Original subtitles

Third lot today. That's gonna cost.

How can he afford it?

- Who are they? - Messengers.

He's sending out letters...

him upstairs, Mr. Casa-bloody-nova.

- What sort of letters? - I don't know.

They're going to Venice.

Urgent, he said, some sort of panic.

Hey, bit of luck, he might be in trouble.

If he gets the sack,

I'm gonna kick him all the way down the hill.

You just watch me!

(laughing)

There you are.

I had to sneak away. I saw the horsemen.

I've written to the Grimani estate...

the summer house, even the convent.

One of them's bound to reach her.

And it's a minimum of two days...

a day to reach Venice and a day to return.

I could hear from her by tomorrow.

Well, you won't prove anything standing out here.

Come back to your room.

It's freezing.

Come now.

Here we are.

Now, sit down and rest.

You shouldn't go exerting yourself. You look worn out.

You've only seen me by candlelight.

I'll remember that when Henriette arrives.

I look better in the dark.

We can't know for sure that she's still alive.

It's only something my father read.

The moment you said it, it made sense.

And I've been hiding in this castle.

She'll think me long since perished.

And you never told her where you were?

I deserved to be forgotten.

Why? What did you do?

All right, what's changed now, then?

Henriette's a widow, and for my part, I found you.

Oh, yes, me. I'm the answer to everything.

What have I done?

You brought me back to life.

Ah.

But I've only had half the story. I want to hear everything.

Then come back tonight.

EDITH: Couldn't get here any sooner.

Here you are. I don't think anyone saw me.

And the cellar's almost empty...

the steward's men are drinking it dry.

Whole place is running wild with the master gone.

Oh.

Two cups.

- One's for me. - I like it.

Gives the impression we're dining together.

- It's just a drink. - Indeed.

Get on with the story.

Where were we?

Leaving Venice wasn't the end of my life.

I fled the city, and my new life began.

I was a fugitive,

an outlaw, exiled from home,

stripped of money and possessions and title,

with only my wits to help me survive.

Morning.

- You look like shit. - What? I look like you?

Watch your lip, commoner.

Giacomo.

(Chuckles)

Oh, I must be stinking.

I don't think I've been followed,

but we must hurry.

The whole town is talking about your escape.

You can take the carriage.

This is all the money they would allow me to withdraw.

It's not much... 500 zecchini.

- Is that all? - They know I'm your patron.

You could post me money,

- send it by messenger. - Giacomo, they're watching me.

You've endangered all of us.

There you go, commoner. Eat up.

And you owe me for that. I'm keeping a tab.

Where will you go?

There is a chance...

The Venetian ambassadors abroad

have the authority to pardon you.

They could clear your name,

- and you could come back. - What for?

Henriette's married... I've lost her.

You seem to be forgetting you're innocent.

You deserve to be pardoned.

Come home, Giac.

There's an ambassador in Paris. That'd be good.

I fancy a bit of France, yeah...

the girls, the food, the vino collapso.

- You'd come with me? - No, you'd come with me.

You're the criminal. Carry my bags.

Thank you.

- Ah, don't get soft. - No, but thank you.

Thank you.

And I'll make it work, Rocco.

We'll go to Paris, the two of us, together.

Um...

That's the three of us.

You're not coming, surely?

Me? No.

No, I'm not. Uh, it's, uh...

They named him after you.

Giac,

this is your father.

ROCCO: Casanova and son.

His mother was Teresa Caccioli.

She died on Easter day, and the boy was brought to me.

Last request was that Giac should know his father.

How do you know that's me? She could be lying.

- She was a nun. - Oh.

With the mother dead, the convent was forbidden to keep him.

Can't he stay with you?

I represent the Church.

It would bring scandal on my house.

I'm on the run. What sort of upbringing is that?

Better than living on the street.

I would rather he was safe in the hands of a very clever man.

Teresa Caccioli? Caccioli...

Do you know what she looked like?

She was a nun.

Well, there's a lot of nuns.

A lot of you.

I suspect there are a hundred bastards with your features.

You're lucky you're only saddled with one.

And maybe this is what you need.

Someone more important than the next conquest.

All those disasters. Is that the way to live your life?

No.

It's the grace of God, a chance to start again.

You can help the boy, educate him.

- Yeah. - Inspire him.

- Yes. - Impart your wisdom.

- Yes. - Make him a man.

Yes. Absolutely, yes.

- Did she leave me any money? - She was a nun.

Well, then.

This is nice.

Here we are.

♪ The wheels on the carriage go 'round and 'round. ♪

Giac, we're going to Paris.

And Paris is the capital of... ?

France.

I'll be testing you on this.

That's my name; people call me Giac.

- Can we change his name? - No.

Lorenzo? Or Caesar?

Marco? Stefano? Giovanni?

- Alison? - (Chuckles) No.

He looks nothing like me.

(Sighs)

Are we there yet?

CASANOVA: We traveled across Europe,

borrowing money and stealing clothes,

arriving in Paris at the celebrated court of King Louis XV.

Right, I need a title. What's my title?

- You haven't got a title. - Well, let's make one up.

Um, what was the name of that river we passed, the Seine?

Seine... Seinemonde...

Seinney... S...

Seinafix? Seingalt...

Seingalt. Yes.

I shall gain access to the court as the Chevalier de Seingalt.

- Monsieur. - Merci.

Just, just wait there. Just...

stay.

Seingalt... not heard of it.

- Is that a significant territory? - Enormous.

And where is it, exactly?

Well, it's not so much a place, more of a state of mind.

Now, sir, all I require is an audience

- with the Venetian ambassador. - Delighted, sir.

- You speak very good French, by the way. - Thank you.

- How's my accent? - Well, Italian, obviously.

But the ladies might like it.

Now, sir, it is my pleasure to welcome you

to the royal court.

Wa-hey! Vive la France!

- Oh, you're so handsome! - Yes, I am.

- What's your title? - Chevalier de Seingalt.

Oh, Seingalt, I've been there. It's lovely.

Oh, it's super in the summer.

