Original subtitles

REMBETIKO SPECIAL EDITION 2004

SOTIRIA LEONARDOU

NICOS KALOGEROPOULOS

MICHAEL MANIATIS

THEMIS BAZAKA

NICOS DIMITRATOS

GEORGES ZORBAS

CONSTANTINE TZOUMAS

VICKY VANITA

LINA BABATSIA SPYROS MAVIDIS

POPI KATSAMBANI DANAE-CATHERINE FERRIS

Set Decorator MANOLIS MARIDAKIS

Costume Designer MARY MANIATI

Editing YIANNA SPYROPOULOU

Director of Photography TAKIS ZERVOULAKOS

Production Manager PETROS RAPTIS

Music STAVROS XARHAKOS

Song Lyrics NIKOS GATSOS - AGATHI DIMITROUKA

Executive Producer COSTAS FERRIS

Associate Producer COSTAS SAKKARIS

Co-Produced by THE GREEK FILM CENTRE

Written by SOTIRIA LEONARDOU - COSTAS FERRIS

Directed by COSTAS FERRIS

Almost 1.000.000 Greek refugees from the west coast of Asia

Minor who had become dispossessed, were now confined to living

their lives under the lower step of the Greek urban social order.

They engaged in a lifestyle that was considered borderline

at best, living in Pireus' slum cities, and neighbouring with the original

outcasts of the Port. It was in these overcrowded and economically

and politically destitute conditions during the 1930's and 40's

that the Rembetiko genre of music reached its height in popularity.

In Greece, Rembetiko had always been known as the songs of the outcasts. The time

depicted in this film, covers a period in Greek History from about 1919 to 1956.

This was a time of tremendous transition and instability

for the entire Greek nation. In 1922, a military

campaign waged with rival nation Turkey, resulted

to what the Greeks have called the Smyrna Disaster.

Smyrna, Asia Minor, 1919

In history it will be written, that from the beast we are ridden

gone are the kings and the politicians

the liars and the cheaters

In charge of Defense are our officers

and Venizelos fights along to bring an end to all

with every single patriot equality will prevail.

The Virgin Mary by our side

shows the way to our new general

the hero of National Defense

who fights to cast our enemy away.

The children of National Defense got rid of the king

bid him farewell and off he goes

elsewhere to gobble with his foreign kindred.

Hey there, Lefteraki!

Come and see swords and bancals

that light fires high, way up to the sky

high up at our borders flows our enemy's blood

The children of Defense got rid of the king

The pride of Defense has brought us Venizelos

In the front line of Defense stands our Lefterakis!

Congratulations, Panagis! It's a girl!

Smyrna 1922

"Cine Paris", Piraeus

Refugees' slum city, 1925

At Thomas'

Long live, mangas!

Where can be found four swords And in my fist a torch

a flame to start this day and burn it surely away

this work that I cherished but left me totally perished

on the islets of ordeal I nourished from my tear

and in the prisons of life where Sunday bows to strife

My memory has not betrayed me Of the solitude that slayed me

And by you who came one night To fill my heart with your light

away to go I was told in the midst of winter cold

betrayed I felt and shallow your light has melt to shadow

- Is that coffee ready? - Go to the Cafe!

Why do you sit here all day? You've rotten in here.

- Just make me that coffee! - "Just make me that coffee!"

Go get it from those girls! You know which!

Oh, come on! Go inside! Thomas is here!

He'll probably brings some food. Our Marika has to eat!

Thomas is here! Thomas...

Thomas is here! Thomas!

Now he puts his hands on you for some filthy food! What a free liver!

Welcome Thomas! Welcome!

Hello Mrs Andriana! Flower of the Levant!

Is he inside?

I brought you a bone!

Boil it and offer your Marika a proper feast!

As for you... look here!

Why, look here!

Oh, Thomas, you're great! You always think of me!

Mother!

Stop shouting 'mother'! Get out to play!

My wonderful Andriana!

My baby!

Marika! Dear Marika!

The "Lemon Market"

Leave it, Marika. Keep your money!

If it's just a plate of beans, I can offer that.

Where were you? Where did you go? Your father will kill you!

Where have you been?

Where did you wonder?

Is it a whore you want to become? A whore?

Monster! You will kill my child!

Leave me alone! I said leave me!

Haven't I told you to stay out of this?

Why don't you sing tonight?

I can't, Panagis. I don't feel well.

