"OF WAYWARD LOVE" "THE WOMEN Based on a story by Ercole Patti" "Who is it?" "Were you sleeping?" "My dear Doctor!" "If I knew the lift wasn't working..." "I wouldn't have bothered coming." "Four flights of stairs is too much for me!" "Doctor?" "There's my spleen, you know." " I know, I know." "Everything has something." "Make me a coffee, will you?" "Most people in my shoes at least get to rest on Sundays." "My son always tells me that." ""Get some rest, Mum."" "How am I supposed to rest?" "I'll rest when I'm in the ground!" "Valeria, hello?" "Hi, it's Antonio." "Were you in bed?" "No, I was working." "I just finished writing." "What are you doing today, why don't we spend Sunday together?" "With who?" "Filippo who?" "No, I don't know him." "Of course, I wouldn't have taken you to the beach." "I have everything I need here." "Icebox, drinks, bed..." "Alright, bye." "Tomorrow?" "Tomorrow, I actually have some work to hand in... some articles..." "Speak to you soon, okay?" "Bye, Valeria." "Hello?" "Good morning." "Is Miss Bruna there?" "Silvestri." "Thank you." "Hello?" "Hi, Bruna!" "How are you?" "It's been 2 months already?" "Well, if you've been counting then you must have been thinking of me." "Can't you talk, is someone listening?" "Listen, what are you up to today?" "Can you come to my place?" "Well yes, type something up... just like the other times." "Come, come as soon as you can." "Alright, I'll be waiting for you." "Bye." "Maria!" "Listen, do the bed for me and then you can go." "The bed, today?" "I have a bad back, I can't go on like this." "Maybe later, okay?" "I'll just clean up a bit..." "It doesn't matter, I'll do it." "You can leave." "Excuse me, Doctor..." " Yes?" "Could you pay me for the month?" "It's 60 hours, Doctor." "Well, today will make 62." "Right, yes, 62." "Bring me the coffee, will you." "Hello?" "Valeria!" "Isn't what's-his-name, Filippo, taking you to the beach?" "I'm sorry, but I've already..." "I'm busy now and..." "Let's hope so." "I'm sorry." "It won't be difficult for you to find someone else to take you, will it?" "Alright, bye." "Doctor, your coffee." "There's a strike today, too." "Really, who?" " The trams, damn them." "I have to take 3 buses to get home." "You know, I'm thinking..." "I might go to the general hospital." "Why, are you ill?" " No!" "I'm going to see my sister-in-law." "Then from there I'll drop by the cemetery." "What do you think, Doctor?" "Why not?" "Sounds like an idea." "Anyway, from there I can catch bus that takes me home." "Here you go." "I owe you 800 lire..." " Don't worry about it, Maria." "Thanks again, Doctor." " You're welcome." " Then I'll see you tomorrow morning." "Well look, if you don't want come then it doesn't matter..." "Heaven forbid!" "I can't be out of work." "Goodbye." "Good morning, Miss." "Good morning, how are you?" "I'm fine." "You know, I'm a little angry with you." "You didn't call me back." " Well, neither did you." "If you needed me..." "Well, I always need you." "I mean, for typing things up." "Well, all the keys are broken." "It only types in capitals." "Well, then how will we write?" "Well, we won't." "And what's this, a hat?" "Don't you like it?" " Yes, it's very nice." "Anything looks good on you." "As I said before, I can't stay long." "I have so many things to do." "You didn't just come to say hello, did you?" "No, but before... as I said on the telephone..." "I brought you something." " Really?" "What is it, a present?" "No..." " Excuse me." "Hello?" "Hi, Mum." "Yes, fine, you?" "No, it's fine Mum..." "It doesn't matter..." "Alright, read me Aunt Antonietta's letter." "Yes." "Oh, poor thing." "My mother's cousin died." "Oh, I'm sorry." "Alright Mum, yes, I'll send a personal telegram." "Give me the address, go on." "That's it." "What have you brought me?" "Yes Mum, I'm writing." "What's this, have you done your first communion?" "No, I got married." "Yes." "Yes, okay Mum." "I'll take care of it, don't worry." "Alright, bye." "Married?" "Yes, three days ago." "And how come... it all seems so sudden..." "I met him two months ago." "A long engagement!" "Well, you know, sooner or later a girl has to settle down." "What a shame!" "Why?" " What do you mean, why?" "I'd call you, you'd come... it was relaxed, nice... without complications..." "You were ideal for me." "If I knew, I'd have married you myself, I swear." "Yeah, now you're making fun of me." "No, why would I do that?" "We didn't always stay here, did we?" "We often went around like a couple." "Once, at Christmas." "You even bought me flowers, and then I wrote you a letter." "I'm sure you had a good laugh about it." "No, are you kidding?" "Actually, I think I kept it." "It must be around here somewhere." "No, perhaps it's upstairs." " It doesn't matter." "That's in the past, now I'm married." "I can't anymore." "Of course, of course." "Heaven forbid!" "No, I just meant that it's a shame because I like you." "Anyway, I'm happy you're all settled." "I'm very glad to hear it." "And who's the lucky man?" "Ah, he's