Oh, my goodness, you're handsome.

- Yes, I am. - What brings you to Paris?

I just need to see the Venetian ambassador.

At your service. Oh, bugger me, you're handsome.

Yes, I am, and no, I won't.

Oh, damn it. Never mind. How can I help?

My name's Giacomo Casanova, the Chevalier de Seingalt,

and I just need a favor. Could you possibly...

Call that handsome?

Oh, my Lord! Bellino!

- I'm in Paris! - So am I!

Look at you.

To think, I knew you when you were a boy.

Oh, Giac, it's glorious, I'm such a success.

And don't think I'm not grateful. It's all your doing.

Oh, I was just a passenger.

You had a talent all of your own.

I'd still be in hiding if you hadn't found me.

Now I'm singing on every stage and celebrated across Europe.

- And you? - Oh, I'm fine.

Everything's marvelous, yeah.

I heard about what happened.

Takes more than prison bars to stop me.

About Henriette.

Was she worth it?

Yes.

I'm sorry.

Yeah.

Still...

you can move on now.

That's what you've always done.

Oh, sweetheart.

I wish there was something I could do,

but I've simply got to go!

I'm due in Naples, of all places.

I've got 17 engagements, and it's all so busy... it's super.

You'll be fine, Giac... I'll say a prayer.

But I don't know anyone else... can't you stay, just for a bit?

I haven't even packed yet.

Oh, if you knew my schedule.

(Chuckling): They're naming a horse after me!

- Oh? - I'm sorry.

Don't forget me, Giac.

Wait a minute; did you say Casanova?

The man who escaped from prison?

- Climbed over the roof? - That's me!

Oh, sweet Lord. You're famous!

They've written librettos about you and everything.

Look, it's Casanova!

- Climbed over the roof? - That's me!

Gosh, you're much taller in real life.

Look, it's Casanova!

- Climbed over the roof? - That's still me.

I need to pop back to Venice,

just a little bit of business, that's all,

and, well, I thought that you could grant me a pardon

- and clear my name. - Gosh, that would be nice.

- Can you do it? - Impossible.

But I'm entirely innocent of every charge against me.

Oh, that doesn't matter... you're just too famous now.

Your name's a liability.

If I forgave you, I'd lose all credibility. Sorry.

But I... I've got to get back, it's...

- Climbed over the roof? - Oh, for God's sake, yes.

Am I to understand that you've falsified your way

into the court of King Louis XV when you are, in fact,

a convict, a criminal, and an escapee?

Time was, you'd have lied your way in there

and they'd have made you king by now.

Lost your knack?

It's different now; I've got to be legitimate.

I'm a father, I've got responsibilities.

Where is he?

Giac!

Heel.

It's my duty to earn a living

and to earn it honestly, for his sake.

I come second now; it's all for him.

My father was a fool and a cuckold

and died when I was seven.

I won't let Giac down in the same way. I'll set an example.

No, more than that... I'm an inspiration.

- A father is the god - (yells)

of a child's world.

That's what I am to him... the creator.

Plenty of fathers in this situation would

despair and send their child up a chimney, but not me.

I will find money, and I will support that boy.

(Screaming, dog barking)

All I need is one good idea.

Stupid bloody money... these French are crazy.

They should have the same coin everywhere,

right across Europe, much easier.

Giac?!

Where is he now?

(Screaming, barking in distance)

The way I see it, you got to look at your options.

To earn an honest living, ask yourself this:

What are you good at? Hmm?

One: music.

You could write for the opera, play your fiddle, sing.

- Doesn't pay that much. - Hush now, that's one, okay?

Two: teaching.

You can do languages and sums and things.

You could be a tutor.

Think about it. Three:

- sex. - Well, actually, that's number one.

Find a wealthy widow, get rich at the altar.

So you decide. What's it going to be?

One, two, three.

Go on, choose one of them.

Your choice, lucky dip,

one, two, three?

Pick a number.

Go on, pick a number.

One...

(distorted): two...

three.

CASANOVA: Don't you see? It's a brand-new scheme.

It's like a lottery.

In fact, that's what it is, a lottery,

right across the nation, a national lottery.

What would you call it?

- I don't know. - The king could make a fortune.

With ten percent for me.

And you could even give some of the money to good causes.

Oh, to hell with that.

But do you think people would actually play?

You've got to be in it to win it.

And just think, it could be you.

By God, Casanova, let's do it.

Release the balls.

(Overlapping shouting)

(laughing)

(tinkling)

(laughing)

You invented the lottery?!

You don't believe me, and it's on public record.

- (Chuckles) You became a millionaire? - Oh, yes.

Well, then never mind the law, or the ambassadors.

That's enough money to sweep back home

and claim Henriette as your own.

Except, while I made my fortune,

the rest of the world didn't stand still.

Court circulars would arrive from Venice,

and with them, came the news.

Henriette had borne Grimani a child,

the one thing that would keep her married always.

My money meant nothing.

Henriette would never risk the safety of her child.

She was further away than ever.

(horse snorts)

Look at this, Giac!

Now you can be proud of me.

Maison Casanova.

25 staff and a ballroom and a library

and a room just for the wrapping of presents.

We've got everything.

Isn't your old dad clever?

Isn't he?

Oh, yes, he is.

And look, your father's written a book.

You see?

It's the story of my time in prison.

It's a bestseller; isn't that good?

And look at this,

it's a lyric by Voltaire, and it mentions me.

Voltaire is famous and clever and, well...

actually, I can't stand the man, but isn't that good?

My name.

Don't you think?

Yeah?

And look, look, look!

Look at this.

I've written an opera for singers with a lisp.

It's almost entirely devoid of the letter "S."

Isn't that clever?

Giac, aren't you proud of me?

Oh, yes, you are.

Tell me you're proud, go on.

Giac!

Tell me you're proud.

(Grunts softly)

Anyway, Father's a very busy man.

I wonder if he's an idiot.

I talk and talk, and he gives me nothing back.

Well, maybe if it wasn't all about you.

Well, I don't know anyone else.

Give him some food, there's a good chap.

