Original subtitles

(Static white noise) (Logo popping)

(Phone ringing)

- [Editor] Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Who's calling?

Who is this? Hello?

(Line clicks) (Bright jazz music)

(Receiver clacks)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Typewriter clacks) (Paper rustling)

(Bright music continues)

(Doorbell rings)

(Birds chirping)

(Footsteps tapping) (Door opens)

- Yes?

What is you want? - You.

I have a manuscript here.

- But our firm is closed.

It's the middle of August.

Everyone's on holiday.

Hmm. I'm sorry, please come back next week.

- Precisely why I came. No one will bother us.

- But look here. I was just leaving.

I happen to be here by chance,

and I have an appointment too.

If you wish, I'll take it.

You can telephone.

- You expect me to leave it and telephone?

I don't think I've made myself clear.

(Suspenseful music) - What's that for?

What do you want? - Let's go inside.

(Door closes)

- Closed inside like this

without the air conditioning on,

and today must be the hottest day of the year.

(Air conditioner whirring)

- Sit down behind your desk.

Sit.

- And what if I don't wish to? - I'll try it again.

Now sit.

(Editor sighs)

- Will we be here long?

I have an appointment, I told you.

People are waiting. - That's not important at all.

You're here and you're staying here.

(Book slams)

- And now what? - You must read it.

- Right now? Here?

- I told you. Now read it.

- "Pension of desire." Hmm.

A hotel guide? - That's not funny.

Go on, read.

I won't say it again!

(Exotic music)

(Editor muttering)

I warned you. Now read it.

- But I am.

What else do you want me to do?

- I want you to read it aloud.

I want to hear it.

(Air conditioner whirring)

And I'll turn this damn thing off.

It bothers me.

- Oh no, this is too much.

Don't you think you're overdoing it?

Who are you? What is it you want?

(Hammer clicks)

Don't fire! Are you mad?

- Read now!

(Suspenseful music)

- All right.

(Editor breathes uneasily)

"From the windows of a taxi cab,

which is moving through the almost deserted streets

of a city, a young girl gazes intently

out of the side window of the taxi.

Her eyes sparkle with curiosity from behind a light veil.

Her name is Anny."

(Soft dramatic music)

- Pensione desiderio. Hmm.

Maybe the name has been changed.

- Oh, I wrote them and they answered me.

I know it's here someplace.

- There it is. You were right.

(Soft dramatic music continues)

The sign's next to the door there.

Well, enjoy your stay. - Thank you.

(Soft dramatic music continues)

(Doors creaking)

(Doors close)

(Soft dramatic music) (Footsteps taping)

(Bell ringing)

(Eerie music)

(Door slams)

(Paper rustling)

Is anybody there?

Is anybody there?

(Bright jazz music)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright music continues)

(Telephone rings)

- Yes.

- Mm.

My but you're early.

I didn't expect you until much later, my dear.

- It's the only time I could get here.

- Well, you're not alone.

Someone else is calling at the office.

Have you eaten yet? - No.

- There's never anyone here at this hour, usually,

except senor Redalfi. - Bonjour, madame.

- Don't you ever sleep?

- May I remind you, senora, that today is Friday.

- Yes, it's Friday, I know, - fourth Friday of the month.

- I know. And everything's ready.

I never forget you, Redalfi.

You can check it if you want.

- No, no, no. That won't be necessary.

Do you have any new arrivals for me?

- No, Redalfi, because we don't get any permanent guests

this time of the year.

You should know that by now.

- The lesson begins at 10. Buongiorno, signora.

Well, now.

I would venture to say that you possess a certain talent.

- For what?

- Dancing, ballet, movement. The language of the body.

I believe we'll see more of each other.

(Shoes tap)

(Eerie music)

- Mm, what does he mean? (Doorbell rings)

- Ah, he's a ballet teacher,

but he only wants girls as students,

and he tries to bed every one of them.

He's convinced he's irresistible.

- He's kind of old fashioned. Isn't he?

- (Chuckles) Even though he seems a bit foolish,

he's really very nice.

You'll like him. You'll see.

- Does senior Redalfi live here?

- Yes, he does, Anny.

