"Have a good day." "Señora, are you getting out?" "Yes?" "Good morning, I am Urania, the daughter of Agustín Cabral." "Yes, please," "Come in." "You've come for your father's birthday?" "He will be very happy." "His birthday?" "I forgot." "I know much time has passed, Señora Uranita," "But your father never stopped thinking of you." "How do you know?" "I understand him." "Where is he?" "Upstairs." "Hello Father." "Do you recognize me?" "For thirty one years I've imagined this moment, and now I don't know what to say." "I don't even know if you can hear me." "I too am a lawyer." "I work in Manhattan." "I haven't married," "I have no children." "Although I read a lot, as you did." "Mostly Dominican books, everything of the time of Trujillo." "What else?" "But the books don't tell me what I want to know." "Only you can tell me that." "Dr. Agustín Cabral," "The great brain." "Cerebrito." "Secretary of State," "Minister of Public Works, President of the Senate, for the Dominican Party." "What didn't you do, Papá?" "Anything to serve the Chief." "He snapped his fingers and the whole world jumped." "And anyone that didn't, pity for him." "I always wanted to know if you were part of that." "Was it so?" "30th of May, 1961" "Someone's coming!" "No, It's not him..." "The son of a bitch will never come!" "In 1930, a military coup ended democracy in the Dominican Republic." "Today, there is no freedom of expression, nor of the press, and the elections -- controlled by a single party -- are a farce." "During the last quarter century," "Trujillo's assassins, have killed tens of thousands of his own citizens." "The country was simply a treasure for him and his family to take." "But, like every tyranny, the regime of Trujillo, has brought with it, the seeds of its own death." "When will it happen?" "I don't know." "But having worked in that government for seven years," "I can say, the days of Trujillo are numbered." "When their leader disappears, the regime will disappear with him." "UNIVERSITY OF COLUMBIA, 1956" "Señor Galíndez?" "Well..." "Now you spend your time, Galíndez, writing books full of lies" "in order to set America against me." "Insulting my family." ""Like his father," "Ramfis is known by his insatiable sexual appetite, and abusive behaviour," "...enjoying the pleasure of young girls."" "Do you know what I call this?" "Biting the hand that feeds you!" "Motherfucker!" "He's all yours." "Enemies of the Republic, have spread malicious rumours, claiming that this government, kidnapped and executed the exiled Spaniard, Jesús de Galíndez." "This acusation, is nothing more, than crude propaganda, invented by the communists... in the American press." "A defamation... against our government -- a direct attack... to the sovereignty of the Dominican people." "And we will not tolerate it!" "Because we are, and never will be the puppet of anyone!" "What do you think?" "It is a delicate situation, Chief." "He was an American citizen." "What?" "Indeed." "Balaguer," "Why didn't you tell me?" "I just finished obtaining the papers." "In any case, you should have told me!" "An American citizen?" "And what are we going to do about it?" "The best thing would be to open a public investigation, invite international observers." "If we do what you say, the Yankees will screw us!" "He forgets that Eisenhower is a traitor!" "Sorry Chief, but still, the world must see we have nothing to hide." "Of course we have nothing to hide, Cerebrito!" "What are you saying?" "But I don't want that those assholes at the New York Times coming here, sticking their noses in everything!" "Is that clear?" "Lieutenant!" "Yes you -- come here." "Your orders, your Excellency." "What would you do?" "Me?" "your Excellency?" "Would you give the Yankees an explanation, about that Galíndez?" "Or would you tell them to go to hell?" "I would do what you ordered me to, your Excellency." "Your name?" "Second Lieutenant, Amado García Guerrero, your Excellency." "Very good." "Thank you, gentlemen." "Colonel Abbes, I want to speak with you." "Did you hear?" "A public investigation..." "International observers..." "I believe they think we are in Switzerland." "They are politicians, your Excellency." "Well," "What have you found?" "Nothing good, your Excellency." "The New York Times has identified the pilot." "They know his name is Murphy -- that he works for Dominican Aviation, and that he removed Galíndez from the United States " " They also know... that Tavito de la Maza was our local pilot." "Are you sure?" "My source is trustworthy, your Excellency." "The article will be published in the New York Times any day now." "Well," "We did what we had to." "Well...?" "What's going on?" "My God Tavito!" "You flew Galíndez to Trujillo's ranch!" " You are his most dangerous witness!" " Antonio..." "I trust the Chief." "I owe him my career... everything I am." "Don't be stupid!" "Trujillo will sacrifice you if he has to." "You are in danger." "The New York Times says Murphy, the American, has disappeared " "Disappeared?" "He'll be with some woman..." "Tavito, listen to me!" "Seek asylum at the embassy." "How?" "Do it now, while you can, please." "Tavito, come -- let's dance!" "I'm coming, dear." "Brother, think about it." "Okay." "Promise me." "Okay." "Amadito!" "Come, sit with us, and bring the young lady." "I love this song." "Later, Turco." "I love my nephew, but he's a little naive." "Now he's with the Chief's guard." "A real Trujillista." "Like my idiot brother." "I fear for him..." "Here, everyone is afraid of someone -- but nobody does anything." "We all know what to do." "Enough, already!" "Do you want Abbes to lock us all up?" "Happy Birthday, to you" "Happy Birthday, to you" "Happy