"A LOVE AFFAIR" "Hello, how are you?" "She's such a pretty girl, Sir." "You'll see." "Very young, just as you like them." "She's a ballerina at La Scala." "As soon as you called me, you see..." "I got to work." "Hello." "What's your name?" " Laide." "Laide?" "What an odd name." "Short for Adelaide, no?" "Right." "Would you like a cigarette?" " No, thank you." "If you want to smoke, it won't bother me." "Actually I rarely ever smoke." "Do you mind, Sir, if we try something on?" "Not at all!" " Thank you." "It looks made to measure." "You dance at La Scala, right?" "Good for you!" "I'll come and cheer for you." "Thank you." "You must be cold, poor thing." "It must be tough when you get older." " Of course not!" "My shirt, you mean?" "I wear it because I'm into sports." "Muscles should stay warm after a workout." "But if it bothers you..." "I'll take it off." "Not bad, after all." "You know..." "I think I've seen you somewhere before." "Come on, we're in bed together!" "There's no need for those tricks." "I'm serious, it must have been... near Corso Garibaldi." "Do you live in that area?" "What?" "Of course not!" "How come?" "It must be 3 or 4 months ago, I don't know... in the evening, September or October." "I haven't been near Corso Garibaldi for 2 years." "You were walking down this alleyway... the one that takes you to La Storta." "Me, in La Storta?" "Nice places you're sending me!" "Never been to La Storta in my life, thank God!" "Why, what's wrong with it?" "Look, in La Storta there's nothing but... whores, thieves, fairies and macks." "Macks, what do you mean?" "Pimps, you know?" "What do you know about that?" "Everyone knows." "Why, what did you think?" "I've never set foot in that place." "I'm not one of those, you know." "Come here." "What's all this about, anyway?" "The third degree." "Certain things bore me, you know?" "Enough." "Well, Sir..." " Rita, I'm a grown man." "How many times must I tell you?" "Of course, Sir." " I know, it's late." "Who's here?" "There's Miss, Don Salvi and..." "Serve dinner in 5 minutes." "I'll be right there." "I might just have another sherry." "And you, Don Salvi?" "Miss, dinner is served." "Sir says he'll be there soon." "It could have been worse." "And yet he knows how I feel about him just turning up when he feels like it." "I'm sure he'll take half an hour to pick out a tie." "Yes, perhaps I should go and help him." "Just you wait, one of these days we'll see those two married." "Enough, Rita!" "I said I'd be right there!" ""But Sir, they're all waiting for you!"" "Hi Luisa, I'm almost ready." " What a shame!" "Such a lovely idea!" "This must be new, is it Miss?" "It's one of Tonino's recent discoveries." "But I'd have to say that I don't mind it." "Tonino is quite a guy." "Do you remember when he wanted to have us paint all the ceilings black?" "We don't have time." "Next time, promise?" "How's work going?" " The usual." "We're publishing a new collection of foreign contemporary work." "Have them bound in turquoise, it's a colour that works in interior design." "Some respect for my literary ambitions!" "Are you done?" "Your mother will be upset, you know." "Tell them to start, I'm always the last one to be served anyway." "Okay." "Excuse me, I wasn't stuck at the office!" "The match turned into a real mess." "Remember Mother, those maniacs from the Country Club that I'm working with." "It's been 20 years since I last went." "At one point, this guy grabbed another player by the shirt... and he ripped his underwear." "A woman in front of me stood up and said:" ""Son of a bitch!"" "Sorry, Don Salvi... it's a sporting term, that." "Tonino, try to eat something." "Yes, Mother." "Anyway... you told me that you're called Adelaide." "What else?" "I'm called Laide and that's it." "That's the way I am." "The less people know, the better." "Right, you won't tell me your surname." "I see." "You don't trust me, then." "What do you mean?" "I don't tell anyone my surname." "You could give me your number." "Yeah, right!" "If they called me at home, my sister would throw a fit!" "So, you have a sister." "Is she also..." "You're so vulgar." "She has a husband, they're happy." "Is she older than you?" "Yes, she's 12 years older." "My father's been dead for years." "Then my mother, too." "They took me in." " Well, then..." "Ermelina, how does she contact you?" "I take care of it." "Every so often I call her... or she calls me at the "Due"." "Do you really love to dance?" " What does that matter?" "I do a number, a slow one." "Every night?" " No, now and then." "And are you nude?" " All covered up, with tights." "But if you dance at the "Due" how do you manage at La Scala?" "If there's a show at midnight then at La Scala we're usually finished... at half past at the latest." "And every time that you see Ermelina, what do you tell them at home?" "That you go to rehearsals?" " But it's true!" "I do go to rehearsals, where do you think I go?" "Can I help you?" "Rehearsals for "L'Etoile du Jour"?" "End of the corridor, in the pink room." "Thank you." "Guys, a 10-minute break!" "Marzia, the teacher wants you." "You?" "But how?" "Didn't we agree on half past 2?" "Laide called me this morning." "She has to go to Modena, it seems." "They're all like that, these girls." "Like headless chickens!" "But the other day, when you couldn't make it... poor Laide was here right on time." "She came at 4?" "She was here at 4 on the dot." "Come in, please." "I don't understand: at 4 there were rehearsals at La Scala... and