"THE GRANDFATHER" "(Horse And Carriage Clattering)" "(Bell Ringing)" "Good evening." "Good evening." "Sir..." "Good evening." "Good evening, ma'am." "Hello, Senen." "Minister..." "Good evening." "Did you enjoy the play?" "As much as a tooth ache." "So-so." "These modern authors are only happy with rural dramas... and peasants smelling of wine and sheep." "Yes, those who know say the theater is in crisis." "What isn't in crisis nowadays?" "That's very true, sir." "I still prefer Echegaray... although he's criticized now... by those cafe conspirators who applaud Dicenta or Guimera." "Ma'am, I've taken the liberty... of preparing a little refreshment for you, as usual." "If I'm not required..." "Thank you, Senen." "Thank you, ma'am." "Good night." "Sir..." "Good night." "No." "Don't turn up the light." "I like seeing you like this... glittering in the dark." "Like flames." "What's more... tonight you're... particularly attractive." "I can't stay long." "Azcarraga has called an urgent meeting for 8:00 a.m. tomorrow." "I'll have to spend the night going over papers." "Things aren't going well." "In fact, they're going from bad to worse." "There are rumors of various dismissals." "How easy it would all be if we took England as an example!" "She is the political model for the world... the pattern which our society should follow." "But..." "To you." "To eternal love." "To the short time it lasts." "Don't be caustic, Lucrecia." "You know you're the woman of my life..." "but in my career..." "For God's sake,Jaime." "No banalities." "Don't try to justify yourself with that." "I know that for your political career... you mustn't upset the great banker... whose plump and gluttonous only daughter... you married out of pity." "You see?" "I too am banal, and fall in the ridiculous trap of reproaches." "Here, burn them yourself." "Don't you dare?" "In a woman's heart, love can turn to hate in the tick of a clock." "And I want to be free of temptation." "Would it be a lot to ask you to look on me still as a friend?" "A good friend." "Of course I will." "Although friendship between a man and a woman always seems... too decent." "Was that the action ofa good friend?" "I'd like to know what's behind that expression... just there, where love, or desire... or the flesh... converge with ambition." "All of them." "Every single day I spent at your side... has been the happiest of my life." "The month we lived together in Paris, in that little hotel." "What was it called?" "It was in the Boulevard..." "Near La Concorde." "And the journey to Geneva." "And so many evenings in this drawing room." "But I'm a coward." "That's what is in my expression." "Passion and fear." "(Clock Chiming)" "Hotel Rivoli." "Boulevard de la Madeleine." "Room 105." "Thank you." "(Horses'Hooves Clopping)" "Dolly... why doesn't Mother want us to live with her?" "I'm sure we'd learn much more in Madrid than here." "You know what Mother says." "In Madrid, girls grow up rickety." "She wants us to fatten up in the country." "But she likes to be thin." "I think the fashion now is to be thin to please men." "Listen, Dolly." "What?" "Have you ever thought of..." "Of what?" "Of being a nun!" "Idiot!" "I always do, when we go to mass with the "Domnicans"." "Dominicans." "What's the difference?" "They've got such a lovely church." "You'd become a nun just because you like their church?" "Well, because of that... but also I think it must be nice on the other side of those grilles." "But they don't see anything." "No sea, no sky, no people." "Nothing!" "I know that... but what does it matter if you don't see any of that?" "You can see God there, and that's better." "But God is everywhere, Nelly." "The catechism says so." "You think He isn't here now, seeing us... and hearing all we say?" "Yes, but we can't see Him or hear Him." "Let's test it out." "You look hard and I'll listen." "All right." "Are you listening?" "Yes... but if you don't keep quiet, I won't hear anything." "All right, I'll keep quiet!" "Hear anything?" "Yes." "What?" "I hear a kind of very deep breathing." "What do you see?" "I see..." "I see..." "I can see Him, Dolly!" "I can see Him!" "See who?" "God?" "And He's looking at us." "Over there!" "He's over there, Dolly!" "Leonor, Dorotea!" "Don't you know me?" "I'm your grandfather." "Grandfather!" "Grandfather!" "Look." "These are tomatoes." "I picked them to show to that pudgy priest... if he tries to boast about his, as he always does." "Yes, it's a lovely crop." "But look at these beans." "What's wrong with them?" "They didn't ripen well." "What did you expect with that hailstorm we had?" "Listen." "Speaking of storms, is that rumor true?" "Come on, tell me." "Is the battle-axe coming?" "Go on." "Has bad news ever been wrong?" "It seems the countess is coming... and she's staying at the mayor's house." "I bet Dona Lucrecia's coming to take the girls." "You may be right." "They're growing up." "They're almost young women." "Well, it's a nuisance." "Of course, it's possible... she's just coming to see them, like before, and to pay us... the money owing for their up keep." "God willing, Venancio." "When would we get another bit of luck like this?" "A regular, sound income." "And another thing." "What'll happen when Don Rodrigo appears?" "I don't believe that the lion and the panther... will both be here by chance." "I reckon they're meeting... so that they can come to some agreement." "That's their affair, Gregoria." "What's it to us... if they scratch and bite each other over a scrap of honor?" "We mind our own business." "Yes." "Who'd have thought it, Venancio?" "Us, keeping the Count of Albrit from going hungry... when not even twenty years ago... he was the lord and master of Polan,Jerusa and everything." "And people say that nothing ever changes." "Last night, the train left me in Lain... and I gave instructions there... that they send my trunk to La Pardina." "Then I went to visit a shepherd from the old days..." "Martin Paz." "Imagine how old the man must be... for when I was even younger than you two... he was already a grown man as big as a house... who took me hunting in the mountains." "Where did you sleep?" "With him, in his hut, in Polan." "Before that, he gave me a fline stew for supper." "And this morning, very early..." "I went to visit the grave of your grandmother Adelaida." "Grandfather, how long ago did you go to America?" "I've lost count of the time." "Six years, eight years..." "I can't remember anymore." "Time is a very strange thing." "Really?" "Really?" "I'm going to..." "I'm going to tell you a secret." "We are prisoners of time." "Listen." "Listen very carefully." "When I was a child, I came to play in these woods... and I'd climb the trees to see the nests." "And do you know what?" "It seems like it was yesterday, yesterday morning." "(Bird Chirping)" "Listen, do you hear that bird?" "Yes." "It's a gold finch." "How can that be?" "That bird... is the same bird that sang here... when I was a little boy." "I remember it very well." "I'm sure of it." "You see?" "He's a prisoner of time too." "He's made of time too, just as we are." "Lean on my arm, Grandfather." "And on mine, too." "(Gold finch Singing)" "He doesn't look anything like his portrait." "Of course not." "That was painted years before he went to America." "We were all much better-looking back then." "You should have seen me when I was eighteen!" "All the boys around were mad about me." "What eyes I had then, full of light and life." "And what... everything!" "You're such a moaner!" "And your grandfather... had to live through a lot of problems and hard times in Peru." "And suffering... is what ages you most." "Looking for his gold mine." "Looking for his ruin." "And to top it all, the death of your father, Don Rafael." "But let's not talk about sad things from the past." "This is a happy day because you're going to see your mother." "Imagine, your lordship." "I served Don Rafael... from when he became an officer in the cavalry until he married." "And for a few more years after that too." "And tell me something, Seneca..." "Zenon, o rwhatever your name is." "What's your trade now?" "Carpenter... shoemaker, haberdasher?" "I'm a civil servant in the Treasury... in the capital, of course." "Her lady ship got me the job... and I also work for her in a secretarial capacity." "Yes, yes." "So you abandoned the servitude... of all those years with my son... to go with my daughter-in-law... because what you want is to earn money at all costs." "Let me explain." "Your lordship, I believe it's the duty of every man... to progress in life, or at least to attempt it... whether he's young or he's getting on a bit... as in my case!" "I don't know what to say, for we're living in strange times... when gentlemen are ruined and servants are getting rich." "You've got the example... of Gregoria and Venancio to prove it." "I'll give you a bit of advice, as you're so fond of cash." "I'm all ears, sir." "Money is made, Zenon..." "Senen, your lordship." "It's Senen." "Don't interrupt, man!" "Money is made... by those who, with patience and close observation... always follow behind those