All language subtitles for America.America.1963.1080p.AMZN.WEBRip.DDP2.0.x264-SbR.En

(male narrator)
My name is Elia Kazan.

I am a Greek by blood,
a Turk by birth

and an American because
my uncle made a journey.

[Kazan]

[Kazan continues]

This story was told me
over the years

by the old people in my family.

They remember Anatolia

the great central plateau
of Turkey and Asia.

And they remember
the mountain, Erciyes

standing above the plain.

Anatolia was the ancient home

of Greek and Armenian people.

But 500 odd years ago

the land was overrun
by the Turk.

And from that day the Greeks
and Armenians lived here

but as minorities.

The Greek subject people.

The Armenian subject people.

[foreign language]

They wore the same clothes
as the Turk

the fez and the sandal.

Ate the same food,
suffered the heat together

used the donkey for burdens.

And they looked up
to the same mountain.

But with different feelings.

For, in fact,
they were conqueror

and conquered.

[foreign language]

The Turks had an army.

The Greeks and the Armenians
lived as best they could.

But the day came,
here in Anatolia

as everywhere there's oppression

People began to question.

There were bursts of violence,
sudden and reckless.

People began to wonder

and some to search
for another home.

You said, in America they have
mountains bigger than this one?

In America, everything's bigger.

What else?
What else in America?

What are we waiting for?

Come on, you, let's go, you,
let's go with the help of Jesus.

Better sell this ice
before it melts.

[music]

The year is 1896.

A Turkish provincial governor
has called

an emergency meeting
of his council.

(male #1)
Stand back!

Be seated, be seated, please.

[door closes]

Your glasses, Governor.

This came an hour ago

over the wire from the capital.

"Your Excellency.

"On this day, the eve of our
national feast of Bayram..

"...Armenian fanatics have
dared to set fire

"to the National Turkish Bank
in Constantinople.

"It is the wish of our Sultan,
Abdul Hamid the Resplendent

"the shadow of God on earth

"that the Armenian subject
people throughout his empire

"be taught, once and for all,
that acts of terror

"cannot be tolerated.

[indistinct mumbling]

"Our Sultan has the patience
of the Prophet

"but he has now given signs
that he would be pleased

"if this lesson were impressed,
once and for all

"upon this dangerous minority.

"How this is to be effected,
will be left

"to their Excellencies,
the governors of each province

"and to the army post commanders

"stationed in each
provincial capital."

Stop!

Stop!

Help yourself, sir,
help yourself.

Jallal..

...bring something.

Sir, Your Honor,
help yourself, sir.

'Help yourself.'

That's what he needs,
encouragement.

- But, Your Honor.
- Yes, What do you want?

It's not I, your Honor, it's
the ice. It's nature is to melt.

We have to go all the way
to the market place to sell it.

[goat bleating]

In plain language,
you want me to hurry, aye?

If you would.

Alright now?

Eh?

You had too much of a load
for this dear old horse.

Now, she'll get you to market
more quickly, agree?

[laughter]
'Eh?'

(Mahmed)
'Eh?'

Yes, sir, agreed.

- What are you, Armenian?
- Greek, sir, a pure Greek.

- Where do you live?
- 'On the side of that hill.'

- And you?
- Down below.

- 'And you are?'
- Armenian.

Armenian.

Did he have anything
to do with the burning

of the state bank yesterday
in Constantinople?

- Why do you smile?
- You are joking, Your Honor.

Oh?

But forgive me, how could we
have been there yesterday?

It's two weeks' journey.

Even with this horse?

[laughter]

Captain Mahmed.

How do you know my name?

We served together
eight years ago.

That is, I served you,
and you served your

Sultan Abdul Hamid,
the shadow of God on earth.

(Vartan)
'I was your orderly, so
naturally you've forgotten me.'

Remember?
I stole chickens for you.

Vartan, you!
Vartan!

- I didn't recognize you.
- 'I know. But I'm the same.'

Vartan, my little lamb.

What happened to you?

Well, as you can see, I'm trying
to make a few coppers.

With this dear, dying stud.

[foreign language]

Put the ice back.
Quickly, quickly.

Come on!
Hurry, before it melts.

(male #2)
'Before it melts.
Come on, quickly, quickly!'

Come.

Your people burn our buildings

and you expect us
to say thank you?

No.

Today, no Armenian
will be forgiven

for being an Armenian.

I beg you, stay up here with me.

But he has his mother
and father down there.

And his little brother.

Then, it's in the hands of God.

[bell chimes]

[foreign language]

Vartan!

Vartan!

Vartan!

Vartan!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

- What's happened?
- They're all in the church.

Mother, father, all our family.
All our people.

Father says come now.

I've got this ice to sell now.

I-I-Ice..

...Mt. Erciyes i-i-ice.

Enough! I told you,
come in now.

Don't be seen with
this Armenian, Stavros.

- Stay away from him.
- I can't do that.

Your mother is looking for you.
Go home, quickly.

Nobody is left on the streets.
I'm going to the guitars.

What for?

- For my satisfaction.
- 'But the Turks drink there.'

(Vartan)
'Here comes your mother.'

[Vartan laughs]

Your father doesn't want you
to go work with that man!

You're not a child anymore!

Why do I have to take
you by the ear

like a child and drag you home?
Like a little child!

Well, say something!

Answer me when I talk to you!

Stay away from that man!
Did he you tell that?

(male #3)
'Shh.'

[door opens]

[door closes]

He was with the Armenian again,
Isaac, your eldest.

You've given your father
a terrible day of worry.

Go kiss his hand
and ask his forgiveness.

'He's too easy with you.'

You know, You're too easy
with him, Isaac

if you'll forgive me to say so.

'It's not my place
to say so, but..'

- Have you had dinner?
- I'm not hungry.

- Vasso, give him some food.
- 'But, I'm not hungry.'

You will eat something.

- Who is this Armenian?
- Damadian's son, Vartan.

- He doesn't know his place.
- Well, it's not our affair.

They're Armenians, we're Greeks,
their necks are not our necks.

True. They're saving the Greeks
for their next holiday.

- What did he say?
- We all heard what he said.

[indistinct chatter]

(male #4)
'Where were you?
Father's been looking for you.'

[Greek xylophone music]

Like a woman!
Just like a woman!

What's happening?

The jails are empty.

- Who are those two?
- I don't know.

See, the Armenian
going to dance.

Let's go.
Let's go.

Let's go.

America.

America.

Come on, you, Let's go, you.

If we don't go now,
we'll never get another chance.

Armenians.

[music stops abruptly]

They're ready at the church.
The captain says come now.

- It's beginning!
- All Turks!

[people shouting]

Where is your captain?

Have pity on us.

Have pity on..

Vartan, Vartan, Vartan,
they're inside!

Father, mother, everyone.
Do something!

You go back in there
and tell them to come out

to me and beg for mercy.

[chanting]

More! M-o-ore!

[chanting continues]

[clamoring]

Go!

[Vartan shouts]

Mama, Papa, open the door.

Mama, open the door.

Come on, come on, open,
open the door!

[people shouting]

[shouting continues]

[music grows intense]

[music stops]

[azan call]

[foreign language]

- Stavros! Look out. Stavros!
- No one leaves here.

- No one leaves this section.
- I'm taking him home.

No one leaves this section.

Where's the Greek?

[man shouting]

(male #5)
'The Armenians started it.
It's always the Armenians.'

Don't disturb us now,
open them first.

'Every year we have to teach
the Armenians the same lesson.'

(male #6)
'The Greeks are more peaceful.'

You see, the patient man waits.

As the Prophet said

"Hatred exhausts itself."

It's no comfort for me

that the Armenians started this.

I believe that some day,
with Allah's help

all races will live together
in peace.

Even the Armenians.

That's the hope of mankind.

They are bringing him,
my friend.

They are bringing your boy.

See? Fine young man.

Now

smile.

Smile?

I'm very grateful to you.

It's not only that I like you.

I like all the Greek
subject people.

We all know that.

I'm here only
for the good I can do.

I make nothing here,
you realize that.

And I do good. I-I do help.
Don't you think?

Oh, yes.
We're all very grateful.

I was referring
particularly to you.

You have a good business here.

The Turkish people like you,
and you have a good business.

We make a living.

[knocking on door]

Hold him there a moment.

I happen to know you do very
well and that makes me happy.

