"# I lived for art.." "# I lived for love.." "THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN THE WORLD" "# I never did wrong to a living soul." "# With a secret hand," "# I relieved many misfortunes that came my way." "# Always with a true faith, # my prayers rose to holy shrines." "# Always with a sincere faith," "# I gave flowers to the altar." "ROME" " TRASTEVERE At the beginning of this century" "Halt!" "Good evening, gentlemen." "Guys, it's a theater!" "Get down, come on!" "Let's go!" " Come on!" "The women?" " Magnificent, Excellency." "Don't kid yourself, Sergio, we're not in Paris." "Here." " Thank you, Excellency." "Hey, you!" "I told you this is a place for gentlemen only." "# .. and behind the dark shadows of the alcove, the lamp shines." "Good evening." " Is this our box?" " This way, please." " Chin up, Luigi!" "# The moon shines so brightly." "Let's sit down." "Get out of here!" " What are you saying?" "So much smoke!" "See, Maestro, they're singing "Serenade" tonight." "# Fly, Oh Serenade, my delight is all alone." "# The moon shines so brightly.." "Wasn't she feeling sick?" "Yes, a bad attack and she promised me not to do her number." "# ..behind the dark shadows of the alcove, the lamp still burns." "Poor mama!" "What the hell are you doing?" "Get out of here!" " Romolo, look!" "Hey!" "What do you want?" "# Fly, Oh serenade, fly!" "You can't sing!" "Is that hag your grandma?" "Listen, doll, if you know her, tell her to throw herself in the Tiber!" "She's crazy!" "That one is a nut!" "I couldn't breathe.." "just like the time before." "And then there's also this pain.." "Lie down, dear, I'll take you home." "Mama!" " You here?" "Nora, how many times have I told you, this isn't a place for her!" "But you're sick!" " No, it's nothing, just a cough." "Yes, just a cough." "I leave her to you, Lina." "She's not in any condition to go on." "Wait, I can do it, no problem.." " Mama, don't excite yourself." "Tell me.. how did your lesson go?" " Great." "After so many lessons, I finally got to sing an entire aria." " Good." "What did the teacher say?" " "Not bad, not bad"." ""The training is not perfect but.."" ""in a few years, you'll see, you'll see."" "He always says the same thing." "Olimpia, on stage!" " Oh, Nora!" "My costume!" " No, you can't go on stage." "Olimpia!" " I must go, the boss.." "Wait, let me talk to the boss." "Nora, watch mama." "I'll be right back." " Yes, dear." "Don't worry." "Look who's here!" "That nut from before!" "A Spanish lady from Trastevere!" ""The Spanish Lady"." "Hark at that!" "Now you're a singer!" "Come down here, so I can slap you silly!" "I'll do it myself!" "Is that an impression of a wall?" "We'll show this nut!" "Hey, look out, here comes the train!" "Nice and loud!" "Come on!" "Whistle!" "Whistle!" "Louder!" "Silence!" "Silence!" "Louder!" "Whistle!" "Will you shut up?" "Excuse me a moment, Miss." "I told you to be quiet." "Excuse me, but we paid for our tickets too!" "Fine, but that's enough." "Got it?" "Why, what will you do?" "Come down then, jerk!" "Let's start with removing your hat and keep quiet when I speak to you." "Got it?" "And then?" " I'm surprised, a gentleman like you.." "Let's drop the knife, OK?" "Good boy!" "Get out!" "Go home!" "Go!" "That's better." "Now then, shall we listen to this number?" "Go ahead." " Thank you." "# In Spain, I'm the fairest, the queen of love." "# Everyone says I'm a star, a vivid shining star." "# In Spain, I'm the fairest, the queen of love." "# Everyone says I'm a star, a vivid shining star." "# Hold me tightly in the ecstasies of love." "# That's how the Spanish lady loves, mouth to mouth, night and day." "# Hold me tightly in the ecstasies of love." "# That's how the Spanish lady loves, mouth to mouth, night and day." "# That's how the Spanish lady loves, mouth to mouth, night and day." "# Hold me tightly in the ecstasies of love." "# That's how the Spanish lady loves, mouth to mouth, night and day." "Lina, your mother.." " What happened?" "Where is she?" "They brought her to the hospital." "She had another attack." " You mean.." "Where are you going?" "It's late and the hospital is far away." "I can bring her with my coach." "Thank you, I'll change." "Poor Olimpia!" "She sacrificed her entire life for this girl." "Just like a real mother." " She's not her mother?" "No, Lina was 5 years old when she became an orphan." "Olimpia has always dreamed that she'd become a great singer." "But in real theaters!" "Not in a dump like this." "Nora, give me a hand!" " Excuse me, she'll be out in a minute." "Come, let's dry those eyes, OK?" "They're too pretty to be spoiled by tears." "I'm sorry, but.." "I'm so worried." "It won't be anything serious." "A few days' rest and she'll be like new." "Don't you worry." "That's better." "Now tell me something about yourself." "Me?" "There's not much to say." "Singing lessons and singing exercises every day." "You know you have a lovely voice, right?" " Really?" "Tonight, I sang in public for the first time." "And thanks to you for kicking out that scoundrel." "An ugly place that theater." "I've never seen a spectator like you before." " No?" "But, tell me, how did you wind up there?" "A tourist's curiosity." " Then, you don't live in Rome?" "No, I'm here for the horserace at the Piazza di Sienna." "I've a few days before I return to Paris." "The hospital!" "Thank you, thank you so much." "Miss!" "Thank you." " You're welcome." " Goodbye." "Excuse me, Miss, a moment." "Do you have an invitation?" "Well, no.. but can't I go in anyway?" " Oh, that's all we'd need!" "This way, please." "Excuse me, Miss." "Right ahead." "Hey!" "What style!" "A great horseman this Russian with his horse, Tulipan." "Excuse me, what did you say?" "Russian?" "Yes, he's the Russian military attaché for Paris." "Prince Sergio Bariatin." "Look, if you like." "Prince Sergio