Original subtitles

THE AVENUE OF HOPE

On the path that leads from Rome to Cinecitta,

a white-blue tram drives back and forth every half hour.

It's a tram like every other, but the ticket

doesn't cost only 30 lire.

It costs bitter hopes, delusions, and sometimes a little joy.

Because many people who take this white-blue tram are actors.

Young and old. Beginners and veteran actors.

This is Franca. A girl who's just beginning.

- I already told you to move aside. - Is it my fault?

You must be patient. You see, they're actresses!

And this is Luisa. She too is just beginning.

- Do I look pale? - No, you look fine.

How long have you been in cinema?

Almost a year.

Me, 30 years!

Somebody starts... and somebody ends.

It's like this every day. Every half an hour.

They arrive and leave, on Cinecitta's white-blue tram.

Come on. Quick! Hurry!

What's up? I've been waiting for an hour!

- We couldn't come sooner. - We don't have a car. - Come on, quick.

You're not trying to fool us like last time?

This time, Tonino will treat you like princesses. Like queens!

Princesses! Queens! If he shows his face again, I'll gouge his eyes out.

Oh, you know Tonino. He can't help but overdo it!

"Come, quickly. There's a first-class role for you."

With horns, I'd say!

Listen to the poor girl! She wants to be the leading lady!

- What are you meddling in? - Sorry your highness, forgive me!

Come on, come on, Valkyries! Hurry up! Roll call!

Don't be like that. We must be patient.

Look how pretty I am.

Try this, my lady.

Oh! Gorgeous! I'll send it home, OK?

It's the fourth time I catch you! Come on, get out! Let's go!

Put that armor on! It's not that difficult. Hurry up!

Okay like that. Hurry up!

You're not ready yet? You think we're playing here?

I'm certainly not playing!

That's your thanks for the 4,000 I made you earn?

Keep it! Buy yourself lots of poison!

Come on, have sympathy!

Sympathy my foot! Come on, get moving!

Get to work! Hurry!

Hi, Franca. Where are you going?

- I'm leaving. - You saw Luisa? - Yes, over there.

Hey! You! Listen!

Excuse me, soldier.

- Do you know Mr. Monteschi? - Who, the ancient Roman?

- It says "cameraman". - No, I don't know him.

What a madhouse!

- Anna Lori. - Silvana Brando. - Maria Pellegrini.

- Umberta Giustini. - Anna Marino. - Lea Bianchi. - Luisa Guglielmi.

You're quite a sight!

- You don't like me anymore? - I always like you.

We got a half hour before shooting starts. Let's have a drink.

A telephone token, please.

Waiter.

- Yes, sir? - Capuccino and buns, and coffee for me.

- Hey, chick! - Idiot!

- Do you know this man? - Yes, he came here a while ago.

Thank you.

I have a feeling today will be a bad day.

What's wrong? Are you sad?

Oh, come on!

Your days as an extra may soon be over.

- What do you mean? - I can't tell you.

It brings bad luck to talk about it before.

Are you the cameraman Mario Montesi?

- Yes. - Finally I found you.

Your friend Gino sent me.

He said I could be in the movies and that I could do very well.

- Ah, old Gino from Sassuolo. - He calls me "bombshell" type.

- You just got here? - Two hours ago.

Excuse me, but I'm starving.

Well? Just like I said, right?

Old Gino was born an idiot and remained an idiot.

Let me give you a friendly advice, miss.

Get on the train and go back home.

- Mario! - Go back and stay home, listen to me.

Save your breath! I came to Rome to be in the movies and I'll do it!

- As you wish... - Don't lecture me!

Sandrone's lectures are more than enough!

- Who is Sandrone? - My fiance.

I'll become the next Anna Magnani. You'll see!

Only, I don't have much money.

Don't worry.

We'll help you out somehow. And then we'll see about the rest.

Yeah, sure. We'll see.

Considering everything I can do, I just had to come to Rome.

Just watch!

Now I'll play a prostitute.

Please...

Good...

You fool!

And now, a boogie-woogie!

Valkyrie warriors, on stage!

What are you doing here? On stage! We're wasting time. Move it!

Look at this...

Enough! Enough! Get to the stage!

You too, Luisa. Come on.

Hi, Mario.

- See you later. - Yeah. Bye! - Bye! - Bye!

- You saw? Want me to do another number? - Goodness, no! That's enough!

- So, what's the decision? - Well, the decision... Waiter!

- I'm not sure what to do. - I'll wait here.

Okay, but you must be patient.

- When I'm through with work, we'll see. - I won't budge!

- Hey. - Hey, Mario. Want a lift?

- No, I'm waiting for my girlfriend. - You stay?

Then you give me a lift to Rome?

See you, Mario.

- Have you waited long? - Don't worry.

- Are you tired? - Dead tired.

- And that lunatic from this morning? - I forgot!

She probably went back to Sassuolo. Let's go see if she's still at the bar.

I have to talk to you, Montesi. Get in. - Sure. Thanks.

- You too, miss. Please. - Thank you.

Sit next to my son.

Wait! I'm here too! - Who's that? - She's my friend.

- May I get in? - Please do.

Let's go now.

My suitcase!

Where were you hiding?

A friend I was telling you about bought a beach property.

He wants to develop it, and thought he'd make a documentary.

- So I mentioned your name. - Thank you, sir.

Tonight I'll dine with him. Come along, so you'll make the deal.

- It's something to be done fast. - Good! - Hey...

Of course, you're invited as well.

Thank you, sir.

Who is he?

Franzi, one of the biggest movie producers. A big shot.

- Will you introduce me? - Hey, that's a real producer!

Would you like to listen to some music?

Careful, dad. Keep your eyes on the road.

- What's your name? - Luisa.

I'm Roberto.

- Good evening. - Hi, Concetta. Miss Titina?

Concetta, bring the suitcases to our room. Miss Titina, tonight we're eating out.

- You could warn. - It happened suddenly.

I'll be back in 20 minutes, Luisa.

