"THE DEVIL'S GONDOLA" "The devil's gondola.." "Have you ever seen a gondola with a line like this?" "It won me the regatta." "They were all celebrating me but it was the gondola that won it." "The freize is still new." "Nice words, but I can't give you more than twenty zecchinis." "We agreed to twenty-five." "If I give you twenty-five then I'll have to spend another ten to paint it." "Paint is not a big deal." " Come away Grisostomo." "If Marco acts like that it means he doesn't really need the money." "Come on Mr. Grisostomo." "We're all gentlemen." "I'm sure we can come to an agreement." "Don't you think, Marco?" "Remember, no more than twenty!" "You have to meet each other halfway." "Let's say twenty-two and a half zecchinis." "What about that?" "A bit of good will, Sir Grisostomo." "Looks like we're always the only ones who have to show good will." "Just look at that gondola!" "How beautiful is the drape in that cabin." "You're getting a bargain!" "Five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-two and a half." "I'm so happy right now." "So happy." "Five, ten, fifteen, twenty." "That's my part." "Daddy, Toni has something to tell you!" "I've found you at last!" "Take your gondola and go immediately to the Bragadin palace." "The new ambassador of France has arrived." "He needs a gondoliere for a whole month." "Hurry!" "A gondola?" " Sure, they're looking for a gondoliere with his own gondola." "I've talked to the butler about you, he's OK with it." "Just remember, no.." "Dad, they're going to give you a livery!" "I've seen it with Toni, it's green with golden laces!" "Hey, what's wrong?" "Aren't you happy?" " Yeah, sure." "Hey, watch out with that velvet, you're going to tear it!" "So what?" "Why do you care?" " It's my daddy's gondola!" "It was your father's gondola." "I sold it." "I had to." "Poor Marco." "Since your wife died nothing seems to go right for you." "Since she died?" "And before?" "You're right, she had a long illness." "Nearly two years, poor woman." "Bills, debts." "It's like a curse, it just keeps getting worse." "I can't find a job." "That's a bit your fault too." " Mine?" " With that bad temper of yours.." "I just can't stand arrogant people, that's all." "You're lucky." "You don't need anyone and make a living singing a couple of lines and scratching this pan." "Don't think it's that easy." "I know, nobody's happy in this world." "At least you can take it easy for a while." "I hope you got a good deal." "No way, after Momi took his part I've got only twenty zecchinis left." "Sir, nice to see you." "Especially to see you full of money." "But really, I.." " A pleasure for you but also for me." "I've been waiting for a long time.." "Be my guest.." "Don't worry, I don't want to take it all." "You owe me ten zecchinis." "I'll take five for now, thanks." "You're a good man." "These hard times won't last forever." "Tell your father this is the last time I come here!" "It's a disgrace!" "Please, be reasonable." "One of these days my father.." "No, I've been waiting for too long!" "I'm not moving from here!" "I'll wait for him here." "I'll show him what kind of man I am." "A really ugly kind." " What did you say?" "How dare you insult a gentleman!" "No offense, but you really think you're handsome?" "I want what's mine, my money!" "There's no need to shout." "You scared my daughter, almost made her cry." "You want the money?" "Here it is." "Hold on." "How much do I owe you?" " Fifteen zecchinis." "Well, I can give you part of that." "What about five zecchinis?" "No way!" "You've got all the money and I want it now!" "But Mr. Callisto here.." " Yes, I only took five zecchinis." "We know him, he's a gentleman." "Next month, we come back and he gives us the rest." "Isn't that so, Mr. Marco?" "I don't care." "I want my money now, or I'll call the guards!" "Please, Mr.." " Don't beg him." "Here's the money." "Take it and go away." "Or you'll really have to call the guards!" "Mr. Zagaria!" "Mr. Zagaria." "It's not true that you're ugly." "You're the most beautiful loan shark in Venice!" "Back to square one." "It was really worth selling the gondola." "Don't think about it." "I've finished my work." "I'll show you." "Daddy, I want to go out and play!" " Go, go." "Here it is." "I'm going to deliver it right now and bring home some money." "Deliver it to who?" " To Donna Imperia." "She's the one who ordered it." "And you're going to enter that woman's house?" " Why not?" "She's a very fine lady." " Indeed." "But do you know how she made her fortune?" "Shut up, you windbag!" "Do you like it?" " Beautiful." "Our dear Marina has golden hands." "Take off those dirty hands." " They're still better than yours." "They look like elephant feet." "My dear.." "How beautiful he is." "Take him to the courtyard." "Many would envy that dog." "Excuse me." " Madame." "Unbelievable." "A woman like Imperia in love with that Rekoumis." "In love?" "Don't be silly." "He's just one of many." "No, Rekoumis is something more." " Yes, he's her pimp." "Right, but who's his pimp?" "What?" " I mean where does he find the money for such a luxurious life?" "Maybe his family is rich." " I don't think so." "When he came to Venice, a few years ago, he didn't have a single ducato." "Maybe he made money with trade." " Yes, maybe." "I'd only like to know what kind of trade.." "Enough." "Stop it." "I don't like this movement." "No grace, no lightness." "Try the figure you were doing before." "Have you heard girls?" "Madonna Imperia is not very pleased with you." "Not very pleased?" "I am afraid they won't be ready for the party." "But Madonna, we still have plenty of time to practice." "Music, please." "You're pretty harsh on your dancers, Madonna Imperia." "Perhaps." "But I also think that.." "you get the best results away from prying eyes." "From you, these words are a compliment." " Or