I've really got to go. I'm a very busy man.

Doing what?

French lessons.

Un, deux, trois,

quatre, cinq, six, sept,

huit, neuf, dix.

Soixante-neuf.

Ménage à trois.

***

And repeat.

- (Both laughing) - Now then, Giac,

the best way to learn is by repetition.

(Grunting)

- (squeals) - Un, deux, trois, quatre...

WOMAN: Look, everybody, it's Casanova

and little Casanova!

Oh.

He's the very model of me; every home should have one.

WOMAN: He's got little cuffs and everything.

Look at his lips. He's a perfect little doll.

Actually, most women prefer big Casanova.

WOMAN: It's true. He puts the "cheval" in chevalier.

Now, Giac, I don't think you've met everyone.

This is Count Edoardo Tiretta.

He's one of yours; he's from Treviso.

Madame de Gergy.

Oh, and this is Mademoiselle Viarmes.

Oh, I say, this looks like fun.

What's going on?

It's an execution, a private showing,

just for us, an exclusive.

Who's the prisoner?

That's Damiens... you must have heard of Damiens.

He's become even more famous than you.

How dare he!

(laughing): He tried to assassinate the king.

Ooh, everyone's a critic.

So what happens?

They're going to peel off his skin with pincers,

but they keep him conscious, so he's fully awake

when they chop his torso into four,

and then he's burned.

Gosh, you'd think they'd invent something faster, a bit more...

ROCCO: Excuse me, sir. Perhaps I should take Giac inside?

Oh, but he can't miss this.

Shame on you, Rocco.

You're always saying I don't do anything for him.

- It's beginning. - (Metal tools clanging)

(man screaming)

(screaming intensifies)

(agonized screaming)

- Dead. - (Screaming)

All of them dead.

(Screaming)

- Executed. - (Screaming)

Every single person I knew in that city is dead.

Slaughtered by the Revolution.

And I was almost one of them.

(Sighs)

I sometimes think...

perhaps the people of France

first began to revolt when the lottery changed their lives.

Peasants could equal their masters.

If I hadn't invented that game...

So...

you caused the French Revolution?

It's a hypothesis.

What about the Thirty Years War? Did you start that?

I'm only suggesting...

Did you really invent the lottery?

(Softly): Yes.

I haven't got over the fact that you made up your own title.

My title would have had me

decapitated if I had stayed in Paris.

But long before the bloodshed, I'd devised my own downfall.

I'll see yours...

and raise you 10,000.

I'll see yours,

and raise you a hundred thousand.

Then declare.

Ooh.

(Shouting)

Take that, we're going.

Come on, hurry up, pack your stuff.

We've got to get out of here... this is private property.

Well, of course it is; it's your house.

Ah.

You lost it gambling?!

No, no, no, no, no, no, not the coach, not the coach.

That's not mine anymore.

Hurry up. The bailiffs are coming!

You gambled away millions?

Better hurry up. I gambled away my teeth.

- Your teeth? - I've got nice teeth!

You lost your entire fortune?

(laughing): Every penny!

(laughing)

I've got nothing, Rocco,

absolutely nothing.

- Isn't it brilliant? - Do you know, I think it is.

We're pioneers, we'll start again!

To the horizon and beyond! Giddy up!

Hey, whoa, aren't you forgetting something?

I don't own anything.

I've got nothing to... Oh, yes. Bollocks. Giac!

Come on! It's playtime!

CASANOVA: I'd reinvented myself before,

and I could do it again,

so we set out for new territory.

England!

In the reign of King George II.

This blessed plot,

this sceptered isle, this England.

- What do we think? - Bloody freezing.

Yeah, that's one thing. What else?

Giac, anything?

Anything, Giac?

Then pay attention, both of you. English lesson.

The currency's different here. They spend guineas.

Scratching in public is forbidden...

that's for you, Rocco... but not that.

Look over there, observe.

- (Splashing) - That's disgusting.

No, that's England. They don't piss in doorways like we do.

They do it right out in the open.

ROCCO: These English are crazy.

And the food tastes different.

I'm told the milk is terrible.

Oh, and a lot of the men are homosexual.

That might have something to do with the milk.

It might not. Now, then, I've got just enough

to pay for a carriage to London. That's the capital city, Giac...

London... and apparently, the transport's marvelous.

All the carriages are clean and punctual and fast and safe.

It's the envy of Europe.

Now, let's have a thing. I've still got French coins.

We need to get them changed.

I think you go to the... the customs house.

And then I've got contacts in London... a Mrs. Cornelys.

She's the daughter of an actor I once knew.

She can give us lodgings.

She has an address in, um, Soho Square.

And failing that, there's a...

there's a...

coffeehouse called the Prince of Orange.

We could apply for rooms.

(Panting)

Henriette!

(Panting)

Henriette!

(Panting) Henriette!

(Panting)

(gull cawing)

(mouthing)

(mouthing)

(mouthing)

EDITH: But what was she doing in England? Why was she there?

Her family was in Venice. What was she doing?

Did you ever find out why she was there?

Yes.

What the hell was she doing here?

ROCCO: Well, one bit of good news.

According to the ship's manifest,

she wasn't traveling with her husband.

So what's she doing here without him?

There's no good asking me.

Let's get on a boat and follow.

She's just across the Channel. Why not go and get her?

She wasn't in black,

so Grimani's still alive. She's still married.

Well, that's never stopped you.

She's a mother now.

She'd honor her children and their home above anything.

Grimani just keeps on winning.

It's not as if he loves her.

He only married her to punish me.

But why England?

You see, you're sitting here

trying to work out what a woman's thinking,

which means you'll sit here till the crack of doom.

Bollocks to it! Think of Giac for once.

It's about time you found him a proper home,

and I don't mean this dump, I mean Venice.

Remember why we came here?

Go to the English court,

find the Venetian ambassador, ask for a pardon,

and take that boy home.

What do you think?

Yeah.

Well, shift your arse then, come on.

Never lose your heart, Giac.

Don't let them take it.

