"THE VISITOR" ""Dearest Miss Pina, I got your letter yesterday, and I'm replying right away." "The photo you sent me is very nice." "I was very impressed to see you looking so young and elegant."" ""Dearest Mr. Adolfo, the seaside snapshot of you is nice too." "I was moved by it because the boat in the picture is called Caterina like my mother, rest her soul." "If you agree, I think we should meet in person"." ""As you wrote in your letter dated the 28th of last month, meeting up would lay down a solid foundation to our friendship and is a cond/t/o s/ne qua non, as the quote says." "Therefore I shall let you know when I can come, depending on my work commitments." "Only, of course, if this still pleases you."" "How was your journey, Mr. Adolfo?" "Travelling at night is like reading a book blindfolded." "That makes no sense, but I'll say it anyway." "Well, what do you think?" "Maybe you thought I'd be different." "Thanks, I didn't think Romans were so charming." "I'm not that tall, but my curves makes me look taller." " Holy cow, look at her!" " Come here!" " Nice ass!" " You looking for me?" "If you get on, I'll pay for a sleeper!" "Have you seen a passenger?" "I've been seeing them for 25 years!" " Miss Pina?" " Are you Mr. Adolfo?" "That's right." " How was your journey?" " Not bad." " Travelling by night..." " You gain a day." "That's true." "Come this way, my car's out the front." " These old bangers still work?" " Just fine." "Round here old cars are considered quite chic." "Countess Lovato has one." "You know her?" "I don't think so." "What the..." "The door doesn't close properly, keep hold of it." "This old car's doing great..." "It's hard to keep the door closed though." "Stop!" " Hey, Pina?" "Did he get here?" " Yes." " It's him." " Good!" "Nice to meet you." "Off you go." "Sorry, he's known me all my life." "He's an overgrown kid." "With a man's handshake though." "I need to get something." "I'll be right back." "What do you want?" " Me?" "Nothing." "Why?" " This is my town." "This is a good start." "I don't like you." "I smashed a guy's head in because I didn't like him." "Great, you're an artist!" "Try telling me I'm dumb now." "You're not dumb." "You won't tell me, you're scared." "But I'll tell Pina I don't like you." "Tell her what you want, just go." "You're not dumb, you're a son-of-a-bitch!" " Was I long?" " Not at all." "Who's that nutcase singing?" " Cucaracha." " Is that his name?" "He loves Mexican music, so that's what they named him." " He keeps up with the times." " He's rough but harmless." "Everyone loves him." "You'll like him too." "I like him already." "You bastard!" "Sorry." "We'd have said a lot worse in Rome." "Damn!" "Come this way." "Don't worry about that." "Please, let me do it." "Watch out." "There!" "It's got a combination, like safes!" " Come in." " I'm coming." " Did you get your feet wet?" " Just the right one." "The rain has its setbacks, but it's good for the countryside." "Who cares about the countryside!" "This is Titina, my mascot." "And that's Silvestro." "I told you about him, right?" "I don't think so." "Come on, sing a song for the gentleman." " You taught him that?" " Yes." "It took me just over a year." "I recorded the song onto tape and played it to him constantly." "How interesting." " Won't you give me your coat?" " Yes, of course." "Thank you." "You have a nice house and it looks bigger from the inside." "You like it?" " You want to freshen up?" " No, I did that on the train." " I shaved too." " That's why you were late." "If I don't shave every day, I don't feel right." "So I brought what I need." "Have a seat, won't you?" "I cut myself on my neck when the train jerked about." " I hope it's not serious." " No, I stopped the bleeding." " Don't you use an electric shaver?" " I tried one once." "But nothing beats a razor blade." "A biscuit while I make coffee?" "Don't go to any trouble." "They're like the ones in the carousel show!" "Yes." "You watch it too?" "I watch it every day." "I've got a 19 inch screen." "Did you see it?" "Is that the television?" "Yes, it's the latest model with a glass screen." "Television is great company." " Yes and it's educational." " Right!" "Think how many people in Italy would've missed out on "ll mulino del Po" by..." "Raf Vallone." "I meant the writer." "What's his name?" "By Bacchelli." " Excuse me." " Of course." "Don't get up." " What's the news from Rome?" " About what?" "You know, in general." "I lead a very reserved life." "You live in the city." "Imagine me, in the countryside, all alone." "I can imagine." "The coffee!" "Excuse me." "Holy Mary, save our souls!" "Some peop/e /ove many th/ngs" "and they /ose themse/ves around the wor/d..." ""Educated and youthful retired gentleman."" ""Attractive fifty-year-old."" ""Professional woman lacking suitable company would like to marry tall, handsome and gallant officer."" "THIRTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD SINGLE WOMAN" "THIRTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD SINGLE WOMAN" "Damn!" "Why did you trouble yourself?" "For so little." "Is it too hot?" "I added some grappa." "Don't you like it?" "I do, but it's pretty strong." "Strong?" "We even put grappa in babies' food here." "And they end up like Cucaracha." ""It's