Original subtitles

(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]