- Okay. Bye, Mario. - Goodbye.

Miss Titina, this is Giuditta Robolti.

- She'll be staying here in the lodge. - But where will I put her?

Please, excuse me. Good evening.

- And who is she? Veronica Lake? - Stefania. A nice girl.

Don't worry about Giuditta. We'll put another divan in our room.

- Are you upset, Franca? - I don't care.

I need you to lend me your handbag.

We'll sort it out, Miss.

Colonel!

Colonel, there is a divan in your room, right?

Miss Titina, you want to strip me of everything!

First my armoire, then my chiffonier and now my divan!

You say the silliest things!

- You too in the movie biz? - Yes. Why?

Alright! She too with her brains eaten by a cat!

Here's the purse. Take good care of it.

Relax. I won't eat it.

What do you think? Do I look good?

- You look perfect! - Beautiful!

But I still don't understand why Franzi invited you out to dinner.

Well, Mario introduced me to him and we talked...

What kind of documentary is it?

"The Call of the Siren"

And who would be the siren?

She, of course. I don't have the physique for a siren.

Right. While she...

- Good luck. - Thank you, dear.

- Are you ready, Luisa? - Yes, I'll be right there.

- Hi, Mario. - Hi.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

So long, girls! - Bye! - Good luck!

Bye!

Flower with thorns,..

the envy makes me green and keeps me chained...

What kind of stuff is this?

Why, it's the royal consomm�!

Miss Titina, always royal consomm�! Let's try republican for a change.

- Pasta and beans, for example. - Oh, always criticizing!

Isn't it good, Colonel?

Excellent, for the troop!

I like it. You?

Is the Veronica Lake haircut in fashion again?

No, the style is like for typhus. Short hair, very short.

But I have to wear it like this. Look!

I'm sorry.

But what happened?

She wanted to become an actress.

She did nothing but study. Day and night.

She was fanatical, very determined.

She got some small roles.

One day, while filming, a lamp blew up.

It burnt her face.

Now she recites every day. Doing the dubbing.

Poor Stefania.

I'll go.

Hello?

Oh, Mario.

Listen. This is a neverending bore!

Falcioni suggested we all go to his place and have some fun.

To Falcioni's place?

Yes, you should get some pretty girls.

Franca, naturally. And the one that arrived tonight.

Sure. Franca! Giuditta!

No, Franzi left. But he'll join us later.

Hurry up, okay? Wait, listen! Listen!

Tell the girls that they'll be picked up by Giorgio, a friend of Franzi's son.

Alright?

- Don't worry, I'll handle it! - What's up?

Get ready! We're invited to the Royal Palace!

Stop being silly! What Royal Palace?

Give me a kiss and I'll tell you.

- Come on, it doesn't cost much! - I don't want it anymore!

It was Mario. We're going to Falcioni's place.

The king of ferroconcrete! Oh, my God! What will I put on?

Don't worry! There's me!

- Come on, hurry! - Who's Falcioni? A big shot?

Big?! Huge!!!

Come on, guys! Let's have fun!

Excellent! Just like that!

My compliments!

Bravo! Keep going!

- You're one of us, too, eh? Cognac! - Coming right up!

- Would you like seconds? - No, thank you.

I heard you're doing a lot of films.

- Oh, yes, I signed even yesterday. - Lucky you! If only I had your face!

I'm hungry again.

- What about Franca and Giuditta? - I called, Giorgio picked them up.

Greetings! Hi!

To the health of host!

- The guys are having fun, huh? - Sure! They ate everything!

You understand?

I want to transform that deserted seaside into heaven on Earth.

And you'll make a documentary to give an idea of the project.

- Understood? - Perfectly, Mr. Falcioni.

"The Call of the Siren".

And she'll be our siren.

We'll see.

Franca! You look amazing. Come.

Magnificent!

Look what I brought you, sir.

Franca Albani, Giuditta Robotti. Two future stars!

I am honoured. Shall we dance?

- Let's dive into oblivion! - Yes, let's dive! Provided we don't drown!

- Hi, Giorgio! You just arrived? - Yes.

- Who gave her that dress? - I don't know. Maybe Tonino.

Sure, she has to make an impression!

She almost died of rage when I told her about the documentary.

Why so flustered?

- And why you defend her? - I'm not defending anyone!

- You dance divinely! - It's all because of you.

- Shall we have a drink? - Yes.

We look like dogs fighting over a bone.

Don't move, I'll fix you a special beverage.

- Bravo! - So, how goes it?

Give me a hand and it'll go well for you too.

- For you I'll do it. But don't forget. - Don't worry.

Now listen...

Will I make it in the movies?

- You'll have lots of children. - Oh, tell me about the movies!

- It doesn't say. - You're an idiot.

Where did your friend go?

Be careful, Luisa is dangerous. Don't mess around with her!

- Where is she? - How do I know?

Tell me about the movies...

Well...yes.

- Giuditta... - Call me Giudi!

Are you satisfied with the party, sir?

I must say I am.

- Where do you find these beauties? - I got a breeding farm.

This one is a thoroughbred young mare.

And thoroughbreds are rare. You don't find them every day.

- Yes. They're rare. - I wish you saw her in a swimsuit!

- Well, I brought it. - Where is it?

Here.

Let's sit here.

Giudi...

Well?

Giuditta...

- Have you seen Mario? - No.

Strange. He was just here.

- Looking for something? - Nothing. Thank you.

-It's the first time I talk to an actress. - And how does it feel?

- Have you seen Luisa? - No! - She went there.

It's hide and seek tonight.

Let's go eat.

No, put them back on!

You can tell she was a model. What a pretty girl!

- I think that's enough. - Yes, of course. - Go and get dressed.

So? The last word is yours.

I don't understand cinema. I build houses.

Excuse me.

Great stuff, eh?

Likeable!

You couldn't behave any worse.

Jealous! What is it, back in love?

Me jealous? Of you?

Why? You don't like me anymore?

I saw how you looked at me,

while those two were undressing me with their eyes.