who lose it." "If you keep that in mind... you'll get ahead, Senen." "We're going now, Grandfather." "Are you coming to see Mother?" "No, no." "I'm still a little tired after that long walk." "Shall we give her any message from you?" "No, nothing." "You both look lovely!" "Isn't it wonderful to see them so pretty and so healthy, sir?" "Well, if you'll excuse us, your lordship... we'll go to the mayor's house." "And when I say house, I mean mansion... because that's what Monedero has built." "Right at the entrance to Jerusa." "Or right on the way out... because it really depends on where you're coming from." "And then they say running a noodle factory... isn't a profitable business!" "I really don't mean to be rude... but I'm delighted that you're leaving." "Indeed?" "Shall I tell you why?" "Nothing that you say could offend me, your lordship." "It's just that you're wearing a perfume that stinks." "Forgive me for saying good-bye so impertinently, Zenon." "Well, it's just a few little drops of heliotrope." "Senen, your lordship." "It's Senen." "Very well." "Come along, girls." "Let's go." "Good-bye, Grandpa." "Good-bye." "Your hat." "Thank you." "And your cane." "Wait till you see the presents your mother has brought you." "Really?" "You'll see them soon." "Your lordship..." "Sit down, and carry on eating." "Thank you, sir." "So you're the educator of my granddaughters, are you?" "Yes, your lordship, at your service." "Sit down, sit down." "Thank you." "I've heard a lot about you... and I've been anxious to meet you." "Everyone says that you're a little simple... a poor wretch." "But no, I don't believe any of that." "Although it's true that one need only see your face... to know that you're an illustrious lamb." "So God made you a saint... and your family, a martyr?" "Less the first than the second, your lordship." "Why do you think they chose... and by "they" I suppose I mean the countess, the priest... the mayor and other luminaries of Jerusa... a retired school master to be the girls' tutor?" "It's very clear, your lordship." "Because there was no one else." "I've..." "I've never been a master... who liked caning or tweaking ears." "I've never believed in beating education into someone." "Maybe that's why... some pupils have laughed at me... and hung paper dolls on my back." "But... in other times..." "I was a man of studies... and I accumulated knowledge." "But... misfortunes have unsettled my mind... and now..." "Now I'm a disaster, sir." "You've got all my respect." "The man who doesn't fool himself when speaking of himself... is a wise man, and as he is wise... he is also humble." "Your lordship honors me too much." "I reckon, Don Rodrigo... that the honor of having you in Jerusa... is due to your desire to be with your granddaughters." "And I'm not surprised." "Those two little girls... can reach into your heart." "Yes, they are two really enchanting children." "They're healthy in body... and, one supposes, in spirit too." "And they're so alike, so similar... and I don't mean in height!" "Similar, alike, you say?" "It may be because I don't see well... but I find that they look very alike... and the tone of their voices is also identical." "And I would even say... that their characters... are also similar." "Absolutely not, your lordship." "Neither their features nor their voices are similar... and much less their characters." "Tell me something." "You're with them every day." "Which of the two is more ingenious, more alert?" "Or which of them... has the nobler, more generous heart?" "Answering that... is very difficult, your lordship... because both of them... are sharp and bright as buttons." "They're kind-hearted, and very good." "And a bit mischievous too, I have to say." "But they both observe the law of modesty... and the two of them are very firm in their... moral principles, and fearful of God... but not sanctimonious." "But all of that is what they have in common!" "What I want you to tell me... is what makes them different, Coronado." "That's your name, isn't it?" "Yes, Pio Coronado, at your service, your lordship." "Let me see if I can clarify it for you, because it isn't easy." "Dolly is more prone to be naughty... and Nelly seems more inclined to study." "But no, I don't want to be unfair... praising one more than the other." "You're their grandfather." "When you've been close to them for a few days... you'll know them better than anyone." "That's why I've come, Coronado." "To get to know them better." "(Crickets Chirping)" "( Chattering )" "What beautiful rings." "And how original to wear them on your little finger." "They're yours, Dona Consuelito." "Now, now." "You say that... because you know Dona Consuelito can't accept." "And why can't she?" "She's an unmarried lady and not engaged... as far as I know." "It was awful in the station last night... and then coming through the streets." "I only came to see my children, and..." "The people in Jerusa love you, your ladyship." "What am I saying?" "They adore you!" "And Jerusa can't seem to be ungrateful... nor forget the benefits you lavished on it." "They can send me a pretty bouquet of flowers... not an entire rose garden." "Dona Lucrecia, your beauty is only comparable to your modesty." "Forgive my audacity, but who among us can forget... that you obtained for Jerusa... the Forbes road and the telegraph station?" "And the Higher Education college... which Durante wanted for itself." "And if you get them to grant us the School of Commerce... which Durante also wants... the apotheosis we'll give you will be heard in China!" "Good Lord, Monedero, that's enough nonsense." "Really, it was all due to my friendship with the minister." "You know that." "How many girlfriends do you have, Senen?" "Be honest." "Listen to that!" "As far as I know, two." "Really?" "What doyou mean, Dona Consuelito?" "If only that were true!" "Although to be honest, I would have settled for one... providing that one... were like you." "But I know you correspond with Dona Amalia Ruiz." "And you've been seen at the theater... with the notary's daughter." "That's talk for talk's sake." "It's just a simple friendship... as ours could be, if you chose it to be so..." "Dona Consuelito." "Will you permit me to call you..." "Consuelito, Dona Consuelito?" "And what news is there of Don Rodrigo?" "He's in La Pardina... and I've ordered Venancio... that while my father-in-law is there... they are to take every possible care of him." "Who, at his age, would think of going off to America... however much the yellow dust may glitter!" "He said it was because of the mirage of a fortune... his grandfather left there." "Yes, he said that... about ten years ago." "The worst thing is... from what they say, he seems to be a bit unhinged." "I'm not at all surprised." "Isn't it so, your ladyship... that he spent the remains of his fortune... on the El Dorado adventure?" "Rafael, my late husband..." "God rest him." "Thank you." "warned him that it was unwise, but you know how he is." "And if there was anyone who could convince him of anything... that person was his son." "And now, his granddaughters, I hope." "(Tapping Glass)" "Dear friends..." "I would like to propose a toast to Dona Lucrecia." "The reasons are so many we'd never finish... this dinner in her honor... but I would sum them up like this." "Because we love her, as Jerusa knows how to love." "Because we respect her... as Jerusa knows how to respect." "And because never, ever... could we be sufficiently grateful to her." "And now some news... even for my wife's ears." "Isn't that so, dear?" "This morning... in an extraordinary session of the Town Council... it was decided to change the name of what was Royal Street... to Lucrecia Richmond Avenue!" "Thank you." "To Dona Lucrecia!" "To Dona Lucrecia!" "And..." "Voila!" " ( Explosion ) - ( Guests Gasping )" "( Fireworks Whistling )" "( Chattering, Laughing )" "It's amazing!" "Fantastic!" "How pretty!" "An excellent touch, Monedero!" "( Rapid, Continuous Explosions )" "( Rockets Whizzing )" "( Laughing, Faint Chattering )" "(Fireworks Exploding In Distance)" "Lucrecia Richmond is received in Jerusa... with more pomp than Cleopatra in Rome." "It's hard to know who is worse, Adelaida." "She... or those servile people who applaud and flatter her." "(Birds Twittering)" "(Carriage Passing)" "(Carriage Door Opening)" "Ma'am..." "I thank you... for being so kind... as to grant me the interview... in this isolated, holy place... where we will not be disturbed by witnesses of any kind." "I am only doing my duty in agreeing to your request." "I say duty, because there was a time you called me daughter." "That's true." "You were what we might call... a temporary, transitory daughter of mine." "I think I could call you a passing daughter." "You never loved me." "Never." "You can see I'm being honest." "A foreigner by nationality... and even more so by feelings... although not by your accent... you never identified with my family... orwith the Spanish nature." "Against my wishes, my son Rafael made you his wife... and I say against my wishes... because I knew from the start... that you