(Eerie music)

Excuse me if I call you Anny.

I hope I'm not being too familiar.

- Oh, please do. But which room is mine?

- It's still so early in the morning,

the rooms are occupied or haven't been made up yet.

There isn't one available.

Oh, in the meantime, we'll go to the linen room

and get you a bath towel so you can have a nice bath

and you can relax.

You must be tired. - But I left my bag back there

in the entrance, by the desk.

- Oh, don't you worry about that.

I'll give you whatever you need.

- Thank you.

This place is enormous. I imagine it'd be much smaller.

- (Chuckles) Why?

- The taxi driver almost couldn't fine it.

- The address is clear enough.

Well, you're here now. That's all that matters.

Oh, Ines, get down from there!

This is the last time I wanna find you spying on that room.

If I catch you doing it again, I'll fix you

so you'll never have the desire to, you little tramp.

There are all the rooms to clean, the beds to make,

bathrooms, breakfast to prepare.

Now, get back to work.

I don't wanna find you in here again

and catch you spying anymore.

Now get out!

Go out and get the young ladies' bag

and take her to my room.

(Footsteps tapping)

I bet you'd like to see what she was watching, huh?

Come on then. It's all right.

Just be careful on the ladder, huh?

(Exotic music)

(Hands clapping)

(Exotic music continues)

(Exotic music continues)

- Who is he?

- A guest, you might say yes,

but he's always inside there working out, doing strange,

complicated, mysterious exercises.

And he's tremendously strong.

- Is he an athlete?

- In a way, he is.

I think he's a foreigner,

but I've never heard him say a word.

I think he's hiding from someone,

and he's also rather frightening.

Did you notice his eyes?

- But he's living here permanently in your pension?

- Uh, well.

- But he pays you to stay here in your pension?

- Oh, he pays, he pays me, Anny, he pays.

And more than I ask.

Now, let's get you taken care of.

I'll give you a bathrobe, slippers and a towel,

so you can get ready for your bath.

(Drawer closing)

Here. Get undressed.

- W-Where shall I undress?

- Oh, aren't you shy?

Come, go behind there.

I mustn't put off doing it any longer, I guess.

- What? - I must move the linen room

up to the front of the hotel.

- Why?

- Ines. I'm always finding her in here glued to that window.

She simply can't resist it.

- But doesn't he ever go out?

- Only sometimes for meals, but not very often.

He's a strange one, I told you.

Oh, look at this mess.

None of these things has been ironed yet.

Uh. What can I do with that girl?

She's good for nothing.

Can't even iron a couple of shirts properly.

And the worst of it is, she knows how.

Well, she just doesn't care anymore.

She got her head in the clouds,

thinking if god knows what.

I brought her here, she wasn't this way.

I can't believe how she's changed.

I think she's got a demon inside her.

(Clicks tongue) Uh, I have to do

everything myself around here.

Ah, you're undressed already.

Just be patient for a minute while I pleat this,

and I'll accompany you to the bathroom.

- Oh, don't worry. I can wait.

Or I can go by myself.

- Alone? Oh no.

You wouldn't be able to find it.

And besides, I have to get ready myself, Anny. Come.

- Doesn't anyone ever come to visit him?

- Visit who?

- The man in the room.

- Uh, the man in the room, the man in the room,

the man of mystery.

- What if he saw me?

- (Chuckles) Oh, you think he might have seen you?

- At a certain moment, he looked up.

I had the impression he was staring at me.

- (Chuckles) Same old story.

- What story? - Perhaps I did wrong, Anny.

Maybe I shouldn't have let you peep in that room

because it's upset you too much.

Yes. It's made you nervous.

(Door opens) Take a bath now.

You'll be right.

(Water running)

You like it? (Water sloshing)

It's my bathroom.

I'll put your towel here.

- Thank you.

(Salts pattering)

- Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you.

There isn't any key to the bathroom door, Anny,

but no one will disturb you.

These salts will relax you.

They're wonderful for this skin too.

I always use them.

The bath's ready now. You can get in.

You may stay as long as you like.

- All right.

(Container taps)

- Oh Anny, when you finish, come to the kitchen,

we have some special buns ordered at breakfast today.

