Original subtitles

(girl) Two star-crossed lovers

in fair Verona did dwell.

Verona, New Jersey, that is.

All Verona knew of the family feud

that kept them apart.

You?

You.

A Prestolani.

Well, at least I'm not a Montebello.

(girl) But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

It all started with pizza.

[phone rings]

(man) Montebello's. Best pizza in Verona.

One Old World Special right away.

[phone rings]

(man) Prestolani's.

Better than the best pizza in Verona.

Got it, a New World with all the toppings.

Ready now, Pop.

Adios, Maestro.

Antonio!

Antonio!

Okay, Antonio.

Go right to the address.

Get it there while that cheese is still hot.

(conductor) Last call.

Train for New York City now boarding on platform one.

Oh!

Ah!

Oh! Oh, my photographs!

Oh! Oh!

Oh.

God, I'm sorry. It's okay.

I--

I got it.

Thanks.

No problem.

Thanks. (conductor) Final call.

Penn Station, New York City.

Uh, I'm gonna miss my train.

Oh, um, okay.

[train horn blows]

(Lou) Come on, people, move!

It's not heavy. It's flour.

Come on!

Hey, how's everybody doin'? Enjoyin' the pizza?

Earl, what are you doing with all that flour?

Last year, the Montebellos surprised me.

Showed up at the feast with 300 pies.

This year, I'm gonna be ready for them.

We're making 368.

Hey, Gina.

Welcome home.

I saw pictures of the graduation, and you know what?

I think you look smarter.

Oh, well, thank you very much.

My little Billy is so excited to be in your class this fall.

My--wait--my class? What class?

Well, preschool. You're such a kidder.

I'll see ya at the feast.

(Mary) What are we gonna do about that, Lou?

I'll take care of it next week, I promise. All right.

Gina. Gina?

Gina!

Gina! Gina's home!

Hi, mom.

Oh, I missed you so much.

Oh, hi, Dad.

Hi, Annette.

Welcome home.

Oh. What happened to you?

What'd ya run out of Chicago in a hurry?

Uh, no, I had a little mishap

at the train station.

Gina, these pictures!

You always see things so different.

And special.

Photography. Forget it!

You can't make any money being a photographer.

You'll wind up working weddings instead of having one.

You'll make much more money being a teacher.

Just so you know, I, uh,

had to move things around a little in my room.

You mean our room.

Four years you been gone.

Okay, I'm just saying...

Huh?

It's nice.

You don't like it.

We'll change it back. Fine.

I mean, what was I thinking?

I can't decorate.

I don't have a degree in visual arts.

It's fine.

Fine, sure. But not fine art.

Where did all of my photos go?

They're in the garage.

Hey, you can take 'em with you when you marry Carlo.

What is going on here?

I'm marrying Carlo, I'm teaching,

and now I am living in this purple leopard's den.

Gina, just because you leave town doesn't mean life stops.

Now get dressed. We're going back to the restaurant.

You might wanna change your shirt though.

Something a little nicer.

What is wrong with this shirt?

They're just having a few people over to celebrate your return.

No, it is not a graduation party.

Is it?

Surprise.

(all) Surprise!

Oh, yay, Gina.

Oh, you guys, what a surprise.

Hi, guys, hi.

Hey, guys.

(all) Hey, Joe. Hey.

Sorry I'm late, man.

Ah, don't worry about it.

You know everybody here, right? All the chefs.

Oh, and this is, uh, this is Jean Paul.

He's no one.

In other words, I am not a chef.

He owns restaurants, so he doesn't have to cook like us.

So Jean Paul,

are you in town to open a restaurant?

I was going to open 100, a franchise,

but the deal fell through. Mm.

Excuse me.

Tommy, table 14 wants to meet the chef.

(all) Whoo! Gotta go.

'Atta boy.

I'll be right back and no looking at my cards.

So, Joe, I hope you brought something to play with.

I got recipes to burn.

[all cheer]

Let's play some poker!

Veal puttanesca. Top that.

I'll see your puttanesca.

And I raise you an osso buco.

with tomatoes, olives, and gremolata.

I'm gonna raise it with something to keep you warm

on a winter night.

Saute some shallots

'til you can almost see through them.

Add some chicken broth,

heavy cream, juice of a lemon.

Oh, Sorrento!

Thicken it.

Simmer it.

Toss with penne.

And blanket with prosciuto.

(all) Mmm...oh!

Penne ala Montebello.

[all sigh]

(Tommy) I will have to see that

with my lobster risotto.

Ah, man, I'm out.

Okay, now, Joe, now all you have to do to match the pot

is throw in your pizza sauce.

Come on.

A pizza sauce?

You are betting all of those against a pizza sauce?

Tommy has opened

a five-star restaurant with those recipes.

Not just a pizza sauce, the pizza sauce.

It's been in his family for generations.

Never even been written down.

So what do you say, Joe?

Ya in or ya out?

I fold.

[all shout]

Come on!

Well played.

Four nines?

Are you kidding me?

Wasn't worth it.

Excuse me.

Sorry to interrupt.

Tommy, the after theater crowd just hit the beach.

All right, guys, that's it.

Gotta pay the rent. Let's go.

All right, Mary, will you help me over here please?

The sauce-- it is that good?

Yeah.

But, uh, no way it's ever leaving my kitchen.

Unless, of course, the right opportunity came up?

Perhaps an opportunity to put it in 100 kitchens?

A franchise?

[glass dings]

(Annette) Shh.

Shh. I would like

to make a toast to Gina

on your return to Verona.

It's great to have you back where you belong.

To Gina!

[all cheer]

Thank you.

Come on, guys, let's go.

(Lou) Turn on the music.

Let's have some fun.

[party music]

[children laugh and shout]

What are they doing there?

He's using up all of the power, just sucking it away...

Yeah. Look at this.

At least the dopey music is over.

It serves you right!

(Gloria) Vinnie.

[music restarts]

I know what he's trying to do.

He's trying to give me another heart attack.