Very sweet of you.

Come, my dear friend,
join us. Come, come.

Here, here.

To our friends everywhere.

[indistinct mumbling]

Be grateful the governor
is my friend

or you'll still be there.

Down in the hole
with those Armenians.

That's the way it is here!

Stavros!

(male #7)
'Stavros!'

[Mediterranean music]

[music continues]

[Stavros shouting]

[shouting continues]

I came to see you, Grandmother.

[goat bleating]
You don't look well.

How's that good Greek,
your father?

You know why a fox
loves a rabbit?

Because he ain't got any teeth.

How's your father?

'Your grandfather was a man.'

'I was expecting you.
He told me you were coming.'

- Who?
- Your grandfather.

He came here
to see me last night.

I think he found a new wife
in the land of the dead.

Well, what can you do?

But he still comes to see me.

What's the matter?

Nothing. Why?

'You're moving around
like a criminal.'

'What do you want?'

- I just came to see you.
- You're lying.

I hope to God you're
not gonna be like your father.

Already you've got his smile.

'Well, what are you gonna do?'

All the men in our
family lie now.

'The Turks, they spit
in their face'

'and they say it's raining.'

Alright, be honest.

Tell me what you came for
and don't lie again

because your grandfather
told me what you wanted.

- What did he tell you I wanted?
- Money. True? Hm-m-m?

True.

Why should I give you money?

What do you need it for?
You're an old woman.

Get out, you're just like
your father! Get out! Get out!

Don't do that.

Listen to me. You're my
last hope, you know that?

You're going to listen to me.

- I'm going away.
- Good.

- Far away.
- The farther, the better.

To America.

- I'm going to America.
- You..

Only give me enough
to get to Constantinople.

There, I'll work
and I make the rest.

Hear me.

You're my last hope.

Put me down.

[music]

Long ago..

...you used to say to me

when I come of age..

...you had something to give me.

I remember you as a little baby

soft and round
andmade of butter.

'And I remember you
in a little blue dress'

'that your mother
made for you.'

'A little saint,
with a blessed, pale face.'

'And your eyes,
shining with God's own light.'

Mm, I thought..

Oh, I thought, if only
the whole world were like that.

Here, take it.
It was your grandfather's.

I don't need this,
I need money.

You need this more.
Take it!

It will remind you that no sheep
ever saved its neck by bleating.

I'll take it and put it
in the first soldier I meet.

Stavros! I'm an old woman,
you can't frighten me.

I need money.

I need money.

It is here, under my clothing.

You're not going to America,
you're your father's son.

Go home, be what you are.

Anything, anything?

Help me.

Anything? Anything?

Hear me. I'll remember you,
from America, I'll pray for you.

You?

You're going to America?

With the help of Jesus.

On foot?

However.

And with nothing?

Each day, part of the distance.

How are you going to get there
with those? Here, take these.

[coughs]

Where do you come from?

Far away.

See those clouds?

'Behind those clouds
are mountains.'

The mountains of Armenia.

[coughs]

'I shall never see them again.'

I'll remember you.

(female #1)
'Isaac!'

[knocking on door]

'Isaac, the family is eating.'

'Isaac, I've brought you
some food.'

'Now, I want you
to eat something.'

He did this once before,
stayed in there for nine days.

[knocking continues]
Isaac?

Isaac.

Vasso, you're forgetting
who you are. And who I am.

If I want food, I will call you.

I don't want to see you now,
I want to see my son.

[metal clicking]

So, at last.

Stavros?

Where are your shoes?
What did you do with your shoes?

- I've been waiting for you.
- 'Well, say!'

What?

Where?

- Where have you been all day?
- Vasso, leave now.

Yes, Isaac.

Remember, you're talking
to your father.

Come here, boy.

Sit here close to me.

You look changed.

When I don't see you for a day,
you look changed.

Will you have a coffee?

No. Thank you father.

You'll have a coffee with me.

[Vasso clicking tongue]
Vasso, Two coffees, immediately.

Immediately.
Look at your feet.

Make sure the shutters
are closed.

The door!

Father.

I've made up my mind.

We're going to send you
to Constantinople.

What did you say, father?

Our family is going to leave
this place and you'll go first.

You will take everything
this family has of worth.

You will.

I said everything...of worth..

...this family has.

Dig.

Dig.

This winter,
I'll come here at night

and we'll weave together.

By the day of your wedding

you'll have
all the blankets you need.

From time to time,
I've had to do things that..

Well, we live by the mercy
of the Turk.

But, Stavros, I've always kept
my honor safe inside me.

Safe, inside me.

And you see, we're still living.

After a time,
you don't feel the shame.

Dig.

Lace collars, what will you
do with them, little dearie?

Make yourself pretty?
It's too late, little dearie.

So yesterday, I got this from
our cousin in Constantinople.

"I'll be honored.

"Let Stavros bring money
to put in my business

"and I'll make him
my partner."

He has a prospering
establishment there.

You'll see a prospering
establishment.

Will it really be better for us
in Constantinople?

Yes, it will be.

Where else can we go?

'It's our last hope.'

You'll take all our smoked meat.

You'll take the two big rugs
on the floor upstairs.

In fact, everything
you can sell.

Our donkey,
you'll take our donkey, Guchuk

and sell him when you get
to Constantinople.

The jewelry in this box.

Jewelry which came with Vasso.

When I took her for a wife.

(all together)
'Ooh.'

This was my mother's.

See? She's wearing it there,
look.

(all together)
'Oh.'

'I was going to give it to you
when you get married.'

It's better this way, mother.

'In time, you'll bring
your three sisters.'

Are the shutters all closed?

You'll bring your three sisters
to Constantinople.

'As the eldest,
it is your responsibility'

to see they marry well.

'And then,
as your business prospers.'

You'll bring your four brothers
out, into your side.

'As the eldest,
it is your responsibility'

'to set them up in business.'

Then it will be
your mother's turn.

It is your responsibility
to make her final days

happy ones.

Isaac, let's not ask too much.

Vasso, there's a right way
and a wrong way.

'Yes, Isaac.'

[prayer hymns]

* We now commit our eldest son
to your care *

* Watch over him,
he is our hope *

Mother.

He's trusting you
with everything this family has.

- You realize that--
- Vasso!

Forgive me, Isaac.

* Gentle holy child *

* Teach him that the meek
shall inherit the earth *

Except in this country.

* Teach him that all men
are brothers *

Nevertheless trust no one.

* A gentle word
in a Christian smile *

* will turn away all wrong *

He's given you his coat.

Here, I've sewed the money
into the lining.

Feel it? Here.

And in this little sack,
jewelry, feel it?

Now keep this coat on
at all times.

Are you listening?

Even when you're asleep.

Sleep with one eye open.

Vasso, be silent!

Vasso..

[sobbing]

Vasso, what is it?

My dear God.

If you, send him to the baker's
to bring bread..

...you're never sure
he'll come back.

'And now, Constantinople,
with everything we have.'

'Look at him.'

'Look at him.'

(Isaac)
'Vasso.'

If you and I..

...have so brought up
our eldest son.

That he could fail his family
at this time.

Then we deserve to go down.

Mother.

I won't fail you, Mother.

Let's go, Guchuk.
Come on.

Come on, now.

[singing in foreign language]

[singing continues]

[upbeat Turkish music]

[upbeat music continues]

What are you doing?

I don't swim!

Be careful, the donkey,
the donkey can't swim!

What are you doing?
I'll give you whatever you want.

You, you. I can't swim!

I'll give you more money.

God will punish you.

God knows
what particular problems.

Be grateful I'm not looking
at what's on the donkey's back.

Thief! Catch him!
Catch him! Thief!

Thief! Thief! Thief!

Catch him! Catch him!

How will I,
how will I ever thank you?

No, it is I who am fortunate.

I, only I, brother.
After all this road to Ankara

is the home of every
mother-selling bandit bastard

in Turkey.

What good fortune is mine
to meet a brother on the road.

Brother.

I beg you, it is my
good fortune, not yours.

What a sweet smile you have.
You and I, brothers?

Anything I have is yours.

Just as I know everything
you have is mine.

Brother!

Brother, my heart aches.

When I see this
poor little animal of yours

struggle under the load
you've put on his back.

I'm sure,
that at this very moment

Allah, who sees all.
Is saying to himself.

