All language subtitles for 1963 America America

My name is Elia Kazan.

I am a Greek by blood,
a Turk by birth...

...and an American
because my uncle made a journey.

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 Argaeus
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 the Armenians lived here...

...but as minorities.

The Greek, subject people.

The Armenian, subject people.

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.

The Turks had an army.

The Greeks and the Armenians lived
as best they could.

But the day came, here in Anatolia,
as everywhere where 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 say 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.

The year is 1896.

A Turkish provincial governor has called
an emergency meeting of his council.

Stand back.

Be seated.

Be seated, please.

Be seated, please.

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.

- Tsk, tsk, tsk.
- Ugh.

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.

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.

Chelal, 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. Its nature is to melt.

It does not consider that we have to
go
all the way to the marketplace to
sell it.

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

If you would.

All right now? Eh?

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

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

Eh?

Yes, sir, agreed.

What are you, Armenian?

- Greek, sir. A poor Greek.
- Oh?

- Where do you live?
- 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're joking, Your Honor.
- Oh?

Forgive me, how could he have been
in Constantinople yesterday?

It's two weeks' journey.

Even with this horse?

Captain Mehmet.

- 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.

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 Vartan the same.

Vartan, my little lamb,
what's happened to you?

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

...with this dear, dying stud.

Enver! Chelal!
Put the ice back, quickly, quickly.

Come, jump, before it melts.

Before it melts, come on.
Come on, quickly, quickly.

Come, 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.

Vartan!

Vartan! Vartan!

- Vartan!
- Whoa!

Whoa, whoa!

Why? 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.

Ice!

Mount Argaeus ice!

- Little pieces of the mountain!
- I told you to come in the house.

Ice!

Mount Argaeus ice!

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's on the streets.
I'm going to the Guitars.

- What for?
- For my satisfaction.

But the Turks drink there.

Here comes your mother.

Your father doesn't want you
to go to 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 child?

Well, say something.

Answer me when I talk to you.

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

Shh, shh, shh.

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, get 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.

Where were you?
Father's been looking for you.

Like a woman, just like a woman.

What's happening?

The jails are empty.

Those two, who are those two?

I don't know.

Uh-huh.

- See, the Armenian is going to dance.
- Yes, look.

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.

They're ready at the church.
Captain says come now.

- It's beginning.
- All Turks.

Where is your captain?

Captain, have pity on us.

Have pity on us!

Vartan, Vartan. Vartan, they're inside.

Father, mother, everyone. Do something.

Go back in there and tell them
to come out to me and beg for mercy.

More, more.

Go.

Dikran!

Mama, Papa, open the door.

Mama, open the door.

- Come on, come on.
- Open the door.

- Open, open the door.
- Open the door.

Stavros, look out. Look out.

- Stavros.
- No one leaves here.

No one leaves this section.

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

All right, come on.

Where's the Greek?

The Armenians started it.
It's always the Armenians.

- Your Excellency.
- Don't disturb us
now, offer them first.

Every few years, we have to teach
the Armenians the same lesson.

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 someday,
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? A fine young man.

Now, smile.

Smile.

I am 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 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.

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.
- It will all be over in a few days.

To our friends everywhere.

Be grateful the governor is my friend...

...or you would still be there,
down in the hole with those Armenians.

That's the way it is here.

Stavros.

Stavros.

I came to see you, grandmother.

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, grandmother.
- You're lying.

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

Ah. Already you 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.

All right, be honest.

Tell me what you came for.

And don't lie, because your grandfather
told me what you wanted.

What did he tell you I wanted?

Money. True? Hmm?

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, get out.

Don't do that. Listen to me.

You're my last hope, do 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?
- Give me enough to get to
Constantinople.

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

Hear me.

You're my last hope.

Put me down.

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 and made of butter.

And I remember you in the 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.

And I thought--

Ah! 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, walk into the city,
put it into 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.

Hmm?

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 will you get there with those?

Here, take these.

Where do you come from?

Far away.

See those clouds?

Behind those clouds are mountains,
the mountains of Armenia.

I shall never see them again.

I'll remember you.

Isaac.

Isaac, the family's eating.

Isaac, I brought you some food.