You will either work or get the hell out of here!

Let's go, manges!

Andriana...

Leave everything, I said, and come with me.

I'm telling you, you don't have to sing again!

You don't have to sing!

Leave me!

I'm scared...

I'm afraid...

Of what?

Of my fate.

I am your fate, Andriana.

I love you.

I'll take you away.

Go away!

Take me...

So, my lady...

have you started a rebellion?

Why do you pretend to be sick and don't come to sing?

So you can see that lover of yours?

Damn you!

Go away!

Go away, and never set foot again!

I will leave!

I'll leave, because I'm disgusted from working with you!

You, your squealing, and your selling me off!

I'm sick of it all! All, all, all!

Ol...

So you think you will leave!

It's because of your lover, isn't it?

Shame on you!

So now it's your boyfriend!

When you let him lay hands over me...

so that you can work for him, everything was ol, huh?

I will leave! Yes! I will leave!

Shame on you!

Shame on you, you bastard! You creep!

Creep? Creep?

Creep!

Without a home or a way To walk on a day of May

elusive words I heard and lies

the moment you opened your eyes

but as the snakes now have risen

of ancient adornment you are not ridden

and never Mother Hellas do you weep

as your children are sold out cheap.

Elusive words I heard and lies

the moment you opened your eyes

when my fate I had to face

you stood dressed in your ancient lace

and as a monkey you took me to the fair

Hellas, Hellas Great mother of despair

Elusive words I heard and lies

the moment you opened your eyes

but now that the flames have fired up

your ancient beauty you looked up

and to the ring of life Mother Hellas

the same lie you bear in mass.

16 years old

No saint have I to pray all night

nor empty heaven for my vigil-light.

And now, Ladies and gentlemen...

it's music time!

If you please to excuse me now.

Yannis?

Why do you speak to everyone like that?

So that they mistake me for a stranger.

Tour around Greece

And now Ladies and Gentlemen, music!

Yannis, I'm pregnant.

Probably...

Yannis, are you listening?

What can I say, sweetie? What can I say?

That's all we needed!

Today, Ladies and Gentlemen...

I will perform alone.

Because the lady tonight brings life to our son!

So, Maria...

I've made up my mind.

You can't work any more. And there's the child...

And there's... the audience.

There is no audience any more.

No more magic tricks!

No tricks. No one likes it.

You see, there the cinema, now.

That's why I'm telling you...

I've made up my mind.

I'll take ship at Piraeus.

I'll be gone for two-three years to make some money...

and I'll return to start out with something.

In the meantime, the kid will be older...

We'll also get married...

As you wish...

Yes, sweetheart! Yes, damn it!

Too much misery! Way too much!

We can't hide from the cold, or the heat! Nothing!

I'm sick and tired!

I'm tired of hanging around! Damn it!

And no respect at all! No one respects us!

Do you understand? No one!

Yes, Yannis, Do as you wish.

And don't worry about me, I'll take care of everything.

The child and everything.

That's great, Marika! You're a treasure!

You are a treasure! Bravo!

I will be sending you money. You'll see.

I know, it's hard to believe, but I'll be sending.

Come on, don't worry. Better days are ahead. Damn!

Everything will be all right.

But I never had anything in the world...

except you, Yannis.

At Thomas'

Hi, Babis!

Join us over at Thomas'

listen to my baglamas

may the angels come and join us and dance their hearts along us

so if you feel too merry and the violin inside you carry

violin and santouri will play well till the devils dance to hell

Over at Thomas'

we'll get stoned together

but if you want to grasp the feeling let our Babis do the healing

and when Yorgos plays and teaches he will leave you numb and speachless

as Marika strikes the tambourine with a smile you've never seen.

Hey there, Marika!

So if you feel too merry and the violin inside you carry

violin and santouri will play well till the devils dance to hell

Night work is tough, Marika.

What time is it?

It's almost dawn. The sun will be up in a while.

Will we see it come up?

What's the use, since you are the moon!

You're good with words. No one ever tailed to me like that.

- And Yorgos? - What about him?

Hasn't Yorgos ever tailed to you like that?

Yorgos was always shy.

And you?

I prefer to escape. Away... to places far away.

To seas... Far away... very far...

Will you take me with you?

Easy! The others are coming!

Take a deep breath, manges, of the air of Piraeus!

What's up, manges?

We've made fools out of ourselves in the neighborhood!

You're beautiful when you're scared.