better to be poor but loved than rich with heartache."" "How true!" "I also bought you some biros." "We give them to our clients." "They're nice to write with." "There are 12 of them." "100 liras a piece..." "Thanks, they're just what I needed." "Mine always get pinched at the office." " You'd prefer a Stop or a Muratti?" " I don't smoke." " Do you mind if I do?" " Not at all." "I'll have one with you." "Thank you." "It's like the car door, it needs your magic touch." "I used to smoke 20 a day." "That's 70,000 liras a year!" "So I kicked the habit." " You want to see the house?" " Yes, please." " Oh, I'm sorry." " Don't worry." "You're okay." "Aren't you, Consuelo?" "Titina, you love that chair!" " Doesn't she fight with Silvestro?" " No, they're friends." "The kitchen's this way." "Follow me." "It's small but has all the basics." "Even a fridge." "What was that?" "It's Latin." "Horace." "The orchard is this way." "Very nice, I must say." "The bedroom's this way." "The bed belonged to my late parents." "I kept it because I like plenty of room." "Oh, a good old-fashioned bed..." " You like having plenty of room?" " I usually sleep all curled up." "You know, each to their own." " What are you reading?" " "La Monaca di Monza"." "By Mario Mazzucchelli." "Dall'Oglio Publishers, 2,000 liras." " You've read it?" " No, but I sold 30 of them." "What are these?" "This is a good publisher." "It's affordable but good quality." "Last year a mobile bookshop came to town." "I wanted "Crime and Punishment", but they didn't have it so I bought these books and they came with the shelves." " It only cost 2,000 a month." " Aren't there any bookshops here?" "No." "So opening a bookshop here would be a good business." "Of course, you know about these things." " Here you are." " Thanks." "You should've come earlier." "Mr. Di Palma, one moment please!" "She's almost decomposing, make-up won't help!" " Is he in a bad mood?" " As usual." " Adolfo, see who it is." " It's just kids playing around." "You're eager to go, Mr. Di Palma!" " Me?" "No!" " You've taken off your uniform." " I just took it off now." " Put it back on!" "So you'll be late on Monday?" "I told you." "I'll come straight from the station." "I'm leaving tonight." "I have to visit family in the north." "By the way, I'm not sure yet." "But I may be leaving town." "So I wondered how much redundancy I'll be entitled to." "Mr. Di Palma, if you were to leave this job," "I'd be so happy that I'd pay more than what the trade union states." "Off you go." "Have a good weekend, sir." "Swine!" "If I pull this off, I'll spit in his face." "To hell with it!" "Let her tell him!" "Mata Hari!" " Won't you get that?" " They'll give up soon." "Aren't you going to open up?" " Goodbye, sir." " Goodbye." " What book was that?" " He forgot his umbrella!" "Here it is." " Go on through." " After you." "Thanks." "This is the bathroom." "There's no bathtub, but there's room for one." " What's in there?" " It's just a storeroom." " You want to see the garden?" " I'd love to." "After you." "After you." " What's that?" " It's a motor hoe." "I got it at the farmer's store." "You start it like this." " It's a bit noisy, but useful." " It's handy!" " It's like a vacuum cleaner." " But it runs on gas." "And instead of vacuuming, it digs." " Are those ducks yours too?" " You're a real city boy!" "They're not ducks, they're geese." "They're my neighbour's." "Ouch!" " You like the lawn swing?" " Yes." "A cafe in Rome's got one just like it." " I go there every Sunday." " Do you go alone?" "Yes, after a week of hard work I need to be alone." "If I could afford it, I'd hire a black slave." "I'd lie back in the swing and he'd push me." "If you're not too choosy, I could push you." "Even though I'm not black." " Are you racist?" " Me?" "What makes you think that?" "Because of the black slave?" "No..." " They're people like us." " They sure are." "When I hear what goes on in America, I get so angry..." "So do I, I feel the same." "But I do think they are somewhat different." "It's just my feeling, but..." "I have nothing against blacks." "If you had a daughter, would you let her marry a black man?" "Well..." "I think I would." " If he was a nice man." " That'd be a first!" "Hi, Pina." "Hi, Chiaretta." " She's my neighbour's granddaughter." " Really?" "Damn!" "Forget it, I'm no good." "As you wish." "Who does your household chores?" "A lady who lives in that house comes every day." "Then she goes home." "I like to be alone." "So having me around would bother you too." "Nonsense!" "You wouldn't be a stranger in my house." " What's the matter?" " I don't know." "That's the second time a stone has hit me." "A stone?" "How strange." "Maybe it was fruit falling from a tree." "It must be a tree of stones!" "Cucaracha, don't be silly." "Go away!" "Damn those chimes!" "Shall we have the fire on?" "Good idea, I love a real fire." " If it's too much trouble..." " No, not at all." " Shall I help you?" " No, it won't take me long." " What's that?" " Pumice stone and paraffin." "How clever!" "No need for paper or blowing till you faint!" "It's the modern way." "Actually, my grandparents did it this way." "Is your job interesting?" "When the harvest or trade fairs are on, it's busy." "But during