Vinnie, calm down.

I'm calm, okay?!

Nicky!

Get out here! What? I got a date.

Bring over the hose, Casanova.

What are you doing now, Vinnie?

What am I doing?!

I'm gonna rain on their parade,

that's what I'm doing, okay?

Joe, talk to your father, calm him down.

I'm glad to. Pops, listen.

I met this business guy. He's looking to invest.

He wants to franchise,

I got him thinking about our pizza.

Joey, what do you wanna do that for, huh?

Everything is perfectly fine here, I'm perfectly happy.

Nicky, hurry up!

The spigot's still broke, Pop. Relax, I'm on it.

Pops, this is a great opportunity.

This could really work for us.

Know what could work for us?

What? I know what could work for us.

The microwave.

[makes explosion sound]

Joe.

[sighs] Pops!

(all) Hey! Carlo!

Carlo!

Good to see ya.

He's the manager now. Yeah, Dad.

I know. You've told me, like, 1,000 times.

He sure is a good-looking boy.

Go say hello. Give him a hug.

Come on, Mary.

Hi, Carlo.

Hey, Annette. Ooh!

Nice flowers.

Carnations.

You know...flowers, the boyfriend, that whole thing.

Oh, I love carnations.

Yeah?

I was gonna get chrysanthemums,

but they don't look so good in the summer.

Yeah, they're more of a fall flower.

So you went with carnations.

Yeah.

Oh, Carlo, you always seem to know

something about something.

I like to keep myself informed, Annette.

You know, just something I do.

Yeah.

So where's Gina?

(girl) Cousin Gina!

The Montebello tree stole our balloon.

Can you get it for us?

Yeah, I'll get a ladder.

Thank you!

Don't worry about it.

Go out with your brother.

Meet some girls. Spice up your life.

I gotta pick the lemons.

Just wait 'til tomorrow.

You can't with Sorrentos.

You gotta be ready when they're ready.

They stay on the tree too long,

not gonna be good to anybody.

They'll lose their flavor.

Some things just can't wait 'til tomorrow.

Joe, are you happy?

I'm happy, Ma.

See--

I'll let you know when I'm not.

I'll get 'em, I'll get 'em.

You?

You.

A Prestolani.

Well, at least I'm not a Montebello.

It's a, uh, loud, annoying party you got going on over there.

What's the occasion?

I'm the occasion. It's, um...

Kind of a-- a graduation kind of thing.

Well...

[leaves rustle]

Happy graduation.

[giggles]

A lemon?

The best lemon.

I'm sorry I forgot to wrap it.

[electricity zaps]

Get your candles out, Lou.

[gasps]

Thank you.

Well, glad to see you're still falling for me.

Carlo, hi.

[giggles]

Thanks.

[both laugh nervously]

I'm so sorry I forgot to get you at the station.

You know, your father-- he had me out in the Bronx.

Five cases of Parma came in

that he wanted me to pick up personally.

And then I got stuck on the turnpike on the way back.

See, they're building this new carpool lane.

You know, I been doing some research.

And did you know those things actually increase

the amount of traffic?

Carlo, it's okay that you didn't meet me.

I should've been there for you.

But you'll forgive me because... you're my girl.

No, Carlo, I am--

Gina, it is so good to see you back.

You know, now that you've graduated school,

you never have to leave us again.

[kids giggle]

Joe, I got 'em, eh? Eh?

I knew I could short the transformer.

Did you see them sparks, Joe? Huh?

Yeah, yeah, Pop, I saw sparks.

(Lou) It's always like this.

Those Montebellos ruin everything.

Did you ever think of just spending the money

and upgrading the utility pole yourself?

That pole is right on the property line.

Okay, so meet him halfway.

You can't meet a Montebello halfway.

You give him half,

He'll take 3/4, I know.

Everyone tells me to hate the Montebellos,

but I don't know why I should hate them.

Didn't your father tell you the story?

No, not the story,

please.

This is family history.

It's important.

Come on, kids.

Sit down, sit down.

Quiet, everybody, quiet.

Once upon a time,

in the old country--

Dad, you mean Brooklyn.

[laughter]

No, the old, old country...

Verona, Italy.

The Prestolanis created the greatest thing ever

to come out of Italia.

It was more impressive

than Michelangelo's David,

more lasting than the Renaissance.

It was pizza!

[cheers and applause]

Pizza. Pizza.

Queen Margherita and her procession

were assembled at the church.

Your great,

great, great,

great, great

grandfather, Giuseppe Prestolani, was

on his way to make the very first

pizza delivery.

(all) Ooh!

Why does great, great, great,

great, great Prestolani look so angry?

Because the Montebellos stole the idea

for the pizza, and they presented it to the Queen

as their own.

Ooh, sss.

And the feud has been going on ever since.

Hey, Pop.

Did you ever think the story is just a story?

You know, fiction?

Thing you have to remember about fiction, Gina:

is sometimes it's true.

[all shout]

And there's no way to ever end

the feud?

Well, why would we wanna do that?

[cheers and applause]

[bell tolls]

(Father Spezia) Our blessings,

family, faith, friendship--

They constantly surround us,

and yet we take them for granted.

So as you go about your week, think

what it means to be generous.

And as we enjoy the upcom--

[door creaks]

The upcoming feast

of Saint Gennaro, consider it

also a time for giving,

a time for charity, a time

for us to maybe get a new roof.

[soft laughter]

[organ music]

Gloria, give me the 100 I gave you this morning.

Why?

He put in a roll of fives.

He's trying to make me look bad in front of God.

[cackles]

What, has he cracked? Shh!

Shh. Shh.

[all shushing]

[whispers] Joe, over here.

Joe, dude!

Joe, over here.

Uh! Oh!

[laughter]

I'll get it.

Be quiet, all of you!

This is

a house of worship.

[laughter subsides]

I'm sorry, father.

(Annette) Look at that.

Joe Montebello stealing money from the church.

(Gina) He's not stealing money.

You know, there's a rumor he was in the CIA.

