Original subtitles

His eyes blazed up in anger. I looked away, afraid he'd discover my secret.

If he ever caught me, brutal as he is...

No matter! To be afraid is foolish.

If I may...

Ladies and gentlemen!

I present the prologue to our play.

The author wishes to revive some old theatrical conventions...

...and he sends me out to speak for him.

Not to say what we used to, "Our tears are make-believe..."

"...don't let our suffering alarm you."

No! The author has a different aim- to show life as we live it.

Artists, he says, should write for men like themselves.

They should be inspired by truth.

A story, long forgotten, came back to haunt his soul.

As he wrote, he was moved to tears.

And every tear he shed was real.

Therefore, you'll see us love and hate the way real people do.

You'll hear anguished cries, howls of rage, and cruel laughter.

And so we ask you to look beyond our costumes.

Look into our souls...

...for we are made of flesh and blood...

...struggling in this God-forsaken world...

...to live and breathe, just like you.

Now you know the concept. Watch how we use it.

Come on! Let's begin!

They're here!

They're here again! Pagliaccio's back!

Everyone come around, young and old!

We all applaud his jokes!

He's very serious and bows as he passes...

...pounding on his big drum.

Hey, hey, Arlecchino, keep that mule moving!

Here's the truck! Make way, they're here!

Long live Pagliaccio! The prince of clowns!

Your jokes make us forget our troubles.

Long live Pagliaccio! Everyone applauds you!

Now may I say a word?

Let's all settle down and listen!

There's a big show tonight at sundown.

You'll see Pagliaccio's jealous rage, and watch him take revenge.

You'll see the hulking Tonio cowering in fear.

So do us the honor, ladies and gentlemen...

...tonight at sundown.

We'll all be there! We'll see you at sundown!

Tonight!

We'll be there at sundown!

Leave her alone!

Serves you right, you Casanova!

That was funny!

He'll pay for that!

We're off to the tavern. Will you come for a drink?

- Gladly! -I'm coming, too!

Tonio, will you join us?

I have to groom the mule.

Careful, Pagliaccio! He wants to stay and flirt with Nedda!

You think so?

You'd better not joke like that with me, friends.

That goes for Tonio, and anyone else.

The theater and real life are not at all the same thing.

Believe me, they are very different.

Up there onstage, if Pagliaccio finds his wife cheating...

...he only scolds her...

...or gives her a spanking...

...to the roar of applause and laughter.

But if I ever really caught Nedda...

...then the story would have a very different ending.

I assure you, a game like that is best not played with me.

(I don't know what to think.)

Come on! Are you serious?

You'd better believe it! I completely adore my wife.

Here come the pipers!

Everyone's following them to church.

They're all going together to Vespers.

The bells are calling us all to the Lord.

But remember, please, we start at sundown.

The Vesper bells ring, and girls and young men go...

...walking arm in arm, hurrying to church.

Everyone is filled with the light of love.

But the old folk keep a watchful eye on the young lovers.

The Vesper bells ring, Everyone is filled with the light of love.

His eyes blazed up in anger.

I looked away, afraid he'd discover my secret.

If he ever caught me, brutal as he is...

No matter! To be afraid is foolish.

Ah, that sun is glorious!

I feel life stirring in me. I feel desires I can't name.

Secret longings...what am I seeking?

All those birds! Hear them calling!

My mother understood their song. When I was little, she sang it to me.

Their cries pierce the air as they take wing.

They defy the clouds and blazing sun and make a path through the sky.

Let them roam the heavens, adrift in the radiant blue...

...for they pursue a dream that draws them beyond the golden clouds.

Through gales, through storms, they spread their wings and fly.

Through lightning and rain, they soar over valley and sea.

That unknown land they seek may lie beyond their reach...

...yet they heed an ancient call that draws them on and on!

You're here? I thought you'd gone.

Your singing lured me back.

I was spellbound.

How poetic!

- Don't mock me, Nedda. -Go away! Go to the tavern.

I know I'm deformed and ugly, shunned by everyone.