the perfect guy." " Really?" "Do you want to see him?" " Let's have a look." "I have some photos." "He's a traffic officer." "So I see." "He's quite handsome." "Did he give you a ticket or something?" " No." "He lived in the same boarding house as me." "He's an orphan." "Don't you think he looks like Cary Grant?" "No?" " Well, rather than Grant..." "I'd say Alberto Sordi." "Right, between Sordi and Cary Grant!" "And where is he now?" "Well, this morning he had to go back to work." "They only gave him two days off for the wedding." "Oh, poor thing!" "But that's nothing." "The worst thing is that we have to live in the boarding house for another 2 months." "I wanted to wait to get married, at least until we had our own place... but Salvatore couldn't wait." "I'm sorry, I don't understand... before the marriage, you didn't..." "But of course!" "If two people love each other and want to get married... it has to be all clean... different, don't you think?" "No, of course." "I want to see the plants." "Are there any new ones?" " No, not that I know of." "Oh, what a shame!" "They've all dried up." "They were so pretty, too." "Plants need to be looked after." " I have no time for me, let alone them." "Thank goodness this geranium is made of stronger stuff." "If I had a terrace like this..." "At the new house there's a small balcony." "I want to fill it with flowers, I said so to my husband." "So, anyway... is he jealous, you know..." "Who?" "Salvatore?" "No, he has no reason to be jealous." "He knows that I love him, why would I cheat on him?" "Yes, of course." "Listen, if this one stays here, it'll die as well." "You want it?" "Think of it as a wedding present." "I'd love it, thank you." "But without the pot, that way I can wrap it and put it in my bag." "It's so late!" "I have to deliver all the other bomboniere." "Bruna!" "There should be a newspaper on the table." "Bruna!" "Bruna!" " Yes?" "What is it?" "But, didn't you say that..." "Well yes, I'm in a hurry... but I have a little time for you." "Thanks." "No!" "Don't get all romantic." "I'm married!" "What's this your driving?" "Come on, let's take mine." "Let's take this, come on." "How come you called me?" "You said you were busy." "Didn't it go well?" "No, of course not." "Actually, it went well." "But mine is more comfortable, it has much bigger seats." "Right, like a double bed." "What do you mean by that?" "Get in, let's go." "Since Stefano bought it for me, I've only tried it... oh, a few times." "Who's Stefano, another befuddled old man lusting after you?" "Old, no." "Befuddled, perhaps." "It's my Dad." "So how come you decided to come with me to the beach?" "Well, to the beach or wherever." "To spend some time together, why?" "Well, this morning before you were busy... you seemed less romantic." "Well, perhaps it's for the best." "One never knows with you!" "What are you doing, leaving the car here like this?" "I can't be bothered to park it." "What do you mean?" "Well, give me the keys and I'll park it for you." "Alright, I'm going to get changed." "Listen, is it yours, this cabin, this villa?" "No, I don't know whose it is." "There are about 10 of us who come here... but there's no one here on Sundays." "Do you mind?" " What?" "That there's no one here." "No, why would I mind?" "And besides, I'm not terribly interested in meeting your friends." "Careful, you'll get burned!" "You'd like her, wouldn't you?" "Perhaps." "But not today, though." "I see, at your age!" "No, you don't see." "It was a compliment." "I said "not today" because I'm with you." "Alright, alright." " What do you mean, alright?" "How old do you think I am?" " Over 40, I hope." "But that's why I like you." "They could see you like that, you know." "They'd have to look through the slits." "Well, it would be worth it." "They could queue up to look through." "If they want to be so stupid, let them." "Well, this is the first time we've been alone since we met." " Right." "I know you have a reputation to protect... but no one is forcing you." " To do what?" "Yes, if all you want to do is sunbathe, I won't be offended." "Listen, if you were..." "If you were married a few days ago... would you go to bed with another guy?" "How many days ago?" "It doesn't matter." "I don't know, two, three..." "Well, it depends... on who the other guy is." "Alright, let's say with me." "Perhaps, we'll see." "It wasn't a proposal, you know." "It was just a question." "So the woman from this morning was married." "No, why?" "What do you mean?" "Then why are you so interested?" "Of course I would, why not?" "If you do it before, what does it matter if you're married?" "Especially since there are no kids involved." "Still here?" "I was afraid you'd had a heart attack." "No, not yet." "You know, perhaps you were right about my age." "I think that Mars, Jupiter, and all the other plants... are more populated than Earth." "Maybe, but you should sit in the shade." "So every night they send a spaceship down to Earth... and leave their girls here." "And