the winter, there's not much to do." " Are you a state employee?" " No." "Each province has an agent, we work on commission." " Will you get a pension?" " If I stay there, yes." " But I don't know." " Don't you like it?" "It's not that, it depends on what I'll do." "For example, if I got married maybe I'd move away." "Yes, but you'd need to think about that." "I don't know how much you earn." "Let's say it's 50,000..." "It's no secret, my average wage is over 70." "Well, 70,000 liras here corresponds to 150,000 liras in Rome." "Yes, life's more expensive there." "I have my savings, but I could also find a job." "Where, in Rome?" "You think that's easy?" "I earn 82,000 liras a month." "That's a good wage." "Yet I'm almost better off living here." "Here?" "In San Benedetto Po?" "Yes, my boss thinks very highly of me." "I'd get a good redundancy payment." "I could open a bookshop here." "You like it?" "We always did it at school." "It's funny." "Wouldn't you agree?" "Yes, but I thought you'd rather stay in Rome." "Well, the city gets to you after a while." "I couldn't ask for more." "After all, this is my parents' house." "You see?" "Think of all the memories!" "Your work and friends are here." "If I were you, I wouldn't leave." "Come on!" "Lmagine a woman like Rinaldo's wife, if she asked you for a lift, what would you do?" " I'd pick her up." " Exactly!" "In the car, I touched her knee." "She didn't react." "She was asleep." "I touched her legs, no reaction." " That's the last one?" " Yes." "I stopped the van and undressed her." "She didn't even wake up while I did it!" " Come off it." " Pina doesn't mind." "Of course not, if I did, you'd make trouble." "You think she was really sleeping?" "I don't listen to your nonsense." " How much is it?" " Let me finish." "Letters, postcards, official notices!" "Here's a parcel for the store and a letter for you from Rome." "You can have it for 60 liras." "Do I have to pay this time too?" "Tell that miser not to use second-hand stamps." " We know they're used." " Here's 60 liras." "Recorded deliveries, quick expresses and anonymous letters!" "22 tons and 84 kilos." "Pina, are those yours?" "I don't find your jokes funny." " Did I offend you?" " No." "But I don't like vulgar jokes." "Come on, you've always been up for a laugh!" "Right, nice excuse." "I got 14 replies to my ad, including yours." " You kept them, that's nice." " Look." "This is the advert I put in the paper." ""Attractive thirty-five-year-old woman, single, friendly, steady job." "House, garden, car, savings is seeking to marry forty-year-old, honest, kind and smart." "Southerners welcome." "Cheerful, home lover, likes children and animals." "Only suitable applicants may apply." "Send a photo and handwritten reply to San Benedetto Po, PO BOX 3226340."" " You know it by heart?" " Yes, I'm good at that." "At 120 liras per word, you spent 6,500 liras." "Right, more or less. 6,650 liras." "He's a lawyer from Genoa." " He's a bit old." " Yes." "This is a Roman businessman." "A widower, works in insurance." "A gentleman who's been cured." "A political refugee who's returned to Italy." "He's a handsome chap!" "I'm being fair." "And he's young too." "Who is he?" "A 32-year-old mechanic from Viterbo." "But it's not looks that count." "He wrote me a strange letter." "He just asked how big the garden was, what car I had and how much savings I had." "I didn't like him." "I'm not surprised." "How dare he ask..." "How much savings have you got?" " Did you tell him?" " What?" " How much you have." " No, I only replied to you." "Look who's next." "I came first out of 14!" "Why me?" "Maybe because I didn't ask about your savings?" "For various reasons." "Maybe your letters, maybe the seaside photo..." "I love the sea and I'm quite an expert on handwriting." " That's why you said "hand-written"." " Right." "Your handwriting can reveal a lot." "So I knew you were nice, sensitive and funny." ""Thent for the complimanks"." "I mean, thanks for the compliment," ""prissy mett"." "I mean... pretty miss." "I was right, you see?" "Yes, I can be very funny." "How funny!" "If you'd asked me, I'd have told you." "Told me what?" "How much savings I have." "It's not a lot." "200,000 liras in cash." "This year my poplar trees will make me another 800-900,000 liras." "You're rich." "Yours truly seems poor in comparison." " I'll bow to you." " Don't be silly." "Who's being silly?" "Him?" "I'm Angelina." "Pina's like a daughter to me." "She's a lovely girl." "Her husband will be a lucky man!" "Get on with your work." "She's embarrassed!" "What about?" "It's the truth!" "Where's the problem?" "I don't understand her." "You maid calls you by your first name?" "Well, she was my nanny." "Will you excuse me for a moment?" "I need to pop out." " I'll come if you like." " No, I'll be right back." "Lunch will be our usual, nothing special." " If you have any preferences..." " I'm not fussy." "Women in Emilia are famous for their cooking." "Just for their cooking?" "Bye, Silvestro." "Keep our friend company." "See you soon." "You like it?" " Pina makes it herself." " Yes, I know." "Marry her, listen to me." "She's no spring chicken, she's almost 40, but her flesh is white and firm." "She won't admit it, but she gets lonely by