Bariatin." " Yes" "Miss, please.." "Miss, eh?" "Sorry." "He's doing it now!" "Bravo, Sergio!" "Hey!" "Prince Sergio Bariatin is the winner of the Capitol Cup with the following results:" "Penalties: 0 Time: first place and 11 seconds." "Bravo!" " Happy?" "Look who's here!" " Sergio!" "Excuse me, Prince." "I wanted to give these back." "I don't need them anymore." "I'm sorry." "But you'll need them now." "But.." " Didn't you want to become a great singer?" "You can return it when I come to applaud you in Paris." "Sergio, my friend!" " Excuse me." "Thank you!" " Bravo!" " For you." "In Paris?" "Excuse me.." " May I help you?" "I'd like some singing lessons." " The cheap ones, I suppose?" "No, no!" "I want the best teacher you have." "Yes, and the most famous." "The best?" "The most famous?" "Fine." "There, Miss!" "Master Doria, the best." "Give him a try." "Thank you." "Master Doria?" " Yes?" "I'd like to take lessons from you, Master." "Lessons?" " Yes, for singing." "Are you free?" "Well, I wouldn't say exactly free." " If you mean the fees, don't worry." "I can pay, you see." "If you are as good as they say." "Is that what they say?" "De Santis, would you let me use this piano for a minute?" "Certainly, Master." "Please." "Have you sung before?" " Yes, but.. nothing good." "Like what, for example?" " "The Lady from Ciociara"." "# And when the lady from Ciociara wanted a husband, # she came respectfully with the twine and the shoe." "# And after the lady from Ciociara was married, # the twine was broken and the slipper flew." "# the twine was broken and the slipper flew." "# Come back, my dream love." "# Come back and smile upon me once again." "# And from me, will reflect back to your countenance # a new dawn." "# A new dawn." "# Come back, my dream love." "# Come back." "# Come back." "Well then?" " Very nice." "You made great progress." "Now, you're ready for your debut." "Really?" "But will you guide me?" "Yes, Lina." "Wherever and whenever you want, I'll always be with you." "Have you ever been to St.." "Petersburg?" " St.." "Petersburg?" "Yes, a few years ago." " What's it like?" "It's a mysterious city." "When I saw it, it was covered in snow." "A fairy-tale, dreamlike city." "I think that's its fascination." "And.." "Paris?" " Ah, Paris is different." "Paris doesn't have shadows, mysteries." "All is light, color in the city." "In that wonderful city.." "Paris is for lovers, Lina." "It must be very beautiful." "You'll see, when we.." "When you get to go there too." "Who knows when!" " Would you really like that?" "More than anything else." " You will, Lina." "We'll go together." "Us?" "They always insisted because I conducted a season in Paris for an old friend." "It'll make your career easier, you'll see." "Are you serious?" " We can leave right away." "Hooray!" "Don't worry, Master, I've the money for the trip." "Stop calling me "Master"." "We're friends now, right?" "Yes, Master!" "Who is it?" "Hello, Lina, it's me Doria." " Come in!" "Good morning, Master." "What beautiful roses." "You have a gallant rendezvous tonight, eh?" " No, these are for you." "For me?" " Yes." " Thank you." "To celebrate some good news." "I got a part for you in the third opera of the program." "Oh, Doria!" "It's wonderful, I thank you, you're an angel!" "Lina.." "Lina.." "you must've known how I felt about you." "It seems to me impossible.." "it's absurd!" "I'll make you happy, you'll get anything you want." "We'll travel the world." "You'll sing in the great theaters and become famous!" "No, Doria, I'm sorry." "I never thought.." " What is it you thought then?" "That junk about being just friends?" "A cute story of a generous teacher respectful of his student?" "Yes, that's what I thought." "Stupid, right?" "Don't you realize what I'm offering you?" "All your wishes, dreams, ambitions!" "I understand, Doria." "I understand well." "And it would be so easy for me, so convenient." "But I cannot accept." "Where are you going, Lina?" "You can't.." "I don't know but away from here." "Anywhere." "And alone!" " Alone?" "You?" "A little unknown singer?" "I met many like you." "They come to Paris, thinking to conquer." "But the reality is the opposite:" "It'll destroy your youth, understand?" "I'm warning you, Lina.." " Thanks for the warning, Master." "But I'm not afraid." "Fine." "See for yourself." "But you'll see that you'll need me." "Like I do you." "One moment." "That's all for today, girls." "We don't need anymore." "A sentimental song then?" " Oh, no, no." "But I'm looking for a singing number." "Don't you want to hear my voice at least?" "Who cares about that?" " But.." " Ah, of course!" "You know this one?" "Yes, I do." "Want to hear it?" "Later, later." "Let's look at your legs now." "It's the great unknown." "Higher." "Higher!" "Are you afraid?" "Are they crooked?" " Take that!" "All the same!" "Holy crap!" "Italian?" " No, Parisian!" "Venetian." " Oh, I'm from Rome." "Hungry, eh?" "Hunger is the prologue." "I'm in the third act." "It's a tragedy, I know." " Dancer?" "Illusionist?" "I sing a little." " I play a little." "Not enough to get by." " But, how is that possible?" "You see, they're looking for full acts:" "a duo, a trio." "There you go." "And I had one:" "Gustavo." "He was French like me." "I played, he danced.." "and he danced away with another." "Poor, old Gustavo!" "He went on his honeymoon with my savings." "What's your name?" " Me?" "Lina." "I'm Carmela." " Whose turn is it?" "Both of ours!" "And who are you?" " Lina and Carmela." "What can you do?" " An Italian number." "Go on." "Good luck." "You know "The French Lady"?" " "The French Lady" is our biggest hit." "Hurry, let's hear it!" "Hit it." "# I'm the French Lady, I come from Paris." "I'm a little naughty, I must say." "# I'm the French Lady, I come from Paris." "I'm a little naughty, I must say." "OK, that's enough." "In four days, the