Original subtitles

Lucian.

Where's Rose?

Why don't we go up and get a glass of water?

Rose?

Rose?

Rose.

Damn it all to hell.

Rose?

Arrivederci.

Grazie mille.

Did the vultures get what they wanted?

They seem rather pleased.

Perhaps they'll leave you alone now?

Urgh, I damn well hope so.

I thought that was all rather jolly.

So much fun.

You here again, Bonacini?

I came to help my nephew.

They do not teach English at the military academy.

-A military man, you say? -You are surprised?

A little.

I'd heard the Bonacinis were a bunch of communists.

Who told you that?

Signor Danioni.

He has you figured for a treacherous red, my friend.

My politics are no man's business.

Except I rather think they're mine.

I would hate to see my wife's close association

with a Bolshevik sympathiser blow up in her face.

Are you threatening me?

Oh, good grief, no.

I'm advising you.

Stay away from my wife...

before something unfortunate happens.

Rose?

Rose?

Hello.

I had hoped that we might, um...

...steal a moment.

Oh, Lucian, we mustn't.

We already have.

It was a moment of madness.

It was the sanest thing I've ever done.

Hmm...

No, Constance.

I, I can't, I can't go back to how it was before.

Tell you what, Paola, as a special treat,

I'll tidy up after you, hey?

Oh, cheer up.

You missed all the fun outside.

Oh, we've been having some fun of our own, haven't we Paola?

Just been making my lemon drizzle cake.

That workman she's sweet on,

he ate three pieces the other day, oh my...

No, it's fine, it's fine, everything's fine.

Cheeky.

Urgh!

40 years.

40 years I've used that recipe,

it's never failed.

Until now.

Alright, no, no, Paola, enough, enough!

Now, chin up.

Get the eggs, butter, flour, sugar.

Constance will walk you through it this time.

See if you could do any better, love.

You've got lemonade.

Yes. I was just experimenting with some rosemary.

Are you going to tell me about Nish?

He's stable...for now.

He thinks he might have gangrene.

Gangrene? But then he needs to see a doctor immediately.

Well, do you know anyone that we can trust?

Nish seems to think that we ought to rely on this Gianluca fellow.

Apparently, he has some sort of plan to smuggle him out.

Well, that's more than we have.

No, but the thing is, now that it comes to it,

I realise I have no idea how to get hold of him.

What about his father?

The lawyer?

Yes.

It's worth try.

Well, perhaps I could go and see him.

I, I could, um...

I could ask Carlo if he would accompany me to translate.

Well, if you wouldn't mind, that's likely to draw less suspicion.

Yes, of course.

Now, please, darling, go and find Rose.

I'm going.

Sir.

Is now a good moment, Ma'am,

for me to make that telephone call?

Oh, yes, of course, Betty.

Are you sure I won't be keeping you from the office?

No.

I have an errand to run.

Oh, what the devil is it now?

Looking for me?

Ah.

You didn't think I'd sang and dance at your friend's party

without a rehearsal, did you?

Uh, he's not a friend.

He's a business associate, actually.

But even so, it was jolly decent of you to help out.

I'm not doing it for you, honey.

I'm doing it for your wife...

and a thousand dollars.

Thanks, Billy.

I'm in the wrong game.

Pottiston, seven nine four five.

Fanny, is that you love?

No, Mrs Scanlon, it's Joan. Joan Bunting?

-Joan? -That's right, Mrs Scanlon.

Err, we met at Fanny's anniversary party

a few year back.

I'm her cousin.

I work with her... here at the big house.

I, I, I remember, love.

Where is she?

At home.

She's had, um, an episode.

What kind of episode?

A stroke, the doctors think.

But...she's sitting up, talking, but...

work's beyond her just...

...now. She asked me to speak to you in her place.

She told you about this Tommy business, then?

He's staying with me, the little mite.

No, he's too much of a handful the state she's in.

I've got to tell Constance to come back then.

Fanny says she don't want that,

that she'll...soon be on the mend.

What do you think?

I think even if she recovers somewhat,

she'll be a no fit state to play mammy to a three-year-old.