I hope you'll like them.

- Thank you, signora.

(Door closes)

(Water sloshing)

(Water dripping)

(Eerie music)

(Eerie music continues)

(Water sloshing)

(Water dripping)

(Eerie music continues)

(Eerie music continues)

(Gentle music) (The landlady giggling)

(Both giggling)

(Gentle music continues)

(The landlady giggling)

(Both giggling)

- Uh!

(Both giggling)

(Both continue giggling)

(Both continue giggling)

(Gentle music continues)

(Phone ringing)

- Hmm. - Don't you move!

(Phone continues ringing)

(Editor breathes uneasily)

Maybe you'd better disconnect the telephone.

(Phone clacks)

- Hmm.

- Someone might come to the office.

- They'd find it closed and go away.

Read.

(Suspenseful music)

(Editor breathes uneasily)

Hmm.

- Wait a minute. I want to make you a proposition.

I want to buy your story.

Isn't that why you brought it to me?

Isn't that what you want?

I'll give you a million for it.

Two million lira. Two million, all right?

Are we agreed? Huh.

- I'll write you a check. - Don't move!

- Mm. Don't get excited.

They're only innocuous checks.

Don't be frightened. (Hand pats)

- You're the one who should be frightened.

- (Chuckles) Now then,

two million lira for it.

But, uh, whom do I make it out to?

What is your name?

- Are you trying to buy me?

- No, only to help you.

You're a writer, aren't you?

I imagine you have other stories in mind,

other projects, hmm?

This way, you could work on them calmly,

without worrying about, uh, financial problems.

Well, you can write your name in yourself. All right?

There we are.

Now we'll wait until the summer's over,

since this is the dead season and nothing happens.

Nobody's in town.

I'll be glad to give time in the fall to you.

And we can talk at that time.

(Inhales) I find you have a fertile imagination.

- You'd be to start reading again, finish it.

- Oh no, no.

Now that I've bought it, the story's mine,

and I'm the one who will decide to read it

where and when I want to.

- You mean you don't intend reading it. I know

you've got to finish reading it here in front of me.

Unless you want me to kill you.

- Hmm.

(Book taps)

(Pages fluttering)

- Now, read.

- (Sighs) "The corridors of the pension at that hour

were still deserted and silent

and seemed to belong to another world.

Out of place, out of time, an image seen in reverse,

a surreal painting, a labyrinth.

Where to find, find the way back,

one should drop pebbles like in a fairytale.

Curious and excited, her hair still damp from her bath,

Anny cautiously steps into the hallway.

From behind the closed doors of the rooms,

the first indistinct sounds of morning activity

can be heard."

(Soft dramatic music)

(Speaking in Italian)

- Uh, y-yes.

- Do you know what time it is?

- Oh, I think it must be around-

- thank you.

(Gentle music)

(Man humming)

(Razor scraping)

(Opera singing in Italian) (Man continues humming)

- Uh! (Gasps)

(Man continues humming)

(Razor scraping)

- What do you want?

Don't you wanna answer me?

- I was looking for the owner.

- Mm.

(Razor scraping)

Do you always go around like that,

dressed like little red riding hood?

- Oh, this isn't mine. She gave it to me.

(Razor scraping) - Mm-hmm.

(Opera singing in Italian)

(Man humming) (Razor scraping)

(Hands patting)

(Man humming)

(Hands rubbing and patting)

So tell me, who are you anyway? I never seen you before.

Is the owner a relative of yours?

- Oh no. I'm just a guest.

It's the first time I've been here. I just arrived.

- Ah. And you're new here?

- Uh-huh. Yes.

- If you want the owner, she's probably in her room.

Just follow the hallway around to your right.

It's at the end of it. She's probably there.

- Yes. - Have you understood, huh?

- Yes. - Good.

- Thanks. - Uh, just a minute.

You can do me a favor. Yeah.

If you see Ines, the maid here.

- Yes. - Send her in to me.

I need her this morning.

- All right.

(Man singing in Italian)

(Crowd applauding) - From the opera, "La Tosca"

by Giacomo Puccini.

You have heard "e lucevan le stelle",

the last selection on this morning's program,

"famous operatic arias."