Eldorado!" "The Eldorado on Tabarin?" "Why?" "Isn't that prestigious enough for you?" "What do you want?" "No, we're satisfied for the moment." "If it's possible, a small advance.." "Don't ask me, in a few days you can talk to the manager." "It's because.." " We lost the habit of eating." "That's a bad habit!" "But.. consider it a loan, eh?" "And bon appetit." " Thank you!" "Goodbye." "Lina!" "Poor thing!" "So much in love?" "I've done nothing but think about him all this time." "It's because of him, I'm in Paris." "But he's not here, he returned to Russia." "The rest: singing and success, they're all excuses." "But you can't understand, you've never seen him." "Handsome, tall, dark, with broad shoulders like this!" "On a white horse, eh?" "But maybe he.." "wouldn't even recognize me anymore." "There's only one way, Carmela:" "one must become famous, elegant." "Like those monkeys at the Piazza di Sienna." "# I'm the French Lady, I come from Paris." "I'm a little naughty, I must say." "# I'm the French Lady, I come from Paris." "I'm a little naughty, I must say." "# To start, know this.." "no, don't get so vain!" "# I have a boyfriend, there's nothing doing here." "# To start, know this.." "no, don't get so vain!" "# I have a boyfriend, there's nothing doing here." "# What were you expecting?" "Please don't shout!" "# If you don't knock it off, I won't sing anymore!" "# I'm really good, but I'm incorrigible." "# I'd like to know something, but the truth please." "# I'm really good, but I'm incorrigible." "# I'd like to know something, but the truth please." "# You like to fool me, I see you laughing!" "# Why do you do it?" "Tell me the truth." "# You like to fool me, I see you laughing!" "# Why do you do it?" "Tell me the truth." "# What were you expecting?" "Please don't shout!" "# If you don't knock it off, I won't sing anymore!" "# What were you expecting?" "Please don't shout!" "# If you don't knock it off, I won't sing anymore!" "Thank you." "What do we do?" "An encore?" " And she'll throw her usual fit." "What do we care?" "The public is always right!" "Next, let's all sing together!" "I'm going!" "I'm leaving you!" "You'll be ruined!" "Listen to that caterwauling!" "Make her stop right now!" "But the public likes her!" " The public!" "The public is here for me!" "It's my name on the poster." "Now you're letting that Italian delay my entrance!" "Lower your voice, Manolita." "It won't happen again, I promise." "Ten days, I put up with this." "Now I'll show them who Manolita is!" "Where are you going?" " None of your business!" "# What were you expecting?" "Please don't shout!" "# If you don't knock it off, I won't sing anymore!" "# What were you expecting?" "Please don't shout!" "# If you don't knock it off, I won't sing anymore!" "Manolita, the public is waiting for you!" "Don't act so proud." "They would applaud even a trained dog here!" " Hush!" "Of course, Mr. Peret." "They applaud her after all!" "Damn bitch!" "Put a muzzle on her!" " What?" "Let go of me!" "Calm down, Manolita!" "Carmela, did she hurt you?" " No, she ruined my makeup." "Who knows what'll happen now?" "I bet they don't renew our contracts for the new review." "But Peret has promised!" " Yes, but he does whatever she wants." "Now this!" "Can I use your greasepaint?" "Mine's run out." "Take it." " Thanks." "Carmela!" "What happened to you?" "That viper!" "That infernal woman!" "Look here, Lina, a pin!" "Look, what a dirty trick!" " You could've been disfigured!" "You think it was.." " Manolita!" "Witch!" " Lina, wait!" "I'm going to take care of this!" " Don't do anything crazy!" "Where are you!" "Come out!" "Please stand there." " One moment." "There she is!" "Get out of my way!" "Coward!" "You witch!" "You wanted to disfigure me!" "You're crazy!" " Get off of me!" "Calm down!" "I'll kill her!" "Will you stop?" "Coward!" "This way you learn, got it?" "Get off of me!" "Lina!" " I'll kill her!" " You're fired, both of you!" "What did she do?" " Ask her!" " Get out!" "Let's go!" " One moment, please!" "What?" "Get out.." " Bravo!" "What's the young lady's name?" "Lina Cavalieri." "From Rome." "52 kilograms, featherweight!" "Bravo!" " I'm not finished with you yet!" "You see, my dear, I fired them!" " What an idea!" "I'll make you rich!" "The biggest success of the season:" "Manolita and Lina together!" "Together?" "Never!" " You, shut up." "I can see the headlines:" "Art and temperament at sword's length." "A duel to the death!" "Listen: some well written articles, a few photos and watch the money pour in!" "I like it, it's terrific!" "A terrific idea!" "Good evening." "Good evening." "My friend Carmela." "We do a number together." "Very pleased to meet you." "I saw you on stage." "She's good, isn't she?" " Yes." "Very good." "I need to talk to you, Lina." " I have things to do, bye." "No, wait." " We'll see each other later at the hotel." "Bye." "Well, then?" "Sit down." "Please." "I saw the show." "Degrading." "For shame, Lina, you're throwing yourself away." "I don't think so and besides that's my affair." "Not your voice." "That's my work." "What would you be without me?" "Probably still singing the folk songs of Trastevere." " Are you so sure?" "Why?" "Don't you remember when you couldn't tell one note from the other?" "And now your voice is not my affair?" "Is that what you're telling me?" "You're right, it's true:" "sully it on the vulgar stage." "Sing those ditties and destroy my work!" "I'm sorry, Master, I know how much I owe you." "But do you think I'm happy where I am?" "I must live." "Anyway, for Lina and Carmela there'll be no more encores." "Fired?" "And what will you do now?" "Look for another job, but I'm not discouraged." "Listen, Lina." "I signed a major contract for this season." "The offer that I made you still remains." "Thank you, but.." " You won't accept?" "Just as friends?" "And something more." "Something