like a gentle dismissal." "Have you brought your work?" " Yes madame." "Come in, I'll be right back." "Beautiful, isn't it?" "Yes, it looks like a fairy tale palace." "No, fairies, real fairies walk this earth." "They are just like.." "just like you, for instance." "And a fairy like you, my dear, can get a palace even more beautiful than this one." "Let's see what our good Marina brought us." "I'm sure he already had the time to sing you a madrigal." "Beautiful." "You're very gifted." "And also very kind." "Don't ever change." "You're lucky, you're still in time." "Well, how much do you want?" "Madonna, it's up to you to decide." "Three golden zecchinis, alright?" " Three golden zecchinis?" " It's impossible." " Do you want more?" "The opposite." "That's really too much." " You're really a child." "Take these three zecchinis." "And come back next week." "I'll surely have more work for you." "Thank you, Madonna Imperia." "Thank you." "# Don't go in the tavern, don't drink like a turk." "# Don't play dice and don't look at women." "# Be they blonde or brunettes, # be the maid or be the mistress, # be the daughter or be the mother." "You mustn't look at women." "No, you've got the lyrics wrong." "Listen." "# Be they blonde or brunettes, be the daughter or be the mother," "# You've got to love them all." "You've got to love them all." "What did you say?" "Love all women?" " Exactly, all of them." "No exceptions." "Even that one over there?" "Thanks, illustrious gentlemen." "God bless you all." "Look!" "Let's go back!" "Let's go back!" "What are you doing?" "How dare you!" "Imbecile, scoundrel!" "Indeed." "One must really be an imbecile if he wants to hug you." "Forgive me for my mistake, Madonna." "How rude!" "Let's go, let's go!" "Oh, look!" "Here comes another one." "Don't look back!" "Don't look back!" "She's good looking too." "No, it's my turn." "I've seen her first." "No, please." "Not with this one." " Why?" "Have you said something?" " Me?" "Not a word." "Too bad." "I thought that.." " What?" "That I was going to thank you?" "No, I didn't mean that, but.." "I'm always stumbling into you lately." "It's not my fault this time." "We're all a bit tipsy." "A friend of ours just graduated in Padova." "We're celebrating." "You can learn a lot of useful things in Padova." "But not manners towards women." "Marina." "Oh, it's you Chechi." " What were you looking at?" "Nothing." "Dad has not come back home yet, has he?" " No, no." "Good." "I've got a surprise for him." "Look here." " Three golden zecchinis." "Next time I'll pay!" " Hell, I'm always the one who ends up drinking for free." "I said that from now on the drinks are on me, and you'll be sorry if you disobey." " As you wish." " Daddy will surely be happy!" " Of course he'll be." "It's him!" " Oh Marina!" "Already here?" " Yes, Dad." "I've been here for quite some time." " Good." "What are you doing?" "I'm making some soup." " Wait a second." "Listen." "Would you like a new silk dress?" "And for me?" " For you a small boat." "All for me?" " Of course." " Thank you, Dad." "Marina, aren't you happy?" " Don't worry, Dad." "Give me you bowl." "Soup is ready." "Soup?" "We are going to eat chicken everyday from now on." "You feel like joking today." " Joking?" "Are these jokes or golden scudis?" "So, it's really true?" "You found a job." " Yes, I've found a job." "And a well paid one too." " I see." "What kind of job is it?" " All I have to do is.." "No, I can't tell you that." " Why?" "Because I can't." "I gave my word and I have to keep it." "Fair enough." "But what about lunch?" " I've already eaten at the tavern." "I'm going to get some sleep 'cause tonight I'm starting to work." "Tonight?" " Sure." "By the way, remember to wake me up at sunset." "Don't worry, Dad." "So this is a night time job?" "Yes, why?" "Nothing." "Rest well, Dad." "Hey, what's your name sweetie?" " Nina sir." "You're really lovely." "Do you know what you have to do?" " I'm all ears." "Go and call your boss." "Run." "At your service, gentlemen." "You see, the ideal thing would be to have a Venetian host serving some good greek wine." "Instead of having a greek host, well.." "God knows where this wine comes from." "But gentlemen, this is an excellent wine from Verona." "We'd like some wine from Cyprus." " Understood." "Excuse me." "Lisa, a lantern." "Our wine from Cyprus is only for connoisseurs." "I'll be right back to serve you." "Your excellency." "It's always an honor for me." "A great honor." "Here you are." "This wine comes from my own homeland." "My word of honor." " Forget about your honor." "Tell me, that guy that came in is also a fellow countryman of yours, isn't he?" "Mr. Rekoumis?" "No, I just had the honor to serve him in Smyrna." "He's a very noble and generous man." "He seems to know the place quite well." "I owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Rekoumis." "And I can't refuse him anything." "Sometimes, when he needs a quiet place to.." "Do some spiritual exercises.." "Exactly." "In these occasions he graces this tavern with his presence." "He's a true gentleman, Mr. Rekoumis." "Oh my God, look!" " What's wrong?" " There!" "The devil's gondola!" "No, it can't be!" " Yes!" "It is!" "Let's get away from here." "Close the door!" "Giovanni!" "Giovanni!" "Giovanni!" "Poor woman." "She's the wife, isn't she?" "They've been married for two years." "A good family." "It's the fourth homicide in a few days." " The fourth.." "Before this one that poor captain of the guards on Holy Saturday night." "And before that the two senators." "It's impossible." "It can't be only one murderer." " But it is, that's for sure." "They saw the gondola again, in the canal." " What gondola?" "They call it the devil's gondola." " Holy mother of god!" "Everyone's scared to leave the house at night." "And the guards?" "What are they doing to prevent