"When will that good man,
who is always smiling

"finally become aware
of the pain

"he's causing
this dear little beast?"

Do you think
that is possible brother?

No.

Yes, I mean.

Well then as much as he'll bark

- we must insist my animal--
- No, no, no, no.

No, no, I insist. After all that
smoked meat is heavy.

So? So, since we are brothers
of the road

our animals must be
brothers as well.

Come on, help me.

Get down, get down. Shh.

Mukur.

Brother, I know this town well.
I've been a helpless victim

of many abandoned
in the town of Mukur.

We'll camp here
on this hillside.

What will we do for food?

Mmm. Delicious. Delicious meat.
Eat brother, eat.

Food is strength.

We've nine, ten days' long
journey to Ankara.

Delicious.

Mmm.

They say the Prophet
walked barefoot

but it must have been
over different roads.

[coughing]

I go no further.

I thought these damn pair
of shoes would last a journey.

'But then, I expected to ride
the entire way.'

'I wasn't prepared
for all this walking.'

See?

What do you think.

But, I'd beg of you, consider.

My brother sold a side
of delicious meat

that his family
entrusted to him.

This is my price.

'Brother, I did my best.'

- How are the new shoes?
- They pinch.

Mother seller.

My feet are covered
with boils and sores.

Perhaps, you could stay in the
next town and rest for a while.

- And you?
- I'll go on.

Oh, no, brother.
I could never leave you.

- But why?
- No. Never. Never.

No, I would never leave you.

I could never abandon
my brother.

But brother,
I must have one drink.

Brother, my soul is thirsty,
my heart is dry.

Surely you would not deny me
one miserable swallow of raki.

[Turkish folk song]

[folk song continues]

Brother, I confess,
I'm unable to pay for this one.

You didn't pay for the others.

Brother, it was unnecessary
for you to remind me

that I am less fortunate
than you.

After all, in friendship,
there is only one rule.

What is mine is yours
and what is yours is mine.

But you have nothing.

As the Prophet said

"Who can place a price
on wisdom?"

Despite the Prophet,
this is the last I pay for.

[folk song continues]

[clicks tongue]

[crying]

You wish you'd never met me.

[thunder rumbling]

Admit it.

For some reason, you cannot
speak what is obvious.

Well.

I had hope to have my brother
with me for the entire journey.

Only last week, a man
was murdered

between here and Ankara.

Not far from this town
on the road to Ankara.

Aman, aman.

[thunder rumbling]

Behold.
Allah weeps for me.

Allah weeps for me.

Allah.

Allah, here I am.

Abandoned, without friends.
Alone.

Without shelter.

Abdul.
Come on, Abdul.

Off.
All of you. Go on.

No money.
No room.

'Out.
In the rain.'

'Go ahead. All of you.'

'You can't stay here.'

You chickens,
where do you think you're going?

That boy has plenty of money.

Ah.

Brother, I've decided
not to leave you.

You don't seem to be as happy
about this as I am.

Where's that famous smile?
Smile!

A confession, I sold
the rest of the meat

but I did it for you, I swear.

There's a saying,
a rope drawn too taut will snap.

Don't look.

Look, what I've brought you.

Chingana.

Chingana is for you.
Ah.

I don't know this
other beast's name

but we'll find out all the facts
about her before too long.

[instrumental music]

'Join us, come, come!'

Ah.

The bear I believe
is also female.

[instrumental music continues]

Chair.
Give me that chair.

There's a Greek, attack you
without warning!

Aman.

Gently. Gently.

I forgive him.
I forgive him everything.

Brother.

Precious boy, aman, aman.

Weak little melon, aman, aman.

I brought up everything
out of the rain, brother!

What happened?

What, brother?

They're all here.
Every beautiful item.

Oh, my God!

What have you done?
Look! Look!

Oh, my God!

- You..
- They're all here.

'Every single item.'

Where are my sister's blankets?

Brother, while you were asleep,
this woman has given me

unspeakable pleasure.

[laughing]

'Taken my sister's blanket,
oh sure.'

Where is my coat?

You're wearing it, brother.

[laughing]

'Look here.'

Oh, my God!

'Just look here.'

This person might appear
to you like a beast

but then, I'll admit
that as one grows older

one's tastes are more
easily satisfied.

But, do not go
by her appearance.

Take her into the other room,
penetrate to her soul, go on.

Where's my mother's knit rug?

I have never met a more generous
and brotherly person than you.

This trip is a landmark
in my life!

Brother, you're my brother.

Where's my mother's knit rug?

I beg you, don't use
that tone of voice with me.

Never mind my tone of voice.
Where is my mother's knit rug?

[screaming]

What's going on?

You animal,
where is my mother's knit rug?

'I gave it to him.'

To him?
You gave my rug to him?

What for? What for?

What for? To pay for my lodging,
what for?

- Shh.
- Give me my rug.

Then pay for your room
in money, cash, money.

'Give me my sister's blanket.'

[women screaming]
'What are you doing?'

My French tea so I put it on the
floor of the toilet.

I beg your forgiveness.
Really, I am at fault.

I beg your forgiveness.

I cannot live
without your forgiveness.

Before all this company,
I beg your forgiveness.

Brother, don't leave me
on my knees like this.

Don't insult my soul.

Brother, I have never before
been on my knees to a Greek.

Brother, I'm warning you.

With a Turk, there can
either be brotherliness

or the opposite.
I'm warning you.

Brother.

Brother.

Brother.

Too bad.

Oh.
Too bad.

[train whistle]

[chicken clucking]

[clucking continues]

That's the thief, take him.

'But fortunately, Your Honor,
I have made an exact list'

of every particular
this man stole

from me in the darkest hour.

Lies. Lies. Lies.

Your Honor,
he insults your court.

Aman, aman.

Read.

"One Arabian carpet,
the color of roses

and the blue of midnight."

Behold, Your Honor.

As described.

Beautiful piece!

"One blanket, the color
of peaches woven at home.."

Your Honor, make him take
my coat off.

Take off the coat.

Had a terrible time
after you left.

Those policemen are not honest
and the judge..

He offered to divide my new
possessions with him.

And then when I declined,
they all helped themselves.

The judge particularly
wanted the little rug.

The law in this country
needs considerable reform.

Look.

I'll show you what I have left.

Nothing.

You see?
Nothing.

But there are some
coins missing.

About six of them,
by my estimate.

I came to the conclusion
that you had swallowed them.

No?

I saw you do so in court.

At the time, I thought to myself

"Let him have something,
poor thing."

But the situation has changed.

You see,
I cannot be so generous.

I'll admit that you've been
patient with me.

If I'd been you,
I'd have long since taken out

that blade you hold
and put it to its proper use.

But we Turks are primitive.
While you Greeks are civilized.

I envy you.

You've learned
how to bear misfortune.

Swallow insult and indignity
and still smile.

I truly envy you.

Well? Anything?
Anything moving?

Nothing yet, eh?

How long do you suppose?

Only Allah knows that, eh?

Drink?

Ha ha ha.

'You're really
such a coward.'

I've killed men like you before

and it's no different
than killing a sheep.

One clean cut almost anywhere
and the life flows out.

'A twitch or two,
and it's over.'

A drink?

No. Of course,
you don't drink.

You don't fight.

You have no use for women.

What kind of a man
are you? Eh?

I can't waste any more time
over you.

I'll have to take
those coins now.

Unfortunately, I have no weapon.
I'll have to borrow your knife.

Yes?

No?

What? Why don't you
say something?

Are you afraid to talk?

Do you value your life?
Say.

[sighs]

I don't know
what you people are.

Are you like sheep?

They won't fight
for their lives either.

Well.
It's the hour of prayer.

I'll give you a few minutes.

Allah!

Great is thy name.

Great is thy greatness.

There is no deity but thee.

I seek refuge near you, Allah.

[braying]

[screams]

Guchuk!

Guchuk!

Guchuk!

[birds chirping]

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music continues]

[intense music]

'Constantinople train.'

'Constantinople train.'

'Constantinople train.'

Constantinople.

[train whistle]

- Here.
- No, two.

- That's what I have.
- Two. Two.

'Constantinople train.'

Let's go. Let's go.
Let's go.

[siren]

[whistle blowing]

'Let's go..'

[Maulvi reciting prayers]

[recitation continues]

[recitation continues]

'Good morning!'

[mellow music]

[ship whistle]

[melancholic music]

[melancholic music continues]

America! Hey, America!