Birthday," "Uranita," "Happy Birthday, to you." "And now, Señorita, there's something for you in that box." "Do you not want to open it?" "What is it?" "It's time for you to see the world, darling." "We're going to Europe." "Just you and me." "My dream!" "Thank you, Papá!" "Happy Birthday, my precious." "Lucindita, I'm going to Europe!" " How lucky!" " What's Europe?" "A splendid gift, Agustín." "A lucky father." "She is my life, Manuel." "Pardon me, Dr. Cabral." "Antonio de la Maza would like to see you." "I'm sorry to bother you, but it's about my brother." "The only thing Tavito did was to fly the plane to the ranch, with some fellow who was drunk." "He didn't even see his face." "Abbes is in La Victoria, and I fear the worst." "I don't know anything about that." "The Chief doesn't want to see me -- I only ask for ten minutes!" "I'm not the person you have to talk to." "You are the President of Congress -- the Chief will listen to you!" "If the Chief refuses to see you, I cannot intervene -- believe me." "Señor, he has a wife," " and two young children." " Please, for their own sake, do not jeopardize people who cannot do anything to help you." "Are you coming?" "Aunt Adelina wants to take a photo." "I'm coming, dear." "I'm sorry." "Señor Cabral," "One day, you will be in my place..." "In the news -- the Dominican Voice has informed us a young pilot, Tavito de la Masa, hung himself today in his cell in La Victoria." "la Masa was in prison for murdering his friend, an American pilot, Gerald Murphy." "The latter had made sexual advances, for which de la Masa reacted violently, pushing him over a cliff in the ensuing fight." "In a note, Tavito de la Masa wrote:" ""I cannot continue living with this terrible guilt."" "Antonio, I'm so sorry." "Have faith, Antonio." "God will help you overcome this." "Señor de la Maza," "His Excellency, the great General Trujillo has asked me to come as his representative." "He wishes to extend his deepest condolences to your whole family." "I also offer my condolences." "Tell the general, we will never forget his support." "And many thanks to you, for your help, Señor Cabral." "I'm sorry." "She would like to be alone." "This is not finished, Tavito." "This is not finished." "I swear." "Come." "Señor Antonio, an official asks for you." "Let him in." "Good day, Señor de la Maza." "His Excellency wishes to see you." "Now?" "He's waiting at the palace." "Can I get dressed?" "Of course." "But quickly please." "Sit, Antonio." "Come, sit." "Let's get right to the point." "Do you think I ordered your brother killed?" "No, no, I ask because..." "I don't know, I have the feeling... you believe..." "Tavito's suicide to be a lie, devised by the Intelligence Service, in order to cover our backs." "Let me say something." "I held your brother in great esteem." "Tavito was a loyal Trujillista -- and I reward loyal men," "I do not have them killed." "I am a man of honour, my friend, just like you." "His Excellency has asked me to lead a commission to investigate the matter." "If anything irregular happened, we will find out." "Very good, Senator." "I want to speak privately with Antonio, please." "You as well, Lieutenant, please." "You still have doubts, I see it in your eyes." "But I will demonstrate to you, that you are mistaken." "I have decided to give you the contract to build the highway from Santiago to Puerto Plata." "And, as it is quite... lucrative... you'll be able to help your sister-in-law and her children." "Here is the contract." "Take it." "Take it." "If you will excuse me, your Excellency." "Antonio." "I wish you were still in the army." "It's not easy to find men with balls these days." "You!" "You, Pupo Roman!" "Come!" "Your orders, your Excellency." "How old are you?" "Forty-eight, your Excellency." "Do you wipe your own ass?" "Answer me!" "I asked you if you wipe your own ass, Pupo Roman!" "Yes, your Excellency." "Then wipe it!" "Can you not see my father's statue is covered in shit?" "He was a humble Post Office administrator, but he deserves respect!" "Your Excellency, I did not know..." "You did not know..?" "Who lives there..?" "You pass this way every fucking day!" "Your Excellency, if I have made a mistake..." "It was me who made the mistake, the day I allowed you to marry my niece," "and appointed you Commander of the Army!" "If see this shit again, Pupo Roman, pity for you!" "It won't happen again, your Excellency." "I hope not." "And now, remove it!" "Clean it!" "Understand?" "And I want it to shine." "The Chief controlled the whole country." "He could do anything." "The whole world was practically his." "Remember Magnolia?" "Admiral Viñas wife -- our neighbor?" "Uranita, come here!" "Good afternoon, dear." "I never understood why they called him "The Goat", or why he came to visit Magnolia when Admiral Viñas wasn't there." "How innocent I was..." "Thank you for the chocolates, Señora Viñas." "They're my favourite!" "Now you have to go." "Okay, goodbye." "Goodbye." " Papá!" " In here, dear." "Papá, I've just seen General Trujillo!" "Where?" "At Viñas house." "Magnolia was greeting him." "Are you sure?" " It was him, Papá!" "Want to see?" " Wait, Uranita." "You have not seen the Chief at that house." "What?" "You're too young to understand certain things." "Promise me... you'll never tell anyone that you saw the Chief today." "I promise." "Good." "I love you more than anything in the world." "He'll come, José." "That bastard will come tonight." "I hope so." "I dream of the morning after the kill." "How much better it will taste -- a cup of coffee, or a glass of rum." "That son of a bitch has so humiliated me." "Beautiful... as always." "The best compliment is your company, your Excellency." "The