were a capricious, frivolous, fickle woman... and fond of flirtations." "If my predictions were wrong in anything... it was because you turned out worse than I'd feared." "I see that failure in America hasn't tamed the lion of Albrit." "Rather, he's returned even fiercer." "God made me fierce and fierce I shall die." "Is it Spanish nature to meet someone only to be insulting?" "No." "The reason for this meeting... is to tell you that you killed my son." "What do you mean?" "My son died of sadness... of grief... of loneliness... and of shame... through your fault." "In Peru, I learned of the definitive separation... of Rafael and you." "I know that love is a catastrophe... an uncontrollable madness, a fierce wind... which can strike people, and then,just as easily, move away." "So I don't blame you... that your feelings for my son disappeared." "I was informed that... after the definitive separation... my son went to live in a humble boarding house... he became ill... and had no desire to be cured." "He died in his clothes, on the bed... badly attended... by mercenary people... with no affection to comfort him... because I was absent and you... who didn't love him... only looked for excuses... to stay away from him." "Don Rodrigo... life is full of complications which are not easily explained." "And less so in a few hurried words." "The affections... the emotions between a man and a woman... are anything but simple." "Our discrepancies began in the first months after our marriage." "Rafael... who was always very kind and very loving to me... was a man without curiosity or joy for living." "He didn't like to travel or go out... or to mix with other people." "I was suffocating at his side." "I wanted to change him." "But it was a mistake because..." "Why do we always try to change the people we love?" "I assure you, I tried to help him from the moment he fell ill... but Rafael always rejected my support and affection." "I may not have loved him then... but not for one moment did I stop caring for him." "How fine a thing it would be... if you and I could weep now... for that loved one." "But however terrible all this is..." "I can't forget that what is really important... is the other matter." "The other matter?" "I don't understand." "I don't know what you mean." "Yes." "You do know." "In fact, you're the only person in the world who does know." "There's a letter." "From Rafael?" "For me?" "He wrote it... on the night he died." "He left it half written... on the table in his wretched inn." "He didn't have time to finish it." "They sent it to me with his clothes... and his other belongings." ""I warn you that if you don't send my daughter to me soon..." "I shall claim her." "The other, the one you had with the painter Carlos Eraul..." "I leave to you." "I don't want to know any more of her." "You have to do it." "You know I've got proof... and that..."" "He couldn't write any more." "Just one word will be enough for me." "The name of my true granddaughter." "That's all I ask." "I can't prevent the law... from passing on my name... to my two heiresses... those innocent children... but by all in Heaven... don't prevent me... from making an exclusive moral transference... in favor of the true heiress... the one who has my blood." "She shall be my successor." "She shall be my honor for posterity." "The only descendant... of the name of the Albrits... of those kings and princes... warriors and women without blemish... who have maintained untarnished... the ancestry and splendor of our lineage." "The honor... the ancestry... the posterity, the splendor of the Albrits?" "A tribe of lunatics... burlesque chivalry, a lineage of braggarts!" "Listen closely, Rodrigo de Arista-Potestad..." "Count of Albrit... lord of Jerusa and Polan." "Rather than harm my daughters..." "I swear that I'll kill myself." "Yours isn't the only pride which must be respected." "Is that understood?" "We've finished." "Lucrecia Richmond!" "Perhaps God may forgive you." "I would too, if forgiveness could go side by side... with contempt." "(Carriage Door Closing)" "(Reins Jingling)" "(Hooves Clopping)" "( Coronado ) Now, Dolly, the main events in the life of Themistocles." "( Dolly) Themistocles?" "( Coronado ) Yes, Themistocles." "One of the great men of Greece." "( Dolly, Laughing ) We don't snoop into other people's lives." "( Coronado ) Come, now." "Themistocles, born in Thebes... defeated the Lacedaemonians." "No, not my glasses!" "You'll break them on me!" "You two drive me crazy with your mischief." "( Girls Chanting Together) She doesn't know." "I'll have to speak to your mother, to her ladyship." "My conscience won't let me deceive her." "It's terrible if she thinks I'm teaching you something... when really you don't want to learn." "All Mother wants... is that we should always be out of doors... and be as sturdy as peasant girls." "And does your grandfather want you to be donkeys too?" "Grandfather loves us, rough or polished." "To say your grandfather loves you does him little justice." "He adores you." "Dear Nelly and Dolly..." "I have to ask you a favor." "While he's here... with you, you have to spend a lot of time with him... and chat with him, and spoil him... because he's a child too." "You're so good, Pio." "We love you very much too." "I know." "Dolly..." "The participle. is something... that's part ofa sipple." "That isn't the slightest bit funny, Miss Dolly." "Pio, come on, don't be angry." "Don't be angry?" "We don't like knowing what's in books." "We like to know things." "You have to know about everything,just in case." "Just wait, in no time at all... you'll be aristocratic young ladies... and when your mother takes you to the salons... you're going to excel." "Imagine if, at a soiree, they start talking about participles." "As you two don't know what it is, people will say..." ""Where on earth... did her ladyship find that pair of mules?"" "They'll laugh atyou, and the young men won't love you." "They'll love us even if we don't know participles..." "conjunctions or anything." "That's right." "And only very boring young men would take us to soirees... to talk about participles." "Pio... how many daughters do you have?" "Five or six?" "Too many." "Are they pretty?" "Not as pretty as you two." "And..." "Do they love you?" "Well..." "What's brought this up?" "It's just that..." "Don't get angry." "It's just that..." "Well, that." "We heard your daughters don't love you." "And sometimes they hit you... and don't give you any supper." "Well, well." "Let's continue..." "Let's continue with grammar." "Well-mannered people... don't pry into other people's lives." "If Themistocles' life doesn't interest you... mine should interest you even less." "But we do love you, Pio." "Dolly and I love you very much." "We play tricks on you... and joke because that's how we are... but we truly love you." "As much as we love Mother or Grandfather." "(Knocking At Door)" "Yes?" "( Woman ) Don Senen wishes to see you, your ladyship." "Show him in." "Go on in, please." "Thank you." "Does her ladyship give her permission?" "I do, Senen." "Thank you, ma'am." "May I tell her ladyship that today she is looking... truly beautiful." "Thank you." "No, don't come any closer, Senen." "You know I can't stand your terrible perfumes." "Good heavens, ma'am, I'm only wearing a drop." "And these clothes are freshly put on." "I've hung out those of the last few days to air a little." "Would you like me to open the window... in case my fickle emanations... bother you?" "It isn't necessary, for the moment." "What is it?" "Well, the thing is, ma'am..." "This humble protege of yours..." "Your poor..." "Yes, yes, yes." "Your poor Senen Corchado... would be very grateful if you were to help him... not to get stuck halfway in his career because... the truth is, ma'am, on one's own in Administration... one doesn't get anywhere." "What did you have in mind?" "An archbishopric or the Cross of St. Ferdinand?" "No, no." "I only aspire to... an obscure position with lots ofwork." "Such as?" "Executive agent for the collection of Royal Rights." "It's a simple thing." "How simple?" "To be quite frank, ma'am... although your relationship with Don Jaime... isn't at its best just now... it's quite obvious to anyone that he adores you... and I think that a slight insinuation... from the Countess of Lain to the Minister... would be like having the post in my hand." "I'll speak to Don Jaime when I'm back in Madrid." "Ifit could be by telegraph, it would be much better, ma'am." "Rumor has it that he'll be removed... within no time." "Is anything wrong, ma'am?" "Sit down, please." "(Clock Chiming)" "I'd like to ask you something, Senen." "It's a little delicate." "I serve your ladyship disinterestedly... in all that she wishes to order of me... whatever it may be." "You know I've never got on with the Count of Albrit... but now things have worsened to a degree I find unbearable." "All he wants to do is turn up the dregs of the past." "Like the ragmen in the garbage heaps." "Yes, ma'am." "Something must be done, Senen... to stop Don Rodrigo hounding me." "What I want... is to