"Giordano!" "Giordano!" "You forgot your breakfast!" "Thanks, Mum!" "Bye!" " Don't forget to write!" "Bye, Dad!" "Aren't you ashamed, going around dressed like that?" "Go on..." "Let's go..." "Like hell that guy's stopping." "What a car, though." "That could do 200 km/h in its sleep." "I get it, time to lower the flag." "The Tricolour isn't inspiring much trust." "Anyway, if someone told me:" "we'll give you a car like that... and the means to live a suitable life... but you have to die at 30 years old... well, let's make it 40... 40 and I'll stop right away." "Partying from sunrise to sunset... hotels, casinos, that's the life... 17 years of good times and then a small funeral." "Yeah, call me stupid but I'll take it." "Mercedes 280, as if this guy would pick me up..." "Will you give me a ride as far as Genoa?" "Hey, get in with us!" " No, thanks... the army already gave me a ride, it lasted 14 months!" "Come on!" "What an artist!" "That's the kind of job I should do... to make my father happy." "As soon as the line fades... you paint it all over again, until your arm falls off." ""Egg à la Asphalt"..." "I'll have to tell my mum this recipe." "Want some?" " Thanks, but me and eggs..." "No?" "Alright..." "Why wouldn't my mum put egg in?" "She knows I hate it!" "Come on!" "Will you give me a ride... as far as Genoa?" "The Americans, though." "Great people." "Not only do they stop, they give you the wheel." "Sure, it means they can relax but it's still a show of faith." "I've always been on the side of America... they can unload all their Marines at Milano Marittima... for all I care..." " Go slow, eh?" "Never above 100." "Yes, Sir." "I'll keep it slow." "What's your name?" "Giordano Sangalli." " Giordano?" "A nice name." "No, thanks, me and cherries..." "My name is Nelson... he's Sid and she's Diana." "May I ask why you're going to Genoa?" "I'm meeting a friend there, at the toll booth." "We were together but he got a ride on a motorbike." "We're going to Cannes... then, if we have enough cash we're going all the way to Paris." "Why France?" "To see the world." "We live in Rome, do you know Rome?" "I've never been, but I prefer Milan." "Stop at a petrol station." " Yes, as soon as I see one." "I'm going away because I need a break." "Why, what work do you do?" "Nothing." "I just got out of the military, so I'm having fun for now." "Hear that?" "Doesn't work yet and he still needs a break..." "It's just, hitch-hiking has its good side... but it's no bed of roses." "What work does your father do in Milan?" "Well, he's..." "He..." "He works in transport." " What kind?" "The transport of people and goods, he has an agency..." "You must be rich, then." " Well, we can't complain." "Why didn't I just tell him that my dad's a taxi driver?" "Yeah, at least this way I don't sound like some kind of wandering pauper." "It's not like I'll see these guys again." "Yes, they must be father and daughter." "And this guy?" "Who knows!" "Well, I'm going to make a visit." "And I'm going to change, I'm dying in this heat." "Quite the bird, this American..." "I'd love to make her go "cai, cai"!" "Just a little asthma." "My grandma had it, too." "But I didn't know her, she died young, poor thing." "But you don't have to worry, you're not that young, so..." "Two gaffes, one after the other..." "I need to be more careful, and my grandma is alive and kicking." "Why do I come up with such lies?" "I wouldn't say she's a learner, eh?" "Diana went to buy an ice cream." "4,700." "4,700 lire, you say?" "Keep the change." " Thanks." "This bad habit the Italians have of looking at women..." "Everyone watching as I got undressed." "Have they never seen a naked woman before?" "Come on, let's go." "Will you stop playing with that mirror?" "But, I wasn't playing." "Watch the road." " Yes, Boss!" "A smoke, Giordano?" " Thanks." " I'll light it." "She has a wedding ring, so she's married." "And which of these two is the cuckold?" "Because this girl is up for it!" "She keeps giving me these looks." "It's a shame I'm stopping at Genoa, otherwise we'd be a good match!" "Why are you going to Tunisia?" "Sid is in archeology, so he often goes to Egypt..." "Greece, Tunisia..." "We embark with the car at Genoa, then we head back to Italy... through Spain and the South of France." "Do you know where Tunisia is?" "Africa?" "Africa!" "It must be nice to tour the world, especially when you know the languages." "What is there to see in Tunisia?" " Well, there's the Ruins of Carthage... at least, the part that you Romans didn't manage to destroy." "I'm from Milan!" "He's from Milan!" "I'd pay to be American, someone lucky enough to be born in the USA... starts ahead in life and is always shown a lot of respect." "You're not happy to be Italian?" " That's not what I said... but you can't deny that life is easier for young Americans." "First of all, they speak English which is already an advantage." "You put your shirt on inside out, that's why everyone was looking." "I'm so stupid..." "Damn, what a pair of melons..." "Turn those headlights off, the tunnel is finished!" "Keep your eyes on