Original subtitles

Don't go.

Close your eyes.

Don't go.

It was the best day in my life.

Helen.

You've promised me to close your eyes whenever I leave.

A bit late, isn't it?

Where were you?

Can I enter?

Go change and then we'll have a word...

Go!

She...

...won't she?

Wait.

No necktie again?

Come on. You know I want you to be well dressed.

Go and change.

I'm fine.

Business is good tonight, eh?

Yes

Is the 'princess' back?

These news tricks she's been playing lately aren't of my liking at all.

When the joint is open all of the girls should be here.

She just arrived.

Did she go up with a customer?

She's up to change.

You mind the rest of the girls, and leave her to me.

I'll fix her good.

What are you doing standing here?

Go on and dance.

Go.

You too. Shake it a bit.

Me?

Did you ask your mom?

I'm an old customer. Don't you remember me?

Come upstairs.

Not me.

My friend. It's his first time and...

My my my.

And your such a nice boy.

Come.

Let's go upstairs.

Come.

You'll wait for me here,ok? Don't go.

There are people waiting for you.

I've been waiting a long time, but you're worth the wait.

Girls! Cheer up!

That's it! Let's do good business tonight.

Because tomorrow that's your birthday my boy we'll close early.

Why are you looking me that way?

Don't you like it?

Hey.

I'm talking to you.

Oh yes yes I like it.

Come.

Come near, so I can help you.

Come

Do you want to kiss me?

Everything will go fine.

Mary!

Hurry up!

There are people waiting downstairs.

Do you love me just a bit now?

Yes

Will you come back?

I'll come back.

When?

Tomorrow.

Hey Mary!

Hurry up.

The Lebanese guy is waiting.

Alright, I'm coming.

I have to leave now?

If you want to stay...

Will it get you into trouble?

I'll say that you paid double.

But, you know...

Nevermind, I'll pay it.

No, no, that's not it.

My friend is waiting downstairs.

Alright then, no harm done.

Some other time.

What's your name?

Angelos.

Are you from Piraeus?

No, from an island.

Do you work on board?

No, ashore.

My uncle is a blacksmith.

You live alone?

No, with my uncle.

You want a cigarette?

Let me offer you one.

Thanks.

Don't you smoke?

Why, yes.

Mary, the Lebanese will leave. Did you hear me?

Yes, I've heard you alright, I'm coming down.

Your name is Mary?

Yes Mary.

That's how my sister is also called.

Then you'll love me even more.

So?

You'll be back, eh?

Yeap, tomorrow.

Goodbye.

If you don't have money, don't worry you can give it whenever you have it.

No, I'll have.

Even if you don't have, come.

Goodbye.

Mrs. Mary

Bye.

Mr. Angelos.

How did it go? Fine?

Yes, nive, very nice.

Well done, lad, do visit us again.

We have raised generations of lads!

What are you doing inside? Are you dead or alive?

There is a crowd waiting downstairs!

Alright alright, shut it up, you're getting on our nerves.

But we must also satisfy the other customers, they are human, too.

Oh, won't you stop it!

What a scold the madame is.

Like my wife.

Now that I'll go home...

She'll start questioning me on where I was and what I did.

And she'll smell like kitchen.

But who gives a dime? I'll find consolation by remembering you.

It was nice, wasn't it?

On Sunday, I'll be here again.

What's this one looking at?

Turn him away so he doesn't look.

He's disturbing the customer.

Anything you liked, you did it.

Leave now! GO!

Good evening.

Good evening.

Do you like my present?

Swear to me that you won't sell it.

No way, but I'm still broke.

Let's dance.

Hi.

Anna!

Why don't you come downstairs to pick a customer?

Don't hold grudges!

You'll take as many customers and whoever I like.

Understand?

Let me go!

If I leave and come back as a customer...

will you want me?

Listen...

Tomorrow is my birthday.

there's going to be a party

I wouldn't want none of the girls to miss it

understand?

Hey, what are you doing there?

I'm picking up water.

What for?

I want to give you a present from the skies.

You'll get a cold. You're crazy.

I love you!

Get cover you'll rain yourself.

I'm not afraid of rain.

What does that song say?

"It's raining, raining, raining...

...in your little hand...

...save just one drop of love for us to bring"

In my country when we want to show our love for a man...

we give him a fistful of water.

And when he drinks it?