My goodness! How can you live like this?

Why? Do you live in a palace?

You're beautiful when you're angry!

Yorgos wants me to sing.

You and Yorgos are inseparable.

Yorgos is like my brother. We grew up together.

The truth is that Yorgos loves you a lot.

Like I said, we're like relatives.

Marika...

Andriana, what are you doing here?

Go outside! Go to Aunt Efterpi to play! Go on!

- Is she your daughter? - Yes.

Efterpi, Yorgos' mother, takes care of her.

Turn off the light!

Stop looking at me!

Babis, can I tell you something?

- I trust no one. - Not even me?

Not even you.

The "Lemon Market"

I've told you.

If you like, I can repeat it.

You're cute... You can sing...

if you decide to sing all alone...

you'll make much more money, you might make a record too.

I'm too shy, Yorgos.

And how do I know if my voice is good?

What voice?

Do you grieve? Do you have sorrow? That's all you need!

If you can bring it out you've got what it takes.

I'll ask Babis for his opinion as well.

Ask him.

Hey! What's going on here?

- Stay out of this, guys! - We're in trouble!

- Let's get the hell out of here! - Let's go!

What's happening?

- They're beating them! - Let's get out of here!

Babis...

Babis!

It's too late!

We have to go to work.

What's with Babis? Won't he be coming tonight?

Forget about Babis! He's gone.

- What happened to him? - He left us.

He went to sing with Rosa, his girlfriend.

You see, he wanted a better place.

- It's your turn! - Alone?

- I can't sing this way! - Go on!

Together with man his grief is born

when war prevails blood flows free

I am burning...

quench my fire with oil

I am drowning...

throw me in deep waters

To your eyes I have sworn

that are so precious to me

You handed me a dagger

and asked for a laugh.

I am burning...

quench my fire with oil

I am drowning...

throw me in deep waters

down in the depths of Hell

break the rigid chain

and if you bring me near you

blessed is your name

I am burning...

quench my fire with oil

I am drowning...

throw me in deep waters

Yorgos!

Come on son! Go to see Marika!

There's something wrong with that girl!

She locked herself in and the baby is outside crying.

Enough! Stop worrying!

Nothing happened!

Beba!

Beba, it's me! Do you need anything?

Come on, Beba, don't cry! Don't cry, my sweetie.

Come on, don't cry. Go to Aunty.

Come, go on. Go!

- Will you take me out tonight? - Of course, Beba.

I want you to take me to Babis.

Where he sings with his girlfriend, Rosa.

- Why don't we go somewhere else? - I want to go there!

I'll take you there.

Athens

Whenever you open a path in life

don't wait for midnight to come

keep your eyes open all day

for before you there is always a net

Babis' tunes are great. But they're not Rembetiko.

If you ever get caught in the net

be sure no one will free you

find the exit on your own

and with some luck make a fresh start

Welcome to my place! We're at your service!

Your drinks are on me and Babis.

I've heard about you. Good clientele.

I've heard about you too, Yorgos.

Great violin!

Excuse me.

Marika!

What do you want?

I'm glad you came, Marika.

I also wanted to come and see you...

but I wasn't sure how the guys would take it.

- I sang. - Really?

That's my girl! You see? it wasn't that hard!

I didn't ask you how hard it was. I just said I sang.

And I cheered for you.

And what about coming here to sing with us?

You should get out of the slums.

And do what? I would play the tambourine...

and Rosa would sing to your silly lyrics?

What could we do together? Can you tell me?

We could do great things together Marika.

We could travel. I'll take you to places you only dreamed of.

That's not what I asked you!

Look...

Rosa is a nice person.

And a great singer!

She tool me from zero and brought me where I am.

And she has nothing against you.

On the other hand, she can't do the whole show on her own.

Listen, Babis. This bullshit sounds nice.

But I am no victim! Do you understand?

And keep this nice talking for your songs!

Damn!

Come on, we could do great things!

I can see it. I can feel it... How can I say it?

Be patient. Come on!

Lordanis' place needs you. Do you know that?

And, how can I say it, Marika?

I can't harm Rosa. She has suffered a lot.

You are just like me. You're very understanding.

Have some patience and everything will be alright.

I'll tall to lordanis. He'll pay you well.

It's time for you to move. To get out of all the misery.

Go away! Go to your girlfriend! She'll be looking for you!

And forget about me!

And get this! if I am to be in a place...