the road." " Yes, of course!" "He must be the husband, then..." "He noticed I was looking and made himself heard." "Okay, received!" "Besides, as soon as I get to Genoa..." "And if your friend Mariolino isn't here?" " He must be somewhere around here." "He'll be here, this is where we said to meet." "We were thinking, why don't you come with us instead?" "You'd be doing us a favour, Diana gets tired of driving." "That would be great, I'd love to but I really can't." "Perhaps you don't like Tunisia?" "No, I like Tunisia." " Then you don't like us?" "On the contrary, you're very nice." "If it's money you're worried about, it's not a problem." "You drive the car and we'll take care of the expenses." "I wish, but it's not even about the money..." "I have enough cash on me and I'd really love to come... but I can't just leave Mariolino..." "I'll go and see if I can find him." "Can you believe that damn Mariolino?" "If this isn't the worst luck, what is?" "Everything paid for... with a titillating woman who is begging to take me with her... all free, on their dime... and I'm the fool who has to wait for that idiot." "If they ask me again, I'll accept." "I bet that Mariolino of yours has left you in the lurch." "No, he'll be here..." "Don't worry about it, some other time perhaps..." "What a shame." " Yeah, what a shame." "What, you're going to leave me like this?" "Ask me again, and I'll come." "Bye, Milan!" "Of course, I'd loved to have come!" "And you know, perhaps Mariolino has already left..." "Come with us, then!" "Shall I?" "Well, if you insist!" "As for Mariolino, I'll send a postcard!" "Good man Giordano, that's the spirit!" "What is it now?" "Sorry, but I see Mariolino." " Mariolino, where?" "There he is." "No, it's just someone that looks like him." "Yeah, he would have done the same." "That bastard even left me on the highway for a horrible motorbike." "This'll teach him." "Giordano?" "Here, I brought you some coffee." " Thanks." "How did you sleep?" " Very badly, thanks, and you?" "Very well, I'm in a cabin with this really nice French guy." "Lucky you!" "Sorry, Giordano, but I booked for three... and there's no space, even down next to the lifeboats." "That damn guy over there rolled all over me, snoring like a train... it must be an old drunk." "Idiot, don't you know that women snore, too?" "Of course, but I thought it was only the ugly ones!" "This is the life, kids!" "On a boat, eating breakfast in first class... accompanied by a university professor... a writer, and a woman that rocks!" "When I tell my friends at the bar, they won't believe me." "This is my club." " Nice!" "After you." "Go on!" "Two Punt e Mes!" "God damn!" "You're a legend, Giordano!" "They're talking about me, but in a good way or a bad way?" "Perhaps they're making fun of me... and I'm sitting here trying to act cool." "Nelson says that you're always serious, perhaps we're not fun enough for you?" "No, I'm having fun, I swear... it's the first time I've ever travelled on a boat." "Maybe you can't see it but I'm having fun, even if I'm not laughing." "Good answer, Giò." "His name's Giordano, not Giò!" "This damn craze you have with nicknames!" "The old guy is jealous, this is bad news." "And they say I don't laugh..." "Now I get it, this Nelson is here to take care of Diana... she's flirting with me, but only to get at him." "But the old guy went too far..." "I should tell him." "Listen..." "Don't you find nicknames stupid, too?" "I like beat music, too." "Anyway, Giordano, I still don't get it... do you have a girlfriend or not?" "Well... a real girlfriend, no... but in Cosenza where I was in the army... there was this one girl..." "No, thanks." "Giordano, will you untie this for me?" "Thanks." "Giordano, you should put some cream on... or you'll get all red like a lobster." "Come on, let me do you." "It's not about quantity... the important thing is to massage it deeply into the epidermis." "Is that okay?" "Giordano?" "Hey..." "Where are you putting those hands, friend?" "That right there is the prohibited zone, no parking allowed." "It's not like she pulls away when I hold her tight, this baby girl." "She's up for it, alright!" "You know, at first I thought that you and Nelson..." "Me and Nelson?" "No, we're like sisters." "Yeah, I can see that he's not the kind of man for you." "She keeps insisting!" "She must be doing it on purpose to get me to fight with the husband." "Thanks, Giò." "Nelson?" "I knew it, just my luck... the kid gets to slow dance with you and I get the shake." "Don't you know that the shake is for forty-somethings?" "You..." "A can see that Diana really likes to dance, though." "She does, and I'm happy she's having fun." "And I'm happy that you're here to keep her in good company." "As long as you're happy..." "Diana is young, and needs to be around young people." "Italian husbands aren't like you at all." "For an old man, it's not so foolish to marry a young woman... but it's foolish to be jealous... to not give her the freedom she needs." "Right, but how much freedom?" "Freedom cannot have limits or conditions... otherwise it's