most handsome and powerful man in the country." "Do you like my company?" "Eager for for some action?" "I will have the sweetest piece of ass in the Caribbean." "I don't think Juan José knows what he has." " How are you, by the way?" " Busy as always." "I hear you're upset, troubled..." "Magnolia." " Do you not trust me?" " What do you think, Chief?" "Good." "Tell me." "The truth is, my husband has been worried lately." "Why?" "He says, perhaps... you went too far with the Galíndez affair." "and the gringos are very unhappy." "Yes?" "Then," "How do you know?" "Let's call him." "They aren't even straight." "Pupo, everything will be fine." "Let's have a beer." "Later -- you know the Chief, one wrong detail and its the end of the world." "Let them do their job." "He's not a monster." "He's not going to cut off your head." "But, shit... hey!" "I'm going to see if I can fix this!" "Viñas." " Juan José, is that you?" " Hello, darling." "Do you think there'll be a war with the Americans?" "Magnolia!" "What kind of question is that?" "Well, it's just that I've been thinking -- and I'm afraid." "No, nothing will happen." "I know you've been concerned." "Some things are out of our hands." " What things?" " The Chief is not what he was." "Everyone knows." "And you think..?" "I think the old man should retire to his ranch to raise horses." "But, I must go now." "Magnolia?" "Magnolia?" "Discipline and loyalty;" "That is what I learned when I was in the Navy." "And following those values, we have achieved much during these twenty-nine years." "Today, we have a prosperous and modern nation, which the world respects." "However, some people question my leadership." "Yes!" "People who are sitting at this table." "People who should owe me everything." "People who say I am good for nothing but raising horses." "But today is a beautiful day, and I don't want the disloyalty of some, to ruin the joy for everyone else." "A toast, to the women of this magnificent country, because they have given me the strength to build a new nation." "I have been a much loved man, gentlemen." "A man who has held in his arms, the most beautiful women in this country." "And of all those beautiful women whom I have enjoyed," "Do you know who has been the best?" "Magnolia, the wife of Admiral Viñas." "Enough already." "Do you think it was wrong?" "My affair with Juan José's woman?" "What do you think, Pupo?" "Your Excellency..." "Pupo doesn't know what to think, as always." "But I tell you," "I have not been wrong, for Juan José Viñas, is an enemy of this regime." "Get the hell out of here!" "Go, get the hell out of here!" "You never thought of quitting?" "to wash your hands of it?" "How stupid I am." "The great Cerebrito, you always had to be loyal to the Chief." "Tell me one thing, Father." "How can you look yourself in the mirror?" "Look who's here." "Urania?" "Uranita?" "Lucindita?" "My cousin!" "It's a miracle!" "I can't believe its you!" "So much time has passed." "Uncle!" "Uncle." "Uranita has returned for your birthday." "You can help me make the cake." "Uranita!" "Come with me." "Don Agustín, I will bring some water." "Girl, you look exactly the same." "What a figure!" "Surely you're not married." "You look younger than me." "I was married twelve years to Pedro, and the rat left me for another woman." "Well, at least I have a wonderful daughter, Marianita." "You will meet her soon." "You don't smoke, of course." "Always the perfect girl..." "Hey sexy, you can tell me." "You've had love affairs... no?" "You have a lover!" "Tell me!" "Tell me!" "He's a gentleman, with silver temples, very handsome, married with children." "A beautiful relationship, without commitments." "Girl, I envy you." "There's no need to." "All I have is my work." "I always said you'd make a good lawyer." "Well, I'm not surprised." "You were always the best in the class." ""Einstein in a skirt"" "That's what Sister Mary called you." "What's made you come back now?" "I'm not sure." "Father is eighty..." "It was now or never." "Urania," "Why did you go away?" "What happened?" "The sisters got me a scholarship to..." "You left without saying goodbye!" "In thirty years you never called, you didn't answer our letters." "You know me, I was always a little..." "I have to tell you." "Your father suffered a lot." "Uranita, there had to be a reason." "I must return to the hotel." "I'm expecting a call." " Are you coming later?" " Yes, I'll return." "You can't miss your father's birthday." "I'll be back." "Are you sure he'll come?" "Very sure." "Alfonso has a girl waiting for him at the ranch." "He must know." "Be patient, Antonio." "Have a little faith." "He asked for a blue Chevy." "He'll come." "But he'll smell everything." "He'll catch us, I feel it." "What do you want, Antonio?" "Do you want to quit?" "To go home?" "We have to finish it." "My wife, my children, my brothers..." "Do you know what Abbes will do to them?" "Calm down everyone." "If some hot piece of ass is waiting, he'll come." " Am I alright, Aunt Meca?" " You're very handsome." "Quiet, Amadito." "That girl won't change her mind." "The first time I saw Luisa," "I knew she was the only girl for me." "And now I've grown to love and respect all of you, as if you were my own family." "And I hope that we can be a family." "If you, Señor Gustavo and Señora Laura, of course, give your consent." "And me?" "Where does that leave me?" "René!" "We also appreciate you," "Amadito." "We are very happy, Luisa could not have chosen better." "Welcome to the family, son." "To the bride and groom." "I would also like to propose a toast, to your happiness," "whatever happens with this country." "What did you say?" "What nonsense do you learn in