that'll change your life." "You understand me, Lina?" "I was hoping we'd never speak of it again." "Lina, I'm offering you my name!" "Marriage?" "But I don't love you, Doria." "Then there is another." "So who is he?" "A clown?" "Someone in the show?" "Some second-rate actor or acrobat?" " And if he were?" "That's why you wanted to come to Paris." "And like a fool, I believed in your enthusiasm!" "No, listen.." " I've listened enough!" "Lina!" "Welcome back, Madame." "Allow me to present the "firsts" of your rival Manolita!" "What nonsense is this, Carmela?" " It's no nonsense!" "Miss Manolita challenges you to a duel." " We're the seconds." "A duel?" "Yes, with sword." "Why can't we fight like men if we want to?" "Sometimes." " Naturally, if you're afraid, you could.." "I'm not afraid!" "Of seconds or anybody!" "When does this tomfoolery take place?" " Friday morning at 8." "At the Bois de Ventain." "It must be an advertising gimmick." "It could be good." "Go on, accept." "Carmela, you see to it." "Make sure I'm taken care of." "I'm going to my room." "I'm tired." "Agreed, ladies." "The place is good.." "and we accept the choice of sword." "You said at 8?" " Of course, at 8.." "But it's still night then." " Maybe 9?" "I believe 11 would be perfect." " Agreed." "Then, at 11!" "Oh, poor thing!" " Who?" "Oh, nothing." "I was just thinking about the last duel Madame Cavalieri had in Italy." "I don't want to even think about it." "The poor man was cut to ribbons!" "Good night, ladies." "Let the press know that we accept and.." "and tell your mistress to make a will." "Good morning, Marquis." "Sorry, but this is the meeting place." "You can see them fine here." "The other side, that way!" "Finally!" "Come my beauties, this way!" " Right up ahead!" "Hurry!" "Please, the Eldorado in the front row." "They've mobilized half of Paris!" " Such publicity for Manolita!" " And Lina!" "Giramond, tell me, who's here?" "Monsieur Francoise Duval:" "director of the Folies Plastiques." "Don Percival with his new Rolls Royce." "The Count of Champion." "The Viscount La Parterie with.." "with his wife." " Strange." "Look, Manolita's here!" "Good day." "We were only awaiting you and Miss Cavalieri." " What?" "She's not here yet?" "Manolita waits for no one!" "What?" " Manolita goes!" "Miss, the code of chivalry allows for a 15 minute delay." "What else do these idiots say?" "If Miss Cavalieri doesn't come in 10 minutes, you'll be declared winner." "Ah, good!" " See, it's all for the best, dear." "Who's that?" " The doctor to treat wounds." "No!" " Manolita!" "For heaven's sake, a cognac!" "Where's Lina?" "Don't worry, she'll be here." " I'd be scared to death!" "Maybe you, but not Lina!" "Attention, make way!" "Here comes Miss Cavalieri!" "Madame Manolita has chosen that field for battle." "Please, wait for her there." "You picked the right time!" "And what an outfit!" "Fantastic!" "If there's going to be publicity, you might as well do it right." "Hey, don't take her so lightly." "Manolita has been taking fencing lessons for a week." "Really?" "And I went to the theater to watch The Three Musketeers." "Let's see if her teacher is better than my D'Artagnan!" "Madame, where are your seconds?" " Seconds?" "I fight all by myself." "The seconds don't fight, Madame, they assist according to the rules!" "Of course, Lina, the rules." "I'm her second." " We need two seconds, Madame." "Of course." "Charlotte, come here!" "Well, why are we waiting?" "Giramond, what's going on?" " They're undressing, Contessa." "No, that is not for you, my child." "Am I fighting some sort of washerwoman?" "Well, are we ready?" " I'm ready." "Merci, Madame." "Madame, Miss Cavalieri is ready." "And yourself?" "Yes!" "I'll show her!" "What are you doing, my dear Manolita?" "I'm ready!" " Your hat." " The hat!" "What do you mean?" " You must remove it.." " Get off me!" "Go on, laugh!" "It will be your last!" "Did you hear that turkey?" "She thinks to beat me with blather." "To your swords!" "Please, Madame." "For you, Madame." "No, lady, what are you doing?" "Don't you worry, it'll stab just the same!" "Ladies, please." "Respect for the rules." "Now.." "Salute!" "Please." "What's going on?" "Come on!" "Bravo, D'Artagnan!" "Out of my way!" "Away!" "Take it!" "I won!" "Hooray for Lina Cavalieri!" "The most beautiful woman in the world!" "Manolita, I did it for you.." "Some terrific idea!" "Francois Duval, director of the Folies Plastiques." "Congratulations, I hope you'll become the star of my new show." "The headliner?" "I'll make any contract you want!" "You can dictate the conditions." "This way." " Thank you." "Good evening, friends!" " Hello!" "How are you?" " Nice to see you." " Thank you." "Say, how did you like St.." "Petersburg?" " I prefer Paris." "You see that?" "Prince Sergio has returned to Paris." "After 6 months of imitations at last a first class public, eh?" "They're all here every night like us." "They never tire of seeing her." "Come, there are plenty of lovely French women!" "What do you mean?" "Not like Cavalieri!" "No, you'll see." "She walks like a queen." "And two eyes, Sergio, fiery like the Italian sun." "She must have some defects, right?" " Yes, only one, but it's huge." "I bet it's the legs!" " Worse!" "She's virtuous." "This seems to me, gentlemen, a defect which can easily be cured." "Just think, a famous Englishman plays her chauffeur just to be near her!" "The most famous men in Paris have courted her without any luck." "Doesn't that convince you?" " No, it makes me want to try." "I bet you'll fail completely." " Oh, yes?" "And the bet?" "My team against Tulipan." " Tulipan?" "Risk losing Tulipan to win a woman?" "Sorry, it's not worth it." "Bet less if you're so offended.." " Let's not even bet." "How's the theater?" " Sold out!" "They should give you a raise." " Any friends of ours?" "Yes, a few, you can see