not freedom, is it?" "True, I hadn't thought about it, but what you're saying makes sense." "Sorry..." "Does tea at 7 sound okay?" " Tea does, but not so much 7." "Who's that, an actor?" "No, he's the President of the Republic." "You mean like our Saragat?" " Yes, just more photogenic." "We're in here." "The suitcase, Giordano, thanks." " Goodnight." "You're in number 8." " Goodnight." "Where's my key?" "I have it, we're sleeping in the same room." "Which bed do you prefer?" " It's all the same to me." "Good, then I'll go by the window." "If you want to read, here." "Do you like to read?" "It's okay." "What do you think of Diana?" "Diana?" "She seems like a nice girl." "She seems it... but deep down you hope she isn't." "No, why?" "Careful, Giordano!" "Diana is one of those women... that wants everything without ever giving anything." "Well, if she wants something, she has to give something..." "Nice, eh?" "A dear person gave it to me 10 years ago." "Do you like it?" "Yeah, sure..." "What's wrong, aren't you getting undressed?" " Yeah, right." "I was just resting." "If you don't have a girlfriend, how does that work?" "A young guy needs to vent, no?" "Well, I manage well enough." "What do you mean, manage?" "You know, in Milan at night... it's easy enough to find women, it's just a question of cash." "Love is always about money wherever you go in the world, remember that." "So you see whores, then?" "But someone like Diana would be better, right?" "Of course, thanks for the advice!" "Well, then?" "Get in there!" "Don't you see that's what she's waiting for?" "Well..." "Giordano, wake up!" "Goodnight." " Night." "50 km without meeting a car... this would be paradise for my father." "This traffic's not moving, damn it!" "If I meet that traffic warden..." "I'll show him what for!" "Whoever has an accident on a road like this... must be a real idiot." "Giordano, don't just stand there... help us, before they send it off the other side of the road!" "Now I know how the wandering Arab feels when he discovers America." "I didn't see this coming!" "The Romans think they're the only... ones with a Colosseum, but there's one here in the middle of the desert." "Is it true that it could hold 40,000 spectators?" "60,000." " 60,000?" "Wow!" "Then it's as big as the San Siro!" "One thing's for sure:" "more people die in a day of war... than gladiators in 2 decades." "Interesting, eh?" " Maybe, but it doesn't interest me." "Well, if we're being honest, me neither." "These tourists all seem crazy to me... coming here to look at a few rocks?" "All these things in pieces, these ruins... honestly, I prefer the Pirelli skyscraper!" "Then why did you say that you like it?" "Because I thought you liked it..." "He wants to show me the gladiator cells... the guy goes crazy for Ancient Roman stuff." "Hold me tight!" "No, grab hold of me properly!" "Tighter, tighter!" "Do you like it?" " Oh yeah, I love it..." "I like this kind of cemetery... just whitewashed rocks without all those lies inscribed on them." "What else do you like, apart from cemeteries?" "Well, once I tried to write down the things that I like... after 2 hours, I was still writing." "But, what in particular?" "Well, first of all..." "Well yes, I think all normal young men like that." "Then I don't know what else." "To have an important job... to travel, see the world..." "Go everywhere." ""Hey, what do you do?"" ""Me?" "I'm a tourist!"" "And to get lots of things I don't have." "My husband says that happiness is wanting the things you already have." "Right, that guy has everything:" "he's rich, important... everyone loves him..." " Perhaps not everyone, but I love him." "And you think that's a small thing?" "Why, doesn't anyone love you?" "No." " Don't your parents love you?" "Yes, but that hasn't mattered much to me in a while now." "Tell me about you, what did you do before you got married?" "I was still studying and Sid was teaching at my high school... he was my art history professor." "I fell in love with him." "Well, that happens at school..." "Looking to establish an inventory... from funds of devaluating credit... equal with 6% of that credit... establishing a sum of the above." "In the analysing of the data... consider the interest coefficient... and the risk coefficient." "What is that stuff?" "It's couscous, the national dish." "Just like spaghetti in Italy." "An omelet!" "Are you ordering an omelet because it's the only French word you know?" "No, because I like it." "Try some." "No, you need to drink wine, water only makes it burn!" "That stuff is lethal!" "Giordano!" "Go on, Diana!" "Go on!" "Women are more like whores when they dance than when they make love." "Finally, I can drive without the orders from Washington." "I don't understand these Americans, she's tired and wants to go back... and they're just there getting drunk." ""You take her, Giordano!" They must be crazy..." "You know, Giordano, I'm not really tired..." "I just want to make love." "Where, here?" "With who?" " See anyone else around here?" "Is that what you're into, impulsively like this?" "Aren't you happy?" "You've