But I have a heart, too, full of dreams and desires.

And when you scorn me, you don't know how it hurts.

As much as I fought it, your beauty bewitched me...

...and love broke my will.

So let me confess it-

That you love me?

You can tell me tonight.

Tell me when you're clowning, up on the stage.

- Don't laugh at me! -Tell me onstage.

You don't know how it hurts me. Please don't laugh.

Spare yourself the pain.

Save it till we're onstage.

No, I'll say it here and now!

I'll make you listen, too. I love you! I'll make you mine!

Hey, tell me, Master Tonio...

...are you itching for a beating? Would that cool your desire?

So you mock me! Take care or you'll be sorry!

Shall I call Canio?

Not till I've kissed you.

I swear by the Madonna...

Nedda, I swear it! You'll pay for that!

You snake! Go away! I see what you are...

...Tonio the fool!

Your soul's just like your body.

It's twisted...horrible!

Silvio! Now? It's so risky.

No, there's no danger.

I saw Canio and Beppe headed into the tavern.

Then I came here.

You nearly ran into Tonio.

Tonio, the fool!

A fool to be feared!

He loves me. Just now he tried to kiss me.

But the whip cooled his passion.

How much longer can you stand living like this?

You will decide my fate. Nedda, Nedda, stay!

The feast ends tonight. The troupe moves on tomorrow.

When you've gone away, what will become of me?

Nedda, answer me! You say that you never loved Canio...

...that you hate this life.

If your love for me is real, then run away with me tonight.

Don't tempt me. It's my life you're risking.

Silvio, enough of this madness!

I put my faith in you, trusting you, heart and soul.

Don't abuse my love.

For pity's sake, say no more!

Don't tempt me! Who knows? Maybe it's better to leave.

But fate seems to be against us, no matter what we say.

I can't tear myself from you...

...because loving you is my reason for living.

Ah, Nedda, let's run away!

Oh, no, we can't.

Nedda, come with me!

What hope is left for me after you've gone tomorrow?

- We'd be risking our lives. -We can go right now.

- Don't tempt me! -Let's run away!

For pity's sake, don't!

No, you don't love me!

(Now I've caught you, you tramp!)

I do, I love you!

But you'd leave me?

Then why did you bewitch me, only to leave me so cruelly?

Why did you kiss me? Why make me want you?

You may have forgotten, but I can't forget.

I want that kiss again. It set my heart on fire.

I haven't forgotten! Your look fills me with longing.

I want to share a life of love with you, calm and peaceful.

I give myself to you. I'm yours completely.

We'll forget everything else!

Look in my eyes and kiss me. Kiss me!

- You'll come with me? -Yes, kiss me.

Yes, look into my eyes and kiss me. I love you.

Walk softly now, and we'll trap them.

After midnight I'll be waiting.

Be careful on the way.

Till tonight, then. And forever after I'll be yours.

May God help him!

Coward! Where are you?

Bravo, Tonio!

-I do what I can. -That's what I thought!

But I hope to do better!

Oh, how you disgust me!

You don't know how happy that makes me.

He got away. But you'll tell me his name.

You will, by God!

There is only one reason I haven't cut your throat.

Before I dirty my knife on you, I want to know his name!

I'll tell you nothing!

I want his name now!

I'll never tell you!

People are coming. They'll be here for the show.

Settle this later. Go get dressed.

Canio has a temper, but he's a good man.

Control yourself. Don't show you're upset.

That fellow's coming back. You can be sure of it.

I'll be watching her.

He might come to the show and give himself away.

Just pretend, and you'll be fine.

Come on, get ready. Get into your costume.

And you, Tonio, go beat the drum.

Act a play! While I'm delirious with rage...

...not knowing what I'm saying or doing!

You've got to! Force yourself! Or aren't you a man?

You're just Pagliaccio!

Get into costume, and put on your makeup.

The public's paying to have a laugh or two.

So if Arlecchino runs off with Colombina...

...laugh and be merry! The crowd will applaud!