them from here." "Take a look." "Look!" "There's Madame Montpellier." "How fat she's got!" "What is it?" " It's him!" "Sergio!" "Look, he's in a box!" "Oh, Carmela, finally!" "Calm yourself!" "Come you need to dress." "Get ready!" "Come on, girls, hurry!" "What do you think, Sergio?" "Oh, not bad." "Beautiful hair." "# Once upon a time, you came to win me." "# To see if I were a sweet coquette." "# Don't pretend to calm my fears." "# You used to love my charms." "# Why don't you understand me?" "# How I used to look at you with an indifferent air." "# You laughed at me and my people." "# Why don't you love me if you know # how much I love you?" "I hate to admit it, Sergio, but I think she only likes you." "Do you?" "Then her taste in men is improving." "# Why don't you understand me?" "# How I used to look at you with an indifferent air." "# You laughed at me and my people." "# Why don't you love me if you know # how much I love you?" "Bravo!" "Jacques, I'm ready to stake anything for that woman." "Just Tulipan." "Gentlemen, you are witnesses:" "My team against Sergio's horse." "I know now who'll be winning at the Piazza di Sienna next year!" "How will you do that, Jacques?" "On foot?" "Sergio, when will you start the attack?" " Don't worry, you'll see!" "Shall we go?" " After you." "Any day now, you can get undressed!" "Where are Sergio's flowers, Carmela?" " All of Paris' is here, but not his." "Impossible!" "Did you look thoroughly?" "Yes, Lina." "Look, how wonderful:" ""With admiration and love, Count Lefevre."" "Return it." "Return everything!" "I don't understand." "He was in the box before my eyes." "Maybe he didn't recognize you." "You've become more beautiful, more elegant!" "Send them away, Carmela." "Tonight, I don't feel like signing autographs." "I'll try." "Beautiful, elegant.." "famous!" "But to no avail, Madame Cavalieri!" "I'd like a meeting with Miss Cavalieri." "When may I see her?" "Well.. every evening at 8:30 exactly, when the curtain goes up!" "Oh, Mr. Silvani!" "May I have your autograph?" " Sure." "Here you are." "Silvani?" "The great tenor!" " Yes." "I wanted to congratulate Miss Cavalieri for her marvelous interpretation." "But tonight, it's impossible." "She has a terrible headache!" "Wait until these bores go away." "Gentlemen and ladies, please!" "You know the way out, don't you?" "This way, please." "These are flattering compliments coming from you, Silvani." "It's rare that anyone even remembers my voice." "This happens when one is too beautiful." "Listen, there's going to be an artists' party and without Miss Cavalieri, it wouldn't be complete." "Handsome young men?" " Yes and all Italian!" "Don't you feel homesick for our country?" " Of course." "Then, shall we go?" "It'll be fun, won't it?" "All right, let's go." "I really want to lose myself tonight." "Come in!" "Mademoiselle Cavalieri?" " Yes?" " Captain Ivan Romanov." "The Prince Bariatin offers his compliments and begs you to appear at a party made in your honor at the palace." "In my honor?" " The prince apologizes for not coming himself and hopes you'll accept because he strongly desires to meet you." " But.." "Go ahead, Lina." "You can come another time." "I accept." " His Highness's carriage awaits." "Excuse me, Captain." "May I accompany Miss Cavalieri?" "You'll allow me, won't you, Lina?" " But, of course." "Excuse me, Silvani but.." "I've been waiting a long time for this." " I understand perfectly." "I'll wait outside." " Thank you." "But let's not give up the party." "Your beauty will grace it, Carmela." "Beauty?" "I guess I must be the fairest of them all!" " I'll come back to get you." "Then, you're going?" " Of course, I'm going." "He didn't recognize me, Carmela." "He didn't remember me." "Maybe, it's better that way!" "Finally I'll see him, talk to him!" "Quickly, Carmela, my dress!" " Josette, help me!" "Hurry, help me!" "You have fun too, Carmela!" "I'm really happy tonight." " I'm pleased to hear it." "The palace of Prince Bariatin." "40 minutes after midnight!" "I think I'm going to like Tulipan." "Fine horse, Tulipan!" " There's still time." ""Don't count your horses, 'til they're in the stall", my wise uncle would say." "By the way, what would the Czar say if he saw his favorite nephew going nuts over an Italian singer, while a poor Baltic princess awaits him anxiously at the altar?" "I trust to your discretion." " Don't worry, Sergio." "When do you go back?" "Sooner than I like, unfortunately." "I must return for the Grand Maneuvers." "They're very important." "I still have 10 days though." "Shall we drink another?" "10 days, eh?" "Are you thinking of spending them with the most beautiful woman in the world?" "All 10?" "I'd dedicate a 1000 if I could!" "Lefevre, don't you like her?" " Well enough." "But not enough to go crazy." "Madame Lina Cavalieri." "Miss Cavalieri, thank you for having accepted my invitation." "Ah, no, it's me who must thank you." "They say it's a great honor for a woman to attract your attention." "Exaggeration of my friends." "How modest!" "Rare for a man in your condition." "But I'm the only woman." "Why is that, Prince Bariatin?" "No one would've dared brave the paragon in her beauty." " Very gallant." "And do your friends think so too?" " I'm afraid so." "They're all your admirers." "Really?" "I had almost forgotten." "Will you present me, Highness?" " As you wish." "The Viscount La Turin" " Ah, La Turin" "The Viscount has exquisite taste in his choice of flowers." "Unfortunately with no success, Madame." "General Beltran." "How can a strategist like you, general, think you can conquer by hurrying?" "You're right, Miss." "But I don't have time for a long siege." "The Count Lefevre." " Lefevre.." "I sent back a necklace tonight from a man with the same name." "It was too good a jewel for me." "So, you wouldn't do anything crazy, eh?" "Friends, a toast:" "to Lina