Better be careful.

Think he still holds a grudge against you.

You're nuts.

Shh.

Shh.

Enough!

Okay, who's the wise guy who wrapped the five

around the roll of offering envelopes?

Good morning, Father.

Lou, how are ya?

Beautiful. See you Wednesday, Father.

Gina.

Father--oh!

It's so nice to have you back home.

Oh, thank you so much. I enjoyed your sermon.

Ah, I don't think they

really listened to me.

Don't take it too personally.

They don't listen to anybody.

Come by next week. I'll show you your classroom.

My what? My classroom?

Your father applied for you. Naturally, we accepted.

You'll be a great preschool teacher.

Preschool. Oh.

Father Spezia, somebody is gonna have to have a talk

with my father, please.

(Lou) Hey, Gina!

Come on, we're going for breakfast.

Please.

Gina, come on!

Joe.

Hi, Father. Try to be on time next week, huh?

Yeah.

Thank you, Father.

Each week, I come here and each week

I leave more and more confused.

Tell me about it.

Very inspirational.

So, Nick, what'd you pray for, huh?

I can't tell you, it won't come true.

Prayers aren't birthday wishes, Nicky, you can tell people.

South Beach models.

You thought about girls in church?

Not girls, Ma-- Models.

Oh, models! Hey!

Ow!

You know what I prayed for?

That Pops would consider franchising with this J.P. guy.

Joey...

the sauce has been in the family for over 100 years.

What do you wanna share it for?

We could still keep the sauce a secret,

but it's the only way

we're gonna get ahead.

It is too risky.

If we franchised...

we could put the Prestolanis out of business.

That's the first thing you've said

that makes any sense whatsoever.

You think we could really do that?

Absolutely!

Hey, we'd be a lot bigger,

might even get rich.

Huh? Hey, if we were rich,

I'd get me some of them pectoral implants.

I'd never wear a shirt again.

Quiet.

You, talk.

Can you get him

to come down to the festival?

I wanna meet him.

Um, sure. I'll call him now.

Hold on.

How do you know that Lou Prestolani

is not behind all of this?

It's not some kind of elaborate scheme

that he's cooked up to wipe us

out of business, huh?

You think

Lou Prestolani hired an investor

to become interested in our pizzeria?

in Verona, New Jersey,

in a diabolical effort to steal our sauce?

Come on. I'm not saying it's possible.

But I am saying it's not impossible!

Let me tell you about Lou Prestolani, okay?

He is up there with Blofeld and Stromberg

and Scaramanga, hmm.

Who?

James Bond villains.

Didn't they teach you anything at that CIA place?

Let's go for some cheesecake, eh?

(Nicky) Now you're talking.

[Bond theme music]

(Lou) Let's go to work!

Tonight, a year of planning comes into play.

Tonight we show the Montebellos what pizza is made of!

[laughs maniacally]

More!

More!

Hey, Vinnie, keep the lids down, okay?

We gotta keep these things warm.

(Gina) Carlo.

Carlo, I gotta talk to you.

Gina, I can't talk right now.

I got 50 jars of parmesan to fill.

Listen, Carlo, I'm not going tonight.

It's just that every year, this feast--it gets

more and more out of control-- Gina.

You gotta go.

Gimme one good reason why I gotta go.

This year we're setting up

right across from the Montebellos.

We are?

We're setting up right across from the Montebellos?

Gina, it's gonna be big.

Gina, where are you going?

Oh, um, I gotta go change, okay? We'll talk later! Bye!

So you're coming to the feast?

I am getting a cab right now. Taxi!

Great.

Hey, when you get there, make sure you ask

for the best pizza in town.

I will be there. Where to?

Verona, New Jersey.

Ha ha! Jean Paul's coming.

Jean Paul? He's French.

What do I need a Frenchman show me

how to run an Italian restaurant for, huh?

Come on, Pop, he's got two pope names:

Jean and Paul. It's gotta count for something.

Yeah, it's a good point.

Will you stop playing!

We're setting up right across the street from them.

Oh, we're setting up across from the Prestolanis?

Yeah.

They're all gonna be there, ain't that great?

Yeah.

Uh, you know what, Pop?

You keep making the pizzas. Um...I gotta change.

Gotta change what?

Uh, this apron.

Yeah, it's--it's dirty. I got pizza sauce all over it.

You're supposed to have sauce on it.

Whoa, dude, come on.

Joey, what are you doing?

You're wearing that to sell pizza?

Well, yeah, it is kind of a special event.

Guess you're gonna be

doing something special with Carlo?

Maybe.

Yeah, I don't know. I just, uh...

I have a feeling that it's gonna be a good feast.

See you.

Maybe for you.

Joey, come on. We're ready to start.

I can't, Pop. I gotta wait for this J.P. guy.

Where is he?

Everyone come close, come close!

We're gonna cream 'em this year, Pop, huh?

Gather 'round everybody, come on! Come in close.

My friends of Verona...

My friends of Verona...

This is a great moment.

I present to you.

[all] The Leaning Tower of Pizza!

[cheers and applause]

You stole my idea, you pizza poacher!

You gotta have a brain in order to have an idea,

so obviously, I didn't steal nothin'.

When they were handing out no brains,

you people forgot to get in line!

I have no idea what you're talking about.

My point exactly!

Forget about it.

Your Tower of Pizza's bigger than his.

It is? Yes.

He has a little tower. Yours is much bigger.

Hey, Lou.

Can I talk to you?

Carlo, what's wrong? Why you so nervous?

It's, uh, kind of a special night.

Canolis? Ho ho, I love canolis.

No, no, no, Lou, Lou-- You can't eat that canoli.

It's, uh, it's got a special filling.

That's my favorite part. No!

Lou! Don't!

Hey, Lou...Lou.

It's a two karat filling.

I'm asking your permission to give Gina this canoli.

Carlo, uh, Gina doesn't like canolis.

She doesn't?

But I'm sure she's gonna love this one.

You know I always thought of you as a son.

Yeah.

