Original subtitles

- Hey, miss, you looking for someone? - No.

- Why don't you let me carry that for you, huh? - No, thanks.

- Why not? - I can manage myself.

Hey, hold on.

Ah, forget it. Can't you see she's a tight ass?

Rosina!

Did you have a good trip? You've gotten so big.

I'm sorry I'm so late, but with three kids to look after, I never seem to get anywhere on time.

Come on, let's go. You look so different.

- You cut your hair. - Yes.

- Well, it suits you, too. - Thanks.

- You must be tired. You can rest when we get home.

- Could you give us a ride? - Where to?

Just down to the Cloverleaf.

- Yeah, okay, get in, get in. - Thanks, mister, thanks.

How'd you like to tear off a quick piece, mister?

Are you kidding me, lady?

I'm not kidding. She's available.

And she knows what she's doing, believe you me.

And just think, she's only 13.

Practically a virgin. How about a quickie, then?

A little fun will do your world of good.

Thanks very much.

But I'm a little behind schedule.

I mean...

Don't worry about it. Just do it fast.

Come on. It's only 3,000 lira.

That's not even a carton of cigarettes.

Don't worry about a thing.

I'll keep an eye out.

The child's clean.

You got my guarantee.

Yeah.

Use them.

And them, that's for after.

Don't worry about a thing. I'll keep an eye out.

Go on.

Listen, kid.

It's pretty uncomfortable here.

There's one thing we could do.

You know what I mean?

Make it quick.

What the hell, just don't bother.

Let's clear out of here.

Finished?

Here.

Thanks and God bless you.

The cattle will have a square meal.

Give me my change.

I ain't got none!

Ah, forget it.

Come on, get in quick.

Come on, come on.

Let's go.

You better start explaining it fast, lady.

I don't like somebody making a fool out of me.

Last time you told me she wasn't a probe.

Yeah, next thing you'll be telling me she's a virgin.

I'm only doing my best to help the girl.

Her poor mother is in the hospital and her father's long since dead.

She don't take enough to split with anyone.

What's this, a balloon for little Miss Goody to have fun with?

I thought pros were the only ones who carried these around.

Listen, lady, you play straight with me, or I'll fill this with piss and make you swallow it.

Why don't you listen to me?

You've got a chance to clean up. I'll put you in a lot better area.

Guarantee the chick a career and

protection from all those creeps who are running around,

and who sooner or later are bound to slit her throat and mail her guts to the police.

Now get out of here, fast.

You know where to find me, lady. I'll see you there tonight,

because if you don't start playing it my way,

I'm warning you, you'll wish you had.

Now, get out of here!

When we're coming you didn't say anything about your court case.

What's the lawyer say do you think you'll be getting anything?

It's been almost a year now...

...but i'm afraid it's not going right at all.

I'm not too sure but I think the lawyers for the factories said it was daddy's fault he fell

even though his safety harness was broken and

the company didn't have the regulation precautions.

You remember

Antonio Peredu,

daddy's friend?

Well,

he helped get witnesses and everything,

but it wasn't any good. And with five of us kids,

mom just didn't have the money to make

an appeal. I think that's what they call it.

Antonio was the only one

who helped us.

And since he's a widower,

he offered me a job looking after his children.

And then after a while, he told mom that he wanted me to marry him.

She told me I should.

So what did you do?

Nothing.

Mom said I was a fool if I didn't do it.

But he's older than Daddy, and I'm

barely even 16.

I mean, he's really quite nice.

But, I just couldn't go through with it.

Right now, you'll be sleeping in here with the kids.

But after Sunday, my husband will be working

nights, and then you can come and sleep with me.

Come on, you kids. Get out of here.

Come on. I said, oh, oh, go on.

Come on.

No, let me show you. You see, it's not hard work.

It's just a matter of mounting music tapes in these cassettes.

The more you do, the more you earn.

If you're fast, you can make as much as 3,000 lire a day.

I don't know how to thank you!

Hey, get your dirty hands out of there.

See?

It's not really difficult. It's mostly a matter of patience.

Uh-huh, and it pays well, too. Nah,

I wouldn't say so.

Look, leave it alone, will you?

Elsa told me that...

- ...I could earn as much as 3,000 lire a day. - Oh, sure.

In theory, anyway.

It's better if I don't say anything.

What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about.

Well,

don't get the idea I'm talking badly about your cousin or anything.

It's

just not so easy to collect your money like you ought to.

I guess it'll be different for you. After all, she's your cousin.

But for the rest of us,

it's a nightmare to get our earnings.

Yeah,

you see, they're always saying some crap about

having to wait for a distributor to pay them.

And there's no use walking out. You just lose your back pay.

Rosina, see, it's illegal. The music's all pirated.

What's all that

over there?

That stuff's all hot, too.

Cigarettes.

Listen, you want to come dancing with us on Sunday? I don't know.

- I'm not really very good at it. - Oh, that's okay. I'll teach you.

Not bad, not bad at all.

Yeah, I bet you took lessons.

No, actually, a friend of mine

showed me how.

Actually, I'd prefer doing it the old-fashioned way, if you don't mind.

Is that better?

What's your name?

My name, Rosina.

It's a beautiful name.

Yeah, it suits you.

You from around here?

No,

from Sardinia.

- No kidding. You're here with your folks? - No.

Gee, that would have been a real pleasure to meet your mom and dad.

What are you doing here?

- Must work, huh? - Yes.

Doing what?

- I hope I'm not getting too nosy. I just want to get acquainted. - No, that's OK.

I work for my cousin.

Hey, Belvin,

waiting for you.

You've got eyes. Can't you see I'm busy?

I'll be out when I'm ready.

What's the matter with you, huh?

I'm sorry about that. They work in my business.

My real name's Salvatore, but they call me Velvet because...

I don't mean to boast.

Everyone says

I got good manners.

I'm, you know, polite.

You are.

Listen,

Rosina,

I don't want you to

think I'm

being

forward, but

if you'd tell me where you live, I'd be

happy to take you there.

I got a car, you know.

It's no trouble.

It'd be a great pleasure.

Hey, I was thinking, why don't you give me your telephone number?

I'd be able to call you and we could go out together sometime.

Eat a pizza or something.

Why don't you write it down here?

I'm glad we met each other tonight.

There's so few decent people left.

By the way the world's going nowadays,

we have a kind of duty to stick together.

Can you get it down?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you for the ride.

It was a pleasure.

Thank you.

I'll be calling you real soon.

Listen, Rosina,

it was two weeks ago today we first met each other.

So I figured I'd give you a little

anniversary present.

It's nothing

very much, just a little token of my affection.

May I open it? Of course. I'll move it.

Want some help?

Thanks.

Oh, Salvatore, it's beautiful. I just don't know how to...

What a pretty medallion.

Is it gold?

You mean this?

I don't think so.

My mother gave it to me when we left Puglia.

I was just a baby then.

See, I grew up here in Milan.

It's funny, though.

I'm still a country boy at heart.

You're not going to believe this, Rosina,

but at night, if I don't kiss this medallion before I go to bed, I can't sleep.

My mother died when I was very young.

She was a...

Wonderful person, Rosalia.

Very religious.

Anyway,

what does your father do?

He passed away last year.

I'm really sorry.

But you're not alone any longer.

As long as I'm around, no one's gonna hurt you. Thank you.

What's wrong, huh, doll?

You're looking kind of sad.

I was just wondering how many other girls you brought here.

It was never as good as with you, darling.

We were destined to meet.

It's true, you're the girl I've been waiting for.

You gave me the gift of your virginity.

And I want to give you my love

for all eternity.

Rosina, will

you consent to marry me?

Yes, my darling, yes.

I never dreamed

I could be so happy.

Do you realize what time it is, Louisiana?

You see what you've done? You've woken up the children.

Now get to sleep, you two.

Get under the covers there.

And I hope you realize you've loused up Luigina's plans for tonight.

We thought we could count on you to babysit.

There, you see what I mean? He's furious.

I'm perfectly happy to have you here, Rosina, but you have to keep in line, you...

- ...understand? - That sounds like I'm a slave.

I can't see that I've done anything wrong.

As long as I go on putting you up in my house, you're going to have to do as I say.

Oh, is that right? Then why don't you pay me the money you owe me? I've been here a month

already and I haven't gotten a thing.

- Now, you listen, I will not allow you to speak to me that way. - Oh, yeah, well, I'm surprised...

...to hear that you let me speak ever. If you prefer, I'll never open my mouth.

Good, that's the best idea I've heard yet.

Hey, look, knock off the frigging yelling.

You, come here, you! You could thank your lucky stars.

You'd have ended up just like your mother if you hadn't have had me.

You're just ungrateful.

That's what you are.

Oh, so I'm ungrateful.

Well, don't worry. I'll pack

my things. And after tomorrow, you won't have to worry about me.

And besides, leave my mother damn well out of it.

Oh, go fly a kite. Since when have you been so thin-skinned?

For Christ's sake, will you shut up, huh? You want to wake the whole building? And get the

hell out of bed before the kids start screaming.

All right, I'll be seeing you in the morning, fellas.

Yeah, ciao.

Ciao.

