"LATE LAST CENTURY ARGENTINE POLITICS WERE GOING THROUGH VIOLENT TIMES" "BARTOLOME MITRE'S NATIONALIST POLITICIANS CONTENDED FOR OFFICE" "WITH THE FEDERALS, LED BY ADOLFO ALSINA." "IN THE MEAN TIME THE ARGENTINE GAUCHO WAS DISCRIMINATED, EVEN PERSECUTED" "AND SERVED AS WORKERS OR INSTRUMENTS FOR THE CHIEF OF THE D AY." "THE PROTAGONIST OF OUR STORY IS A PAINFUL S YNTHESIS OF THOSE D AYS." "THIS IS THE LIFE, PASSION AND DEATH OF..." "And asked if she recognizes in the exhumed body... who had in life been her husband, Juan Moreira, killed... by the police three days ago, in the county of Lobos... she answered yes." "I hereby certify, as public notary, Romualdo Arancibia, and other witnesses that the body belongs to the above mentioned outlaw ...Juan Moreira." " Long live Moreira, goddamit!" "Come..." " Do you know why I brought you in?" " No, sir." "What do you want with Sardeti?" "Nothing, sir." "You often go to his store making a scandal... and claiming cancelled debts." " Is that so?" " No, sir." "I've asked for what is rightfully mine, properly." "It's been almost a year that he's owed me Navarro's herding..." " You've been arrogant." " No, sir." "I haven't" "And you have lied." "I've asked for what is rightfully mine, properly." "And what are you seeking?" " What's mine, sir." " How much do you say he owes you?" "Forty, sir." "How come you make so much money with a herding?" "Look, there's the guys' pay as well." "The gringo doesn't want to pay and I had already promised them." "I paid them!" "Milla, go see Don Sardeti and ask him to come over." "Just for a moment." "Close the door." "Sit down." "Come." "What happened?" " What's this?" " The receipt you signed for Sardeti... when he paid you." " I can't sign, sir." " What's this, then?" " No..." " What's this?" " I don't know sir, I haven't been paid." " What's this then?" "I'm telling you I don't know." "I haven't been paid." " You don't know, scum?" " I haven't been paid, goddamit!" "Sargent!" " Hi." " Hi." "Hi, don Sardeti." "Why?" "But..." "The governor tells me I can sign." "It's incredible!" "Because... you know..." "Until now my hands have only been good to heard other people's cattle." "To work other people's land... and to keep me from taking shit from any bastard!" " May the Holy Virgin be with you" " And with you... with you..." "To what do I owe this good luck?" "Not good luck, rather misfortune." "What will you do now?" "Beggars can't be choosers, old man." "I'll go with the Indians." "Until my good luck returns." "What's that?" "You know how much I love you." "My life." "Is there any way I can ask forgiveness?" " What for?" " I don't know." "For everything." "For the sadness." "For not being able to hold the rage." "Or for the loneliness coming our way." "May God make you a Saint, son." "May God take care of you." "Until I can." "Until I can." "Good luck!" "Friend Moreira." "My people understand your mischief" "You won't lack shelter while you live among us." "And I'd rather die or be left in the desert without a horse, than betraying you." "Stay in my camp, in the midst of all this poverty..." "I'm sure you'll never lack a tent to shelter in... or something to get drunk and forget your sorrows." "Goddamit!" "Man has left nothing to them!" "God will not forgive those who did this to them." "Like outcasts in their own land, their children running naked... as if they were damned living in the outback." "Eating snakes or birds, or whatever the Lord provides." "I've never seen so much poverty, and I've seen some." "I've never seen so much pain and so much evil." "After all, aren't Indians human?" "What sorrow shall I forget in the midst of this misery," "I'd better return to my land to fight for what is mine." "I'm revolted to witness so much hunger and poverty." "Holy Virgin." "People!" "You scared me, goddamit!" " What are you doing here?" " Waiting." "I'm green inside I've had so much mate while waiting for you to wake up." " You should have woken me." " No, I didn't dare." "You were sleeping like the boss." "I thought she'd come alive!" "But no." "But no." "What about Vicenta?" "She went to see her friend." "She took the child with her." "Things haven't been easy here, Juan." "Juan?" "All I'm saying is take care." "God is absent-minded these days, and that's bad." "The fog is coming." "Looks like the poor guy is absent-minded." "I'll go over to Champa's." "Lord!" "Oh, Lord!" "Cheers!" "Cheers." "I drink to life, so short and sweet!" "Yes." " You are from out of town?" " Yes." "From Matanza." "From Matanza, but, I'm on the road." "That's the way it is." "The road can be tempting." "Maybe." "That's how it is to me." "But..." "I don't want to go too far myself." "I'm full of defects." "I