I remember the first time you yelled at me

and called me lazy.

It felt like family.

And now you're gonna be.

Where you gonna propose?

I was thinking the Ferris wheel.

Oh, great idea.

You wait over there,

I'll find Gina and send her over.

Thanks, Lou.

Excuse me, mademoiselle.

Oh. Words you don't hear west of the Hudson.

I'm sorry to bother you.

I was told to come to this feast

and ask for the best pizza in town.

I think what

you're looking for is better than the best.

Come with me.

Mm!

What a wonderful combination of cheeses.

Heavenly.

Like I said, better than the best.

I will take your whole pie.

Hey, Gina! Gina!

Say hello to Joe for me.

What are you smiling about?

I need you to do me a favor.

You need to tell Carlo "yes".

Yes.

That's the message. "Yes".

Why can't you tell Carlo yes?

Believe me, it's better coming from you.

Pops! What?

Pops, did he show? No.

Okay. Yeah.

Okay, can you do it now?

He's over by the Ferris wheel.

Go. Come and get it, good and hot.

Go. Oh.

Go! Okay.

Hey, where were you going?

Annette, I need you to do me a favor.

No. Forget it. I'm not taking your turn.

I need you to tell Carlo that Dad said "yes". Never mind.

I'll do it myself. Oh, no, no! I will.

I'll do it. Okay, he's over by the Ferris wheel.

Thanks. Okay, great.

So, uh, I been doing a lot of thinking, and...

I think that-- okay.

[clears throat] Here's what I think--

I think you and I should...

you know, uh, think about it.

We get along real...good.

Oh, man, I'm not good at this stuff!

No good at what?

Hey, Annette. Hi.

I came to tell you something.

Are you getting on or what?

No, I was just waiting-- Oh, yeah, sure!

I love Ferris wheels, don't you?

You know, I was just reading the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The very first Ferris wheel was built

by George Washington Ferris.

For the 1893 Exposition in Chicago.

Yeah. How'd you know that?

Jeopardy!

You're not the only one who likes to stay informed.

Ooh! Is that a canoli?

I love

canolis!

Uh, try this one.

Oh. It's better.

Okay, all right.

Here we go! Whoo!

Don't let go of the canoli!

I hope you find what you're looking for.

Maybe I just did.

I shouldn't be hanging out with you.

If anyone sees us together, it's trouble.

Whoa. I am so scared.

And besides, I think you can, uh,

handle yourself.

I'm the one with the scar.

C'mere.

I can't believe you're still crying about that, Montebello.

I was ten.

I don't see any scars.

Well, look closer.

Closer.

Everyone thinks I clobbered you on purpose.

You did.

Please, I was using a Pee Wee football.

I threw that football as hard as I could--

And my face got in the way.

Exactly.

Anyway, you turned out okay.

You think so?

(Lou) Hey, Gina! Gina!

I don't know if you've noticed,

but our families don't like each other.

It's got something to do with pizza.

Yeah, well... our pizza is the best.

That's 'cause you haven't tasted ours.

Hey, Gina! Gina!

I gotta get back to the booth.

Me too.

You know, it's, uh...

it's too bad there isn't a nice, quiet place around here.

The gazebo, back entrance?

Oh, uh, yeah, right.

Where we could, um, settle this--this pizza thing

once and for all.

Exactly what I had in mind.

I'll meet you there at 7:00.

Don't bring your football.

Dad! Dad, I'm coming!

Prestolanis. Better than the best!

Special three cheeses melted together!

Giant slice! You gotta try this!

Here you go!

You sure you wanna do this?

I'm game if you are.

Not bad.

I mean, it's interesting, but...

This is great.

[laughs]

Yeah.

Nhnn!

How did we get stuck with so many pizzas?

You really want an answer?

Oh, Carlo! How did it go with Gina?

I don't know. I couldn't find her.

You couldn't find her? On the Ferris wheel?

She never got on the Ferris wheel.

What do you mean she never got on?

Well, what happened to the canoli?

I had to eat it myself.

Then what happened to Gina? Where is she?

I don't know.

So what happened after you got kicked out

of Saint Mary's?

I didn't get thrown out of Saint Mary's.

I graduated with honors.

But who says I got thrown out?

Everybody. It's a well-known fact.

Oh, yeah, well, what about your father?

He ever manage to pay off his gambling debt?

What gambling debt?

The one where the church had to bail him out.

Oh, please!

Wait, what ever happened to your cousin Tony

who got thrown in jail?

No, it was your cousin Tony who was put in jail.

I don't have a cousin Tony.

Really?

[laughter]

What about you and Carlo?

Is that true?

It's, um... it's kinda complicated.

You know what's complicated?

We spent our whole lives

on the other side of a wall from each other,

and we have absolutely no idea who the other person is.

I'm Gina.

Joe.

[slow soul song]

(Joe) What time is it?

Don't you wear a watch?

I get up when the sun comes up, I make the pizza,

go home when the ovens cool down.

What do I need a watch for?

I should get back.

My father's probably out looking for me.

Have you ever not done

what your father wanted you to do?

At college, for starters.

But it's not easy.

I love my family.

But sometimes I just don't love me in my family.

Does that make any sense?

[chuckles] A lot.

You realize we can never do this again?

If we had met

under different circumstances...

But right now, it's...

It's complicated.

There's that word again.

I'll meet you tomorrow at 6:00. At the train station.

No. It's not going to work.

How about 6:15?

Bye.

Bye.

(Annette) "Chihuahua:

"A small breed of Mexican dog.

"Doberman: a large--

You had everyone

worried sick.

Where'd you go?

Oh, I, um, I went home.

Why'd you come back here?

To take a nap.

At night? That's called sleeping.

You know, you're no good at lying.

Hey, something's different about you,

something's changed.

You have sauce on your shirt.

Oh...whatever.

Oh! It's too good to be our sauce.

Oh, my God, Gina Prestolani,

whose sauce have you been tasting?

Hey, Carlo.

Gina, how you feeling?