Mrs. Melvin.

Yeah, do me a favor and call me back.

That's right, I'm at home.

And hurry, will ya?

The minute I answer, you hang up.

Ciao.

How many sugars? Two, thanks.

Hello?

Dad.

Hi,

how are you?

Yeah, I can hear you fine.

What?

But...

I don't believe it.

I can't. I can't leave right now.

Three months.

Of course, sure.

And it can't be avoided.

Whatever you say.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Bye, Dad.

Ciao.

No.

We're getting married. It's not fair.

I don't have any choice, Rosina. I'm in a mess.

My dad is real sick. My business has gone sour.

I haven't paid the rent on this place for six months.

Maybe if I go back to Puglia for three months, I can get on my feet again.

If three months are enough.

How will I get along without you?

You're the only person I know.

I don't have any friends. Salvatore!

And for all I know,

you'll forget about me.

I'd never do that, darling.

But as long as you feel that way, I'll stay.

Even if it means making sacrifices, going into debt.

For you, anything.

And you, Rosina, my love,

are you willing to make sacrifices?

Whatever you ask.

Well, I'm not much of an expert, but

I know there are ways a girl can help her fiancé.

For instance,

I've heard of girls with boyfriends in my kind of difficulty

who've been happy to make sacrifices which

could seem unpleasant. What sacrifices are you talking about?

Yeah, I mean,

there are a lot of girls

who

earn money using their

bodies.

Earn money using their bodies?

No, I don't get it.

I'm talking about girls who, because of their love for their man, will get paid money

for going to bed with other men. You understand?

And I mean paid well.

I understand how you feel. Honest, I do.

Only we're down and we're going under.

The world will destroy us

if we don't fight back.

We've got to be strong.

You and me, Rosina,

we've got to beat this system.

And I'm convinced we can.

I'm convinced we can. And besides, it's the only way we can hope to raise a family.

With our prospects the way they are,

we'll have lots of babies.

And when they laugh, it'll be just like these bad times never existed.

I have to go now, but

you think it over.

Think it over well.

And then

make your decision.

You do exactly as you want.

No one's forcing you.

No one's going to make you

do anything if you don't want to.

I'm really sorry about

last night and the things I said.

A lot of good that does me now.

They took Louisine away this morning.

He's innocent, of course,

but you know how the police are.

Come on,

kids, hurry it up.

Do you think I could come back and stay for a few days?

Please, Elsa, help me.

This one's finished.

I'm broke now.

If you could give me

just a little of the money I

made, I could go home again.

Oh, you're going to stop that again?

I told you it's impossible.

I'll call you in a couple of weeks

if the distributor in Torino comes through with something.

Get out of my way now.

- I've got to get out of here fast. - Oh, please, Delsa. Take me with you.

Oh, please. I won't get in the way. I promise.

Sorry.

It's just not possible, dear.

I've got my hands full already.

Come on, kids. Hurry it up.

Salvatore...

I'm putting a new one on at the station tonight.

Real fresh stuff from Sardinia.

Trust me, a bundle of this chick. Don't forget that.

Yeah, that's all well and good. You gotta move faster.

It's not enough to do the planting. You also gotta harvest the crops.

In six months, you pull in 22

juveniles, and only nine are worth any kind of dough.

Get the point? Once you've got a fire lit, you've got to keep it burning. Like those five kilos of

grass you insisted on sitting on. Now the

market's down, I've got the supplier in my ass. Wake up, Delvery.

You'll be

carrying your

balls in a handbag.

The blonde over there at the newsstand,

she works as a shop girl during the day.

See,

her old man's in the hospital and needs

an operation.

That girl there with the fur collar is a student who

couldn't afford to go to school if she didn't do it.

That one's a little like you.

She wants to get married but has five brothers and sisters to support.

See how many there are in our situation?

Swear to me I won't have to do it for long.

Trust me, in a month we'll be husband and wife.

I swear it on my mother's medallion.

Do good and it could be sooner.

Give me a coffee.

And a

glass of water.

Now listen.

All you have to do is go over there and wait until someone approaches you.

Get it?

You don't have to worry.

Just be relaxed and let the client show you what you're supposed to do.

It's as easy as apple pie.

You'll get used to it.

Here,

take this pill.

It'll help you stay calm, huh?

Here's the water.

I'll be looking out for you.

Now,

let's go over it again.

Try to get through each trick as fast as possible.

But remember to always get your hands on the money first.

Ask three big ones

and never accept less than two.

Make sure they undress as little as possible.

And you too, only your panties if you can manage.

Don't ever let them touch your breasts, ever.

And do it all quick because I'm jealous, you know?

If I ever find out you like one of them, I'll kill you.

As far as your makeup goes,

you always have to look younger than you are.

Put on as little as possible.

Hardly anything in the daytime.

A little bit more at night.

No one else can kiss you this way. No.

This mouth is mine. All mine.

And these two, isn't that right?

These are mine, too.

Darling...

...turn around.

Let me look at you.

You're beautiful.

I'm the only one who

can kiss this back.

Say it.

Yes.

I'm the one you love.

What do you feel for those animals who pay us?

They're awful.

Yeah, they're disgusting, right?

Yes.

And with me?

Eh?

You really dig it, huh?

Yeah, you're happy with me.

Ciao.

Darling, thanks for coming to pick me up.

Let's go home.

I want my glove. Gee, I'm afraid that's impossible, Rosina.

See, I have to be going away for a few days. Seems my father's gotten much worse.

Let's see how you made out tonight.

Not bad.

You'll see. In a couple of days, I'll be back.

You wouldn't want me not to go, would you?

Oh, and by the way,

I've arranged for you to stay with some friends of mine while I'm away.

You won't feel so alone.

So I said to the clerk, if you give me candy for change, I'll give it

right back to you. Good morning.

I know what you mean.

It's just impossible to get decent service in a store nowadays.

I mean, after all, if they think they got the right to use pieces of crummy candy like it

was money, well, then I got the right to

do the same thing. Wouldn't you say so? Sure.

Have you been here a long time?

About long enough to put together a good collection.

Really?

A collection of what?

Cox, darling.

Who is this blonde anyway? She's one of Velvet's. They're getting younger all the time.

I bet you wish you were, too. Don't we all?

She's not half bad, though. Sort of cute looking.

I like that type.

Velvet sure doesn't let one slip by. I don't

know why he does it.

He slips in.

It's not Velvet. His name is Salvatore.

And how do you

all know him?

We know, and believe me,

we're all his fiancées here.

Except for Mary here. She's physically handicapped. Yes.

Instead of a hole, I've got a pole. You want to see it, honey?

And I got news for you. Mine's prettier than Velvet's.

Says you.

Don't touch it, though. She comes faster than an express train.

Don't knock it till you've tried it, honey. Enough with the funeral face. I suppose next she'll tell us she's here

to help out the family.

Yeah, Velvet's family.

He's famous for it. You fill your slits and he fills his pockets.

It's not like that at all. I'm only doing this so we can get married.

Just as soon as he comes

back, he said so.

Getting married, huh? You really

fell for it.

You're a hooker, little Miss Muffet, just like the rest of us.

That's enough.

Leave the little fool in peace.

Listen,

I'll give you a number to call.

481828.

They have social workers there. They can help you if you're interested.

Maybe you can still get out of this racket.

I was offered a job as a shop clerk,

but I like hooking better.

If you say I was the one who gave you the number, I'll cut your

throat, and you better believe I've had a little experience.

Stick around here, and you'll wind up in a white slave market.

And don't bet on ever returning home again.

Night.

- Good night. - Ciao.

No, I don't have very many friends here.

I guess it's my fault.

I just don't make friends easily.

Yeah, it was hard for me to get settled, too.

People up here are all kind of funny. They're closed up.

I know exactly how you feel, Rosina. Believe me.

Well, thanks for the great Sunday. I really enjoyed myself.

Have you lived here long?

No, just over a week. It's not really my apartment.

It belongs to someone who's been helping me.

Thanks for everything.

I'm sorry,

but I really hope to see you again. Ciao.

Ciao.

Hey, kid. Huh?

Uh, excuse me. I was a bit lost.

I was wondering...

Hey, what the heck?

- Stop! - Shut up!

This is just a warning, huh? Forget about Rosina.

You don't go out with her no more, you dig?

In case you're interested, punk, she was just a cheap hooker last week.

You better forget about going to the police, too.

Not unless you want to wake up dead some morning, huh?

Let's go.

So what's this about?

I thought we got paid the first of the month. Sorry, that's

not my department. You'll have to talk to the manager.

Oh, excuse me, sir,

but I...

So, the little lady didn't trust me.

You say you want the truth?

Okay, I'll tell you the truth.

Yeah, admit it.

I'm mixed up in the rackets.

But I was conned into it, just the same as you.

With me, it was blackmail.

My family was starving. I had no job.

You know what it's like to be from the South.

Even when you do find work, they don't pay enough to live on.

Eventually, my dad was forced to go back home and

I fell

in with the wrong crowd.

And now,

I'm in it up to my ass.

Just like you.

I'd like to get out too, but once they've got you, you can forget about fighting back.

Okay, now you know.