university?" "It isn't nonsense, Papá." "Its going to explode into a civil war." "No, that isn't certain!" "Some would like that!" "Listen to me, René," "Trujillo gives the orders here!" "Gustavo, please." "I would like to propose a toast, to the beautiful young couple." "God bless Luisa and Amadito with health, happiness, and many children." "Well Amadito," "Do you have something special to say to me?" "Have you not thought of something romantic for tonight?" "I love you with all of my heart." "That's not very original." "But its sincere." "You see, since my parents died," "I've not had any love, no true love, but now I've found you." "That's the most beautiful thing you've ever said." "Careful -- we must behave until the wedding..." " You already have a date?" " The sooner the better, René." "I just hope for the approval of my superiors." "What?" "You need their permission to get married?" "What a country!" "Tell Lieutenant García Guerrero to come in." "Your orders, your Excellency." "Lieutenant, I've been looking at your file." "Number one at the military academy, you carried the sword of honour, several decorations..." "It is a perfect evaluation." "A very good file, Lieutenant." "Congratulations." "Thank you, your Excellency." "It would be a pity, if it were ruined by a woman." "You cannot marry the sister of a communist," "Lieutenant." "René Gil, the brother of your fiancé, is a subversive." "He belongs to the Movement -- the 14th of June." "Did you know?" "No, your Excellency." "Well, now you know." "Lieutenant, you have a great future in the Dominican army." "Do not ruin it for a woman!" "This country is full of beautiful women." "You are a very handsome young man, it will not be difficult to find another." "Yes, your Excellency." "Good, now, you can go." "Is something wrong, Lieutenant?" "Good." "Where did you get that idea?" "The Chief told me, he knows everything." "René is just a student!" "Not only though -- he is with the rebels." "Even if its true, I am not responsible for what René does!" "Neither am I, but that changes absolutely nothing, Luisa!" "You don't know how difficult it is to do this." "If there were another way...!" "I cannot see you again." "You're leaving me, because the Chief ordered you to?" "He's my commander, it's the army, its my whole life!" "And us?" "And our love?" "Trujillo..." "What!" "Trujillo is not your owner!" "Listen to me." "I want you so much..." "I will always love you." "LIBERTY!" "LIBERTY!" "Carlitos, would have turned twenty this month." "We were talking about his future." "He went to the demonstration," " he never returned." "Like many others, the 14th of June Movement...died." "General, Senator Smothers." "I will be honest with you, gentlemen." "Your government faces a serious crisis." "Everyone thinks it was your bomb that nearly killed President Betancourt." "That pussy!" "They may prevent the publication here, but the world is angry." "They're angry because Betancourt is a pussy." "That pussy is going to seek sanctions from the OAS -- and they will concede." " When, Senator?" " Soon." "There is no way to stop it." "Those sanctions will drown the Republic, General" "If you leave power now," "We assure you and your family will have a luxurious life in the United States." "No, no." "What happens if I do not?" "What can happen, is what happened in Cuba." "This is not Cuba, Senator -- the Dominicans love the Chief." "Maybe, but " "No maybe!" "The Dominicans love their Chief." "But no one lives forever." "What will happen when you are gone?" "I don't know what will happen, but I'll tell you something, Senator." "I won't be like Batista -- running away from Cuba!" "You can send the army here, the navy, the air force, the marines, drop an atomic bomb." "The only way Trujillo will leave, is if he's dead!" "He has left, your Excellency." "Stupid yankee." "They fear another Fidel, Chief." "Cerebrito " "Who can better crush the Communists, than Trujillo?" "Who has been the Yankee's best friend for the last thirty years?" "Hey, Papá, we won!" "Really, Ramfis?" "Now you've made me feel better, son." "He does nothing else -- all fucking day!" "What a waste." "Who is the girl?" "She's my daughter." "Uranita!" "Good afternoon, your Excellency." "This is incredible!" "Incredible!" "How you have grown, Uranita." "Cerebrito, she reminds me a lot of her mother." "How old are you, dear?" "Fourteen, your Excellency." "Fourteen!" "Well, we must do something about that." "I think we must present this beautiful young lady to society." "and I have an idea -- why not go to the dance" " at the Palace on Friday?" " the Palace?" "Thank you, your Excellency, but as you see," " she is too young." " No, no, no... she is not too young." "You are officially invited, my dear." "Thank you, your Excellency." "We'll see you Friday night." "Tonight, at the National Palace, our many distinguished intellectuals and personalities have come to celebrate another anniversary of the glorious era of Trujillo." "30 years of prosperity, justice, and peace have been given us from our grand leader and benefactor." "And now, presenting..." "The great general, Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina and his wife, the first lady of the nation, Doña María, the sublime matriarch." "Now the children," "Angelita, Radhames, and the general" "Ramfis Trujillo." "General," "May I have this dance?" "Yes, of course." "I feel as if I'm in a dream." "You are a very good dancer." "You are light as a feather." "How pretty you are, Uranita." "And how beautiful you are going to be." "Good evening, Lieutenant." "Congratulations on your new stripe." "Thank you, Colonel." "Do you know why are you here?" "A test of loyalty, Colonel?" "His