I'm one of those, am I?" "What planet am I from?" "Well, from..." " No, don't say Venus!" "It would be so cliché that I'd have to break this mirror over your head." "Well, then let's say Neptune." "Yes, from Anzio." "What an imagination!" " Well..." "All my skin is ruined." "I have bags under my eyes." "You're getting old, too." "They say that it happens when you don't make love." "Has it been that long for you?" "Well, yes." "So you came here... to look after your skin." "No, I came here... to sunbathe and swim." "But, also..." "I wouldn't mind that, too." "Want to try that beauty treatment?" "Now, or after the swim?" "What do you think?" "Well... now would be better." "See how organised it is?" "There's everything we need." "Bed... icebox... and beauty treatments." "Close the door." "Curtains!" "Look here!" "You need some help, you know." "You're crazy!" "Ah, I'm crazy?" "Why didn't you tell me before?" "I told you now, doesn't that count?" "The woman from this morning wasn't good because she was married... you slap me because I'm a virgin... and I'm the alien, am I?" "What planet are you from?" "Bags under your eyes, ruined skin... beauty treatments, what is all this nonsense?" "Who did you think you would impress with your cheap cynicism?" "Why, isn't that how you like your girls?" "Without complications?" "You said so yourself, didn't you?" "Well, I don't have any!" "I'm going for a swim." " Yes, but listen... why today... with me?" "How should I know?" "I'd rather it be you than one of those boys chasing after me." "What do you want, anyway?" "A declaration of love?" "I'm going for a swim." "But, Valeria..." "THE MISER Based on a story by Alberto Moravia" "In all my life..." "I've never paid for a woman, never!" "On principle." " Never?" " Never." "Lucky you, I always do." "How do you manage?" " He has less girls." "No, I don't have less girls." "No, it's that I really couldn't." "Physically, I couldn't." "Because I know, you know?" " Us, too." "So with those ideas, why don't you get married?" "Right, and feed some stranger for the rest of my life." "What do you mean, a stranger?" " Well, then..." " Of course, a wife... it's not like your wife is a relative." "Well..." " Bye!" "Where are you going?" " Goodbye." "Weren't we supposed to be going to dinner together?" "I can't, I'm on a diet." "And in the evenings, you know..." "Alright, I see." "Bye!" " Bye!" "Maria José has really aged." "Who knows how old she is now." "You want something else?" "Some more mozzarella?" "Marta!" "The mozzarella!" "All of it?" " Eat up, my son." "When it's cold, you must eat!" "Where did you buy the mozzarella, from Chicco's?" "No, from that new place on the corner." "Ah, well done." "I noticed his stuff is fresh." "You don't go Chicco's anymore, okay?" "You know, at the beginning to attract new customers... he only sold fresh stuff, of the highest quality... and then... then, little by little..." "They're all like that." "You'll see, even this new place will be worse than Chicco's in a month." "Coffee?" "It's almost done." "Please." "Now, the insurance will only give... 2% of permanent disability... and those are the documents." "Thank you." "2 years have passed and the joint is still stiff, see?" " Good, good." "I'm not one of those trying to get one over the insurance company... but I'd like to oppose this because to me it seems unjust." "That's why we came, isn't it Elena?" "Certainly, if one doesn't bare one's teeth at these insurance companies... they'll eat you alive." "Anyway, you can leave the paperwork here with me..." "I'll take a look and let you know." "Then you can come back." "No, look, I wrote my number there." "If you have something to tell us..." " Ah, good." "Of course." "Good day." "If you like, I'll come with you." "Bye!" " The phone..." " No, Tullio has to make a call." "Bye!" "It was Aunt Amelia." " Yes, Aunt Amelia." "She's ill, and all alone." "It's a good deed." "A good deed..." "Hello, Mr. De Gasperis?" "Attorney Monari." "Listen, I studied the paperwork... and perhaps you could get more." "But we would have to sit down and talk." "When you like." "I can drop by your house." "Very well." "Thank you, thank you." "Young men, tonight I'll send you home in your underwear!" ""We'll get there half-naked."" "As a good soul once said." ""Honni soit qui mal y pense."" "We've wasted your evening." "Perhaps you..." " No, actually, I insisted." "You know, this is the kind of case you need to talk about... discuss, get to know..." "Certainly." "Do they always play?" "Every night." "5,000." "30,000." "You must be bored, it's a shame the TV broke a couple of days ago." "But I'd prefer to stay here and talk to you." "If I'm not bothering you." " Bothering me?" "I'm always alone in the evenings." "Put this on my tab, Parodi?" "What is Lo Cascio up to?" "I'm a closed book!" "It's already one, perhaps you'd like to get some sleep." "No, not yet." "There's still time." "Until they stop playing, I can't..." "Why don't you go to bed?" "See that sofa?" "I sleep