(Dog grunting)

Here we go again, same old routine,

blah, blah, blah. I'm the Chevalier de Seingalt, etcetera, etcetera.

Your Lordship.

As they say in these parts, ta.

The Chevalier of where?

- Seingalt. - Not heard of it.

Is that a significant territory? Where is it exactly?

- Its boundaries tend to wax and wane. - Oh, I'm not really bothered.

It's all abroad, isn't it? Never been, couldn't eat the food.

You speak very good English, by the way.

- Thank you. How's my accent? - Hilarious!

Now, sir, it's my pleasure to introduce you

to the royal court.

I must warn you, Mr. Newhouse,

the English have a fine old temper.

We're governed by our lusts.

You might find us rather racy.

Stand by.

I know.

Some of the gentlemen are wearing breeches

cut above the knee. It's just insane!

Avert your eyes.

And I'm told that Miss Kitty Fisher

has taken to drinking tea with lemon!

That wildcat!

And don't look over there,

but I think someone's inventing the sandwich.

(laughing): Oh, you must think us giddy fools.

Ambassador, someone to see you.

Casanova.

Signor Grimani.

This man's a convicted criminal.

I should have him arrested on the spot.

"Should" being the operative word.

Since England has no treaty with Venice...

as the ambassador well knows...

in this country, I'm a free man.

Have you put on weight?

Congratulations on your promotion.

It's entirely deserved. I've worked hard.

Nothing to do with your father being on the Council, then?

Who said that? What a terrible thing to say!

So where's the missus? Not with you?

She's returned to Venice.

Really? Without you?

How could she possibly bear to do that?

The children didn't take to the climate.

Besides, the schools aren't up to scratch.

And there's a new assembly in Venice she wanted to visit.

Blimey, that's a lot of reasons.

Between you and me,

that sounds like a woman who wants to go.

Nothing wrong, is there?

My marriage is none of your business.

And yet I think of nothing else.

And that is your curse.

Might I ask, what are your plans while in England?

Oh, I thought I might...

Because I've heard about your exploits abroad.

It's the same pattern every time.

You charm and flatter and lie through your teeth

until idiots throw money at you.

Let me tell you, Casanova,

you won't find it so easy here.

I have considerable influence within the English court.

I can demand an audience with King George II himself.

So go on,

try your tricks.

And you will fail.

I'll see to that.

You're just dying to kiss me.

Chancellor!

I've finished here.

Make sure this man leaves the grounds.

I'm happy now.

Oh, God. And why are you happy?

'Cause I've got an enemy. I love that.

Only good people have enemies.

Yeah, that's a great consolation. No money, no bed, no friends,

but you've got an enemy.

Giac, memorize this phrase...

your father is a knob.

- Oy! - Shut up, knob.

- Your father is not a knob. - Prove it!

All right. I'll show you,

and I'll show Grimani at the same time.

What have I got? Nothing.

No, hold on. My watch. Solid silver.

Sell the watch, what do I get, ten guineas,

15? That's not bad.

That's enough to rent a house for two weeks.

That gives me two weeks to turn my fortunes round.

I can do it! What have I got?

What have I got? Townhouse, two bedrooms,

dining room, kitchen.

Two bedrooms?

Two bedrooms. Two bedrooms!

Rocco, we're going to advertise!

I'm subletting one of the rooms.

- That won't make us much. - That's not the point.

I'm advertising for a woman.

Not for my own favors.

I just want her living there visibly.

A woman... on her own...

with me.

But that's unheard of.

Oh, yes!

Put the notice on the front door

where everyone can see it.

"To let... a furnished room for one lady alone."

Let it be seen!

Let people read and comment and whisper and pass it on.

Let the whole of London talk.

Gossip can work its magic and set society ablaze.

Casanova, the man who advertised for a woman!

And here they are!

(Chatter and laughter)

(laughter)

Now then, Pauline,

can I ask why you need this room?

I find myself regrettably unavailable

on a temporary basis, sir.

And I should need to avail myself of your...

kind offering

on this particular happenstance because...

- because I do. - Your husband?

Is away.

Where is he away?

Unfortunately, he's at war.

Oh.

And what war would that be?

- The Punic Wars. - Punic Wars?

God bless him.

The Punic Wars ended around 150 B.C.

He's been gone a long time.

I put it to you, Pauline,

that you have, in fact, many husbands.

Every night.

That for all your airs and graces,

you are, in fact,

- a prostitute. - (Gasps)

Is that correct?

(Cockney accent): Oh, bollocks.

You've seen through me like witchcraft, you have.

Pauline,

you can move in today.

You've gone barmy.

You've installed a whore in the spare room.

What good is that going to do?

Rocco, let me tell you about the English.

They like rain. They like gravy.

They like warm beer, masturbation,

romantic fiction, and above all else...

... they like scandal.

I'm the Italian with the whore,

they've never seen anything like it.

(Louder): Hello, delighted, yes.

(Quietly): London is talking of nothing else.

I'm in the newspapers every night.

The landlord has stopped charging rent,

he's delighted to have his residence made famous.

Mrs. Cornelys.

Sweet lady. The local merchants are sending wine

and fruit and meat, free of charge,

simply on the off chance I might

mention their products in public.

(Louder): Lord Bosanquet,

don't forget to blood me at the hunt!

(Softly): And I'm invited to every single party,

ball, soirée and tea-dance from now until Christmas.

- (Louder): How are you, Pauline? - Bloody lovely, mate!

(laughing)

You see?

It's practically the distillation of my life so far.

I've become famous simply for being outrageous.

And you can make a living out of that?

Rule Britannia.

If I'm honest, I did find Venice rather small.

Rather too wet and a little inbred.

And the men are sort of gnomish, but hush now, shush...

there's the Venetian ambassador.

Oh, Lady Harrington,

will I see you at the Vauxhall Gardens on Sunday?

Oh, no, sorry, shush, sorry.

Not everyone's invited, are they?

Restricted guest list, sorry. Won't say a word.

CASANOVA (laughing): Oh, no, really. Stop.

It's too much.

Oh, my saints.