Excellency, has chosen greater responsibilities for you." "But he wants to be sure the Trujillista is true to the marrow." "I will never disappoint the Chief." "What must I do?" "Drive " " I'll tell you where." "General, excuse me." "Uranita, I want to introduce you to someone." "Now, Papá?" "Yes." "Come back, okay?" " But we've just arrived!" " I said, let's go!" "Why?" "Have I done something wrong?" "No questions!" " Papá, I forgot my jacket." " Never mind." "Papá, please!" "Put an end to this communist." "Lieutenant, don't you want to know who he was?" "I prefer not to know, Señor." "No, no, no!" "That is too easy." "If you jump in the water, you have to get wet!" "Your fiancé's brother, was a communist." "Now his Excellency will be very proud of you." "Throw him to the sharks." "Who is it?" "Who is it?" "Its Amadito!" "Let me in!" "Amadito?" "Amadito." "What's the matter?" "What happened?" "What have you done, Amadito?" "What happened?" "What happened to you?" "I've done something, Turco." "Something unmentionable..." "No, no, Amadito." "Listen -- tomorrow you go to confession." "I'll take you myself." "No confession will cure what I've done, Turco." "I have seen the devil." "I have seen the devil up close." "Listen to me, I don't know what happened, but whatever it is, God will forgive you." " You must believe it." " No." "I'm going to kill him, Turco." "It's the only way." "Kill who?" "I swear " " I'm going to kill Trujillo!" "Trujillo." "You can't sleep?" "You're still angry." "I was having the best time of my life, Papá -- and you took me away from the dance." "And I don't even know why." "I had to, my darling." "You only wanted me to dance with you." "You were jealous." "I wasn't jealous, I was... prudent." "Ramfis was getting too close." "That young man is dangerous." "Ramfis is dangerous?" "He treats the girls badly... and I wouldn't want him to do anything to you." "But he liked me, Papá!" "That's why I brought you home!" "But if he decides he likes you -- I don't even want to think it!" "You are most precious to me, Uranita." "You are what I love most in this world." "And I would never let anyone hurt you." "Never." "Thank you for seeing me, your Eminence." "How can I help you, my son?" "I don't know exactly how to say this." "What is tormenting your soul?" "Your Eminence," "I've seen what has happened in my country," "And I can bear it no longer." "I believe Trujillo must die." "And I..." "I only want to know if there will be forgiveness for my soul." "Have you read St. Tomás de Aquino?" "Here, my son." ""God will accept the elimination of the physical beast," "if in that way, a people are liberated."" "Is that what you wanted to know," "Salvador?" "Uranita?" "There was a tragic car accident yesterday at La Cumbre." "Three women identified as Patricia," "María Teresa y Minerva Mirabal were killed." "The police reported..." "Coming, Papá!" "...they did not know the mountain road was flooded by rain." "Good morning, Papá." "I'm sorry, Dear." "I don't have time for breakfast." "Papá!" "The Palace, José." "Chief," "Abbes has gone too far this time." "I've seen it." "Its a disaster!" "The Mirabal were the most visible opposition!" "Accidents happen." "No one will believe it was an accident!" "Chief, we cannot afford this now!" "The sanctions are paralyzing the economy, no oil or spare parts, no imports or exports!" "Tell me something I don't know, Cerebrito." "If we want the sanctions lifted," "Abbes must stop dropping bombs and killing mothers!" "You always hated Abbes." "That is clever, but not very smart." "He has to go!" "He has to go?" "He has to go!" "He has to go." "Let me tell you something, Señor Cabral." "First of all, get up -- I did not ask you to sit." "The government has a dark side, and you are aware of it." "Order and peace are bought with blood." "Over the years, Abbes and I have done the dirty work so you could be the statesman." "And I know that people with your lineage, do not like getting in the mud." "But I have news for you." "That is where I come from, the mud!" "So I need the services of Abbes more than your hypocrisy!" "Have I made myself clear?" "Of course." "You are right, Chief." "Of course I am right!" "I always am." "And about the Mirabal, they were planning to assassinate me." "Someone had to do something." "Of course." "I'm sorry, Chief." "There are two kinds of people... those who are with me, and those who are against me." "Now..." "Urania!" "My Lord!" "I can't believe you're here, after so many years..." "I'm so happy to see you, Aunt Adelina." "You look wonderful, darling." "Hello, cousin." "Remember me?" "Of course I remember you, Manolita." "This is Marianita, Lucinda's daughter." "Hello, Aunt Urania." "Marianita, I'm so happy to meet you." "It's a miracle." "I have prayed you would return to see your father." "I thought we'd never see you again." "Here I am." "Thank goodness you've come." "I was about to go to your hotel, and drag you here by the hair." "Right, Uncle?" "It's your Uranita!" "Look." "Hello, Father." "Come, let's have dinner." "Do you like the tostones?" "They're delicious, Aunt Adelina." "Uncle Agustín is happy you are here." "I'm not so sure." "I don't think he recognizes me." "Of course, he recognizes you." "My poor brother." "Luck had turned its back on him." "When Trujillo died, right Grandma?" "A few months earlier." "I remember that morning." "In the newspaper, there was a false accusation -- anonymous... and our life changed forever." "I think I'll take Chemistry next semester." "Ex Minister Cabral must respond to accusations of embezzlement" "Papá?" "Humberto." "Where is my car?" "It has been cancelled." "I have a meeting in 15 minutes." "The meeting has been