Cavalieri." "Paris will never forget her beauty." "I drink to your fortunes, gentlemen." "A little music, please." "May I?" "Sorry, but given the circumstances, I think I should pick the gentleman." "It's a very difficult choice to make." "Would you mind?" "I'm afraid the bet is lost." "It's not over yet." "Thank you for choosing me." " Weren't you sure?" "I confess I was getting worried." "You were wrong, Highness." " Try to call me Sergio." "And you call me Lina?" " Of course." "Lina." "There, now we're like old friends." " That's true." "Old friends." "We just met tonight.." "and I feel I've known you for years." "Our first dance." "Come, let's go out on the terrace." "There's a wonderful moon." "Extraordinary!" "The usual foolproof tactic:" "moonlight, the murmur of the fountain.." "Look: his cheek touched hers." "And now a whispered invitation to meet at dawn." "Hey, La Turinl you know where that staircase leads?" "To the chalet!" "You can say goodbye to your horses." " You still have one last hope." "What?" " Maybe Miss Cavalieri won't pass the chalet's door." "We're alone." "You see, Sergio?" "It was your ring that gave me hope." "Even when it seemed that I would never be able to see you again." "But I knew one day we would be reunited." "You've become Lina Cavalieri, acclaimed by the whole of Paris, but you're still the girl from Trastevere who believes in fairy tales." "Yet here we are in Paris together." "Punctual to the appointment." "Remember?" ""One day I'll see you in Paris. "" "Why didn't we meet right away?" "How many days, how many months lost!" "And how many still ahead!" "We've our whole lives ahead of us, Sergio!" "Lina.." "Aren't you happy you found me?" "Every hour, all the days to come and every minute of your life, I want you for me." " Yes, forever." "Lina, there are other things I want to tell you." "Not yet, Sergio." "Hold me, don't let me go." "Sergio!" "What's going on, Sergio?" " Wait for me, I'll explain later." "Sergio, open up!" "Open up now!" "What do you want at this hour?" "Are you drunk?" "We're here to check up on you." " Go away, please!" "Sergio, how did it go?" "Are you or am I the lucky one?" "The winner must provide champagne for all!" "I lost." "You were right, she's inaccessible." "What?" "Even the great Russian Casanova fell flat?" "I bet that she's still here!" " I told you that she's not!" "You won the bet, Tulipan is yours." "Now go." "Let's go look!" " I said nobody's here!" "What perfume!" "The scent of a woman!" "It's called "Night of Passion"!" "The evidence is overwhelming." " Please, go home now." "Not before I check.." " Stop, where are you going?" "I swear that I'll come to St. Petersburg for the wedding!" "I want to tell your future wife of your prowess!" "We want to see her!" "It's part of the bet!" "If you succeeded, my horses are yours, otherwise I won the bet." "No, La Turin" " Lina!" " You lost." "Give the horses to Prince Bariatin." "Gentlemen always pay their bets." "Please, listen, you're mistaken!" " I'm mistaken?" "Is your wedding in St. Petersburg a mistake too?" "Right, Highness?" "Lina!" "Lina, let me explain!" "Explain what?" "That you gambled my love for a horse?" "That won't be necessary." "Gentlemen." "Sergio, I'm sorry, believe me." " Thank you." "Do not take it so hard." "After all you won the team." "Sergio!" "Sergio." " Any news?" " Nothing we don't already know." ""Mysterious disappearance of Lina Cavalieri."" ""Lina breaks the contract.. " and so on." "No trace of her." "The police?" " They can't do anything." "The manager withdrew the complaint." "The contract was legally dissolved." "Lina paid the penalty." "Then they'll know where she is." " No." "She sent the money with a letter." "The stamp was from Paris." "That's all." "I received it this morning." "Shortly before the courier brought this order of departure." "I need to take command of my regiment." " Your coach is ready." " Good, thanks." "Believe me, Sergio," "If I had foreseen the consequences of that silly bet," "I would've cut out my tongue." " Not your fault." "Time heals all, Sergio." "The responsibilities of your rank will help you forget." "Yes, Sergio Bariatin, the favorite nephew of Czar.." "Just think what he'll say when I tell him I don't want to marry the woman he chose." "You cannot destroy your future." "I know." "But I met Lina, Jacques." "I couldn't marry another woman even in obedience to the Czar." "I will love only her.." "forever." "Look for her again, you must find her at any cost and write to me." "Good bye, Jacques." " Goodbye and good luck." " Same to you." "# In the hour of my sorrow.." "Are you hungry?" "No?" "I understand." "You prefer the music, eh?" "Come." "# .. you pay me back so?" "Well done, very good!" "These last few months, you've made more progress than I could've ever hoped." "But that's enough." "We've worked too much." "You're tired." "Shall we go for a walk?" " I can't, I'd be late for Paris." "I'll walk you to the gate." "Be right back, Carmela." " Will you bring me a singing teacher too?" "I don't know what I would've done without you, Mario." "What help have I given?" "A few lessons and some gossip in Paris." "You gave me back an enthusiasm for my work and an interest in life." "How can I ever repay you?" " I'm the one who should be grateful." "You don't know what it means to me to be near you." "I love you." "Mario.." " No, don't answer me yet, I know." "Maybe one day you feel for me what I feel for you.." "Lina, we can be so happy together." "Thank you, Mario." "If that day arrives, I'll be the one to remind you." "No, we're not there yet!" "Don't follow, look at my baton!" "You need to be in time." "Again: measure 26." "Ready?" "Sorry to interrupt, but it is important." "OK, gentlemen, 5 minutes." "And for Tosca?" "Unfortunately, there's no hope that our Julienne will return from London." "And?" " I think