thought of nothing else since we met." "That's true, but..." "I wasn't expecting it right now, here in the car, so suddenly." "You've never made love in a car?" "Yeah, once or twice... but never with a girl like you." "With those girls in Porta Vittoria." "I'd like to try that, too." " What?" "Wait on the street and then get in the first car that stops." "What if you find an old guy?" "If wants me to get in the car then he can't be that old." "And you'd make him pay?" " Of course." "This girl wants cash!" "I spoke about it with my therapist and do you know what he told me?" "I don't know, that you're slutty?" "No, nothing like that." "He says it's a form of self-destruction... stemming from an Oedipus complex." "Everyone woman hopes to find their father in a stranger." "But if you get in the car and find your father... he'll give you a good smack!" "Come here." "I wonder if she's on the pill, but it's not like I can ask her." "This girl didn't read the instructions properly... she made her husband take it." "What did she expect, though?" "Everyone has his own habits, his own limits..." "Now I'll become famous like that violinist..." "Paganini, who wouldn't give an encore." "Now you're pretending to be asleep?" "So did you have fun?" "How did it go?" "How did what go?" " Come on, don't be mysterious." "Did you think no one noticed?" "You think Sid knows, too?" " Of course, he's not stupid." "What, you thought that she fell for your charm?" "No, I'm the one who convinced her to go with you." "So what if you did?" " Then tell me what happened." "Ask her if you're such good friends." " I'd prefer to hear it from you." "The other day, when she went out in the boat with that sailor... nothing happened, you know." " That's her business, what do I care?" "But you were upset." " Me, why?" "Everyone is free to do what they like." "You know why nothing happened?" "The sailor tried to ask for $20." "Ah, a modest guy!" "She got angry and told him... that she doesn't pay to make love." " Right, she's not some old drunk!" "Have you ever done it for money?" "Paid by a woman?" "Or by a man..." "No!" " Why not?" "Because no!" "On principal." "Moral principles, there's nothing sadder... than such medieval traditions!" "Young people today... are freeing themselves from every sexual taboo." "But you're not young, you were just born late." "You've not done it for money because you never needed to." "Your father is rich, isn't he?" "Why did you tell us that your father has a transport firm in Milan?" "Why?" "Don't you believe me?" "Listen, I know kids whose parents have money... they're educated, studied, they have table manners... and when they send postcards, they don't put their surname first." "You, my dear are not stupid..." "You're just a sap trying to be a wise guy." "Have you finished?" "What does your father really do?" "He's a taxi driver, happy now?" "There's nothing wrong with that, why didn't you tell me right away?" "You can tell me everything, you know?" "Yeah, here he goes again..." "Just think what the guys... at the bar would say if they saw me with such a guy." "I bet that Diana has already told him everything." "First she has fun and then blabs the whole thing." "I'm sure they're talking about me." "Right now, that guy is saying..." ""So he didn't please you, darling?"" "No, a real disaster, unfulfilling in every way." "Did he at least do something for you?" "Nothing, zero!" "He acts like a great gentleman but his father is a taxi driver." "Let's just dump the guy, it's not like we've adopted him!" "Good morning." "He's awake!" "I'm very angry with you, Giordano." "Very." "We said 10, you're always late!" "Sorry about that!" "With all the pretty things around here... you're looking at me, instead?" "Don't you like girls?" " Of course I like them..." "I've been making eyes at those two girls for a while now." "Go on, then..." "But how can I talk to them?" "Do you speak German?" " A little." "Want me to set you up?" "No, there are two of them, one for each of us." "I'm a married man." "Yeah, but I'm sure Diana wouldn't get offended." "No, she wouldn't get offended, but she wouldn't like it... and you know... it's not my kind of thing." " She doesn't have to know." "We tell each other everything." "Ouch!" "What did she say?" "That they're Dutch, not German." "She asked if you're my son." " I wish!" "It's the same sailor, the one that wanted $20." "Maybe Nelson paid him just to enjoy the show." "So much for an Ethiopian complex, this girl has a father complex... an uncle complex, and all the long lost relatives, too." "And he's doing a crossword." "7 letters, starts with C and ends with D... and most husbands end up as one." "Some guy is taking advantage of his wife and he doesn't bat an eyelid?" "And to think that this other one got mad... because I used his soap." "Well, you certainly pick up a few things when traveling..." "I wish this trip would never end!" "Good, Giordano, I'm happy to hear it." "Wait, let me do my make-up!" "There!" "Nice, let me see..." "You look like a little Arab, it suits you." "You can use this as a night