So if you want, go ahead, walk out on me. But I don't want to walk out on you.

I love you, Salvatore.

Look, I'm not kidding.

You want to clear out, then clear out.

But I want to tell you,

you're the only person I ever thought could save me.

You're the only woman who can make an honest man of me.

It's true.

Look, Rosina,

I bought that little picture of the Madonna to put over the bed

to protect us.

Rosina, please, I want to marry you.

I don't want you to be working the streets like you were before.

I found this little place

that will put you in the call girl business. Pays a lot more.

But I want to stay with you

only. You will be with me. Soon we're going to pull you

to my old hometown

and we'll buy a small house.

You'll take me away from Milan?

Of course.

I can't wait until

you meet

my mother.

I'll bring you there and tell everyone.

This is my ride.

You must think of now as the last bitter mouthful.

Believe me, Rosina, we're in the home stretch.

The big money's for the sickies.

I'm kind of like a doctor for them.

So don't be afraid, even if sometimes they seem violent.

They're not going to hurt you.

No one's going to hurt you.

You're helping them.

And don't forget,

you've always got me to look after you.

You'll see, little doll.

You'll see. Before long, we're going to be rich and free. Oh.

How about it, fellas? They call me the electric tongue.

Excuse me, are you

going to... Sorry, kid, we're going to Paris. Keep coming.

Come on, come on, keep coming. Excuse me. Come on, you're clear back there. Keep coming. That's it.

Are you going to Genoa? Watch it there.

Listen, please, mister. What's that?

If you take me along, I'll give you a free one.

A freebie, huh? Uh-huh.

And what do you think you're going to do in Genoa?

I'm getting a boat to Sardinia.

A boat to Sardinia, eh? And what are you going to do in Sardinia?

I'm going to get married.

Please, can we go, huh?

So you want to go to Genoa? Mm-hmm.

Okay,

come on, climb aboard.

Well,

Rosina took off.

I had to go out of the house for two minutes and she disappeared.

Sorry about it, but

it's not my fault.

Police, miss. We'd like to

talk to you.

But I didn't... There's nothing to worry about.

Just a formality.

It won't take a second.

You'll be all right. Don't worry.

It's nothing.

No!

No, let me go!

No!

Give my regards to Velvet.

Thought you could shove it through me, eh?

This will teach you to be smart with velvet.

And in my school, you don't forget your lessons.

Now try using your pretty face to peddle your ass.

And no more journey, sweetheart.

Next time, it'll be your throat.

I am, if you make a discount for the scar.

Beat it, you fucking assholes!

It's about time, too.

Goddamn cold is killing me.

Here, I brought you boots.

- It's the least you can do. - Knock it off.

- What happened to you about a half hour late? - I suppose...

...you think I've been running around enjoying myself.

Who cares?

Porto Ludovico, Porto Garibaldi, Porta Argentina, Corso Venezia.

I could cry.

You're all the same, nothing but complaints.

Maybe I've got a right to complain. I'm cold and I'm hungry.

Oh, cold.

Listen, you want to eat? We can go to the Red Mill.

Where?

The Red Mill.

You remember? The owner's a heavy set guy.

No, I don't want to go there. That's where that shit Tina hangs out.

Come on.

- I can't stand her. - We'll have some of that really good spaghetti with the spicy sauce.

Oh, all right. Whatever you want.

- Boy, try and do something nice for him. - Look, I said all right, didn't I?

Hey, by the way,

when are you going to introduce me to that little friend of yours? Huh?

Hey, now take a fast U-turn and let's get down there.

Yeah, we'll get him now. Yeah, yeah, don't worry.

Just keep moving, will you? That's it, go on.

Go on, hit it. Could you give us a lift, mister? Sure, get in.

Thanks, sir.

Come on, we gotta get around. Come on, Pity Pop.

Come on, Pity Pop!

- How am I supposed to do it? - How about waking up?

You let them get ahead of you, asshole.

We're schmucks if we let them get away.

She's not tied to anybody.

You got any idea how much she's worth?

Shit, we're running late. We gotta be in Baltimore.

They got a new one there we gotta bring down for Alberta. Get out, you guys.

Mister, you'd like to tear off a fasten?

Huh?

She's only 13, you know.

A fast one, quick like, why, it'll make you feel real good.

I'm afraid I'm in kind of a hurry.

How long's it gonna take you?

Come on,

she's clean. She really knows what she's doing.

Really, huh?

Only 3,000 lira. I guarantee satisfaction.

I'm sorry about being so late.

Yeah, don't make it a habit.

By the way, Gisella, you're in no hurry to get home, are you?

No, it's really all right.

Well, we weren't careful, so now we've got a little problem, huh?

Haven't these kids heard of the pill?

No, this one's a virgin. She's not here for an abortion.

A virgin?

That's a good one.

What do you want from me, then?

Simple. We're meeting Senior Fernando outside your office.

He'll be taking over the girl.

All you have to do is certify a virginity.

Very well, then. Wait outside.

You take off your panties.

If the girl really is a virgin, then I'll be

glad to give you all the assurance you want.

Verbally, of course.

She's a virgin. I'm willing to put money on it.

So don't you go dipping your wick down.

All right, up on the table. Legs in the stirrups.

You're a pretty little thing, you know.

How is it no one's ever gone the distance with you?

I've been in practice a long time.

The fact that someone like you is still a virgin

seems to me almost impossible.

Well, it's the

truth.

Oh, you're pretty sure of it now, huh?

All right, now.

- No, I'm afraid. I don't want you to touch me. - There's nothing to be afraid of.

- I'm not going to hurt you. - No, I don't want you to.

Off to a good start.

Let's see.

Okay, I'll tell you what I'll do.

Why don't you and I make a deal?

If you tell me how you happen to remain this way,

I might even take you at your word.

And I won't touch you.

Only I warn you,

it's up to you.

I want the truth and nothing but, huh?

It's a deal.

Hello?

Yes?

Gisella can't talk right now.

But at any rate, it'd be better if you didn't call anymore.

Because my husband and I prefer not to be bothered by people we don't know.

Yes, goodbye.

Oh, please,

Mama, that's simply not fair. If you won't let anyone

call pretty soon, I won't have any friends at all.

Better no company than bad company.

Anyway, you've no reason to complain. You've got your parents, so you're not alone.

I know your father doesn't spend too much time at home, but

that's hardly his fault, is it? He's got his work.

Sure, big deal, but I want some friends my own age.

Oh, as if I didn't know what kids your age are like.

Oh, yes, a bunch of no-goods that only think of one thing.

Gisella,

you hang around with them and you'll lose your purity.

And God help you then, we'll never get you married.

I warn you,

you listen to me.

Here we go again.

Can't you ever think of anything else? Me?

Me? Ha!

It's the others. The others who think about it.

Not to mention that Sergio. What do you think he's after, your soul?

Someone you can trust.

Someone with a position.

That's who you should bring home.

Listen, Mama, Sergio doesn't want anything from me.

- He's just a good friend. - There's no such thing.

Who ever heard of a man being friends with a young girl?

Holy Mary, Mother of God, protect us from sin.

I mean, take your father and me.

Respect,

consideration,

whatever,

but not friendship. You

and Daddy, that's a great example.

My mother always had me terrified.

Imagine, she even told me

that if a boy even touched you, you could get pregnant.

And that kissing caused tuberculosis

or syphilis. The first time I had my period,

I thought I was dying because she refused to explain it to me.

Hi, darling.

Wait till you see the surprise. Where's your mother?

She's right here.

Ah, precious.

Did you see the surprise I brought?

You see? A color television set.

The very latest model.

Well, you see what a good provider your father is.

Tell me, everything okay at school?

- Well, that's nice. - Have you eaten, darling?

- It's not important. I'm not hungry. - You'll be home tomorrow evening, though, won't you?

No, it's out of the question. I have the sales staff from Amelia coming into town.

Oh, what a shame. I invited someone for dinner tomorrow.

The local priest's nephew.

Apparently he's interested in getting married, and believe it or not, he wants

to meet our little precious.

Oh, please, Clelia. That's something you women can work out for yourselves.

Besides, if he's the priest's nephew, there's nothing to worry about.

But you are the girl's father, after all.

Yes, but I trust your judgment.

Oh, touch this desk.

I've said a million times I don't want anyone touching

my things. Even if it's in disorder, don't touch.

Here, too.

It should always be closed to keep the dust off it.

Oh, I'm not doing anything tomorrow afternoon.

Why?

Some of us are getting together, you know, at my sister's house to listen to some music.

Oh, I'd love to come, only what will I tell my mother?

Oh, just tell her you're coming to my house to study.

Oh, by the way, you better not bring Sergio. There's too many of us already.

My sister's got a lot of friends, you know.

She's so lucky. She lives alone.

You know, I can't wait until I get old enough to leave home.

Hey, I just thought, you want a lift? My sister's boyfriend's coming to get me.

Oh, there he is now. Come on, hurry.

Hurry.

You'll like him. Come on!

Ciao, Alberto.

This is Gisella.

Come on, you sit in the middle.

It's all right if Gisella comes along, isn't it?

Of course it is!

Listen, everybody. We're going to play a new game.