Now, I want you to eat something.

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

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.

So at last.

Stavros?

Where are your shoes?

- What did you do with them?
- I've been waiting.

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.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

- 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 will go first.

You will take with you 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 back
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, Goochook...

...and sell him when you get
to Constantinople.

The jewelry in this box--

The jewelry which came with Vasso
when I took her for a wife.

This was my mother's.

See?

She's wearing it there. Look.

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 that they marry well.

Then, as your business prospers...

...you'll bring your four brothers out
and to 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 wrong
way.
- Yes, Isaac.

My God, King Christ, gentle Lord Jesus

Who rose from the dead
To look after mankind

We now commit our eldest son
To your loving care

Watch over him, he is our hope

Mother?

He's trusting you with everything--

- Vasso.
- Forgive me, Isaac.

Gentle, holy child, teach him
That the meek shall inherit the earth

Except in this country.

Teach him all men are brothers

Nevertheless, trust no one.

That a gentle word and a Christian smile
Will turn away all wrong

He's given you his coat.

Here, I sewed the money into the lining.

Feel it? Here.

And in this little sack, jewelry. Feel
it?

Keep this coat on at all times.
Are you listening?

Even when you sleep.

Sleep with one eye open.

Vasso, be silent!

Vasso.

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.

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, Goochook. Come on.

Come on, now, Goochook.

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 don't swim.

I'll give you more money.

- God will punish you.
- God knows my particular problems.

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

Thief! Catch him!

Catch him! Thief!

Thief!

Thief! Thief!

Catch him! Catch him!

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, huh?

Anything I have is yours.

Just as I know that everything
you have is mine.

Brother.

Brother, my heart aches...

...when I see this poor animal of yours
struggle under the load 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 beast?"

- Do you think that is possible,
brother?
- No.

Yes, I mean--

Then as much as he'll balk,
we must insist my animal--

- No, no, no.
- No, no, no, I insist.

- That meat is heavy.
- But you have to walk.

So? So?

Since we are brothers of the road,
our animals must be brothers as well.

Come on, help me.

Come on, Goochook, come on.

Get down, get down. Shh.

Mucur.

Brother, I know this town well.

I've been the helpless victim
of many a bandit in the town of Mucur.

We'll camp here on this hillside.

What will we do for food?

Mm. Mm. Delicious. Delicious meat.

Eat, brother, eat.

Food is strength. We've nine,
10 days' long journey to Ankara.

Delicious, eh?

They say the prophet walked barefoot.

But it must've been over different
roads.

They've be--

I can go no further.

I thought this damn pair of shoes
would last the journey.

But I expected to ride the entire way.
I wasn't prepared for all this walking.

See?

What do you think?

I beg 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.

You could stay in the next town and
rest.

- 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.

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

You didn't pay for the others.

Brother, it was not necessary for you
to remind me...

...that at this time,
I am less fortunate than you.

After all, in friendship,
there's 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.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Tsk.

Brother.

You wish you'd never met me.

Admit it.

For some reason,
you cannot speak what is obvious.

Well....

I had hoped 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.

Behold.

Allah weeps for me.

Allah weeps for me.

Allah.

Allah, here I am.

Abandoned, without friends.

Alone, without shelter.

Abdul! Come on, Abdul.

Out. All of you, go on.

No money, no roof.

Out, in the rain.

Go ahead. All of you.

You can't stay here.

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

- You--
- That boy, plenty money.

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,
"The rope drawn too taut will snap."

So look.

You can eat later.

Look what I've brought you.

Chingana.

Chingana is for you, huh?

I don't know this other beast's name...

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

Join us. Come, come.

Huh?

The bear, I believe, is also female.

Chair, give me that chair.

There's a Greek,
attack you without warning.

I'm fine.

Gently. Gently.

I forgive him. I forgive him everything.

Brother.

Precious boy of Mama

Sweet little melon, oh, Mama

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.

You've taken my sister's blankets.
Where is my coat?

You're wearing it, brother.

Oh, God.

You. Look here.

- Oh, my God.
- Now, come, just look here.

I know this person must appear to you
like a beast.

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.

This is my mother's 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 is my mother's knitted rug?