I will be the star. Do you get it?

And I want my own songs! Written for me!

And I can't stand the customers so crowded...

I can feel them breathing!

And I will be seated in the middle and there will be silence.

And my name will be written on the place's sign.

Do you get it?

And I'm not leaving Thomas if I can't take Yorgos with me!

Go on now. We've made a ridicule of ourselves!

That's it, Marika! Now your talking!

I will help you. Remember that!

You know how much I love you, don't you?

Just like your late mother.

Hi, Soulis, Manisalis!

Do you remember, Beba...

when you use to play with a ball and I learned the violin?

It's just like yesterday.

Of course, you grew up to become a lady.

Babis wants me to work for him.

What do you say?

- What did you tell him? - That I would ask you first.

Don't go.

I say you shouldn't go.

You'll see... Thomas will pay you better.

I'll have a word with him.

And don't be afraid. He handles the situation well.

Everything will be alright. You'll see!

Just imagine!

Our Beba has grown up!

Stop it Yorgos! What are you talking about?

Beba, for me... How can I say this?

For me you are like a mother or a sister.

I lo...

I love you too, Yorgos.

Stand up! You're under arrest!

It's OK, Thomas is at terms with the cops.

He'll pay them off well.

Your problem is drugs.

Who is Marika, the singer?

Speak nicer old hag! If only your son wasn't a junkie!

Exile

Keep your eye on my mother.

One night in Amfiali Michalis fell in a trap

Michalis fell in a trap one night in Amfiali

He was selling by the gram his little sesame treats

little sesame treats he was selling by the gram

one plus one equals two say goodbye to Michalis

two plus one makes us three he fell victim to the law

One more night in the slums they were all over

they were all over the place one more night in the slums

he was selling little hotcakes and he fell into the trap

he fell into the trap for selling little hotcakes

Who should Michalis blame but his own dreadful head?

his dreadful own head who else should he blame?

He kept in his lower drawer the hashish in little portions

the hashish in little portions he kept in his lower drawer

One plus one equals two say goodbye to Michalis

two plus one makes us three he fell victim to the law

we'll be sending him some treats since he's lost most of his weight

since he's lost most of his weight we'll be sending him some treats

to enjoy them in his cell and bang his stupid head

and bang his stupid head in his long dark cell.

Keep it up, Binis, with your great voice!

Hey there, Talis!

One plus one equals two say goodbye to Michalis

two plus one makes us three he fell victim to the law

one plus one equals two say goodbye to us too

two plus one make us three and that's the end of it.

Come my baby, I'll sing a lullaby...

and I'll tell you a story.

Once upon a time...

there was a beautiful city called Smyrna.

In this beautiful city there was a queen called Andriana

- Just like my name, mama! - Yes, my child.

This beautiful queen had a little girl...

whose name was Marika.

- Just like your name, mama! - Yes...

Marika grew up in that beautiful kingdom...

with many teachers and many-many toys...

Hey there, fellow! Opa, opa! Look around you, say no more

thousand eyes are cast upon you through the window of the heart

thousand eyes are cast upon you with a smile and jealousy

- What's your problem? - Stop drinking, please.

And why should I?

Because you have to sing and it isn't good for you.

I can't sing standing so far away from the audience!

The kid should sing who is ashamed to be seen.

Rosa! Come on, my darking...

Don't stab me like everyone else. Don't do this to me.

Babis, leave me alone! Get off!

Go baby-sit your chits!

Make sure they don't lose the tune!

Long live!

Hi, Rosa!

Let's go!

Shut up!

- What's up, Babis? - I want to tell you something.

In private!

Listen, I'm the boss in this place!

Only I decide when the orchestra will play!

That's how I sing! Whenever I feel like it!

Where did you get that from? The junkies you were with?

And at the dives?

Isn't that where you started singing also?

Isn't that where my mother used to sing?

- Suddenly you hate the dives! - We are professionals now!

How many times do I have to say it?

Great! Why don't you keep the professional Armenian child!

She can easily get drunk and go haywire with the customers.

- Marika... Marika! - Stop "Marika" me!

Marika isn't a rag for you to throw around...

and pick it up again, whenever the other girls allow you!

Listen! If you really are Marika...

and your name is on the sign and you work at a decent place...

and you don't stroll around picking up customers...

it's because of me! Do you listen? I made you!

You made me...

and you were made by that slut, Rosa, the Armenian!

Never open your mouth about her. Am I clear?