First, we turn out all the lights, and then us girls are going to get undressed.

And when we're all ready,

Alberta will count to 10, and then turn the lights back on. And whoever doesn't have

their clothes on will have to pay a penalty.

All right?

Everyone ready?

Sure, yeah.

Come on, Gisella, you play too.

I'd rather not play. I've never done this sort of thing.

Oh, don't be such a jerk. Come on.

There's nothing wrong. We do it lots of times.

The lights are so low, you can't see anything anyway. Come on.

Ready, girls?

And your panties, Gisela.

Okay, Alberto, ready?

All ready. One, two...

Surprise, surprise!

Hi, Gisella. We're waiting to take you two lovelies to the party today.

I don't want to go, thanks.

You don't want to go with us?

Why not?

Afraid we'll take more pictures?

You shouldn't be. The others came out great.

Here, take a look.

That wasn't fair.

Is that so?

Well, if you don't come this afternoon, we're going to mail these to your parents.

Think about it.

Right, Alberto? That's it.

And meanwhile, if you like,

I'll give you these. We have lots of others.

You're very photogenic in all the right places.

All right, Gisela.

How is it that at a certain point,

you didn't try to rebel?

To confide in someone?

I mean, couldn't you have tried to get help?

Confide in someone, rebel.

It's all very easy to say, but if you had a mother like mine, you'd know it was impossible.

How about, say, Sergio, your father?

After a while, I was in too deep, I guess.

The parties were held often.

And I was forced to do whatever they wanted.

And since I was still a virgin, I got to be the most popular girl there.

Alberto and Anna would have been more furious than my mother if I'd lost my virginity.

45!

- I have 45. Do I hear 50? - I'll go 55.

100.

- 100 here. - 110.

110 going once.

- 120. - Good, 120 going once, going twice.

- I have any more bids? Going twice. - Let's not forget, Giselle is definitely a virgin.

Virgin where? Let me look.

I have 120. Do I hear any more bids?

Oh, yeah, she'll be here a little later.

And then at 7.30 she has to go.

Yes, of course, certainly.

Yeah, bye now.

Bye, Your Honor. Here you

are. We could have always settled afterwards. No, no.

Afterwards,

I don't wish to see a soul.

Understand? As you wish. Step this way.

Is the champagne chilled in the...

Yes, sir. Of course, Your Honor.

Very good, very good.

Wine compliments woman.

I remember my father saying that when I was ten years old,

back in the old colonial days.

Sex is a tonic that raises up

the character,

adds virility. It's a man's duty to fornicate.

In my time, I was stationed in

every African post, Ethiopia, Libya, Somalia. I found exotic

women the best suited to my fiery temperament. Now, is my child ready?

Now, is my girl ready?

Step this way.

White Orchid,

His Honor the General.

White Orchid.

A flower

by any other name?

No, I'll be late tonight.

Yep.

No, I'll eat out with friends. We're going to get a pizza.

Hey, cut it short.

All right, Mama.

Come in.

Yes.

Yes, of course.

- Hurry it up, will you? - You don't have to be angry, Mama.

Yes, I understand.

Okay, ciao.

Just look what I brought home, darling.

- Are you out of your mind? - What'd I do?

Inviting two people over to the house at this hour,

and one of them's the lawyer who's interested in Gisella.

How am I going to explain she's not here?

Don't worry about it, my darling. We'll be in my study,

and we won't bother anyone.

Look what I got today.

- The Napoleonic troops I ordered months ago. Aren't they magnificent? - Yes, beautiful.

Yeah.

No, no, just a second.

That was your daughter on the phone.

- She said she's coming home late. - So?

What do you mean, so?

You should talk to her.

After all, you are her father. Good evening.

Good evening. Hope it isn't too late.

No, really.

It's quite all right.

My dear Clelia, it's absolutely irreverent, the fact that I'm her father.

Don't make me laugh.

What am I supposed to say? I don't know.

I've never handled anything like this before.

You're her mother. You should know what to say to her.

Listen, darling, do me a favor. Go make coffee for the guests, would you?

Oh, for heaven's sake.

What's this?

The cavalry shouldn't be on the left. That was much later in the battle.

From one o'clock in the afternoon until far into the night, the positions were

unchanged. The cavalry was over on the right flank.

If you don't mind,

I know my Waterloo.

Here's the new Napoleon.

- Money is nice. I'm earning pretty good. - What do you do with it?

Oh, I go out and buy what I like. Clothes, pocketbooks, bracelets,

records,

anything that strikes my fancy.

- Don't your parents notice anything? Don't they wonder where you get the money? - No, because...

...I don't keep anything at my house.

I mean,

everything I buy, I keep at my friend's house.

You know, I got eight radios.

Okay, I've examined her. She's a virgin.

Sure of it.

Guaranteed.

I suppose we can consider it a deal then.

Very well.

The girl

will come with me.

The two of you will meet me in Milan tomorrow and we'll settle accounts. Let's go.

You stay well, you hear?

Thank you.

Ciao. Ciao.

She's not bad, right, Doc?

You took your regular fee, I imagine.

Yes, but it wasn't exactly what you think. Hmm?

This is the virgin that Alberta procured.

Oh, perfect.

She's sweet.

She should be a good asset to the organization.

Now, right now, you go into that room and

relax,

read or something.

About noon, there's a gentleman coming, especially for you.

It's down at the end on the left.

There's magazines, records. Make yourself at home. From now on, she's ours.

But make sure she gets home nights and stays home and no slip-ups. She

has to remain a virgin. Nice gimmick.

She certainly looks young and innocent.

How come they

let her go? She was getting a little too well-known at Bergamo.

It got dangerous.

Milan's a big city.

More clients.

Anyway,

they were getting around 300,000 a trick for

her, so you know what to ask.

Listen,

Daniela,

is she working hard?

Oh, wonderfully.

She's in demand a lot.

She can only stay two hours in the afternoon, though.

She's here now.

Do you want to have a look?

Move them like you were riding a

bicycle. Yes.

That's nice.

Now I see it.

Now I don't.

Stop.

Now.

You're no longer the classmate I peeked at when I was at school.

Now you know who you're gonna be?

You're going to be my teacher.

Come over here nearer,

closer.

Lean over me.

Make sure I'm doing my homework.

Unbutton your damn blouse. Otherwise, how can I see your tits?

That's it.

Come a little closer.

A little lower.

Now I can see the nipple.

Stupendous.

Lean over me.

And now,

And now you realize that I'm peeking at you.

How do you react?

How do you react?

How do you react?

That takes all kinds, I guess. Who's to know a freak like that

isn't dangerous? I wouldn't worry. Daniela's a phenomenon.

She's really a born whore.

To the uncommon market.

Business is better than ever.

We'll turn this house over to Silvana, or else to Mantovani.

You and Franco are to leave at the end of the week.

She'll show you the house in Turin first,

then you go on to Marseille,

Geneva,

and Paris.

My associates have only insisted on one thing,

some protection for

our houses in Rome.

Ah, in Rome.

We haven't got a worry in the world. We've got contacts. The kind that can get to a senator

without even going through his secretary.

Leaving now, Daniela? Yes, I have to get home.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Keep it down, Daniela.

Yes, Daddy, I will.

Darling, you're always so alone.

I don't understand it.

At your age, I always used to go out.

Or at least have friends over to the house.

I have my books, my records. I'm happy the way I am.

Oh, by the way, did you get in touch with the Pulchys about Cortina?

I'll go if they'll go. That way it should be interesting.

I called several times, but there wasn't any answer.

You're incredible.

There can't be any other 17-year-old girl in the world

who can enjoy sex the way you do.

You come like a rabbit.

It was all a fraud, pussycat. I was faking it.

Since you're an old friend,

I wanted you to have the satisfaction.

What are you saying?

My beautiful, foolish Casanova.

I outsmarted you, didn't I?

And it was easy. You men know nothing about women.

I've been taught well, you see,

but I only do it on special occasions,

like with you.

Listen, Julia,

some men like to be whipped.

Others like to hear you curse and swear.

But you know,

the thing that's the most difficult to master

is faking a real orgasm.

Some girls think it's enough just to move around and

groan a lot, and when it's over, nothing.

Just a block of ice.

Only instead,

instead it's like a crescendo.

You know what I mean?

A piece of music that has to

build

and build until it

finally explodes.

Like a Bach fugue.

It's my pièce de résistance.

You want to know what I've noticed, Julio?

You're all babies.

You have many more complexes than us girls.

You're frustrated.

Tell me.

The thing with me is that I don't feel anything.

Either with men or women.

I'm blocked,

frigid.

The only way I can enjoy anything is alone.

Doing it to myself.

That's quite a revelation.

I know.

And you've always been so good to me.

I was in love and I hoped you were too.

I never expected you to make a career of this.

Don't forget, though, it was you who took me to a

house the first time. Only because you asked me to.

You wanted it.

You remember?

Now I feel guilty about it.

No, it wasn't your fault.

You said you wanted experience with other men before we were married.

I made one mistake.

I really believed I'd get you back,

all to myself.

All right, I'll tell you what led me to ask you that favor.

It was on account of my father and mother,

each for a different reason.

