer me?

Why do you ask me such a thing? You're a bit tipsy, aren't you?

A little bit, yes.

l love you, Marcello.

l'd like to be your wife and be faithful to you.

I'd like to do everything together. To be your wife

and at the same time, have fun like a whore.

l don't know why, but tonight I feel l love you and need you.

- Really? - Yes.

I don't know if you were serious or if you were teasing me.

I love you. I'd like to be with you always.

You'd hate me after a month.

Why should I hate you?

Because one cannot have things both ways.

And I can't choose any more, it's too late,

besides, I've never been able to choose.

I'm just a tart, you know. There's no cure for it.

I'll be always a whore and l don't want to be anything else.

No, it isn't true. I know you're a remarkable woman.

You are so courageous and sincere.

I really need you.

Your desperation gives me strength.

You'd be a wonderful companion,

because one can tell you anything. Just everything.

Maddalena, can you hear me? Answer me.

That's enough of this game now!

Come back here, l want to talk to you!

Maddalena...

Let's go ghost-hunting!

ls Maddalena with you?

Come on.

Maddalena...

Everyone be careful. The bridge is rotted.

In 1922, when I came to Rome with my squad,

I spent a night in a castle like this near Genzano.

In my sister-in-law's castle

we saw the ghost of a little girl... with a candle.

Except it wasn't a little girl.

- What? - lt wasn't really a candle!

Don't be so silly!

- Listen to the silence! - Look! There's a light!

lt's the reflection of the candles on the windows!

You have no imagination at all!

Remember the story of the hunchback

that the peasants used to tell?

Listen, Giulio, are there no electric lights here?

Watch out for the bats!

Bats! They're my favourite subjects!

Nico, make sure the ghost doesn't take advantage of you.

Darling, the door is locked. We haven't got a key.

It must be on the floor somewhere. Give me a candle.

That's odd, l can't find it.

- No, there's nothing here. - And so?

- We'll have to go back. - We'll knock it down!

- Here's the key! - Give it to me!

- Clever Nico! - Who found it? Nico!

When did you last come here?

- Two years ago. - What do you use it for?

I'd turn it into a nice brothel but my father won't let me.

What is our great journalist going to write about?

A juicy article on the decadent and corrupt aristocracy?

First of all, I write about other things. You're not that interesting.

- Who brought Maddalena here? - Who's Maddalena?

Careful, the place is overrun with mice, beetles, vipers,

owls and vampires!

- And now it will also be full of whores! - Thanks a lot.

l'll go ahead and light the place.

When was this house built?

Five centuries ago, in 1500.

- And who built it? - Pope Julius Il.

You have a pope in your family?

We've had two popes! Countess Cristina...

Hold on to me, if you're scared.

Two popes in the family, darling?

Come on, l'll be your guide. This way, please. Come on!

Giulio! Look, we're sweeping the floor with our dresses!

Irene, I feel like making love to you right here.

You're just a clown!

May I say that you are an amazing apparition!

You look like you've stepped out of a painting.

This place is falling apart. What a disaster!

Giulio, it's such a shame to see everything's crumbling here.

But you're never here, you're always in Rome.

What should I do, father?

Oh, come on! This will be yours one day, won't it?

- I am your ancestor, Giulio! - Go to hell, you idiot!

Irene, if you see a ghost, throw yourself into my arms.

All right.

Eugenio, stop that now! Try and be serious or go away!

ls your aunt a medium?

Didn't you know? Her husband left her because he always

found her in bed with ghosts. As least, so she says.

Oh, yes, I remember.

I've met you somewhere before. lt's hard to forget a face like yours.

I work, you've probably seen me in an office.

- You work? - Yes.

But who should be appearing?

- Eugenio is such a fool. - She's making me laugh.

- But that's not true. - Cristina.

Who are you? Who do you want to speak to?

l feel a great energy!

Countess. We have made contact! Contact! Please don't laugh.

l'm not laughing!

Have you a message for someone? Please answer!

What's that light over there in the fields that keeps flashing on and off?

lt's just a tractor.

The farmers work at night in the summer.

- Call Sister Edvige. - Who's Sister Edvige?

A nun who every year in the summer walks around these rooms...

...with her head on a plate.

Yeah, right.

You're still here? Why don't you leave me alone?