Laide was there, I saw her." "Well, that wretched girl must have ran all the way." "Besides, she has strong legs." "You never know what to expect from her." "Right, how come she had to leave Milan?" "She says it's for work... to do fashion shoots." "In Modena?" " Says it's an important fashion house... but who knows." "And now?" "It's already a quarter past 1 and she said that her train is at 20 past 2." "If she said she'll be here, she will." "Don't worry about it." "And besides... she doesn't mess around with me." "Well, anyway... there's no time... if she has to leave at 20 past 2." "Now that she's going to the station." "Listen... would you like a coffee, or something?" "No, thank you." "I didn't even eat." "You know, you're such a kind man." "A real good guy." "My God, what a face!" "I had to run, really run..." "We're doing rehearsals, they wouldn't let me go." "What time is it?" "Half past 1." "Well, it doesn't matter." "I'll take you to the station." "Thank you." " Of course." "Goodbye." "Why did you pretend not to recognise me at rehearsals the other day?" "If you knew how those mean girls gossip." "If I'd said hello, they would have... started asking me where I met you... how come and what for..." "But even a smile, a sign..." "No, no, it was better that way." "And why did you friend call you Marzia?" "What does it matter?" "Everyone calls each other by a different name in the theatre." "How can someone like you go around in such a deathtrap?" "It's still the easiest thing for the city." "You've no idea how to live." "And those clothes... always the same, always so dark." "You wouldn't understand." "All I know is you look like a funeral." "You have a nice body, you could dress better." "Change never hurt anyone, you know!" "Hello, Mother." "Hello, Darling." "Are you going out already?" "I have an appointment in the city, I hoped that you could take me." "But I have so much to do, Mother." "I'm sorry." "Francesco is here, why don't you ask him to take you?" "Francesco asked me for the day off... so I gave it to him." "Is it such an important appointment?" "Yes, unfortunately my heart doesn't work as it used to... and it's good to have a check up every so often." "Okay, Mother." "I thought you'd be happy." "We're never together..." "I'm very busy these days, Mother." "I forgot: a girl called last night." "From Modena." "Looking for you." "She said she'd call back." "Don't worry, Mother." "It's not one of those girls." "I didn't say anything." "You're alone, you're free." "There's no need to defend yourself." "What did she want?" "But I think you could do better." "I won't be around forever, you know." "Always, since you were 20 years old... you've never been interested in finding a nice girl... that I'd like." "And since I was 20 years old... you've been saying the same thing." "But you've never been ashamed... and these days you even have... a fortune to spend." "Mother, please, everyone ends up paying for women at a certain age." "I'm not the only one." "I'm 48 years old." "I know, but you're always a boy to me." "It's not my fault." "I'm too comfortable with you." "You've always spoiled me." "What a thing to say!" "You'll never convince me, Darling." "Are you looking for someone?" "Corsini." " Last floor, on the left." " Thank you." "And he won't be back until Tuesday?" "Here's never here." "He comes every so often in the evening, when he's in Milan." "The usual mining business, then?" " I don't think so, he's rolling in money." "Oh, what does he do?" "He does business with the Vatican." "He manufactures priest hats." "Thank you." "What an idea, locking ourselves in here until Tuesday." "Well, I think it will be fun." "And it's relaxing, too." "And I'm a different kind of architect." "If I meet clients that think I'm away... finding them a hardwood table... what will I tell them?" ""Thanks, but no thanks!"" "So you're in with the priests, then?" "The devil and the holy water." "The end justifies the means." "We have until Tuesday." "What's this?" "A slow bossanova, I love it." "They always play it down at the "Due"." "But the disc is rare these days." "Do you like it?" "Do you know how dangerous you are?" "Do you know how I'm different?" "I'm still a girl, but I'm all woman." "When I was 12, a boy said to me:" ""Laide, you'll send guys crazy when you get older."" "Brava, you're amazing!" "I'm the cloud!" "I'm the rainbow!" "I'm the lightning!" "I'm a delicious girl." "I'm busy tomorrow night, though." "But tomorrow is Sunday." "What are you doing?" "Right, because it's Sunday." "I might have to sing this new number at the "Due"." "Well, I can come with you, can't I?" "No, how will I do that?" "I have to be there in the afternoon, too." "I'm doing rehearsals with the band, see." "Then I'll pick you up after the show." "We'll talk about it tomorrow, I have to make a call first." "Hey, why don't we go out now?" "Let's go to the cinema." "I told you:" "I can't, even if I wanted to!" "In one of these small cinemas, who would see you?" "Come on, at the Apollo they're showing "Hercules Against the Pirates"." "You like hunks, do you?" "Of course, why wouldn't I?" "Some people have all their strength concentrated in their brain." "I know, I know." "All your strength is in the wrong muscle." "Right, will you take me out for a ride?" "Who do you take me for?" "Running off to Modena?" "Of course, what do you expect?" " Poor thing." "With all those guys in training for Ferrari..." "You can't fool me!" "You get bored with me because I'm