What should we do, Joan?

I ca...I can keep him for now, Mrs Scanlon.

Bless you, love.

But I've three of me own.

I mean, if Constance don't come home to claim him,

well...

the vicar says...

...he can find a place for him in the district orphanage,

though it's not where any of us wants.

Mrs Ainsworth, Ma'am.

Your mother-in-law, she gave me an hour off after lunch if...

...if you fancied another swim,

Mrs Ainsworth?

Maybe some other time.

What could be more pleasant?

Apart from some of the company, perhaps?

Hmm.

Here we are.

May I ask you why you are once again

seeking out Bruzzone,

if you don't think it's an impertinence on my part?

Oh no, no, not at all.

I wish to consult him about our plans to extend the hotel.

And to get a message to his son.

I knew it.

Oh, Carlo, please don't be angry.

No, I'm not angry.

I'm alarmed.

I had foolishly imagined that Danioni's suspicions were unfounded.

But they are, in relation to the hotel.

Yes, but not in relation to your family, right?

I it's Luce.

He's got himself embroiled. What can I do?

Of course, I have to stand by him.

His only intention is to protect his friend.

Of course.

But...

you're right. You should stay out of this.

It's far too risky for you.

No, no, no. Bella!

You know me.

I would not dream of it.

You have so much more to risk.

Hmm, true.

So have you.

Let's go.

Signora Ainsworth.

Eccellenza.

Danioni.

What are you doing here?

Well, actually, I have the same question for you.

Oh, Mrs Ainsworth has come to consult her lawyer.

Yes, ahead of our planning meeting tomorrow.

Oh, please, Signora Ainsworth. It's just a formality.

Nonetheless...

Then I must advise you to seek another representative,

Signora Ainsworth.

Why is that?

Because that man is the father of a criminal element,

that's why.

I've already recommended Signor Bruzzone

to a friend of mine, so I can't possibly abandon him now.

Thank you, nonetheless.

- -Buon giorno. - Ah.

Signora.

Victor, the world and his wife can see.

What about the world and his wife?

Well, it turns out they're not staying in Portofino.

Perfect.

Come on. Let's see if I can smuggle you upstairs.

Yes, but still, that was not what I was expecting when

you asked me to take a walk with you into town.

Thank you for your unerring support.

Carlo, I find myself relying on you more and more.

You have been so incredibly generous

with all your wisdom and advice.

I wondered if you might consider

accepting some of mine?

You think I should stop loitering around the hotel

like a lovesick Romeo

and join my friends along the coast.

I just think you might be happier.

She told you of my offer?

Yes. And how very flattered she was by it.

Yet, not flattered enough to accept.

But she's young.

- Oh, I see. - No.

She wants excitement, romance.

And I, alas, can only be myself.

Bella, the friend I am holidaying with

works for the Interior Ministry.

I have asked him to look into Victor's background.

Oh, Carlo, really, that's not necessary.

It is.

For my peace of mind.

And if he is who he says he is,

then I will leave the field as gracefully

as an old man can manage.

Stop it.

Anyway. Thank you.

What are we to do about Bubbles?

We should discuss it later.

-Good afternoon. -Good afternoon.

-Good afternoon. -Madam.

Well...

Love is blind, Jane.

What is it?

Telephone, Ma'am.

I'm busy, Hester.

It's Mrs Ainsworth, Ma'am. She's most insistent.

Well, this should be a joy.

Bella.

Julia.

I do hope you don't think it forward of me...

I was calling to ask for some advice

about having a word with Rose or, or perhaps rather...

...your permission.

You don't need my permission to speak to Rose.

Err, well, I, I may do for the sort of conversation

I was thinking of having.

Oh, yes?

And what sort of conversation is that?

Um...a frank one.

The sort I wish my mother or mother-in-law

had had with me when I first got married.

About sex, you mean?

Yes, ye...yes. About sex.

Well, go ahead.

I'm sure another perspective could be useful,

especially from someone so well versed in the subject

as yourself.

Right.

Uh, have you already tried to speak to her?