My father was at his office one day.

I was shopping nearby,

and I thought I'd drop in on him and surprise him.

Believe me, she's a little sensation. I guarantee it.

I give you my personal guarantee you get what I mean.

And she even smells good, too,

like French perfume.

I swear to God, she's only 16.

You're less than my own daughter.

What?

No, she's not expensive.

Sixty thousand lira.

A hundred dollars to you.

Certainly isn't.

Yeah,

don't worry, I will.

They've got a selection of girls you wouldn't believe.

No, I can't give you the address now. It's too dangerous.

There's always a chance of a tap on the phone.

I also know this other one.

Seventeen years old.

She gives a blow job

that'll blow your brains right out of your ears.

Oh, come on, they may be young, but I'm telling you.

No, I give you the address in person.

Slow down, you're getting horny.

Tear off a

quickie with your wife and make her day.

Listen, I got to go.

I'll see you Saturday.

Yeah,

bye.

Ciao, Daddy.

Daniela, did you just arrive?

Yes, just this minute. I hope I'm not disturbing you.

No, of course not. Don't be silly.

Listen, you remember what you promised me every Easter?

Promise you?

That we'd take a trip together, just us two.

I feel so important.

Don't laugh at me, please. I'm serious. I'd really like to. I wish I could, but I'm busy.

I think I'm going to have less work, and it always turns out to be more.

I'm sorry, but that's the way it is.

But we'll do it one day. That's a promise.

But I'm sure you could enjoy yourself just as much with your mother.

Or with some friend.

Why didn't you think about it just now?

No reason.

I suppose you're going to say your mother was playing around, too. Uh-uh.

She wasn't.

But she's no saint. I began thinking that if he was that bad,

then maybe she had something she was hiding, too.

Everyone hides something. It's natural.

I know, but I started to spy on her anyway.

I was sure there was something.

I followed her.

I turned the house upside down, room by room, for months.

And, of course, you found something.

Yes, eventually I found a diary

and some tapes she'd recorded.

You know my mother, she drives people out of their

minds with her need for order, and me included.

The tapes were apparently recorded for her analyst.

And

were very revealing.

And how with her it was an obsession.

You have to understand that after she left school, she wanted to be a writer.

As if I cared.

Unfortunately, I needed affection, and I found out through

the recordings that I wasn't even wanted, that I was a mistake,

even though she tried to be the perfect mother.

One day I asked her,

point blank...

Tell me, Mommy,

do you really love me?

Sweetheart, what a silly question.

Especially since you're the one who's been acting strangely lately.

I just don't understand you anymore.

Really. But to answer your question, the well-being of you

and your brother is the only thing that concerns us, darling.

Yes, I know, but you didn't really answer the question.

Tell me what's bothering you. I can't do anything if you won't communicate with me.

I don't know. I just don't know.

The more my mother showered me with presents to demonstrate that she cared,

the more I became convinced that beneath that mountain of objects there was a void.

By then I'd come to understand them perfectly. I knew that everything they offered me,

clothes, trips,

skiing lessons, flying lessons,

was just a way of buying me off.

I didn't need a psychoanalyst to tell me

that the only way to relieve my anxiety was to play their game.

There.

Now you know all about my double life.

It may seem banal.

But you know, your family's not unique.

And

yet we have to try to overcome these difficulties or else society will fall apart.

It's a lucky thing not all children behave like you do. You're overreacting.

I'm not overreacting at all. I'm just conforming to their standards.

If only I had the courage to

rebel, it'd be a lot better.

Only right now, the only rebellion I'm

capable of is suicide.

Oh, no, you don't have to worry. I won't, Julia. I know I'm

just a stupid bourgeois future housewife and mother.

For all I know, I love every minute of it.

But I can't.

I just can't go on any longer. I know, Daniela.

Everything will be all right

if you'll let me help you.

Only one thing can help me now.

You want to know why I go there every day?

I keep waiting for my father to come in.

The only way this

hell can end is when he sees me there.

It's stupid, I know.

But it's the only way I can get back at him and my mother. I want to destroy them.

Once and for all.

You're more naive than I thought.

Half the girls in the city are in the trade.

They might never get around to you.

Daniela? Yes?

Are your friends always so

unpunctual?

They're not unpunctual, Mother. I told them to come any time after lunch.

Tell me, is it really so important for us to know them, Daniela?

Oh, Daddy, you're always telling me that you want...

Oh, here they are now.

You always say I'm strange because I like being alone.

You say I should invite friends over, and when I do, you don't like it.

Don't worry, Mommy, you can take your nap later.

Good afternoon.

How do you do? Good afternoon.

That'll be all, thank you. Would you offer them something to drink, Daddy?

And Francesca, would you mind going in the other room, please?

Daddy, my friends are here because they want 10 million lira.

You see, I've decided to break a contract I have with them.

Anyway, it's not really all that much.

And the thing is that

I'm tired and not well.

They've been nice about it and have accepted my decision.

But naturally, I have to buy out the rest of my contract.

Daniela, Precious, what are you talking about?

The fact is,

this wasn't our idea. And there's something else, too.

You, Mommy,

and you, Daddy,

both have friends and acquaintances that are very influential.

And if you don't agree,

these two also know people who are very important.

And they will use them

to damage us in any way they can, and they'll stop at nothing.

One of my best friends,

even paid with her life.

But I don't think that people in your position will

have any trouble reaching an agreement.

I'm quite sure that

to avoid any scandal,

my parents will settle without going to the police.

I hope that you will be equally cooperative.

I believe it's in everyone's best interest that nothing of this goes beyond these walls.

I'm afraid I still don't understand, Daniela.

You see, I happen to be a prostitute.

Or perhaps you would call me a call girl, Daddy.

And now if I'm going to get out,

I've got to pay these two people 10 million lira.

You see, I was very good at what I did for them.

Is 10 million such a lot to redeem your daughter?

But I do owe you some sort of an explanation,

since otherwise for you to understand all this would be virtually impossible.

You see,

it first started

two years ago after

I overheard a phone call. I don't know if you remember,

but I do. I remember only too well.

But...

What

telephone call is it?

Oh, sure.

I didn't expect it. It wasn't important to you.

But now I think I've done enough of the talking.

Now it's your turn to speak about it.

You've got to decide what's going to be done.

I've said what has to be said,

and for me it's over. ¶¶

Slow down. We're just about there. There.

Pull over and stop, OK? Ain't it better back there?

Yeah, we'll be able to keep an eye on three crossings all at the same time.

Come on. They never hang out there. You know that. Oh, he's right. Turn around. It's better, but make it fast. ¶¶

Just the whole lot?

There ain't no others. Hmm.

Nice and meaty.

Turn around.

Lift your arms up, darling.

Hey,

how about the hair?

She's a baby, can't you see?

What, are you bringing me shaved chicks now, huh?

All right, but you know, some men like a little bit of hair with their meat.

Okay, you'll do.

Here you go.

A little present for you.

Thanks.

Next.

Let's have a peek.

Okay, see that?

Got it. Baby's right. The babies with little hair go good.

How about you?

Good girl. Here you are.

How you doing?

Not bad. Hi. Check this.

All right, not bad. Not bad at all. Let's see what she's got.

You heard him. Take it off.

OK, what's this?

She got a kid in the cooker? Yeah, so what?

Come on.

What am I going to do with her?

Hey, Mary, a lot of guys did chicks like this.

She's only 15 years old, you know.

You don't come across this every day. Yeah, nice, but it ain't easy to sell. Hey, man, it ain't

like you could see it. Would you just take a look at this face? Ain't she a living doll? I

see. I got good eyesight, but it ain't easy to sell.

There's a lot just like doing a trade. You can't tell me any different. Carmelo, I'll keep

her in mind for later. It ain't no use. Let's get the hell out of here, okay?

The kid just ain't appreciated. We'll see you. That's me. You're making a mistake.

No, I'm afraid this isn't for me.

If I attempt an abortion at this stage, I'm asking for trouble.

She ought to go through with it.

I told you the last time, for Christ's sake, not after the first 12 weeks.

Oh, look,

I'm willing to pay even more than the other times.

I'm not about to haggle over the price, you know. With this one, it's not a question of the cost.

I'm aware that in

this condition you can't make a deal on her.

But how can I take the risk?

What are you worried about? I told you, I'll take the responsibility.

Responsibility? I'm the one who's doing it.

Oh!

It's easy for you to say, but she's at least six months gone and you know it.

Oh. No, no, no. I'm afraid I can't do it. Go on. What's this? You throwing us out?

That's right. That's right. I'm throwing you out. Oh, great friend.

You turned out to be.

And don't bring one like this around again. Do you understand? I won't bring anyone around.

Look now, don't worry about it, honey.

Time heals all. You'll have the kids soon. You

put it up for adoption and then it's over.

Oh, swell. It's just a baby, right?

Oh, what do you care anyway? You don't even have

to see it. The hospital takes care of everything.

You can't imagine how many people can't have babies and want to adopt.

Of course, that's in case the father doesn't suddenly come around.

The guy who knocked you up.

Don't worry. He's not going to show up.

He couldn't if he wanted to.

Oh?