not one of those young guys!" "Fine, but enough with all this acting!" "Ouch, you're hurting me!" "What's wrong with you, are you crazy?" "Sorry, I'm a fool." "And these bruises you have on your arm... and these ones on your thighs." " At the "Due", my performance... the dancer guy, he bumps into me and I end up on the floor." "A nice pat on the back." "Right, everything's fine." "It's all innocent, isn't it?" "What is it?" "Call the fire brigade!" "Something's burning, can you smell it?" "Look at your shirt now!" "Why did you put it on there?" "Because the light is more intimate." "Come on, don't make that face." "I like you more with your shirt off." "It's not like you'll catch a cold." "No, don't worry." "Look, this is a Gallo!" "I know the guy that makes them." "Who?" "What?" "Mr. Gallo, the one who makes TVs." "He's nice, always comes to the "Due" when he's in Milan for the trade show." "Hey, the show is just around the corner." "Why don't we go and see him?" "That way I can get my bracelet and watch back." "What?" "Why does he have them?" "Oh, it's nothing bad." "After my show at the "Due" he gave me a ride home..." "I left my bracelet and watch in the car." "Finish your story, I'm interested." "Gosh!" "In the hurry to get dressed I picked them up and ran out... and then I left them on the car seat." "That seems a little odd." "You always assume the worst." "He's just a good friend and when I say friend it means there's nothing, okay?" "What am I, then?" "Hold me a while." "I'm cold." "You're a real swine." "You don't want me to know, do you?" "But I know exactly what happened." "What happened?" "Tell me." "And I can break another one if you keep making me mad!" "I'm the one making you mad?" "I'm tired of this!" "I've had enough of these interrogations." "Locked in here with the third degree!" "What am I, some kind of dog?" "And your fingers covered in nicotine?" "How do you explain that?" "I told you, I don't smoke!" "Enough, I'm leaving!" "Hold on." "Wait." "We could be so happy here together." "We're alone, no one to disturb us." "Just the two of us." "See..." "See, you have to help me." "If I get worked up... if I bother you... it's not all my fault." "It's just that, well..." "I'm in love." "Ah, you're in love with me?" "Are you sure of what you're saying?" "Of course, and it's a mess." "Love is a terrible disease." "Oh, no." "No, it's beautiful to be in love." "Have you ever been in love?" " Yes." "But he died." "We were supposed to get married." "It's different, for you it was easier." "And he loved you, too?" "And now I love you." "And you don't love me." "Right." "But these things take time." "I only just met you." "Yes, you're right." "Besides, we never introduced ourselves." "What?" "No, nothing." "It doesn't matter." "Hey, listen... are you never tired?" "I never sleep at night." "Will you tell me where..." "I have a surprise for you." "Will you tell me where you've been?" "I bought some pizza and fried stuff." "I thought you'd like some, too." "I can't resist picking at these things." "Thought I'd taken off, did you?" "But I'm polite, you know." "I'd have said goodbye." "Yes, but it's late." "It's only just midday." "You went to the show, didn't you?" "I called the "Due" and they said to be there at 4." "It means I'll be performing tonight." "Thank you." "Hello." "Good evening." "Something to drink?" " No." "No, thank you." "I just came to warn you." "About what?" "I need to talk to you about Laide." "Well?" "She left." "What are you saying?" "She called an hour ago, said she had to go to Modena... said to apologise but she wouldn't be able to make it." "You act like it's nothing... but I can see in your face that you're falling for Laide." "Would you like a whisky?" " No, thank you." "You've really fallen for her, eh?" "Well, there's no need to be so dramatic." "Look at him, he won't hear of anyone speaking ill of his love." "And to think, I know a lot of girls... but I've never found a girl... who's as busy as she is." "Feel like joking tonight, do you?" "Joking?" "I don't joke." "But do you know what her specialty is?" "Specialty?" "What do you mean?" "To keep a foot in both camps." "She's good at it... always manages to trick people." "I'm afraid my place closes soon, too." "Yes, I have to be up early tomorrow." "A quick chat and then I'll say goodnight." "Do you have one for me?" " Oh, sorry." " Thanks." "And, this cousin she's spoken of... who is he?" "Ah, the cousin." "No, I'd better not." "I won't tell you." "It's no mystery, you understand." "In fact, she'll happily tell anyone." "She does confide in people, especially in me." "And who knows, perhaps it's not true." "Besides, the the fact that I've never seen him makes me think... that perhaps, after all..." " Sorry..." "So you don't believe her either?" "No, it's not that I don't believe her... but we can't give it much importance." "Laide says so many things." "Who'd have thought that we'd be here, the both of use, all alone..." "A surprise on behalf of Laide." "Well, then... we should thank her." "Besides, you didn't believe all those things about Laide..." "She can do whatever she likes." "No, because I was just saying." "Just to see if you got angry." "See, you're a fascinating man, especially... when you get worked up." " Oh, yes?" "Am I?" "Oh, well... you know, one has his heart set... his mouth is already watering... and then the plate is whipped out from under his nose..." "Of course... girls like Laide aren't able to appreciate their good