Stop it!

- Mr. Montini? - Upstairs.

Zip me up.

Slowly!

I ought to tear it up.

Then tear it!

Why don't you run after her?

Come on, go console her!

Where are you running? Did something happen?

What is it? What happened?

- Nothing... - Come on, don't be like that.

Let's go away from here. Get in, I'll give you a ride.

Come on.

So, Mario and Franca were kissing. And what did you do?

What could I do? I left.

Was there already something between them, or was it sudden?

Who knows?

Let it go. It was probably just a silly mischief. Forget it.

In short, this was a disastrous evening for you.

Laugh. Just laugh.

This evening happened thanks to you.

- Me? - Naturally. You arranged it all.

The rich constructor, the documentary... with this nice result!

Well, after all you can't complain.

You're in the car with a film producer who is not one of the worst.

Every cloud has a silver lining. We got to know each other, right?

- Will you take it off? - No, thanks, I'll leave soon. - Why?

I don't know...You leave alone here?

- Yes. - Then I should go.

Come on. Don't be childish.

I don't bite. Let's drink something.

Then you'll decide.

Have some cognac.

It'll make the sadness go away.

I like your company.

Come on, drink. To our friendship!

Sit.

Tell me about yourself.

- Would you? - What can I tell you?

My life is nothing special.

The life of every other girl aspiring to be an actress.

- You live in Rome. - For some time now. A year or so.

Parents?

No.

Not anymore.

My mother died when I was little.

My father was an actor. A modest actor.

A story like many others. I don't think it would interest you.

No, no... On the contrary.

Continue.

They fell in love on first sight.

Mom wasn't cut out for the theatre life.

She loved quietness.

She loved staying home.

She would have liked to have a nice house, without any luxury, of course.

But she never got it.

Why do I tell you all this?

So many things happened tonight!

I'm tired...

What did you give me?

Cognac! Too strong?

- I feel hot. - Take off this.

Let's listen to some music.

I told you, she isn't back yet.

I don't know where she went. - I sought everywhere.

Don't worry, nobody's going to steal her from you, poor child.

Mario!

My dear brother! How are you?

- Go away! - Don't say a word!

Don't speak! You're right! I've been a rascal!

Take it! It's yours! Mr. Falcione's champagne!

Go get some sleep!

- You too, Mr. Mario, it's past 2:00! - Yes, sorry. I'm leaving. Good night.

Good night.

I wanted to be an actress.

Dad said I would make it.

When he rehearsed, I watched him for hours.

And I cried. And I laughed, enthused with him.

I believed that acting was easy.

That it sufficed having feelings, to know how to express them.

But instead...

Instead it's much more difficult.

Why are you looking at me like that?

It's true, you know! Everything I said is true!

But you don't believe me!

Nobody believes me. Nobody loves me.

Not even Mario.

- Give me another. - No. That's enough.

Now be good and let me drive you home.

Who rang?

I'm so sleepy...

I don't want to go back to the guesthouse.

I don't want to see Franca.

- Excuse me, Milan is calling. - I'm coming. Excuse me a moment.

Yes? Mr. Vermi?

What happened? Speak louder!

Why didn't you call earlier? Of course you should have!

Alright, call me at the office tomorrow. Yes, bye.

Listen, dear...

Bring a blanket.

Give it to me.

Let her sleep, I'm leaving.

Go to sleep.

Miss...Miss!

- Where am I? What's the time? - 9 AM.

Mr. Franzi left his car at your disposal.

Hello? Hello?

- What is it? - It's Mario. - Hello?

No. No news of Luisa.

Yes, we're waiting. Yes, we called there too.

Meanwhile, you go see Falcione. And get those 100,000!

If not, everything is ruined! Fine, I'll meet you there.

Miss Titina, it is your duty to warn the police!

- I'll be right! - If you want, I'll go check the morgue.

Colonel! You're a real jinx!

Why bother? Good looking girls like yourselves!

You could live like queens. Instead...

Tears, phone calls, miseries... quarrels.

Holy virgin! It's Luisa!

Miss Titina, Luisa is here!

But that's Franzi's car!

Miss Luisa!

- Luisa! - You almost gave me a heart attack!

- What happened? - Couldn't you phone? - What did you do?

- Nothing, I slept! - You slept soundly!

You felt sick?

- No, fine! - You slept at Franzi's place? - Hi, Luisa.

- Hi, Franca! - You had breakfast? - Oh, yes!

First-class breakfast, served on a huge silver plate.

Butter, marmelade, eggs and ham... There was even the newspaper.

Can you open?

Lucky you!

Giuditta, you can sleep on my bed tonight.

Why? You leave today?

Yes, at noon. Falcioni will come pick me up with his car.

Giuditta, please, tell Miss Titina that I'll be eating out today.

Giuditta, if you want my overcoat, you can take it, no problem.

I'll leave it here.

Giuditta, I forgot to tell you! I got a part in a movie.

- Maybe there'll be a role for you too. - Stop it! My head is spinning.

If someone calls, I'll be at Excelsior at noon.

- You're back, finally! - Let me!

- I want a word with you. - We've got nothing to say!

- May I explain? - You explained everything last night.

And you explained everything tonight!

Good! Now we're even!

Let me pass!

Where did Luisa say she was going?

Didn't you hear?

At the Excelsior. She's having lunch with Franzi.

At the Excelsior! She's settled herself, huh?

Now she'll stop playing the victim.

- Luisa! - Hi. You're still awake?

You've changed everything here.

Yeah. Franca's gone. She left in Falcione's car.

By the way, Mario stopped by.

- He wanted to say hello. - I don't care.

Well? You won't tell me anything?

What should I tell you?

- Were you with him? - Yes. For lunch.

- And then? - We went for a drive.

- And then? - Stop it!

Oh, I understand.

Roberto called.

- Roberto? - Franzi's son.

- When? - You had just left.

He wanted to take us out in his father's car.

Franzi had to leave for Milan suddenly.

Luisa!