keep him away from me... from my daughters... and, if possible... never to see him again." "( Distant Thunder Booming )" "(Don Rodrigo) Pio is a name of little character, don't you think?" "Pio, Pio..." "But it suits you." "It's a good name for you." "And then, as it's such a short name, you save time." "Pio-- and that's it." "Which isn't the case with Nebuchadnezzar, for example." "Have you read "Life Is A Dream," Coronado?" "Several times, your lordship." "And I've seen it performed too... because I should tell you that I was very fond ofthe theater." "What do you think of it?" "A great play, your lordship." "Calderon reflects accurately on the mystery of life." "And in some parts I see myself very well reflected." "For example, in..." ""Oh, how wretched I am, how unhappy." "I yearn to know why you treat me like this."" ""Oh, how wretched I am." I do like that, your lordship." "I don't like it at all, Pio." "I think it's a bore." "What's more, that business of"life is a dream" is rubbish." "Life is anything but a dream." "What can I say, your lordship?" "It certainly is a little boring." "Yes, yes, you're right, your lordship." "Calderon lacks the spark which Lope has." "A pain in the neck, Pio." "A pain in the neck." "" Hamlet"..." "That's good." "Hamlet!" "Doubt!" "You've said it, Pio." "Doubt." "That Englishman knew a thing or two." "( In English ) "To be or not to be, that is the question."" "You understand, Pio?" "Yes, your lordship." "What meager knowledge I have... does include something of the English language." ""To be or not to be... that is the thing."" "An original translation, Pio." "Butyes, that is the thing." "William Shakespeare." "What a mind!" "" Macbeth," " Romeo andJuliet," "The Merchant of Venice"..." "(Seagulls Crying)" "Grandfather!" "Dolly, it's Grandfather!" "Hello, Grandfather!" "Grandfather!" "Hello!" "Grandfather!" "( Girl ) Grandfather, are you happier now?" "I?" "Why do you ask me that?" "Because this morning, when we went in to see you, you said... ( Imitating Don Rodrigo ) "Go away!" "I want to be alone!"" "You seemed very angry." "Well, I'll explain." "The truth is, Gregoria had served me some terrible coffee." "I apologize, my dears." "I'm getting very sour these days." "But it isn't your fault, you're innocent of that... and of everything else." "If you don't like Gregoria's coffee, we could make it for you." "Couldn't we, Nelly?" "Yes!" "No, no, it isn't just the coffee... which is cold and as weak as water... or the bread that's as hard as a rock... or the moldy biscuits." "That won't kill me." "But they've taken away the fine porcelain cups... and the dishes with my coat of arms... and the silver jug." "Those wretches pick the dirtiest tablecloths and napkins... to put on my table... knowing well how I like clean table linen." "But listen carefully." "Your mother is in no way guilty of this... for even though we aren't... overly attached... she isn't unaware that my person demands certain... attention and respect... and she has always given me that." "Take note of this, children." "Villainy is forgivable." "In gratitude, never." "(Thunder clap)" "( Thunder clap )" "( Don Rodrigo ) Did you love your father a lot?" "( Don Rodrigo ) Did you love your father a lot?" "An awful lot." "Doyou remember him a lot?" "How could we not?" "All the time." "Father adored us." "Both of you equally... or one of you a little bit more?" "No, both of us equally." "He wrote to us almost every day." "Separately?" "No, to both of us on one sheet of paper." "By the way... when I came along the cliffs looking for you..." "I thought I saw on the sand on the beach... a beautiful drawing of a lion." "Did you two draw it?" "Nelly did, Grandfather." "She paints like the angels." "Are you telling me that Nelly paints?" "Wonderfully." "You kept that very quiet, Nelly!" "You're a painter!" "I like doing silly sketches from time to time, Grandfather." "Don't listen to her." "She's an artist." "With her boxes of brushes and her bottles of paint... she can capture whatever she sees." "Don't you feel that vocation, Dolly?" "Not me, Grandfather." "I'm too clumsy." "I'd be no good." "And who gave you lessons?" "No one, Grandfather." "I learned it on my own." "How?" "Well, by looking at things." "The cloud will pass soon, Grandfather." "No, quite the opposite." "The storm clouds are gathering endlessly." "(Distant Thunderclap)" "His Majesty's very quiet today." "Nailed down, like a cheap boot." "He wouldn't even have supper." "He's got some scheme." "He only came to stir things up." "If only he'd died over there in America." "But anyway..." "According to Senen, it'll all be over tomorrow." "Yeah, yeah." "(Don Rodrigo) How lovely, Adelaida!" "The passing of man will never soil this magnificent painting." "Thesky, the woods in silence... the clouds, the blue sea." "Thesea, Adelaida." "The friend of our childhood and our courtship... is the only thing I can see well now." "My blindness only lets me see large things." "To think how well I could tell rogues from honest people before." "But to get back to the children, I repeat that they're angels." "To see them, be with them, and notlove them is impossible." "They've brought a great sense of joy into my life... but you know how I am." "I turn merriment into sadness very quickly... hounded as I am at all hours by terrible thoughts." "So, Adelaida... here I am, floundering amidst the swell of doubt." "Oh, Adelaida!" "If only you were here to pacify me." "I miss you so much... and how I long for us to walk together again along the cliffs... and watch as the sun sinks into the sea... and the stars gradually appear." "Old age, if it's of any use... is to contemplate reality as it really is... and my only reality was you." "Well, you have to excuse me now." "I've been invited to a banquet, by Carmelillo, the priest." "By the way, you can't imagine how fat he is." "It's as if he had the church pulpit where his stomach should be." "When I tried to give him an embrace..." "I couldn't get my arms around him!" "Knowing him, the feast will be like Camacho's wedding... and the feasts of Lucullus all together." "The truth is, I need to get some things olid into me... because those scoundrels are starving me to death." "And don't you worry." "Old Albritis more than capable... of discovering when a lie is grafted onto truth... and villainy on to nobility." "We'll talk more later, Adelaida." "Blessed be the vine that gave this wine." "It must be the one Noah planted." "Don't you think it exquisite, Don Rodrigo?" "It's good that Don Rodrigo should see the excellences of Zaratay... from the point of view of the organic life and the comforts... although, as a good aristocrat, I suppose, you can imagine it." "Why is that a good idea?" "So that you can see how the monks live here." "And I say that with the greatest respect." "Who wouldn't like to live here!" "Every time I come, I want to put on the habit and stay." "So why don't you?" "It would do you good to get acquainted with the hoe." "Yes, but I'm not free." "I belong to my parishioners." "But you, Don Rodrigo, on the other hand, could be... the Carlos V of this Yuste." "That's a very sensible idea." "It really is." "If I were you, Don Rodrigo, I wouldn't hesitate." "I'd come here... to live with these saintly men." "That's the truth." "If you would like to live with us... we would be extremely honored." "This would be your home." "Really, this lamb is... amazingly amazing!" "If you'll pardon the expression." "Some more wine?" "As it's sheltered by the Verola mountains... there's a southern temperature here... which is excellent for anyone, even the healthiest people." "It allows us to work comfortably from sunrise to sunset." "God wants us to cultivate not just heaven... but also the earth... for the earth is the complement of Faith." "Prior, thank you very much for your offer... to accept me in Zaratay." "But..." "You would live... in the most comfortable, warmest cell we have... facing south." ""Cell"--you said it yourself." "The cell is only for resting." "You could walk as you please through the orchards... and, of course, be excused from attending services." "Services... or any other kind of task, excellency." "Don't think that you'd be asked to cultivate... the vegetables or to feed the hens!" "You'd also be excused from fasting and penance... for Don Rodrigo, as..." "As is natural, he would eat what he pleased." "If that isn't a good life, Excellency... bring me someone who could find a better one." "The priest's life, Zenon!" "Senen, Don Rodrigo." "It's Senen." "Here you would find... that peaceful life which your age requires." "Remember the "Beatus ille."" "I know." "I know." "But I still have a mission to carry out in the world." "Afterwards, perhaps... when the time comes, and I'm not saying yes or no..." "I'll think about it." "At present..." "I can't accept the holy charity of this monastery." "But perhaps another glass of this excellent wine?" "Well, did you like it?" "Yes, it's beautiful." "Mother, I know it's got nothing to do with this... but what's Paris like?" "It's very different, but it's also very