fortune." "Meeting someone young, wealthy... likable..." "Hey, I have an idea." "Shall I make you a coffee?" " No, it's fine." "Don't bother..." "Coffee is one of my specialties." "I'll put something more comfortable on and bring it right out." "Tonino?" "You could have called me, instead of sending..." "Ermelina." "I called you... but you had already left." "I had to tell you somehow, right?" "Why don't you love me?" "I never let my guard down." "Not even with your cousin?" "Oh, how boring!" "What do you know about my cousin?" "I have my sources." "Of course you do." "The tongue of Ermelina." "Is he in love with you?" "Crazy about me." "And he wants to make love to you?" "That's the last thing I need!" "Why is that the first thing everyone thinks about?" "He's a good guy, and respects me." "Gentle, or you'll pinch me." "Are you almost done?" "This one only takes a minute, the other eyebrow is more difficult." "And he's never kissed you, your cousin?" "Are you kidding?" "He wouldn't dare lay a finger on me." "And does he think you're a virgin?" "I hope so." "He looks at me like a sister." "Do you like him?" "I told you it doesn't matter." "He's my cousin, I'm fond of him and that's it." "What's his name?" "Marcello." "Anything else?" "He wants to marry you, of course." " He does." "I wouldn't dream of it." " Ah, you wouldn't?" "Poor Marcello." " Why?" "Who knows how he suffers because you don't love him." "How do they look?" "What do you think, am I pretty?" "What are you doing here?" "Who told you..." "Corsini." "What happened?" "Mother?" "Yes, your Mother." "It was so sudden." "Listen..." "I'll wait for you down in the car." ""I'm in Modena, the Hotel Moderno." "Come and get me." "See you on Saturday morning." "Your niece, Laide."" "Why did you come so early?" "You said Saturday morning." "I still have to get dressed." "And then I have to see to a nice relative of mine." "Then what time do you want to leave?" "Get yourself a coffee." "I'll go up and finish getting ready." "Shall I come up?" " Are you crazy?" "What will people think?" "And you're dressed so strangely." "What's come over you?" "You're the one who said that..." "Change of plans!" "I prefer you with that funeral look." "It suits you better, trust me." " But, Laide..." "Where did this come from?" "Shall we put things in the car?" "I hate talking about our affairs around strangers." "Why, what did I say?" " Nothing, nothing!" "You men are real idiots sometimes!" "Only you could have swapped that deathtrap for such a heap." "If you're ready, we can go." " Aren't we going to eat first?" "You're not a cheapskate, are you?" "What, didn't you know?" "That's why I wanted to eat in Parma." "It costs less." " I have to see Marcello." "Marcello, who?" " Marcello, my cousin." "I must have told you a hundred times." "You never said he was in Modena." "Really?" "Strange, I didn't realise." "Of course... it doesn't mean anything to me." "But it's only polite, you know." "I didn't even see him this time." "Wait here and I'll see if I can find him." "Be careful holding on to the leash, okay?" "Her name's Picchi." "Don't forget, okay?" "Ah, I almost forgot." "Could you do me a favour?" "Sorry about this..." " What is it?" "Here at the hotel, I have to pay." "Ah, that's what they call the bill." "See?" "Always thinking the worst!" "The bill is already paid." "What do you take me for?" "Someone who brings you down from Milan just to pay the bill for me?" "You don't think much of me, do you?" "This is for the porter, 4 or 5 thousand." "Well?" "Well, I don't know if I told you but I have to go and see this relative." "He's been so kind to me." "I can't leave without saying anything." "Who knows when we'll get to eat." "Oh, it doesn't matter to me." "We can do it this way:" "You drop me off with these friends... and then go and eat." "That way you won't have to wait." "I come all the way from Milan to pick you up and you ditch me." "Some thanks." "Come on, don't get upset." "How would I see these friends otherwise?" "This thing with Marcello doesn't add up." "It sounds to me like he's your cousin in the same way that I'm your uncle." "Right." "According to you, someone can't love someone else without getting in bed." "You don't want me to know, do you?" "If you must know, Marcello has never kissed me." "He's never laid a finger on me." "He's always had... a great respect for me." "It's like we were brother and sister." "Right." "Got it?" "You can do whatever you like." "Now tell me where I have to go." "Turn right here." " Okay." "I should give you a slap." "How come?" "You're calling me a whore." "What?" "Who's calling you a whore?" "You are." "You think that I see you and then I go and see him." "Now turn left." "Screw you!" "Can't you see that if there's someone who should be upset... and angry with me, it's him... if he knew about us two." "And when your Marcello sees me, who will you say that I am?" "My uncle." "I see, a long lost uncle." "Yes, I told him you were abroad." "And he believed you?" "Yes, why wouldn't he believe me?" "They're not all like you." "Ah, how lucky!" "There he is." "Wait, stop here." "Marcello!" "Marcello, my Uncle Antonio." "Nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you." "Listen, now that I've found him it's useless for you to wait around." "There's a restaurant further ahead." "Go and eat and we'll meet up later... at the service station, right before the motorway." "What time?" "What time is it now?" " 20 past 12." "Let's make it a quarter past 