herself." "At night, when I'm at home with my granddaughter who's 16 and blossoming," "I think of Pina and I cry, all alone with her animals!" " You have a granddaughter?" " Yes, Chiaretta." "Her father, my son, lives in Belgium." "His wife was a prostitute." "Sorry." "It's all right." "She's gone back to her old job." "She even wore orange blossoms at the wedding!" "But it's Pina I worry about." "I might find her murdered or chopped to pieces one morning." "This road's quite busy and you never know." "But she doesn't let anyone in, not even the local priest at Easter." "Oh, my cabbage!" "Does Chiaretta work with her mom?" "What?" "I told you what her mom is!" " Right, I'm sorry." " Just the thought of it..." "One prostitute in the family's enough!" "Pick up a colour pencil and draw a b/ue sky." "Pick up a pencil..." "Silvestro, I'll tell you where to shove that pencil!" "Silvestro, I'll tell you where to shove that pencil." "It's all your fault!" "Hey, my shirt!" "So what if she hears it!" "Silvestro, I'll tell you where to shove that pencil." "It's all your fault." "Hey, my new shirt." "So what if she hears it." "Stop that, Adolfo!" "Goodness knows where your shirt is." "I bet it's not ready." "I have to leave tonight." "It is, I sewed the buttons on myself." "Here it is." "All this fuss!" "Where are you going?" "Is it true you're visiting family?" " Of course it's true." " Maybe..." " Is this material good?" " It's poplin." "But there's poplin and poplin." "Did you wash it?" "Stop complaining!" "I need some underwear, socks and a handkerchief." "Here." "Underwear, handkerchief and socks." "My boss said you're to pay 2,500 a week from next month." "I may as well go shopping in the rich neighbourhood." "It's up to you." "It's 12 as usual." "Here." "Bye." " Wait." " Not now." "You were kind before, now you come and go as you please." " Calm down." " Come on." "Aren't I kind?" "I came now because it's quiet." " For you!" " I thought so." "You wasted time on your shirts, now you're in a rush." "Not like this." "Kiss me first." " I am kissing you." " On the lips." "It's late, your boss'll be back soon." "Kiss me." "Kiss me!" "One, two..." "Seven, eight, nine." "Nine steps." "Now I need to know how long each step is." "It's her again." "Take this!" "I'd make a comb out of you." "You'd make a nice soup too." "I could put my antique desk here." "This chair can go here..." "This can go near the door and I'll straighten this out." "Damn!" "Crumbs!" "I'd better get rid of this." "There." "Oh, my God!" "Damn you and your apples!" "There we go..." " Is my grandma here?" " What?" "You mean Angelina?" " She's in the orchard." " Oh, well..." "She'll be right back." "Come in." "Come in." " You're Chiaretta." " How do you know?" "Your grandma told me about you." "What else did she tell you?" " That you're 16." " No, I'll be 17 in May." "Your birthday's in May." "Like mine." "We're both Taurus." "I saw you on your scooter." "Really?" " You're not bad on it." " I can drive a car too." " You have a boyfriend?" " Sort of." "Here's your grandma..." " Weren't you looking for her?" " No, I was just passing by." "Why are you here?" "Tie your hair up." "Damn!" "Angelina, why did you move my table?" "Me?" "I moved it." "I was trying to make it look nicer." " I'll put it right back." " It doesn't matter." " Just put the table back." " Yes." "I'm sorry." "There." " I told him, you know?" " What?" " What did you say to him?" " You know me!" "I told him not to let you get away." "He seems like a nice man." "Yes, I like him." "But he's a bit reserved." "Nonsense!" "Listen to me." ""Heart of ice, good in bed."" "And I know, trust me!" "This might be too much, he doesn't eat much." "Look, he's almost human." " Who?" " Silvestro." "He's a good bird." "I'm glad you liked it." "I should've made more." "No, that was plenty for me." "When I was young, I had a big appetite but now..." "You're not doing too bad!" "Has Master Silvestro finished?" "Up yours, Silvestro!" "If I come to live here, you..." "You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble." "Oh, this is nothing special." " Is that goulash?" " No, it's rabbit casserole." " Nice!" "What's this?" " A local salami dish." "I can't see a thing." " Shall I serve?" " Yes, please." "I'll give you some of each." "Just tell me when to stop." "Go away!" " He's mad!" " He's all alone." "He pops into houses at lunchtime." "Nice for him." "That's enough." "I'll have more later." "Can't he get a job?" "He's a well-built chap." "Every time he tries to do something, he ends up fighting." "He wants to do his best." "But he always loses his temper and hurts someone, poor man." "Poor man?" "Why don't they lock him up?" "He's harmless..." "as long as he doesn't have to work." "Poor chap." "You're giving him some too?" "He settles for a little here, a little there." "A little here, a little there?" "And doesn't even have to work!" "What a clever bastard!" "Cucaracha, where are you?" "Come here." "Take it and go away." "Call me if you need me." "I'll be out here." "I know, throwing stones." " I'm all right." " I don't like him." "Well, I do." "So leave us alone." "No funny business." "Bye, Cucaracha." " He's jealous of you!" " Who, the nutcase?" "We grew up together, he's very fond of