Oh, look, the ambassador chap.

Grimani, have you met the King?

Georgy, Georgy, this is your man from Venice.

Really stop it. Stop it.

Oh, ho, ho, ho.

Oh, you cheeky man.

Where were we?

I'm busy.

Oh, yes, I was penniless and friendless.

And you were going to have me driven out of town, that's it, yeah.

A letter from Henriette.

Sending me her love.

With tales of the children.

Our son and daughter,

the family Grimani.

Who writes to you?

Can I read it?

Oh, you see the puzzle is...

if I were married to Henriette,

and separated by hundreds of miles,

then I'd do anything to be with her.

To hell with the job, I'd resign.

I'd walk barefoot.

Yet you seem decidedly static.

Why is that, do you think?

I don't suppose you're having problems?

In the marital bed, perhaps?

Dare I suggest, on your side of the bed?

A bit of trouble with the old... (whistles).

If you need advice, I'm very good.

How could you possibly advise me?

You're a conman, I'm an ambassador.

I have a wife, you have whores.

I have children,

- you have a bastard. - Look, if you want a measuring contest,

I'll drop my pants right now and I'll win.

You talk like a pervert.

No, I'm just not scared of what's down there, that's all.

Tell me, is cock-fighting illegal in this country?

'Cause that's what this is.

You sound more in love with men than women.

Men, I understand.

I know what men think about.

All day long.

Those stupid little inches

driving you mad every waking hour.

I know exactly what's going on in your head.

"Is it big? "

"Is it big enough? "

"Is it hard enough? Will it work everytime?"

"On demand?" 'Cause that's the only thing.

That is the only bastard question.

"Am I any good in bed?"

"Is every other man better than me?"

"Is every other man bigger and faster

and longer and

deeper and harder? What am I doing wrong?"

"How do I find out, 'cause no one ever talks about it?"

No one ever says,

"How can I ever find out what I'm doing wrong?"

Ask.

Me.

I challenge you.

All right! I accept.

CHANCELLOR: This is strictly forbidden.

- You're both in contravention of the law. - We're going, right. We're going now;

just leave it and walk away.

- To the death. - Oh, yes.

Then I take that as a formal acceptance.

But why are you doing this?

You've dishonored my name.

No,

that's not it. What am I missing, what is it?

CHANCELLOR: Dueling within the boundaries

of London is against the King's law.

Any man caught engaged in such activity

can expect the maximum penalty,

the death sentence, no less.

And outside the boundaries?

Oh, fire away.

Then we'll meet.

Outside the city.

Put your house in order, Casanova,

and I'll provide you with the time and location.

And a pauper's grave.

I don't care if they call us cowards. ***

We can get to Dover by this afternoon.

I'm not running.

You provoked him, it's your own fault.

You shouldn't have brought Giac, he shouldn't see this.

***

I thought it might give you something to live for,

your own son.

But that makes sense.

Oh, shit.

Don't do it.

I have to find out why.

Why what?

Gentlemen, present yourselves.

Choose your weapons.

Pistols, I'm a very good shot.

Why though, Grimani?

That's what I don't understand. Why are you doing this with so much at stake?

- Why? - Your choice.

That'll do, nice color.

Now why would you endanger yourself?

You're the one that's in danger.

MAN: The distance is set at 20 paces.

But it doesn't make sense.

Because anything could happen.

I am a good shot. I could kill you,

and you'd never see your wife again.

If I were married to Henriette,

I wouldn't risk dying, no matter what anyone said.

- Some things are more important. - But they're not.

Absolutely not. Nothing in this world is more important than...

Oh, my God.

Oh, you poor bastard.

You don't care.

If I kill you, you don't care

because she doesn't love you.

I never thought.

You actually love her.

You always have.

And you married her, thinking she'd change.

She'd love you in the end.

All these years you've been hoping.

Oh, Grimani.

- I could have told you so much. - She was mine first.

That's what everyone forgets.

I was with her first and you just strode in.

Yeah.

How did you... ?

All right, I'm asking you.

How did you make her love you?

What did you do?

The fight's over.

Let's just go.

20 paces.

I'm not doing it.

I'm not, I'm not going to shoot.

All right, it's all my fault.

Grimani, I'm trying to help you.

If you're that much in love with her,

if it's driving you insane, then I know what it's like.

We're both the same.

I'm not going to fight a man who loves her this much.

(Shot fires)

No.

(Groans)

It's my hand, it's my hand.

It's only my hand. Oh, Jesus.

God, but you're an idiot.

I lied about the location.

What's that for? Do you feel better now?

This land is within the city boundaries of London.

This combat is illegal, punishable by death.

I have diplomatic immunity, you have not.

You've broken the law, Casanova.

You're a fugitive again.

Run.

- Run away. - And you go back to a loveless wife.

Exactly...

you keep running, I'll keep waiting, just as it was.

Neither one of us can have her.

Instead, we have each other.

(Groans): Oh, God.

Well, you didn't think I was going to die?

Well, no.

Still aches now.

It served me well, this scar.

I developed quite a routine over the years.

I would show it to the ladies and ask them to kiss it better.

Who'd fall for that?

This hand was a blessing.

We crossed back over the Channel,

heading for Poland to find another ambassador.

But the wound wouldn't heal.

I was in a fever.

As we traveled north, the hand became infected.

My blood turned to poison.

And that's a blessing?

In the end, yes.

Everything I'm hoping for now,

this hand proves it.

(Shuddering)

No wonder it's hurting. Don't hold it so tight.

- Oh, for God's sake. - Sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry.

COACHMAN: If you soil the compartment, then you pay for it.

If you can't pay, you're out.

- Where are we? - Saxony.

Where's Saxony?

Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

INNKEEPER: If you want another night,

you're going to have to pay in advance.

- I haven't got any more money. - No money, no room.

ROCCO: Look at the state he's in. I... I can't move him.

This must be the patient.

No prizes for that. Stand back, let me look.

- Who the hell are you? - I like that. You can pay for a maid!

She's not mine! I never seen her before.