there." "Thank you." "It looks nice, I'll read it." "Elena, if I might say it..." "I understand..." "I understand everything." "Why don't you leave this place?" "You could go far away." "If you like, I could... we could, together..." "Thank you." "I understand, too." "Really?" "That's impossible... but thanks all the same." "That's a shame." "Okay, the stake is 50,000." "What are you saying?" "You, wounded?" "Well, not fatally... but seriously, yes." "Now you think I'm stupid." "You, stupid?" "You're so romantic." "I admire that, Elena." "It's consoling, Tullio, to sit and talk like this, as friends." "You've no idea how much humiliation, how much regret... eight years of this life." "And his mother was a Del Grillo." "At the beginning life was rosy..." "We were rich, had important friends... but, now they've all left us." "And yet, with a little goodwill..." "Elena, don't do this." "I've done everything to stop this, but he's never got better... he didn't want to help me, and things have just gotten worse... little by little, too... money, friends... jewelry, all finished." "And so, that's how I got like this." "We even had to sell the television." "The debts have left us with nothing." "Nothing, Tullio." "Nothing, nothing." "Promise me you'll forget this outburst." "You can count on it." "Elena?" " Yes?" "I'm taking the book with me." "I promised it to a friend, but I'll bring you another." "A better one." "Excuse me, do you have "Lady Chatterley's Lover"?" "No." " Thank you." " You're welcome." "How much is this?" " 2,000." "Used?" " Well, let's say 1,500 then." "I don't know... it's for a lady, an acquaintance of mine." "What do you think?" "Maybe I'll come back." " Alright." " I'd like to think about it." "Yes, I've been very busy in the office these days... then at home, my mother all the other relatives..." " Yes..." "I'd like to get some air." "Come to the terrace with me?" "Now?" "Of course." "Here, let me do that." "Thanks." "Excuse me." "Give me your hand." "Feel how soft it is." "Nice, isn't it?" "Yes, soft, nice..." "It was a present from Parodi." "And this, do you like it?" "Lo Cascio bought it for me, so that I'd go and live with him on his land in Puglia." "Then you..." "Me?" "Nothing... for now." "The thing saving me is that there are three of them... jealousy is keeping them all in check, fortunately." "Three?" "Why, even that other one... the short, thin one, what's his name?" "Varini, yes." "Didn't you realise?" "It's just that he's more proud, less vulgar and doesn't do presents." "He limits himself to giving my husband credit, like the rest... for a year now." "Why?" "Your husband... knows?" "He's aware of this?" "Certainly." "It's what makes them come and play every night... and the debts pile up." "So, your husband is trying to exploit those three... and you're helping him, are you?" "While they play, you sit there and let them admire you... to get their hopes up, is that it?" "No, that's not true." "Of course it is!" "And you wanted to do the same to me!" "Didn't you?" "Tell the truth, is that it?" " No, that's not true." "I'm not in agreement with him." "We've never spoken about it, I swear." "Never." "Forgive me, Elena." "Elena, forgiv..." "Tullio!" " Elena!" "Tullio!" "Say, you must be crazy!" "What did I say, what did I do?" "I wouldn't dream of it, and you're all witnesses!" "I can't let something like that slide!" "He's hysterical!" "All I said was..." ""Who knows what Monari and Elena are up to", just as a joke... and he throws a drink in my face." "If this..." "Come on, it was in the heat of the moment..." " Heat of the moment?" "Quiet, you!" "Alright Parodi, you know Varini." "He loses every night... and when one loses..." " Right, he loses..." "Let's not talk nonsense." "We all know the real reason." "Out!" "Out of here, all of you!" "Did you hear me, Mr. Parodi?" "Get out, all of you!" "Is she crazy, has she gone mad?" " No, I'm not crazy." "Here's the fur coat." "And here's the ring." "Now out, get out of here!" "Good, let's start the repayments, let's see where this ends up." "My husband will pay." "He'll pay everything, to the last cent." "He'll pay?" "And with whose money?" "Right, with whose money?" "With Varini's, or with Monari's?" "Out!" "You'll both regret this." "You have Parodi's word." "Excuse me." "I'm sorry for this scene." " No, no..." "I'll be in a better mood tomorrow." "Tullio!" "Tullio!" "It's me..." "Elena!" "Your Elena!" "Attorney Monari, good evening." "Good evening." "A game?" "Feel how soft this fur is." "The stake is 50,000." "Soft, soft... 100,000." " I want another!" "300,000." " I want another!" "A million?" "A better one, a better one..." "I want another!" "A better one, a better one..." "Eat up, my son..." "Eat up, you must eat..." "Eat up, my son..." "Eat up..." "Tullio!" "Tullio, wake up!" "Wake up!" "What's is it?" " A friend of yours is here." "What, at night?" "At night?" "It's gone 9:30." "Isn't it Sunday?" "I'd have let you sleep, but he really insisted." "Him, who?" "Your friend." "He's