Hey, America!

[man shouting]

[speaking Turkish]

[continues to speak in Turkish]

- Really. I don't.
- Feel it. Touch it. Hold it.

Your friends
will envy you madam!

Look at this beautiful
wool madam.

- Feel this pure virgin wool.
- No thank you.

Is she an American lady?

No, really, thank you.

I'm telling you, you can't find

- a piece like this..
- I like it, but it's expensive.

- Where is this street please?
- What do you want?

Can't you see I have customers?

[Turkish instrumental music]

'How's business?'

(male #7)
No business.

[man snoring]

Is this the establishment
of Topouzoglou?

Yes.
What do you want? Huh?

We want nothing.

[mumbling]

(Stavros)
'I'm his cousin.
When will he wake up?'

When business comes.

Look the dirt you brought in,
now I'll have to sweep again.

'I just swept it, just now.
Five minutes ago.'

Topouzoglou, this man says
he's your cousin.

Oh!

Welcome, welcome.
What happened to you?

I, I had a bad journey.

My treasure.

'Eat, eat, that's it.'

You eat the heads?

Mmm.

'Ah, good for the brain!'

'So you see that I
have many customers.'

[ship horn]
What I need is more stock.

W-What is it?

Forgive me.

I was merely going to say that..

You don't have...you don't seem
to be selling what you have.

You are very sharp.

So you see I do not
have the proper goods

for the market as it is today.

Now what I will do,
after you know the business

is take the money
you have brought

and go to Persia
and buy the kind of goods..

What's the matter, cousin?

Why did you eat my lunch?

- I was hungry.
- Go out of my sight!

No, no, no don't go.
Please, sit down.

For God's sake, give me a chance
to swallow this thing.

Here, ruination, sweep.

(male #8)
Just as good as new.

Come in, come in.

Well, I will write
to your father.

- He's a good man, if in time--
- No! No! Listen, no.

He must never know
what happened. You hear me?

Promise. Not a word.
You hear me?

I only meant to say that
in time we will be able to--

You want to kill him?
He put everything on me.

- Everything?
- Everything.

It will kill him if..

I'm going to make it
up to him, you know?

I have big plans.
They're going to be proud of me.

But now, now nothing.

Not a word, promise.
Not a word.

All right, I promise.

Go on, sweep.

I have big plans.

My ruination.

Look how the rich come
to work after lunch

in a carriage, while I..

Stavros, listen.

There goes Aleko Sinnikoglou,
a man with

a great deal of money,
a very large stock

and four daughters,
one plainer than the other.

So much that every day
he more and more loses the hope

of ever becoming a grandfather,
you understand?

God solves all problems.

You must not at this moment
forget that you are a young man

even handsome
and if properly dressed.

You understand me now?

Never mind, sweep.

Tomorrow, I'll arrange
the meeting, you'll see.

'I'll dress you in a nice
blue suit and..'

(male #9)
What? What are you doing?
You barbarian!

- Not one letter from Paris?
- We'll ignore that.

I see, well, this--

-What I need to go to America?
-Money.

Just make sure that the horses
get first class accommodation.

- How much?
- You mean Third class.

110 Turkish pounds.

'I'll do it right away.'

I'll take care of it tomorrow.

- Is he American?
- Completely.

(female #2)
How do you do it in Minnesota?

We do it the right way.

Psst.

I'll be back.

What? What'd he say?

(male #10)
"He didn't bring a single
penny. Says he was robbed.

"I tried to talk to him cousin,
as is my place and duty

"but suddenly he threw a broom
at my porter

"and ran out of the store,
his eyes on fire."

Now, listen.

"Beloved father, I went, as you
asked, directly to our cousin

"but I couldn't trust
our money to him.

"No one ever comes
into his store.

"He sleeps all day
on a pile of rugs

"so I told him I was robbed.

"And I left.
Now, I have a new plan."

- Keep it up!
- Hang on.

Wind the rope tight.
Wind the rope further.

- Doesn't your friend eat?
- What's the matter, you sick?

You, hamal,
don't you get hungry?

[crowd laughing]

Why don't you spend a coin?

'What are you saving it for?'

- "Beloved father"
- Mama, mama.

- "I know Mother is worried."
- What happened?

We have a letter,
close the shutters.

"But, there's no cause to be.
My health is good

"and my appetite
is very good, very good."

This isn't garbage father,
it's from the Sultan's table.

'What he doesn't eat.'

"One way or another,
I get what I need to eat.

"So don't worry, one day,
you'll be proud of your son.

"Remember, I have big plans.

"Big plans.

"And that day will come,
I promise you.

"You'll be proud of me."

I'm cold,
I need a woman tonight.

You want to come?

I'll pay for it.
You need it.

- I need nothing.
- Did you ever have one?

Don't you want one?

- My father wouldn't approve.
- Father? Approve?

- Where are you going, eh?
- I have another job.

Now? Another job?
Tonight?

Here, kill yourself with this,
it's easier.

Take it easy.
Hold it, hold it, Hold it!

What time is it?

It's time. Get up.
They're working.

'How much for a ticket?'

- What?
- How much for a ticket?

110 pounds.

- Can you afford it by now?
- What do you care?

How much?

- Four pounds.
- Four pounds?

- Yes.
- Now, tell me.

How long do you expect to live?

Longer than you!

That load is for an animal.
Get an animal.

Hey, hamal..

Hey, you.

- America! America! You!
- Don't take it, don't take it.

Come on!

- What time is it?
- You have time.

I can't stay awake,
I keep falling asleep.

Don't worry,
you'll be dead soon.

- What's the baby weigh now?
- What?

- How much?
- Seven pounds.

Small money.

Well, there two kinds of money,
small and big money.

Small money is a whore,
you look at her coins she's

been in everyone's hands.

You wake in the morning,
she's gone.

Now, then there's big money,
like what you need.

'You're going to America.'

'Now, what you need
is big money.'

You like that?

Behold, you're human!

'That's all there is, women.'

Now then, big money.

Big money is fertile,
it procreates.

How? I don't know.

But it reproduces itself every
time you look there's more.

But there's only two ways
men like us can get big money.

Steal it, or if you're young..

...marry it.

'You can't get it by work.'

You study me.
Worked like an animal

from the first day that I could
walk and carry. So..

Behold, the lowest form of life.

Now, if I were you

there are many very ugly girls
with very rich fathers.

Let's get ourselves a couple
of those little mousetraps.

Now come on, boy, you need it.

I need nothing.

Ah, you need it.

After work,
you come to my place

I have one there for you.

Something nice.

I have..

I have never been..

I don't know exactly
what...to do.

They show you all that there.

America, America!

America, America!

Hey, hamal..

Come on, come on.

- What happened?
- My money.

The girl.
Where is she?

- I've got to find her!
- We'll find her.

I've got to find her.

Nine months! Nine months
I've worked you know.

Get out of here!
Come here, you!

[screaming]

- Who did you give his money to?
- The owner! Downstairs!

The owner?

'Argh! Please
don't hurt me.'

'He was going to put me
out on the street. The street!'

Do you want me out
on the street?

What am I without
a room and a bed?

'I'm an animal without
a bed and a room!'

[people chattering]

If you go to whores,
you must expect to be robbed.

'Three months
she didn't pay.'

That puts it around next week.

Three months she didn't pay.

Coffee?

Oh, we are enjoying
ourselves here.

Come on. Get out.
Get out before I get angry.

[all yelling]

Get out! Now!

[weeping]

'Did you imagine
you could've put together'

'a 110 pounds,
the way you did the seven.'

That way the human body,
it has that strength.

What's the use of this?

Tell me that. What's the
benefit of this crying?

You wanna kill her? Then
why don't you go kill her?

It'll do you good.

Anyway, it's time for you to
grow up and see the truth.

Big things. Big things!
They're gonna be proud of me.

- Ho-ho-ho.
- Don't. Don't do that.

Gonna be proud of me. Someday,
they're gonna be proud.

Oh, you're nothing now
and you never will be!

I am, I am, I will, I am!

I'm leaving this place.
There is a better place.

- It's all the same.
- No.

Since you left home,
have you met among your

Christians, one follower
of Christ?

Have you met among
human beings, one human being?

- You.
- 'Me?'

Did you look at my face?
You don't know me.

You don't know what I am.
You don't know who I am.