I heard you went home sick last night.

Um, yeah, yeah.

I'm feeling much better, but actually,

I need the night off tonight.

Gina...

You been home two days,

and I haven't even seen you yet.

We should talk.

Yeah, I agree, we should,

but, um, you know, just

maybe not tonight, 'cause, um, I have to meet a friend.

(Carlo) A friend.

What friend?

From school.

Is this about college?

I mean, that I never visited you?

Gina, look, I wanted to,

but every time I tried, something came up here.

You know, life's been much busier for me

since your father made me manager.

And you know what, Carlo?

He has been saying that you have done a terrific job.

You want the night off?

Take it.

Thanks.

How bad?

We got three months. And then we're in real trouble.

What?

We overspent at the feast

with the Leaning Tower of Pizza.

It was promotion. It was advertising.

Advertising what?

That we're going out of business?

We are?

Lou, I know you don't like to talk about the books,

but we need to talk about the books.

You know how I feel about books.

I like waiting for the movie to come out.

What?

Thanks.

[silently]

(Gina) Hi.

Wow, you look--

[giggles] Great.

I was--I was just about to say the same thing to you.

Go ahead.

[giggles] You look great.

Is she kidding me?!

Joe Montebello?!

You got the lemons?

What is so special about those lemons?

They're descended from my grandma's lemon tree in Italy.

She always said be kind to the tree, and the tree

will be kind to you.

What does that mean?

I have no idea.

She was always a little batty.

Come on, I got it all set up for ya.

Joe and I have known each other a long time.

We served together.

He saved my butt a lot at the CIA.

What? That's true?

Culinary Institute of America.

Oh!

My dear, you are looking at the greatest song

never sung.

This man was one of the best chefs ever to come out

of the CIA. Hey, that's the past.

You know, I gave you the lemons,

and I just wanna cook.

So would you just get out of your kitchen?

You sure you don't need any help?

I think he'll be fine. Thank you.

Ooh, that smells wonderful! What is it?

Something I am making just for you.

Oh, whoa-- hold on.

Scampi ala Verona di Montebello.

This is what you serve

at Montebellos?

No, this is what I can't serve at Montebello's.

Taste this.

It's not bad.

I've had better.

Just not in this lifetime.

You're amazing. What happened?

You mean...

why am I working in the family pizza joint

instead of here in the Village?

Mm-hmm.

I don't talk about it.

Will you talk about it with me?

Dad had a heart attack.

Yeah, I heard about that.

You know, he was always the cook.

We needed somebody in there,

and I was the most qualified.

He asked me to take over at 8:22 a.m.

8:22 a.m. Why do you remember that?

It's the last time I looked at a watch.

Why?

'Cause at that moment in my life time stopped.

So you're gonna be a photographer?

Not if my father can help it.

What does he have to do with it?

You're one to talk.

I'm serious. Here.

Ooh, taste this.

It's heavenly.

What about your dreams?

Why don't you just tell your dad no

and find a way to do what you wanna do?

They're my family.

Exactly. Family.

Come here, and smile please.

You know, I used to think

I'd be a big chef here in the city.

You still cook.

Not like this anymore.

Go sit down.

That is beautiful.

What about your brother. Does he cook?

Uh, he tried it for a day.

A whole Cajun theme.

Blackened sausage, blackened calzone...

How the man managed to burn a salad,

I still have no idea.

He can't be that bad.

Can he?

Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole!

I got it! Relax!

[coughing]

Hey, Dad, where's Joe?

That was delicious.

Excuse me.

Tommy, thanks again for the kitchen.

Just remember me when I need a job,

and JP makes you known in every home in America.

Yeah, right. He didn't even show.

Joe, I'm serious.

He went out to the feast. He had a whole pizza.

He's gonna give you a call tomorrow. For real?

I think he's interested.

Yes!

Things are finally starting to turn around.

Yeah, I got eyes.

It looks like they turned around already.

See ya.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Hey, be careful.

Those are knockoffs.

You mighta gotten ripped off.

Okay, well, let me know how I did.

For me? Um-hmm.

Wow.

It's 10:17.

What is so special about 10:17?

It's the exact time

that my life started again.

I brought you some cheesecake.

I'm not really hungry. Thanks.

Share it?

Okay.

Why are you all dressed up?

I was waiting around for Gina to get back.

You sure seem to spend a lot of time waiting for her.

Yeah, well, I gotta ask her something.

What?

Let me know how this sounds to you, okay?

[clears throat]

Okay, uh...

Gina--I mean, Annette.

I was wondering if, you know,

since we've known each other--

maybe I should get down on one knee, okay, uh...

What I'm trying to say here is

that we belong together, you and me.

It--is that you and I?

Either way.

Will you marry me?

Yes...

I mean, yeah. That sounds perfect.

But...

Gina's not thinking about you

the way you're thinking about her.

How can I say this delicately?

That girlfriend she's seeing tonight

is not a girl, and he's not just a friend.

Carlo, you deserve so much better.

Gina has no right to treat you like this.

Treat me like what, Annette?

I can't--oh, I can't.

It's not my place to tell you

that Gina's out with Joe Montebello.

Do you want some more cheesecake?

Joe Montebello!

Gina's out with Joe Montebello?

What is all this yelling about?

Gina is out with Joe Montebello!

What? Ah!

Are you crazy? You're out of your mind!

You wanna keep it down over there?

Hey, you tell your son

to keep his hands off my daughter.

My son wouldn't go anywhere near your daughter.

Then why is he out with her right now?

What?

I'm telling you, Montebello.

I don't like this.

You don't like it? I don't like it.

And I don't even know what's going on.

But I sure am gonna find out.

It's late.

It's midnight.

I am gonna remember

every single little moment about tonight.

You know, tonight may be the last time

we kiss someone for the first time.

Oh.

Joe!

Gina!

Whoa, Joe, dude.

Kissing a Montebello. How could you?

Man, Gina, you are in trouble.

I told you so, Montebello.

What time is it?