cancelled." "Why?" "I haven't cancelled it!" "All your meetings have been cancelled." "Is this a joke?" "Pass me to the Chief immediately!" "I can't, Señor." "He's not taking any calls." " I have orders." " What?" "Dr. Cabral," "I am very sorry." "Papá?" "Papá, are you okay?" "Gentlemen," "Admiral Viñas." "Admiral, welcome." "It is a pleasure to be here." "Please, sit." "Thank you." "Juan José and I have been planning for some time, and everything is almost ready, but we need something from you." "You are with the Chief's guard -- you know exactly where and when he will be..." "Yes." "But, what is the plan?" "If its to kill him, I can do it alone." "Amadito, lonely cowboys will be romantics, but they fail." "and end up dead." "It has to be done when he goes to the ranch." "Normally he gets rid of his bodyguards." "He goes to the compound with only his driver -- to see the women." "He thinks God protects him when he goes to the ranch to fuck." "God will not protect him, I assure you." "Good, then we all risk our neck, especially my nephew." "And then what?" "What happens the next day?" "If nobody stops Ramfis, he will kill us all, and our families..." "There are many people involved -- the highest officials." "I have convinced the majority." "The militia will take the Palace once the Goat has been killed." "How?" "It is guarded by well-armed soldiers." "The Americans will send arms by air:" "machine guns, grenades, ammunition..." "Viñas knows someone close to them, here in Santo Domingo." "And then what?" "A senior officer will lead a military junta, take command and arrest Abbes." "Who?" "Who will it be?" "A man who hates Trujillo as much as all of us put together." "Do you know what you're saying?" "I know you're tired of Trujillo, like everyone else." "Do you think I'd take this risk for political ambition?" "You don't know me..." "If I get involved with this," "I will do it for the country." "And then?" "They must bring the corpse to me." "I will not give an order, until I've seen Trujillo's corpse." "Colonel, thank you for receiving me." "Nobody else will receive me." "Neither the Chief, nor Balaguer, nor the ministers." "No one accepts my calls." "That happens when someone has fallen into disgrace." "No one risks being infected." "But what I have done, Colonel?" "There must be a mistake, I swear." "His Excellency sent the letter to the press." "You have been arguing with him too much lately." "I only gave my opinion on political matters, as I have always done." "When I was young," "I studied rosacrucianismo." "I learned to read the aura of a man." "Like yours, for example -- right now it is yellow, the aura of a man who is scared to death." "I am scared!" "Colonel, you and I were never friends." "I have no friends, Señor Cabral." "Please, will you ask the Chief to see me?" "That is not possible." "I ask as a personal favour!" "It's the least I deserve." "If his Excellency has decided to isolate you, he has a good reason." "I'm sorry." "Four out of five...!" "If you played baseball, you'd be better than Mantle, Mays, and Clement together." "Gentlemen, this is Pedro " " Pedro," "Antonio, Tony," "Amadito." "It is an honour to join you." "I have bad news." "The Americans have withdrawn." "What?" "The Bay of Pigs has changed everything." "They fear another shit-hole." "There will be no shipment of arms." "What do we do?" "What do we do?" "Well, this is the way it is." "We still have to do it." "Enough." "Fuck the gringos." "We'll do it ourselves." "Everything will be okay, Papá." "I don't know, Uranita." "I hope so." "But you've done nothing wrong." "The Chief has to know that." "I don't want you to worry but," "I suppose you've heard things at school, No?" "They have frozen my bank account -- we could lose the house." "No, Papá, that will never happen." "I don't want to scare you." "I don't think anything will happen, but if something should, be strong, my darling..." "go to Aunt Adelina." "She will take care of you." "Have faith, Papá." "Every night, pray to the Virgin for help." "Pray with me now." "We'll pray together." "Of course," "Darling." "Let's pray." "God bless you, you are full of grace..." "God is with you..." "That night, in my prayers," "I promised Our Lady of High Grace, that if she helped Papá," "I would remain a virgin all of my life." "Luckily, Our Lady took her headset off that night." "But Uncle Agustín was not so lucky." "How terrible they were with him." "They stabbed him in the back and left him to bleed to death." "And if you allow your aunt to be candid, you were not fair with him either, Urania." "Yes, you sent money for his expenses, that is true." "But do you think that was enough?" "You didn't visit once, not even when he had the stroke!" "I don't understand you." "He was the best father in the world, and he needed you more than anyone." "Why, Urania?" "Because... he was not as good a father as you think." "What are you saying?" "He knows what I'm talking about." "Don't you, Father?" "How dare you?" "My brother lived for your happiness!" "Remember Manuel Alfonso?" "The diplomat?" "I remember, a playboy -- very handsome..." "All the women said he was the most handsome man in the Caribbean." "He was the only one who tried to help Papá." "Did you know?" "Hello, Uranita." "Remember me?" "Give me a kiss." "Hello." "No, "Hello, Uncle Manuel"" "Hello, Uncle Manuel." "How beautiful you have become." "You are going to break many hearts..." "Manuel Alfonso!" "I was going to call you." "Do you have any news for me?" "I have spoken to the man." "Let's go to the library." "You seem tired, Agustín." "I am..." "I am desperate." "After all this time, it's like" "I had never existed for the Chief -- or for anyone