shirt, too." "Discreet, this guy." "When he goes out with boys, he leaves it at home." "It's not like he's rolling in it..." "And who's this?" "Must be a transvestite." "Poor San Gennaro, they criticised him... and he ended up like Stalin." "And these two kids?" "Must be his niece and nephew." "What's this, a love letter?" "What time is it?" "20 past 1." " 20 past 1?" "Don't look so surprised... it's 20 past 1, so what?" "What happened, what's that on your face?" "Nothing." "I fell down." "Fell down?" "To me, it looks like they..." "It looks like, it looks like, you do nothing but complain... always disapproving everything, just like a mother in law!" "That's just what you are, a mother in law!" "Hey, what's wrong with you?" "Are you drunk?" "Yeah, of course." "And that won't do either, right?" "Listen, mother in law... if your idea of fun is passing the evenings drinking lemonade... then you're missing out on life!" "Wash your face, it might help." "See, Giordano, I've known many young guys in Rome..." "Florence, Venice..." "They were all so full of life, laughing, they were so happy." "But I'm happy, too." "You don't show it." "You do nothing but grumble, sat there on the edge of your seat." "What happened to your youth?" "How old are you, 50?" "I'll have a good laugh now, if you like." "Don't feel so hot, eh?" "Want me to go down to the bar and get you a coffee with some cognac?" "No!" "It'll do you good, I'll go and get some." "Yes..." "Mummy, Mummy..." "This Bedouin doesn't understand a word." "Hey, you're Italian?" " Yeah, from Milan." "I'm from Milan, too." " Sorry for calling you a Bedouin... we thought you were an Arab with that thing on your head." "This is Lino, he's Giorgio... and I'm Mario." " I'm Giordano." "Check it out, I even found a bottle of Disaronno!" "And this half-pint of a man is known as the Pekinese." "Why do you call him that?" "I can see you're not a dog person... otherwise you'd have recognised this perfect Pekinese specimen." "Come on, show him your pedigree!" " Cut it out, will you?" "Don't worry, he barks but doesn't bite." " Are you staying here?" "No, we're heading for Cairo." " Some vacation!" "Yeah, anything is better than staying in Riccione with the family." "Are you here alone?" "No, I'm on a trip with some friends of mine, Americans." "All guys?" " No, there's a woman with us." "What's she like, cute?" " A real knockout!" "Let's swap, you give her to us and we'll give you the Pekinese." "Hilarious!" "Listen, I have this address here:" "17 Avenue Penelope, do you know it?" "Of course know it, I went there with my friends." "At the end of this street there's a big square... from there you take a right, if you like I can show you." "Yeah, good idea!" "Come on guys, let's go." "Hey, I paid already!" " Can we all fit in?" "Yeah, someone will have to hold the Pekinese in their lap." "How funny!" " Hey, do you know how Inter got on?" "Well, there's not much choice." "The one who just left isn't bad." "Oh no, she was the worst!" "I heard that in one of these places... there's a woman that takes coins with her butt cheeks." "Look out, the wide load is moving!" "This must be the extra large version!" "Damn, she has an ass like a tombola drum!" "Check out that little one, she's not bad, eh?" "At least she's young." "Come on guys, who's going?" "You saw her first, it's your turn." "Me?" " Yeah, go on, then you can tell us how it went." "I'll go next." "Hey, three against one?" "Come on guys, let's give him a hand!" "Get out, go on!" "Who wants some now?" "Hey, who's side are you on?" "Get out of here!" "Show's over, friend." "We sure showed them, thank goodness there were only 3." "Yeah, but they each had 4 hands." "Why did you want to throw them out?" "They wanted to make love to my daughter..." "She is still small." "When she's 18... then, yes." "He's an old fashioned father." "You know, there is a girl here..." "Italian like you." "Her name is Wanda." " Ah, yes?" "Cheers!" " Cheers!" "Maybe I'm an idiot, but I don't get it... why does he keep his daughter here with the others?" "That way she can study, she has to learn for when she's 18, right?" "I'll be right there." "Hi, Wanda." " Oh, good evening." "You're all Italian?" " Yeah." " From Rome?" "Come on!" "No, we're from Milan." "Oh, Milan!" "I spent my best years there at the "Volto Nudo"... that place closed, so I came here." " My father went to the "Volto Nudo" often." "Hey, I bet she's Mario's mum." "What a disaster, they put so many good girls out on the street." "Miss, is it true that they were even prettier than actresses?" "Absolutely!" "It terms of beauty, we came first... then the gold diggers, the models, etc." "Next year I'm going back to Italy..." "I want to visit the tomb of Pope Giovanni, such a good man." "Are you here to have sex?" "No, we just came to have a look." "And besides, there are 5 of us..." "So what if there's 10 of you?" "Come on, we'll have a chat." "And were are you from, little one?" "He was born in Italy, but has Chinese origins." "After you, after you... make yourselves at home." "There's only one chair..." "You, take