2." "Don't make me wait." " Don't worry." "Hey, will you do me a favour?" " What's that?" "Will you look after Picchi?" " What do you mean?" "How can I take her on the moped?" "And besides, she's really a darling." "And don't worry, it doesn't matter... even if she eats back in Milan." "Or you could give her a small meal, some rice and meat." "But raw meat, and not much." "Okay?" "She's so little, my Picchi." "It's a quarter to 4." "Well, I'm here now." "My darling." "Bye!" "Finished?" " What?" "Waving at lover boy." "Lover boy, my foot!" "I have enough of those." " Really?" "Yes, I know your type." "Once you've got something in you're head, that's it." "Honest, I've never lied to you." "What about your name, then?" " My name's Anfossi and that's it." "No lies, okay?" "Enough!" "Laide?" "Listen, I want to ask you something." "What is it?" "I want to ask you a question, and you can think about it." "Then tomorrow or the day after, whenever, you can give me an answer." "I'll give you... 50,000 lire a week... if you promise that we'll see each other every 2 or 3 days." "As for the rest, don't worry." "I'll leave you alone." "I don't want to know anything." "If you can't make it, tell me." "And if you have to leave Milan for a few days... tell me." "And every time that we see each other, we don't have to make love." "Well, if you'd stop seeing Ermelina... and doing all that stuff, I'd prefer it." "Anyway... you just think about it... and we can talk about something else... or we can go, if you want." "I don't need to think about it." "I accept." "It's so quiet." "It's Sunday, of course." "I bet you were waiting for a day like this." "You don't want them to see me here." "It's the first chance I got to bring you here." "I didn't know it bothered you." "Me?" "I was just curious, that's all." "It doesn't matter to me." "This is enormous." "Was it just you two here?" "We often had guests." "How pretty." "And what's this?" "It's gold, I bet." "Yes, it's gold." "I never steal, you know." "You're quite a guy, alright." "Why, what's so strange?" "A house like this, all empty." "It's crazy." "You could save a lot of money." "You could fit 4 houses like mine in here." "Oh, he likes them hard!" "Someone could get hurt on this." "You were saying?" "Nothing." "That you must be leaking money... if you put a place like this to waste." "Why, don't you like your place anymore?" "Well, what's that got to do with it?" "You could save money." "How pretty!" "Will you give it to me?" " Take it, if you like." "You don't use them, do you?" "Would you like to see the other rooms?" "Oh yes, show me." "After you." "This is your mother, right?" " Yes." "Was she pretty?" "How old was she in this photo?" "I don't know, it doesn't matter." "It's so soft, must have been looked after." "What are you doing over there?" "Come, there's space for two." "Come here." "Please, let's go somewhere else." "You've seen everything now." "You don't want to rest a while?" "Laide, listen, let's go to your place." "They might be back any moment." "And you can't take it anymore." "Do you think I don't see that?" "Let it ring." "But Laide, if I don't answer I'll get worried." "Wait here." "Hello?" "Hi, Darling." "No, of course not." "I was on my way out." "No, I didn't forget." "Don't worry, I'm always looking." "Did this belong to your mother?" "Does it suit me?" "Put that away." "Why so rude?" "Stinking up the place, am I?" " Enough, we're leaving." "Let go of me!" "No good enough, am I?" "I've never allowed anyone to treat me this way, how dare you?" "Laide, it's better if you keep quiet." "You know you've no right to say anything." "I've overlooked so many things." "I've been too patient so far... and I don't even know why." " No, you know exactly why." "I'm a convenience to you." "And you take advantage, that's the truth." "I've told you, I don't feel like going over these things again... and especially not in this house." "I've been such a fool." "Don't worry." "I'm leaving, if that's what's bothering you." "Keep your house, with the spirits of your dead!" "You'll pay for that." "I swear, you'll pay for that!" "What is it this time, a date in Modena?" "Who do you take me for?" " For what you are!" "What are you trying to preach?" "Wimp!" "Fool!" "Laughing stock!" "And now you're the tough guy!" "Who are you trying to fool?" "Not me, that's for sure!" "Try running after me, just try it!" "Now let me go!" " Get out of here!" "I'm not kidding!" "The door is on your right." "I'm leaving!" "Go on, goodbye." "Look, I gave him what I wanted to." "Without arguing, I hope." " I hate when they take me for a fool." "You don't trust anyone these days, do you?" "I know, but it's not my fault." "Do you like it?" "Well?" "You really shouldn't have." "Just a little something." "But it works, you know." "I read somewhere that you should buy presents for the depressed." "Well, thank you." "I don't have much faith in your cures... but thanks all the same." "Did you find anything?" "Yes, there's a piece over there that I quite like." "Can I use the phone, Miss?" " Of course, Sir." "Hello?" " Yes, who are you calling?" "Ermelina, it's Dorigo." "Ah, it's you!" "It's been a while!" " Yes, work, you know how it is." "And you, everything okay?" " Yes, not bad, thank you." "What do you hear from our friend?" " What friend might that be?" "Laide, how is she?" "Ah, Laide!" "I've no idea what happened to her, my dear." "I've not seen or heard from her." "Some thanks, let me tell you." "Who knows what she's