pretty." "Prettier than Madrid?" "Prettier than every city." "Don Pio says it's full of artists, painters, musicians..." "poets." "It's true." "Will you take us?" "Of course." "I'll show you the Louvre and the Opera... and shops full of wonderful dresses and hats." "We'll sail on the Seine." "Really?" "( Speaking French ) And you can improve your French." "( French ) Yes, Mother." "( French ) Of course, Mother." "What's it like?" "Paris?" "Yes, Mother." "What's it like?" "Romantic." "Bohemian." "Open, merry." "Brimming with excitement." "With its soul exposed." "At least, I remember it like that." "You know what, Dolly?" "Cities are really how you feel them." "The smallest... ugliest town... can be an indelible memory in your life... if you share it with the right person." "You'll understand soon." "And so will you." "How often have you been?" "Twice." "Once... a long time ago." "And the other, last year." "Which did you prefer?" "The first time." "Did you go with Father?" "Yes, Dolly." "(Bell Ringing)" "(Ringing Continues)" "(Ringing Stops)" "Father Maroto." "Father Maroto." "I nodded off." "It's a habit I've had since my youth." "What's more... the wine was plentiful." "And tell me." "Where have the others got to?" "Well..." "Your lordship... those gentlemen have gone back to Jerusa." "They tricked me into coming here... and they've gone off!" "." "They shut me up like a dangerous animal... and you and the community... consented to act as jailers." "I would askyour lordship to please calm down." "Those gentlemen, all friends of yours... think as I do." "Your lordship should remain here, in the monastery." "No one's going to lock me up and deprive me ofmy freedom!" "My vows oblige me to shelter the destitute... and practice with them... works of charity." "Well, the ninth says... you mustn't shut up your neighbor against his will!" "For the last time..." "Don Rodrigo..." "I ask you to think it over." "It's madness... to oppose this holy retreat." ""Holy retreat." That's blasphemy!" "A retreat arranged by the family... and sponsored by friends." "My curse on the family!" "And my curse on the friends, and the Faculty!" "And Zaratay can go to hell!" "Mind what you say, Albrit!" "I say that the prior of Zaratay... is an accomplice and servant of Countess Lucrecia... and that the countess has bought him to be my jailer." "That's what I say!" "The way out, at once!" "The way out!" "You can't play with me, Albrit." "You're a child, and I'll treat you as such." "Stay where you are, you damn friar!" "Stop, or I'll crack your skull!" "And order these lazy bones to stand still... or I swear by the blood of my ancestors... that someone will end up the worse for wear!" "It's all right, brothers." "We'll let this poor madman leave here." "All the worse for him." "Go back to the world, Albrit... and carry on digging up the dregs of your family... if that's what you wish." "Open that door, brother." "(Door Opens, Creaks)" "(Door Creaks, Closes)" "(Don Rodrigo) So you didn't have the courage." "Killing yourself!" "." "That's madness!" "You have to fight, fight unflinchingly." "That isn't for me." "Let him who can, fight." "Your lordship... forgive me for praising myself... but I'm the kindest man in the world." "So kind... that I've come to despise myself for it." "Your lordship... it's so awful to be kind." "Come along." "I know what you need now." "And I need it too." "And did your wife die in the end?" "It's almost a year since Hell reclaimed her." "And she went off with Satan... and left you with an assortment... of daughters?" "Six." "And they're all still at home, living off you." "Yes, sir, and that's the cause of all my misfortunes." "Promise a good dowry to whoever takes them away." "My house." "That's the dowry they want." "And the six are fighting over it, especially Esperanza." "She'd like to have the house now... so that she could throw us all out... and set up her business there." "Esperanza... is crazy about men." "You mean Esperanza has turned out to be, as it were... a bit more of a whore than the others." "Yes, but as she does it for pleasure... she doesn't make much of a profit from the job." "She's a whore from vice, what they call... a vocational whore." "Get another bottle." "Yes, sir." "What a setup!" "Here." "( Sighs )" "If I was told there was someone in the world like you..." "I wouldn't believe it." "How is it possible that in all these years... you haven't been able to find a day... an hour of strength, to rid yourself of a crew like that?" "To ask that of my character... is like asking rocks to bear apples." "My wife... dominated me." "If she just looked at me, I'd tremble." "And I was never what you'd call a decisive man." "Now I understand... the reason and the excellent logic... of your intention to commit suicide." "But what remains unquestionable... is that your behavior isn't that ofa Christian." "It seems more like that of a Buddhist!" "Your philosophy, Coronado, is destructive." "You're right, your lordship, because wherever I am... there is always kindness, truth and forgiveness." "I disgust myself." "And it's only right that you're sickened by yourself... because an excess of kindness... kills just the same as an excess of water... or of heat." "Do you have any idea of the danger you represent... for humanity?" "I, a danger, sir?" "I've had an idea... which could be your salvation." "What's the idea, sir?" "You lack the courage to hurl yourself into the other world." "That's true." "Many evenings..." "I've gone up to the cliff top... with the firm intention of throwing myself in the sea." "But at the last minute..." "I've always lost my nerve." "That's exactly what I'm getting at." "What I mean is that the bravery which you lack..." "I have in abundance." "Listen." "I grab you, I throw you over the cliff... and before you hit the bottom, you're dead... and your sufferings are over." "What do you think?" "Well, I..." "I think it's an excellent idea, your lordship." "And I'm not objecting." "The thing is... today you've caught me off guard." "Who would have imagined... that your lordship would worry about me to that extent." "But I'm very grateful to you, sir." "Really I am." "You won't find a better death... whether you use arms, poison or carbonic acid." "What I'm offering you is instant death... a sudden entrance into happiness." "I see." "Now, we'll choose the part of the cliffs... which has the sheerest drop." "If you want, we can go now and I'll push you over." "This is a good moment for the sea." "Nightfall, when it's roaring... as if asking for something to be thrown in to amuse it." "But there's a problem." "Your lordship will be accused of my death... and put in jail." "And I can't allow that." "And tonight, you've got me when I'm feeling a bit... out of sorts." "Well, it's up to you, Coronado." "Whenever you want, we'll do it, and don't worry about me." "The law never suspects respectable people." "What's more, I'd like to write a note beforehand... saying I've died by motuproprio." "You're right." "These things have to be done correctly... and with all due formality." "( Faint Chattering )" "Nuria, see the brother out." "And I say, what's the point of so much light at nighttime?" "We can easily see in daytime what's to be seen in the world." "Don Carmelo, that is precisely what Spain needs." "More light." "More electricity, more industry, more modernism." "And fewer priests!" "Hear, hear!" "Gentlemen..." "Some awful news." "Brother Deogracias from the monastery at Zaratay... has just come to see me." "You'll never guess." "We'll never guess?" "The Count of Albrit... has flown." "Isn't that it?" "He almost came to blows with the prior." "An unbelievable scandal." "From what Father Maroto's envoy told me... when Don Rodrigo woke up... he started shouting and blaspheming... and threatened... to crack the monks' blessed skulls with his cane... if they didn't let him out." "What do we do now?" "Exactly." "What do we do now?" "Now, only you, my dear saw bones... can sort out this situation." "Who, me?" "Salvador Angulo... you must ratify what we all know already." "That the Count of Albrit is losing his reason." "So don't try to wriggle out of it... which is what you've been doing... since we started with this blasted problem." "So now you know, Dr. Angulo." "A certificate to support this... in which it states clearly that the old fogy's ravings... aren't just dangerous... but extremely dangerous... and the best place for Don Rodrigo... is in a mental hospital." "(Billiard Balls Clicking)" "(Rain Dripping)" "(People Chattering)" "(Billiard Balls Clicking)" "Listen carefully." "Before letting himself be shut up in that damn convent... the Count of Albrit would prefer to drag his bones... from door to door, begging for a crust of bread... and a roof to shelter him." "The intention was good, Don Rodrigo," "Perhaps we were mistaken in the way we did it... in the procedure, but the intention..." "It's true, Don Rodrigo." "We thought you'd be better in Zaratay... than in La Pardina." "You're such liars and cowards." "My God!" "After all the times I saved you from hunger... because all