What are you doing, Luisa?

Please don't cry. It's my fault, asking you all those questions.

I knew you had done nothing wrong.

Please, Luisa!

Please, or I'll start crying, too!

Smile for me. Just a little smile.

Look at me.

Like that. Good.

Now go to sleep.

Come on, sleep on it and don't think about.

Come.

Everything will be fine. Don't cry anymore.

That's it, good girl.

- Good night, Luisa. - Good night.

Good night, Sandrone. Be good!

Bye, my love!

Giuditta.

- Giuditta. - What do you want?

- You wont tell anyone, right? - What?

That nothing is true...

about me and Franzi.

Don't worry, I won't.

- Good night. - Good night.

Hurry up, guys. While there's still sun.

Look at the sea. Over there.

Like that?

It's ice-cold!

I'm ready! Go get the clapperboard!

Higher, your head! Look at the sea! And smile!

- Can't you smile? - I've smiled for an hour, my mouth hurts!

Then keep it shut, it's better!

Thank goodness this farce is over! I'm fed up!

Come on! Move that boat!

And you, smile!

- Stop! - Even the cloud now!

Beautiful girl, huh? A work of art!

I'd give her a contract for 10 years.

If you don't engage her and put her in a movie, you'll miss out a fortune!

I build houses. I don't know about cinema.

- An aperitif? - Thank you.

- You read the script I gave you? - No.

I'll tell you about it now.

Listen to this...

A renowned surgeon is madly in love with his wife.

A beautiful woman!

She has a lover.

The husband knows, and suffers in silence.

One day, the husband receives an urgent call.

He must operate. Guess on who?

- The lover. - No! The wife!

The renowned surgeon, the betrayed husband,

what does he do? - What does he do?

I won't tell you.

- These movies cost lots of money. - Just a trifle!

Some scenery, a few actors. There are no masses!

- Try to give some figures. - Here they are! Still approximate, huh?

I'll look at it calmly. I want to think about it.

No problem. There's no hurry.

But, you know how is cinema. My commitments, I should check dates...

What? As soon as I whistle, you rush, okay?

I'll fly! We'll do great things together!

- Is breakfast ready? - It's over?

It is, but he's wasting time in filming waves.

- Well? - Nothing yet.

Quickly! And thanks for the orchids.

A trifle. Go inside before you freeze.

- Hey! Come here! - I'm coming!

Have you got a cigarette?

- Let's be on first name terms. - I can't.

We've been here for seven days, it's about time.

I feel uneasy.

You're a very important man. One can't trifle with you.

Neither I want to trifle with you. At my age, one doesn't trifle much.

They say I'm a speculator.

I like making money. But I also like spending it.

My biggest joy in life is to make a woman happy by buying her presents.

A small diamond, a fur coat...

You didn't understand me.

You see...I'm disinterested.

I want a helping hand in my career.

I want to be able to buy myself a diamond...

...a mink coat...an apartment... But with my own earnings.

I understand.

Am I disturbing? I was quick, the documentary is finished.

And my shots?

There's no need, they'd be cut anyway, is already too long as is.

You got the idea just now?

- Won't you have breakfast with us? - No thanks, I'm on my way.

- I'm leaving in an hour. Goodbye. - I regret!

A nice guy. What was between you two?

Oh, nothing. He was after me.

Mario! Is it true what you said? We're leaving?

Yes, I'm going to Rome. You take care of the film.

Aw, okay. Even this godsend has ended.

Thanks. - Have some coffee, it's good. - No, just milk.

- You haven't finished yet? - I'm finished, I'm finshed.

Oh, the beautiful breakfasts I dreamed of! See you.

Good morning, everyone!

Let's go, Giuditta!

What a hurry! Not a word for me?

- Words are useless. - Look,.. - I'm in a hurry!

- OK, go! Now you got what you wanted! - Don't show up ever again!

No, don't you worry!

Follow that car.

- Where to? - Hurry to Olmo Film, I'm expected.

- You too at Olmo Film? - Naturally. I too am expected.

I have to sign a contract. From some time it's all we do, right? - Careful!

You told me to hurry.

You almost ran a man over.

Luisa, you angry? - Leave her alone, she's in her drama. - Shut up!

But I mean the drama that you have to interpret.

The final scene! She still loves him, he made a mistake, but always loves her.

- Stop it now! - Watch out!

- We made it. - I noticed!

Wait, Giuditta.

- Bye. - Bye, Roberto.

- Bye, Giorgio. - We'll wait for you, then.

- No, we'll be late. Bye! - Bye!

OLMO FILM STUDIOS

- How much? - 470.

- Good morning, professor. - Greetings.

- Don't forget me. - I'll find a job for you.

- Well, for me? - There's a small part, a bank director,

a bit far from your looks.

Why don't we just once try something that's not so ordinary?

You know how I see it?

One of those bank directors gone sour,

- with a worn out suit. - Excuse me...

Wait up, Gualtieri.

Excuse me, are you an actor?

- Are you also in the movies? - No, I'm a stenographer.

- They're looking for a stenographer? - Yes. It's here in the paper.

- Why? You too are a stenographer? - Not really. But I studied it a bit.

Silvestre? Nothing?

- Well, maybe a couple of shots. - Oh, you're a real friend.

But it's a diplomat. Do you have a grey double breast?

But always elegant diplomats?

Why don't we go out of the ordinary? You know how I see it?

One of these diplomats gone sour.

With that neglected elegance... let's say, English style.

Drop by again. I'll try and find something for you.

- How did it go? - The usual. Come again, call us, bring photographs...

- Let's go. - No, wait.

- But..! - I'll try. - What?

Is this the way to treat people? How dare you?

- Do I look like an idiot? - Well...

- Where are you going? - Let me pass.

- How did it go? - Very well! Contract signed. - I'm happy.

Yes. But not me. Him!

5,000 lire per pose.

Come on! Show your legs!

- Well? If you can sing, sing! Go ahead. - Here?

I'm here for the stenographer post. Let me pass!