And why not?

I suppose he's the pope, right?

Listen.

Will you tell me something?

The creep who did it.

Does he know or doesn't he?

Oh, he knows all right.

If I could have an abortion, I'd keep it a secret. Since I can't,

I'll tell everyone.

Boy, will I tell.

Who are you trying to kid? I bet there were lots of them, right?

No,

I only went all the way with one guy.

You're saying the way you come from, you only laid it out for one guy? You heard right,

only one.

I didn't even let the others kiss me on my mouth, honest.

Will you just look at that filthy whore, a nice mess your daughter got herself into.

You damn well better tell us who did it or I'll beat your ass for you!

It's three weeks now you should have had your period.

And you all get out of here until I tell you. Get out of here and don't come back until I call you.

Get out, get out. Now you listen to me.

Either you start talking or I swear to God,

I'll kill you.

I know what this little tramp's been doing. She's pregnant.

She's pregnant, pregnant. What are people going to say?

I'll kill her.

What are people going to say when that belly starts to swell?

This was a decent family

and now we're shamed.

Oh, jeez.

Hey,

ain't you never gonna let me stick it to you, huh?

No.

Thank God you showed up that day.

I was already pregnant, and my mother was throwing a new fit every

day.

The minute I saw you,

I knew you were the only one who could save me.

Remember all the questions I asked?

Dig Tina.

She don't even say hello. She thinks with a hat on her head, her ass don't stink no more.

Hi, Tina.

Tina.

Oh, hi, Antonietta.

Hey, you look terrific.

A little pale, maybe. Put on you, it looks good. No kidding.

I wish I could live in Milan like you.

Do you still work as a hairdresser?

Of course.

Some day you ought to come visit me. You know, there's a lot of important persons come

into my salon. Lots of high-class ladies.

You're lucky.

But

is it hard to find work in Milan? Oh, yeah, a bit.

Why?

I don't want to stay here any longer.

Well,

you're still awful young to leave home, don't you think?

But listen, if you really want to come work for me, it could be arranged.

Oh, yeah. How am I going to do that? Why not?

Oh, your mom and pop.

The easiest of you to just run away.

You could take me with you.

I wish I could, but it's impossible. Not now. Listen, I tell you what I'll do, kid.

Let's see.

I'll give you the card of my salon.

Here you are.

You take it.

There's the telephone number and the address.

So when you arrive in Milan, you call, okay? Mm-hmm.

Goodbye, honey.

Ah, not a word about this to anyone, understand?

And you keep it secret?

Naturally. We're friends, aren't we? Mm-hmm.

I'll be expecting you.

Ciao.

Ciao.

Don't even think about it, honey. We'll go on

like always, receiving clients here in the house.

There's plenty of guys who dig you.

But look, honey, always use a phony name.

Got that?

Don't worry about it. Good night. What's your hurry? Wait.

Carmela's not coming home tonight. You can sleep here if you want with me.

There.

That's the way, honey.

You'll be a lot happier here than alone.

Little sister,

you care for me, right?

Of course.

That's my girl.

Ever since you ran away,

and came to stay here. I'm your family,

aren't I?

Little precious.

Oh, it's so hot.

I'm gonna strip. Why don't you do the same thing?

Aren't you hot?

A little, yes.

You're so adorable.

Your skin is marvelous.

So soft.

I'm really fond of you, you know?

You?

I like you a lot too. Lots and lots?

And hold me in your arms if you like me so much. Look, I'm telling you, huh?

I don't want her in the house anymore.

Why not?

I don't know what the hell you're beefing about.

This little book's full of numbers.

Guys who only want her. Bullshit.

Guys who pay good.

What's the matter with you, huh?

Don't give me any of your shit.

She's too fucking dangerous. We've got to get her out of here.

Not only that, she's a damn shit.

That's easy for you to say, but I know why you hate her.

That's why I hate her, because I

found her. That's why. That's right. You found her,

asshole. And you could damn well get rid of her.

Nobody's getting rid of her. She's staying here. Get out. There's going to be any yelling

around here. I don't want to do it. Got that?

What are you looking at? Be there before I slap the living shit out of you, too.

No, I'll go when I want, and not a minute sooner.

Don't think you can push me around.

Oh, yeah. It's for you, you little shit. Get out of here, you bitch.

You bitch.

Get out of here.

Both of you.

Yeah, just a minute. I'm coming. I'm coming. Come on.

You got me, you bastard. You want to kill us?

Get the hell out of here.

Jesus Christ.

For Christ's sake, I hear you.

God damn it, shut up.

Come on, you.

Get.

Screw you.

You idiot.

Up yours.

Oh, honey.

You poor kid. You all right?

Pull yourself together now. Get in the bathroom, OK?

Good evening.

Sorry you had to wait so long.

Good evening. We're a bit late. I only had to keep the shop open longer than usual tonight. Oh, don't worry about it.

Besides, Antoinette isn't feeling very well.

I mean, I don't think the poor child's up to it.

My dear, she doesn't have to do anything strenuous.

I know you were looking forward to it.

But these things do happen, you know. But maybe

we could come to an understanding. I mean,

100,000 really isn't enough anymore.

Everyone happy now?

It's all agreed?

One second, I'll go call

her.

Antoinette, you ready, honey?

It'll be worth it, my dear, you'll see.

Ah, here she is now.

Aren't we pretty?

Here, ma'am, I'll take your coat.

Well,

what a nice little belly.

Our darling Antoinette may be shy, but she's a living doll.

How soon's your little baby coming?

You're a beautiful sweetheart, isn't she?

A lovely little creature, yes.

Well, if you need me, you just holler.

What smooth skin she has, soft as a peach.

So round,

so firm.

Excuse me.

Ma'am, there's something wrong with the girl. She doesn't feel well.

What?

What is it?

That's all I need.

Come on, try to get up. Get up now, sweetheart.

Quick, Carmela, we've got

to get her to

the hospital, otherwise she'll give birth right here.

You little

turd, I told you something

had happened,

didn't I?

Come on, you, get dressed and get the hell out of here.

What are

you yelling at me

for?

Nothing

happened, I swear.

Get a dress, get a move on.

It wasn't our fault.

Hold still now.

Come on, come on.

There's no need for that.

She's almost there now.

Easy,

easy.

This will be over in just

a second.

You Luisa Andreoli,

22 years old?

No,

I'm Antonietta Banni and I'm 15.

Banni?

How'd you get here? Easy. I'm a prostitute. You happy now?

Oh, really? A prostitute.

Terrific.

Listen,

who do you live with?

Who's protecting you?

I ain't gonna tell you. I'd rather be dead.

I'd rather be dead.

Why don't you want to see your son?

Why should I?

Who's the father? Will you tell me that?

Well?

Sure.

I'll tell you who he is damn right.

This man, your father.

Yeah, that's him.

And he's the one.

That's right, it's him.

He's the one who did it.

Is she telling the truth?

Is she telling the truth?

OK, take him away.

You get some rest now. Go lie down a while. You little shit.

She shut her mouth off.

The bitch.

She went

and told her real name, who the

father was, everything. And damn

it, you still want her around, huh? Get in there.

I don't want to see her little ass around this

house no more.

It's a good thing she don't got that stomach now. She can go up on the pavement like everybody else.

Get your ass over there.

Dress her up like what she is,

a fucking whore.

And put some makeup on that stinking shit face of yours before

somebody gets the idea you're still 14 years old.

I'm damned if I'm going to prison on account of you two sluts. I don't want to see her ass

in this house again. She can go fuck herself.

No, she's not worth more than a million lira.

Besides, I got to find a place for her to stay.

All right, whatever you want.

Only cash right now.

Certainly.

Hey, Tina!

Well, check her out.

Well, what do you think?

Come with me now, darling.

Come on.

I'll see you. Ciao.

Ciao.

Move your ass.

Yeah, light one up for me too. Oh, my God!

It's not something that I pretend to understand.

Nevertheless,

from what I've seen, she does seem tranquil enough.

Oh, yes, she seems tranquil enough.

One could almost say happy.

But that's really nothing more than an illusion.

And wouldn't it make more sense to have her

committed to a psychiatric hospital?

No, you see, her condition is the direct result of a trauma of giving birth.

Naturally, there are other complications, but there's a chance that we can still get

through to her and restructure her personality.

Something that can't be done if she's committed to a home.

Then,

very well.

I'd appreciate your opinion in writing. Certainly.

And I'll

renew the court order

for her to remain

here.

I'll need it right away, though, as the old order expires soon.

I'll have it sent to your office tomorrow.

Come with me now, sweetheart.

It's time to eat.

Come along.

Stop it! Stop it!

Help!

Nurse!

Nurse! Come quickly! Hurry!

Easy now.

Everything's going to be all right.

You'll see.

Calm down.

Give me some support.

Here we go.

Okay, let's go.

- Miss, are all these dresses on sale? - Yes, everything on that table.

- You mind if I try on this skirt? - Go ahead.

Come on, inside!

You must be nuts, I can't do it in here!

Come on and try!

If you can do it, I'll pay you. Nobody will ever know. Come on.

This stuff was reduced last week. It's really a bargain.