Well, I passed on

some of the tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.

Tips and tricks?

I don't quite...

I was thinking more about addressing her fears...

and her needs...

...her desires.

What on earth has that got to do with anything?

Speak to her by all means, Bella.

But don't go filling her head...

...with your nonsense.

If Lucian is a deviant...

...in the bedroom, then she should look elsewhere.

If he's not, she should grin and bear it...

or...learn to like it.

Do I look alright?

Magnifique.

Wait five minutes before following.

Lucian.

Sorry, did you say something?

I asked what you did today.

I, I went for...

I went for a walk with Jonathan along the front.

I sat about wondering where you were.

Well, I did come looking for you after the exercise class.

What were you...what on earth were you doing?

Hmm.

You know, this and that.

Hmm, I thought, perhaps...

tomorrow we might take that swimming class.

Perhaps.

- -Have a lovely evening. - Thank you, we will.

Right.

What on earth?

Billy.

Is everything alright?

I am so...so sorry.

It's alright.

It's quite alright.

These things happen.

Thank you, Ma'am.

Oh, Daddy, I didn't see you there.

Are you not dining?

Your mother has relegated me to leftovers in the kitchen.

Oh, poor you.

I see you're back on the payroll.

I volunteered. I've done nothing but relax for 10 days straight.

You're looking very well on it, poppet.

Positively glowing, in fact.

It's the Victor effect.

Ah.

And how is Monsieur Michel this evening?

Very well. He's dining at his hotel.

Lucky chap. At least he's being fed.

Well, you should dine with him. Get to know each other.

Do you know, I rather think I might?

-Lucian? -Hmm?

Um...

You...you don't...

you don't have to do this, you know.

I want to.

Wait, what?

What on earth do you think you're doing?

Well, I thought...

you'd like it.

No, I, I do. I just...

No, I, I didn't mean... I, I just...

I meant where on earth did you learn anything like that?

I'm sorry, um...

this just isn't you, Rose.

Isn't it?

Signor Danioni, this really isn't necessary.

You must allow me to repay your hospitality, hmm?

-Thank you. -Signor Ainsworth...

would you like to have some more tea?

Mmm, yes please.

Oh, do, do you think we should get on with the business at hand?

- Shall we? - By all means.

So, to business.

Thank you.

Here you are, darling.

So, let's see...what we have.

Hmm-mm.

Yes.

-You will use local materials? -Oh yes, of course.

Signor Bonacini would insist upon it.

Hmm-mm.

Well, everything seems to be in order, uh, perfect.

It only remains to examine the legal documentation

I have requested. -Yes, of course, I have it.

The deeds.

Thank you, Signora Ainsworth.

So?

Hmm-mm.

Oh.

What is it, Danioni?

These are the deeds, right?

Of course, they're the deeds,

it says so plain as day in the King's English.

Well, then we have a problem.

What kind of problem?

Well, it says here you are tenants in, uh, in comune.

In common? Yes, my husband and I share ownership of the hotel.

Yeah, but you... you have control?

I have a 51 percent share, yes.

Yeah.

I'm sorry. I cannot give you the permits you require.

On what grounds?

The grounds of the law.

It's called la legge dell'autorizzazione maritalehe.

I'm so sorry, Signora Ainsworth.

You should talk to your lawyer

and ask for the Law of Marital Permission.

-Really? -Why, you little sneak.

I paid you a small fortune to rubber stamp this thing!

Oh, I see what's going on here.

-You want more money, is that it? -Please...

Why, I ought to knock your bloody block off!

Well, Cecil, this is not going to resolve anything.

Let's go.

This conversation is far from over.

Good day.

Can you believe the cheek of it?

What were you thinking resorting to bribery?

I'll have you know I was trying to do something

nice for my wife.

- Were you really? - Yes.

God, how can you stand it?

Dealing with all these filthy pen pushers.

Shh.

Dipping their hands without the slightest notion...

-Cecil. -of the rule of law.

Well, be quiet. So rude.

They don't understand a bloody word.

I'll have to have a word with Bruzzone.