(Exotic music)

(Exotic music continues)

(Dresser creaking)

(Exotic music continues)

(Exotic music continues)

(Exotic music continues)

- Signorina. (Anny gasps)

If you finished, your breakfast is ready.

- I was looking for the owner.

(Dresser creaking)

- Hmm.

(Footsteps tapping)

Your breakfast in the kitchen.

- But I don't know where the kitchen is.

- Then you can follow me. I'll show you.

(Footsteps tapping)

Mm. Sit here.

You want coffee or tea?

- Coffee with milk, please.

(Coffee and milk pouring)

(Spoon clinking)

- (Speaks in Italian) They're hot.

(Egg cracking)

- Uh.

(Eggs cracking)

Mm. Did you make them?

(Eggs whipping)

- You're damn right, I made them.

She only filled them.

- Who is she?

- She's my sister. The owner.

- The owner is your sister?

- (Exhales sharply) Yeah, she has the tits.

- Oh.

(Water boiling)

(Utensil clinking)

Are you preparing the lunch?

- Lunch?

But this is a snack for the man you were looking at.

He eats six eggs before lunch.

- Hm.

(Bright jazz music)

- Ah, my dear, anny.

I'm glad you're eating.

After that hot bath, you must be famished.

(Anny chuckles)

Well, fine.

The rooms haven't been finished yet and you're in here.

Now go and take care of them.

Go on. I'll take care of this.

(Bright jazz music continues)

Do want any more of these, anny?

- Oh no, thank you. I'm fine.

- Then I'll take them away.

(Cups clink)

This is Turkish coffee. Would you like some?

- I've never had it before then.

- Then try it.

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Coffee pouring)

- Uh, ooh. It's like sand.

- The coffee is ground very fine.

I'll read it. Here, let me.

(Cup clinking)

(Switch clicks)

(Eerie music)

A flower is changing.

And I see its petals are opening.

- Yes. - There's a veil.

Two men are holding it.

You'll find all you desire waiting in a far-off land.

(Eerie music continues)

Why don't you read it too?

- But I don't see anything.

- You have to gaze at it.

(Exotic music)

(Bell ringing)

Someone must be at the front desk.

Why don't you come along? Hmm?

I think the girls have arrived.

(Bright jazz music)

- Gosh, did you see Giselle on television last night?

- Oh yeah. - Wasn't she simply gorgeous?

- Oh, good morning, signora. - Good morning.

(Group chattering) - Hello.

- How are you today, girls? - Stingy?

You should be so stingy! - Has Redalfi arrived yet?

- He's been here since seven. - I have a right

to my opinion. - He's downstairs

waiting for you. - What's there to get?

- I didn't say it all. - I would love to.

- Tomorrow? - I can show you my new shoes.

- I'll take the girls down the studio.

Why don't you get dressed in the meantime?

Then I can settle you in your room.

(Group chattering) - Yeah.

- Come on, girls. (Group chattering)

Quiet. Don't make such a racket.

Some guests aren't awake yet.

- Well, listen, well do you even wanna...

(Group chattering) - They must be awake by now.

(Group laughing and chattering)

- I can fix it. - Yeah.

How many dresses are you going to have?

(Door closes)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

- Hey, where are my clothes?

(Exotic music)

Oh.

Oh.

(Exotic music continues)

Oh!

(Dresser clattering)

(Gentle music)

(Gentle music continues)

(Anny gasps softly) - This is my room here.

Come on. - Ah, good.

Are you sure nobody will bother us?

- [Ines] No, she's busy, anyhow.

(Door opens) (Ines moans)

Wait until I lock the door at least.

- Yeah. (Ines giggles)

- Hey, slow down. (Door closes)

- I feel like a tiger this morning. Rrr!

(Both laughing)

- Don't make so much noise. I'll soon tame you.

- Ah. - Let me get out

of my clothes. - Oh.

I've been like a bull in red all night waiting for you.

(Both laughing)

Come here. - Yeah, yeah,

but lemme get out of these first.

- [Man] (Chuckles) Oh, you're driving me crazy.

(Both laughing)

Ooh. Look at that.

Mm. He's getting angry.