It's for my niece, she's so slim.

This one, this one is quite small.

Or look at this one, it's beautiful color.

It's really too big.

Or here we have another.

You mean you wanna do it there?

I'm a minor. I got no choice. It's here or nothing.

Come on, it's kinky, come on!

You've got to be crazy.

Hurry!

At least lets pretend we're making a call!

Call? Why? It's really dumb!

Take it out!

What's wrong? Can't you get it up, huh?

Oh, come on. It's not a question of that.

Well, then hurry up!

I got a big one that's crazy.

Hey, come on, hurry up, huh?

We can't help it. It's stuck.

It's always me who has to walk up.

I didn't do anything wrong and I'm not staying in prison.

But this isn't a prison.

After a short stay, you're free to go

and we even help you find employment.

I don't need a job and I know someone will get me out of here.

She won't tell us where she lives.

So far, she's given ten different addresses.

Each one false.

Because every time we go to check, no one's ever heard of her.

Listen. Listen, Doctor.

Since she didn't seem to bring any belongings with her,

we'll have to provide her with a change of clothes.

Will you take care of that? Of course.

It'll give you a chance to get acquainted.

I had ten brothers and sisters, but two died when they were young.

We were always shunted from one school to the other.

Too small.

Why don't you try this one?

Anyway, my mother was always sick.

My father always unemployed.

So before I even knew what was happening to me, I'd become a nun.

How about this? Can I take it?

Of course.

A nun? I don't understand. You were a nun.

I suppose they thought that they were helping me.

My mother enrolled me as a novice in a hospital

so I could earn something.

10,000 lire a month to empty out bedpans.

At least I was able to help out at home.

Weren't you too young,

too young to be a nun?

Yes, but my mother lied about my age so I could get the job.

I see.

How did you like it?

Here, take this. You can use this, too.

It was all right, I suppose.

I guess I don't know.

Anyone who wanted to

could give money to the institute and have it, you know, like they do in those houses.

And then one night,

The administrative director asked me to stay in the office

to help close the accounts, you know?

It was late,

and there were just the two of us.

And then he told me he knew I was lying about my age,

and if I didn't do what he wanted,

he'd

tell

and have me thrown out.

What else could I do?

Something strange happened to me then.

In what sense strange?

When it happened the first time, I was really scared of getting caught.

And then every time after that,

I mean,

I began to enjoy it.

And now I like it best when it's most dangerous.

I suppose that explains why I'm always getting caught.

I know even the pimps think that I'm crazy, a maniac,

and beat on me.

I hope at least you reported the one who attacked you at the institute.

It's simple for you to say. I was ashamed to do anything.

I prefer to just go away without getting any explanations.

When they wanted to know why,

I told them it's none of their

business.

Please don't tell anyone I told you, though.

Don't worry, I won't.

Get lost.

So you got arrested, huh?

Maybe you talked.

Yeah, and maybe you ratted on your old man, huh?

You stink.

You know that?

You're more trouble than you're worth. You understand that, you bitch?

Well, I'm fed up.

I've had it with you.

I only escaped from there to make you happy.

Yeah.

Get in there.

You know what this is, huh?

It's a bed, you slut.

And you know what this is?

It's a

room.

This is where you were in your living. And if you move your ass out of here,

I'll cut your throat. You got that?

Oh,

boy, good.

I'm not saying you gotta enjoy it, but at least

you could pretend.

You tend to your business, I'll tend to mine. That's what I'm

trying to do. If you'd just put your mind on your work.

Oh, that's a play child.

Just a little baby.

Young and

delicious.

A flower your heart

just bloomed.

I'll satisfy my desires without the least fear.

I shall answer for this, assuming all the blame.

From Moliere's Tartuffe,

Act Three,

Scene One. Mm-hmm.

Whoa!

I escaped last week,

but I want to come back.

I don't get along so well out there.

Go talk to Mother Superior. Where is she now?

Down there, under the hall.

Thanks.

Hey, what's going on? One of the girls is on a hunger strike.

You know we want to help you any way we can,

but having a dog here is against the rules.

You can't go on this way, Laura.

No, I'm not going to eat. I'm going to kill myself if you don't let me have my dog.

You can't leave him outside or they'll take him away and then I know what's going to happen. They'll put him in the gas chamber and destroy him.

Please relax. Now calm down.

Listen.

I'll try to talk with the Mother Superior.

Perhaps I can convince her that a watchdog would be helpful to have around.

Only, don't expect her to permit the dog to sleep here in the dormitory with you.

That would be quite impossible.

I promise you I'll speak to the mother superior

as soon as possible. Immediately if I can.

Only you have to eat something.

90% of all prostitutes

come from broken homes. That's why we try to create a kind of family here.

Certainly there's no substitute for the family.

And those girls who haven't experienced a satisfactory parent-child relationship will

always carry with them an emotional void.

If we can satisfy that girl, there's a chance of awakening

emotional instincts to the point where I can work with her.

And I feel it's at least worth a try.

Yes, but you know yourself, Doctor, there's 30 of us here to look after 300

young girls. Doctor, if we try to satisfy them all, we'll have to double our staff, space,

and budget. I understand, but please let me try for at least a few days, and who knows, he

may turn out to be a very good watchdog. Argo!

Argo, come on!

Come here, run! Run!

Good boy!

I think I only remember about one thing

until I was about five years old.

My father always beating up on my mother. No one ever dared to do anything to help her.

Get rid of this goddamn junk.

I'm tired of seeing this crap around here, understand?

The table needs setting,

so set it, goddammit,

understand?

Let's go, let's go, let's go. I'm hungry. I want to eat and go to bed.

There were arguments and fights every night, because as far

as he was concerned, my mother was just a slave.

She worked 20 hours a day.

She took care of the house, us kids,

and had a job in a factory as well.

I remember her always going around with her head bent.

Poor Mama, she'd be so tired she didn't even have the strength to talk to us.

Just imagine,

Laura, got the big idea to go to college.

Papa, I just said I got good grades, and my teacher says I should go on.

Listen to Miss Genius. When I was her age, I was working, and it's time she did too. I don't

want to get a job. How many times have I helped out around the house? And now that I have a

chance for a scholarship, I want to go on with my studies.

What makes you think I got the money to keep you in

the house, huh?

What little I got is for my sons to go to school

and buy cigarettes.

Who put these big ideas in your head?

You're a female,

like your mother,

stupid like her. And don't you forget it.

But, Papa, I don't want to end up like Mama.

I began studying how to be a secretary in order to get out of that awful house.

I guess

I was an idiot to think I could ever become a doctor or anything important,

or even a teacher.

I resigned myself to the fact that it would never work.

In the end, I even had to give up secretarial school.

My mother took sick and went to the hospital before

I could finish the first course and take the exam.

I had to look after the house and take care of Daddy

and also my brothers.

I went to night school for a

while, but I just couldn't stay awake.

Well?

I failed.

I might have known.

I spent all that goddamn money for nothing.

Damn, you really are stupid.

No, maybe you're caught on to places in the house.

Women only good

for cooking and,

uh, spinning their fucking legs.

I was destroyed,

humiliated.

And I thought it was really unfair that my brothers could still go to school.

Argo, come on.

Come on

up here.

That's a good boy.

Good Argo.

Come on, get down now.

Get down.

My father was making enormous sacrifices for my two older brothers.

And by now, I was the servant in the house.

The first time a boy was interested in me,

made me feel important,

was kind, tender,

I fell for it like an idiot.

Oh, God!

We've gotten the sheets all dirty with blood. What are your friends gonna say?

- You know what I'll do? I'll take them off and wash them. - Come on, don't be silly. It's nothing.

I'll take care of it.

Bet you go around boasting to all your friends that you were with a virgin.

Don't be ridiculous.

Times have changed, in case you didn't know.

Nowadays, it's an advantage to go with a girl who's experienced.

Wasn't I very good?

Something the matter?

Oh, nothing.

I'll tell you some other time.

Why did you disappear?

What did I do wrong? Nothing.

But stop following me around,

calling me all the time.

Pretty soon, I bet you'll be waiting for me outside the house.

But I don't understand.

You said you loved me.

Oh, come on, love.

What love?

And if you really loved me so much,

you shouldn't have jumped into bed with me the first time I asked you to.

I did it for you. I thought that's what you wanted.

Oh, listen, Laura.

I never knew a girl that

behaved the way you behaved.

It's one thing to have modern ideas.

But how can I trust you after what you did?

I mean, what you did with me,

you could go do with anyone.

He was my first love,

a modern, free-thinking person, as he described himself.

Instead, he thought like a caveman.

like someone out of the Stone Age.

But I was hard-headed.

The more men humiliated me, the more determined I was not to let them beat me down.

After all, I did have a high school diploma,

so I figured I had to be worth at least something.

Since men were treating me like trash, I wanted to be independent,

to reach a position like them,

to show them my worth.

I heard about an agency that was placing girls who had some background.

Not just serving girls,

girls who could hold their own.

Yeah, yeah, okay, I'll buy that.

Excuse me,

I filled out the whole thing, family background and education, but there's one question

I don't understand. Yeah, which one is that?

This one here, the one that refers to physical

conditions about sexual experiences and all.