up to." "Do you know what that girl did?" " I'm sorry, Ermelina." "They're calling me, I'll see you soon." "I'd really like to catch up." "Goodbye." "I don't like you anymore, Antonio." "I'm sorry, but I have to say it." "I don't want to know anything." "Such things don't worry me, they're none of my business." "It's you." "I've never seen you like this." "You're so lonely." "Well... that's nothing new." "Listen..." "I have an idea." "Why don't you come and stay with me for a few days?" "Look, I'll take care of everything." "Television, newspapers... and nothing to bother you." "Okay?" "How do you always know what I like... what I need?" "You're unique, Luisa." "One of these days I'll pluck up the courage and ask you to marry me." "Okay." "Now you can drop me near my place." "While I run some errands, you drop things off and tell Rita." "Okay." "Rita, put these in the study." "And don't start polishing or there'll be trouble!" "Leave them as they are." "But, Sir..." " And remember..." "You haven't seen me, you don't know where I am or when I'll be back, okay?" "But there's a young lady to see you." "She will have heard the bell." "Tell her that I was..." "A young lady, you say?" " Yes." "Who is it?" "I've never seen her before." "Said she absolutely has to talk to you." "She's in the lounge, was I wrong?" "I'm here." "I can see that." "How are you doing?" "How do you think I'm doing?" "Bad." "Hello?" " Happy new year!" "And many happy returns." "Should I come up for a toast?" " Why?" "It's cold." "It's the 31st of December." " What an idea, you're so strange!" "What is it, did I wake you up?" "Were you sleeping?" " Perhaps." "Don't you know that it's midday?" "Where are you?" " I'm here, downstairs in the bar opposite." "Shall I come up?" "You can do me a big favour." " Yes?" "I've run out of meat for Picchi." "Go and find a butcher's and pick up a few slices of meat." "But, what..." "Picchi's hungry, and this way you can come up and say hello." "Alright, I'm going." "Hold on." "The meat." "Sorry about this." " Oh, it's nothing." "My pleasure." "What is it?" "I'm sorry but he showed up right after you called me." "Hello." "Hello." "What do you think of my little place?" "Do you like it?" " Yes, not bad." "It's nice." "And it's not even finished yet." "Sit down." "Have you eaten?" "No, I was busy with the dog's lunch." "You're right, how silly of me." "Picchi, come here." "Here you go." "So Marcello, what did you do yesterday?" "Went to see one of your women, I bet?" "Well of course, no?" "If I don't take advantage now that I'm 25, when will I?" "When I'm old?" "Is your uncle not drinking?" "You'll like this stuff, it's from my neck of the woods." "Who was she, the usual blonde?" "What blonde?" "Of course not." "I know, it was Sabina." "Sabina specialises in certain little games that he likes." "I haven't seen that little thing in over a month!" "This was a recent conquest." " Is she cute?" "Not like you, but cute enough." "She's not a whore..." " Stop!" "Censored!" " Oh, pardon!" "Don't you think it's cold in here?" "The heating doesn't work yet, they'll turn it on next Monday." "I have an idea!" "When we've finished eating, let's go down to the cinema." "The heaters in that place are wonderful." "At least we'll keep warm." "What do you say?" "No, not for me." "I don't enjoy the cinema." "You go." "Say, aren't you exaggerating a little?" "No, it's funny." "I find him funny, don't you?" "But you'll come to dinner with me." "No, I can't get rid of him now." "He's leaving for France tomorrow." "Let's stay together, instead." "Ladies and gentlemen... we interrupt our regular live broadcast from the "Capannina"... to remind you that we're seconds away..." "Guys, let's get the champagne out!" "I'll open the bottle, it's my specialty." "The champagne is in the fridge, where's he going?" "He brought some, too." "Pretend you don't mind, otherwise he'll get upset." "As you like it, Laide, nice and sweet." "But not me!" "Please, Laide, go and get..." " Well done, Marcello!" "It's so kind of you." " Thanks, it's the least I could do." "Happy new year, and good luck!" "Happy new year." "Happy new year." "Happy new year." "Aren't you drinking?" "Happy?" "Would you like some more?" " No, thank you." "I'm afraid I might lose control." "No, it's just that champagne goes straight to my head." "Ladies and gentlemen... let's get back to our live broadcast from the "Capannina"... and allow us the occasion to wish you a very happy new year." "You... you're Laide's cousin, right?" "Yes." "On whose side?" "Well, her mother's brother... married my mother's cousin." "That makes sense, right?" "And you're her uncle?" "Right." "Sorry, on whose side?" "Well, the same as what you said." "What is this, a funeral?" "Are you going to drink all of it?" "Leave some for us." "If you like, we can get a refill." "Actually, why don't we go out somewhere... all three of us together, of course?" "What, didn't I tell you?" "I can't." "My sister is waiting for us, we have to go visit an aunt in the hospital." "A nice way to spend the evening!" "She's very ill, the poor thing." "She could do with some company." "In which hospital?" "At the Elena Asylum in Via Sormani." "It's a hospice, more than anything." "She's there in a little room." "There's just a bed, a chest of drawers... a little wicker chair..." "I'll take you." "No, please." "You should stay here." "For what?" "Remember Piera, my friend from Venice?" "She's coming to Milan and told me she would call this evening... to