don't have many virtues myself." "But no so few that I think I'm full of defects." "Although... this hell is so twisted!" "Long live, Juan Córdoba, the macho!" "There is no macho like him!" "The sun stops to look at him, spinning in the air!" "Nice city slickers!" "Thank you." "Thanks you, gentlemen." "Let the dancing continue." "Perhaps the man fears sunstroke." "These small town guys get uptight over anything." " Monkeys stay by the hurdy-gurdy." " Easy, or you'll be out." " You'll throw me out?" " Easy, partner." "You know, clowns need a little attention." "Why do you give yourself away?" "So that the city slickers have a good time." "Cheers." "Stop the music!" "Gentlemen." "Gentlemen." "A toast for the glorious nationalist party." "And for Dr. Marañón, a synonym of justice." "A round of drinks for everyone!" "Towards the elections." "It must be truth, before the apparition the maker meets its offspring." "Get out." "Get out, pest." "You are covering my light." "Sing along, Cancha!" "Andrade, who was him?" "I mean, the guy I killed." "Juan Córdoba, a Mitre tough guy." "The man's from Buenos Aires." "The guy was a heavyweight." "Well, long live Alsina then." "Juan Moreira, a bad mannered bum." "Thief and dangerous killer." "Age, between 30 and 40." "Black hair." "They say he's got smallpox scars." "Sometimes he grows a beard." "He rides a horse." "He went to prison for wanting to collect and there his misfortune started." "He was caught and put in stocks." "His body was stretched, and as soon as he was out he killed the gringo with a knife." "He fought a thousand fights and he's in hiding in the pampas." "What's your name?" "Julio Martinez." "How did you get here?" "Where are you from?" "Ranchos." " What are you doing here?" " Having a drink." "Go over there." "Let's see..." "A glass of wine." "I asked for some wine!" "So... how's the reason for my mischief?" "Julián." "Julián Andrade." "Moreira" "I've heard Justice has awarded you some of my feats." "And that the police are giving you a hard time." "Believe me, Julian." "I'm sorry you are being persecuted for something I did." "No." "You are wrong." "You offend me." "This wasn't a circumstance, it was a choice." "Something told me when I met you, my soul... there you go, Julián." "You must chose your path." "And I chose." "I chose the path of light." "Now I can be sure there won't be a blank page... in my book of life." "My deeds will go down with yours." "When I die, I won't just be a bag of bones and dust." "My throat runs dry and my heart is heavy... in my song the shadow of Juan Moreira dances..." "The peasants talk about him and his name spreads." "He's used to suffer and no pain can surprise him... his life is full of dispair and setbacks..." "He's dedicated to comfort the poor" "He's dedicated to comfort the poor" "Long time no see, Governor." "Step back!" "Don't get carried away, Moreira, Mind the Devil." "Since I was in the neighborhood, I said to myself:" "I'll drop by to see the Governor." "It's been almost..." "Three years!" "It's been almost three years since I last saw you." "Too long." "Don't think I forget my friends." "Where do you want to get?" "How is your memory, Mr. Governor?" "I won't ask how your stock situation is." "Once Sardeti died you must have found somebody else to blackmail." "Every day a sucker is born, and finders are keepers." "Julián." "Julián Andrade, goddamit!" "Julián!" "Julián Andrade, goddamit!" "You son of a bitch!" " How come you look so good?" " Very good." " I couldn't find you." " I'm doing well, mate..." "Never on a spree now." " Now I'm a good guy." " Is that so?" "I'm lucky." "I know you keep good company." "It's good for this occasion." "You know, Andrade." "I know every trick in the book." "But tempting destiny is not a good idea." "Then one day you wind up finished." "It can happen to anyone." "And you can kiss your life goodbye." "Moreira, there's freedom and fortune in our future if with your fame... you support our cause for the coming elections." "I have the doctor's commitment to hand out an exoneration... for all our crimes and exploits." "Goodbye, dear ponds." "Goodbye, birds." "Goodbye, brush" "I'm going where my North takes me, the North of the persecuted." "Looks like dear God still wants to try me" "But even if I change parties I won't change my destiny." "I wasn't born to live!" "I was born to survive!" "Long live the doctor!" "Finally, I'll name four flowers" "Moreira, Leguizamón, Dr. Acosta and Alsina." "Here, Don Juan." "Long live the doctor!" "Long live the doctor!" "Moreira, I want you to know I'm very grateful to you." "I won't forget that much of the success of this campaign we owe it to you." "I don't forget, Moreira, as soon