me." " Has he gone now?" " Yes, he listens to me." "It's nice to eat together as a family..." "I mean, to eat at home." "It's different." "I spend my life in restaurants." " All your life?" " Well, that may change." "You can't imagine the horrible meat they serve." "There must be some good restaurants in Rome." "The prices change, not the food." "The cheap ones are better." "For example, they serve great food in the truck drivers' cafe." "I've never tried this salami dish, it's good!" "Delicious!" "No, Flora." "I don't feel like going to the cinema." "It's too cold." "Who's there?" "Oh, he's good." "I'd rather see him at the theatre." "You'd rather see him where?" "Hush, what will the operator think?" "How about Wednesday?" "That way I can go to the dressmaker's." "Hold on a minute." "Cucaracha, it's raining!" "Why are you washing the car?" "Flora, excuse me." "I have to go." "Later?" "No, I'm closing early." "I've got a customer to serve." "Who is he?" "Some local farmer." "All right, bye." "Bye!" "What a pain." "Hi, Renato!" " I wasn't long, was I?" " I'd have waited more." " I'm in no rush." " But I am." "Yes, it's Renato." "Calm down." " He recognizes you!" " You should teach him the rest." "You think it's easy?" "He's clever, but lazy." " How's your wife?" " Fine." " And your kids?" " The little one's got measles." "Poor boy!" "It's nothing serious." " He'll be better soon." " That's what the doctor said." "You see?" "I'll make you something to eat." " How long have you got?" " A couple of hours." "We're off to Trieste tomorrow." "It'll be ready in five minutes." "I'll have a shave then." "You should shave before visiting a lady!" "Here." "Wait!" "Don't worry, it's only me..." "I may be untidy, but I don't like to show it." "The bathroom's ready." "Did that man from Rome ever send you his photo?" " Yes." "Didn't I show you?" " No." "This is him, Adolfo Di Palma." " He seems like a nice man." " Yes, I liked him." " His letters were romantic." " I liked the other one." " The one who replied first." " He had a better position." "But knowing he was a widower made me feel awkward." "He might have compared me to her." " Does it bother you?" " You settling down?" "No way!" "We can't go on like this forever." "You need to settle down too." "When you've decided, let me know." "I'll disappear." "Not seeing you, that'll be tough." "We'll deal with it when it happens." "He hasn't told me when he's coming yet." "Wait, let's see what you'll be like when you're old!" "She's fifty and she dresses like a young girl!" "She's horrible!" "Once, a girl came into the shop and said," ""Have you got 'Count Dracula'?" "Of course", I said. "Over there!"" "And I pointed to the shop assistant." "I laughed so much!" "I just came out with it." "Sorry... never mind!" "May I?" "It brings good luck!" "Thanks, I didn't know." "Don't you believe in these things here?" "Actually, we don't spill wine." " What's going on?" " They complain when you leave." " They miss you." " Of course, I'm their mommy." "But that's Consuelo!" "Your poor thing!" "How did you manage to turn over?" " I don't know." " Right, how did she do that?" "That happens to sea turtles when they lay their eggs." "They turn over and die an agonising death in the sun." "Poor things!" " Where?" " In Oceania, I think." " Would you like a chocolate?" " Good idea!" "Thanks." " How about some coffee?" " Maybe later." " Shall we go into the garden?" " Why not?" " Oh, sorry." " Don't worry." "Shall we go?" " Won't you be cold like that?" " No, it's warm." " The weather's changed." " You think so?" " Damn..." " Watch out!" "Maybe..." "What?" "Maybe it needs some oil." "Apart from the squeaking, is this swing nicer than the ones in Rome?" "Miss Pina, how can you ask me that?" "Here, I'm with you." "In Rome, I'm all alone." "That's the truth." "With the gold-digging waiters." "85 liras for a coffee!" "It's so peaceful here." " Miss Pina..." " Yes?" "Can I stop calling you miss?" "Of course." "I like being here, with you." "I like being with you too." "I think Northerners are right about many things." " Who?" " Northerners." "Norwegians, Swedes, you know." "They're practical, they aren't prejudiced." "They meet, go out together, get to know each other... not in a superficial way." "Yes, I know." "You know how many marriages end in divorce in Italy?" "More than 30%." "You know why?" "Because you need to know someone before marrying them." "That's why I came all this way to see you." "To get to know you, to see if we like each other's company." " Adolfo, what are you doing?" " During the day..." " And at night." " Please, they'll see us!" " Why not?" "Don't you trust me?" " Of course I do but..." "Well then, trust is all that matters." " Pina, let's go to your bedroom." " What?" "You can't leave me like this!" "That's enough funny stuff." " I'll change and we'll go out." " Come here." "Calm down." " Do we have to go out?" " Of course." "You wait here." "I've got a surprise for you." "No more food, please." "I don't want any more, you'll think I'm gluttonous." "Excuse me." "It's a sign of appreciation, right?" " Have you calmed down?" " Me?" "What do you mean?" "Never mind." "I spy with my little eye something beginning with... the letter "S"." "I don't know." "Is it