tell me if it's confirmed." "She might not even call, but if she calls and no one answers..." "What does that have to do with me?" "Tell her my aunt is in the hospital... and that I'm very busy these days." "And what are you up to?" "Get ready, you can say hello to her... and then get back to your blondes." "Poor thing, she's so greedy." "That's why I'm taking them, for her." "Well, do you mind?" " No, go ahead." "Such a shame, you didn't even try them." "Right, how foolish of me." "Here, I'll leave one for you." "I know that you like them." "Listen, go and look in the fridge." "There's a bottle of French sparkling wine, grab it for me." "At least tell your aunt to drink to my health." "Come on, if we stay here together he might get the wrong idea." "Happy new year, Sir." " Happy new year." "What are you doing here?" "The door was open." "It must have been Fausta." "She went out a moment, she'll be right back." "Who's Fausta?" " An old friend of mine." "Look, you picked the wrong day." "I have such a stomachache." "And it feels like a fever, too." "That's not why I came." "I wanted to clear up a few things." "Which are?" "Which are that I'm sick of being made fun of all the time... worse than some kind of puppet!" "By the way, did Piera call from Venice last night?" "What do you think?" "I see, you're mad about last night." "I was with my aunt." "Leave it out, will you." "You're jealous of Marcello, as usual." "You're an idiot, you should be happy." "I'm not in the mood for jokes." "But you should!" "If I hadn't gone with Marcello..." "I wouldn't know what kind of guy he is." "And now I've got rid of him." "What do you mean?" "What happened?" "All that happened is that rascal... tried... to get fresh with me." "After taking me to see my aunt, instead of leaving... he waited for me and took me home." "And then he wanted us to sleep together." "That's what I said." "And you said no." "A swine, your Marcello, just like all the others." "Did he grab you?" "Did he kiss you?" " Like a mad man!" "Hello." " Hello." "And happy new year." "The doctor said to take 2 right away... and then 4 more today if it's still bad." "Now I have to go." "Call me if you need anything." "Goodbye." " Thanks again." "Bye, Fausta." "Well?" "I thought that he was joking, then when he put his hands on me..." "I gave him such a smack... one of those smacks that he'll remember for the rest of his natural life." "And I sent that guy packing." "And you... instead of being happy... you're being all grumpy." "Will you get it into your head once and for all that I'm not making things up?" "But you have a fever." "I told you, last night I must have caught a chill." "And this stomachache is killing me." "You should call a doctor." "No, I'm fine." "Now you go, I'll take the medicine... and I'll get some sleep, do you mind?" "Tonight I'm at my sister's for dinner." "Call me and we can see each other." "Hello?" "Hello, it's me." "You said you were seeing your sister but that's a lie." "What do you mean, a lie?" "I called your sister and she said she wasn't even expecting you." "Because..." "I changed my mind." "What are you doing now?" "I'm going to see my aunt." "You're coming out with me instead." "Listen, I don't have time for this." "There's a taxi downstairs waiting." "You're coming out with me!" " No!" "Why not?" " Because I don't want to!" "And I don't want to discuss it." "I'm telling you, come out with me!" " And I'm telling you I won't!" "Then I'll wait for you!" " No!" "Laide, have you gone crazy?" "!" "Come on, eat." "How's it going?" "No rest, even on holidays?" "What do you expect, Sir?" "They have no heart, leaving the poor thing to die of hunger." "If I weren't here, Sir." "Poor thing..." "What do you mean?" "The young lady isn't..." "What do you expect?" "She doesn't care." "I feel sorry for this poor thing, she's such a good dog." "But, she's old and has her needs." "They're away all day and the tenants complain." "What are you doing, staying here?" "Of course." "I'll wait for her." "Why?" " Nothing..." "It's just that Miss always said... that I was here to clean up the house... and to not let anyone in, that's all." "Yes, but for me it's different." "Isn't that right?" "Well, I'm not interested in what the tenants get up to." "What?" "You mean that after all this time... you still haven't figured out who I am?" "Miss always told me that you're her uncle." "Like heck, her uncle!" "It's not hard to work out..." "Listen Sir, it's better if you... sort that out between you, isn't it?" "I'm going home!" "And who sent this?" "I don't know, it arrived today." "Goodnight!" ""My love, my terrible queen... you've brought a fever over me that I've never felt before."" ""My little Laida..." "I know that you love only me and the rest is just boring necessities." "I wanted to thank you for that wonderful cigar lighter... shaped like a revolver that you sent to me." "I showed the entire building site and they all envy me... just as they envy me when they see us together."" ""Dear Laide, you're a wonderful girl..." "I know, at my age it's rare to find such a passion in life." "But, all the years I've lived before meeting you... and they are so many, don't hold it against me..." "I know deep down that..."" ""I'll wait for you in Modena." "I booked a room at the Hotel Moderno." "Unfortunately, at the building site there's a lot of work... so I can't stay with you every night." "I don't even think I can give you a ride back to Milan on my moped."" ""The days without