12:01, why?

Because time just stopped for me.

What were you doing out with her?

My own son.

What were you doing out with him?

My own daughter.

You trying to give me another heart attack?

You're supposed to marry Carlo.

Who said I was gonna marry him?

Why, why, why?

Ma told me to spice up my life.

Not with arsenic.

Arsenic is not a spice.

He asked me. I said yes.

Then you marry him!

You watch your mouth.

She is a Prestolani.

And I forbid you!

You understand?

I forbid you to go out with her.

This is over, Gina.

You had your fun in Chicago.

Now you're home.

You need to settle down, marry Carlo, and teach.

Well, I'm 25, and I'm gonna do what I wanna do.

I am too old for this!

You're too old for your family?

I am not gonna teach.

I hope I never get too old!

I'll tell you what you're not gonna do.

You're never gonna see Joe Montebello again!

[door slams]

Why? Why did you tell them, Annette?

You knew--you knew how angry they were gonna get at me.

Don't point the finger at me.

Point the finger at yourself.

You're the one who went out with Joe Montebello!

Annette, we're sisters.

Just because we have the same mother and father

doesn't make us sisters.

I don't understand you, Annette. I don't--

I don't understand why you're so angry with me.

I don't understand why you're so defensive.

I don't understand why you are reading the encyclopedia.

You're the only one allowed to be smart, huh?

You know what? For someone who went to college

you're pretty dumb. Mmm.

Gina, sometimes you have to choose.

Love or family?

Hey, bro. Just stirring the sauce here.

Mmm-mm, that's good.

Pop, you remember Joe, right?

Joe, you remember Pop?

You guys used to be father, son.

Hey, how 'bout them Yankees, huh?

That A-Rod, he's really...

He's really on fire.

Last night I saw an educational program.

I think it was something about Bengal tigers.

They got this genetic makeup.

These tigers, when they're born

they know who to attack.

A baby tiger will always go after a hyena.

The Prestolanies are like tigers.

And we're the hyenas?

In this case you are the hyena.

That girl is up to something.

She can't help it.

[phone rings] You are so wrong, Pops.

Montebellos, best pizza in Verona.

Yeah, hold on.

Joe, it's your French guy.

Hey, JP, how are ya? I heard you loved the pizza.

How do I say this, Joe? It was an excellent pizza.

But I did not love the sauce.

Well, everybody loves the sauce.

(JP) It was good, not great.

But I love the cheeses, huh?

Sprinkle me with that mozzarella and melt me.

Oh no.

JP, you didn't-- You tried the wrong pizza.

(JP) What do you mean?

I asked the girl for the best pizza in Verona.

She asked me if I wanted better than the best.

So I had it.

But that's Prestolani pizza.

JP, you gotta come back out here

and try ours tomorrow.

Bring your investors. You gotta taste our sauce.

Okay, but now I must give Prestolani an equal chance too.

I'm not worried about that, but JP, one other thing,

the girl who showed you her pizza,

did you catch her name?

A smile like hers, it does not need a name.

But somebody called her Gina. Do you know her?

I thought I did.

You were right, Pop.

I'm a hyena.

Gina, thank you.

Hey, oh--

(Lou) Thank you.

For what?

I thought you weren't gonna talk to me again.

Yeah, I thought you were gonna stop talkin' to her.

Don't you have some tables to bus?

You know what? This never fails.

She sneaks out with a Montebello,

and I gotta clean up the mess.

Hey, she took some French guy to our booth.

He came out here to make a deal

with Joe Montebello, and Gina gave him our pizza.

Now he's interested in franchising us.

Gina, you mighta solved all our financial problems.

Thank you, honey.

What'd I say?

Hey, Gina!

Where's Gina?

She's not here.

I got something for her.

Oh, hey, Gina. Hey.

Mrs. Montebello, I need to speak to Joe.

Well, I'm sorry. He's gone...to the hospital.

To the hospital?

Yeah, it turns out he had to have

a very large knife removed from his back.

Now get out. No, but I need to speak to him.

Out. I need to speak to him!

Get out. Please, Mrs. Montebello!

Please, Mrs. Montebello.

Maybe I should put a photo of me up there

with the rest of the Montebellos.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Besides, I'm not angry.

Look, this is the way I see it,

we were great together in high school.

Then we put things on hold for college.

Well, yours.

There was nothing better than high school

Yeah, high school will always be a really good memory, Carlo.

(Carlo) He brought that by before.

Look, Gina, you made a mistake the other night.

I get that.

I make more than most people.

Your father would swear to that.

But Gina, you're a Prestolani.

And you're always gonna be.

You don't belong with a Montebello.

I've been doing some research.

And did you know

that they have these guys that stay in these lighthouses

all winter long?

You know why?

To help lost ships find their way home.

Mmm.

You're like a lost ship.

And I'm the keeper...

helping you find your way home.

Just don't stay lost too long.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Prestolani.

I want you to meet my partners.

Oh, I hope you guys brought your appetite.

Come right in. Right this way.

They're at Prestolani's.

Get the package. You got it, Pop.

The Prestolanies have always been about the cheese.

My great-great grandfather was in fact once known

as the grand formagio of Verona.

Sure he weighed close to 400 pounds.

But that had nothing to do with it.

It came from his knowledge

of parmesano, pecorino, and mozzarella.

That same knowledge we melt every day

right here in this restaurant.

Lou, let 'em just eat their pizza.

Mmm. Smell that?

Mmm.

Was I right? [Annette screams]

There's mice!

There's mice in the restaurant.

Calm down, Annette. Don't panic.

(Lou) It's just a few mice.

He does this twice a year.

Don't go.

Montebello sent them over. He does this twice a year.

Come back!

Come back!

Man, the French are scared of everything. Yeah.

The tomatoes that we use to make

the sauce come from the same vines

that my great-great grandfather

brought over from the old country

over 100 years ago.

Now we call it old world because it is.

As simple and as rich as life itself.

Buon appetito.

Mmm! Mmm!