I have one idea for this world!

Destroy it and start over again.

Shh.

[speaking foreign language]

He's with us.

There's too much dirt
for a broom.

It calls for fire,
it needs a flood.

"I don't know where to look
further, dear cousin.

"I've looked everywhere.
He has disappeared

from the face
of this black world."

[horses galloping]

[string music]

(male #11)
'Ah, the chiefs victims
of the Turkish Empire'

'are Turkish people
themselves.'

(male #12)
One day, Turkey
will be a great nation.

(Stavros)
After I'm dead,
I'm not interested.

He still thinks there's a clean
life somewhere. America, huh?

Look who's going to America.

America? Don't
tell me about America.

- I was there.
- Tell him.

I have built
one of their buildings.

I fell and then
no one needed me.

'If you have money
in America, you're somebody.'

If you have no money,
it's just like here.

The life is for the rich.

Anyone who wants to go, go now.

Again. After the explosions,
we separate.

We meet one month from today.

On the streets, we don't
acknowledge each other.

Is that clear?

(all)
Yes.

[gun firing]

[people screaming]

The stairs, the stairs.

[firing continues]

Look at him, a boy,
all he wanted was something.

What? Freedom? What?

Shh, shh.

Here, you. You know
when a man is dead?

- I know when a mule is dead.
- It's the same.

'This one it's
a matter of hours.'

Go on, throw him on the wagon.

I'm off duty.

Go on, throw him in.
It's finished.

[woman singing
in foreign language]

They won't go.
It's too heavy.

Hit them and they'll run.

Hit themand they'll go.

[woman singing
in foreign language]

Cousin!

[banging on door]
Cousin!

Cousin!

Cousin!

Cousin!

Oh, my God, my God!

Poor little boy, poor little
boy, poor little boy.

Don't say anything.

Damn fool boy! Maybe now
you'll do what I tell you.

Please, don't say
anything to my father.

Please.

- I have plans.
- You have plans. My ruination.

[girls giggling]
Katie, shh.

'Katie, behave yourself.'

[priest reciting]

Now, you look like money.

There on the fourth row,
do you see her?

The fourth row.

Not the little girl.
The one at the end there.

The one on the other side.

Turn back,
they're looking at us.

The one in the middle.
See the girl in the middle?

That's the one.

Well?

Yeah?

So, there remains this question.

Is his father able
to bring with the boy..

...a substantial
amount of money?

You're talking about money?

Yes. But that's something
we must talk about.

We have questions, too.

Yes, but you know our business.

But you have four daughters.
There's a necessary division.

- For each, it will be enough.
- Enough, enough.

'That's him.'

Oh. He's coming.

- He's here.
- Oh.

Aleko!

[women chattering]

[bell ringing]

[women exclaim]

Button up, for God's sake.

Welcome, welcome to my home.
Step in, won't you?

- Stavros Topouzoglou.
- Glad to have you here.

Mother, you're never be able to
make me look pretty.

Stop frowning, you're going
to get a line there.

'Thomna!'

(all)
Ah.

- Would you care for a coffee?
- Thank you.

Yes, father?

Ah. Our guest will
try your coffee.

- How would you like it?
- No sugar, thank you.

- You heard?
- Yes, father.

Please, sit down.

He has a very strong voice.

This house has been in our
family for three generations.

Very nice.

- This is my brother, Seraphim.
- May you live forever.

I kiss your mother's hand.

This is my brother, Prothermos.

I kiss you mother's eyes.

This is my broth..
Anula!

Keep those women quiet in there.
We can't hear each other.

Shh.

'All day, from the kitchen.
And clear her out.'

'All day long,
muzz, muzz, muzz.'

I've asked her a thousand times.

Women. God made the mistake
of giving them tongues.

[all laughing]
'Yes, yes.'

'Stavros, Stavros.'

- Has he money?
- I don't know.

Your father will find that out.

Come on.

You look beautiful.

And may I know the nature
of your father's business?

My father?

- Yes.
- Oh, my father.

My father is in various lines.
Different businesses.

'Oh. That's fine, fine.'

A wide variety of enterprises
is very wise, very wise.

- Mm.
- 'Oh, yes, very wise.'

'Yes. Of course. These
are the really rich people.'

'Running many
different businesses.'

One goes up..

...one goes down.

One goes up...
one goes down. Excellent.

That was Thomna?

Thomna, yes.

Oh!

Oh!

(all)
Oh!

They say that a long nose
is a sign of virtue.

With a nose like that,
virtue is inevitable.

They have money,
though. Listen to this.

"They insisted I give
up the work I was in."

Did he ever say what it was in?

"So, what could I do? I accepted
a position with their firm."

Smart, smart.

[indistinct chattering]

Help me.

- Anything, anything.
- Get out of here!

[shouting in foreign language]

My shoes!

'Those are my shoes.'

Don't you remember me?

Don't be afraid.

Those are my shoes.

I remember you.

We made it to here, eh?

[indistinct chattering]

No one stops us.
We are going to get there.

I used to think so,
but now, I don't know.

Don't give up,
don't give up now.

You're just hungry.

- Are you hungry?
- I'm always hungry.

Eat, eat.
I have money.

You want another pilaf?
Waiter!

Here, bring another pilaf,
immediately. And more bread.

I see hamals
are eating here now.

Put some of these in your shirt.

No.

Another piece, you'll need
it later. No one is looking.

You have to look out for
yourself in this world.

The horrible times I had
was when I was..

...soft or human.

You can't afford to be human.
People take advantage.

For instance, you.
You smile all the time.

'People take it..
Forgive me for saying so.'

People take it
as a sign of weakness.

In America, well,
that will not be necessary.

I've decided.

My daughter shall come
to you with 500 Turkish pounds.

Hmm?

- I do not accept.
- Why?

Aleko, Aleko.

Why, my boy?

What do you want?

110 pounds.

[all laughing]

There's something about you,
I don't understand.

But have it your own way.
The main thing, she wants you.

110 it is, right?

'Right. Satisfied?'

Yes, that's satisfactory.

Then, smile.
Don't you ever smile?

When shall it be, two months?

The sooner, the better.

Two months.
Two months.

And one more thing.

It is our understanding that
you will be living here with us.

You will not take
our daughter away from us.

I will not take your
daughter away from you.

Of course.

At last, I have a son.

[belches]

Too much food.

Too much.

I tell those women not to put
so much food on the table.

They don't listen to me.
Always, too much.

'Anula! Too much food!
Always!'

'First I give fish,
then chicken, then comes lamb.'

'Two would be enough.
They don't listen.'

'Argh!'

So, you're going
to leave me, huh?

- Oh, Baba.
- Oh, Baba!

So, one more week.
One more week.

And I'm going to lose
my daughter, huh?

- 'Are you happy?'
- 'Oh, Baba.'

I'm frightened.

That's natural.
But you like him?

Yes.

Yes.

But he's so mysterious.

Maybe he's frightened, too.

'What does he say to you
when you're alone?'

'Nothing.'

'You mean, he never
talks to you?'

'Never.'

Oh, yes. Once he showed
me some pictures in a book.

- Pictures?
- Of a city in America.

Very tall buildings
and he told me all about them.

How tall they were,
as if he'd been there.

'He told me he once
had a dream to go there.'

'I didn't know what to say.'

'Baba.'

Baba.

Oh, don't worry, don't worry.
All boys have dreams.

I had the same dreams once.

When I was a boy,
to go to new lands

to start a new life.

But..

...people think one way
when they're penniless..

...and another way
when the money comes.

I wish he were more like..

- ...like you.
- Like me.

There's no man like
your Baba, no man, anywhere.

'Don't worry, we'll make him
forget all that other.'

'I'll give him money,
and you'll give him babies.'

Your mother will put
flesh on his bones

and he'll grow up and be a man.

Yes. Oh, yes.

Oh, Baba, I feel better.

Look at him.

Go ahead, let it out,
let it out.

Let it out! You've got a
stomach, let it out!

'Come on, come on,
don't be ashamed.'

Let your stomach out,
it's natural.

- You didn't take your coffee.
- Anula, no supper.

I shall not eat again
until tomorrow.

You'll feel different
in a few hours.

I do not wish to see food again
today. Now, that is final.

- He always says that.
- Katie, What are you showing?

- Pictures of the island.
- Oh, the island?

Oh, the island is beautiful,
we have a beautiful place there.