- [Ines] That's the way he should be. (Laughs)

- Mm. Come here.

Let me kiss you.

(Ines moans and chuckles)

Mm. Oh, come on, Ines. I can't wait.

- [Ines] Yeah, but undress first.

Here, I'll help you. Oh. (Chuckles)

(Gentle music)

(Both moaning)

- [Ines] But don't start trotting right away.

Just a slow walk. (Moaning)

- Oh, a nice, long morning ride. Baby, huh?

(Both moaning) (Gentle music)

(Man laughing)

(Both continue moaning)

(Bed creaking)

(Both groaning)

(Belt rattling)

(Man groaning loudly)

(Gentle music continues)

(Both breathe heavily)

(Man snoring)

(Man snorting)

(Man snoring)

(Doorknob clicks)

(Door closes)

(Bright piano music)

- Looser. Relax.

Ooh, let it flow. Legs higher.

Good. Good, again.

Stretch, stretch them.

Balance. On your toes.

Good. Better.

One, two, three, four.

To the a. Two, three, four.

Up, up three, four.

Releve. Two, three, four.

Your arms. (Speaks in Italian)

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

Bend, two, three, four.

Bend, two, three, four.

(Bright piano music continues)

Very nice girls. Let's start over once again.

One, two, three. Watch your legs.

One, two, three, four.

Chest out, one, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three.

Down, down smoothly, smoothly.

The arms and legs move more slowly.

Elegant. Grace.

Hold it, stop. (Claps hands)

Five, six, seven, eight, five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

Faster. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

All together, positions.

(Bright piano music) Watch the tempo.

And one, two, three.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Keep in time. One, two, three.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

Smoothly. Wide.

One, two, three. Turn.

One, two, three. On your toes.

Wide. One, two, three.

One, two, three. Forward

one, two, three. One, two, three.

Turn. One, two, three.

Good. And now to the bar.

Now then. I want one of you.

You. Come here.

(Dramatic orchestral music)

(Soft dramatic music)

(Soft dramatic music)

(Soft dramatic music continues)

(Soft dramatic music continues)

(Dancers chattering) - Who's going

to see it again? - I haven't seen it all.

- Tomorrow? - I'll show you my new shoes.

(Dancers chattering)

(Dancers chattering)

(Bell ringing)

(Door closes)

(Soft dramatic music)

(Finger clinks)

(Finger clinks)

(Arrow whooshes and whacks)

(Soft dramatic music continues)

(Arrow whooshes and whacks)

(Arrow whooshes and whacks)

(Exotic music)

(Arrow whooshes and whacks)

- Ah, you're here, anny. (Anny gasps)

- (Breathes uneasily) Mm.

I was waiting for you.

I'm sorry, I heard a noise and I-

- here are your clothes.

After you've put them on, you can join me

in the dining room. (Arrow whooshes and whacks)

- Should I get dressed here?

- Oh, you're right.

I haven't given you your room yet this morning, have I?

Come with me.

32 is your room, anny. Here.

I'll be waiting for you.

(Eerie music)

(Keys jangling)

(Key scrapes)

(Lock clicks)

(Door opens)

(Door closes)

- I've been waiting for you.

(Bird whistling)

- What?

- Step forward. Come over here.

(Bird whistling)

- But, I...

- You've been sent here to me because,

because yesterday I read that letter that you wrote.

Do you deny it?

- What letter?

- You know what that signifies. Expulsion.

- Oh, don't do it. Please, I beg you.

- I have every right to.

If I don't expel you from this institution

then I have to punish you most severely.

You know that? - Anything you want?

- But you must never mention it to anyone. Never.

- Oh, never. - Get up.

- Come closer.

(Bird whistling)

Perhaps you're afraid of this?

- Yes. No.

- Don't fear it, but look upon it as a blessing,

it serves to keep you pure.

It's your body you should be afraid of,

instead you're not.

How big are your breasts?

- (Gasps) I don't know.

- Yes you do! Of course you do!

You mustn't lie, you mustn't!

Not to me.

Do you touch it?

- No.

- Get undressed.

(Bird whistling)

If the body is not curbed, it is like an untrained animal.

Desiring, demanding, complaining.