a silk tie?" "No, you got it wrong." "That's nice!" "It's even got sleeves." "How kind!" "Thank you." ""You're welcome, Adelfo"..." "I mean, Adolfo!" ""Always dear to me was this lovely hill, and this hedge..."" "What was that?" "Sorry, the oar slipped." "How long did it take to make this sweater?" "About a week, a couple of hours each day." "You work fast." "How did you know my size?" "I guessed, looking at your photo." "Any flooding round here recently?" "The last one was three years ago." "I once donated a coat to the flood victims in Northern Italy." "I'd hardly worn it." "Only during military service." "Fancy a walk in the pine forest?" "I can't." "My dress is new." "If it gets dirty, my mom will notice." "I requested a song by "OI' Frank"." "He didn't understand." " I had to say Frank Sinatra." " You have his picture in your purse!" " He's a good singer." " You don't like him as a man?" "She likes all men!" "Come to my house to study." "We can be alone." "Yes, like Carla and Marco." "She's pregnant now!" " Aren't you drinking too much?" " It's only wine!" "It's like water for me, but it tastes better." " Let's dance." " To this sad song?" "Why don't we wait for a mazurka?" "Adolfo, everyone can see us." "That's what I want." "I put this song on to dance with you." " With me?" " No, he means me." "But he's looking at me!" " Will you dance?" " Yes, but behave." "He's mad, he's ugly and he wants to dance." "Some say he's not mad just sneaky." "When he turns nasty he throws stones." "Stones?" "You hair looks nice like that." "I know." " Will you dance?" " If you like." " But we'll do a foxtrot." " As you wish." "Look at Miss Booty go!" " Is that what they call Pina?" " Don't worry." " Everyone has a nickname here." " Miss Booty..." "Actually, they call her Miss Pretty Booty." "That's better." " How old are you?" " I told you, I'll be 17 in May." " I could be your father." " Nice excuse." "Come on, "daddy"." "Your fiancée is looking at us." " Don't you ever come to Rome?" " What for, the do/ce v/ta?" "I know a family who needs help with household chores." "Maybe I'd rather marry Gianni than be a maid." "He's got a Flaminia GT and he's a good dancer!" "Marry Gianni then." "Poor man, you'll ruin him!" " Friends?" " All right." " Buy me a beer then!" " We're not friends anymore." "He won't buy me a beer!" "He throws stones at me!" "Take it easy, city boy." "This round's on me!" "He won't drink it in one go." "He'll ruin his new sweater." " He's really drunk!" " Come on, Roman boy!" " That's enough." " I don't get it, I always do it." "Let me try again." " No, I believe you." " What's wrong, Pina?" "Nothing." "Give me a smile then." "Come on!" "Let's play the military game." "Turn that thing off." " You coming, Roman boy?" " No, I'm tired." "I can be referee, though." "Hey!" "I don't even know this game!" " You do, it's "soldier's bluff"." " Soldier's bluff?" " Let's see who'll be it." " All right." " Just one go." " 3,4,5,6... he's it." " What?" " One more time." "I'll count." "4,6,8,15,18... he's it." " You see?" " No, you tricked me." " I'm not playing." " Cucaracha, stop it!" " I was joking." " Just like last week." " You broke Giorgino's leg." " His leg?" "All right, I'll do it." "But no foul play." " Chiaretta." " No." " Turn around!" " Patience is a virtue." " You call this fun?" " That's not fair!" "Take that!" "Take that to Andreotti!" " Come back, this is fun!" " Poor thing, I feel sorry for him." "I knew you'd end up hurting someone." " Look!" "I'll fix them for you." " I'm not having this!" "If these hillbillies think they can laugh at me, I'll show them!" " Did we upset you?" " Yes you did, dumbheads!" " Stop it, go home." " Home?" "You mean the nuthouse!" "He's joking, calm down." "He's mad, but you're just rude!" "I respect you as Pina's friend, but if you wind me up..." " You wound me up!" " Let's go, Adolfo." "Just go, Sandrino." "Do it for me." "How dare that Roman parasite insult me!" "You can talk!" "You're always moaning about the floods." "I want my coat back!" " What coat?" " It doesn't matter." " You should drink less!" " You think I'm drunk?" "Look." "Thanks." "You just remember that I'm a gentleman!" "You saw that?" "I want compensation, you broke my glasses." " You'd better take him home." " The wise man speaks." " I'm bored, let's dance." " Shut up you." "No, I want compensation!" "Come on, Adolfo." "I want..." "Stop!" "Don't leave me with this nutcase!" "Let him go!" "They welcome strangers here." "Especially Romans..." "No, Pina." "They're hostile towards me." "No, I know them." "I can assure you." " They were joking." " No, they're weren't." "They hit me like they hated me." "They hate me because I'm a stranger." "Stand here." "Nonsense!" "After all, you started it." "Didn't you?" "No, Pina." "They're hostile towards me." "Don't defend them, they're vulgar." "You know what they call you?" "Miss Pretty Booty!" "They're just joking." "Even if at times they're rude, ignorant and down right nasty!" "If I come here, these chimes..." "What?" " What did you say?" " I like those chimes." "Tell me where you got them, I'll get some too." "You've had enough to drink." "Just a drop." "My throat's dry." "I'm going to fix these." "Thanks, Pina." "You really are kind." "I