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

Never mind my voice.
Where's my mother's knitted rug?

- Oh, God.
- You animal.

- You animal.
- What's going on?

Help.

You animal.
Where's my mother's knitted rug?

I gave it to him.

You gave my rug to him?

What for? What for?

What for? To pay for
your night's lodgings, that's what for.

- Give me my rug.
- Then pay for your room in money.

Brother, only I am at fault here.

- Give me my blankets!
- Where do you think the rug is?

It is a rug that I'm ashamed
to have my friends see...

...so I put it on the toilet floor.

- I beg your forgiveness.
- Give me the cash.

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.

I'm warning you.

With a Turk, there can be brotherliness
or it's opposite, I'm warning you.

Brother.

Brother.

Brother.

Too bad.

Oh....

Too bad.

Goochook.

That's the thief. Take him.

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

...of every particular that this man
stole from me in the darkest hour.

- Lies, lies, lies!
- Your Honor, he insults your court.

Read.

"One carpet, the color of roses
and the blue of midnight."

- Behold, Your Honor.
- As described.

A beautiful piece.

"One blanket the color of peaches,
woven at home by my dear sister."

- Make him take my coat off.
- Take off the coat.

I had a terrible time after you left.

Those policemen are not honest,
and the judge....

He offered to divide
my new possessions with me.

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 had 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, huh?

How long do you suppose?

Only Allah knows that, huh?

Drink?

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 haven't a 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.

I don't know what you people are.

Are you any different from 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.

In the name of Allah, the passion.

Goochook.

Goochook.

Goochook.

Constantinople train.

Whoop, whoop, whoop!
Constantinople train.

Constantinople train.

Constantinople.

- Here.
- No, two.

- That's all I have.
- Two.

Constantinople train.

Let's go. Let's go.

Let's go, you.

Let's go!

Good morning.

America. Hey, America.

Hey, America.

No, no, thank you. No.

- Really, no.
- Look at it. Feel it.

Take it home.
Your friends will envy you, madam.

Look at this beautiful wool, madam.
Feel the pure virgin wool.

Is she an American lady?

- All the beautiful colors.
- No, really, thank you.

I'm telling you,
you can't find a piece like this.

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

Can't you see I have customers?

- How's business?
- No business.

Is this the establishment
of Odysseus Topouzoglou?

Yes. What do you want, huh?

We want nothing.

I'm his cousin.

- When will he wake up?
- When business comes.

Look at the dirt you brought.
I'll have to sweep again.

I just swept it, just now,
five minutes ago.

Topouzoglou, effendi,
this man says he's your cousin.

Ah! Ha-ha-ha!

Welcome, welcome.

What happened to you?

I had a bad journey.

My treasure.

Eat, eat, that's it.

- You eat the heads?
- Mm-hm.

Ah! Good for the brain.

So you see that I have many customers.

What I need is more stock.

What is it?

Forgive me.

- I was merely going to say that....
- Uh-huh?

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.

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.

Come in, effendi, come in.

Well, I will write to your father.

He's a good man. If in time he--

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'll be able--

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 so 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--
Do 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--

What? What are you doing?

You barbarian.

What about--?
What about another letter from Paris?

- We'll ignore that. No, we'll let--
- I see.

Well, see, this wasn't dated.

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

Make sure Morrises
get first-class accommodation.

- How much?
- Third class?

A hundred and 10 Turkish pounds.
I'll do it right away.

I'll take care of it tomorrow.

- Is he American?
- Completely.

How do we do in Minnesota?

- How do we do in Minnesota?
- We do it the right way.

I'll be back.

What? What did he say?

"At any rate,
he didn't bring a single penny.

Says he was robbed."

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."

But now listen.

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

...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. Bend over.

Wind the rope tight. Bend over farther.

Now you're hamal.

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

You, hamal, don't you get hungry?

Why don't you spend the 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 pay for it.

You need it.

I need nothing.

Did you ever have one?

Don't you want one?

My father wouldn't approve.

Your father? Approve?

Where are you going, huh?

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?

One hundred and 10.

- And you've brought together by now?
- What do you care?

- How much?
- Four pounds.

- Four pounds?
- Yes.

- 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.

Hey, hey, hey.