else." "We spoke for almost an hour." "He says you are no longer the same." "He has noticed a weakness, a lack of enthusiasm in you." "The Chief does not accept weakness Agustín." "He wants us to be like him, tireless, like a rock." "But how?" "He's made of steel, you know." " I always did what I could..." " He has lost confidence in you, and you know how he is when he thinks someone has failed him." "Somehow, Manuel..." "I must show him I am still worthy of his confidence!" "Well, there might be a way..." "By God, Manuel, what would it be?" "Your daughter is quite the little lady." "She has grown, yes." "I would be proud of such a daughter, but... do you know what would be my greater pride, Agustín?" "That she, my daughter," "would attract the attention of the Chief." "Are you...?" " You're not suggesting..." " Wait, wait Agustín." "Wait -- listen to me for a minute." "With a gesture like this, you would show the Chief that you are prepared to do anything for him." "But she's only a girl!" "No, she's not, not anymore." "Now she is an adorable young girl." "You know how much the Chief appreciates beauty." "But she is very innocent, she knows nothing!" "Much better." "The Chief will appreciate your generosity even more." "Agustín, if I were a father, nothing would give me more satisfaction, more happiness, than to have the Chief give pleasure to my daughter," "and for him to take pleasure with her." "and... for Uranita, what an extraordinary privilege." "She would be initiated by Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, a man of history, a founder of nations, like Napoleon or Charlemagne, or Bolívar -- that class of men, forces of nature," "instruments of God, Agustín." "Think, we have had the pleasure -- the privilege, of being with him all these years." "He made me an ambassador in Washington, and named you President of the Senate, Secretary of State." "He made you what you are, as he did our country." "You owe it all to Trujillo." "You will touch his heart." "The Chief may seem harsh, but gestures of good faith move him." "No, no." "I could not." "If I have offended you, I have not said anything." "But... think of Uranita, Cerebrito." "What will happen to her?" "if you lose everything, and end up in jail?" "or worse." "Papá?" "I'm in here, Dear." "Hello, Papá." "Do you not feel well?" "We need to talk, Uranita." " Are they going to take you?" " No." "No, none of that, fortunately." "Come and sit." "I want you to understand" "I would never, ever, do anything that was not for your own good." "Swear to me you'll never forget that." "Of course, Papá." "But, what's going on?" "The General... is having a party... tonight, at his ranch, and he wants you to attend." "That's wonderful, Papá." "Everything is going well again." "Well, with the Chief, you never know." "But if he has invited us..." ""Us", no." "Only you." "Only me?" "Why?" "Well," "I hope it's a first step, a way to show..." "we can still be friends." "Of course, you don't have to go if you don't want to." "No, Papá, I want to help you." "Thank you, darling." "Manuel Alfonso will pick you up at 8:00." "At 8:00?" "I have to prepare my dress." "How do I look, Papá?" "Good, Darling." "Are we going?" "You're going very informal, Don Manuel." " Am I too dressed up?" " No, you are perfect." "Adiós, Papá." "Uranita!" "I love you." "Where are the other guests?" "It's a party especially for you." "But Papá told me..." "You will be alone with his Excellency, Uranita." "I want to go home." "Don't touch me!" "Uranita." "You're a good daughter..." "I know you love your father, and want to help him." "But it is a delicate situation." "You don't want the General to be even more angry with him, do you?" "That's it." "That's it." "Don't be afraid." "The Chief is a romantic." "He likes girls like you." "Now, go and wait for him in the parlour." "Come." "Relax." "Good evening, my precious." "Welcome to my ranch." "Good evening, your Excellency." "Let's have a toast." "I want you to try this." "Have you ever had brandy?" "What?" "Cognac." "This is the best." "You will love it." "Now, let's toast, to the pleasure of having you here." "You don't like it?" "Don't drink it!" "Don't drink it!" "Are you always are so quiet?" "I don't eat girls like you, don't you know?" "Well..." "Smile." "You are beautiful when you smile." "I know what's missing here." "Music." "Of course, we're missing music." "I like your silence." "The way you want to be admired, is like an indifferent Goddess." "I remember a poem:" ""I like it when you are quiet, it is as if you were not here," "as if your eyes had fled," "as if a kiss would have closed your mouth."" "Do you not know how to kiss?" "I know why." "It is because you are a virgin." "I want to show you something wonderful, something you will like." "Come with me." "Your lips are so soft..." "Wait here " " I will return..." "Yes." "You are so beautiful." "Lie down." "Relax, lie back and relax." "Let yourself go." "I am going to have you every way, and you will love it." "You will love it!" "See?" "I must have you." "Spread your legs." "Stop playing dead and spread them, damn it!" "Spread them!" "What's happening to me?" "What's happening to me?" "I have defeated whatever enemy that has been in my way," "But how can I with this?" "It's not right!" "It's not right!" "Stop crying, damn it!" "Stop crying!" "It's not right." "It's not right!" "What the hell are you looking at?" "You think you're going to leave here a virgin?" "So your father, your father the pimp, can laugh at me?" "No way!" "Now scream, little bitch!" "Little bitch!" "Scream!" "Yes!" "Since that night," "I've smelled the stench of the cognac on his breath everyday." "His weight." "I couldn't