- Come in! - You heard him. Sing.

What should I sing? "Anima e core"?

"Red moon"? "Green moon"?

Sing an any moon, but make it quick!

- You are? - Stenographer.

Sit down. Go on. Sing.

We don't have time to waste, dear.

Get a notepad, pencil, and let's begin.

- Begin what? - Begin with the test. Write!

Gentlemen, in response to your letter of the 25th of the last month...

Enough! Enough! Enough!

We inform you that we still haven't received the negatives requested.

- But you are so quick? - Go on!

No, she won't do! Bring me another.

- But sir, the refrain! - For heaven's sake! That's all I need!

No, no, no. Another, another. I'll go mad today!

Where were we?

- "I'll go mad today!" - No, you weren't supposed to write that!

Come on. Read everything.

Gentlemen, in response to your...

your...

There's a number I can't decipher.

In response to your... We inform you...that the case...

But why don't you read?

- Well, read,.. I'm out of practice. - What !?

Sir, I don't want to be a stenographer, I want to be an actress!

You too !? Get out!

- Get out! Leave! - Okay, I get it. Let go of me.

And you are?

An a-a-actor!

- What are you doing? - Have no fear. It's a scare-gun.

I keep it because, once in a while, I... I...

I conk out.

It's nothing. Go away.

So I shoot, and as you see, I speak fluently.

- But, the effect lasts long? - Yes, enough.

Usually between eight to ten m-m...

...minutes.

Then you'll need to be du... du...

Dubbed!

- Oh, yes. - Get out! Throw him out!!

- Get out! - Come on. Leave!

Here comes the bus.

Luisa...

- Let go of me.

- I'll slap you! - So slap me!

- She did well! - You're right! - Shame on you!

If you want to do it again, hurry up and then we'll talk.

- I have nothing to say. - But I do.

You know everything is over between us.

- Then let's start over. - I made a mistake once. No more!

You're right. You deserve a guy much better than me.

But, by now we love each other.

- What a nerve! - Poor little hand.

- Let me go. - Let's make up, Luisa.

Let's stop wasting time.

I love you, Luisa. I love you so much.

- I know I made you suffer. - Not a bit!

Let me hold your hand, half an hour!

- There's people. - What do you care?

Let's go.

It says...wait... This is a double drop of water.

Double drop means marriage for sure.

- It doesn't say to whom. - It doesn't need to.

This one is yours. The drop remained wet.

Is that a good sign?

- Wet drop, luck retreats. - What does it mean?

You know what it means?

That if you don't pay, you're out of here in a week.

Don't worry. There's also the drops of Mario and Tonino.

They say that something will be arranged.

Liste. I'll wait for you out here.

Oh, come on! After all it's about you and Luisa.

This a sure script, I'm telling you.

Olmo Film will take it blindly.

- You stay quiet, let me do the talking. - Okay.

What happened? There's nobody here today.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- May I speak to the director? - Certainly. Your name? - Tonino Cerani.

There is a man who wants to speak to you.

- Mr. Perani. - Cerani.

Very well.

The director apologizes, he's busy. He said you can speak to his associate.

Thank you.

See?

May I?

- Cerani. - Hoffman. - Pleased to meet you.

- Do sit down. - Thank you. - Montesi.

- Well, sir? - I won't say anything.

But this is fantastic!

Read it!

- It's about life lived. - Let him read it!

Alright. But I don't see what interest...

It's just a generic idea, few pages. Just think: a renowned surgeon...

Let me talk. You see...

Excuse me, but it must be a misunderstanding.

- We only represent raincoats. - Rain what?

But...but Tibiletti... doesn't produce movies anymore?

Tibiletti? Oh, Olmo Film! They've left.

Now I understand. We've been here for a few days now.

We represent Swiss raincoats.

"Please, come in..." It did seem strange...

- Excuse us, then.

Have a good day.

May I?

If I'm not indiscreet, are you represented in Latium?

Yes. We have all towns covered.

No. I was just asking. But listen... You said "raincoats".

Have you tried film advertising?

Film advertising has revolutionized the market, you know it.

Yes, I know. I know. But the costs...

Costs! What are you saying? How much does 50 meters of film cost?

Good publicity, a good idea, a good title...

"War to the umbrella". What do you say? Isn't that a good title?

With 100,000 lire! What's 100,000 for a firm like yours? And Swiss, moreover!

- 100,000 lire? - If I said 100,000 lire...

Wait. Let me speak to my associate.

Please, feel at home.

Hello? Franz? I got an idea. Come here for a moment.

What did you say? "War to the Umbrella"...

Action.

Fireman, hurry up with that water!

Turn the valve! Go!

No. Get the umbrella up!

You must get wet, or we'll lose the effect!

That's the way.

No, no. Let's do it all over again!

Hey, hurry, they're making a movie!

Oh, enough!

Good! Stop!

Stop the water!

Look at that! They're all drenched!

Stop it!

- You'll get sick, with all this water. - Even Garbo started like this.

- This water washes the make-up. It shows? - It doesn't matter.

Make-up man! Make-up man!

Please move back.

Who are you? The director?

Lick this!

Boss, I won't make it on time. Gotta get a taxi.

Alright, alright. Here, get a taxi!

- See, this is how production costs rise. - Mister!

You said you'd take five minutes. It's been 2 hours!

Give me the chairs. I need them back!

Okay. Give the chairs back. Get back!

Can't you see we're working? You've never seen making a movie?

What is it? Larry Semon?

- Idiot! - Who's and idiot? This is my nephew!

- If you don't stop it, I'll... - Let's go, fireman!

Mario, come on! We're waiting for you!

Let's go, girls!

On your posts.

Start the water! Action!

"Every thing has its own time."

"The umbrella is a remnant of times past."

"Modern women, fend off bad weather with modern resources."

"The great offense against the umbrella begins!"

"Waterproofing is not enough."

"You need super-waterproofing! Company etc. etc."

Stop! Stop the water!

- Another take! - What company is this?