Rosa is far too big for you to mention her name!

Mama!

Babis!

Take your little bastard and get lost!

October 28, 1940

Beba, they brought us from the island...

to send us to the front. We'll win. You'll see.

I'm in a hurry. Go see my mother. She is asking for you.

Thanks. See you!

Leave the kid to me, Marika. She will be safer here.

You won't be able to make your living...

going around with the child in your arms.

I'm all alone. She will keep me company.

Come and visit whenever you feel like.

And if you want to stay here, there's space for you.

Come in.

I left the child to Mrs Efterpi.

- She will take better care of her. - Good decision.

Now, with the war, things are getting tough.

They sent Yorgos to the front.

I have this old handicap. They won't take me.

- They closed down the clubs, too. - What will become of us?

It's temporary. They will open again.

When there's blight, people need more entertainment.

Babis, there's something I want to tell you. You will understand.

I understand it's not the best moment for these things...

but I want to tell you that I'm in love with you.

I've never loved anyone like this.

I was always alone... Now I can see my mistakes...

But I had to do something. There's the child, too.

I know you went through rough times.

It's not my business, but I'll tell you what I believe.

You don't love anyone, Marika! No one!

All you care about is yourself, not that I blame you for this.

Or maybe I should blame you, because... you see, Rosa...

There was never a greater Rembetiko singer than Rosa, Marika.

How many hearts have broken for Rosa?

How many fell in love with her?

Do you know how many attended her funeral? Do you?

Me and lordanis!

Just me and him! Two people! Do you get it? Just two!

You made me be like this!

You taught me to be a professional and nothing else!

All these years I shared you with...

All these years without a man and I never set eyes on another!

And now you tell us that I don't love anyone?

Why do you wrong me, Babis? Why do you humiliate me?

All right, Marika. All right! Don't do this, honey.

We're only human. Come on, let it go!

And listen! Keep your home. I will be paying for it.

Just be patient until lordanis opens the club.

Then, we'll be partners. Don't be afraid.

I've promised you a while ago that together we'll create miracles.

Ok?

"Mother, it's very cold here and I can't write easily.

Besides, what is there to say? By the time the letter arrives...

you will already have heard the news.

We won. We won. So what?

Now they say Hitler will be coming from the other side."

I can't read his handwriting. My eyes are tired.

"Just like you used to say about Smyrna...

others decide and the people pay the price.

Any way, here, as I told you, it's very cold.

I'm lucky to have the woolens you knit for me."

Mama! Mama!

German occupation

The stuff is in the store-room.

I'm doing it for you, Mrs Marika. For your sale...

I used to come and listened to you singing.

These days, mind you, it's hard to find olive oil.

The stuff and the olive oil.

This way, Mrs Marika.

>From the back-street.

- I found some olive oil! - Good job, Marika!

Go on, get some rest and get ready for the rehearsal.

The clubs opened. Did you hear it? I made a deal with lordanis.

We are partners now... Matina will be with us too.

Nice to meet you!

Come on, Matina, We two have a rehearsal.

THE GREAT SINGER MARIKA

And the new singer matina

Welcome, Yorgos!

We're glad to have you back. I heard you had a bad time.

You wouldn't want to know!

Too much blood!

Too much blood...

and it's all a lie.

- How do you make a living now? - Just like everyone else.

Here and there... it's tough.

Our Marika!

Who would ever imagine! Now she's the big star!

Yorgos!

Yorgos, stand up! Babis wants to talk to you!

- Are you all right? - I'm ok...

You're ol, too. So is my mother.

And the child.

Pay a visit one afternoon. The kid asks for you.

Are you happy, Marika?

What for?

For them taking Yorgos in the band.

Babis likes Yorgos' violin a lot.

He hired his friend Fontas too, to look after the place.

Don't drink too much during work, ok?

Babis!

- Why don't you tell her a few words? - About what?

To pay a visit on the kid once in a while.

She really looks forward to it!

Oh, come on, now! Don't you know Marika?

Oh, Marika!

What a fire you lit me!

For me, your late mother was really special!

You would have been my queen!

I will make you the queen of music!

I'll lift you high in the sky!

- Hey, guys! - Hey, manges!

- It's cold, huh Nikolas? - It's freezing, Kotso!

- Lordanis, let's go! - Babis!

- Babis! - What is it?

I have a few words for you.

What's your problem again?

The problem is that if you are to pick musicians, ask me first!