of you, and your parents... came to ask me for work and for favors... and all of you were always well attended in my house." "And I solved all of your problems." "Scoundrels!" "Listen, Don Rodrigo, in case you've forgotten..." "I am mayor of Jerusa." "You are no one." "You?" "You don't know who you are... goddamned boot licker." "You're a vile being and a thief." "You're mayor here because some things are unavoidable." "You live off giving contracts to your cronies... and by stealing." "What's more... and this is the worst of all, you're a nonentity... who'll poison half of humanity with your false noodles." "Don Rodrigo, I can't allow..." "You'll allow this and more!" "Can you remember?" "Can you remember when the hard winters came?" "Or did you lose your memory along with your sense of shame?" "The wine which you've stolen from me over the years... and which we let you steal... to help you get out of the mess you were in... would have provided a million drinking sprees... for this priest, whose belly is no more than... a bottomless cellar." "Restrain yourself, Count." "Show some respect for a minister of the Church." "Respect?" "That's what you owe me!" "When your father died in the brothel... and I don't say it's a bad way to die... it was due to my generosity that you could finish... your studies in Theology and Law." "The little saint who wanted to be like Paul of Tarsus." "And here he is now, transformed into... a sack of lard!" "The foremost spoon in Spain!" "There's a rumor among those of your sect... that you can gobble down more French toast at breakfast... than you hand out hosts at communion." "Minister of the Church!" "Minister of the daily bread, more like!" "And you... you third-rate quack." "Who paid for your studies in Valladolid?" "Who paid for the boarding house during all those years of study?" "Isn't it true, pill-pusher, that you and your father... whom I saved from prison, unfortunately, for rape..." "Isn't it true... and I ask this looking you in the eye... that when my son and I passed by you... you and your father got on your knees... and we had to hit you to make you get up?" "Look at each other closely... sons born of my cooks... fathered by my stable boys." "You wanted to cage the Count of Albrit... who founded the Fishermen's Fraternity... who brought you water from Santaorra... who funded the Verola road... and the bridge over the Caudo river." "My parents built the hospital... and the foundling hospital and the La Pardina chapel... where you went... to midnight mass every Christmas Eve... not out of religious fervor... but to receive the generous Christmas boxes we offered you." "And how did you want to repay me for all those favors?" "By locking me up like a rabid dog... selling your consciences... to the highest bidder!" "Look at yourselves... rooting around like pigs." "Listen carefully." "The poor lion of Albrit... who asked nothing of you... and needs nothing from you... proclaims his contempt for you... with every drop of his soul." "He doesn't want even an inch of land from your city... to bury his tired bones." "There'll surely be room for him in the sea." "Keep this world of yours... which I don't understand... where lies... infamy... and greed... do as they please." "Enjoy your meal." "Or rather... may it give you indigestion!" "( No Audible Dialog )" "Sit down, Grandfather." "Grandfather... is it true they tried to lock you up in Zaratay?" "We were very worried." "Yes." "It was all exaggerated!" "Some friends took me out for a ride in their carriage... to the monastery... and I took the notion... to come back on foot, along with Don Pio." "Grandfather... in a few days, we're going to Madrid with Mother." "She told us yesterday, when she took us to see Valdedios." "And do you girls want to leave?" "On the one hand, yes." "We'll go to school and make lots of friends... and to the theater and parties." "And on the other hand, no, because we'll have to leave you." "And we want to be with you." "The real truth is... we'd rather stay with you." "At least I do." "It makes me really sad that we have to leave you." "You'll get over it." "There's a world out there... with a thousand attractions and fascinations." "I understand that you're happy to leave Jerusa." "What's more, you should get to know other surroundings... live in another society." "You know what?" "I'm going to stay with you." "What?" "I'll ask Mother to let me stay with you." "I don't want you to be on your own." "Nelly can go with Mother so that she isn't alone." "That's fine." "And you and I will live here." "I don't think your idea will please Venancio very much..." "or Gregoria." "No?" "Why not?" "Because, with the greatest respect, Dolly... the house belongs to Venancio and me." "Are you telling me... that Grandfather and I can't stay here?" "No, Dolly, I'm not saying that." "Well, then?" "What Gregoria means, my dear Dolly... is that La Pardina is ours." "That we, Gregoria and I, are the owners." "The sole proprietors." "Understand, Dolly?" ""Miss" Dolly." "Understand, Venancio?" "There's no reason to be like that." "I'm not being like anything." "I know that the house is yours... but the land that feeds you is only leased to you... almost free." "And that land is ours." "It belongs to the House of Lain, to her ladyship." "Exactly." "And my sister and I are the heiresses." "If you, Gregoria, and you, Venancio... serve my grandfather here... it isn't out of charity, for you obviously have none... but because that's what my mother, your mistress, wants." "And even if she didn't want it, which I doubt... my sister wants it and I want it." "Now, now." "Let's stay calm." "Listen to me, Gregoria." "I want the best coffee for my grandfather... the best sheets, the best furniture... the best glassware and the utmost cleanliness." "Grandfather, you'll have some freshly made coffee now... very bitter, the way you like it, eh?" "Is all that clear, Gregoria?" "Then clean my grandfather's bedroom." "I want it as sparkling... as those silver cups you hide at the back of the wardrobes." "Understood?" "Yes..." "Miss Dolly." "Come along, then." "I'll check on it later." "Come on, Gregoria." "And you, Grandfather... don't worry." "No one will ever throw you out of this house." "(Knocking At Door)" "Yes?" "( Senen ) It's Senen." "Come in." "What do you want?" "I'm busy." "I presume your ladyship knows of the scene... which Don Rodrigo caused in the club." "Yes." "Go on." "Do you remember that I remarked... that a government reshuffle was imminent?" "Well, as you can see, here it is." "Our minister has been struck down." "He'll regret it more than we, won't he?" "Undoubtedly, ma'am." "Undoubtedly." "But I would like to know... what your ladyship intends doing about my appointment... because now... it's up in the air." "You think your promotion is all I have on my mind?" "Of course not, ma'am." "As I know how busy you are..." "I've allowed myself to think for both of us." "And given that your ladyship already knows the new minister..." "Don't you remember, ma'am?" "You dined together at the home of the Marquis of Pescara." "You're so ambitious, Senen... so persistent, so selfish... that it would seem you've lost all sense of reality." "You think I'll speak for you to someone to whom I've only said..." ""Good evening"?" "I would be very sorry, ma'am... if my humble request..." "You're the limit." "I've never seen such insolence." "I understand." "Yes, I understand." "Who am I... that your ladyship should bother about me?" "When it was in my power, I got you all the favors I could." "And the services I provided for your ladyship?" "And the loyalty..." "I showed for so many years?" "Is that worthless too?" "I repeat, Senen." "Your services were well paid." "Leave me alone, please." "I've got truly important things to see to." "You should know, ma'am... that during the time I was at your service..." "I was prejudiced by being such a gentleman." "Such a what?" "You?" "A gentleman?" "Yes, I, a gentleman!" "For silencing those who spoke of your ladyship... and said things you shouldn't hear." "Enough!" "For keeping secrets which you well know are very serious!" "And the payment I receive for all that, for my dog like devotion... is to hear you say you owe me nothing... and I should leave you in peace." "Get out of here." "Think about it." "Ma'am, think about it." "Get out." "If I wish, I can still cause you harm." "More than you imagine." "Get out, Senen." "More than you imagine." "Simona!" "Ma'am?" "Throw down phenic acid from here to the front door." "Yes, ma'am." "Get out." "( Coronado ) "Oh, how wretched I am!" "How unhappy!" "I yearn to know... whyyou treat me like this." "What crime did I commit against you in being born?" "But, as I was born, I understand what crime I have committed." "Your justice and rigor have had cause enough... for man's greatest crime... is to have been born."" "Curtain." "Forgive the indiscretion, your lordship... but where will you go on your own?" "In any house in Forbes or in Polan..." "I shall find better hospitality than in La Pardina." "There are still a few old colonists left there... who