here in the lounge." "What's wrong, you look strange." "To see you, I'd say you were dead." "Cut that out, don't be silly!" "Who looks strange?" "I'm fine!" "Your coffee." "So, you haven't seen her?" "No, as I said, the last time I saw her was last night, when..." "Alright, it doesn't matter." "Actually, I've come to ask a favour." "If I can help..." "Well, the favour... would be this." "My wife needs new clothes." "She really needs them." "And I..." "I don't have the cash right now..." "You... you couldn't lend me, say, 100, 150,000 lire?" "150?" "And as a guarantee, you have the insurance paperwork." "That's already 200,000 lire, you said that..." " Me?" "Who knows how much time that would take!" "No, look, I can't help you." "Can't, or won't?" " I can't, I'm very sorry." "What do you think I am, rich?" "Take a look at where I live." "And then I have my mother to look after, other relatives..." "You're asking for 150,000 lire, has everyone gone mad?" "Your wife doesn't need all those clothes... or you can owe the dressmaker." "She can wait." "This won't work..." " I told you, no!" "No!" "You know, the mornings..." "Could you give me 10,000?" "My dear Mr. De Gasperis... how can I say this?" "I'm really very sorry... but I can't lend you a thing." "I need it." "Then please excuse me, and excuse my wife for last night." "Is that your mother?" "Sorry?" "Is the lady your mother?" " Yes." "See, she lives with me." "It's really..." "Good day." " Good day." "Morning, Augusto." " Morning, Attorney." "What does the newspaper say, peace or war?" "Well, who knows?" "Do you want it?" " No thanks, I'll get one..." "Actually if you put it to one side, I'll read it tonight." "Thanks." " Okay." "Get them while they're hot!" "Are they good?" " Of course, nice and hot!" "Give me ten." "They're hot." "You want one?" "But..." "Kids these days..." " They're just kids." "How much?" "50 lire." "Thanks." "At least a taste... for 50 lire." "Hi, Tullio." "Elena!" "I was waiting for you." "You live here, yes?" "Ah, yes." "I rang the bell a few times..." "Well, yes..." " But no one answered." "My mother must be at church." "She goes there every Sunday." "Would you like to come in?" " Yes." " Please." "There we go." "Hold on, the light..." "Elena..." "Elena..." "Tullio..." "Would you like to go through?" "Yes." "Well?" "Last night, after you left, something happened." "Really, what?" "Tino and I had an argument." "I left." "Tonight I didn't sleep at home... but at a hotel." "At the Grand Hotel." "I told him it was over between us... that I wouldn't be coming home." "I don't even have a penny on me... and I haven't eaten since last night." "So I'm a little hungry." "I bet, if you haven't eaten since yesterday." "But anyway... what have you decided?" "First of all to go and eat... and then, I don't know... you have to decide." "Me?" "But..." "Do you remember when you asked me to come away with you?" "Well, I didn't accept because I still thought that with Tino I could... but that's over now." "Well, I'm sure he can change." "No, I don't think so." "If you knew how I long for peace... a quiet, secluded place... by the sea, in the sun, even for a few days just to think... to reflect, be together, then... then we can decide, can't we?" "Don't you have any relatives, friends?" "No, just some uncles... that haven't spoken to me since I married Tino." "Friends?" "I don't have anyone." "I'm alone, as they say, alone in the world." "Listen, Elena..." "Yes?" "What is it?" "See, I'd like to be honest." "That proposal to run away together was just a moment of weakness." "What?" "Yes, Elene, I've thought about it." "Your place is by your husband's side." "Of course, he has many flaws." "He doesn't deserve you, but... he's still your husband, and... and your place is by his side." "Do you want me to take care of it?" "I'll go and see him, talk to him." "No." "That's impossible." "I'll never go back to Tino." "Well, then... we can still see each other, in fact... we can see each other more often." "Perhaps at my house, or at a hotel." "Well, that's beside the point, it's not the right moment..." "The most important thing..." "The most important thing is that we still see each other, no?" "The most important thing?" "Hotel rooms?" "Forcing me to lie to Tino, is that the important thing to you?" "No, why don't you try to... you're young, beautiful..." "I see." " What?" "Your worse than Parodi and all the rest of them." "Wait, Elena, wait a moment." "Weren't you hungry?" "No, thanks." "Well, then..." "I'll come with you." "There's no need to put yourself out." "Goodbye!" "How embarrassing!" "My God, how embarrassing!" "Just like Turandot." "How embarrassing." "Tullio!" "I'm not hungry tonight." "Eat, eat." "It's warm, it will do you good." "THE SOLDIER Based on a story by Italo Calvino" "Mineral water, orange soda, sandwiches!" "Mineral water, soda water!" "Sandwiches!" "Sandwiches, mineral water!" "Give me an orange soda." "Here." "Orange soda, mineral water, soda water!" "Soda