as we come into office... you'll be able to live in peace free of persecutions and unpleasantness." " Let's look cute." " What about the people?" " They are good." "It's cool." " You son of a bitch!" "Be careful!" "It's dangerous!" "Be careful!" "Be careful!" "Be careful!" "Come on!" "Congratulations, Riquelme." "This was quite a party." " Never seen anything like it!" " Doctor!" "Doctor!" "Moreira, this is for you, from Dr. Alsina... who thinks well of you, from me and my party." " Because you deserve it." " Thank you." "The men of Córdoba are here." "I saw them at the races." "I'll check on them." " Anything wrong?" " No." "Why don't we invite the doctor inside where the party is better?" " Shall we go inside, Dr?" " By all means." "Let's see." "Come on, some music for the doctor." "Way to go." "Long live the party!" "Long live Dr. Acosta!" "What are you doing?" "Long live!" "Gather the people and get the music going" " Yes, sir." "The other one got away." "Keep an eye open, mate." "Keep an eye open." "Of all the people to get shot..." "Be a good fellow and go with these people... up to the bridge of sighs." "We'll wait for you at La Estrella." " Alright?" " Alright." "My mate will accompany you up to the bridge of sighs." " Just in case." " Thanks." "Good luck." "Good luck." "Well..." "Moreira..." "Dr. Acosta wants you to do something for him." "It's a delicate matter." "Come over tomorrow and we'll talk about it." " I can stay if you want." " No, get some rest." "Tomorrow." " Tomorrow." " You'll see." " Let's go." "Good evening." " Good evening." " Hey, you!" " Yes, Don Juan?" "Come and close here." " Bring your gear and stay here." " Yes, Don Juan." "Life is good, mate." "Sometimes." " What's your name?" " Laura." "Laura!" "No." "Forget it." "I'm getting to like you, you know?" "And that's not good." "Because there's someone waiting for me." "someone's waiting for me." "I'm sure you'll agree, Moreira, that what happened yesterday shows... the way things are." "I don't know where to start." "Try the beginning." "Moreira... to achieve success in life sometimes you have to give up." " Give up what?" " Well..." "There are certain scruples." "It rained hard." "Good thing it stopped." "Mate." "Mate!" "I'm not going." "It's not a threat." "Not for killing without reason." "That was not the deal." "I don't know Dr. Marañon." "I've never seen him, understand?" "I don't kill upon request." "Understand?" "OK?" "OK." "There's too many of us." "Easy!" "Easy!" "And why should I give you an explanation?" "I didn't ask, goddamit!" "Mate!" "Oh, Mate!" "Go ahead, it makes no difference." " What brings you here, Don Juan?" " My horse... so far." "Hold it!" "What can we do for you, Moreira?" "Belongs to the guy at the gate." "Message for Dr. Marañón." "Get off, Don Juan, you're not supposed to be there." "You drop that, or I'll make you swallow it!" "Be careful!" " Mate!" "Mate!" " I got a bad hit." "Marañón!" "Don't do anything, Mate!" "Well?" "Dear God." "Dear God." "Without Dr. Riquelme's blessing" "I don't know what will become of us." "Perhaps back to the shrubs or an Indian camp." "If we're not shot before that." "What a time to get in trouble!" "The elections are only a month away." "Just when hand-outs were coming our way." "I want the exoneration, Mate." "But this will work against us." "He was all ours." "Mate..." " We quarreled last night." " So?" "I did as you said." "Of course." "Dear God!" "Dear God!" "Poor Juan!" "Where will you go?" "I'll find you anyway." "Where will you go?" "I'll find you anyway." "I won't be telling you." "I won't give myself away." "This is no joke, Moreira." "I came to get you." "And so what?" "Can't you wait?" "It's got to be today?" "Today, sure?" "Later..." "The sun is strong!" " Are you afraid, Moreira?" " Very much." "Yes!" "Very!" "Very scared." "I'm not ready." "Die under the sun?" "I thought... it would be at night." " I expected you at night." " It's always nighttime, child." "That sun you won't let go is just some light." "It's all an endless night in the midst of this great nothingness." " Neither sun nor light, it's an illusion." " You lie!" "I'm going to make myself small and you won't find me." "Why so much sorrow?" " Is it far?" " What?" "The place where we're going." "Is it far?" "Right there." "At the end of the road." " Why do you make it so long?" " I like walking." "This is boring for me." "I don't find it amusing." "No fun in it... you know?" " Brother..." " What?" "There's no second chance?" "Under a green pine, by the clear stream slept a beautiful girl who had a carnation between her lips." "Quietly, I went up to her, without making noise... and before she could wake up I took the flower from