- Are you talking about Yorgos? - About everyone!

Let's go. They started their tricks again.

Forget it, Marika!

Babis, have you seen my bracelet?

Your bracelet?

And learn the kid not to interrupt when I'm speaking!

What's gone into you now? Spare us, please!

- Babis! Babis! - What?

I'm the singer here! People come for me!

I decide about the show!

And your name on the sign, huh? We've been through all this.

Come on, Marika!

Go home and we'll tall tomorrow.

What's the matter?

I slayed Thomas. He had to pay.

You shouldn't do it.

And Yorgos...

...he is so warm-hearted.

Are you going to start talking about Yorgos again?

Marika, there's an old man standing outside.

He says he's your father and he wants to see you.

- What does he look like? - What do you mean?

He's got a moustache. He's a poor old guy.

He says his name is Panagis. What should I tell him?

Tell him to wait for me until I'm done with work.

Get me a fix to stone me and some hash to make a smoke

Erinaki has driven me crazy with her little purple pump

There's no reasoning between us All she does is burst in laughter

all she does is move her body

Get me a fix to stone me and some hash to make a smoke

We're closed, old man! We're closed!

I'm waiting for my daughter! She told me to wait!

- Who's your daughter? - Marika! She's my daughter!

Marika! Some father she has!

Old man, Marika, is gone long time ago.

Forget it, he's drunk! Leave him...

- She told me to wait! - Come on, old man. Get lost!

- I have to see Marika! - Get out of here!

Get lost, you drunk! Go to hell! Some hour you picked!

Liberation of Athens

I don't want to go to boarding school!

Stop talking, now.

What ever happened to that Fontas? He disappeared!

He was killed by a bunch of fascists!

His funeral was yesterday.

He got what he was looking for. He was asking for it!

Whenever you open a path in life

don't wait for midnight to come

keep your eyes open all day

for before you there is always a net

December 1944

If you ever get caught in the net

no one will free you

find the exit on your own

and with some luck make a fresh start

This net bears names of grave importance

written and sealed with a thousand locks

others call it Hell's guile

and others simply love at spring

Tour around Greece

If you ever get caught in the net

no one will free you

find the exit on your own

and with some luck make a fresh start

Civil War

Who is it?

- It's me, Beba! - Come in, Yorgos!

How are you? Have a seat.

- Can I tell you something? - Go on, Yorgos.

Will you follow the others to Chicago?

Yes, Yorgos, I will.

I see...

I will leave. I'm returning to Athens.

These long voyages, Beba, are not of my kind.

As you like, Yorgos.

Besides, I can't stand watching you like this.

You've changed. You've become bizarre.

You're not what you used to be.

There's one more thing.

What is it, Yorgos?

Beba, your child has left school and they are looking for her.

They say she works at cabarets down by the harbor.

I got a letter from my mother.

Pull yourself together and go see her on the island.

Speak to her in person. She's your child. Do something.

Yes, Yorgos. I'll go to Syros and find her.

But I will also go to America, Yorgos.

I will also go to America.

I will go!

I will go...

Island of Syros

The terminal dim and cold

some speak of wicked raindrops

and the voyage like a wild snake

brings fear to weak-hearted souls

Tonight we are both alike I follow and you lead

like an evening bus that travels in the dark

for us the world never ends for us the world just starts

but the black blizzard in our heart can only lead us nowhere.

The terminal dim and cold

some speak of wicked raindrops

and the voyage like a wild snake

brings fear to weak-hearted souls

Andriana, I was worried about you. I thought you got lost...

Why did you do this to me? I made dreams about you!

What kind of dreams? Do you call yourself a mother?

What did you come to say? Those sweet words from your songs?

Where were you when I needed you?

You brought me to the nuns as if I was to become a saint!

You couldn't even send me a letter!

Where were you when I was in pain? When I was sick?

When I needed your hug during night-darkness?

Where were you during holidays?

You were near me neither in sorrow nor in happiness!

Now you come for what? You remembered I existed suddenly?

Now you've come to save me?

You're still hooked up in dreams? You're still in nowhere?

The terminal dim and cold

some speak of wicked raindrops

and the voyage like a wild snake

Go away, mama! Go away! For me you never existed!

So get lost and leave me alone! The night is my mother now!

America! America!

Chicago

Sing it with a brio, Kotso, so I can spin my dance!

Come on, Nikolas!