Voices down, thank you. We're not in the marketplace.

- How long has he been like this? - (Gasps)

Days now. I don't know.

He won't eat, he's not...

I'm sorry, but who are you?

He needs clean bandages.

You there, bandages.

A bed sheet will do as long as it's clean.

And water, lots of cold water, if you could.

I'm not here to fetch and carry...

I think you'll find you are. Hurry up! Chop, chop!

What have you been giving him?

Mercury pills.

- That's for the pox! - It's all we had.

Evidently, I got here just in time.

Now, I don't want to move him, but I have to.

This place is riddled with damp.

Open the windows, get some air on his face.

- I can't pay you for this. - Windows!

Careful now. Gently!

Who lives here then?

No one. The owner was killed in the Austrian war.

It's been in the hands of lawyers ever since.

The caretaker's been told to keep away for the duration,

so we won't be seen, no one will know.

But don't touch anything.

Don't steal anything!

You, boy! Make yourself useful.

I've never seen such a misery.

Give them a hand.

You should be singing.

I never told you...

the crystal, the lens,

the ti... tiny little lens...

I took it. I stole it. I'm sorry.

I can't see him. Where is he?

(Groans)

(convulsive groaning)

I've given him a preparation of sudorifics.

There's nothing more I can do, except wait.

I'm not employed to provide miracles.

That would be, employed by... ?

(Unintelligible mumbling)

(mumbling)

(shallow breathing)

(mumbling)

(sighs)

(sighs)

(birds singing)

Hey.

All right.

(Screaming)

CASANOVA: You little bastard!

Come back here! Giac!

You no good little bastard midget!

He's back.

He needs a good few days rest.

Don't let him exert himself.

Now then, about the house.

It's empty till the end of the month,

and then the caretaker returns.

I want you out before he comes back.

Leave nothing behind.

Is that you done, then?

I won't stay where I'm not needed.

End of the month, out.

Yeah, but listen,

- if it hadn't been for you... - I know.

End of the month.

(Door closes)

Malingerer.

- You all right? - Yeah.

You dirty dog.

- Did you sleep with her? - With who?

With the nurse?

Thanks a bunch, I can do better than that.

Come on, you must have done.

Charmed your way into this place while the master's away.

I don't know who she is. She doesn't even work here.

It's some sort of favor or something. I don't know.

These Saxons are crazy.

She turns up, saves your life,

off she goes. No payment, nothing.

God knows where she's from.

- I thought you might know. - (Shattering in distance)

Giac! Christ, the two of you!

I've got my hands full.

(labored breathing)

(groaning)

(carriage creaking)

That's how I know she'll come now.

She did before.

- She could always find you. - Yes.

- Wherever you were. - Oh, yes. Watching over me.

I had to take extraordinary measures to hide myself.

But why, though?

Something more must have happened.

It did.

In Naples.

That's where I discovered what had really been happening

for all those years.

Maybe some things shouldn't be said.

Giac.

I don't think anything could shock me.

Not after what I've heard.

You'd forgive me anything?

I think so, yes.

- Why? - Because

I've heard your version now.

I know what you're like.

- You understand me? - Yes.

Edith, if the book were closed,

would you stay?

Would you?

(Wind whistling)

- If you want. - And what then?

- Don't. - You were drawn here by my reputation.

That's how I'm remembered. A man obsessed,

luring innocent young maids to my bedroom.

But I know that's not true.

You're a maid in my bedroom.

But you're not like that.

I'm Casanova.

I didn't come for that.

I told you, I'm saving myself.

When you first came to my room, I asked you if you wanted me.

- And I said no. - And then you stayed.

And then came back.

Because you can hear it.

The blood in your head.

I know.

My father died, and...

I've got to work all day.

I've got to do so many things.

I'm still a child.

I don't want to be a child anymore.

And then you find me.

Yes.

Plenty of young men out there.

But they're not...

I want someone who won't laugh at me.

Well...

That was easy.

What was?

Seducing you.

(laughs)

- Come on, now, don't. - That's it.

Simple. You're mine.

Excuse me, I don't think so. I...

You just offered yourself.

I was just... speculating. I...

- (laughs) - Oh, that's not fair, Giac.

- I told you not to laugh. - But it's funny.

And if you don't think so, you don't want this.

You don't think I'd actually...

That's absurd.

- You're ancient. You're not even... - Don't deny it.

- Oh, I was testing you, that's all. - I had you.

And you believed it! As if I'd...

Do you think I don't know when a woman is mine?

I have had them all!

Every woman, every age, every color.

In every position.

I've staggered through the world,

driven by this stupid, bloody,

ruthless thing.

And don't pretend you're any better, child.

That's what you came for, that's what you want.

Giacomo Casanova, just as the legend says.

And the legend stinks!

Do you want to hear this?

Do you really want to know?

Do you imagine a virgin girl is ready for this?

Because if you can't take everything, then get out.

Get out!

Get out!

Get out!

Get out!

Get... out!

(Wheezing)

(crying)

(sniffling)

(wind whistling)

(birds singing)

Why do I have to empty all the piss?

First of all, it's cook, then the steward,

and then I've got to go all the way upstairs and do him,

the librarian.

That's not proper work.

You want to leave him alone upstairs.

They shouldn't send young girls to his room.

- Why not? - Why do you think?

Take my advice and stay away from that one.

Suits me. It's less work.

Is that his chamber pot?

- Well, it's not mine, is it? - But that's blood.

COOK: Why should we worry?

I'm not going up there to leech him, am I?

- But he's ill. - It's nothing to do with us,

and besides, the doctor's been and gone long since,

- when was it? - This time last year.

Nothing to be done.

He's old!

EDITH: But all the same. There are surgeons in the city.

All he needs is a priest now.

And I'll tell you something for nothing and all.

Where's Mr. Casanova bleeding from?

Down there.

Very common complaint for a man,

'cause you know what causes that, don't you?

- Friction! - (laughter)

Men.

They're all the same.

Rubbing away, can't leave it alone.