He bonds to our love for the rest of his life.

How nice is the rain on your lips!

Would you like to die?

Not tonight.

How nice it would be

to come under the rain and slowly to melt away.

Every drop of rain takes me away from you...

without any pain or thought...

and when the rain is over...

you'll be gone with it.

My love, come out of the rain.

At times I think that you could be a ghost...

you come and go...

not knowning where you came from...

or where you're going to.

And most times you come at night.

But I am a ghost!

Do you know who become ghosts?

Who?

The dead.

Who want to supplement the life they didn't live.

That's why I want you to love me a lot.

So to come back quickly.

It's you who doesn't want to love you as I much I feel for.

There's a whole bunch of mysteries bugging me...

and every time I ask, you...

When I was little I asked about anything.

Nowadays I don't ask about anything.

It was you who told me that you're from Alexandria and you came here to study.

You also told me that your name was Peter.

And I know once I saw you

I felt like I found a lost dream from my childhood.

That's how I also know that you're called Helen

you're from Romania

you've got green eyes and brown hair

while little you played at the banks of Danube

and every time a red ship came by, you shouted:

Take me with you! Take me!

Peter?

Yes my love?

Do you know we've carried away and are walking under the rain?

Look!

Our little chapel.

Do you ever go at church?

Not anymore.

But I would some day to go again...

if my faith recovers.

Do you know that it was in this journey that I missed you the most?

Hey Marina! Hey my lad!

To you boys!

To you, Michailos, cheers.

Thank you my friend George, may you stay well.

Thank you guys.Cheers.

Has it been long since the princess went off?

I didn't see.

Where are you going Michael?

I'm escorting the guys out and I'll be back.

ok

2 o'clock

Soon the princess will be back.

Who's that girl?

We call her that, because she is so stuck-up

She is a Romanian refugee.

She got hooked up with a fake painter in Salonica, a first-class pimp

after he had his fun with her, he then bounced.

He left her in our next door hotel waiting

and went to Marseilles saying he'll be back to marry her

But why bother? He wasn't the first one.

And how did she end up here?

Well, would my Michael get her away?

Don't listen to her captain

she's drunk and doesn't know what she's talking about.

The captain is one of us!

There's no need to hide from him.

While she staid in our hotel waiting we fed and took care of her.

To pay us back she had to work.

And so we do a good deed and took her by our wings.

She is so tip nosed

not a single time has she sat with us to eat

When we close she walks the streets.

That's a lie. I followed her one night.

Only one?

She goes to the Piraiki street and sits alone.

She stares at the moon...

She's fooling outdoors, that's what it is.

You stop that, ok?

There we are.

Handsome man, isn't he?

What's this?

Oh it's the guy who fled to Marseilles!

Oh here's there love!

"My first love never fades away...

never leaves my heart

my first love never fades away...

it shines on the skies..."

Helen! Helen!

Who are you?

You forgot me?

I don't know you.

It's me Mario, come.

Mario!

The cops! A raid! A cop's raid!

Hit 'em! Hit 'em, police officer! The old sluts who ruin our work.

Go inside!

Why my dear?

I said go inside.

There you go! I offered to get a license to work by the book but you didn't listen!

You wanted to go freelance and no worries.

Get out of here you slut, to hell!

Please, please let me hide, the police are after me.

The police huh? Go to hell!

So that the place will clear.

I beg of you, don't throw me out!

They'll catch me and cut my hair!

It was the first time I hit the road for a customer, I swear, please.

There we go again, you all say the same thing "it was my first time". To hell with you stray bitch!

Please don't let her kick me out.

Police is coming, hide!

Hide here.

What are you doing bastard?

Shut up! I know what I'm doing!

Is it 'cause you fancy her?

SHUT UP!

A girl hid here, which one is she?

Why are you in disguise?

We beheaded Dracula...

Where is the one that hid here?

No one came here.

You stop it.

Police officer, I told you no girl hid here.

The girls are our own, from the house.

Cigarette?

Your papers!

Oh, officer.

you worry too much for a handsome man!

Here are the papers

All approved and stamped out

I never had trouble with the police

Which one is Hara?

The girl here.

She's got a mouth too!

It's me, police officer.

Do I look like the photo?

She is wearing a hat, that's why she's different.

Go on Mary wear a hat so the man can recognise you.

Georganta.

I'm here!