this?" "Ale Medìm, son of Antonio, 35 years old, gondoliere." "Is that you?" "Yes, it's me." " Answer to his excellency the Avogadore." "It's me, Your Excellency." "The guards of the Guarantia, under His Excellency's order brought you here." "You're charged with murder of citizens of this republic." "But Your Excellency.." " You kept denying your involvement in the murders." "Therefore His Excellency the Avogadore ordered you to be chained against the wall." "Ale Medìn, do you want to confess your crimes now?" "Your excellency, I know nothing!" "I'm innocent!" "I'm a good christian." "If you're really a good christian, you'd better confess." "And face death with a clean conscience and God's forgiveness." "Woe to him who dies of torture, unforgiven." "Your Excellency, I'm in your hands!" "And in God's hands!" "I'm not guilty!" "Your Excellency, have mercy!" "Have mercy!" "No!" "No!" "Let me go!" "Let me go!" "Ale Medìn, all you have to do is pray for God's forgiveness, and you can be forgiven only by confessing." "No!" "I'm innocent!" "I swear on my children!" "My little Giorgi!" "My little Nina!" "Confess, son." "Confess." "Wait a second!" "This morning, about an hour ago, they've found another body in Santa Croce." "Are you sure that it's still the same.." " Yes, your Excellency." "The footmen saw the gondola last night." "That gondola." "Only God's justice is without fail." "Men's justice can be wrong." "But it can fix things back as well." "These men are innocent." "They can be released." "Ale Medin must have some sort of compensation." "Buy two pillar candles on his behalf." "Light them before the statue of the Virgin Mary in the prison chapel" "What are you doing?" "I'm getting ready to go." "You asked me to go buy some salt." "You can walk to the shop, it's not that far." "Why walking when I have my own boat?" "Don't take too long, at least." "Lena, Lena, Medin has come back home!" "Gegia's husband?" "The gondoliere?" " Yes, they declared him innocent!" "Let's thank the Lord." " Yes, but he still was tortured, poor guy." "A shame!" "They keep arresting good people while the killer is still on the loose." "You're right." "The killer must be sleeping peacefully now." "And the dancers?" "When are we going to see them?" "If I had Simonetta sitting next to me" "I'd forget all the dancers in the world." " Do you hear him?" "How nice!" "It's very strange for a courtesan however illustrious she may be to have at her house such high class guests: ambassadors, top officials." "Only the Pope's delegate is missing." "It's not so strange if you think about it." "A house like this one is the ideal place for plotting and scheming." "And for people like us, whose job is to prevent such plots and schemes, well, our presence here is mandatory." "I don't mean to belittle Imperia." "But it's not because of her we're here tonight." "Right." "That Rekoumis is a strange man." "We all know he works for someone but I still haven't found out who." "I'd like to know as well, and I will find out." " It won't be easy." "He's been trying all night to approach the ambassador of France." "Therefore he mustn't be working for him." "Your Excellency." "Maybe you're right." "Here come your son and his friend Zeno." "What's wrong Paolo?" "You look worried." "Not at all, Father." "I had a fine evening." "It's only getting a bit late and I.." "I'm trying to convince Paolo to stay, but looks like he has to wake up early." "It's always a bad sign when my son wakes up early in the morning." "The morning hours are the best for studying." "You're right, Sir." "Especially for studying the natural sciences." "It's a honor to have in my house both Veniers, father and son." "To be worthy of you, the father should be as young as the son." "Your father must be your fiercest rival." "If only he were to tell you how he won his political battles you'd know I wouldn't stand a chance." "These Venetians are really extraordinary!" "They haven't caught the killer yet, but they already gave him a great name." "The devil's gondola!" "Perhaps my dear Marquis it's just easier to give an enemy a name than beat him." "However.. isn't it incredible that no one seems to be able to find him?" "A gondola is not a needle." "I'm starting to think the authorities have an interest in keeping the identity of the killer hidden." "I'd pay to know what he is whispering to the frenchman." "I'm sure it's nothing relevant." "I wouldn't be surprised if we were his real target from the beginning." "You're right." "Here he comes." "The Ambassador of the King of France is quite fascinated by the Venetian spirit." "Oh really?" "And why, if I may ask." "He said that despite not being able to capture the devil's gondola the Venetians were at least able to give him a great name that strikes the imagination of the people." "You seem to know him quite well, so tell him please, that the authorities know what they are doing and they're doing it the best they can." "Venier, at last!" "No, thanks." "You have to agree however that this story has some very peculiar aspects." "For instance how all the victims of this mysterious murderer were prominent figures in the Venetian political scene." "Well, if that's so, you, a foreigner with no political ambitions must feel quite safe." "You have nothing to worry about." "It's none of your business." "The dancers." "Your son looks bored." "Strange, I had heard he was a jovial, cheerful young man." "Instead he is quite the serious type." " My son serious?" "Not at all." "He's just in a bit of a turmoil right now." "What do you mean?" " He's in love." "With whom?" "I'll obviously be the last to know." "I've already told you I prefer to walk alone." "I know, but at this hour.." "It's not even dawn yet." "You could have a bad encounter." " I already had one." "But at least let me thank you." "Thank me for what?" " It's