Oh, my boy, we'll go
there this summer.

We've two donkey, we'll
pack them and go for a picnic.

He's talking about
more food already.

By next summer, I would've
digested this meal.

Ah, there are beautiful
places for a picnic.

- Flying insects.
- 'What?'

Oh, Anula doesn't like
flying insects.

- Buzz, buzz.
- Buzz, buzz!

'We'll have the picnic
on our porch.'

A wonderful porch,
it's screened.

A king would be
lucky to have it.

You and I will
sit there, Stavros..

'...with plenty of women
to look after us.'

'And we'll wait,
the years will pass.'

(Anula)
'Only nine months.'

'I know it takes
only nine months.'

'Whatever it takes,
we'll wait.'

'Nine months, ten,
so long as it's a boy.'

'A son, and then another.'

Two sons first,
after that, I don't care.

- You can't order.
- I know you cant order!

Who should know better?

But give me two sons.

Give me two sons and I'll
give you the business.

Everything.

My share. My brothers
are there of course

'but there's plenty
for everyone.'

'Just give me two sons,
and then watch the years go by.'

The winters here,
summers in the island.

And pretty soon your eldest
will come to you and will say

"Father, I've met a girl
I'd like to get married to."

And you'll say,
"How much money has she got?

What dowry will she bring?"

'You'll get heavier
and Thomna will get bigger'

in certain places, especially.

Like Anula.

- Huh?
- I didn't say where.

'And watch the years pass.'

'You'll get old, I'll be old'

and we'll sit here
together, you and I

and we'll drink and we'll eat

and unbutton the tops
of our trousers

and we'll take a nap..

...right here, side
by side, a little nap.

'The women will muzz-muzz
from the kitchen'

'and then we'll wake and
play a little backgammon.'

Soon, it will be time for
a little ouzo, some olives

'a little cheese'

'and all my children and
all your children'

'will be here...together.'

'And only you and
I will talk, Stavros'

because I've taught
my women respect.

'And when you talk,
everyone will be quiet.'

And when I talk,
even you will be quiet.

'And when I die..'

...we will die properly

'surrounded by women
looking after us.'

How does that sound to you?

That's all a man should want.

[singing in foreign language]

I've a little surprise
for you both.

Come, follow me.

Come. Come.

Women! Women, quickly,
follow me! Hurry, now.

Hurry, now!

Come on!

Come on, come on.

Come, now.

[singing in foreign language]

Make way.
Quickly, now.

- Who lives up there?
- I don't know.

Hurry, hurry!
For God's sake, come on!

Shh!

Stavros..

...take it.

It's yours.
Go ahead.

(female #3)
'God bless you.'

Come on.

For you.

Katie, control yourself.

Stavros, this is your bedroom.

Stavros? Stavros,
see this here.

Everything here belonged
to someone.

Baba, thank you, but please,
take everybody away now.

I want to find out
how he likes it.

I will, my heart.
Out, out, out!

Everybody out.
Come on, get out.

- Katie, stop bothering Stavros.
- She's not bothering me.

Out you go.

- Stavros, look..
- You have a nice family.

Your Father is a King, a King.

Sometimes, I think
we're too many girls.

May God forgive me,
I've often wish..

Oh look, it's Baba,
when he had hair.

I've often wished that
my sisters were brothers.

'I like your family.'

- Do you like me?
- 'Yes.'

Would you tell me if you didn't?

No, I wouldn't.

But I do like you.

Why, a husband should
like a wife.

I'm sorry, you don't have
to say anything to that.

Shall we go?

No, let's stay here.

I've never talked to you
without my family.

But we have.

If you say so.

When?

Several times.

Of course.

Stavros, please don't take
offence at what I'll say.

But it seems to me..

...that you have some worry.

Some secret that you're not..

No.

Not that I'll expect you
to tell me everything

or anything,
if you don't want to.

I want everything to be
the way you want it to be.

Do you hear me?

Yes, Thomna.

I wish I were prettier for you.

Don't worry about that.

But I'm a good girl.

You'll see, I am a good girl.

If you just tell me what
you want me to do.

I'll do anything
you tell me to do.

Please, Thomna.

Thomna, please stop crying.

Stop crying, please.

Please, stop.

I'm frightened.

Of what?

Of your silence.

You, say something.

Say something to me.

Say something, please!
Say something!

Something, something,
something, something!

I'm sorry.

I've been nervous, all morning.

I had a dream last night.

Can I tell you about it?

If you like.

Do you want to hear it
or don't you?

Do you want to hear it?

- Would you like some water?
- No!

I'm sorry.
I'm ashamed of myself.

I'm acting like a..

...like a young girl.

I dreamt..

...that we had a child.

The baby looked like you..

...with fuzzy brown hair
all over his head..

...and soft all over.

And the back of his neck was
straight and proud like yours.

The little thing
was hungry, so..

...I opened myself to it.

And he came to me with his mouth

and there was no milk.

'I had no milk.'

And he pulled at me
and pulled at me..

I don't think I can
tell you the rest.

Turn your head away
just a little bit.

The baby had teeth.

The teeth hurt.

The baby turned into you.

I mean..

...it-it was you.

And..

...you pulled back

and you looked at me
with such disappointment.

'And then you walked away.'

'And I never saw you again.'

Do you believe in dreams?

Yes.

Will you do that?

Yes.

Stavros, what are
you saying to me?

Stavros?

America?

Yes.

And you?

I still don't understand

You mean you want
it so...much?

You have to be..

...what I am

to understand.

- What will you do now?
- I don't know, something.

Stavros..

If you want to take our money..

...and go to the
United States of America..

No.

I'm yours, Stavros.

What I have...
is yours.

How can you be like that?

I have no reason
to live, except you.

I just wish I were
prettier for you.

How can anybody be like you?

How can anybody be like you?

Thomna.

Don't trust me.

For your happiness,
don't trust me.

You're all I have.

I can't do different.

Don't trust me.

Stavros.

Stavros..

...it will pass,
Baba said so.

Once we have children,
you won't feel the same way.

You can't, how could you?

What?

Stavros, it will pass.
I'll count on it.

Don't count on it.

Where are you going?
Wait.

Wait...one year,
and then if..

Of course, it's
up to you to decide.

I won't say anything
to my father, Stavros.

I'll wait.

[door closes]

I saved these pretty pieces,
nine by twelve, for you.

- Faster, boys!
- Yes, Mr. Sinnikoglou.

In the back of the store,
like eggs under a hen.

Go on, show it!
Come on!

'This was woven, ideal
for the home'

of the biggest
American millionaire.

Feel that. I know, you know rugs
better than I do

but feel this. You've never
seen anything like it.

Yes, yes, yes.
I know.

Mrs. Kebabian,
Mrs. Kebabian

I beg you, put your
hands on this sarook, feel.

She doesn't know about
the rug business

except how to live off it.

Well, if only
for her pleasure. Feel it.

Mr. Kebabian, can I see you
later, alone for a minute?

Stavros! Will you wake up
for God's sake,

and bring this rug over here.

What's the matter
with you today?

Please, don't
inconvenience yourself.

I don't like rugs.

Mrs. Kebabian, may I present
the future king.

One day, all this will be his.

Stavros Topouzoglou,
my future son-in-law.

Stavros, kiss
Mrs. Kebabian's hand.

You don't have
to kiss my hand, boy.

Oh, of course, of course
in America you don't do that.

'Would you please
show him how they do'

'in America, Mrs. Kebabian?'

Believe me when I tell you
that this boy's whole dream--

Mr. Sinnikoglou, don't sell me,
sell my husband.

He's going to buy,
he's only first torturing you.

Well, may I offer
you some sherry?

It's very sweet
and very light sherry.

- No, thank you.
- It's really very light.

No, thank you.
Thank you. No.

'Show him how they
do in America, Mrs. Kebabian.'

- Go on.
- Well..

Here.

No, not like that,
take hold of it.

Good, now, shake it like this.

[Aleko laughing]

You do this, too, in America?
I mean, men to women?

Of course.

'His own dream...to
go to America, imagine!'

- People have done it.
- 'But not a boy, like this.'

Men! Aratoon,
where are you going?

Aratoon, don't go.

Time to eat. My stomach
is my clock.

[both laughing]

- Ah.
- 'Ah.'

- Alright, I'll take 25.
- Take them all.