Please.

He's probably in Danioni's pocket, along with the rest of them.

What do you suggest?

I'll send a telegram to Thompson at the Consulate.

See if he can recommend someone.

English preferably.

I'll see you back at the hotel.

-Who's that? -He's my superior.

He's just arrived to take charge of the investigation.

I can come back later.

No, no, it's fine. He's on the phone now. Yeah?

So, tell me, did your wife get the message?

I think so, yes.

But, uh, she's talking about consulting lawyers.

You should be there when she does, Signor Ainsworth.

I know, I'm heading back in a bit.

I just thought you might like to see this.

It was waiting for me at the telegraph office.

A thousand gallons a month. That sounds great.

And hope it finally gets Farrino off my back.

Yeah, then, we can find a way to launder our profits

through your hotel, right?

-Yes. -Yeah.

Oh, by the way, um...

I've written down for you, look,

the Law of Marital Authorisation for married women, yeah?

I, I'm sorry. I have work to do.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Seems awfully quiet.

Anyone with any sense is having a siesta.

What about people with no sense at all?

Oh, well, they are holed up in the library

with Signor Bruzzone.

Bruzzone? Here?

Hmm. What have you done, Daddy?

-Just...trying to help your mother out. -Hmm.

I don't want to know. It can't be good if there are lawyers involved.

Law of Marital Authorisation.

You went ahead without me, then?

Excuse me.

You have been gone for nearly two hours.

I had to stop for a bite to eat.

Can't rely on being fed around here.

Don't be so ridiculous.

So, what does he say, Carlo,

about this wretched Marital Authorisation nonsense?

Mr Bruzzone has just been telling us

that the law was repealed in 1919

and replaced with a new legislation

that overturns the Roman principle of infirmitas sexus.

Oh, the weaker sex.

Well, if it's been overturned, then what's the problem?

Mussolini is the problem.

He takes a dim view of female emancipation.

But Bella's not Italian.

And he takes a dimmer view of foreign ownership

of Italian assets.

I see.

Well, why don't we sell up to you?

Mr Bruzzone thinks you would have an even chance in court.

Yes. Not the kind of odds I favour.

Which is why Bruzzone has suggested that I hand over

the controlling shares in the deeds to you.

Me?

It's a bit extreme, isn't it?

Well, in the long run, it may be less risky.

I suppose, if you're sure it's what you want.

What I want is for Danioni to stop interfering.

You and me both.

Yes, come in.

Oh, Miss Pascal.

Oh, am I too early to discuss...

Oh no, no, no, Cecil's just leaving.

Oh. Is, is that it then? All, all decided?

We can discuss it later.

Miss Pascal. Signor Bruzzone.

About having dinner with Victor tomorrow?

Uh...

Maybe. I'm off to Genoa tomorrow.

Oh, how nice.

Miss Pascal, please.

You remember Carlo.

Luce.

I've just had word via Bruzzone.

And?

Gianluca says to meet him at nine p.m. on the seafront.

This evening?

Darling, you'll have to tell him to be so careful

because the town is absolutely crawling.

Nish can't wait.

We'll have to find some way to throw them off the scent.

I think I've just found the perfect distraction.

Your people are from the south of France too, I think.

Oui, uh, we have a house in the south of France,

uh, Aix-en-Provence.

-Oh. -It's a very small city.

I'll be very happy to show you around.

That's very kind of you.

What sort of sized house are we talking about?

One thousand gallons possible.

Will ask around for rest.

Law of marital authorisation for married women.

I hope you haven't brought your knife this time.

Well, tell me where he is then.

There is a shipwreck on the beach,

about a hundred yards away from the lion's head.

I know it.

It was the most remote place that I could think of.

You have tried to do what is best for your friend,

but now you must trust me to get him to safety.

Right. Well, we don't have much time.

I am painfully aware of that.

And there are Blackshirts everywhere.

Then we must pick our moment.

My mother mentioned a party at the casino

the evening after next.

The fellow who runs it is a real Napoleon type, apparently,

a small man, big attitude.