because of you if I went into the church." "I seldom do it on my own." " That's bad." "I know, that's why I'd like you to take care of my soul." "Judging by your clothes you look more interested in material needs rather than the spiritual ones." "You're right." "Last night I went to a party that ended very late." "You were still able to wake up before dawn though." "No, I just didn't go to sleep at all." "And now I'm happy of my decision." "And now for the first time I see the sunrise." " I see it every morning." "Every time is like the first time." "Wouldn't it be nice if from now on we're going to watch this show together?" "Good morning Marina." " Good morning." "Been waiting for long?" "Marina." "What a wonderful name." "It reminds me of the sea." "Your eyes are so sweet." "Marina." " Stop it, Mr. Poet." "You didn't even come to church this morning." " You're right, forgive me." "But we'll go together one day." "And we'll kneel in front of the altar." "Please, don't say such things." "It's a promise you can't keep." "You're rich, a nobleman." "I.." " I don't care." "True love overcomes all obstacles." "Marina, do you believe in the sincerity of my love?" "I do." "But it's getting late, I have to go now." "What if my father finds out.." " Don't worry, he won't." "I think he's already suspecting something." "Then we can't see each other again?" "Of course we will." "But maybe it will be more prudent to find another place." "As you wish." "What about tomorrow." "Tomorrow we'll meet at the same hour at the Frari bridge." "Paolo?" " My love?" " I am afraid." "Afraid of what my dear?" " I don't know." "I'm afraid this happiness might end one day." "I'm afraid to lose you." "I think I'd die." "I feel on top of the world, instead." "I'm totally confident in myself and sure of our future." "Because I love you so much, Marina." " Paolo!" "Why are you crying now?" "Don't you love me anymore?" "I do Paolo." "But if you only knew.." " Knew what?" "Nothing." "Listen, I can't come tomorrow." "I'll see you tomorrow evening." "Two days without seeing you?" " It's necessary Paolo." "We have to be careful." "The day after tomorrow, after sunset." "Marina, I don't.." " It's necessary, Paolo." "All right." "The day after tomorrow at sunset." "But give me a smile at least." " I can't." "I'm so worried that something could happen." "What could happen?" "I don't know." "Just a feeling." "Is that you, Chechi?" " Yes, Dad." "Do you know what time it is?" " You're right." "I'm sorry, Daddy." "Since I've bought you that boat you're never home." "Where's your sister?" " She went to mass." "She's always in that church." "Daddy, I've just had a boat race with other four kids." "Something like a regatta." " Sort of." "Now if you tell me that you finished in last place I.." "Do you know what I'd do?" "I'd sell your boat!" "No, Daddy, I placed second." " Not bad." "But from you, my son.." "I should have won it, I know, but Guido is three years older than me." "It wasn't fair." "Good morning, Dad." " Good morning, my dear." " Already up?" "Yes, I've had plenty of sleep." "I want to go out for a bit and see the sun." "I've been living like a night owl for almost a month." "I'll cook you something to eat." " Wait a second." "Tell me, Marina, what's wrong?" " Wrong?" "Nothing." " Don't lie." "You've changed lately." "Why are you looking so sad?" "I'm doing everything I can to see you happy." "You don't like your new dress?" "I'll buy you another one." "Please, talk to me." "You haven't said a word about the necklace I've bought you even though you wanted it so much." "Is there anything else you want?" "Tell me." "Dad, I only want.." "Go on, my dear.What do you want?" "Nothing dad." "I'm so silly, forgive me." "I can only count on you." "You're the only one who understands me, as you always have, my beloved mother." "You're right Paolo." "You're still a kid in my eyes." "But years have passed and you have become a man." "A man in love." "What is your father going to say?" " That's why I am asking for your help." "It's not going to be easy." "He's an inflexible and authoritarian." "Even if this girl you're talking about were really worthy of your love, your father would never consent." "But then.." " Then we'll have to act carefully, without rushing things." "In the meantime I will have a talk myself with this young lady." "To check how sincere are her feelings for you." "Tell me Paolo." "Do you think she would love you anyway, even if you were poor?" "I'm sure she would." "Marina is an angel." " I hope so, my son." "And what about you?" "Are you sure?" "Are you serious about this?" "Absolutely." "You know how much I love her." "You're very young." "You could be fooling yourself." "Listen Paolo." "Try to spend a couple of days without seeing her." "If you can resist then it's not real love." "That's all I'm asking for." "Can you promise me?" " Yes, dear mother." "Yes, Bernardo?" "Messer Lorenzo Dandolo and his noble friends are here." "They're looking for Messer Paolo." "Great family, the Veniers." "Warriors, literates, high court judges." "We could use men of that kind." "If only we had Alvise Venier by our side, everything would go smoothly." "For now we have his son." "Here he comes." "Hello Lorenzo." "Good morning." "Master!" "What are you doing here in Venice?" "Looks like a reproach for all of us." "If Mohammed doesn't go to the mountain then the mountain must go to Mohammed." "I've been waiting for you in Padova and I've decided to come here myself." "Is it true what I am hearing that your enthusiasm has waned?" "It's only partially true." "Lately I've had some.." " Let's say he had some distractions." "Once you embrace a cause you have to go through with it." "Especially if it's a just cause, like ours." "The time is ripe for the reforms we want to bring to this republic." "Discontent is