Just turn your anguish into clowning...

...and hide your sobs behind a grin.

Laugh, Pagliaccio! Though your love lies in pieces...

...laugh at the pain that poisons your heart.

Hurry! The show is starting!

Come on, come on! Right this way!

The show's beginning! Take your places!

Find a seat! It's time to start!

Take your seats and keep quiet!

- Nedda! -Be careful, he hasn't seen you!

I'll wait for you. Don't forget!

Why the delay?

You've got to pay first!

Start already!

Why the delay? Start the show!

On with the play! Let's go!

We're expecting a great show!

At last they're starting! Be quiet!

Pagliaccio, my husband, won't be returning...

...until late tonight!

And where's that fool, Taddeo? He should be here by now.

O Colombina! Your dear Arlecchino's near.

He waits and sighs and calls your name.

Let me kiss your pretty face! Don't make me wait!

Let me kiss you! Don't make your lover suffer so.

O Colombina! Throw open the window.

I'm here outside.

Hear me sigh as I call you. Pity lovelorn Arlecchino.

It's almost time to give the signal...

...and Arlecchino's waiting.

It's her!

She's so lovely!

Why not confess my love to her?

Her husband's away. Why don't I try?

We're alone. We won't arouse suspicion.

- Is it you, fool? -That's me!

- Has Pagliaccio left? -He's gone.

And did you buy the chicken?

Here, heavenly maiden.

We kneel before you, the chicken and I.

And now, dear Colombina, I'll bare my very soul.

How much was the chicken?

Only one-fifty.

For some time now, my heart-

Don't annoy me, Taddeo!

I know you're unsullied...

...unsullied...

...pure as the driven snow!

Though you treat me harshly...

...I can't forget you.

No, I cannot!

Go cool off!

Good Lord, they're in love!

I bless you.

I'll keep watch outside.

- Arlecchino! -Colombina!

Cupid heard our prayers at last.

And now some supper!

See the meal I've made us.

And here's the wine I brought.

True love adores the joys of food and wine...

...my greedy Colombina!

Give this sleeping potion to Pagliaccio...

...then we'll escape.

Yes, give it here!

Pagliaccio's coming in a rage! Someone told him!

Make him drink the potion.

Till tonight, then. And forever after I will be yours.

God in heaven! The same words exactly.

A man was here with you!

Nonsense! You've been drinking!

Yes, for an hour.

You're home so early.

Just in time, though.

Does that upset you, sweet Colombina, my little wife?

You were alone? But I see places for two.

Taddeo was with me. He's hiding.

She speaks the truth! She is blameless!

Those pious lips could never lie!

For God's sake! Enough!

No man could take this!

-I want that name now. -But whose?

Your lover's! The man you were kissing...

...you filthy harlot!

No, I won't play the clown!

My face is white with shame, and with lust for vengeance.

A man must defend his honor.

My soul cries out for blood to wash away this shame.

No, Pagliaccio's no more!

I'm just the fool who took you in when you were starving.

I gave my name to you, gave you my love, my passion!

I feel moved to tears. His acting is so realistic!

Quiet, you women!

I can't bear this!

Fool that I was, I hoped at least for your pity, if not your love.

I happily sacrificed everything for you...

...believing in you blindly, more than in God himself!

But in your soul is only filth and corruption!

You don't deserve my tears, you harlot!

I'd like to crush you beneath my foot!

If I'm so worthless, throw me out.

So you can run off with your lover?

No! You're staying here until you tell me who he is!

Who would have thought you could be such an ogre?

No need to make a tragedy! Tell him, Taddeo!

The man who kept me company is a harmless fellow...

...poor, timid Arlecchino.

Still you defy me! You don't understand!

I won't let you go!

Tell me, or I'll kill you! Who is he?

Maybe I'm worthless, as you say. But I'm not a coward!

My love is stronger than your hatred.

I won't tell! I don't care if you kill me!

My God, he's serious!

Then with your dying breath! Who is he?

Oh, help me! Silvio!

The comedy is over!