Get down on your knees.

Now I want you to tell me, what name do you have for it?

- For what?

- (Sighs) Don't try playing innocent.

You know very well what I mean.

- I don't know. I...

- You and your classmates, what do you call it?

- Uh, uh, the clit.

- Do you touch it?

Now you answer.

- (Gasps softly) Sometimes

- I want you to bend over.

Now look at me.

Do you touch others?

- Mm-mm.

- You allow them to touch you.

- Yes.

- And you?

You like touching yourself?

- Mm-hmm.

- Where?

All over?

- I don't know.

- (Sighs) You don't know, uh?

I'd say you know very well.

Confess it.

It's all written in your letter.

That's right. Bow your head in shame and ask forgiveness.

(Eerie music)

I want you to tell me everything.

Did you like it?

What did it feel like?

You mustn't hide anything from me.

You must make a full confession.

Don't make your situation worse than it is.

Set aside, pride and false modesty.

Open yourself without reserve, free yourself.

In this way, you will regain your innocence, your purity.

I want to help you.

(Eerie music continues)

(Sighs) Convince yourself.

The body's our enemy. Yet you indulge it, satisfy it.

You allowed it to dominate you. Oh, confess.

Tell your obscenities, impure thoughts,

your desires, everything.

Don't worry about your body, it's your enemy.

Strangle it and free yourself.

Deny it.

(Eerie music continues)

- Oh, phew. I'm exhausted.

Uh, that was some scene you just put me through.

- Yes, it was. - Mm.

- Listen. May I got up off the floor now?

Hmm?

(Editor groans)

(Sighs) Yes, I must say, I found it lustful.

Uh, lustful in an immature sense, I would say. (Chuckles)

Oh, uh, now, may I suggest

that with this heat in here,

that it would be better if we limit ourselves

to just reading your manuscript.

All right? Mm?

- That's something I'll decide, from time to time

and according to my mood. - Very well.

Very well. As you wish.

(Sighing) I don't know.

It's amazing how you manage to stay cool in this heat. Oh.

- I adore the heat, the sweat, (speaks in Italian),

and the buzzing of the flies.

Like in the film, "obsession."

- (Sighs) I don't remember any flies buzzing around

in any film of Visconti.

- I'm fast losing Patience with you.

I was only suggesting an image.

(Editor sighs) Now start reading again.

(Editor groans)

Here.

(Editor sighs)

(Pages fluttering)

- My throat's getting awfully dry.

- Yes, it's true. It's getting warm.

- Hmm. - On the other hand-

- on the other hand, there's the air conditioner.

That's what it's for. - No.

- Uh. - It disturbs the reading.

- Disturbs the reading. - And disturbs me.

- (Sighs) "The dining room at the pension

had something dated and it-"

- I think we'll have something cold to drink

and we'll both feel better.

- I'm afraid you won't find much in there.

- What do you offer your writers?

- Contracts? Don't you think it's efficient?

- And champagne to the better ones.

- Huh, god only knows how long that's been in there.

- Perhaps this is the right time to open it.

- Do you think the occasion merits it?

- It's nice and cold.

- Uh.

(Cork pops) - Oh.

(Writer chuckles) (Champagne dripping)

- Suppose to bring good luck, they say.

(Editor chuckles)

(Glasses clinking)

- Mm.

- Mm.

(Editor speaks in Italian)

(Editor exhales)

- You remind me of someone.

- Hmm? Who?

- The father of a man in my story.

The man anny meets shaving in the morning.

- And goes with Ines.

Do you really find that he resembles me?

- No, I suppose not.

But in a way, yes.

I would say you are less fatherly.

- Hmm. It's much better that way.

- Now let's get back to my story.

- Uh, at least we had a little break.

Uh.

- Just a moment, wait. - Why, what's wrong?

(Suspenseful music)

(Doors sliding)

Don't like the dark anymore?

- I listen from here.

- What for?

I'd be glad to wait.

- Before you were in a hurry.

Aren't you anymore?

(Door sliding)

Now start reading.

If you raise your voice a little, I'll hear you perfectly.

And don't you move or I'll fire.

You'd better be very careful.

You know, I have you covered.