- 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 are two kinds of money.
Small money 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.

But 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 haven't....

I have never been with....

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.

I've got to find her.

Nine months.
Nine months I work, you know.

Come here, you.

- Who did you give his money to?
- The owner, downstairs.

The owner?

Please don't hurt me.

He was going to put me out
on the street.

The street.

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!

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

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

Three months she didn't pay.

She'll owe him again next week.

Three months she didn't pay. Coffee?

We're enjoying ourselves here.
Come on, get out.

Get out, before I get angry.

- He's a saint of patience with her.
- Get out, now.

She owed it to me.

If you were marching,
you could've put together 110 pounds...

...the way you did the 7 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.

It's time for you to grow up
and see the truth.

"Big things"? Ha.

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

Don't.

"They're gonna be proud of me.
Someday, they're gonna be proud."

You're nothing now
and you never will be.

I am, I am, I will, I am.

I am leaving this place!
There is a better place!

- It's all the same.
- No.

Since you left home, have you met
among Christians one follower of Christ?

Have you met among human beings
one human being?

- You.
- Me?

Did you look at me? 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!

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,
cousin, I looked everywhere.

He's disappeared
from the face of this black world."

The chief victims of the
Turkish Empire are the Turkish people.

- Turkey will be a great nation.
- After I'm dead, I'm not interested.

He still thinks
there's a clean life somewhere.

America, huh? Heh!

Look who's going to America.

- Ptou! America.
- America?

Don't tell me about America.

- I was there.
- Tell him.

I helped build 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.

Life is for the rich.

Anyone who wants to go, go now.

- Again, after the explosions, we
separate.
- Yeah.

We meet one month from today.

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

- Is that clear?
- Yes.

The stairs, the stairs.

Look at him. A boy.

All he wanted was something.

- What, freedom? What?
- Shh, shh.

- You. You know when a man is dead?
- I can tell when a mule is dead.

It's the same.
With this one it's a matter of hours.

Go on. Throw him on the wagon.

- I'm off duty.
- Go on, throw him in.

He's finished.

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

- Hit them and they'll run.
- Hit them and they'll go.

Cousin.

Cousin.

Cousin.

Cousin. Cousin.

Cousin.

Oh, my God. Thank 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, you-- My ruination.

Katie, shh.

Katie, behave yourself. Shh.

Now you look like money.

Come on over. Break it up now.

There, in the fourth row, you see?
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.

Eh? Eh?

So there remains this question:

Is his father able to bring with the boy
a substantial amount of money?

You're talking about money?

That's something we must talk about.

- We have questions too.
- Yes, but you know our business.

You have four daughters,
there's a necessary division.

For each, there will be enough.

Enough, enough.

That's him.

He's handsome.

He's here.

Aleko.

Button up, for God's sake.

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

- Stavros Topouzoglou.
- Glad to have you.

You're never going to be able
to make me look pretty--

Stop frowning, you'll get a line.

Thomna!

Would you care for a coffee?

Thank you.

Yes, Father?

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, Protermos.

I kiss your mother's eyes.

This is my brother--Anoola!

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

Shh!

All day, from the kitchen,
and clear her out.

All day long.

I've asked her a thousand times.

Women.

God made the mistake
of giving them tongues.

Yes, yes.

Stavros, Stavros.

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

Your father will find that out. Come on.

You look beautiful.

May I know the nature
of your father's business?

- My father?
- Yes.

- Oh, my father.
- Yes.

My father is in various lines,
different businesses.

Oh, that's fine. That's fine.

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

- Hmm.
- Oh, yes, very.

Yes, of course.

Yes, of the really rich people,
they are in many different business.

One goes up.

- It's never just one.
- Of course.

One goes down.

One goes up, one goes down.

Excellent.

That was Thomna?

Thomna, yes.

Oh.

Hmm. Hmm.

Oh.

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 work he was in?
- No.

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

Smart. Smart.

Over there. Over there.

Come on.

Help me.

Anything. Anything.

Get out of here.

Close the gate.

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?

Never mind.

See? 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.
- And another piece.

You'll need it later. No one is looking.

You have to look out for yourself
in this world, you know.

The only bad 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?

One hundred and 10 pounds.