her." "Contraflor!" "I take it." "How much?" "37." "38, I beat you." " What do you seek?" " Nothing." " I'm thirsty." " Don't touch anything." "Don't drink anything." "Smallpox is rampant." "What are you doing?" "What are you doing?" "I don't know how to lose." "And the angel?" " In Heaven." " So be it." " Who are you?" " I was passing by." " You can't be here." " Alright." "Look, Mate." "This is full of cops." "Don't make any fuss." "You'll disturb the angel." "Perhaps some time you'll help me find an answer... to this shame I feel." "I feel dirty, dirty and guilty of something..." "I don't understand." "Something that's been around me for some time." "A long time..." "I'd wish I could kiss my little angel!" "Our angel!" "Without staining her with this dirt I live in... and that is eating me." "And which I don't understand." "I only know we lost more than our life..." "Our child!" "And I love you!" "Juan, I no longer speak with God." "I don't call him often like I used to." "when I waited for you to return from your herdings." "I'm thinking He no longer cares for me." "That we don't understand each other." "It's not so, my saint Don't say that..." "Leave Him alone with his things, he's already got enough." "Perhaps now our angel can tell Him her sorrows." "And He, will listen." "You are in charge of the Committee!" "And you must respond!" "An empty Committee that I filled myself." "But I'm not an executioner." "I wasn't born for that." "Not my job." "Your job is the party!" "The party gave you protection!" "And I pay a high price with the shame of dragging the people... who faithfully follow me." "Without realizing I herd them like cattle for the elections." " What do you expect?" " Exoneration!" "Exoneration!" "Your protection was no good for me to be at my child's wake or to have my wife with me." "In due course!" "I can't!" "Enough!" "I've had enough humiliation!" " You know I can't do it!" " Then others will!" "My dear Excellency and friend, Dr. Marañón." "Carried by my own mate, Julian Andrade, who travels unarmed, in good will" "I send you this letter, once I realized the sorry mistake..." "I was about to commit." "The despicable deed which was entrusted to me has fired my anger and my separation from the noble cause I supported until now." "I am only a gaucho in disgrace and not a killer for hire." "So here are my thoughts." "And believing I'm doing the right thing, I place myself to your disposal." "Hoping we can seal the union with an embrace." "On the one hand your glorious Nationalist Party." "And on my side the workers and poor people who will gladly... support you in the elections carrying the noble ideals... you represent with dignity." "For Argentina, long live Mitre!" "Long live the Nationalist Party!" "I await your reply." "Juan Moreira." "Alright." "Alright." "Hello." "Hello." "You never showed up" "Gentlemen!" "Gentlemen!" "With your permission, let me have your attention, please." "Mate!" "Mate!" "I'm not for sale and I don't sing for money." "I was born free like the wind and I want to die free." "This is what I feel, and I say what I feel." "I don't change colors for promises and gifts." "Perhaps it's because I'm human, I can't play the chameleon." "I don't like treason and I don't justify deception." "One can judge oneself till one's naked." "but playing with the faith entrusted to you is the worst sin you can commit." "of the tone of my song or the course it's taking." "But don't fear, this is what I want to say." "Doctors don't awe me nor scare me..." "Fly back to your nest, lark!" "Cool it, mate." "Go on!" " Go on." " Are you going to kill me?" "No." "Go on." " Shall I go on?" " Go on." "I'm not sure why this song came out... perhaps a chameleon joined us." " That's it?" " That's it." "Get out." " I don't..." " Get out!" "I didn't kill him because it does not affect me." "I follow no colors nor boss." "I only follow my freedom, gentlemen!" "Over me, just my hat!" "And the soil under my feet." "And with a clean conscience I toast the glorious..." "Nationalist Party, which I fervently support!" "I drink to the health of Dr. Marañón." " Here!" " Here!" " Here!" " Here!" "Nothing's happened here." "Come on!" "It would be nice..." "Have a few carts... and going out without knowing when will I return." "And to be free and easy like I used to be." "When I was good." "Goddamit!" "I wish so many things..." "Don Leguizamón." "Don Leguizamón." "Take the last room." " have a god time" " OK." "Hello." "It's been almost five years." "I missed you." " You like it here?" " I like you." "Same thing." "Good killer, the man..." "Things must be tough... if they openly risk their man." "Be careful, Moreira." "No one is free from fraud or abuse." "If there