- Go away, go away, I beg you! - Extraordinary.

Ask her if it's the same one who came last time.

l can't feel it! The scent of your breath in my lungs.

Your blood in my veins...

She's drunk!

- Why is she doing that? - Easy. Easy.

Take the candles away, make it darker!

Mommy, l want life.

Blow them out!

I want love! l want life! I want everything that lives!

Who are you? Tell me who you are!

I want truth!

Who do you want to speak to?

- Giulio. - To Giulio.

Giulio, there's a message for you.

That old whore is in love with you.

Giulio, can't escape my love.

That's enough now, turn the lights on.

Don't be silly, lrene, we're only joking.

Irene, come here.

Who are you? You poor soul.

Why are you crying?

Wait, l'll get some light in here.

What a coincident! How come?

No, not here. No, what are you doing?

You're crazy! You're mad!

This is the first time l've ever seen the dawn.

- Darling, don't you get cold? - No.

Marcello, have you met my son?

- Pleased to meet you. - Hello. Good morning.

Let's go and have a plate of spaghetti...

He's a con-man! Forty-five liras for one egg!

Never! We'll have to buy our stuff over at Capranica.

Hello, mom.

Are you still walking around at this hour?

Good morning.

l'll go with you.

- Did you sleep well, mother? - You're feeling sprightly!

We've been up to the old villa.

Tell that crazy Francesca to come to Mass.

- Who's that? - The prince's mother.

What have I done to be treated like this?

Not even a dog should suffer like this.

Who do you think you are?

If you loved me half as much as l love you,

- you'd understand. - Yes.

You can't understand because you don't love anyone!

- Don't shout! - You have no idea what real love is.

- But you know, don't you? - You're just selfish! You've no heart

The only thing...

you're interested in are women. And you think that's love?

Yes, I know. You've been saying that for hours. I can't take it anymore.

- I want to go home! - Not all men are like you!

Some men are happy when they find someone who really loves them.

They don't go around looking for other women.

Only you are like this! How terrible! How unfortunate!

I really am unfortunate! My greatest misfortune was to have met you.

Do you understand? I can't bear to be anywhere near you!

Go away, once and for all and leave me alone!

Come back, you silly fool!

Leave me alone! At least allow me to live!

Emma

- Come here, you idiot, get in! - No.

Emma, l warn you...

Come here and get in the car.

What do you want? What do you want from me?

You're a loser! You'll be all alone one day, like a dog!

You'll realise when it's too late.

Who'll be there for you if I'm gone?

What will you do with your life?

Who will love you as l do?

I can't spend my life loving only you.

You always say l'm crazy,

that l live in the clouds, outside reality,

but you're the one who's missed the point.

Don't you realize you've found the most important thing in life?

A woman who really loves you, who'd die for you,

as if you were the only man on Earth.

You spoil everything!

You're always miserable and unhappy.

When two people love one another, nothing else matters.

What are you afraid of?

Of you and your selfishness,

the miserable squalor of your so-called ideals.

Don't you see you want me to lead a miserable life?

All you talk about is cooking and the bedroom.

A man who accepts that is nothing, do you understand?

He just becomes a worm!

I don't believe in your aggressive, clingy, motherly kind of love!

l don't want it, and l don't need it!

This isn't love, it's only degradation!

Don't you understand l can't live like that?

That I've had enough of you? l want to be alone!

- Get out! - No

you miserable, wretched coward. l feel really sorry for you.

All right, feel sorry for me. And you just make me feel sick!

No, I'm not going. I'm staying with you.

No, Emma, not any longer.

- Get out. Get out of the car. - No.

- Get out, I say! - No.

It's all over between us, do you understand?

We're finished. Get out!

- Go away! - Miserable coward! You're a swine!

- Damn you! - l never want to see you again!

Go to hell, you bitch!

Go back to your whores, you bastard.

Hello...

Where?

You can't go in. Sorry, go ahead.

Let me through.

- Something terrible has happened. - What's happened?

Tiziano!

He shot his two children then killed himself.

Marcello

Marcello. They'll let me in, say l'm your photographer.

I'll let you have the photos even if your paper pays me less.

Take me inside with you.

- I'm a friend, let me in. - Just a moment.

Chief, there's a young man who claims he's Mr Steiner's friend.