Marika, what happened? You are late, kid!

Go to that corner, someone is asking for you.

I don't know who it is, he looks nasty.

Don't you give me new excuses I want you clear and frank

for I may be one Monday morning the manager of a bank

giving money by the thousands to my closest friends and kin

and tobacco I'll be smoking with a wealthy double chin

And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Great Marika!

What Man exactly is I've never understood.

when he puts out his fires he lights up new flames

and if he is mistreated by luck, that nasty bitch

time becomes his father and his mama becomes hope.

You know better. Do what your heart desires.

As for me, you owe me nothing.

You Babis, you had promised me two things.

To work together and to take me to far away lands.

You kept your word on both.

Well, it's Ol... Don't feel obliged.

All that matters is for you to be happy.

I won't be singing any more.

And he will teach me the work's and life's secrets.

All that I dreamed of.

That's good, my dear Marika!

And we will go back to Greece.

America... America...

And when you get here, you say: "So what?"

Do you know what one of those American Greeks was telling me?

"Greece's greatest catastrophe...

was not Smyrna. It was migration."

"At the beginning of the century...

one million people arrived here."

One million, Marika.

And down there, the fewer they remained...

the greater the Greece they dreamed of.

Do you get it?

Every morning when I watch the Sun, I beg him...

"Burn me, Sun, Burn me, Sun!"

Descent to Hades

it's too crowded here, Marika! Too crowded.

Everything runs fast. There's no catching up!

And if you don't make connections... "Chicago", they say!

You're dead! They call it "Mafia". I call it "Magic".

What kind of magician would I be if I didn't make something disappear here

and make it appear there! No big deal...

We used to tall about going to America...

where they tie dogs with sausages...

and the gold flows on the streets.

To get away from the shacks and the Lemon Market...

with the hookers, the pimps, the smugglers...

the junkies and all those singers with husky voices!

And you used to tall about your father...

who sang hitting his shoe on the floor...

to keep the rhythm.

And so behold America! Here she is! Right in front of us!

And here we are!

And all we see again is the Lemon Market!

Only that here, they call it Maxwell Street!

Behold the shacks, and the cafes with their dope...

and the hookers with their pimps and the smugglers...

And behold Panagis with his guitar...

who sings banging his shoe on the floor following the rhythm.

Only, he is black... Just like the picture.

Negative - positive. And it's always alike.

Marika!

Ready?

The guys are waiting for us. Let's go!

Athens, 1956

What does she want now? it was her decision to stay in America!

Why should it be our fault that she wants to return?

Come on, Matina! Let go!

Get on the stage, it's your turn now!

Mother, struggling through the ports without pride, without a smile

Hey there, no need for money-raising!

I'll pay for her ticket and let her say what she likes.

Just make sure Marika doesn't find out.

You're a good man, Babis.

Everything will find their way. And when she returns, she can work.

No way! Rembetiko is dead, Yorgos!

Now, people want light music!

Do you see any old Rembetiko musician working?

Mind you, when Marika returns...

she won't want to sing any more.

You know something? I'm not sure you will understand...

but Marika is happy now.

Perhaps for the first time!

Why don't you give a tribute concert for her?

The place is free during the afternoons.

- You can make extra money. - Good idea. We'll do it.

Poor Yorgos! Your luck is to run here and there.

I have always loved her.

Marika's tribute concert

Elusive words I heard and lies

the moment you opened your eyes

when my fate I had to face

you stood dressed in your ancient lace

and as a monkey you took me to the fair

Hellas, Hellas Great mother of despair

Tormented people, Beba.

We have famished a lot...

here as well as in Chicago.

In Constantinople and in Egypt.

Everywhere we famished.

We only fed on earnestness.

Careful! He's nuts!

Oh, Yorgos, it's too late.

Now that I've understood everything I have nothing to offer you.

- What are you talking about, Beba? - I know what I'm saying.

Just remember this. Whatever I did, I didn't mean any harm.

I was afraid...

Goodnight, Yorgos...

- Aren't we going to bed? - No, I'll hang around here...

to catch the sun rising.

- Bye, Beba. - Bye, Yorgos.

Over at Thomas' we'll get stoned together

but if you want to grasp the feeling let our Babis do the healing

and when Yorgos plays and teaches he will leave you numb and speechless

as Marika strikes the tambourine with a smile you've never seen.

Join us over at Thomas' listen to my baglamas

Hey there, Marika!