What company? Apollo Film!

- You have a permit? - Of course! Here it is...

Here it is.

- "My love...". What is this? - You're right. I'm sorry...

I get confused when I'm in a hurry.

Here it is. It's all in order.

- It expired two days ago. - Indeed...

I'm sorry but you have to leave. Those are the rules.

- Fireman! - What's going on?

No-nothing serious. This is the producer.

- He's Swiss! - So? We're in Rome here!

Stay calm. I'll fix everything.

- Your chief is my friend. - Mine too.

Name and surname. And you, make way!

Move out of the way! Out of courtesy, at least!

99.5� F !

Two more hours, and I'd end up with a nice tombstone at Cinecitta.

"Luisa Guglielmi and Giuditta Rebotti. Fallen on the battlefield."

Maybe they'd make a movie on our life.

- I bet that once dead I'll be in a movie! - You have a visit!

Oh, look who's here! Please come in!

The door stays open, huh?

Sit down. Have you brught the Holy Oil?

What nice flowers! Who are they for?

Well, actually... for both of you. Well, no.

It's obvious they're for Luisa. I prefer this. You can't eat flowers.

Next time, bring pastry. Chcolate melts.

It was very nice of you to come.

We thought you forgot about us.

No, no!

Why don't you sit?

Excuse me, I have to say something to Giuditta.

Sit down, Giorgio.

Giorgio...

- You like Giuditta, right? - I'd do anything for her.

- Did you tell her that? - I don't have the courage...

- She didn't even look at me! - Because she's ill. - You say so to console me.

She doesn't like me!

She'd fall in love if she could look inside me.

If you want to express your feelings, do something for her.

- What? - I can't tell you everything.

Your father is a producer, right? Put her in a good movie.

That's right. How stupid of me. I never thought of it.

Franca! Come in.

Come, I don't want to see her.

- Miss Titina, lady Franca arrived! - Don't talk nonsense, I'm no lady.

Man, you're not, miss, no longer. How should I call you?

Oh, what a pleasure! What honor!

You're radiant, my dear Franca.

Please, sit down. Concetta, some vermouth.

- Where is Tonino? - He owes you money, too?

No, I must talk to him for an important matter.

Armando...Falcioni wants him to stage my film.

- So you finally make this film? - Of course.

I'll call him right away.

One ring. Creditor.

Two rings. Bailiff.

Three! Good news!

Here I come! Here I come!

- May I? - Luisa is asleep.

- Then you come out. - Have you had measles?

- No, I havent. - Well, we have measles!

Franca, you're great! Titina told me everything.

- Hurry and get dressed! - I'm running!

- Did you hurt yourself? - In this moment, I can't get hurt!

Colonel, we're on the move!

Crazy man! Colonel, have you seen Franca?

- Extraordinary! - And when will you decide, Colonel?

- Decide? - Decide to be an actor.

Never!

So? Come on, what is it? Do you need money?

No.

- It's for the... - For the car.

I know that you drove it while I was absent, and you even dented a fender.

You're reckless!

It's not about the car. It's about Luisa.

- Luisa Guglielmi. - Who's that?

You know her. You met her through Montesi for the documentary.

Ah, yes. So?

She's a good girl, dad. Intelligent, competent.

I see! You got a crush, huh?

- It's not a crush, dad. - No?

Then what is it? Let's hear.

Nothing.

I told you about hoping that you... She'll go a long way!

- Of course she needs someone to help her. - Yeah!

In short, you want me to put her in a film.

- Yes, that's it! I swear she's great! - Listen, my boy...

Let's talk man to man.

Look, son. You're not considering an important detail.

That girl is a small-time starlet.

Yes. Trying to be booked for a role.

- You're a producer's son... - So? What's so bad?

She's around you because you're Franzi's son. Get it?

- She's using you... - Dad, don't be silly! - Hey, kiddo!

Lower that tone!

- This is not nonsense. - It's an ugly lie!

Get out of here, you snot-nosed fool!

I'm sorry, dad. I wanted you to understand.

I told you to leave.

Call Miss Guglielmi and tell her to come here immeadiately

Yes, Luisa Guglielmi.

Come in. Mr. Franzi will arrive shortly.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Please, sit down.

You must have no idea why I called you here.

For work, maybe. Maybe you've seen my audition test.

You've had it for four months.

No.

It's not about work.

I want to know what's going on between you and my son.

- Roberto? - That's right, Roberto!

I don't understand. We know each other.

- Roberto is a nice young man. - Listen, miss.

I've been out of Rome a lot recently.

But I was informed that my son used my car to drive you around.

Yes, but we were never alone.

Giuditta and Giorgio were with us.

So my car became a public bus. Great!

- And may I know where you went? - Certainly. Once to the stadium,

once to the beach, and once at... - Yeah!

Anyway, rest assured.

Roberto wrote it this morning.

Dear Luisa, I couldn't sleep tonight either.

I kept thinking of what you said yesterday.

I don't want you took offense... What a jackass!

...for what I told you when we bumped the car.

At any rate, I hope that buffalo of my father,..

- May I keep this letter? - Certainly.

I wish you don't see my son again, Miss Guglielmi.

It's not by attending the producer's son that you'll do cinema.

Don't worry, Mr. Franzi.

I don't need neither you nor your son to become an actress.

Buffalo!

Giudi...

you see,.. I...

Why don't you memorize what you wish to tell me?

It would save a lot of time.

- What is it? - Shall we go to the movie?

Are you mad? Enough follies, for today. First, on the bus, then window shopping...

- Well, I'm there. - Where?

- I told you, drama school! - Hi, Giuditta.

Marry him!

- What kind of school is this? - It's an academy that Tonino reccomended.

Academy of Cine-Dramatic Arts run by Professor Minaroni. Bye!

Hey, Giudi!

Professor! Watch out for the thorns!

Now...

let's interrogate...

someone.

Piazzoni! Have you studied the kiss?

Professor... yesterday I had to go to the gym.