wouldn't have ventured north, if it wasn't for you." "I'm not surprised!" "Pina, a good relationship is based on... based on mu... mu... mut..." "Pina, a good relationship is based on mutual understanding." "You need to be..." "you know... honest." "You need to be honest and I'm being honest with you." "What about?" "Pina, think what you like, but remember that Adolfo Di Palma is an honest man." "I'm leaving tonight." "What's the time?" "Let me see." "I'm leaving tonight." "But before you get fond of me, I have to make a confession." " Go on." " Pina..." "While you were out this morning..." "I let a swearword slip." "It's recorded on that." "I couldn't erase it." "I thought you were going to say you were already married!" "Who, me?" "No, I'm a bachelor through and through." "Sorry." "Thank you, Pina." "You did a good job." "Look!" "Here comes Consuelo." "She's got a spring in her step." "Adolfo, there's something I must tell you." "I wanted to tell you earlier..." "Did you let a swearword slip too?" "You're right." "Relationships should be based on honesty." "You have to tell each other about your past." "There was something for me..." "someone." "A man?" "It wasn't in your ad..." ""Attractive thirty-five-year-old, single, fun, steady job..."" "I never said I was a virgin." "Right, you didn't write that." "That's bad for you." "Mind your own business!" "I admit I had thought about it." "I said to myself, "It can't be... she's all by herself up in the north..."" "Cheer up, Pina." "It's no big deal." "You mean that, Adolfo?" "And as we're being honest... not so long ago, I had a fling too with a shirt maker." "Was she young?" "About 25." "Was she pretty?" "Not bad." "She had a nice body." "But her lips were..." "How can I say?" "A bit horrible." "Yours are beautiful though." "Did she make this one?" "Yes, quite a while ago." "A while ago?" "I left that in there to keep the collar straight." "What matters is that if we become an official couple, we put a stop to all this." " Of course, no more shirt makers!" " Or young girls." " I saw you dance with Chiaretta." " Me?" "She was holding on to me." "Come on!" "She thinks she's god's gift." "But she's just a tramp." ""Gianni's got a Flaminia GT"." "Who gives a damn!" "He's an idiot!" " But Gianni's got a Fiat 600." " A Fiat 600?" "Lying cow!" "Adolfo!" "Not you, my darling." "I know who I mean." "Oh, it's the dog!" "Yes." "Just a minute, let me go and see." "Who's there?" "Renato!" "Renato!" "Wake up!" "So there was someone!" "Shall we kill him?" "You know him?" "He's a truck driver." "He comes by for a drink sometimes." " And he gets into bed?" " Yes, that's right!" "Keep your voice down." "Didn't I just tell you about him?" "Well, it's him." "I told her to keep her voice down, but..." "How do you do?" "I'm Adolfo Di Palma." "I'm Renato Busso." " Are you the man from Rome?" " Yes, and you're..." "Did Pina make this for you?" "You've got one stripe, I have two." "I didn't know you were coming today." "I come by to see Pina every so often." "More to have a rest than anything else." "I know, you're a truck driver." "Pina told me." "It must be an exhausting job, all night..." "I'm just sorry that Pina got upset." " Where's she gone?" " Poor woman." "She must be in the bathroom." "Let's call her." "Thanks." "This way." "Pina!" "Pina, it's all right." "We sorted it out." "Come out." "Mr. Busso's a very nice man." "We're friends." "You tell her too." "Come on, Pina." "It was bad timing." "Forgive me, I didn't know." "The gentleman understands." "Butt out, your days are counted." "Come on, Pina." "Forgive him." "He didn't know I was here." "We feel bad too now." "She told me all about you." "She's honest." "Pina!" "Pina baby!" "Come out." "Here she comes." "Sorry, I feel so silly." "We're all being silly, let's have a drink." "I'm sorry." " Well, I'll be off." " The truck's not here yet!" "I'll wait outside." "Wait, I'm leaving soon." "We'll go together." "Let's have one for the road." "What's the rush?" "Forgive him, he's a bit drunk." "You didn't tell me he was coming today!" "I sent you a letter as usual." "But I've been away for five days." "He seems like a nice man." "Good luck." " Bye." " Don't touch her!" "Pina's mine, you got that?" "You think you're lord of the manor because of your sweater?" "Well, I've got one too!" "She fixed my glasses, not yours." "You see?" "This is my house." "I'm going to bring my antique furniture here too." " Right, Pina doll?" " Yes, Adolfo." "Goodbye, Mr. Di Palma." "Won't you stay?" "Did I offend you?" " No..." " I'll see you out then." "A good host always sees his guests out." "This way, follow me." "We're getting rid of them." "Write me a letter, once you're married." "Your key." "Renato, I'm waiting." "Where are you?" "Goodbye, Pina." "We've even got a motor hoe." "Yes, but go inside now." "Pina's a lovely woman." "What's she like undressed?" "Sexy?" "I'll knock some sense into you, if you're not careful!" "Wait." "Let's sit down on the swing, we can oil it." "Here's the truck, goodbye." " You're going to Rome?" " No, Venice." " Too bad, I could've come." " Maybe some other time." " Be off with you!" " I like you!" " You're Italian and a trucker!" " Be off with you!" "Pina!" "Once a friend of mine's car broke down