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

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

So....

- One hundred and 10 it is, right?
- Right.

- Satisfied?
- Yes, that is 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. Ha, ha.

At last, I have a son.

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.

- Anoola!
- Tidy the table.

Too much food. Always.

First I get fish, then chicken,
then comes lamb.

Two would be enough.
They don't listen.

Too much.

- Oh! So you're gonna leave me, huh?
- Oh, baba.

Oh, baba.

So one more week.

One more week
and I'm gonna lose my daughter.

- Are you happy?
- Oh, baba.

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.

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 and everything,
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,
start a new life.

But....

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

...and another way
when the money comes.

Baba, I wish he were more like....

- Like me?
- Like you.

There is 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...

...and your mother put flesh on his
bones
and he'll grow up and he'll be a
man.

Yes. Oh, yes.

Oh, baba, I feel better.

Oh, baba.

Look at him. 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.
- Huh?

Anoola, 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 him?
- Pictures of the island.

Oh, the island? Oh....

The island is beautiful,
we have a beautiful place there.

My boy, we'll go there this summer.

Yeah, we have two donkeys,
we'll pack them and go for a picnic.

He's talking about food already.

By next summer,
I will have digested this meal.

There are beautiful places for a picnic.

- Flying insects.
- What?

Oh! Anoola doesn't like flying insects.

- Buzz, buzz, buzz.
- Buzz, buzz.

We'll have the picnic on our porch.

Wonderful porch, it's screened.

A king would be lucky to have it.

You and I will sit there, Stavros.

Plenty of women to look after us.

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

Only nine months.

I know it takes only nine months.

Whatever it takes, we'll wait.

Nine months, 10, 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 can't order.

Who should know better?

But give me two sons.

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

My share, I mean. My brothers are there,
but there's plenty for everyone.

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

The winters here, summers on the island.

Pretty soon your eldest
will come to you and say:

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

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 Anoola.
- What?!

I didn't say where, heh, heh.

And watch the years pass.

And 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 we'll unbutton the tops
of our trousers...

...and we'll take a nap, right here,
side by side, a little nap.

The women will...from the kitchen.

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

And soon it'll be time for a little ouzo
and 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 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.

I've a little surprise for you both.

Come, follow me.

Come.

Come.

Women. Women, quickly, follow me.

Hurry, now.

Hurry, now. Come.

Come on. Quick.

Come on, come on.

Come, now.

Quickly. Quickly now.

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

Hurry, hurry.
For God's sake, come on now.

Shh! Shh!

Stavros.

Take it.

It's yours. Go ahead.

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.
- What?

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 now, get out.

Katie, stop bothering Stavros.

- He likes me.
- She's not bothering me.

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.

The way 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 offense
at what I'm gonna 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.

If you just tell me.

Yes, 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.

I'm sorry. I....

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 a glass of 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 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 go--? 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.

Wait.

I saved these 30 pieces of Sarouk,
9-by-12, for you.

- Ask the boys.
- Yes, Mr. Sinnikoglou.

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

Come on, show it. Come on. Come on.

This rug's woven...

...ideal for the home
of the biggest American millionaire.

Now, feel that.

You know rugs better than I do but
feel
this, you've never seen anything
like it.

- Yes, yes, yes. I know.
- The best.

Mrs. Kebabian, Mrs. Kebabian.

I beg you,
put your hand on this Sarouk, feel it.

She doesn't know about the rug business
except how to live off it.

Well, if only for her pleasure. Feel it.

- 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.
- Oh.

Well, 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, no, thank you.

- It's really very light.
- No, no, 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.

You do this too, in America?

- I mean, men to women?
- Of course.

His whole dream,
to go to America. Imagine.

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

Men. Aratoon, where are you going?

Aratoon. Yorgo! Cologne!

Time to eat. My stomach is my clock.

- All right, I'll take 25 pieces.
- Take them all.

You're American?

Yes, I was born here...

...but Mr. Kebabian brought me to
America
25 years ago when we married
and--

What?

Sophia, I'm going.

- I'm not.
- Oh, but you must.

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

My packages.

It's all right.
I spoke to the chef myself.

Later, please.