water?" "Tarcisio?" "Sit where you like." "Tarcisio!" " You are now listening to "Pink and Blue", by Johnny Clutch..." "Mommy, who's that?" "Sit down!" "What are you doing?" "Children these days just don't know how to behave!" "One of my sisters was a widow at 30, too." "She just couldn't find peace." "Every day on her knees begging the Virgin Mary... to take her back to her poor Achille." "She got ill, that poor girl." "Of course, it's just bad luck." "I'm sorry." "But that's my snack!" "Do you want some?" "How is the young lady now?" "Fine, thank you." "It was just for a moment." "No, I mean your sister." "She got remarried." "Well, what can you do?" "A woman on her own..." "But she always carries her Achille around her neck." "Like a vow, a small sacrifice." "I see." " And this other guy is jealous... because she never takes it off!" "I told her, at least take it off... when you're intimate, no?" "He says she always wears it... as though he's taken his place." "He's not wrong, is he?" "It must be strange." "Soldier!" "Hey you, Soldier!" "Excuse me, come with me a moment." "Please, get those down for me." "Yeah, for 200,000 I'll give you..." " Then I'll buy Pelé." "No!" " Why not?" " Because I bought him!" "Ah, of course, you're right." "How much did you pay for Pelé?" " Don't worry about that..." "Goodbye, Miss!" "I'm down here!" "Quick, the other one!" "You idiot!" "Who taught you to handle a suitcase?" "I'll have you sent to Gaeta!" "That'll teach you to play the fool!" "Damn idiot!" "That's enough, it's empty." "Pasquale, you want this?" " No." "Tickets, please!" "They sorted out the railroads, now they should sort out the passengers!" "Luisa, get your bag." "Get moving!" "What's wrong with you?" "Formia!" "What about Tomagra?" " He must have got off, he was ahead of us." "Let's hope he hasn't fallen asleep." "Giovanni, Giovanni!" "Francavilla!" "THE SERPENT Based on a story by Mario Soldati" "Could you not rock it?" "You want one?" "They're called cannoli, they're very good." "Is that all you're interested in... a country's culinary specialties?" "See, this isn't the first time I've been to Sicily... and anyway, the culinary specialties of a country... are an integral part of its culture." "Do you know what I think?" "You might be a professor of Italian literature... you might have even discovered an unknown poet from the court of Frederick II... but you'll never experience the true smell of this country." "I smell it just fine, thanks." "It's delicious, too." "Come on, get a move on." "Can't you go a little faster?" "Why are you in such a hurry?" "You know I hate rushing." "We only have a few minutes of sun... and I'd like to see sunset in Segesta... not here on the road, if you don't mind." "Something fell down." "Take a look in the back." "Ah, here it is." "The same old thermos, of course." "It shouldn't be there." "Right, it should be in the picnic basket... but since you've filled it with your books..." "Must I remind me that you're not on a field trip with your students?" "Do you understand that this is my holiday... actually, our holiday?" "Please, drive faster!" "You're doing it on purpose!" "We'll get to Segesta in the dark and won't get to see the temple." "Come on, faster!" " Darling, I can't go any faster." "We're in a residential area, see that sign there?" "Speed limit: 30 Km/h." "What about the guy in front?" "He can do what he wants, he lives here." " Yes." "I..." " Quick, take a left!" "There, there!" "Where?" " There, where there's the boy!" "Come on!" "Was that the boy?" " Very funny!" "The one time I ask you a favour!" "You know how much I want to see the temple!" "Instead of working yourself up... you could read that article that I showed you this morning... on the temple of Segesta." "You can't appreciate its beauty without knowing its history." "The Temple of Aphrodite, I know." "The couples that couldn't have children... would go and make an offering." "I know!" "But since you know everything, darling... do you know if wives that had fallen out of love went there, too?" "What?" "That had fallen out of love?" "What's gotten into you?" "Where did you get such an idea?" "It has no scientific foundation." "I'd have liked to know." "We're here." "Finally!" "The camera!" " I've got it!" "Bernard, a snake!" "Help!" "Help, Bernard!" "Help, a snake!" "A snake, help!" "A snake, where?" " Over there, look!" "Careful, don't go any closer!" "This?" "Is this what you call snake?" "Perhaps it used to be." "Now it's just a belt." "Sorry, I thought that, that..." "It's a shame that all that's left... is the temple and the theatre." "It must have been a wonderful city." "He paid dearly for his alliance with Carthage." "Do you know what they called Agothacles... the tyrant that destroyed it?" "They called him..." "Dikaiopolis..." ""The City of Punishment"." "How could you confuse a belt for a snake?" "I've..." "I've been stupid." "The spell has worn off." "This is greatest and most celebrated monument in all of Sicily!" "It was built by a community of