breathe." "His tongue was like a snake in my mouth." "His hands..." "He was hurting me, he was burning inside." "Since that night, I have only hate, fear, shame." "I am a desert..." "Since that night, I've wished I was dead." "Aunt Urania." "That's wonderful, Papá!" "Everything's going well again." "I will never let anyone hurt you." "Never." "Leave me at the college, Santo Domingo." "Please." "But for the Dominican sisters," "I don't know what would have come of me." "I owe my life to them." "Now you know, who was the best father in the world." "Urania, I never would have imagined..." "And you know the best thing of all?" "It served for nothing." "Look at him." "Do you know why I sent him money all these years?" "I wanted him to suffer his own hell." "Enough, Urania!" "What you have told us is terrible," "but... your father was desperate, he was beside himself." "Those were different times!" "They were and they weren't." "There are certain things you cannot do." "Never." "Maybe he thought it was the only way to save you?" ""I did it all for my daughter."" "The defense of a coward." "Please Urania, remove the hatred from your heart." "God teaches us to forgive and forget." "Forgive?" "His letters always talked in circles, with allusions, in case someone was reading." "How can I forgive?" "It was so long ago..." "He has suffered enough punishment, and you too." "And Trujillo?" "How can I forgive and forget my first man, the only man in my life?" "What?" "What about your rich lover?" "I have no lover " " I never will!" "When a man approaches me, I want to kill him!" "You have your family, a husband, children, your country." "I am barren!" "I wish I could forget!" "Ever since I left, I have prayed -- asking God for vengeance, that Trujillo be brought to justice!" "Alone!" "I have always been alone!" "No one deserves my sacrifices!" "In this country, nobody has any balls." "This is a land of ingrates, cowards, weaklings!" "And now you take me for an ass!" "Get out!" "Get out!" "Get out!" "Get out!" "You too, Balaguer -- get out of here!" "Fuck!" "Manuel." " Yes, Chief." " Tonight, I need a good piece of ass!" "You can't imagine how much I need it!" "I have just the one for you, Chief -- Yolanda Esterel, sixteen sweet years..." "I don't care if she's sixteen, or twenty-five -- or a goat!" "For me, a hole is a hole, damn it!" "You only need imagination...!" "Tonight... at the ranch." "At ten o'clock." "There's the Bel Air!" "Get going!" "Get going!" "damn it!" "Faster!" "Faster!" "Viñas -- he was to cut him off!" "Move over, son of a bitch!" "Move over!" "Move it!" "Get closer!" "Closer!" "Tony!" "Let's go!" "Cover us!" "Juan José!" "Traitors!" "This vulture won't be eating any more hens." "He's dead." "Finally, he's dead." "This is for you, Tavito." " General." " What's happened?" "His Excellency has disappeared." "You must call a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff." "Of course." "Yes?" "Pupo, we have him." "We have him in the trunk." "Do you want to see him?" "No, my son is not here." "Pupo, can you hear me?" "I am Antonio de la Maza." "Juan José is wounded and " "No, I don't know when my son will return." "Please, hang on " "I need the phone book." "No, Pupo..." "General." "Yes, let's go." "Is there a plan B?" "There is no plan B." "We were counting on Pupo." "We have to separate." "We'll hide where we can." "They can't take us alive." "We have to go." "Out -- through the garden." "Adiós." "God bless." "Good luck." "Santo Domingo is in shock after authorities confirmed the tragic death of our benefactor, General Raphael Leónidas Trujillo." "The question of the moment is:" ""Who will govern us?"" "Who will be able to fill this great, terrible emptiness?" "We report that some of the assassins have been identified and captured." "Antonio De La Masa died in a shoot-out with the police." "Salvador Estrella, El Turco, has been arrested and Admiral Viñas is being interrogated in a hospital in the capital." "Antonio Imbert and Amadito Guerrero's whereabouts remain unknown." "García Guerrero!" "Amadito!" "Go in there, Meca." "Whatever happens, don't get up." "Give yourself up or die like a dog!" "Listen to me," "I love you so much, Meca." "But I can't let them take me alive." "No, they may have compassion for you." "No." "Go in there and stay down -- go." "Funeral of General Trujillo, 2nd of June, 1961" "When I heard of the death of Trujillo, for a moment I felt something -- it wasn't revenge, or joy -- relief, perhaps -- but it didn't last long." "When I saw it on television -- all the crowds crying for Trujillo," "It made me sick!" "Later, it went from bad to worse." "What do you mean?" "I thought this was a democracy after that?" "Afterwards... before that, it was a blood bath." "...and Uncle?" "They took him to the jail." "Who knows what they did to him there." "Afterwards, Balaguer made him a clerk, shuffling papers like a bureaucrat." "He tried, but his heart wasn't in it." "After you left, Uranita, he was never the same." "The only thing that mattered was you -- only you." "It's getting late." "Stay a little longer, please." "No, my flight leaves early." "Aunt Adelina," "I'm sorry for having to recount such terrible things." "I finally understand you." "Come Uranita, give me a hug." "We'll write -- and call each other." "Of course." "Don't be a stranger again, Uranita." "We are your family, this is your country." "I long to see you again." "I'll always love you, Aunt Urania." "Marianita, you are so lucky." "You have your whole life ahead of you." "You as well." "And you have us, and Uncle Agustín." "Right, Uncle?" "See!" "He recognizes you!" "I think he's sad you're leaving." "Adiós, Father." "Jaragua, please."