were any trouble we'd be interdict." "And that's what the autonomists want." "Keep quiet and alert." "While you can." "I'm not just an arm, Dr." "Good killer, that Leguizamón." "But I reckon this time he's made a mistake." "Poor things." "Recently they got all sick." "I'll take care of it." "I'll make everything right." "Moreira must be aware of your presence." "That was my intention." " And what will you do?" " Nothing." "He'll come to me." "They always come to me." "That's why I last." "He'll come like a blind cock." "And this is a fighting ring." "Ever seen a blind cock fighting?" "Hey, you voted me twice!" "Right?" "Not me!" "You!" "Who did you vote for?" " For the Committee." " Take it down." "What is that?" "Right it down properly!" "Correa, for the parish." "Correa." "What about last night's gin?" "I vote for the parish." " Who do you vote for?" " He's already said!" " Who do you vote for?" " For the parish." "You were going to vote for the Committe!" "Write him down for the committee." "Cut the bullshit!" "Who's next!" "Mate, for your own sake." "Beware, the storm is coming." "And those who are drunk still get wet." "Good luck." "I might be drunk, but..." "The Santa Rosa storm!" "Not now!" "Water is coming." " It might wash of your sins." " What?" " Your sins?" " Me?" "No storm can do that!" "Shit!" "I fucked up my leg!" " What are you doing there?" " Guard duty, boss." "Staying out of the rain." "Go watch the house!" "Alright." "Come." "Sit down." "Come here!" "Come..." "What is t, boss?" "Get my stallion and tie him up close by." "So... what do you think?" "The party got rained on." " How are you?" " So, so..." "Mitre is leading an uprising in the capital." "As soon as he heard of Avellaneda's triumph he turned sour." "He led the troops in the rebellion." " He says it was fraud." " Well, well." " Where's my mate?" " Flirting with a girl." "That's good." " Let's go to La Estrella?" " In this rain?" "Ideal condition." "I know who you are!" "Shall I say it?" "You are Moreira's mate." "I saw you with him." "Goddamit, these zealots!" "They look dead hanging there." "You shouldn't say that." "Over there, sir." " Who is it?" " Open up!" " Who is it?" " The provincial guard." "Who are you?" "Captain Eulogio Varela, provincial guard." "Officers and troops." "Please open up, Dr. Marañón." "Good evening, Dr." " Take your hat off, bum." " I'm sorry, sir." "Chirino!" "Nobody enters or leaves unless he's with us." " Yes, sir." " What does this mean?" " It's an interdiction." " Not clear enough?" " Not to me!" "Interdicting the county demands at least an explanation." "The Court will give you that in due course." "Mitre was defeated and is in jail." "That's all you need." "That's down at the capital." "Here, elections..." "This involves the country, Dr. Marañón!" "Even though this does not concern us," "I ask you to cooperate and turn Moreira in." "That man is not here." " Please, Dr." " Please, what?" "When has my house harbored killers?" "A killer who until today headed your Committe." "Just as he served your Comitte before," "Who's that?" "Goddamit!" "Save me, brother!" "He's not Moreira, Sir." "Sir, he's Moreira's mate." "He's killed quite a few." "Courageous!" "The water is here." "Water is here, corporal." "What's your name?" "Segundo Irazábal, sir." "Where is Moreira?" "Speak!" "Speak!" " Speak, goddamit!" " Enough, gentlemen." "This is a good man." "A faithful friend." "Leave us alone, please." "How is it going, doctor?" "It's been a long time." "What happened?" "Why did you change your cause?" "We treated you wrong?" "They'll kill me." "You won't let them kill me." "No." "I'm not thinking about that." "Don't get yourself beaten." "Look, 50 policemen in full gear." "There is another 50 downtown looking into every cranny." "And there are another 40 dressed as civilians in Lobos." "Moreira is over!" "Don't get beaten." "I wasn't born to rap." " I feel shame." " Nobody will know." "We are alone, aren't we?" "What time is it, Dr?" "5AM." "They must have arrived at La Estrella, in Lobos." "How many went with him?" "Just Andrade." "His mate Andrade." " What is it?" " Shhh." "Shhh." "I'm afraid." "I'm afraid." " Shut up!" " I don't want to die!" " Moreira!" " What is it?" "Turn yourself in, Moreira!" " Who to?" " The Buenos Aires Police!" "I'm all the police you need here!" "I don't want to die." "Don't shoot, I'll get the woman out." "I don't want to die." "I don't want to die." "I don't want to die!" "I don't want to die." "I don't want to die." "I don't want to die, please." " No!" " Shut up!" "Don't shoot, I'll get the woman out!" "Here, come here." "Bring him!" "Bring him!" "Guard!" "With this sun!" "With this sun!" "Here is Juan Moreira, goddamit!"