Mmm. Mmm.

(all Mmm)

This is good.

Uh-oh.

What is this?

Prestolanis, they're attacking the electrical.

[alarm sirens blaring]

I can't stand it! Ahh!

They're killing me! They're killing me!

That is it, enough!

I got the alarm.

I need to see both families in a neutral site right now.

Where, Switzerland?

Yes, find me a Switzerland in Verona, New Jersey now.

A place where your families do not fight!

Does it exist?

[church bells ring]

Father Spezia, you sure you are okay with this?

Anything you can do, please.

I'll give you my collar if you think it'll help.

These people are driving me crazy.

Well that's not very professional.

Joe, I just need to explain.

I am so sorry that this has happened.

I enjoy your pizza.

And I enjoy your pizza.

But I can only get into bed with one of you.

[clears throat]

I'm sorry--I can only go into business

with one family.

We will meet here again one week from now.

I will enter into a contract with the one who comes up

with the best all-around pizza.

But in that time, there can be no fighting,

no sneaking, no sabotage.

If there's anyone here who objects,

they should speak now, or forever hold their peace.

We're gonna crush 'em, Pop.

It's gonna be beautiful.

They are diabolical. They'll be selling corn muffins next week.

I don't know how we're gonna do this.

(Carlo) Lou, let me make the sauce.

Oh, yeah yeah, sure, Pop. Carlo's capable.

Lou, it's a challenge.

You know I love challenges, Lou.

Just give me one week.

One week, Lou,

and I'll give you the best damn pizza sauce in Verona.

(Lou) You're a good boy, Carlo.

[sighs]

Let's go to work.

Hey, someone left this at the door.

Personally I don't think you're that good-looking,

but she obviously does.

You can tell.

I miss her, Nicky.

Ya know, Joe,

I see ya in the garden all the time

checking the tomatoes on the vine,

smelling 'em, staring at the color.

You're never happy.

It's like all these years you've been searching

for the perfect tomato, and all along

the perfect tomato's been growing right next store.

Nicky, I'm gonna say something

you're probably not used to hearing

You're right.

Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa. What's wrong?

I got something in the oven.

No, no, no. I got it covered, Joe.

You go.

Go.

Get out of here. I need to talk to you.

You had your chance at the church.

Gina. What?

You know why they call it balsamic vinegar?

No, I don't.

'Cause they used to think it was a balm to cure anything.

Any illness.

Even a broken heart.

Taste.

No.

It's not poison.

See.

Gina, I'm sorry.

I hate you.

Why?

Because it worked.

[giggles]

(Lou) Hey, Gina! You back there?

Oh! Um!

Hey, Gina!

Gina! Gina! I need some help!

Who were you talkin' to out here?

Nobody. I mean...

You better be talkin' to nobody.

Wow, business has really picked up, huh?

Uh-huh.

[knock on the door]

I was wondering, what's our problem?

We never used to fight.

Try me. I won't yell.

I'm not Annette.

She wants this. I don't.

I don't wanna teach preschool.

I don't wanna marry Carlo.

I wanna be a photographer.

I wanna be with Joe.

He's gonna be broke once John Paul picks us.

Right, and about that,

I think that we should call John Paul and drop out.

What?

You said you weren't gonna yell.

Well, that was when you weren't acting nuts.

We need this contract.

Right, but it's not ours to get.

Joe is the one who found John Paul.

I don't care how John Paul got to us,

we are not dropping out.

It's us or them.

Just like it's always been.

Are you in this family or not, Gina?

It's time to make a choice.

You don't wanna force me to make that choice.

Did he put you up to this?

He would never do that.

The only reason that JP didn't go with the Montebellos

to begin with is because of me.

And what did I do?

I hurt someone. Someone...

Someone that I might actually be in love with.

I figured I'd find you here.

I know that guy.

I remember being happy.

See, I have a photo to prove it.

I never meant to cause you trouble.

Joe, when I came home I wasn't even sure

what I wanted.

And that night at Tommy's--

I hadn't cooked like that in years.

My father's telling me that I have to choose.

Love or family.

I understand.

I was hoping you would.

Because from this moment on

you're my family.

You're not gonna cry, are you?

Maybe a little.

You realize we have to leave Verona tonight.

Follow me.

I can't help you with this. Running away?

We see it as sprinting towards our future.

This is not good.

We need to sit down

with your families and work this out.

If it helps, I can even bring in the Cardinal.

It's not gonna help. They're never gonna change.

My father is paranoid. And mine is a hot head.

Father, the only thing that has ever changed

around here has been us.

Please, please. You have to help us.

Where's that shirt?

How did I miss that?

(Gina) That's it? We're driving into the sunset

in a pizza delivery truck?

I know, I know, but someday we'll make the kids laugh.

I was thinking the same thing.

I just hope Father Spezia can hold them off at the church.

[cell phone rings]

Hey, Tommy.

You can put us up in the city, great.

Oh Tommy, you can't do that to me.

Fine, fine.

Tommy's being a little difficult.

He's willing to put us up, but it's gonna cost us.

What does he want?

Lemons, lotsa lemons.

I gotta go back to the restaurant.

No, no, no, no. No more of this.

Sit together like human beings.

But father--

The only butts I wanna see

are next to each other in that pew.

Now I want you all to bow your heads

and reflect upon why you are here.

[mumbles to God]

I don't know why I'm here.

I got a business to run.

A contract to win.

We're gonna win the contract.

Oh you think so?

No, I don't think so. I know so.

That's enough.

You don't think I know what you did.

But He does.

He sees everything.

And He told me.

So no more mice.

No more microwaves.

He's good. He's very good.

So you don't think I know, but I know.

And I want you to sit there

and think about what I know.

Fine.

I'll just kneel here and pray I get the contract.

Here, Lou.

I'll kneel here, and I'll pray better.

[praying softly]

(Annette) Hey, Carlo.

Uh, hey, hey.

Hey, Annette.

Just workin' on the sauce.

Ya know, cookings like a science.