- Sunday I have a match. - Sit! Four! - Damn!

Pallucchini.

When kissing, lips are pushed forward and then retracted.

But the great cheekbone muscle, the laughter muscle...

- and the buccinator... - Enough! Sit! 9!

Damn, how good you are!

Silence!

Now let's hear... from Parati.

Now let's try a few expressions.

And you rehearse, too.

Because, with expressions, we're still amiss!

The cinema is all in here! All here!

Silence!

Close the door!

Attention!

Concupiscence!

Give me a lust look!

No, no, no! You don't know how to lust!

Professor. I have a cold.

Look at Parozzi. All of you, look at him!

Bravo!

What a stamina!

Bravo!

You!

Tenderness!

Imagine a child.

A child, fragile, alone and abandoned.

Nobody's child.

A poor thing who's wailing.

Little bird...

without a nest!

Bravo, Piazzoni. You're magnificent!

You can all learn from him!

Thanks! He hangs out with nannies!

Silence!

Stand up!

- Sir, come in. - At ease, at ease!.

- Sorry to disturb you, dear professor. But you know the reason. - Of course!

Mr. Cerani is looking for some new faces.

And where does he look? In our academy!

Honor yourselves!

I need a few people. First of all, a nun.

Religious ecstasy!

- That one! - Excuse me...

- But she doesn't seem very spiritual. - I know, but gives contrast.

- As you wish. - And now I need a student of medicine.

I'm a masseur!

Forget it! That one!

That's Lucchini. A serious young man.

- Anyone else? - A nurse.

But I found one. It's her!

You're wonderful, Tonino!

- Silence! - We want a kiss!

Yes, an urgent telegram! Sassuolo, as in Sax.

Sandro Scarpani. But Holy God, everybody knows him!

Yes Scarpani, as in scar.

Hurray!

No, that's the text!

Write this: "Hurray! I'm in a movie."

"Kisses, your pussycat."

Yes, pussycat. So? I like it that way.

It's urgent. Understand?

Where are you going?

Do you have a pass?

- I'm Giuditta's fiance. - Ah, Giuditta's film. Go on, then.

- You're in "Giuditta and Holofernes"? - Yes. - Studio 5. - Thanks.

You're welcome.

Lights up!

- Show up to the director. - These are for the hospital scene?

You're okay.

If this is a nun, then you're a cardinal. She's good for the tavern scene.

- This? - A male nurse.

No, no way.

- Her? - I think she fits that bit part.

- Nurse? She has to cry. Can you cry? - Sure! - Then cry.

- What? - You said you can cry, so cry!

It's not hard. She cries fine! - I didn't ask you.

Don't waste my time, Miss. Do you know how to cry?

- Yes. - Then cry!

But how can I, offhand?

I understand. Find me another. And don't bring me this stuff anymore.

You see what it means to do favors?

Now I'll take the heat. Take that uniform off!

He says 'cry' as if it were easy. Idiot!

- Giudi. - Go to hell!

This one would make a great male nurse. - Go to...

Giuditta!

Giuditta! It's me! Where are you going?

Come here.

Let's go. Prepare the scene. Hurry!

Hey, get up!

Lights!

Call Franzoni. Make come Franca.

Giuditta, listen!

Where are you running, Giuditta?

What's up? Who made you cry?

Tell your Sandrone. I'll smash his face with my hands.

They said I can't cry.

- Who said that? - The directors.

You can cry just fine! But I don't want to see you cry.

I want to see you smile.

Come on. Return to Sassuolo with me.

- I'm not going to Sassuolo. - And why? Your home is there.

- And our home, too. - I'm not going. They'll laugh at me.

- Who will laugh at you? - All the townsfolk.

Let them try. I'll take care of them!

Come on. Let's go. Listen, Giuditta.

You won't have to go to the shop.

I'll let you sleep in the morning, and we'll buy a small car, OK?

I said no! I'm not coming home!

- Oh no!? - No! I'm not going, I'm not going!

- Why not? - Because!

- So you don't love me anymore? - No. I don't!

Oh, really? That's too bad! I'm leaving, and you'll never see me again. My word!

Do you know at what time they made me get up this morning? At 6!

To start working at noon.

2 hours in make-up, 2 hours standing, roasting under the lamp.

Testing, re-testing... And it's never good!

I'm fed up with it! Fed up!

I made you the lead in a movie. This is how you thank me? - Lovely life, thanks!

You wanted to be in the movies? This is movie life!

- On scene, miss. - Yes, coming!

I too would throw it all away. But now there's no turning back.

Come on, be nice. Go on scene and try again.

Go away, guys. It's done.

Is it okay this way?

Now we got it.

Let's hope this time she gets it. I grew a beard making this scene.

Silence!

- The strangers, out! - Yes, I was...

The script...

- Remember what you have to do? - Yes.

Just stay calm.

The medic says 'forceps', then 'scalpel'.

You point, and say:

I say "He's not breathing."

Go back. Let's try it now.

- Instruments ready? - Ready, sir.

Alright, let's do it.

Action!

Forceps...

Scalpel...

He's not breathing.

That was fine. Now let's shoot it.

Ready?

Action!

- Started! - Clapper! 226, sixth!

Action!

Forceps...

Scalpel...

He's not breathing...

Alt! Watch where you put your feet. You must get to the sign

Let's shoot one more time.

Action! Silence!

- Started! - Clapper! 226, seventh!

Action!

Forceps!

He's not breathing.

No! Stop!

Wait till he says 'scalpel'.

One more time.

- Clapper! - 226, twelfth!

Get out of the screen. Action!

Forceps.

Scalpel.

He's not moving.

Noooo! You must say 'He's not breathing"!

One more.

Connect me to Mr. Franzi.

Yes, the producer. Tell him it's Mr. Falcioni.

Yes. It's me. What is it?

Do me a favor, come to Cinecitt� for a moment.

I need to talk to you.

No, the film is doing fine. It's me out of place.

Yes, you were right. Cinema is not my kind of game.