fearsome warriors... but it is not dedicated to Mars!" "Gertrude, where's Gertrude?" " How should I know?" "The cult of Aphrodite or Venus, Goddess of love... still loved today by valiant soldiers..." "Gertrude!" "Gertrude!" "Hilde, we should get a move on." " Listen..." "Otherwise we won't find any rooms in Trapani... and there's still a way to go." " isn't there a shortcut?" "Yes, but it's a dirt road." "Let's go that way." "I said it's a dirt road!" "It'll be much more romantic." "Let's go that way." "It'll make me happy, please?" "Alright, as you wish." "Tell me something else:" "do you prefer Sicily or Sicilians?" "Sicilians." "And what's your name?" " Gertrude." "Why didn't you go to see the temple?" "I don't like antiques." "I prefer modern..." "Hilde!" "Gertrude!" "Gertrude!" "Gertrude!" "You wanted the romantic route?" "I hope you're happy!" "Alright, I'm sorry!" "It's all over the place!" "Won't it end?" "Everything ends, my darling." "All you need is patience." "And yet... it's such a beautiful night, look." "Yes, very beautiful." "You know what I think we should do?" "Pull over." "There, in that meadow, and we can spend the night here." "I don't think so." "How should I know that the road... would be as bad as this?" "Listen, think of it as a lesson... for next time." "Next time I'm going on holiday alone... and you can go with your Aunt to Marienbad!" "Or perhaps I'd better..." "Look what a..." "Bern!" "What's the name of that star up there over the hill?" "If you don't mind, we can talk about astronomy later." "I just mean that under that star there's a light." "It will be a village, and there must be a mechanic." "Don't you see it?" "I don't see anything." " Where are you?" "Ah, you're down here!" "You want to be a mechanic." "The exhaust pipe has come loose." "If I had a piece of wire..." "I could repair it, temporarily... at least until we reach the main road." "What are you doing?" "I'm looking... looking for a piece of wire." "Don't talk nonsense, get in the car!" "I don't understand you!" "With that imagination of yours, you create everything you want to!" "You see a light... and there must be a mechanic." "Grass becomes wire, a belt a snake." "Oh, forget about the snake." "Alright, I'll forget it." "Start the motor." "Stop!" "It must be worse than I thought." "I'm a university professor, not a mechanic." "Well... we'll have to spend the night here." "Hilde, look!" "Oh, praise the Lord!" "We may not be smart, but we're lucky!" "I never thought that someone would pass by so late at night." "What are you doing?" "What are you expecting?" " You never know." "Cigarette?" " Thanks." "We've broken down, could you help us?" "Bern, I'm afraid." "What?" "You wanted to take a short cut to shake the trip up a bit." "Happy now?" "Bernard, but..." "You should have taken the main road!" "I know." "Couldn't you tow us there?" "We can't tow you, we're in a rush!" "We have to be in Mazara del Vallo by midnight to unload the vegetables!" "Couldn't you at least give us a ride to Trapani?" "Alright!" "I'll get the suitcases..." " No, just one of you!" "Sorry but I can't take more than 3 people, it's the law!" "And in the back?" "It's full, there's no room!" "You should go." "Then I'll come in the tow truck." "Can I trust them?" "Yes, of course." "They seem like good guys." "Don't worry." "If you say so." "My wife will come, then." " As you wish!" "Have a seat, Miss." "Get in, we're leaving!" "Bye!" " Bye!" "And thanks!" "Are you hot?" "No, actually I'm fine." "Hold on tight, this is where it starts to get bumpy!" "Oh my daughter, who will we get?" "Oh my mother, I leave it up to you..." "If I get you the shoemaker, he will come and he will go..." "But he'll always hold the hammer..." "If he gets a bright idea, he'll hammer you, oh my daughter...." "The moon is in the middle of the sea, Oh my mother, I must get married..." "Oh my daughter, who will we get?" "Oh my mother, I leave it up to you..." "If I get you the fisherman, he will come and he will go..." "But he'll always hold the fish..." "If he gets a bright idea, he'll fish you, oh my daughter..." "If I get you the bricklayer, he will come and he will go..." "But he'll always hold the trowel..." "If he gets a bright idea, he'll trowel you, oh my daughter..." "Is it far from here?" "What did you say?" "Is it far from here?" "No, the main road is just up here... after the "Bad Intentions" crossroads." "Fontefredda, it's called." "Alright, but also "Bad Intentions"." "It's not a bad word, the lady can hear it." "What is it?" "What is it?" "An old story, who knows if it's true." "What is it?" "Well, it's about a foreign woman... just like you... many years ago... in the times of Garibaldi..." "One night, she stops for a drink in Fontefredda." "Some bandit see her and..." "Bandit?" "It was a farmer." "It was a farmer." "Alright, whatever you say." "A farmer... at night... sees the woman alone... gets bad intentions and..." "And..." " And then..." "And then?" "Then they get married... and the foreign