when he was abroad." "No one stopped for two hours." " Damn foreigners!" " Pina!" "Then a truck like yours pulled up, the driver got out and fixed the car." "He didn't even want a cigarette!" "He didn't smoke." "You know who that driver was?" "He was Italian." " See what we're like?" " Stop it." " Sorry." " We're kind-hearted!" "If a foreigner asks you for help, give it to him." "I really like you." "I'd come too, if you were going to Rome." " Who's that nutcase?" " Go." " Drive carefully!" " Bye, Pina." "Long live Italian truck drivers!" "Let's go." "Lean on me." "You should lean on me, I'm the gentleman." "Just do what I do." "Put your left foot first then your right." " That's it." " Pina..." "I must talk to you." "Adolfo!" "You're so kind." "I made you some tea." " No biscuits!" " Of course." " Did you put me to bed?" " Yes." "Oh, God!" "I'm frozen!" "It's just a cold compress." " You took my trousers off!" " So?" "I never imagined this would happen." "It's no big deal." "It can happen to us all." "But it happened to me." " Here." " Thanks." " I've never been so drunk." " I thought so." "We can talk now, if you're feeling better." "Talk?" "Yes, of course." "What's there to talk about?" "You might want to know about Renato." "Oh, yes." "He's a nice man." "I like northerners." "You might want to know why I didn't marry him." "Because..." "He has a wife and two kids." "Well, in that case..." "A 36-year-old single woman can't keep waiting." "Waiting for what?" "For who?" "For a man who may marry you, but needs to think about it?" "Solitude is unpleasant." "Especially during winter." "And winter's are so long here." " What did you expect?" "Tell me!" " I haven't said a word." "You can't say what you really think." "You're just like the others." "You praise northern women when it's worth your while." "But you're terrified of being cheated on." "You'd rather lose a limb!" "Actually, I can understand these things." "What do you understand?" "If you're so kind, why did you ask the priest and the police for a report on my behaviour?" " They told you?" " Yes." "But they didn't tell me about Renato." "You can't trust anyone!" "Think what you want." "I've got a good reputation here." " People respect me." " Let's not fight!" "We had such a nice day." "Oh, it was great..." "You think I didn't notice everything you didn't like?" " When?" " We have to be honest, right?" "I'll start by telling you what I think of you." "You're selfish, a miser, racist and arrogant like all Romans!" "You're not democratic, you're rude." "You went through my things, you're nasty to animals, you look down on others." "I wouldn't even have a painting of you in my house!" "You're right." "It's all true." "But this is how you become when you're alone." "Winter's may be long here, but at least people know you and say hello." "You're no one in the city." "My boss doesn't really think highly of me." "If I leave, he'll be overjoyed." "Some nights I feel really sad." "Like life's not worth living." "That's why I thought..." "Maybe it's too late." "If I've become all those things you said... it's hard to get close" "to someone else." "That's not what I meant." "Sometimes I say things, without thinking." "If you hadn't been drunk, I wouldn't have noticed." "And then... you disappointed me." "I thought you'd..." "But no, you just agreed with me." "Another defect of mine is admitting my defects." "That's a good thing." "I've got my defects too." "And you should tell me about them all." "Because, when two people..." "You know, when two people..." "It's early yet, but when you care about someone, you needn't have the same tastes to be happy." "You get to know someone better by arguing, right?" "When a married couple share the same ideas, they've got nothing to talk about." "You'll miss your train." "There'll be another one." "Yes, but tomorrow." "You have to be at work then." "What about you?" "Everyone will know I stayed over." "Goodness knows what they'll think." "Small town, you know." "Go then, it's best for us both." "You're right." "I'd better go." "Go, Adolfo." "Go, my darling." "Yes, my love." "I'm going." " The train stops at Ferrara." " We're going to miss it!" "No, it takes just over an hour to get there." "Why are you making the bed?" "I'll just fix it so Angelina won't know." "But it's your house, you can do as you please!" "You're leaving." "I have to live here." "But I'll be back as soon as I can." "You know." "We'd better go." " Is it far?" " No." "Is that the Estensi castle?" " You know it?" " I've seen photos." "I don't know when I'll be back." " You'll write to me?" " Yes, I will." "What?" "Thanks for a lovely day!" ""Dear Pina, I had a good journey and once back in Rome" "I was instantly absorbed by my job and my usual routine." "Sorry it's taken me so long to write." "I really wanted to but didn't have time." "I'm sending you a lamp." "I hope you like it." "It's similar to the one I broke." "I have fond memories of you, your house and your friends." "Give Silvestro, Titina and Consuelo a kiss from me." "Write soon."" ""Dear Adolfo, sorry I've not written before." "But I've been busy at work." "Angelina sends her love." "Next month I'm going on holiday to the sea..."" "Subtitles by:" "Laser S. Film s.r.I." " Roma"