spreading everywhere among the people." "These 1000 year old rules are not going to cut it anymore." "The oligarchy that retains all the power and all the rights must accept these reforms, to turn the servile plebes into free and happy citizens." "But what have we done so far?" "You for instance, have you met with your friends, tried to persuade them, convince them, convert them to our cause?" "You, Paolo." "Are you sure you have done everything you could?" "Have you talked to your father?" "Do you know that if we had the nobleman Alvise Venier leading us we could be sure of our success?" "I know, and I also know that my father wouldn't be hostile to our projects." "But it's still to early." "As long as there's so few of us, he's going to consider us schemers, enemies of the republic." "And he's going to defend it." " That's the point." "We mustn't be a handful of schemers plotting in the shadows anymore." "The people are with us." "We must go out in the light of day and speak loudly about what we want and why we want it." "Right." "But we have to be very strong to do this, Master." "The senate will defend its privileges tooth and nail." "That's exactly what I wanted to talk about." "There's someone in Venice that could help us." "You know him." "It's Rekoumis." " Rekoumis?" "No, I refuse to deal with that man." "Joining him would hurt our reputation." "We'd join the devil himself if necessary." "One moment, let's see." "How can this man help us?" "I've been watching him for a long time asking myself where he got all his power and wealth." "Now I know it." "Almost every evening Rekoumis secretly meets the Emperor's ambassador." "Now I understand why the German is the only one who never showed up at Imperia's house." "So what?" "We can't ally with a courtesan and a foreign ambassador!" "You're right." "But this is the sad fate of our country." "To settle internal disputes Italians always have to rely on some foreigner." "For now France is not bothering us." "But Spain?" "You know that the ambassador is arriving tonight." "If Venice allies with Spain, it would an hard blow for us." "We have to prevent this." "I have already something in mind." "I hope you're not referring to those noble plotters you were talking about earlier." "No, no." "They're just a bunch fools." "And one day I'm sure they're all going to be hanged." "But in the meantime, we could use them." " How?" "In many ways." "I can get a lot of precious info from them." "But that's the least of it." "The day we'll have need of them, you'll only have to promise them your help to have them cause uprises and revolts in the whole country." "You're a bit too optimistic." "Never underestimate these damned Italians." "You're exposing yourself with them." "What if they were to know about us?" "Lord Count, those deluded noblemen will only talk to Imperia." "You're very generous with her, your Excellency but we mustn't forget she's a very precious ally for us." "I'll be truly proud to serve your noble cause." "Well, then you'll let us know when and where we could meet that person." "All right." "To avoid any suspicion you two shouldn't meet here." "I'd prefer to come here during parties, dinners, occasions where I wouldn't be noticed." "Sir, you don't have to worry about that." "There's nothing suspicious about men visiting me." "The only suspicious person would be your wife." "I'd like you to stay." "I have something very important to tell you." "I'll handle that errand for you." "Don't forget." "The most insignificant mistake could cost us our heads." "And yours too." "And that would be a shame." "It's an indian instrument." "Quite unusual, isn't it?" "Yes, indeed." "Well, what did you have to tell me?" "Do I really need to have something important to tell you to keep you for a couple of minutes here with me?" "Who were you thinking of when I came in?" "I don't know." "Nobody, I guess." "I don't think so." "I'm sure you were thinking about a woman." "Perhaps." "But it's difficult to think about another woman while being around you." "Marina, I'm leaving." "Is Chechi in bed?" " He's already asleep." "Don't stay up too late." "It's getting late and you must be tired" " Yes, Dad." "Bolt the door and don't open it for any reason." " Don't worry dad." "Good night Marina." " Good night." "What are you listening to?" "What are you thinking of?" "Or better, who are you thinking of?" "Go." "Go to her." "What are you waiting for?" "Go!" "Weren't you supposed to meet her at this hour?" "Go to her!" "What do you know?" " What do I know?" "You've become the talk of the town." "The nobleman Venier and the gondoliere's daughter." "But the best is yet to come!" "Then all of Venice will really have something to laugh about." " But.." "What do you mean?" " Don't ask me." "Ask the judges, or the guards." "Who's that tall and strong gondoliere suspected to be the murderer everyone is looking for?" "Ask them if his name is perhaps Marco, like your sweetheart's father." "Why do should you care if she's waiting for you?" "Why do should we care about the whole world, as long as we are here, you and I, together?" "The Spanish galleon just dropped anchor." "This is a great day for Venice." "Thanks to you dear Venier." "Politics is easy as long as you keep in mind what the people needs." "Look, everyone's happy in Venice tonight." "The Venetian citizens for sure." "Someone else is not going to be pleased though." "Have you heard that?" "It's a parade." "They did things in style to honor the Spanish Ambassador." "It's going to be a very profitable deal, both for Spain and Venice." "Even better, it's going to be a bigger let down for Venice." "The man who arranged the deal is a clever politician,he knows what he is doing." "It won't be easy to mess up his plans." "However.. the treaty must not be signed." "There's a way to prevent that." " I don't