I found a solution." "She never sang in opera, but perhaps you have heard of her." "She achieved great success at the Folies Plastiques last year." "Then she disappeared." "Her name is Lina Cavalieri." "Silvani has insisted much that I hear her." "Silvani?" " Yes, he's her teacher." "He's been giving her lessons all this time." "Oh, a beautiful voice!" "I wanted to you to listen to her before signing the contract." "No, it doesn't matter." "Cavalieri will be fine." "I've heard her years ago." "A beautiful voice." "I've already invited her." "She's waiting with Silvani in my office." "Have them come in." "Please." "Gentlemen, let's start at number 25, act one." "Number 25, act one!" "Good day, Lina." "Good day." "Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Master." "I only gave my approval." "You disappeared for a whole year." "I've been looking for you everywhere." " I've always been near Paris." "In a country cottage." " I see." "I studied a lot." " With Silvani?" "I know, a great teacher." "Shall we begin?" " I'm ready." "I'm so excited, Mario." " You'll be fine, you'll see." "Just remember that high C before I get shot." "Come, Let's go." "Highness, within 3 hours we must return to Paris." "Yes, they already told me before I left." " Sergio!" "Thank you for the letter, Jacques." " And you've done this madness?" " Yes." "I almost regret it." " What time does it start?" "It's already act 2." " Let's go!" " What do you intend to do?" "Come on, there's no time to lose." "Bravo!" " Thank you." "Oh, Mario!" "Don't make any commitments." "Tonight we celebrate." " Of course, dear." "Will you accept my congratulations?" "You were great." " Thank you!" "Without you on the podium, Master.." " She would've been a hit all the same." "Clear the stage!" " In a bit!" "Excuse me, Master." "Lina!" "Aren't you happy to see me?" "Won't you even greet me?" "I crossed Europe for you." " What did you bet this time?" "No, Lina, I want to marry you, now!" "I disobeyed the Czar." "I gave up everything for you." "No, Sergio, it's too late." "You took my dreams, my enthusiasm.. and my love." "You gambled them away to win a bet." " Lina, listen to me, please.." "I've already been cheated once and so have your friends." "Admit it:" "You knew that Lina Cavalieri was that poor girl from Trastevere and that you had won her over." "Now go!" "I never want to see you again!" "Your presence is unbearable!" "That's not true, Lina." "Your eyes belie your words." "You couldn't have forgotten me." "No, I have not forgotten the laughter of your drunk friends, their insults." "My name on your lips mixed with a horse." "That's all I remember." " Madame, on stage!" "Please, Lina, time is fleeting." "Don't destroy our love because of a mistake." "You'll curse this day forever!" "How sure you are, Prince!" "You think you're the only one who can make me happy?" "If I told you that there's another man?" " I would never permit it!" "Lina, are you ready?" "Come in, Mario." "Meet the Prince Sergio Bariatin." "Mario Silvani." "I was telling the prince that we're marrying at the end of the season." "Lina!" "I had promised, it was up to me speak first." "Stand aside, comedian!" "Stop it!" "You will never marry him.. ever!" "Victor." " Yes, Master." "I must make a change for tomorrow's orders." "For tomorrow morning's rehearsal, at 11 Oh'clock would be good." "But only the orchestra." " Alright, Master." "I'll see to it." "That's all, thank you." "# She fell into my arms.." "# Oh, soft kisses, oh, sweet abandon!" "# As I trembling, # as I unloosened her veils and disclosed her beauty." "# Oh, vanished is my dream of love," "# Oh, fled is that hour." "# And desperately, I die." "# And desperately, I die." "# And never before have I loved so much." "# Never have I loved so much!" "# It's time." " I'm ready." "# Remember, at the first shot, go down." " Down." "# And don't get up before I call you." " No, beloved." "# And fall down well." " Like Tosca in the theater!" "# You mustn't laugh." " So?" " So." "# How long is the waiting!" "Why are they still delaying?" "# The sun already rises." "# Why are they still delaying?" "# It's just a pantomime, I know." "# But this anguish seems to last forever." "# They're they are, taking aim!" "# How handsome my Mario is!" "# He dies!" "What an actor!" "# Oh, Mario, don't move." "There's only 40 minutes left, Highness." "Sorry, but I must insist, Highness, the station is far away." "# Don't move yet." "# Hurry, get up!" "Mario!" "Mario, get up!" "Let's go!" "# Up, up, Mario!" "Mario!" "He's dead." "Lower the curtain!" "Hurry, a doctor!" "I'm sorry to disturb you, but we still need you." "We're.. we're at your complete disposition, Commissioner." "Miss, we need to know from you, who were so close to poor Silvani, if there was anyone who had a motive of hatred, resentment toward him." "No." "I wouldn't know." "Who would.." "And you, Master?" "Silvani was a generous man and loyal." "He couldn't have enemies." "But on the other hand.." "Can we rule out that it wasn't an accident?" "Absolutely." "It was a well planned crime." "The autopsy leaves no doubt." "The bullet was fired from a modern gun probably a military type." "Horrible." " Be patient, we'll continue our investigations." "Goodbye, Miss." "Master." "I don't think I'll bother you anymore." "At least I hope so." "Goodbye, Sir." "Lina, you hesitated a moment before answering the Commissioner." "Do you suspect someone?" " No, not at all." "Listen, Lina, you've suffered a lot." "But you must be strong and think of your future." "I'd like to.." "but it's so hard." "But I'll help you." "Now you have a specific duty:" "no longer do you belong to yourself, but to the public.." "of the whole world that waits to applaud you." "And you can't betray them anymore." "THE CROWNED HEADS KNEEL BEFORE HER" "CAVALIERI AND CARUSO IN A PASSIONATE EMBRACE excite the