(laughter continues)

(horse neighing)

(hoof beats)

(horse sputtering)

"To be delivered direct to the hand of Giacomo Casanova,

the Chevalier de Seingalt."

- The what? - Chevalier!

We got a Chevalier upstairs!

Giving himself titles, the old fraud!

And getting private messages.

Isn't that grand? You wait.

I bet he expects us to fetch and carry.

I'm not carting that all the way upstairs.

Bollocks to that.

This time of night, we're off duty.

Mind you, old Giacomo upstairs...

ever looked at his clothes?

All that stuff stored away.

Either he's either nicked it, or he's had a hell of a past.

***

COOK: What's he gone there for?

STEWARD: Don't ask me. I don't even know where it is.

North, I think.

And still you come back.

I don't see why a bastard should starve.

And I think this proves I've the better manners.

There was a horse earlier.

Someone came to the yard.

Did they?

Now, you should drink this.

It's a drop of valerian. Might do you good.

I told the steward, if anyone came...

a letter or anything...

he should send it straight up.

Well, there you are then, no letter.

But there was a horse.

It's nothing to do with me, anyway.

You'll wait a long time if you're expecting an apology.

If I scared you away, it was entirely necessary.

No, actually, I think you were the one who was scared.

And now you're going to tell me why.

Tell me about Naples.

I warned you.

If Henriette's coming to take you away,

then the kitchen girl deserves to hear the full story.

If it's so awful, I need never see you again.

You can start.

You have guts.

I said start.

We kept wandering...

over the years...

from court to court...

Dresden, St. Petersburg, Madrid...

trying to pardon my name.

Get to the point.

Rocco died.

(Exhales heavily)

He just caught a cold.

I survived bullets and fever and curses.

He caught a cold, and was dead in six days.

(labored breathing)

Buried in some little town that no one's heard of.

I didn't even know him.

But you did.

Rocco Scapino.

(Taps book)

He's in here.

You didn't deserve him.

That's what it says.

We kept on going,

Casanova and son.

Making money, losing money.

Never stopping.

More women.

Though less and less as the years went by.

And then came Naples.

(Rumbling)

Every single ambassador had refused me,

but a Venetian procurator had retired to Naples.

He would have the power to forgive,

if only I were brave enough to approach,

but no carriage would take us there.

(Rumbling)

The citizens of Naples lived in the shadow of Vesuvius.

The mountain burned as if God intended to destroy the city for its sins.

The perfect place

for me.

(Rumbling)

God, you've brought me to some places.

We're going to choke on sulfur.

- Oh, stinking! - I wrote ahead.

They promised me lodgings.

Anyone there?

Can you let us in, anyone?

This is useless!

Looks like you've cocked it up again. Typical!

Hello?

Is there anyone?

WOMAN: Casanova?

Yes?

Follow me.

(Rumbling)

(murmuring)

If you need food or drink,

you can have anything you want here.

Just ask.

Absolutely.

This is very kind, but

- I don't think we've met. - If you'd wait here.

Maybe this place isn't so bad after all.

Now then, I saw her first.

God, the stink of ash. Smell that!

The procurator must be mad staying here.

One big bang, the whole city's gone.

(Man shouts)

(crowd chatter)

(glass breaking)

(laughter)

(applause)

Oh, my, Lord.

Bellino.

- Destiny. - Again.

My God, how many years?

Look at you. It's almost supernatural.

- You haven't aged a single day. - No, no, no, careful, not the face.

It's a special preparation. Smoothes out the skin.

It's acid!

Uh, Giac, I told you about Bellino. She's famous.

She was a man, a castrato in disguise.

Oh, my God, and Paris.

Oh, and you married!

I read about you. I saw your name.

You'd be proud of me. I married a very wealthy man.

All of this is mine.

And my daughter, Leonilda.

Oh, and this is mine.

This is my son, Giac.

As handsome as his father!

An improvement, I think.

And he's just as cheeky!

I don't believe it. We've got so much to catch up on.

So much gossip!

The children will get bored.

Leonilda, there must be something more entertaining.

Find something for Giac.

- My pleasure. - And mine.

Handsome boy.

So tell me, how are you?

- Still the same waistline. - I can see!

That's hard work, let me tell you.

But of all the places to live!

Bit unfortunate, isn't it?

With the volcano and everything.

Oh, but that's the point! Anything could happen.

At any moment, the whole world could explode.

Don't you think it's thrilling?

Well, there is that, yeah.

Um... I should warn you.

I'm sure your daughter is perfectly capable,

but she'd better keep her wits about her.

Like father, like son.

Small of the back.

(laughs)

(both laughing)

Shame on you!

All those travels, and you never met Mozart?

Actually, I wrote my own opera.

Oh, that's so sweet,

but while Mozart's writing, who needs anyone else?

(Sniffing)

Dazzling! Try it. It's from China.

No, I'm fine, thanks. Maybe later.

60 ducats just for this.

To think, I was once so scared of extravagance.

Do you remember?

Now I barely even notice.

That's true nobility. You made it.

And what about you?

Oh, I'm fine. I'm sort of...

tired.

- Still running? - Yeah.

It's been such a long time.

I wanted Venice, I wanted a woman I could never have,

I wanted...

I don't know.

I think the journey took over in the end.

I had this manservant,

I had this friend, and he died.

(Distant rumbling)

I never even stopped.

Kept going.

When I first met you, I had such promise, didn't I?

I found success.

I stole your life.

Thief.

I've got everything I want.

- Can you imagine that? - Oh, I was rich once.

That's just money. I mean, everything.

Imagine it, really...

having nothing left to want.

Ever.

But you...

You kept on chasing and reaching out

and missing and chasing again. Maybe that's better.

Oh, I don't think so.

Look at you... you've got a home, and a husband and...

He's dead.

I'm sorry.

Ah, everyone dies.

(Sniffs)

He was a brave man.

Accepted everything, even the scandal.

He brought up Leonilda as his own,

and never condemned me for having a child out of wedlock.

She's yours, Giac.

Leonilda's your daughter.

20 years old. Consider the date.

No, I don't doubt you, but...