You should've seen his look when I told
him
that Mr. and Mrs. Aratoon Kebabian--

Do you know that everything
that 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.

- Sophia, I'm leaving the carriage for
you.
- Aratoon.

Stavros, help her with the packages.

Aratoon. Aratoon.

Why, yes. Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello, madam.

Bertha, get Mr....

- Topouzoglou.
- Some lunch.

No, no, don't trouble.

Will you put the packages
on the sofa, please?

Will you see
what Mr. Topouzoglou will have?

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, uh....

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, eh?
- Ha-ha-ha.

- Do you have any magazines, newspapers?
- Yes.

- Pictures?
- Yes.

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

Yes, I'll show you
The Saturday Evening Post...

...and the Ladies' Home Journal.

No. No more, Mrs. Kebabian.

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

Good.

Come.

You still here?

He's still here.

Good evening, Mr. Kebabian.

- He's going to have dinner with us.
- Don't put your things on my bed.

He's going to show us some dancing.

Do you know someplace
where we can see some dancing?

You do, don't you?

Yes.

Tomorrow I show you beautiful girls.

Enough. Enough.

Enough. No, no, no. No.

I pay, I pay. I pay.

I pay.

Pay. Pay.

I was 18 when my father said,
"Marry him."

I'd never been permitted to see
that wonder, a man, alone till him.

The day after the wedding...

...he took me to America...

...and 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 is still inside me,
waiting like a baby to be born.

Do you understand?

How could you understand?

Let's take him home.

Third-class, Kaiser Wilhelm,
110 pounds, please.

First give me the ticket.

Psst!

- Yes, sir?
- I'm Mr. Agnastis.

Yes. Yes, sir.

- Do you have my tickets ready?
- Oh, yes.

- I'm here with my eight boys.
- Oh, yes, let me find your papers.

You. You're going, eh?

Eh? Didn't I tell you?
Didn't I tell you don't give up?

You look 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.

- Only now, suddenly, objections.
- Just a moment.

- You're all going?
- Yes.

Yes.

He has 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 want it,
but he'll only take eight.

I came by the store once to tell you...

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

You looked very busy.

Very busy and very big,
plenty to eat, so I thought--

- It's wrong.
- That right and wrong is for the rich.

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

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

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

I don't want to be my father,
I don't want to be 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 this shame.

The respectable ones,
the polite ones, the good manners.

But I am going.

No matter how. No matter, no matter.

I am going.

I wrote 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....

That was for your father.

Ah.

What's that?

Oh.

- Are you taking that with you?
- Of course.

You can't count on anybody or anything.

And 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.

What will happen to you?

I believe.

I believe that, in America....

I believe I will be washed clean.

Herr Topouzoglou.

Would you like some tea
or would you like some rum?

Madam prefers when you smile.

I've been waiting.

Bertha...

...how do flies get on a ship?

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

Stavros.

- What's the disturbance?
- Long Island.

Oh, well.

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

- Stavros.
- Shh!

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

- Mr. Kebabian is awake.
- Correct.

- She'll be in as soon as she's pretty.
- I have a long wait. Heh, heh.

Bertha, casino.

Bertha.

Now, come, Bertha, just the truth.

Stavros!

Stavros!

Hohanness!

Stavros.

- America.
- We're here.

Stop it.

Stop it, Hohanness. Look.

Look, I brought you some candy again.

Here, take it, come on.

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

She has the most wonderful candy.

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 guaranteed employment...

...the authorities will ship you back,
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.

Oh? 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 gonna do now?

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

I have a feeling there's nothing
you'd stop at, is 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?

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?

Tell me, have you looked
in the mirror recently?

Do you suppose
if your father saw you at this moment...

...he'd recognize his son?

- Stop it! Stop it!
- Go back to your room.

What are you doing to him?
What are you doing to him?

He's done more for me
than you've done in your entire life.

I won't let him do that to you, I won't.

I won't let him do that to him.
I won't let him do that to him.

I won't. I won't.

It's all right.

It's all right.

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 to him, I won't.

- Mr. Kebabian.
- Ah, he's going to speak.

Yes, sir.

I have nothing to say.

What can you say?
The truth is the truth.

You know what you are.

Yes, sir.