Okay, I'll wait for you.

226, seventeenth!

Forceps.

Scalpel.

- He's not breathing. - No!

You didn't get to the sign.

One more.

Another one, right...

226, twentyfirst!

Action!

Forceps.

Scalpel.

He's not breathing!

But what do you do? Why don't you move now? Enough! Enough!

- Who gave you an idea to be an actress? - Oh, really!

I've had enough too!

You neurasthenic madman!

I'm done with this!

Go after her. Go!

I get it! Shut everything down.

This one is sleeping. Who'll wake him up?

Franca? Open up, Franca!

Franca!

Delinquents!

Go to hell! All of you! Delinquents!

Come on, Franca! Open up.

Open the door, Franca!

Come on, don't do anything stupid!

At least answer me! Franca!

Oh, my God. She shot herself.

- She shot herself! She killed herself! - But, what happened?

Come here! Try and open this door!

Call a doctor! Quick!

- Here's alcohol. - What alcohol? This is water.

But really, is it possible that there's no doctor here?

Force it open! Quick!

What was it?

Come on, nothing happened!

Franca! - It's all a comedy! - What did you do?

- Have you gone mad? - It's nothing, just a dummy pistol.

- Come on. Get out. Out! - Leave me alone!

Don't worry, we'll find another one. It's full of pretty girls!

Don't be like this, Franca. Return on the set.

Go away! You too! I'm going back to Rome alone.

Alright. Do as you wish.

Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. I'm fine.

I'll send you a telegram as soon as I arrive. Bye dear.

- Well, what're you doing? - Sorry, but I was first.

What's with you today?

- I'm going to kill myself. - Good.

Turn the lights off, after.

Hello?

It's you, Giuditta?

Oh, my! Sandrone?! What?

Why are you whistling? Oh, you're at the station!

Te train is leaving in 47 minutes.

Will you or won't you be my wife?

I asked if you want to be my wife!

Giuditta! Giuditta! Damn phone!

Where are you? What are you doing?

You're crying?

There's no time for crying, Giuditta! The train is about to leave!

Are you coming or not?

Yes, yes, of course!

In 47 minutes? I'm coming! I'm flying!

Concetta! Call me a taxi!

Miss Titina, I'm getting married!

No way!

No, no, no. She's no good! None of them are!

And every day, I'm losing millions!

Who the hell made me do this film?

- Why don't we try Tulli instead of Franca? - Who?

You must be joking!

What are you doing here? I already told you to stay out of my way!

Sir, I thought that... Mr. Falcioni...

Falcioni! Falcioni is no longer involved with this film.

Do me a favor and go away!

Yes, I'll go. - Are you going or not? - Good day...

- Montesi. - Yes?

That girl...

Luisa?

Yes. Go get me her audition.

Yeah!

- Careful, it breaks! - If it breaks, we'll reattach it.

- But it's my girlfriend's audition! - So? We'll reattach her too!

- Tighten your fists, Cesare! - Are we on a ring? - It brings good luck.

- Careful, the picture's fading! - Hey, stay calm or I'll throw you out.

God, look how beatiful she is! Cesare, come here. Take a look.

- That's your girlfriend? - Beautiful, isn't she? She's good!

- She's good, isn't she? Say it! - If you say she's good...

Darling!

What do you think? Franzi will like her? Huh?

Cesare! Cesare! Where are you?

Don't go away! What's up? It's turned off!

It's finished, it's not "Les Mis�rables"! It's just 30 yards!

- Who knows how it went! - You want to know? Listen...

- Damn! If he says no, I'll shoot him. - Maybe! You'd do a good deed.

- What do you think? - A nice face.

- Sensible. I like her. - You would risk, then?

- Yes. - Let's try her, then.

Victory, Cesare! Victory!

- Tonino! - Hi!

It's so nice to see you! Sit down. - Thanks.

What luxury! I see the boat has stayed afloat, huh?

Or is it an ocean liner?

Thank you for coming. I wanted to say goodbye.

- Why? Are you leaving? - Yes. I'm going to Switzerland.

St. Moritz.

I'm happy for you. And Falcioni?

Dismissed.

And you? We haven't met for a while. You're still with Franzi?

Dismissed. I quit everything. But I told him his bit.

I heard that Luisa got my part in the film.

Yes...

You seem a bit down.

I'm down and out, Franca.

- Take it. - No, no, Franca. - Come on!

- Oh, here he is. - Shall we go?

Guido, this is my old friend. Mr. Cerani, Mr. Braschi.

- Pleased to meet you. - I knew a Braschi. Steelworks, right?

- No, silk. - Silk? Oh! But then I'll have lunch with you!

I've been in the silk trade.

You know that the cocoons, especially when it's hot, are a bit...

Excuse me.

Excuse me, where does Miss Guglielmi work?

- Down the hall, to the left. - Thank you.

- Colonel. - You too?

Miss Titina, they offered me a role in a war movie!

I accepted!

But that... that's crazy!

Out of the field! Silence!

Start.

- Started! - Clapper.

Scene 226, first!

Action!

Come in, Luisa!

- Bravo, Luisa! I'd give you a kiss! - Stop!

- What's this? - Don't get mad. I'll cut this smile and keep it to myself.

Alright.

Again, then.

Another one.

She's fine, huh dad?

You were right. She's fine.

Satisfied?

- Yes, very. - How many people. - It all looks real!

Silence!

Start.

- Started! - Clapper.

Scene 226, second!

Action!

Look at Luisa, dressed all in white.

Looks like a bride!

Stop!

Luisa got her big break.

Her face will become an image sought by the public

in the screening room's magical darkness.

So, every day, in the odd forge called Cinecitta,

girls like Luisa, and men like Mario,

work at creating the bitter or happy fables of our times.

While on the long avenue, the white-blue tram

keeps on carrying back and forth

young and old.

Actors who begin, and actors who are ending.

Small and big ambitions,

small and big hopes.

English subs by hristo8484 and Ant123 Wholly revised by edam17@KG, June 2013