will be glad to see old Albrit arrive... even if he has turned into a beggar... asking for a bite to eat and some charity." "Goodness me, your lordship." "The way you put it sets my teeth on edge!" "That's how it is." "Old Albrit has got nothing left now but loneliness... and despair." "Loneliness is terrible... isn't it, Coronado?" "You talk to me about loneliness, your lordship... when I've just buried my third dog?" "(Don Rodrigo) So, what do you have to say to me?" "And let's have no rhetoric." "The truth, sir." "The truth?" "About what?" "About the Countess Lucrecia's dirty secret." "One of your granddaughters, Don Rodrigo... is not of Albrit blood." "Despicable toad!" "What do you know about that?" "Tell me!" "I've got proof, sir." "Let go of me and I'll tell you." "Proof of what?" "I knew the painter Carlos Eraul." "For some time... while they were lovers..." "I brought Carlos Eraul... the letters which the countess wrote him, and vice versa." "I brought the countess... the passionate epistles which he composed for her." "I've got those letters, your lordship." "You disgusting pimp!" "You stole them!" "Let's say that, when the painter died..." "I found them by chance... among his private papers." "And your lordship knows... how life is." "The poor are born with barely... a patch ofland to call our own." "So we are forced to watch out for our future." "The fact is, in those letters her ladyship leaves... clear evidence ofher ardent passion... for Carlos Eraul." "But there is one... which is very special." "In this letter, her ladyship... gives precise news... about the charms and the health of their daughter." "The honor of the house of Albrit... demands... the destruction of that letter!" "Honor, of course." "Honor, the honor of the Albrit!" "Have you forgotten that I was born a plebeian... and honor is something that doesn't move me?" "Speak to me of something material... more substantial... if the merchandise really interests you." "You know very well that I am poverty-stricken." "I can offer you nothing." "Yes." "There's something." "That drop of blood... which gleams on your hand." "What is it?" "A ruby, perhaps?" "It was a gift... which was made... to a viceroy of Peru." "For seven generations... it has belonged... to the House of Albrit." "Take it!" "And my curse along with it!" "And now listen... very carefully... to what I'm going to say." "When you see me drawing near... to where you are... flee." "Do you understand?" "(Footsteps Retreating)" "How did you get on with the beast?" "We heard shouting." "Magnificently... because I did what I wanted to do with that proud old man." "Put him to shame... and tell him a few home truths about his honor... and all that nonsense... and he ended up as meek as a lamb." "You'll see." "And I also told him what I told... that other one, the stuck-up countess." "IfI perfume myself with heliotrope essence... it's because I damn well want to!" "Well done." "The days of slavery are over." "And if that weren't enough... look." "Look at what I got out of the old fogy." "The ruby of the Albrits." "A gift from some Incas to a viceroy of Peru... some relative of his." "Indeed." "What do you think?" "Magnificent, isn't it?" "Bye-bye... to the happy couple." ".'.'(Senen Humming)" "Well." "Look at him." "(Dona Lucrecia) Dearest Carlos... each time that I see in our daughter's eyes... the same joyful, good-natured gleam I notice in yours... and which made me tremble when I met you... opposing feelings of pride and guilt take hold of me." "That's when I'd like to be at your side... to feel protected in your arms... to be that sustained note within an ever ending symphony... which, as you say, ourlove is... and tell you, my darling... that in the child's innocent look... is a constant reminder of your caresses... your words... your silences." "I only hope that innocent, sensitive child... maybe the repository of the best of both of us." "Please, answer me at once." "If it is impossible to live without you... without your voice, your laugh... without your hand on my back, on my neck, and on my breast... don't deny me at least your clear, firm letters... saying you love me more than I do you... for that is impossible." "You know what?" "And this is a littlesecret." "Inever liked my name... until I heard it on your breath." "Since then, I tremble when I hear it... for it is no longer my name... but a sound... mine alone... which comes from your lips." "And one last thing." "I must tell you that if God exists..." "He knows that we are two good people... and that you caress as He does." "I carry you within my soul." "( Speaking Latin )" "(Carriage Approaching)" "It's Mother." "Mother?" "Mother!" "Yes, it is Mother!" "Mother!" "Mother!" "Whoa, there, whoa!" "Hello, Mother." "Hello." "You look beautiful!" "Don Rodrigo." "Yes?" "The countess is waiting for you in the chapel." "Thank you." "( Breathing Unevenly)" "I'm listening, ma'am." "I've come to apologize." "Apologize?" "Why?" "Firstly... for the stupid idea I had of sending you to Zaratay." "And secondly... for my behavior over these last years." "Also I've come to tell you... that I married your son because..." "I believed I loved him with all my heart." "Shortly after, I met the painter Carlos Eraul... a good man, honest and intelligent... who, like I, suffered greatly with our relationship." "For a time, I tried to fool myself." "I told myself... that Carlos Eraul would only be a passing affair... but it was love." "As sacred as if it had been blessed by matrimony." "I fought for months... trying to destroy the fire and the desire." "But reason is always inadequate against affection." "We couldn't restrain our feelings." "We fell in love." "And we were unhappy." "I couldn't look your son in the face..." "Eraul couldn't look at himself, and we separated." "I tried with all my strength to live with Rafael again... as if nothing had happened." "But love, Don Rodrigo... is destructive." "Our life was such that only the presence of our..." "Of Nelly and Dolly... and good manners... made it bearable." "After your son died, I had an affair." "That was just an affair... the kind that is mentioned in the press, with a politician." "An affair which is over now." "That is the entire scandalous love life... of a woman of thirty-two... who believed she had married for love at eighteen." "Anything else you may have heard is malicious scandal." "Yesterday I went to Zaratay." "I confessed and took communion." "And today I feel ease in my soul... where I had felt horrible confusion and guilt." "What you wanted to know..." "I have told to the only one who should know." "To God." "No, not to God." "To a priest." "But I understand." "I understand the extreme delicacy of the subject... and I want to respect the state of serenity... which you are in today." "Moreover... it wouldn't be fair that I torment you now... with the shameful question... because I know." "Lucrecia..." "I want to make you a proposition... a fair offer." "I would like us to share the good which God has given us." "The girls." "One for you... the other for me." "And for you... which of the two?" "You agree to the partition and then I'll choose." "Tell me." "Doyou love them both... equally?" "For God's sake, Don Rodrigo, they're both my daughters!" "I can't say the same." "Both are not my granddaughters!" "Please, understand me." "My daughters must be with me, for many reasons." "I must attend not just to their future... but also to the health ofmy soul." "Alongside them, it is guaranteed." "Ma'am... try to understand me." "I am old." "I have only got a few breaths oflife left... and I need my granddaughter near me." "She is the only root that connects me with this world." "Why don't you come with us?" "We'll live together in Madrid." "We'll be a family." "You can enjoy them, and they you." "Introduce them to reading, to music." "Show them cities and countries." "Be their grandfather, their father and their friend." "Be reasonable, please." "It is I who am begging you... that Dolly... should stay with me." "I'll speak to my administrator and you will receive monthly... a sum ofmoney with which you can live comfortably." "And you will be granted the use of some properties... in Polan and Lain." "Without my granddaughter, I want nothing." " ( Dolly And Nelly) Grandfather..." " ( Knocking At Door)" "Yes?" "It's us." "Come in." "Grandfather, we're leaving." "Grandfather, we know you're going to wander around... from door to door, begging for bread." "Don Pio told us." "He's..." "He's very worried." "I'm going to tell you a little secret." "We adults... like to exaggerate things a little... to get attention... because the truth is... we elderly folk are really little children... locked inside old bodies." "So I don't wantyou two to worry about anything." "Why don't you come with us, Grandfather?" "Because it's impossible, Dolly." "You know what?" "I'm going to be a painter." "Mother says I can study at the School of Fine Arts... and when I can choose my topic..." "I'll only do portraits of you... as you are now... with your hat, your walking stick... and your bright