Who's Nicolescu?

She's is daydreaming at the window!

Georgiadou.

I'm Georgiadou.

I don't look like the photo 'cause I had black hair then...

men prefer blondes.

Anyhow, police officer, you have to admit that you're in a decent house.

So tell us, for the love of your mother, sir, are they going to close down the 'houses'?

Yes, it looks like you're putting the shutters.

And what will we do then?

Take your papers.

Thank you.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

I'm going to the hotel to see what happened with the raid.

Hurry up so to inform me too.

Goodnight!

Goodnight.

Bye bye.

Did they leave?

He went to hell.

Its time for me to leave isn't it?

Well you can stay if want to...

Can I?

I'd like to stay here for the night. Please. My home is quite far from here.

Aglaia got caught, it's her apartment and she only has the keys.

Please let me stay for tonight.

You want to stay here?

Only for tonight.

Oh why not? We are all humble and God will judge us.

Thank you, thank you!

Don't listen to her you fool, she just wants to get your papers done and sell you.

And what's wrong with that?

You listen good...

go make your bed 'cause I have quite a lot to sorten out with you

Good for her that she let her know what's coming for her.

What did you say?

If only I was told when your Michailos came after me

maybe I could be elsewhere.

You shut up!

It won't be morning till your 'papers' are all ready.

God damn you, little tramp!

You better take care 'cause the old days are over. It's not like then when I held you as precious.

It's not about her

I have to get new girls in the 'house'

or else that's it we'll close down, god damn you!

On the one side you and the on the other the ice cold Princess

you send all my customers away.

Well what do you know.

Madame Despo is begging us to go at her joint.

She is giving us double and will let us keep our tips.

Good riddance then!

Go to hell, so I can do my work as I fancy.

Do you want to stay, my dear?

There! You're listening?

Let her drown, for all I care.

If only the captain wasn't here tonight I would show you...

Don't judge her hard, she is a fine piece.

I forgive her only for you.

Good night, madame.

I'll see you in the morning, we sail a bit late.

Let's go to sleep also.

Goodnight.

There that's my fine girl!

Goodnight my precious.

Sweet dreams.

You fancy the little one?

Let's go in!

Stop it or I'll bounce.

Come on my Antoine, I want to sleep together tonight.

Off you go then, you're playing hard to get?

Catherine beat it too.

You'll clean up in the morning.

There's not much time.

It's morning already and we have the job inspection agency tomorrow.

Take care to shut the doors tight and the lights

you can cope with one light.

So little girl, let's go.

We'll rest in our bed and before we go to sleep we'll talk a bit.

You want to?

I do.

Are you hungry?

We've got everything.

No I'm not hungry.

Come then.

What's your name?

Mirsine.

Oh what a pretty name you have.

You see how nice we are here?

Katerina!

Don't forget to warm up

water so my little one can take a bath

Waiting eh?

Good for you.

Having nothing to wait for is the worst.

What happened with the young one?

She is with madame in her room.

sign:"Helen"

sign: "Anna"

Don't play with fire, let the other girls do what they like.

But I didn't say anything, she got all mad...

Strange girl that young one, eh?

I just only tried to explain how things are and she ...?

Never mind, that's how people are, everywhere the same.

We sailors see much...

She is a kid, she isn't even 16 years old.

Forget about her.

You want some?

No I had my drinks for tonight

and you should stop also.

Go to bed now as you're sailing tomorrow.

and tell me about one of those nice stories you know.

He who travels sees and knows much.

DIfferent worlds, different people

I remember once in Cape Town...

Did anything break?

No, nothing.

So, what happened in Cape Town?

Is everything ok, Anna?

Oh how nice it is.

You like it here?

Of course.

You're a smart girl.

It's different when you have your own room

to work like a lady in a safe house

rather than wandering around the streets...

one time you'll be chased by the police

another one customers won't pay...

I assume you don't have a boyfriend?

For God's sake, no.

Good for you!

I was right about you, you're a smart girl.

You will go far.

Do you have underwear and stuff?

No worries.

Tomorrow morning we'll go and shop everything.

And then we'll make the papers at the police and you'll see how nice it'll be with us.

Thank you, thank you.

That's how I started too.

I didn't have a single pair of knickers to wear,

not a single pair.

These days however I'm all into silk.

That's what I'm going to wrap you with, silk, only pure silk must touch you.