A lot of trial and error.

I'm gettin' close though. Real close.

Is that why it looks like the kitchen exploded?

Yeah. Kinda.

It's okay.

I don't get it, Annette.

I've tried every recipe from here to Hoboken.

And they're good, just not great.

Maybe you have the wrong ingredients.

I've tried everything.

Ya know, a quarter teaspoon of this, a tablespoon of that.

I've been slicing garlic all day.

Maybe you need to try something new.

Something unexpected.

Like what?

Like this.

Whoa.

I've wanted to do that for so long.

You and Gina, wrong ingredients, Carlo.

She knew it.

I knew it.

I'm asking you,

do you know it?

You remember the day I was proposing to Gina?

I-I-I mean to you for Gina.

You know what I'm saying. Yeah.

No matter how many times I rehearsed it,

proposing to Gina just didn't feel right.

But with you it...

It somehow felt real.

It didn't matter if the words came out right

or wrong 'cause you understood me.

You always seem to know what I'm saying

even before I finish saying it, Annette.

I don't know why I never got that before.

You've always been there.

And you still surprise me.

I'm sorry. I talk too much.

Sometimes I just need to-- Shut up.

[laughs]

Hey, uh, you wanna go some place and talk?

I'll lock up.

[happy sigh]

You smell something?

Let's just get the lemons and go.

[glass breaking]

Get the fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

What is it? Hurry,

Your restaurant's on fire.

What?

Damn it. Come on, Gina, hurry up.

Here.

Joe, hurry!

Come on!

It's not working!

Joe!

Hurry up, Joe.

Joe! Joe, hurry!

Hurry!

[praying softly]

This is ridiculous

Believe it or not, I agree with you.

Let's get outta here.

You might wanna take these

before you go.

I have letters for you from your son

and from your daughter.

Explaining why they had to leave Verona.

Oh, my gosh.

[cell phone rings]

This is all your fault.

You planned this, didn't you? Huh?

Hi Mrs. Russo, how--

What's wrong?

(Vinnie) What's the matter?

The restaurant's on fire. (Vinnie) What?

It's all gone. Both restaurants.

What a-- What about Joe?

And Gina.

No sign yet.

No!

Lou...

this has gone on too long.

Come on.

We'll take you out back. This way.

Watch your step, folks.

Up here.

Joe.

Oh Gina!

Oh Joe! They're alive!

Gina! They're alive!

Joe, you okay?

Oh sweetheart.

Oh thank God.

Joe, you sure you're all right?

Oh sweetheart.

Oh God.

Gina. Joe.

Oh God. Ma, I can't breathe.

I'm sorry I was so mean to you.

I liked Carlo, and I didn't know how to tell you.

I understand really. I hope he does too.

He does. He does, thank you.

Joe, are you okay? Yeah, I'm okay.

Oh, I thought I lost you.

I'm so sorry we put you through this.

I know. I know, Dad.

I love you too.

(Annette) Hey, you, hot head.

Me?

Yeah, you.

Gina is gonna be with Joe, okay?

Joe Montebello.

She loves him.

That's all that matters.

If you have a problem with it,

you're gonna have a waitress strike on your hands.

What waitress strike? It's over.

I didn't have the money to pay the insurance last month.

It's not over, Lou. It's just beginning.

We had a lot of time to talk up there in that tree.

I gave Gina the recipe for our sauce.

And I told Joe-- You what?

where we import our cheeses from

and how we combine them on our pizza.

What is she talking about?

Hang on. Hey I don't know.

What's she doing? I can't believe.

(Joe) Hey, everybody, just shhh.

Let us finish.

We don't want things to go back

to the way they were before.

Things are gonna be really different

around here from now on.

The Montebellos are out of business.

And so are the Prestolanies.

What?

As of today

we are announcing a merger

of Montebello and Prestolani.

We are gonna call it...

Prestolani's and Montebello's.

Montebello's and Prestolani's.

Aw, I don't know.

Joe and I, we're in charge now.

What does that mean?

(woman) Can we get in?

(man) No, it's a private party.

Look at these photos.

These are all Gina Prestolani.

She has a wonderful eye.

I just purchased one last week.

She has a gallery show downtown.

You should really think about investing.

Honey, I'm investing in pizza.

My stomach never lies.

Think about it, Ma. A South Beach pizzeria.

A dance club.

I flip the pizzas and spin the records.

Huh? Fun in the sun.

You don't need fun in the sun.

You're half-baked already.

Aw!

Ooh!

Sauce from the vine.

Cheese from Italia.

Pizza from Jersey.

Didn't I tell you this is a great idea?

Hey, it was my idea to team up in the first place.

Your idea?

I had the idea before you ever had an idea at all.

What are you talkin' about?

First Chicago, then Miami, then San Francisco,

and then Paris.

Hey! Look who showed up!

(all) Hi!

Welcome back.

You guys made it home for the opening.

You know the problem with the Caribbean, no good pizza.

Well, they're not a grain-based society.

They got corn, but the water tables too high--

All right, Carlo, shhh. Please be quiet.

Joe, I love what you did with this place.

You think so? It's amazing.

Well, the one in San Francisco's

gonna be just like it

with one big difference.

Yeah, what's that?

Everybody, can I have your attention please?

I would like to introduce

the new manager of San Francisco's

Presto Bello's, if you'll accept.

Yeah!

Yes!

(Carlo) I'm going to San Francisco?

We're going to San Francisco.

We're going to San Francisco!

[cheers]

[clinking glass] Quiet! Quiet, everybody.

I would like to make a toast.

to this beautiful, wonderful new place, Presto Bello's.

To Presto Bello's!

Presto Bello's!

To Gina and Joe.

(all) To Gina and Joe.

Oh, to Annette and Carlo!

(all) To Annette and Carlo!

Say something, kids.

Um, okay, well we were supposed to choose

between love or family, and...

Well, we chose.

We got both.

[cheers]

Whoa, Joe, dude.

Beautiful. He's a good boy.

(all) To love!

To love!