God.

Oh, but she's beautiful!

If I'd known, if you'd sent me word...

(giggles) Isn't it fun?

- Is it? - It's a surprise!

(laughs)

Well, I suppose, but...

My daughter.

- Why didn't you tell me? - Giac, you were in prison.

Oh, my fault again.

That's wonderful, but I suppose, um...

Yes, I think I'd better warn my son, actually.

- Why? - I think he took a shine to her.

- I thought so, too. - Well, then.

Does it matter?

- Of course it matters. - Why?

- Because it does! - Oh, Giac, Giac, Giac,

you've been out of society for too long.

Anything's possible now.

Um, do you know where they went, Bellino?

Where are they? Do you know where they went?

Oh, don't you see?

I only became famous for being radical,

and this is extreme!

Um, I'd better have a word. I'd better, um...

Giac doesn't waste time.

Like father, like son. I think I should...

What the hell is going on here?

We're all going to die.

Giac, I need a word.

Sorry, but if you could...

(Casanova panting)

- What's going on? - GIAC: You should know.

You're always boasting of your exploits, so why keep it private?

You never did.

Giac, I need to talk to you. Alone right now.

Leonilda, could you excuse us?

It's all right. I know.

- LEONILDA: I told him. - You did what?

Feels the same as any woman.

All right now, the joke's over. Just stop it now.

Come with me, Giac, come with me.

- Both of you, just stop! - This is what you taught me, Dad.

Take it, wherever you can, whenever, with anyone.

I never taught you that. I said no such thing.

I saw you.

I was watching.

LEONILDA: The man who'd try anything.

That's what you're famous for.

That's your legend.

I'm talking now. Hush.

Good girl.

Don't do that. Oh, for God's sake,

just don't, Giac, just don't touch her.

It's not like I love her.

It's just sex.

That's what you said: "Never lose your heart."

That's not what I meant.

But it must be.

'Cause here I am.

And if you're getting old and can't get it up anymore

then I can do it for you.

I'll keep it going, the Casanova name.

Unless...

Do you want to join in?

(Clucks tongue)

(echoing slam)

EDITH: Where is he now?

God knows.

In someone's bed.

He's still out there, somewhere.

And he isn't the only one. How many of my bastards

are roaming the world using my name?

That's how Casanova will be remembered.

But that's not you.

That's exactly me.

The seducer and the monster.

When you read the stories,

isn't that what they said?

But the stories are wrong.

I didn't read you every page.

Woman after woman after woman.

Giac showed me what I was.

And this time I didn't need the law to condemn me.

I exiled myself.

I used the stories and invented endings.

It said that I was murdered in Catalonia,

that I froze to death in Russia.

That an angry husband stabbed me in the heart.

And it worked, you thought I was long since dead.

- Isn't that right? - Yes.

And Henriette must've thought the same.

I came here,

a tiny little village where no one had heard my name.

And I disappeared.

I wrote this story as penance, and now

- I'm going to burn it. - Don't!

- It has to be done. - Oh, but you can't.

- Reduced to ashes. - But you can't, Giac.

It's the one thing that tells the truth.

You talk as though anyone cared.

I do.

I thought I could die here.

In silence.

But now there's Henriette,

and right at the end, I've been given a chance.

Let me burn it and start again.

What if she doesn't come?

- She will. - But he's in there.

You told me last night there was a greater love.

Above Henriette, someone you loved best.

And I know, Giac, because I loved him, too.

That man.

That stupid, daft man and all his adventures.

Don't burn him.

You'll never control what people think of you after you're gone.

Very few men can hope to be remembered at all.

At least you've written that.

There was...

I don't know...

I don't know the right thing to do.

(Breathes deeply)

Giac?

Oh, my God!

Oh, sir!

Don't move.

It's all right.

I'm here. It's all right.

It's all right.

(Birds chirping)

WOMAN: "I regret to tell you that my mother, Henriette Grimani,

died just six months ago.

She was 70 years old

and passed away without pain or discomfort.

But I feel compelled to reply to your letter

because she spoke of you often, sir.

After my father died,

and respecting my father always,

she told me many stories.

And in every story, there was your name, sir.

She told me that you disappeared.

That there were many stories about your death

which she never believed.

And she never stopped looking, sir.

She would have wanted me to tell you that.

She never stopped looking."

(fire crackles)

Keep still, now.

What if she finds me like this?

Good, then I can get some sleep.

If you wrote to her...

tell her

I'm not well,

she might hurry.

You can do it yourself,

soon as you're up and about,

now hush.

If the steward finds you

in my room,

you'll be sacked.

And you'd get your reputation back.

Besides, I'm better than this place.

As soon as you're better, I'm going.

Where?

I don't know, just...

out.

What will you do?

I might surprise you.

Have some adventures of my own.

Break a few hearts.

And you will.

I think I'll choose something just out of reach and run.

(laughs)

(wheezing)

Just lie still.

Where is she?

All my life,

running and chasing

and reaching out and missing,

just missing, every time.

What if she doesn't get here?

What if I miss?

Right at the end?

You'll make it worse. Just stop it.

Where is she?

She's coming, Giac.

I swear, she's coming to be with you, right now.

What if she's not?

I swear to you, she's coming.

- You can't know that. - I can.

I know absolutely.

Because she sent me.

It's too late for stories.

She did.

She sent me here to the castle

to look after you, just like she did before.

- That can't be true. - Believe it.

I'm telling the story now.

And you listen.

When you disappeared

she heard all the stories about your death.

But she never believed them, never.

Does that sound like her?

Yes.

And she never stopped looking.

She wants you to know that, sir.

All her life,

she never stopped looking for you. Isn't that her?

Yes.

She'd never stop.

And never forget.

Because she never stopped loving you, isn't that right?

Yes.

And she found you,

just as you found her.

And she's coming, Giac, she's running.

She's coming to be with you.

Right now, I promise you, she's coming.

Henriette.

She's on her way.

She's almost here.

(Moans softly)

She's here.

- Synced and corrected by chamallow - - www.addic7ed.com -