want ot know how." "Of course." "I won't bother you with the details." "Let's forget about politics for a moment, dear Rekoumis and enjoy the wonderful celebrations." "What happened?" " A murder!" "Again?" " Yes!" "It was the devil's gondola, I saw it!" "Who's the victim this time?" " They don't know his name yet!" "Let's go to the guard post!" "We want justice!" "Yes!" "Let's go!" "Justice!" "Justice!" "Death to the murderer!" "Justice!" "Justice!" "Donna Imperia!" "Donna Imperia!" "What is it?" " Two of the Venier family are here." "They're looking for sir Paolo." "What happened?" " An accident." "They didn't say more." "It's really true then!" "But how did it happen?" "It was during the parade." "While they were landing." " And did they catch the murderer?" "No way." "They haven't even seen him." " He disappeared like a ghost." "May he die from the plague." "So, have you called my master?" "Yes, here comes donna Imperia." "Are you looking for the nobleman Venier?" "Yes, Madonna, I must talk to him immediately." "Just tell me before what happened." "A very serious thing." " Just tell me!" "His father was killed." " Oh my god!" "What a disgrace!" "Already up, donna Imperia?" "I was just passing down here on my gondola and.." "Oh Rekoumis!" "Something terrible happened!" "Terrible!" "Quiet." "I've never seen you so distressed." "Piero, I thought I've heard your voice." "Why are you here?" "What's wrong." "You must be strong now." "Your father has just been murdered." "In this sad occurrence, I'd really like to be helpful" "Nobleman Venier, believe me, I'm deeply sorry and I assure you my friendship.." "Here's a man that from now on will have only one desire avenge his father's death." "Revenge?" "Against whom?" "How can he discover the killer?" "It won't be hard to make up one." "We'll think about that when the time comes." "Paolo!" "In Rovigo, in Verona, in Padova." "It's going to break out all in the same day." "And Venice?" " Something even bigger will take place here." "Isn't that so?" "In every district there's a breeding ground for revolt." "Furthermore, the spark will come from Venetian patricians." "Our noblemen friends aren't expecting anything else." "You only need to tell us and the skirmishes will begin." "And if you want it they'll soon become a full blown revolt." "No, I don't want anything really grave to happen." "I just want to give some trouble to the Venetian authorities" "I want them to be very busy for a couple of days." "They'll need every soldier the they have to bring back order." "After all we don't hate Venice." "We just want to warn them." "No, please, don't go out that way." "Tonight more than ever I want you to be unseen." "Follow me." "I'm sorry, your honor but I swore the first Venetian judge" "I will shake hands with will be the one who arrests my father's murderer." "Listen, son.." " Son?" "The only man that had the right to call me son is dead." "And others died before, by the same hand." "The authorities seem to be helpless." "Unless.." " Unless?" "Unless the hand that killed is the same that is supposed to punish the killer." "I can forgive a lot for a man like you especially in this moment of sorrow." "But nobody has the right to offend his own country." "I'm not offending the country." "Only a few men." "The judges you so lightly accuse, represent it." "Your suspicions not only offend them but the republic itself!" "Nobleman Venier, you have my deepest sympathy." "Thank you?" " Any news?" "I'm very impatient." "You'll find out or better we'll find out the guilty the same day the tyrants that rule us will be overthrown." "That day is near." "It's all arranged for Sunday." "Are you ready?" " Yes, we are." "I'd wish to show my condolences to your mother." "Be my guest." " Thank you." " Take this gentleman to meet my mother." "Paolo?" " Yes, Lorenzo?" "We've been betrayed!" "They have played us like fools!" "Like fools!" "What are you talking about?" " About Rekoumis." "He's planning to use us for the foul interests of his master!" "He needs to keep Venice busy so that his master can take control of Italy." " Quiet!" "Got it?" "Now we see his true colors!" "If I see that bastard, I'm gonna kill him with my own hands!" "Calm down, Lorenzo." "I was right about that man after all." "But we must be careful now." "We have to stop everything." "Send messengers in Rovigo, Padova." "Warn our friends in the naval fleet." "Nobody should raise a finger this Sunday." "About Rekoumis.." " Here he comes!" "Wait a second." "What are your plans for Sunday morning?" "We may have been a little naive, but we're still in time." "What do you mean by that?" "It's means we know about your schemes, you bloody spy!" "And we want to have nothing to do with the likes of you." "It means that we're Venetians." "We don't work for plotting foreign ambassadors." "Understood?" "It may be a little late now to remember such things." "But we're still in time to throw you down the canal, spy!" "That would be easy." "I am alone." "In a Venetian house the guest is sacred." "But know this:" "On Sunday, we won't stir, but you'll leave Venice within 24 hours, if you value your life." "Understood?" "I'll show you the door." "Messer Paolo." "A girl wants to see you." "Paolo I swear I came here not for selfish reasons but only because of your disgrace, to tell you.." "I want you to tell me only one thing." "Where was your father the night mine was killed?" "How is our little artist doing?" "Still sad I see." "You'd better stay away from that Venier." "Things are getting bad for that kid." "Please my dear, give me a smile." "I have already told you." "A girl like you deserves outfits worthy of a queen." "Why didn't you let me handle him?" " Not here." "If I run, I can still catch up to him." " No, Lorenzo, calm down now." "It's better to keep an eye on him, we'll know more about his