You're American?

Yes. I was
born here, but..

...Mr. Kebabian
brought me to America

twenty-five years ago
when we married.

What?

'Sophia, I'm going.'

- I'm not.
- Oh. But you must.

You must. They're waiting
for us at Abdullah's.

- Oh, my package!
- I spoke to the shop, myself.

You should have seen
the look on his face

when I told him that
Mr. and Mrs. Aratoon Kebabian..

Everything you ever ate there
or remarked on, is ready.

She must come,
she's gotten thinner.

She doesn't eat.
I married a woman, now look.

I don't enjoy eating
when I'm not hungry.

See, how she talks back?
They ruined her.

The day she became
an American citizen, ruined.

'The declaration of independence
was politics only.'

Not for women!

Come. No hope on her.

'Sofia, I'm leaving
the carriage for you.'

Aratoon!

Stavros, help her
with the packages.

Aratoon, Aratoon.

- Oh, thank you.
- Of course.

Thank you.

[humming]

[bell rings]

- Hello, Madam.
- Bertha, get Mr..

- The Topouzoglou.
- Some lunch.

No, no, don't trouble,
don't trouble.

Will you put the packages
on the sofa, please?

Bertha, will you see what
Mr. Topouzoglou will have.

(Topouzoglou)
'No, too much trouble,
too much trouble.'

No. No, it's not any trouble.

I don't enjoy eating
when I'm not hungry.

Well, ah..

...all Greeks are taught
to refuse twice.

It's the third refusal
that's to be believed.

Can I get you something?
You've been so kind.

- That's a bureau?
- Yes.

- A whole bureau?
- Yes.

- And it travels with you?
- Yes.

- Can I..
- Oh, please, come in. Here.

Oh.

And down there, look,
that's for shoes.

America, America, huh?

Do you have any magazines,
newspapers from there?

- Yes.
- Pictures?

- Would you like to see them?
- Can I?

Yes. I'll show you the
"Saturday Evening Post"

and the "Ladies Home Journal."

[humming]

No, no more,
Mrs. Kebabian.

[continues humming]

- Is he still here?
- Yes, Mrs. Kebabian.

Good.

[continues humming]

[humming continues]

Oh, come.

[door opening]

You still here?

He's still here.

'Good evening, Mr. Kebabian.'

He's having dinner with us.

Don't put your things on my bed.

He's going to show us
some dancing.

Do you know some place where
we can see dancing?

You do, don't you?

Yes.

[people clapping, singing]

[man singing in Turkish]

[clapping, singing continues]

Enough!
Enough!

No, no, no. No!

(male #14)
'I pay, I pay!'

I pay!

[tzouras music]

I was 18 when my father
said marry him.

I'd never been permitted
to see that..

...wonder of man,
alone, till him.

The day after the wedding..

...he took me to America.

Before, I knew how,
I had two sons.

After that...what?

'He'd had what he wanted of me.'

There I was...
an old woman or so.

With two sons, a husband
with a good business..

...who played cards every night.

'I have never known..'

'...a young man.'

I've never lived my
20th year or my 21st.

My 22nd year's still inside me

waiting like a baby to be born.

Do you understand?

How could you understand?

[music continues]

[Aratoon snoring]

Let's take him home.

Third class reservation,
110 pounds, please.

First, give me the ticket.

Psst.

(male #15)
Yes, sir.

I'm Mr. Agnastis.

- 'You have my tickets ready?'
- 'Oh, yes.'

- 'I'm here with my boys.'
- 'Let me find your tickets.'

You! You're going, eh?

Eh?

Didn't I tell you,
didn't I tell you don't give up?

You're good.

Tell me. Come, tell me
what happened.

That man is taking us all.

Eight boys. Yes.

'In one cabin.
That was the understanding.'

'I've done this every year.'

'Eight boys in one cabin. You've
always allowed it. Always.'

- 'Now, suddenly, objections.'
- 'One moment, Mr. Agnastis.'

- You're all going?
- Yes.

There's a place to shine shoes
in New York City.

He's paying our passages.

What do you do?

We shine shoes.

We work for him.

Two years without pay.

Would he take another?

- No.
- No.

Many boys wanted.
But he'll only take eight.

I came to the store
once to tell you.

I saw you got into a carriage
with some rich man.

You looked very busy,
very busy, very big.

Plenty to eat, so I thought..

- It's wrong--
- Our own business for the rich.

- You can afford it, I can't.
- You come from a good family.

Yes, who are waiting for one
piece of good news at last.

- One piece of good news.
- But your father, Stavros.

I don't want to be my father,
or your father.

I don't want that good family
life. That good family life.

All those good people, they stay
here and live in this shame.

The churchgoers who give to the
poor. They live in shame.

The respectable, the polite ones
with good manners.

But I am going.

No matter how. No matter,
no matter. I am going!

[melancholic music]

I told you to come here

because I wanted to speak you
the truth before I left.

The truth of what I am, so you
don't go on thinking about me.

You took off your, uh..

That was for your father.

Oh.

What's that?

Oh. Are you taking
that with you?

Of course. You can't count
on anybody or anything.

With this in America,
I can always make to eat.

Oh, Stavros.

I know that. I'll never again
find anyone like you.

Oh, God!

[sobbing]

What will happen to you?

I believe..

...I believe that, in America..

...I believe that I will be
washed clean.

[ship horn]

[speaking Turkish]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chattering]

Would you like some tea?
Would you like some roll?

Madam prefers when you smile.

'I've been waiting.'

[Aratoon snoring]

Bertha.

How do flies get on a ship?

[dramatic music]

[cheerful music]

[indistinct chatter]

[chatter continues]

[music continues]

[seagulls squawking]

Mr. Agnastis, what's that
over there? Is that land?

[speaking Turkish]

[music stops abruptly]

[dramatic music]

[people cheering]

America, America.

[seagulls squawking]

[Aratoon snoring]

- What's the disturbance?
- Long Island.

Oh, well.

- How long did I sleep?
- A couple of hours.

'Stavros!'

I'll tell Mrs. Kebabian
you're awake.

[knocking on door]

- Mr. Kebabian is awake.
- Correct.

She'll be here soon
as she's pretty.

I have a long wait.

Bertha, casino.

Bertha.

Now, come, Bertha,
just the truth.

Stavros!

Stavros!

Stavros!

- America!
- We're here.

[coughing]

Stop it.

Stop it, alright. Look.

Look, I brought you
some candy again.

Here, take it, come on.

There's one thing about
that lady friend of yours.

She has the most
wonderful candy.

[seagulls squawking]

[Hohannes singing in Turkish]

[both singing]

First thing tomorrow.

I'll get one of those straw hats
that the Americans wear.

First thing tomorrow.

So, tomorrow, since you're
without protector or employment

the authorities will ship you
back where you came from.

And now, may I give you
some advice?

Go fall on your knees
before Aleko Sinnikoglou.

Shed a tear or two, however
false. Kiss his hand and so on.

He'll take you back.
He has no choice.

And from this unpleasantness,
learn this lesson.

When you force a woman to choose
she'll choose money, eh, Emilio?

'Well?'

'Well?'

She's a good person.

Who?

She's in the next room now,
her ear to the door.

Hearing every word,
why is she silent?

Well?

I'm curious, what are you
going to do now?

You know, I've never seen a face
like yours except in a cage.

I have feeling there's you'd
stop at to reach there.

Anything.

Have you any honor?

Honor?
My honor is safe inside me.

What? Safe inside you?

Boy, whatever you ever once were

you're now a whore. A boy whore
for sale, do you understand?

[humming]

Now, stop that humming.

Yeah. I've seen
hundreds like you.

Boys who leave home to find a
clean life and just get dirtier.

Will you stop that humming?

[humming continues]

Tell me, have you looked
in the mirror recently?

Do you suppose if your father
saw you he'd recognize his son?

- Argh!
- Stop it! Stop it!

- Go back to your room.
- What are you doing?

- Do as I say.
- He's done more to me than you.

- Go on, go on.
- Won't let him do that to you.

It's alright.

'It's alright.'

'Go on, now.'

Go on.

- Don't let him do that to you.
- Go on now.

Don't worry about me.

Bertha. I won't let him do that.

Mr. Kebabian.

Now, he's going to speak.

'Yes, sir.'

I have nothing to say.

What can you? The truth is the
truth. You know what you are.