Let him come in.

No, only him. No one else. Later, boys, sorry.

Please come in.

Distance between the floor and the bullet hole: 1.5 meters.

Distance between the left wall and the bullet hole: 4 meters.

Did you get that down?

His wife doesn't know yet.

She'll be back at one.

Before he did it, Steiner rang a friend and asked her

to meet his wife before she got here

Distance between the back wall and the bullet hole: 5 meters.

Let hear it again. Wind it back.

You're the primitive one!

As primitive as a Gothic steeple!

You're so high up, you cannot hear anyone's voice.

lf you could see me as I really am,

you'd see l'm no higher than this.

Were you a friend of the family?

I was Steiner's friend.

How long had you known him?

Were you a close friend?

Have you seen him recently?

Can you tell us anything?

We were friends, but we didn't meet very often.

Nothing at all.

l can't tell you anything.

Three metres ten.

Foggia!

Do you know whether there was anything troubling him?

Maybe a financial worry, or anything else?

l don't think so.

Did he ever show suicidal tendencies?

l don't know.

Please be at our disposal, we might need you later.

Pick up the revolver.

He is described as a cheerful man, full of concern for family he adored.

lt was a kind of morbid love.

The weapon used for the crime, a new Browning .45 pistol,

was found near the body,

which was lying in an armchair near the fire,

in a strange position.

I've finished. l'll take another look at them.

All right, thank you.

- Can we cover him up? - Yes.

De Angelis

Have they finished taking the photos?

Do you want to see the children's room?

This way.

I have to go to the bus stop to meet Mrs Steiner.

I'll take someone she knows as l don't know her.

- I'll come with you. - Thank you.

- Let's go right away. - Yes.

When you've finished, come down to the bus stop.

If anyone from the station arrives, call me at my office.

Look guys, show some consideration for once!

Tell your colleagues. This is really going too far now.

Maybe he was just afraid.

You mean Steiner?

- Was he being threatened? - No, not in the way you mean.

Maybe he was afraid of himself.

And of us all.

When is she coming?

There she is.

- Please come with me. - Right.

What do you want? Do you think I'm an actress?

What are you doing?

That's enough, boys!

Oh, hello, Marcello!

- What's this all about? - l'm Inspector Lucenti.

- We need to speak to you in private. - Has something happened?

My car's right here. Please come with us.

- Why? - There's been an accident.

- What? - l don't want you to worry...

- The children - No, please come with us.

What has happened? Tell me what it is.

You'll see the children afterwards.

They're only hurt. But l promise you...

- That's enough, do you hear? - They're hurt? But how? Tell me!

Keep away!

- Stop! - What do we do about the key?

You didn't want to wait.

Marcello!

Smash the gate down, come on!

Get away from there!

Hi, here we are.

It's all locked up!

What lovely colours!

Come and watch Marcello breaking the window!

Look out! One, two and three!

Let's drink to Nadia who has regained her freedom!

To the annulment of her marriage!

Of her husband!

Thanks, everyone!

My experience of marriage brings me back into the arms of my old friends,

Kind of like being a virgin again.

Annulment is a wonderful sensation.

You must be married first, of course. Do you agree, dear?

- l'm consfessing lucia. - l want to hear it too!

Put "Jingle Bells" on.

Hey, you two! Are you through confessing?

Anyone who makes love in private, insults me.

Here they are.

Don't make fun of them,

one's the Senator's sweetheart!

Bravo, wonderful!

Who brought them here?

These two will be dead before Christmas.

Tell me, weren't you a writer or a journalist once? Or am l mistaken?

I have left journalism and literature behind me.

I am now an advertising agent and l really enjoy it.

l know you have to make a living,

but isn't this squalid?

listen, everyone! "He has a Greek profile,"

but his style is so modern he seems more like the most modern actors of all time:

Paul Newman.

Marcello, you're just a worm.

Now, listen here. You'd do anything to get an interview in the papers, wouldn't you?

You'd love it if I wrote something about you!

How ghastly! lt would ruin my career.

If I gave you 300,000 a month instead of 250,000...

...what would you write about me?

That you're Marlon Brando.

And if I gave you 400,000?

John Barrymore. And if I gave you a million?

Give me a million, then I'll tell you.