But the point is that Danioni and all his men will have to be there.

They wouldn't miss it for the world.

Even if it means calling off their manhunt for at least the night.

That may be our best chance.

Wait, could I...

could I at least know what the plan is, please?

My father's friend runs a canning factory.

He will smuggle Nish into France

in a consignment of tomatoes.

Hmm.

And you'll send me word when he's safe?

Via Billy Scanlon, yes?

Yes.

I owe Nish my life, you know.

Then I will guard him with mine.

Place your bets, please.

No more bets.

This was an excellent idea, Victor.

Dinner is overrated.

It's jolly decent for them to give us a sneak preview.

Mr Farrino...

I think he's happy for his dealers to get a little practice

before the big night, hmm?

Oh! Look at me, I won!

And, uh, how do you know our charming friend?

Oh, I came and introduced myself to him yesterday.

I find it always pays to be on friendly terms

with the owner of the local casino.

-Ah. -Mm-hmm.

He was most anxious that I returned for his gala evening

to play a little poker with my friends.

Place your bets please.

Well, I'm sure I could be persuaded.

And what about, uh, Count Albani?

Well, Carlo's a gentleman.

He'll accept if we make the challenge.

I believe I won again.

You don't say.

And, uh, what about, uh, your other friend?

Um, the one from the village.

-Who, Danioni? -Hmm.

Oh, good God, no. He's not the sort.

-Oh, no? -No.

Well, he seemed happy enough yesterday

playing vingt-et-un.

-Danioni? -Mm-hmm.

-Here at the casino? -Yes.

Him and Farrino, they were, um...

Um...

as thick as, um...

-Thieves. -Thick as thieves.

Ah.

Not every time.

Hm, not every time.

Encore? Again?

Mrs Ainsworth, you're up early.

I'm going to get the first train, Betty.

You look pretty as a picture.

Hope it's not just for the bank manager's benefit.

-You want me to fix you something hot? -No, no.

You save your energy for Miss Jane and Miss Patricia.

It's their last breakfast.

Yes, Ma'am. I've been curdling milk especially.

I will miss Bubbles, though.

Ma'am, have you got time for a quick word

about something that's been bothering me?

Betty, I'm running a little late, as it is.

No, no. I'm sorry. I, I, I mean at your convenience.

Will it keep till later?

Yes. Yes, Ma'am. It'll, it'll keep.

Have you seen Billy?

Uh, he's not back from taking Mrs Ainsworth to the station.

Can someone help me with the Dodsworth's luggage?

Paola?

That's it. Lovely.

Lovely, Paola. Then finish it off.

Mm-hmm.

Delicious.

Right.

That'll do.

- Oh. - Grazie, Bruno.

You're all set.

I do hope you enjoyed your stay with us.

Oh, yes.

Tolerably.

And this...is to show our appreciation.

To be shared amongst the staff.

Thank you. That's...that's very kind.

Andiamo.

Oh, wait!

Oh, Mrs Dodsworth.

Mrs Dodsworth, you've forgotten your...

dog.

It's not a patch on the Royal Pump Rooms in Harrogate, if you ask me.

Henry.

Mwah. How wonderful to see you.

How wonderful to see you.

I...absolutely beautiful.

You look so well.

Who the hell is that?

Si, si.

Si.

-Ciao. Ciao.

Well, what did he say?

He say the cake he likes very much.

And?

And, he ask we go walk on Sunday.

Oh.

Salvatore, he ask also.

Oh, did he now?

-He say you walk too. -Me?

Hmm.

Oh. I do...

I don't know about that, love.

Mind you...

it's hard to say no to a man who knows how to cook.

It's funny, isn't it?

I've imagined this moment for so long, dreamt of it even,

but now it comes down to it, I...I can't find the words.

Yes.

How many years has it been?

To look at your face, hardly seems like a day has passed

Not true.

It will be 12 years next month, Bella,

when I last set my eyes on you.

That's why we feel like strangers.

If you can be strangers with someone

who has opened their heart to you.

Yes, I did open my heart to you, Henry.

In letters only.