plans." "Yes, so he can go and report us to the guards." "He won't." "He's in the same boat with us." "Don't worry Lorenzo." "Rekoumis won't tell on us." "Why did you do it?" "You could have chosen anyone in Venice." "I've always helped you." "But not him!" "Not him!" "Unfortunately, I can't choose my enemies maybe things will be easier if you choose your friends more carefully." "Listen Rekoumis, you know I've always done everything you wanted." "but this time beware!" "I'm not joking!" "I'm not joking either." "I only loved a man in my whole life." " I thought I was that man." "Only one man and you hurt him." "How can you always be so ruthless so uncaring about anyone?" "I really care about myself." "You'd better not lay a finger on this dear friend of mine." "Are you sure you remember?" " Yes, Madonna." "Repeat then." "Messer Paolo, my lady has something of the utmost importance to tell you." "She says it's not safe for you to come at her place." "She awaits you at midnight at the pillars of the Moro." "Good." "Now go, as fast as you can." "Wait a second." "I thought I've heard a noise." "Go." "And remember, midnight." "It's midnight, the sky is clear sleep without worry." "It's midnight, the sky is clear.." "It's midnight.." "Imperia!" "Imperia!" "Who did this to you?" "Paolo." "Imperia!" "Imperia!" " In the name of the Republic, don't move!" "You're under arrest for tonight's murder." " But.." "Your excellency." "As you ordered me this morning at dawn, I've thoroughly interrogated Paolo Venier according to my conscience, about all the accusations written in this letter." "I've also enumerated all the facts." "His schemes against the Republic, the secret meetings and revolts planned in Venice and other cities of Veneto." "I named his accomplices." "I even told him many of them already confessed." "Paolo Venier denied everything." " I hope he didn't deny tonight's murder." "He denied that too." "But the guards caught him with the body of that woman in his arms." "Ready to throw her down the canal, two feet away from the gondola." "That damned gondola that's terrorized Venice with its beastly murders." "He denied everything." "He admitted he had an appointment with the woman." "But he only saw the shadowy figure of the murderer stabbing her in the back." "Torture him and he'll confess!" "Your Excellency, you probably know I'm a long time friend of the Venier family." "I saw that boy grow up." "I know him as well as his father did." "If he's guilty you won't need torture to make him confess." "But if he's innocent, torture will be useless." "We've successfully dealt with criminals more stubborn than him." "Paolo's arrest caused a big commotion in town." "Everybody talks about it, the Venier family is very popular and loved." "Especially the boy, even more so after his father's death." "I don't care about what people say." "I have the moral duty to warn you that I also think Paolo Venier to be innocent." "If you think this belief of mine might be a hindrance to my duty," "I'm ready to resign." "I didn't say that." "Please, sit." "What have I done?" "What have we done to deserve such horrible things?" "Don't worry aunt, Paolo will surely get out of those dungeons." "We have friends down there." "They will help him escape." "But where will he go?" "Where will you go?" " Don't worry about that, Aunt." "Italy is a big country and a bit of traveling won't do us harm." "In the meantime our friends will pave the way for our comeback." "Please, do me a favor." "I haven't been back home since tonight." "I'm leaving without seeing my father." "Tell him not to believe all the things they're saying of me." "There's a person that wants to talk to you, Madonna." "She says it's a very urgent matter." "Let her in." "I'll leave leave through the back." "Remember, tonight at the Saint Sebastian church" "Third column on the left." "You'll find someone to give news of us." "Farewell." "Come closer, young girl." "Maybe I know who you are." "You did well to come." "It wasn't him!" "I'm sure he's not the murderer!" "I'm sure too, but that's not enough." "Justice is inflexible." "Especially when it's wrong." "But I know something that maybe could help him." "A terrible thing." " Calm down." "There's no use in crying when something better can be done." "What do you know, my child?" "Something I wasn't going to tell a soul." "It's a deadly sin, I know." "But he mustn't die!" "He mustn't die!" "Come, try to be calm." "Now what is it you know?" "We are poor, my father is a gondoliere and he recently lost his job." "We were desperate." "Then suddenly my father started to spend the nights out and.." " And?" "And since then he always has a lot of money." "He never wanted to tell me how he made it but I'm afraid.." "God forgive me.." "Have you heard of the devil's gondola?" "Of course I have." "Why?" "Because I'm afraid my father is.." "oh, it's horrible!" "My dear, it's very grave to think such things about your own father." "You have to think carefully before accusing him." "I'm not accusing him." "But I would do anything for Paolo." "I didn't even have the courage to tell the confessor." "And that's a good thing." "What do I have to do now?" "Now calm down." "We'll talk it over again." "But maybe things are not so desperate as they seem." "Anyway, I thank you." "Paolo will be grateful when he learns what you were ready to do for his sake." "He doesn't see me anymore." "What's your name?" " Marina." "Come see me again, Marina." " Oh, thank you!" "Holy Virgin, if my son's really innocent as I think, please save him." "May you be blessed, amen." "Mother." " Paolo!" "Weren't you leaving?" "It's dangerous here." "What if they see you?" "They won't see me." "And I won't leave." "But you must!" "Not until I have found my father's murderer." "Mother, do you believe me at least?" "You know I didn't killed