You see, today, modern companies select their personnel based on exact scientific

parameters that naturally must include a total psychophysical profile. It's a

technique we've learned from the Americans. After all, we're talking about a high level

of employment. We're placing girls with the most exclusive families.

Have you, by chance, heard of what we call aptitude tests?

These are all essentially ways in which we can get better acquainted with girls we

otherwise would have no way of knowing.

Thus, we avoid

having unfortunate surprises later on.

Yes, but this part where it talks about virginity and all,

one's inhibitions, inclinations, virginity, seems strange.

Nobody's trying to oblige you to write down anything that you don't want to.

On the other hand, we can't guarantee you material assistance in lodging here in our

residences until the day we can find employment for you.

Unless, my dear, we are provided with the information

that would serve to assure us of your sexual and moral equilibrium.

And naturally, the only way we can do this is if you answer sincerely and without

inhibitions. You have nothing to worry about. All answers are kept strictly confidential.

When you've completed the module, it's placed in

a computer and subjected to electronic analysis.

The answers are then transferred

to a kind of punch card, which facilitates

the selection of a girl for the right employer,

and vice versa.

Hmm.

Listen, I also want a quarter profile of Laura.

And smile now, Laura.

Girls, you have to be full of charm and grace.

People want to hire sympathetic girls with sparkle.

That's why we here, the agency, have such strict criteria, you understand. I'm not just

speaking of looks. There's linguistic

ability, intelligence, everything. Now then, look bright.

Smile, smile.

Sit up straight. That's it. Good girl. And you, don't you ever smile? Show us a little

shoulder there. But I don't think I should.

The directors would get angry at me. Don't worry. She keeps one eye closed. And if you move around a little bit like a

real model, it improves your chances.

Believe me, you get a better shot at a job. Huh?

Look at those over there.

He's right. We all do it. You can make a lot of cash that way if you're smart about it.

Watch.

You uncover yourself a little, then you cover yourself a little.

Like this.

Think of it like a visit to the doctor.

All right, honey, sit down.

That's it.

Okay.

Yeah, let's have a little...

There, that's better.

Okay.

One from this side.

Hold it.

And up.

Good.

Another one.

Good.

You're all like

you, the photographers, the clients. Well, I'm going to report you.

This is the third time that somebody's given

me money and then tricked me into going to bed with them.

That's right, and you went with them,

and you took the money.

It's not our fault if the computer happens to make a mistake that way. We are sorry.

On the other hand, the clients say that you came on to them, as it were.

But I want to work honestly, that's all. Young lady, you should only be glad that

there's someone like us trying to help you. Times are hard and work isn't easy to get.

It's far more rare that

they hire someone today. Ordinarily, employers are laying off personnel. You've got to

realize that's one of the things that's making it so difficult for us here.

Furthermore, your personality is not very forceful

and you're lacking in cultural background.

The only thing going for you is you're young.

You can't blame everything on the computer.

You get what you deserve, nothing more.

Even that crummy computer they had there was a man.

After a while in life, as you get older, you'll see

that not all men are like those you've known.

The men I've known are all one worse than the other. My father,

my first boyfriend,

the ones I had to go work for.

I'm fed up with it.

All men are disgusting, just monsters.

I hate them all.

Okay.

Maybe you're right. I can't deny it. You have your

reasons. But there is one thing I can't understand.

Why were you so willing to lead that other kind of life?

We want to do everything we can to help you, only you have to trust us and speak freely.

I hate men. They disgust me. They make me sick

to my stomach. That's why I became a prostitute.

That's all well and good, but still,

what I mean is this way,

they're defeating you. You're still their slave.

And they're continually the victors.

If you could come with me someday, you'd understand a lot better.

You'd see how I make them pay, and I mean pay well.

Ciao, Argo. Come here, baby.

Come on, boy. Come over.

Over here, over here. Oh, he's beautiful.

How long have you had him?

Just over a year.

Oh, that long?

Ever since I left home.

He's never done a thing to hurt me.

He's the only friend I have.

Albertina. Albertina.

Listen, I'm a real deep sleeper. So if you hear

any noise outside, you wake me up, okay?

Don't worry. Nobody's going to touch your dog now.

They'll wait a few days until they got you calmed down.

And then they'll screw you.

Oh, I don't know.

The sisters seem nice enough. And if they let me keep Argo,

I'll stay here for a while.

One of the nuns is always trying to touch me, you know?

One of these days, I'm going to escape.

I want to be free.

I don't want any lesbian jumping into this bed.

Maybe the nuns really do hate all men.

Anyway, I don't know. I never enjoyed being with a guy.

The first time, it only hurt me.

Those slobbering idiots who pay disgust me.

Guess I'll wind up trying it with a woman.

If you like, you can try with me.

But I thought you said you didn't like lesbians.

It's only those hypocrites I hate.

Those old nuns who smell.

But with you, no, it'd be different. Come on, move over.

Are you crazy?

Come on.

No, it's dangerous, Albertina. No one's around. Come on, move over.

Okay, but after you, go right back to your bed.

Don't worry, I'll be quick about it. Quick about what?

Just a moment. Why?

I want to get closer to you.

Hey, listen, Albertina. Oh, don't worry. The nuns aren't going to see us.

Look, that one's just pretending to be asleep.

She is asleep. No,

she's a spy. Oh, come on, let's get it on.

Now, Bettina, stop it.

You're tickling me.

Don't you like it?

Come on now, Bettina, stop it, will you?

Enjoy it now. Tomorrow I'm escaping. Escaping? Why don't you come with me?

Can't we wait a bit longer? I'm scared.

What's it a wait for?

It's already late.

You know what they say, Lara?

I heard it with my own ears.

I heard the nun say,

the one who's the doctor,

that after 17 or 18 years, there's nothing

they can do for us. We're too far gone. You're kidding.

You heard me.

So what are we doing here?

You and me and Argo, we can go and live on our own.

We'll learn lots and lots of dough.

And we'll be free.

How about it? What do we want with anyone else?

I'm gonna go talk to Argo.

Hey, lookie there.

You ready to talk business, yeah?

We'll do all right on our own, so go jump in the lake.

Maybe you've all forgotten I don't need protection.

Just watch your ass,

all right?

How about it? Good looking.

How much you want?

Let's say 30,000 at my house. All right, get in.

Argo.

Well, who's he?

Are you crazy?

Stop worrying, mister.

He's a good dog.

You never know when you're going to get a weirdo.

And I'm only 16, you know.

Hurry it up, will you, stud?

Otherwise, the dog gets edgy.

About five minutes is all I stand for. Huh?

What? At these prices?

Oh, come on, Tarzan. Be quick or I'll whistle and they'll come bite your asshole. You see?

Argo, be good now.

Argo, be good.

Let him concentrate.

What's with you?

Get on with it.

You know what you're doing. But

just a minute.

Give me a little time, will you?

What do you need time for? It's kind of obvious you're new at this sort of thing.

You got here all hot to trot, now you can't get it up even.

Yeah, it's up. You ought to stay home or else do it with guys.

God, you studs who want to screw little girls kill me.

I'm sorry, I...

Don't let it worry you.

Lots of men don't realize their fags.

See ya.

You're so handsome, so

strong,

so powerful.

Let me feel it.

You're so big.

Hey, lady, what the hell

did you do?

You made me come before we did anything. I'm awfully sorry, honey, but it wasn't my fault.

You're so strong and masculine that you got me all excited.

I got you excited. I paid you to take care of me, so look.

So we'll do it again, OK? That is, if you're up to it.

Of course, you realize

you'll have to pay

double.

What?

Laura, tomorrow I'm going to leave you.

Albertina, but

you don't mean it.

I'm scared.

You got Argo, but I got nothing.

They've been threatening me again.

You know Roberto, one of those guys that hassle us?

In a way, I kind of dig him, I guess.

He'll help me out.

But then you mean you're going to?

Hey, Kitty, I still like cock, you know. I go both ways.

Anyway,

I'll be 19 next month.

At my age, you gotta start getting it together.

What's that got to do with

it, Albertina?

You're not so young either, you know.

You gotta set yourself up before you get past it.

I'm sick of being an idiot.

What we make is chicken feed.

I'm shooting up again, and that takes dough.

But I wanna stay with you, Albertina.

Why do men always have to come along and ruin my life?

Oh, Argo.

You're the only thing I have!

Laura!

Argo, come here.

Come along with us.

How about leaving me alone, you dirty shithead?

Ah, get lost.

Watch your ass, Laura.

Argo!

No, no!

Let's get the hell out of here.

Thanks, mister. So long.

Hey, they're right over there, look.

Oh, we got them now. Slow down, will you? Slow down.

Friggin' old bitch.

Shit, there's too many people around.

We'll come back in the morning. Look what we've brought.

Look at all this good stuff.

Wait a minute, get your hands off that. What's the matter with you?

How many times do I have to tell you?

Come on, Granny. Move your bottom. Let me through.

Look what I brought for you, Poppy.

You happy?

It's all for you.

Reno!

- Let's get out of here. -What about Reno?

- Who gives a shit? - Come on, let's go.

You'll die, damn you!