those shoes off before you ruin all the covers." "Who's that in the photo?" " That's me, when I was small." "I was skinny as a bread stick!" "Bye, Giordano!" "What a great night, guys!" "I've never had so much fun!" "Bye, Giordano, don't forget to send Wanda those flowers!" "Sure!" " Bye, Giordano!" "Goodbye." " Hey, see you in Milan!" "Yeah, goodbye!" "Dear Mum, finally I have time to write... just as I promised I would." "I didn't drop in on Aunt Clelia in Alassio... because I met some Americans... and they took me to Africa, no less." "Don't worry, I'm fine and I always wear an undershirt." "The country is beautiful, really hot, and would be ideal for you... to give sand baths to your knees." "We've met lots of animals, like camels... and even a pride of wild lions... that passed right in front of our car." "And also, a kind of desert people that they call the Tuareg." "My love to you and Dad, from Giordano." "Will you turn that whining off?" "Sorry!" "You're certainly a whiner!" "Stop being so annoying, you're also tone deaf!" "If Giordano wants to sing, why don't you let him sing?" "Every time he opens his mouth, you're always there to criticise." "How come you're getting so angry?" "He can sings as much as he likes... and besides, he's not offended." "You're not offended, right?" " No, not offended... but you do break balls sometimes!" "God, how boring!" "You argue like children over such a silly thing." "He's alive." "Must be drunk, he stinks of wine." "Come on, give me a hand." "Let's put him in the car." "Hey, look here!" "Smile!" "That's it, slowly." "Take him to the village we just passed, there must be a doctor." "How will I tell them?" "Me and Arabic..." "I'll come with you." "Hey, are you mad at me for something?" "No." "Then why are you giving me that face?" "No, I'm not giving you any face." "Why did you sit in the back, then?" "Why?" "I don't have to explain myself." "Come on, let's go." "I'm not moving until you tell me what I've done wrong!" "If you don't move, I'm getting out!" "And I'm not moving!" "After that night, I thought that you... since then, you've been avoiding me." "I did it because things that last become complicated... and I hate complications." " You're telling me!" "I like to have fun, I'm not one of those guys... that lose their heads over this kind of stuff." "I just thought that I'd upset you over something... and I thought that you..." "Well, if I messed up, it's my fault." "I apologise." "I'm not mad at you, Giordano... but you have to admit that sometimes, you really act like a child." "Shall we make up?" "These Americans are such cards... the more I'm with them, the less I understand them." "They see some random French weirdo on the road... hitch-hiking and right away, "Please, make yourself comfortable"." "I ask you, do they always pick up the first guy they find?" "Someone they don't even know?" "He's saying that once, at this place... he told them he was an anthropologist but they misunderstood... and took him for a cannibal." "Must have read it in the funny pages." "You know what an anthropologist is, right?" " Of course I do!" "This guy thinks I'm slow... thinks I don't know what an anthropologist is." "Anthropology: study of the human race." "Now I know." "It seems this guy studies men... but figured he likes women better." "Though with his shirt off he seems a little scrawny... let's be honest, here." "And the white in his teeth is all worn out, too." "Keep walking, friend!" "The negro women in that area are all wonderful." "I've been around, but I've never seen white women as beautiful... not even in France." "Present company excluded, of course." "The thing that struck me is that even with such women available... there's a lot of homosexuality." " What's wrong with that?" "It means that the country is very progressive and civil." "Are you Italian?" "From where, Rome?" "No, from Milan." "Rome isn't the only place in Italy." "For example, you're French, are you from Paris?" "Yes." "Well, a coincidence." "You don't find many Romans traveling the world." "At most, they go to Fregene for a swim." "Don't throw her away, she's still good!" "Those guys are definitely not from Milan, if I'm not mistaken." "Giordano, aren't you going in the water?" "Come on, what are you waiting for?" "Come on!" "Now I'll show that French guy!" "Right from the 3 metre diving board!" "Come on, Diana, look!" "Go on, then!" "No, you made me swallow some!" "That French guy..." "Well done, Giordano!" "You're English?" "No, American." "And you?" " Spanish." "Ah, Spanish." "It's cold!" "Carloni Giacomo..." "No..." "Giacomo Carloni." "Write it like a gentleman's son would." "Milan, I have good news for you." "What's that?" "He's gone." " Who?" "Who?" "Claude!" "Good, what do I care?" "When did he leave?" " Not long ago, got a ride to Madrid." "Are you happy?" " Good riddance!" "If you want to know, nothing happened between him and Diana." "Know what I mean?" "Yeah, but why are you telling me?" "Because maybe you thought..." " I don't want to know!" "If I say that nothing happened, then nothing happened." "With