I wonder if I was having a conversation with myself

as much as with you.

I meant every word of those letters.

So did I.

And I feel an enormous affinity with you.

I indulged thoughts about what might have been.

As did I, as I do now.

But I wonder if those letters have nurtured a fantasy

that, in reality, doesn't exist.

We can make those fantasies of which you talk a reality

if, if you allow.

Henry, what I've come here to say is...

I don't think that we should write to each other anymore.

What?

You will always be my dear, dear friend.

Scusi?

Hello?

Oh, you're English?

Yes.

Can I help you?

I saw you just now.

I could have sworn I knew you from somewhere.

Henry Bowater.

Ainsworth.

Cecil...Ainsworth.

Ah.

Have you been spying on us?

I'd say you'd given me reasonable grounds,

carrying on with my wife behind my back.

A letter addressed to you found its way into my hands.

Well, you needn't worry.

She's just told me not to write anymore.

Oh, don't tell me you've just been jilted?

Oh.

Feelings, sentiment.

It's all a joke to you, isn't it, Ainsworth?

You are a joke, Bowater.

But that's not the punch line.

I was expecting you to be someone else.

Arrivederci.

She deserves better than you.

Cecil, darling.

Darling now, is it?

Where have you been?

Catching up with old acquaintances.

Dressed like that?

Yes.

I've been waiting for you.

Oh?

May I ask why?

I have a surprise for you.

I don't much care for surprises.

Oh, you will like this one, I promise.

What are these?

Legal agreements.

Oh, must I?

Oh, you'll want to, I promise.

My, my.

What's all this in aid of?

We're celebrating.

Well, couldn't you just save me the bother?

It's a deed of covenant,

signing over my shares of the hotel to you.

Oh, I see.

Hmm.

And uh, what about this other one?

Ah, well that's a translation into Italian,

and some addendum that Bruzzone insisted upon.

Um, yes, covering future changes of ownership.

I didn't ask for this, you know.

I mean, you, you really don't need to.

Oh, but I want to, I want to.

We have no choice, really, have we,

but to make things work between us?

Bellakins, darling.

I've wasted far too much time

wishing that things were different.

And perhaps you should have a read over the contracts,

and I'll fetch Miss Pascal to witness them.

Alright.

How's it going?

I feel a little out of my depth.

No, no, no, nonsense.

You're doing great.

Hmm.

Does everything seem in order?

Uh, but yes, I suppose so.

Claudine Pascal at your service.

Would you like a little more time to look over them, darling?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I...I trust you.

Hmm.

All done.

Miss Pascal, your signature, please.

Ah. Ooh, that is rough, huh?

Yeah.

You know what, though, it does the job.

Huh? Here.

Give me my hat, come on.

This ain't exactly a sizeable operation though, is it?

Mm-hmm. I just want you to know there are hundreds of vineyards

like this across the Liguria region.

-Oh yeah? -Yeah.

So, uh, you can get me the gallons that I need?

Absolutely.

You can be assured of it, Signor Farrino.

-Ah? -Yeah.

-Come here, let me talk to you. -Mm-hmm.

Hey.

-Let me ask you something. -Yeah, sure.

Are you planning to, uh, cut Ainsworth out of this deal?

Well...

what do you prefer?

I prefer not to deal with uppity Brits

who look down their nose at me.

Of course, his contacts in the whiskey industry are valuable,

but I suspect that the West Side Gang,

they'll have their own before too long.

How about his hotel?

-Yeah, that could be very useful. -Mm-hmm.

And if my employers decide

they can dispense with the services of Cecil Ainsworth,

then...we got other ways we can take over the hotel.

You did good, huh? You did very good.

Very nice, very nice.

Ladies and gentlemen, let the good times roll.

Looks like paradise, eh?

I'm just glad you're here.

Let the laundering begin.

-Argh. -Urgh!

I'm rather keen to teach him a lesson.

She knows that I'm not in love with her.

Tell me what's wrong with me!

Get out!

# Welcome to the leading lady's night... #

And I use this to cover your $50,000.

Oh, no, you're not!