You really have no idea! Go to school!

If he'd hurt himself, you have to support him for the rest of his life

l saw you trip him up.

It's not as though we wanted to come here!

We're going. Then you can get on with your party!

l've never met such boring people.

Our guest of honour isn't enjoying herself!

For once, you're right. Why don't you strip?

You can't, your chest's too intellectual!

If you put on the Persian market record, l'll do a striptease.

No! Please. We've all see you naked!

Come on, let me do it!

I've never seen you. But l have a suggestion...

let Caterina do the striptease.

No, her technique's too good. She's a professional!

- l'll go back to what I was doing then. - No.

lf our guest of honour is so bored...

- ...why doesn't she do it? - With great pleasure!

At last! What a wonderful idea!

Nadia, if you do it, l swear I'll give up smoking!

Put "Patricia" on and l'll turn the lights off.

- Come on, put "Patricia" on. - Great!

Our first strip will be in honour of our dear Nadia

to mark the beginning of her new life!

- You have to set a good example. - lt seems stupid to me!

- That's why I'm doing it! - Nadia, the mink!

This will cause another scandal. You've got a good deal there.

You've in bed with that woman?

- Yes or no? - No.

At least, l don't remember.

You like him?

What did she say? l didn't understand.

She asked if you like me.

That's mine by right, Nadia! Give it to me.

Come to think of it, Marcello, you got a good deal with that car,

it's a terrific car, you'll love it.

Give me a hand.

Haven't you had enough yet? Can't you see no one's interested?

Leave me alone, stop bothering me! l'm enjoying myself.

You won't have the courage to go through with it to the end.

Why don't you just forget it?

No, l won't. You'll see.

You shouldn't have taken your bra off first.

The bra is next to the last thing you remove. Right?

She's doing it too fast. Got a light?

Very good. Congratulations!

Put your mink on, then slide it out from under.

You never been with a woman?

- I'm sorry, l don't understand. - Never? Never... Never...

She really means it!

Ruggero, stop sulking!

Come on! You don't deserve a woman like that!

Now take the mink off!

Come on, we're all waiting!

l don't understand how her husband agreed to a divorce!

- lt's remarkable, isn't it? - Marvellous! Very sexy indeed!

Oh God, Riccardo's here!

lt's the lord of the manor!

- You sons of bitches! - Hi, Riccardo.

If a woman like Nadia drops a millionaire husband,

the least we could do is celebrate.

What do I care about that crazy woman's divorce?

And I don't want any gossip, photos or publicity, you know that!

But we phoned you, you said we could come.

Kiss me, darling.

- Who's the idiot who broke the window? - Hi, Riccardo.

l'm leaving for Nice in the morning.

So everyone out in half an hour

or l'll throw you out.

- Oh yes, I saw you in Spoleto. - Did you ring that Chinese girl?

No, l didn't. Hey, guys, l mean it!

All out in half an hour!

After all, we're all friends. You can go if you like.

As you're the intellectual round here, why don't you amuse us?

l'll give you a pay-rise. Nadia did her best with her striptease,

but the atmosphere's still cold.

l have million of ideas.

I could keep you in here for a week, without ever boring you,

but you must do as I tell you.

- We'll do whatever you say! - Let's start by drawing the curtains.

Let's keep this cosy intimacy.

So to start the ball rolling,

I suggest our American ballerina makes love.

Oh yes, marvellous!

I bet you've never done it!

Have you ever had a man all to yourself?

Have you ever had a man who held you in his arms and kissed you?

And slept beside his warm body?

- What on earth is he saying? - Nothing, he's drunk.

Are you satisfied with your exhibition?

What time is it?

Besides we must be hospitable to foreigners.

lt's our duty to tourists.

Will you let me choose?

Tito the brute will teach you the delights of your first embrace.

We're lacking courage! Put a record on!

Tito! Take off your shirt!

- Come on! - What makes you think he's not a man?

When I turn the lights out, get going make a woman out of her.

The Tunisian girl will

give our lawyer new memories to live on...

All known means are accepted.

Anything goes! We're leaving. Thanks a lot for a lovely evening.

No one's going to leave!

There's still time before day break.

Listen, you're half impotent, both as a man and an artist.

When l turn off the light, pluck up the courage and leap on her.