Metropolitan Opera House audience" "Of course." "I also say that I'm truly grateful to New York and its audiences for the wonderful reception." "I'm sorry, Madame Cavalieri, to clarify some items:" "Your relations with Master Doria are exclusively professional?" "Exclusively professional." "Excuse me." "One last question:" "Why in your repertory does La Tosca never appear?" "Why do you insist?" "You already know the answer!" "That opera reminds Miss Cavalieri of a painful incident." "Master, was the culprit found?" " No, never." " Enough!" "Enough of this." "I'm sorry, but the interview is over." "Madame is tired, I beg you to excuse her." "Thank you." "Thank you, Master." "Have a good trip." " Thank you." "Miss Cavalieri." "What gossip!" "These journalists are all alike in every country in the world." "Let's hope that in Russia.." " What?" "Russia?" "We have to go to Russia?" " Yes, I wasn't able to tell you about it." "It's an official invitation by the Czar himself." "Aren't you happy?" " Yes, but such a long journey, the rehearsals, a different orchestra, it seems so complicated!" " Leave everything to me." "I'll precede you by a few days and when you get there, you'll only have to sing." "Sound good?" "All right." " Good." "Then you will have been applauded by the whole world:" "Europe, America, and now Russia." "At the same time, the cavalry attacks the left wing of the deployed opponent." "That's all." "After 2 years of training we can count on the Cossacks." "Gentlemen, the success of the maneuvers now depends only on you." "Gentlemen, see you tomorrow." "Good." "My old friend, La Turin." "Boris!" "Take that." "Boris!" "Prepare the horses." "And let the major know that he must take my command." " Right away." "What's going on?" " Are we there yet?" "No, still snow." "Always snow for three days." "Where are we then?" "Wait.." "I'll take a look." "Don't be alarmed, ladies." "The snow has blocked the tracks and it'll take 2 hours to free them." "Meanwhile, if you want to sit in a warm place with some hot tea, there's a small station across the street." "Thank you." "I'll go let my friend know." " I'll take care of it, Miss." "This way." " Thank you." "I'll go get your friend." "Have a seat." "Here you'll be fine." " Thank you." "Lina!" "And this is just by chance?" "A snowstorm, right?" "I wanted to welcome you to my land." " And so you did!" "And now am I free to go or will you stop me?" "Go on, you're in charge." "What can I do against your Cossacks?" "Well then?" "Are you sorry already or do you lack the courage?" "Lina.." "Lina, why are you always creating new obstacles to our love?" "Haven't we suffered enough to deserve it?" " Oh, Sergio!" "I can't live with this suspicion anymore." "It's like a nightmare." "Why did you do it?" "You shouldn't have killed Silvani!" ""Killed Silvani"?" "Me?" "You suspected me?" "Who else?" "Your revolver, the fight in the dressing room.." "You believe me capable of that?" " Yes!" "Only you had reason to hate him!" "You shouldn't have done it, Sergio!" "Not even out of love." "Why didn't you report me?" "To what end?" "They would have arrested you, convicted you maybe." "And then I wasn't completely sure.." " Are you sure now?" "You think I'm a murderer?" "It's over, Lina." "I could've born anything for your love.." "but not this." "Sergio!" "What happened Lina?" "That damn soldier wouldn't let me rejoin you!" "Lina?" "Lina?" "It was him!" "Him!" "Sergio!" "What did you say?" "What did he do?" "Oh, Carmela, he didn't even try to defend himself!" "And it was he who killed Silvani!" "What do you mean?" "Are you crazy?" "What evidence do you have?" "He did it out of jealousy, I'm sure of it!" " Jealousy!" "If all jealous men killed, there'd be a massacre!" "All your rejected admirers:" "La Turin, Lefevre, Doria.." "Yes, even Doria gets jealous with you." "Doria!" "Madame Cavalieri." "Master Doria." "His Imperial Majesty awaits you." "Please, will you follow me?" "Madame Lina Cavalieri." "The Master Giovanni Doria." "Thank you, Madame Cavalieri, for having accepted our invitation." "You'll find the small court theater here in the palace is very different from the large theaters you singers are accustomed to." "I had heard a lot about your beauty, but you are even more beautiful than fame's report." "Thank you, Your Majesty." " Which opera would you like to sing?" "Tosca." " No!" "No, impossible!" "Not Tosca!" "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but the scenes, costumes, rehearsals.." "That's what worries me about doing Tosca." "Too bad, I would've liked to have heard it." "I love the music of Puccini." "And I still don't know this latest opera." "Your desire will be fulfilled, Majesty." "We'll do Tosca." "# Always with a true faith, # my prayers rose to holy shrines." "# Always with a sincere faith," "# I gave flowers to the altar." "# In my hour of suffering, why, why, Oh Lord?" "# Why do you repay me so?" "# Jewels, I brought for the Madonna's mantle # and songs for the stars of heaven # that they shone forth with greater radiance." "# Why, Oh, Lord?" "# Why do you repay me so?" "# Why do you repay me.." "# ..so?" "# How long is the waiting!" "Why are they still delaying?" "# The sun already rises." "Highness, won't you wait until the end?" " Enough, I can't stand this!" "Don't you see she chose this opera because of me?" "As an accusation?" "You stay." " Your Highness." "# But this anguish seems to last forever." "# They're they are, taking aim!" "No, don't shoot!" "Stop, don't shoot!" "Lina.." "Now you'll tell me what happened." "I.." "It was me." "I killed him." " You?" "I didn't want you belonging to another man." "It was like I was insane, Lina." "Blinded by jealousy, you understand?" "Lina!" "Sergio!" "Forgive me, Sergio." "How could I ever have doubted you?" "English subtitles by sineintegral@KG excepting the libretto from Tosca"