that woman, right?" "I know, son." "I know you didn't do it." "And another person knows that as well." "Today I met Marina." "You must love her, she's ready to give up everything for you." "You won't hear from me for a while but don't worry." "Everything will turn out alright." "But I'd prefer to know you're away from here." "Not until I've found the murderer." "Don't talk about revenge, my son." "Keep in mind you're in a church." "Only by finding the real culprit I can prove my innocence." "I must stay." "Let God's will be done." "Marco is still not back." " Trust me, he's looking all over Venice for her." "It's him!" "Have you found her?" " No!" "Nobody knows nothing." "Nobody has seen her." "The devil's gondola again." "How strange." "Three times I read the cards and they're always the same." "If you want to find Marina, you have to look for the devil's gondola." "Don't be silly!" " Dad!" "Where's my dad?" " I'm here, can't you see me?" "I've found Giorgio." "The blacksmith's son." "He told me that this morning he saw Marina enter the Venier palace." "And then?" " Then I went there." "What do you mean with I went there?" " Let him talk!" "What happened?" "I went there and they told me Marina left about half an hour later." " What was she doing there?" "They said she talked with the mistress of the house, the mother of that nobleman who was arrested last night." "What the hell is she doing?" "She goes here, there, visits noblemen's houses and I know nothing about it!" "It's driving me mad!" "It must have been something regarding her job." "Marina is a good girl." "What matters now is to find her." " But where, where?" "I looked everywhere in Venice." "And it's almost night and I must go.." "And who's gonna look after this kid.." " Chechi is staying with me, don't worry." "I'm staying here, just in case.." " Good, I'll be back as soon as I can." "Toni, I want to stay here tonight.." "No, dear, you're coming with me." "You heard your dad?" "Where can I find you if I have any news?" " I'll be coming back." "Be a good boy, Chechi." "Thank you Ettina." "Good night." "I know he spends a lot of time in that tavern." "I'm quite sure I'll find him there." "Wait for me here." "Forgive me master, I don't want anything to happen to you.." "Don't worry, I'll be right back." "Did you recognized that guy?" " Of course I did." "Isn't he supposed to be in jail?" "Maybe we should tell the boss." "Don't bother." "He's got other things on his mind at the moment." "What can I get you, sir?" "I'll handle this.. your Excellency." "If I'm not mistaken, I already had the pleasure to serve you, Sir." "Yes, I've been here in more than one occasion with my friend Rekoumis." "Ah, now I remember.." "are you looking for messer Rekoumis?" " Yes." "I have an appointment with him here." "Have you seen him?" " Yes, to be honest, he's here." "But I don't know if I would disturb him now." "He's upstairs." " Is it going to take long?" " Yes, I'm afraid." "Seems like he's having quite a troublesome night." "A surly girl, you know." "He's talking with him." " Looks like he knows him." "We should ask him what he said to him." " No, later." "Better remain unnoticed." "Well then, real Cyprus wine, like the last time." "A special one." "The best in Venice." "What's going on?" "Where's Basilio?" " Inside the cellar." "No, no!" " Quiet, please." "Be quiet." "Help!" "Open the door!" "What kind of jokes.." "He's not joking." "He's upstairs, he barred the door." "Son of a bitch!" " There must be another way in." "Yes, yes, come with me." "Open the door!" "Marina!" " Paolo!" "Go away!" "Go, hurry!" " But Paolo.." "I've got a gondola waiting outside!" " I'm not leaving you!" "Do as I say!" "What happened?" "At last!" "It took you some time." "Stop!" "Go and call the guards, so that they can arrest him." "You'll stay here and keep an eye on him." "I don't want anyone to hurt this dear boy." "Messer Rekoumis, where's the girl?" "She escaped but she won't go far." "Let's go." "Oh my God what's going to happen to Paolo?" "It's them!" " Look there." "Hurry, the gondola!" "Faster!" "Faster!" "Here they come!" "Oh God, they're catching up!" "Someone's chasing us!" "It's him, that bastard!" "Keep rowing!" "Row!" "Faster!" "Faster!" "Hurry please!" "I'll smash your.." " Dad!" "Marina!" " Dad!" "Wait!" "Stop in the name of the Republic!" "This man has a lot of things to confess before he dies." "Aren' t you Marco the gondoliere?" " Yes, I am." "Actually I'm working for the guards now." "Here, my friend, show us your brazen face!" "I've been hunting him for over a month, every night!" "Unbelievable." "I though that.." " That I was the killer, right?" "Everybody thought that!" "Even my own daughter." "And I couldn't tell her the truth." "You assassin.." "but at least now.." "No!" "I get paid double if he's alive." "Let the axeman deal with him." "Even though there's something I have to do first." "In the name of the Serenissima, the foreigner Xenio Rekoumis, self-confessed killer, responsible for several murders of the citizens of this republic has been sentenced to death." "The execution will take place this morning in San Marco plaza, following all the formalities the law requires." "C'mon, dear boy, you've been in front of the mirror more than an hour." "Be patient." "I want to look good for my sister's wedding." "But we must go to the plaza first, it's already late." "To the plaza?" "Why?" " What?" "They're going to execute that Rekoumis at last!" "I'm ready!" "Let's go grumpy old man!" "Hey, where are you?" "Wait for me!" "Wait!" "The foreigner, Xenio Rekoumis, guilty of multiple murders of multiple Venetian citizens, has been executed." "Justice is done." "Are you happy now?" "We're late." "Who's that man?" " He's the axeman." " Why is he wearing a mask?" "How would I know?" "Let's go or we'll be late for the wedding too."