- Alright. - Okay. Now tonight...

you can get together with Mariuccio.

Then Liza, who paints

so she can sleep with her models.

Liza, you know what I've got in mind for you?

You've gone far enough. Who are you trying to amuse?

I'll kick you out, you idiot.

Who invited you? Why are you breaking things?

I'll entertain you now! The party mustn't end.

let's all stay here. You never know who may turn up.

That's a good one! How original!

Listen. You're dying to make love with me.

because you can't find anyone to sleep with you.

So all you do is sing those four songs.

l just sorry for you!

No, not this!

You're a swine. l can't bear this filth.

Apologise to the ladies and everyone here.

Where are you trying to go?

l want to make a speech and thank all my friends

for helping me in my career.

Do you want to keep me company?

I wanted to make a speech and thank everyone.

Who did you want to thank?

Hey, you chubby country girl, you're a peasant girl,

l bet you come from my part of Italy.

- Come here. - And where are you from?

Let's show these impotent bastards!

Did you come to Rome to try your luck?

I have no luck at all. You've no idea how unlucky l am.

What is it now? What's wrong?

Are you feeling sick?

Get her some water, shes sick.

Start putting out the lights.

- Would you sign me a check? - l won't sign anything.

But l'm making a film.

- You've already spent everything. - No, I swear it.

l won't sign anything.

The lawsuit has been postponed.

What's this strange music?

What is it? Why are you laughing? Why are you turning the lights off?

Will you give me a lift?

No, l can't. I'm not going to Rome. Get dressed and get some fresh air!

This is for drunkness. Rub it under the nose and behind the ear.

It'll wear off in a minute, it'll do you good.

What happened to your first husband? I haven't seen him for ages.

To solve the problem of the garage

I had to build a pool at the bottom of the stairway.

Take that poor girl out to get some air.

- Get up! - l feel so ill.

Shall we make a nice hen out of you?

No, I don't want to be made into a hen!

- I bet you come from Fano. - No, l live near Fano.

What are they doing to that girl?

I really don't care about being a hen.

Won't you do it for me?

- Come here. - Unless you write the article...

You talk rubbish here in Rome!

You always say yes, it's always yes.

Raise your head! Raise your head!

Do you know Sir Angelini?

What do you do? Write in the paper that I wanted to do a striptease.

- Do you want to dance? - Yes.

Here! This is a real man's joke!

Lets go say hi to the painter.

The painter isn't at Fregene. He's away with his wife

Let's hitch-hike.

No, l want to be alone.

- I feel so sad tonight. - Me too.

- How do l look? - You look like a trollop.

- You were cruel to Odette. - You know her?

But l left her the flat.

- Who's that poor girl? - l've got tummy-ache.

lt's almost day.

l make it two o'clock.

Maybe my watch isn't working. What's the time?

It's a quarter past five. I have to be in court at nine.

- Can you give me a lift? - l'm not going to Rome.

lt's been a wonderful party. But l've had enough now, really.

Enough, enough...

l wonder where my shoes are.

Caterina!

Sondra and Daniela!

Paul Newman!

- Have a nice trip, Riccardo. - Bye. Sorry, but l really couldn't.

- And now the beautiful Nadia. - Shall we go.

I'll call you tomorrow.

No, l'll ring you when l'm back.

- Good luck to you both. - Thank you!

And now it's the lawyer's turn!

do the strip-tease.

Well done. Mr. Lawyer.

- What's that down there? - Where?

Nature!

Seeing the dawn always has a great effect on me!

l felt so pretty with all that make-up on.

Now I'm feeling all sticky. But l've lost interest in all this.

l want to retire.

The more that retire, the more new ones come out.

Two go and ten take their place.

By 1965 there will be complete depravation!

No? My dear, you can't imagine what filth will come out of it all.

- Get back! Back I say! - Easy. Easy.

This fish is worth millions.

Hey, come and see the monster!

Go back and get the camera! Hurry!

lt's alive!

lt's been dead for three days.

- Is it a male or female? - What's he looking at?

Will you sell it to us?

- How odd! I wonder where its from. - Maybe it comes from Australia.

Does no one know which is the front and which is the back?

Poor thing!

lt's still staring.

l don't understand!

I can't hear you!

- Are you coming, Marcello? - Yes, l'm coming!