Except, Mr. Kebabian,
I have been beaten...

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

No!

Please, don't.

Help. Help.

- Help.
- Please.

Don't say or do anything, please.

Please.

Please.

- Swear! Swear you don't say anything!
- He attacked me.

He tried to kill me.

- You criminal.
- Don't say it.

This is America, hamal, do you hear?
This is America.

What will you do now, hamal?

What will you do now?

Hohanness?

Hohanness?

Where are you, Hohanness?

- Hohanness?
- Hm?

Are you there?

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 am 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, Hohanness?

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 make this journey all over
again.

Just to start it over, all over again.

That's the truth.

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 officials hear that
when they come onboard tomorrow.

They'll send you right back. Good night.

Stavros, Stavros, they're coming.

Excuse me.

Coming through.

Good morning. Good mor--

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.

- If you can't swim, you can't swim.
- You better go.

This way, sir. Thank you.

Come on, go on. Come on.

Excuse me.

Coming through, please. Excuse me.

I'll pay you back someday.

Let's speak the truth.

We'll not see each other again
after tomorrow.

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

Go on, now.

Don't forget, cover your ears.

These the fellas?

Yes, same as last year,
eight fine boys, perfect health...

...all from fine families,
employment guaranteed.

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.
Wish you all the best of luck, boys.

All right, boys, everything is all
right.

Mr. Allen?

- You'll come to see us, I hope.
- I'll drop in once in a while.

- You know where our place is.
- Yes.

Stavros.

Stavros.

Stavros.

Stavros.

I paid everything for this
and I'm not sick.

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.

I thought your wife was coming along.

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

Too old.

- In the end she gave up hope.
- I know, I know.

Hohanness. Come.

Quick. Hurry.

- What?
- I'm going.

Here, you will give this to our cousin
in Constantinople.

His name, see, and the address here.

He will send it to my father.

You understand?

Oh!

That was simply awful.

- Third class is so romantic.
- They've got the best part of the ship.

- We'd better go.
- No.

Charles.

Shh. No, don't do that.

Attention, steerage passengers.

Attention, steerage.

Immediately after the disembarkation
of the first class--

He's a friend of my wife.

--all third-class passengers
will be examined at Ellis Island...

...by the American authorities in
charge.

Sort of a nappier sort.

Here.

From Mrs. Kebabian.

Attention, steerage.

Immediately after the disembarkation
of the first class...

...all third-class passengers
will be examined at Ellis Island...

Fifty dollars? My, my.

...by the authorities in charge.

- Next.
- Hello.

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

Eight more little ones.
They keep coming, they keep coming.

How are all you little slaves?

Scared to death.

Jack, who was that fellow,
a Greek we're watching for?

Criminal assault, was it?

On this sheet here.

Stavros Topouzoglou.

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

You, what's your name? You.

- Hohanness.
- Not you, you.

He talks, doesn't he? What's your name?

Hohanness Gardashian.

You wanna be an American?

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir.

The first thing to do
is to change that name.

You want an American name, boy?

- Hohanness Gardashian.
- I know, I know.

- Hohanness.
- That's enough.

Hohanness, that's all you need here.

Hohanness.

Here.

Can you read?

Joe Arness.

Hohanness, Joe Arness.

Hohanness, Joe Arness.

Joe.

- Joe.
- Arness.

Arness.

Joe Arness.

Joe Arness.

Good.

Joe Arness.

You like it?

Joe Arness, Joe Arness. Hm?

Good, good.

Well, Joe, you're reborn.

You're baptized again
and without benefit of clergy.

Next.

They take money everywhere.

But did you see him jump when I spoke?

Hey, Joe Arness?

Hey, Fred, what the hell is that?

Just something one of them left behind.

Hey, you. You there.

Keep moving, you're blocking traffic.

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

"And here I am.

I reached America."

Shh.

And here is $50.

How much is that, $50?

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--"

- Shh. 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.

For everyone that is able to get here,
there is 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."

Hey, this is a business here.

Move on.

How's that?

Here you go, Joe.

Next.

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

People waiting. People waiting.

Come on, you.

Let's go, you.

People waiting.

People waiting.

People waiting.

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.

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.