you are empty... but the night are..."" "Hello?" "Excuse me, Miss... do you know where the Elena Asylum is?" "The hospice?" "Don't ask me." "Don't ask me." "Excuse me, Miss... could you tell me where the Elena Asylum is?" "You're asking me, my dear Sir?" "Me?" "Over there, darling, by that light." "Thanks, I didn't see it." "Can I help you?" "Is this the Elena Asylum?" "That's right, how can I help you?" "I was looking for..." "I'm looking for Miss Laide Anfossi." "Ah, Laide." "Upstairs, first floor." "Ring the bell and find your Laide." "Please, come in." "Sir?" "Is this the Elena Hospice?" "Well, you could call it that." "Sorry, but who sent you?" "Forgive me, I was looking for Miss Laide." "She told me that she would be here this evening to help her sick aunt." "Her aunt is very ill, I believe." "I'll go and see." " Thank you." "Is the aunt very ill?" "Luckily, Laide is here to help her." "Her poor aunt." "Come, I'll show you." "But, I..." " Come on." "This way." "Don't you want to see Laide doing her good deed?" "Come on, then." "But quiet with your shoes, okay?" "Say, who's next door?" "No one, the light's off." "Stop there." "Can you hear her?" "Not bad, not bad." "Small, but pretty." "Let me touch it." " Come on, get yourself undressed." "First a kiss, though." "Want to see?" "Go on, it's worth it." "Look up there, there's a window." "Wait, I'll bring you a chair." "Laide!" "Hello?" "Well, I'm coming home." "Hi." "Don't start, please." "I've been with a friend." "How dare you look through my stuff?" "Where are you going?" "Hold on." "Let's talk." "Don't you feel like talking?" "Let's go to the bedroom." "Wait!" "Where are you going?" "How dare you treat me this way?" "I can't stand all of this!" "You're mad at me... for those letters, but look... someone else in my shoes would have done a lot worse." "The years go by, you know." "If you don't put a few lire away... before 30, you end up at the hospice." "Where will someone like me ever find a husband?" "What have you done for me?" "Yes, a lot of talk... love, hate... but did you ever think of marrying me?" "No, never!" "A few pennies a month to stomp all over my heart!" "I have to think of the future, you know!" "Yes, I know, I know... this stuff has no rhyme or reason for someone like you." "You rented me out." "You paid, so I had to be there." "So I lost my freedom and found nothing!" "I've got nothing to show for it..." "I'm just a secret friend... a little tart." "What did you want for 50,000 lire a week?" "Devotion, a wife, a lover?" "What the hell did you want?" "Go, go on!" "I'm from a lesser race, aren't I?" "Your social position, your dignity..." "I spit on it!" "If you want to go, I've finished." "Don't you ever feel like saying to hell with it all?" "Me included?" "How come?" "You're too patient." "Wrong again, it's not patience... it's pride... it's security." "UPPER CLASS MARRIAGE IN MILAN" "Hi.." " But, Sir..." "I'm late, I know." "Is everyone at the table?" " Yes." "Please forgive me, I know." "I'm a repeat offender." "It's unspeakable." "The traffic is becoming such a mess... we should change the working hours." "If you ask me... we should give 80 minutes for lunch." "What a day!" "Just think, it's becoming fashionable... to put the bed inside a Troika... without meaning to offend." "Could you be any more senseless?" "And of course, none of us have any idea what a Troika is." "Tonino?" "Try to eat something, will you?" "What's the matter with you?" "Nothing." "It's just that I'm not hungry." "One of these days you'll die of hunger." "Don't be dramatic, it's better to be cautious." "At our age it all adds to you cholesterol." "Did you know that Corsini had a sauna put into his house?" "Right." "And now he wants to sell it because he's afraid of having a heart attack." "He should work less, instead." "You too, Tonino." "Why don't you take some free time... to catch your breath?" "My dear, to work is to be distinguished." "And I'm a snob, everyone knows it." "How about the money Corsini spent manufacturing all those berets... now that no one wears them anymore." "Right, he has Sandrina to take care of public relations!" "Did you hear what Sandrina has done now?" "She brought a python back from India..." "The other day it escaped, and when they..." "Do you know how I'm different?" "I'm still a girl, but I'm all woman." "When I was 12, a boy said to me:" ""Laide, you'll send guys crazy when you get older."" "I haven't seen her for a year." "I wouldn't know where to look... but if you insist, it means that..." " I have to see her." "Then I'll ask Fausta, Sir." "I know they lived together for a while." "Listen... if I find her, are you free tomorrow?" "Does that work for you?" " At 6." "But don't say that it's me." "After all this time, I'd prefer..." " Ah, I see!" "You want to surprise her, eh?" "But Sir, listen to Ermelina." "Leave that girl alone." "Why don't you try something new?" "There's this one girl I know, you should see her!" "Laide has nothing on this girl!" "Ermelina, please try to find her." "I'll call you tomorrow to confirm." "Well?" "Everything's sorted." "Is she through there?" " Yes, she's waiting for you." "Does she know it's me?" " No." "Didn't you tell me not to say?" "Perfect." "Well?" "Well?" "Go on, then!" "Thank you." "It's you." " Laide, but..." " Let go!" "Don't touch me!" "Laide, listen to me..." " Anyone but you!" "But, please..." "Listen up!" "I never want to see you again, I wish you'd drop dead right now!" "Understand?" "It's over!"