you, neither?" "No, neither with me, even if it's none of your business." "Easy, I don't care about Diana and care even less about you." "Don't be so rude." "I'm trying to set you up and this is how you treat me?" "No, you're trying to set me up because all you fairies love that kind of thing... but that's enough, I'm sick of this." "Even if you're not into it, I'll tell you anyway." "Diana wants to make love to you, she told me herself." "She's waiting for you in her room." "She can wait, for what I care." "Suit yourself, I thought I'd be doing you a favour." "And even if I wanted to, I don't know which is her room." "Room 19, between mine and Sid's." "Hey?" "Darling?" "What is it?" "What do you want?" "I think I've got the wrong room." "Why, what room were you looking for?" " Well, I..." "I thought this was Nelson's room." "And you call Nelson darling?" "Yes!" "Get that hand away from me or I'll eat you alive!" "No." "A mint one." "He's always like this, I'm sick of it!" "Whenever anything happens, he blames it on me... even the engine not working is my fault!" "Yeah, keep laughing." "Having fun, aren't you?" "This is the last time I take a vacation with them." "Something always happens, it's impossible!" "Come on, when you're with friends..." " Sid has no friends." "Then why does he bring you with him?" "Do you think many people are willing to put up with Sid?" "His constant hysterical outbursts, do you know what I mean?" "Maybe you don't, he's always so nice to you." "He's nice because you don't matter to him, you're like an object!" "An ashtray, an umbrella!" " Thanks, that's nice." "He gets bored to death with Diana, she's stupid, too stupid." "You must have realised." "So every time he says, "Come on this trip with us!"" "He pays, because I'm broke." "And when I have money, he gets upset because he can't humiliate me." "A wife isn't enough, he needs me to vent his guilty conscience." "Guilty conscience?" " It's very common in America." "What does he feel guilty about?" " Everything." "He feels guilty because he won't go to bed with Diana or anyone... guilty for not being famous... guilty for the war, because he has white skin... but really, he cares about everything and everyone, it's his strength... but also his desperation." "For all the stupid things my wife said, she was right about him." "What did you say, your wife?" "You're married?" "Yes, why is that so strange?" "Nothing, it's just that you never told me about it." "I don't speak about it because I don't live with my wife, that's all." "Don't tell me you have kids, too?" "Two." " A girl and a boy?" "How did you know that?" " Just took a guess." "So you're married, and how come you left each other?" "It happened." "Another of my failures." "Poor thing, she must have had her reasons." "You've no idea, Mary and I really loved each other." "Here comes the boss." "Please, don't speak to them... about what I told you." " Don't worry." "I like you, Giordano, because you're different from the others." "All the guys I've known have always made trouble for me." "At the beginning, you didn't seem so nice, but now that I know you better..." "After getting you worked up, Sid... comes up to you and says:" ""You're not mad, are you?"" "I could kill him when he says that!" "So, is it all sorted?" " Yeah, it was the carburetor filter." "Good man, Giordano, you know your stuff... the Barnard of engines!" "Are you mad?" " No, why would I be?" "It can't be drugs, it must be talcum powder... they played a prank on me!" "I don't get it, you aren't checking the cars but want me to get undressed?" "Miss, everyone has their own system." "It's talcum powder, I swear!" "Giordano, drive with both hands!" "You don't like me, do you Giordano?" "Come on, tell me the truth." "Why do you say such things?" "I've shown you just the opposite." "Yes, but you're there on your own... not even looking at me." "Are you like this with the others, too?" "No, why?" "What do you mean?" "I'm just tired from the trip, that's all." "And besides, they could be back at any moment." "No, there's nothing to worry about." "These conferences always finish late." "Sid has lots of friends here... they'll go to breakfast together, I'm sure." "You're 22 years old, right?" " Why, what do you mean by that?" "Nothing." "Want me to go back to my room?" "Do what you want." "To do what I want, it takes two." "Funny, this girl... who does she take me for, 1970 porn star of the year?" "Idiot, didn't Mummy teach you anything?" "Get it changed by Barnard!" "What were you thinking about?" "Nothing, nothing special." "Where are you going now?" "You're tired, it's better if you rest." "Who said I'm tired?" "Come here." "Enjoy your beddy-byes, Giordano." "They always talk about the Italians, but the Swiss are much better!" "Attack!" "Charge!" "What are you doing?" "!" "I'll show you Italians!" "I'll eat you alive!" "Insult me!" "Swear at me!" "Capitalist swine!" "It was such a tedious vacation, Sid becomes more and more difficult... a useless trip, no fun and met no one, besides one night in Algiers..." "Two nice but lively guys." "I'll give you