- Yes, you have. You have.

- Page 127, second paragraph.

(Suspenseful music continues) (Pages fluttering)

- Hmm.

Mm. Uh.

"The dining room at the pension

had something dated and homelike about it.

It was like a dining room in an old middle-class home,

with dark, solid furniture dominated by a large table

in the center of the room.

Chinese prints covered the crimson colored walls,

and an ornamental plant stood before a shuttered window.

The decor was refined in a way,

but there was about it a sort of, uh, vulgar decadence.

(Eerie music)

Still feeling confused and a bit lost,

anny at length reached the dining room

and found the other guests already seated

at table having dinner."

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Excuse me. I guess I must be late.

- That's all right, my dear.

Sit down. Don't worry about it.

There's plenty of food, so take your time.

(Eerie music continues)

Well now, this is anny.

- We've met before.

- My pleasure.

- Oh, chanteur.

(Eerie music continues)

- Ines will serve you your dinner now.

She's been keeping it hot in the kitchen.

As you can see, we've almost finished dinner,

but we'll be more than happy to stay

and keep you company while you dine.

Oh, after dinner, it's so pleasant to linger at the table

over dessert and coffee and chat.

It's become a habit with us, you know?

I'm sure you'll like it too, anny.

(Utensil clinking)

Well now, Ines.

Must miss anny went any longer before you serve her?

Well?

(Footsteps tapping)

It pleases her to wait on table.

It's her only chance to parade, I guess.

It's her moment of glory.

- Oh, that's because she's young.

Vivacious. You have to understand her.

(Drink pouring)

- Escalope de veau and fresh string beans.

- Eh, it's excellent. I can tell you.

- It looks delicious. Mm.

(Utensil clinking)

- You seem very hungry.

- Oh yes. Very much so.

I haven't had a moment's rest all day.

- But you have all afternoon to rest now.

Have you finished there, Ines? Ines!

Please hurry.

32 still needs arranging.

Now you go there right now.

Go on.

Maybe I should play some music now.

- Oh yes. Some music would be very nice.

It's just what we need.

- It won't bother you?

- No, not at all. - How could it bother her?

It will help celebrate the arrival of this lovely young lady

who has graciously come here to stay with us.

(Bright jazz music)

- It's funny, when I hear this old tune, I'm carried away.

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Music fades slowly)

(Footsteps tapping)

(Footsteps tapping)

(Candelabra taps)

(Chain jangling)

(Doors closing)

(Exotic music)

(Exotic music continues)

(Exotic music continues)

(Exotic music continues)

(Anny gasps)

(Exotic music continues)

(Anny groaning)

(Anny moaning)

(Traffic whirring)

(Horns honking)

- Oh.

- "How long had she slept?

Anny remained a few minutes in an indolent half-sleep,

still in the grip of the emotions experienced

in her erotic dream.

The sounds of the morning traffic,

which had begun to increase, brought her back to reality.

At length, the taxi pulled to a stop

and the driver announced that she had reached

her destination, pensione desiderio.

(Pages fluttering)

(Soft dramatic music)

(Hammer clicks)

Don't do it.

(Trigger clicks)

(Soft dramatic music continues)

(Gun thuds)

(Pocketbook thuds)

(Hat taps)

What is this change in you?

What's going on? Will you please tell me?

Didn't you plan to shoot me? (Chuckling)

- Instead, I prefer to shoot anny

because that girl doesn't interest me anymore.

In fact, I'm tired of the whole story.

- Uh, hmm. You're right.

Perhaps we both played our roles too many times.

Maybe it's not as exciting as it was at the beginning.

We memorized it by now. (Chuckles)

Hmm.

(Bright jazz music)

Huh, it oughta have a new finale

or a new premise entirely.

- Weren't you amused? - Oh, I was.

Yes, very much.

But not only to please yourself, but please me.

Why don't you write another?

- Write another story? - Mm-hmm.

And your plotting couldn't be easier.

- Pff. What are you getting at?

- Oh, nothing, nothing, nothing.

You're the writer. You are.

- Mm, plotting, mm?

You'd be surprised.

- Mm.

(Bright jazz music continues)

(Static crackling)