Yes, sir.

Except, Mr. Kebabian

I have been bitten, robbed,
shot, left for dead.

I have eaten
the Sultan's garbage

and driven the dogs off
to get at it.

I became a hamal--

Now, now, you understand
yourself, a hamal.

Yes, sir.
But now, I am here.

Do you imagine anyone
will be able to keep me out?

I'll see to it that
they send you back.

No!

- Oh.
- Help! Help! Help!

Don't say
or do anything, please!

'Please. Please.'

Let me stay.
Don't say anything.

He attacked me!
He tried to kill me!

Take him. Criminal!

Please, don't say anything.

This is America, do you hear?
This is America!

What will you do now, hamal, eh?
What will you do now?

[ship horn]

[oud music]

Hohaness?

Hohaness?

'Where are you, Hohaness?'

- Hohaness?
- Hm.

- 'Are you there?'
- Hm.

Oh. Oh, yes.

Is my father still here?

Your what?
Your father?

Who is that?

'That's the doctor.
You're in the ship's hospital.'

My father said..

..."That's enough.

"I'm ashamed of you.

"I am ashamed of what
you've made of yourself.

"Come back,
you must start again."

It hurts when I laugh.

But can you imagine...making
this journey all over again?

Shh. It was a bad dream,
go to sleep.

Can you imagine, Hohaness?

Better stay with me.

I'll be here when you wake.

It's still there.

You know the truth?

The thing I'd like most
in the world

is to, is to make this journey
all over again.

Just to start it over,
all over again.

That's the truth.

[coughing]

How is he?

- He's imagining things.
- Well, no wonder.

He was hit on the head
once too often.

- You'd better watch over him.
- I will.

That boy, he might
do something crazy.

'They are sending him back.'

That's a bad cough
you've got yourself.

Better not let the American
officials hear that

when they come
on board tomorrow.

They'll send you right back.
Good night.

[ship horn]

[boat chugging]

[people mumbling]

[mumbling continues]

[mumbling continues]

Stavros, Stavros,
they're coming.

This side.

Excuse me.

Coming through.

Good morning. Excuse me.
Good morning.

- Morning, doctor.
- Good morning.

- This your hospital?
- Right through there.

I'll wait for you here.

As soon as the inspection
is over, run to me.

See, it's the excitement
that brings it on.

So close your ears.

Imagine you have
just sent them their passage.

And your mother and father
come to you in gratitude.

Can you imagine that scene?

Yes, yes.

Then, imagine that scene.

Go on, now.

What are you going to do?

- I have my own plans.
- What?

Can you swim that far?

They say, a man learns
what is necessary.

Stavros. If you can't swim,
you can't swim.

You better go now.

Come on, go on.
Come on.

Excuse me. Coming through,
please. Excuse me.

I'll pay you back someday.

Lets speak the truth.

We'll not see each other
again after tomorrow.

You'll forget me,
and I'll be where I am.

Go on now. Don't forget,
cover your ears.

- Well, are these the fellows?
- Yes, same as last year.

Eight fine boys.

Perfect health. All from fine
families, employment guaranteed.

'Nothing to worry about.'

[thinking]
Remember, it's the excitement
that brings it on.

It's the excitement that brings
it on, so close your ears.

Thank you, thank you, I wish you
all the best of luck, boys.

Alright, boys,
everything is alright.

'Mr. Allen? You'll come in to
see us sometime, I hope.'

Fine. I'll drop in,
once in a while.

You know where our place is.

[dramatic music]

[Stavros' brother's
sickly cough fleets]

Stavros!

[coughing]

Stavros!

'Stavros.'

Stavros.

[breathing heavily]

[oud music]

I mean it, Stavros, if you go,
I go, and I can't swim.

I'll hold onto you,
don't do something crazy.

Don't.

[dramatic music]

'I thought your wife
was coming along.'

'She was...but she was really
too sick and too old. Too old.'

- 'I know. I know.'
- 'In the end she gave up.'

Hohannes! Come.

Quick. Hurry.

- What?
- I'm going.

Here, you give this to my cousin
in Constantinople.

His name's here,
and the address is here.

He will send it to my father.
Do you understand?

[violin music]

[indistinct chattering]

[music continues]

[harmonica music]

Oh!

Oh, you're simply awful!

[violin, accordion music]

[laughing]

Third class is so romantic.

They got the best
part of the ship.

[all laughing]

Ahh!

Hohannes..

Charles!

[screaming hysterically]

[screaming continues]

[screaming continues]

[screaming continues]

Don't do that.

[ship horn sounding]

[water splashing]

[band music]

(male announcer)
'Attention, passengers.'

'Attention!'

'Immediately after the
disembarkation of first class.'

He's an old friend of my wife.

(announcer continues)
'All third class passengers'

'will be examined at Ellis
Island by American authorities.'

Sort of a nephew.

Here. From Mrs. Kebabian.

(announcer)
'Attention.'

'Immediately after the
disembarkation of first class'

'all third class passengers'

'will be examined
at Ellis Island.'

Fifty dollars? My, my!

[indistinct announcement]

[crowd mumbling]

- Next.
- Hello.

- Oh, look who's here.
- Eight, all told.

(officer #1)
Eight more little ones. They
keep coming, they keep coming.

(laughs)
How are all you little slaves?

Scared to death. Jack, who was
that Greek we're watching for?

Criminal assault, was it?

'On this sheet here.'

(officer)
'Stavros Topouzoglou.'

- Any of you go by that name?
- That fellow died last night.

You, what's your name? You.

Hohaness.

Not you. You!
He talks, doesn't he?

What's your name?

- Hohaness Gardashian.
- Wanna be an American?

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Well, the first thing to do
is to change that name.

Do you want
an American name, boy?

- Hohaness Gardashian.
- I know, I know.

- Hohaness.
- 'That's enough.'

Hohaness, that's all
you need here. Hohaness.

Here.

Can you read?

Joe Arness.

[chuckles]
Hohaness, Joe Arness.

Hohaness, Joe Arness.

Joe.

Joe.

'Arness.'

Arness.

Joe Arness.

Joe Arness.

Good.

Joe Arness.

You like it?

Joe Arness.
Joe Arness.

- Good. Good.
- Well, Joe, you're reborn.

You're baptized again and
without benefit of clergy. Next!

[people screaming joyously]

Hey, Joe Arness.

Hey, Fred, what
the hell is that?

Just something one
of them left behind.

[cheerful music]

(officer #2)
'Hey you, you there!'

'Keep moving now,
you're blocking traffic.'

'Come on, now. Yes, you.
Move it along, let's go.'

(narrator)
And here I am.
I've reached America.

[people screaming]

Shh!

And here is fifty dollars.

How much is that, fifty dollars?

In Turkish money, that is...
that is..

He saved himself.

How did he earn
so much money so quickly?

America, America.

He saved himself.

Read it again, the last part.

"In some ways, it's
not different here--"

Ssh. Not so loud.

- There's no one.
- You never can tell, go on.

"It's not different."

How quickly he's
forgotten what it is here.

"But let me tell you one thing,
you have a new chance here.

"Everyone that is able to get
here, gets a fresh start.

"So get ready,
you're all coming.

"You're coming.

"I'm working for that to bring
you all here. One by one."

[bell rings]

Hey, there's a business here.
Move on!

[Greek tzouras music]

How's that?

Penny.

[cash register jingles]

There you go, Joe.

Next!

Come on, you. Let's go, you.
People waiting, people waiting.

(Joe)
'Come on, you.'

'Let's go, you.'

'People waiting.'

'People waiting.'

'People waiting.'

(narrator)
And he did bring them.

It took a number of years,
but one by one

he brought them here.

Except for his father.

That old man died
where he was born.

[Greek music]

This film was made
in Turkey and Greece.

It was photographed
by Haskell Wexler.

It was edited by Dede Allen.

The production designer
was Gene Callahan.

The costuming,
by Anna Hill Johnstone.

The music was composed
by Manos Hadjidakis.

All under the management
of Charles Maguire.

And here are the actors.

Stathis Giallelis.

Frank Wolff.

Harry Davis.

Elena Karam.

Estelle Hemsley.

Gregory Rozakis.

Lou Antonio.

Salem Ludwig.

John Marley.

Joanna Frank.

Paul Mann.

Linda Marsh.

Robert Harris.

Katharine Balfour.

[music continues]