woman takes him back to her country." "And so..." "And so?" "And so?" "And so they say that whoever drinks from that fountain... can have all the women he wants." "Do you believe that, Carmelo?" "Try it, Rosolino!" "Try it!" "Carmelo, why are you taking a different route?" " Quiet!" "Carmelo, what are you doing?" "This road leads to Fontefredda." "Quiet!" "Carmelo!" "Quiet, you!" "Quiet!" "CLOSED FOR REPAIR" "See why I took a different route?" "Couldn't you have told me before that they were doing work?" "If you weren't asleep on the way out, you'd know already!" "Here, we're almost at the main road." "Miss?" "Miss?" "You'll never find a mechanic with a tow truck at this hour..." "Here there are... local policemen that can help you more than we can." "Rosolino, give the lady a hand!" "Some thanks!" "Is that the one?" "Tramontana, what's wrong with you?" "They told us to look for a Volkswagen broken down on the Fontefredda dirt road... and you're asking if this is the one!" "If we were on the Munich-Berlin motorway..." "I might understand the uncertainty, but here..." "Good evening." "Good evening." "Professor Brender, Brendan..." "Brindan, Bronden?" "Bernard Brenner, he's called." "Bernard Brenner, that's me." "Excuse me, I don't usually go around dressed like this." "Did my wife send you?" "Yes." "Yes, I think so." "The Marshall told us." "Didn't you bring a mechanic?" "Well, it was too late to find a tow truck." "Tomorrow morning we'll send someone to tow the car." "Come with us, the Marshall is waiting." "Why the Marshall?" "Who knows what..." "Shall I put the suitcases in the jeep?" " No, in the aeroplane!" "Come on, you idiot!" "Would you mind telling me what these guys want from us?" "Hey, what the fu... fuss, what's this fuss all about?" "Who knows?" "They're international spies." "International spies!" "Cigarette?" " No, thank you." "Where's my wife?" "Don't worry, your wife is fine." "She's gone to rest in the hotel." "I've already told them to take your luggage... and let the lady know that you're here." "Thank you, that's very kind of you." "But I'd like to know why you brought me here." "I'll tell you right away." "But first, I'd like... to ask you a question, Professor." "At what time did your wife get in the truck with the two men?" "At 9:05, I checked my watch." "Please excuse me, Professor." "What did you think of the truck drivers?" "They seemed fine." "Otherwise I'd never have let my wife go... two good guys..." "But I'd like to know, Marshall..." "I'd like to know what..." " Right." "Two good guys..." "Your wife has reported them for sexual assault." "I don't believe it." "This is the statement given by your wife..." "But it can't be true." "I don't believe it." "Yes Professor, it's difficult to believe... because those two truck drivers really are two good guys." "Have you spoken to them, questioned them?" "See, Professor..." "I've not yet notified the two young men of the charges." "I thought I'd talk to you first." "You know, here people often jump to conclusions and blame people... to defend one's honour... people often counter by pressing charges... for slander." "And now that you've spoken to me, you will question... the two guys, won't you?" "Yes." "But first I'd like to clear something up." "To get here from where you broke down... it takes around half an hour by car." "You yourself said that... your wife left at 9:05." "Good." "At 9:30... your wife was sitting on that chair." "What's to say that those two truck drivers... haven't bothered my wife in some way?" "You're right, Professor." "Then I'm forced to disturb your wife again... and allow her to confront the accused." "Just a moment, Marshall." "Listen to me." "You know, life with a German professor... entirely dedicated to his work... isn't terribly romantic." "Especially for a woman with a... somewhat fervent imagination." "But whose fault is that?" "Perhaps it is even... our fault..." "Sicily... the South... the sun..." "This report hasn't been signed yet." "No, I noticed that your wife was very... shaken up... and I told her to get some rest." "If it's not yet signed, then... perhaps you could..." "No!" "That is... we can't do that." "Though, if you can assure me that tomorrow morning your wife won't..." "Tomorrow morning we'll leave early." "I assure you." "Then rip it up." "I do it for those two guys, you know." "I don't want to ruin their chances of work." "Bartolin, they're free to go." "Tell them to wait a moment, I'd like to give them something..." "No!" "Sicilians are proud, dignified people." "They would never accept money." "Thank you." "Two hours, they made us wait!" "Two hours!" "Two hours, we've lost!" "Damn it!" "And not even a tip!" "They could have at least fed us." "Son of a bitch!" "You, too!" "And thanks for everything!" "Here you are, finally." "Do you know how late it is?" "Where have you been, all this time?" "At the police station." "At the police station?" "Why?" "For some formalities." "Bernard..." "I wanted to say that..." "Everything's okay."