the address, you never know." "If you end up there..." "Cheers!" " Who's that?" "Is he with you?" "An Italian, good kid." "Lower league." "Well!" "Hey, there!" "What's going on, Sid?" "Do you feel ill?" "Shall I call someone, a doctor?" " No, it's nothing." "It's happened other times." "Just that this time, it's worse." "I really thought I'd die... but it seems I've lost the chance." "No, what do you mean?" "You shouldn't think such things." "But I do think them." "That's how I'd like to go, when the time comes." "Sat in an armchair, with a book on my knees... a whiskey in one hand... and people that say..." ""I spoke to him 5 minutes ago... and he was perfectly fine."" "Are you tired?" "No... now I feel better." "Should I call Nelson and Diana?" " No." "Take me back to the hotel." "Do you mind?" "You want to leave like this, without saying anything to anyone?" "The pills." "Yes, of course." "I've never liked to be a party pooper." "You're a good kid, Giordano... one can trust you." "Anyone would have done it." " No... that's not true at all." "You're a valuable guy... not just for the car... but for everything." "And I was thinking..." "I was thinking that for our next trip... you should come with us, too." "I'd love to... but when will that be?" "Soon, I think." "We'll go to Holland." "Do you know Holland?" " Yes, I know of it." "Tulips, cheese... windmills, but I've never been there." "I'd really love to go." "I think we'll go in October." "Amsterdam is such a happy, vibrant city at that time." "What are you doing in October?" "What am I doing?" "I don't know, if I don't find a job..." "I'll probably be hanging around on some street like an idiot." "What kind of job would you like to do?" "Any job, I'd be a sacristan as long as it pays." "No, you can work at Innocenti as an errand boy... there, you have a regular wage and a job for all your life." "On the way back from Holland... you could come to Rome with us..." "I have lots of connections in Rome." "Really?" "You'd really take me?" "Of course." "Then in January we'll go to America." "There, it would be even easier." "America is a great country for those who want to work." "And then, every summer you could come back to Italy with us." "As soon as I get back to Milan, I'll buy discs to learn English..." "I know a guy who learned it in 2 months." "Thank you, thank you..." "God, please don't let him die." "Turn off the light." "Don't worry..." "I feel better." "Much better." "I'm fine, don't cry." "No, that wasn't in Greece, it was in Egypt, remember... it happened that day Sid fell in the sea with his clothes on." "I'm sure it happened in Greece..." "Much worse happened in Greece." " Oh, don't remind me!" "Demonstrations, policemen with batons... they thought we were going to kick off the revolution!" "You know, Giordano, since they hated Americans so much..." "Nelson went around with the Corriere della Sera in his pocket... to make them think he was Italian." "Then we went on a fishing trawler... it was just us three and about twenty sailors." "At one point they forced me to dance the Sirtaki... you should have seen them, applause, screaming... they went completely crazy!" "We can laugh about it now, but at the time it was frightening." "They almost threw Sid and I overboard... and she would have ended up like a Chinese chef." "Yeah guys, I did it!" "Giordano Sangalli, class of 1946... diploma in boccette, good with engines... can practically consider himself and American citizen!" "Stop here, Giordano." "Why are we stopping here?" "Don't you want a drink?" " Yes!" " Good idea!" "Listen, I've thought about it and don't feel like going as far as Venice... it's better if we head back to Rome." " Yes, okay." "It's fine by me." "I'm sorry, we can't take you up to Milan anymore." "Don't worry about it, I'll find someone to give me a ride." "Let's sort things out for October, though..." "It's hotter here than in Africa!" "A little convertible like this would suit me just fine." "How much do they cost?" " Not much, 1,600 with extras." "Well, they're not giving them away!" "Does it really do 180?" " Well, it gets close." "How did it go with the women in Tunisia?" "Well, I didn't really have any problems there..." "I was with these Americans and there was also... a young woman with them, so I started seeing her." "Pretty?" "Honestly, a real piece of..." "Lucky you!" "Yeah, nice folks, really kind and rolling in dough..." "In October, I'm going to Holland with them, then 2 weeks in Rome... then I'm leaving for America." " Nice work!" "When you talk about destiny... sometimes you leave on an trip... and end up sorting your whole life out." "Something wrong?" "Hey, what's up?" "No, nothing." "I thought I recognised some people I knew in that car, but... it can't have been them." "Oh, I was telling you about that time in Germany... damn, I know I'm not some kind of Greek God or anything... but I ended up at this house with these 3 sisters..." "They got rid of me... the thing about Rome was just an excuse... after 20 days, just like that..." "But, why?" "I don't get it." "I just don't get it."