eyes." "Thank you." "Thank you very much." "The problem is, Grandfather... you don't love Mother, do you?" "Listen." "In life... there are circumstances... which force us to respect certain principles... certain moral standards." "Let's say that in the family... there is a blessed foundation... which a man must always respect... if God has put in his soul... the awareness of honor." "Dolly... how pretty you look!" "What's wrong, Grandfather?" "Nothing, nothing." "It's just that suddenly... you reminded me of your grandmotherAdelaida." "When we met, she was about your age, more or less... and she had... that queenly air... which you have now... and the same joy... in her eyes... and the same scent in her hair." "Grandfather... what is honor?" "(Monedero) To Countess Lucrecia... t oher speedy return to her home here... and to the misses Dolly and Nelly... future princesses of the beauty and elegance of Madrid." "As you instructed..." "I have cancelled... the band for tomorrow... and no one will see you off at the station." "Yes, dear." "Not even Vicenta or I." "Thank you." "Are you happy to be going to the capital?" "Yes." "Yes and no." "Why is that?" "Yes... because Madrid is Madrid." "And no... because... my grandfather will be alone." "You must be very careful with the Madrid air." "It's very treacherous, especially in months with an "r"..." "January..." "And as regards the possible... concession toJerusa of the School of Commerce... we are in your hands, Countess." "I'll see what I can do, but don't be too hopeful." "The government has changed." "Things aren't as they used to be." "I'll keep you informed." "Yes, yes, good old Senen told us already... before he went off to his obligations..." "in the capital." "Rather hastily." "He did tell me... that the new minister is a hard nut to crack... but that even so... the countess knows him well." "The countess doesn't know him well or otherwise." "She doesn't know him at all." "And what can I say about Senen?" "You know what he said to me the other day?" "That you and your wife were idiots... and he'd never seen worse taste than in this house... except, he added... that o the town's "rich tubby"." "That was the nick name given to Consuelito... by good old Senen." "(Crickets Chirping)" "( No Audible Dialog )" "( Ringing Bell )" "It's twelve o'clock!" "It's stopped drizzling!" "Blessed be the holy souls in Purgatory!" "Blessed be they forever and ever!" "(Don Rodrigo) What do you think can be so urgent... for the prior of Zaratay?" "(Coronado) I haven't the slightest idea." "I've given you the message word for word." "The prior... requests the Count of Albrit... to be so kind as to call at the monastery... as urgently as possible, and at any time... in connection with a very personal... and very serious matter." "Your lordship." "Your lordship!" "Yes?" "I wanted to talk to you too... because I've got it all prepared now." "I've written a letter... saying that no one is to be blamed for my death." "I'm sorry that I'm not wearing a better-tailored suit... for my suicide... especially as I'm going with your lordship." "Don't worry about that." "At such a moment, clothes are of ittle importance." "Let's go to the cliffs now." "I would ask you to finish me off as soon as possible." "Wait a minute." "My dear Adelaida, I'm going now, I'll tell you about it later." "You're not going to tell me that you regret your promise... and that now you don't dare give me a push." "No, not at all." "I'll do it, and with great pleasure... especially today." "You'll see with what style and courage..." "I throw you in the sea." "But first I must go to Zaratay, and I want you to come with me." "The monks may try to play another dirty trick on me." "( Church Bell Ringing )" "The Countess Lucrecia... who is about to leave for Madrid with her daughters... on the dusk-time train..." "I presume you're not trying to show off with me now... by dint of vulgar rhetoric, are you, Eminence?" ""On the dusk-time train."" "It's curious." "I've observed for years... that all those who eat a lot talk unendingly." "It's because the stream of words... eases the digestion." "But I don't think this is the moment... to dictate an encyclical... so, Father, let's get to the point." "And forget about the fried bread!" "It'll make you ill!" "Good Lord, what a temper!" "Well." "Listen carefully." "The Countess Lucrecia... sunk in a crisis of conscience... and touched, undoubtedly, by the Lord's grace... made a general confession of her sins to me." "And last night, she sent me a letter, signed and sealed... in which, for the good ofher soul... and possibly for yours too, Albrit... she released me from the secret of confession." "Which of the two?" "Nelly." "Your granddaughter is Nelly." "She is the legitimate descendent... of the House of Albrit." "( Chattering, Indistinct )" "That's all of it, ma'am." "Here's the ticket." "Here you are." "Thank you." "(Train Whistle Blowing)" "Well, Dolly." "Happy?" "Yes." "Really?" "And you?" "So am I." "(Train Whistle Continues)" "When your lordship wishes... we can go up to the cliff... and you can give me the push we agreed on." "Dolly isn't my granddaughter." "What do you mean?" "No." "She's the daughter ofa coarse, immoral painter." "Carlos Eraul." "Our time has come, Coronado." "Verywell." "Did you say "our"?" "First, I'll throw you off." "And then myself." "Come along." "Just a minute, Albrit." "Stop!" "Yours wasn't in the agreement... and I won't allow it." "I'm rebelling, eh?" "Don't change your mind now, Coronado." "Don't be a coward." "If the push scares you... we'll jump together in love and company." "Your lordship can't do that!" "Why can't I?" "Who'll forbid me?" "I will." "This wasn't in the deal." "If you're scared of death, go back to your daughters." "You know which is worse." "Goddamn it!" "Don't you understand?" "Mine was all agreed on, but yours..." "Yours..." "You've gone senile!" "Albrit, come back here!" "Don't make me responsible foryour death!" "What a ridiculous idea!" "They won't even let you die in peace, Coronado!" "(Whistle Blowing)" "(Surf Breaking)" "The sea will be so cold." "My God... forgive us." "When you wish, Don Rodrigo." "( Dolly) Grandfather!" "Grandfather!" "Grandfather!" "Grandfather!" "( Coronado ) "My dearest Don Rodrigo... and allow me to address you always as such." "On today's date, which is that of today..." "I have ordered the administrator... to hand over to you for your use... the house by the river... the large house in Polan... and all its lands." "And, given that you love Dolly... and Dolly loves you... after a mother-daughter conversation... very interesting for both of us..." "I give my consent... that she should live with you for the rest of your days."" "Full stop." ""By the time you read this letter..." "Nelly and I will be on ourway to Madrid... where you too have your home." "Nelly and I hope... that both of you will visit us as often as possible." "With the sincere friendship of your daughter Lucrecia... and many kisses from your granddaughter Nelly."" "Final full stop." "Ifyou were asked to choose... between honor and love... what would you do?" "Look, if that thing which we call honor... could become something material... it would be very good for fertilizing the land." "Manure." "For growing lettuce and tomatoes." "That is honor, in my humble opinion." "A piece of shit." "Dolly... why do you want to be with me?" "Your place is with your mother and your sister." "They'll take better care of you than I." "And who'll take care of you?" "And what has that got to do with it?" "I don't know why I like being with you." "But I do." "I liked being with Father too." "Well, let's go to Polan." "Your lordship!" "There's still that business of mine." "Don'tyou remember?" "The little push." "We've got an agreement." "Kneel down." "Yes, sir." "Pio Coronado... great philosopher..." "I name you my friend." "Do you accept?" "Of course I do." "I hereby swear... that from this moment we are friends." "Listen." "Our friendship... means a new agreement." "That of waiting to die of old age... because now we have to take care..." "of our granddaughter." "Our granddaughter?" "Yes, of course!" "She's as much yours as mine!" "Stop asking stupid questions." "Come along." "Come on." "( Coronado ) Gundemaro, Sisebuto... ( Dolly) Suintila, Sisenando, Kuintilla..." "Your lordship, she knows the list of the Gothic kings!" "( Don Rodrigo ) I didn't hear you properly, Coronado." "Did you say "your lordship"?" "( Coronado ) Well..." "I said, Rodrigo, my friend... that our granddaughter knows the Gothic kings." "Amazing." "And another thing." "Look, Rodrigo, even though you're a man of the world... for you've seen such foreign countries as France, England..." "Peru, Cuba, Argentina, Mexico and the United States... which are all very far away... and even though your knowledge exceeds mine..." "I can tell you, Rodrigo, my friend, that life is a dream." "( Don Rodrigo ) Ifyou start contradicting me, Coronado... you'll stop being my friend right now." "Doubt, Pio, doubt." "That is the thing." "Where is good?" "Where is evil?" "That is the thing."