Step aside from her.

Hello Captain.

Hello to you too.

Is the voyage long captain-Nicola?

To India.

One or two more destinations and then I'm done with the sea forever.

- You're dropping the anchor forever, right? - Exactly!

- Good morning, Captain. - Good morning.

What's the use anyway?

I'm all alone in the world and I have no place to anchor myself.

Nice ship, captain.

Yes, it is.

Yet, I often muse about not having set up my own family, Anna.

Are you considering anyone from the island?

No! I wouldn't know how to treat her!

I'd have a son now, 6 feet tall!

A son...

He would go to school and then he'd become a mechanic...

...or a captain.

- How is it going? - We're ready, captain.

Let's get it going!

Anna!

I was standing at the wheel and thinking about it all the time.

I've known you for ten years.

...and, come what may, I have feelings for you.

What do you think?

Where does this staircase lead?

What do you think?

I don't know...

It's not that easy, captain Nicolas.

Where does this staircase lead?

Climb it!

Well, Anna?

What do you think?

It would be good for both of us.

Time goes by.

When people get old, they are like sinking ships.

No, captain.

It's so good to have a child.

What's the point of living childless?

But it's too late now...

...for the two of us.

I'm looking for something else.

It would be easy for me to marry somebody else.

It's not the same, though.

I have developed feelings for you.

You know my habits and I know yours.

I believe we can make it.

Have a good voyage, captain.

And don't hold it against me.

As you wish, Anna.

I have a small gift for you, as a keepsake.

At least, I want you to accept it.

Thank you.

I brought you water in my hands...

...to quench your thirst...

...as your lip is bitter...

...and as your heart quenched its thirst...

...you were too quick to move on...

Such bitterness...

such thirst...

such pain.

and not even one thanks.

I brought you bread and honey...

...and clean sheets...

...and the beat of the heart...

...and you didn't give me your hand...

...and you've left, swallow.

Such bitterness...

such thirst...

such love.

and a sea of desolation.

Who is it?

It's Anna!

- I need your help. - Come and sit.

Who else could I speak to?

Forgive me about yesterday.

We didn't mean any harm...

we just wanted to laugh a bit.

Never mind.

Do you want me to play the guitar for you?

I just remembered another song.

'You hid your hair from my field'.

Later!

Now I want you to listen to me.

I'm coming from the harbor.

I went along with the captain to his ship.

This is his last voyage.

Well, while we were aboard, he asked me to marry him.

He says that he wants a son.

He wants me to be the mother of his son.

Congratulations, my dear!

I'm so glad to hear it!

Still, I didn't accept, I said no.

Why?

Because I have a son already and nobody knows it!

Only you and I know it!

He goes to school...he knows nothing about me and he mustn't know anything.

I'm confiding in you because I trust you... because I want you to help me.

Swear that you won't tell anyone!

I won't tell anyone, Anna.

Calm down.

Come on, now, don't cry!

Aren't you ashamed?

All the same, I suppose that if you told the captain yourself...

I ran to him but he had already left.

Then I thought to myself maybe it's better he left.

Every man wants to have their own child.

- Anna! - Yes?

Why don't you write to him?

Listen.

Pireaus, 23 November.

Captain...

You asked me to marry you...

to take me as your wife...

a loyal wife...

and I said no...

but only God knows how bitterly I felt the moment I uttered that 'no'...

you were saying that you wanted a son...

and I thought about my own son.

If what you are in need of...

and what my son is in need of, can coincide...

I'll stand by you both, as the best wife and mother.

I can't find any other words to say at the moment. Anna

Hey, kiddy!

Come here!

Take this.

Thank you.

Good evening.

We are closed today.

No, no, I didn't come for...

Is Miss Mary here?

Miss Marina!

The lad here asks for Miss Mary, is she upstairs?

Yes, she's upstairs!

Come in, sir, Miss Mary is upstairs!

Fancy that! Miss Mary, Miss Marina and Miss Mirsini!

Look at you, less than a month here and you outsmarted us all!

Yes?

Yes?

Good evening.

We don't work today, sonny.

Tomorrow, sonny, tomorrow! We are closed today.

As you can see, I'm getting ready to go out.

Alright, Ms. Mary.

Goodbye.

Hold on a minute...

You don't say so!

You are...

Angelos!

Angelos!

Where have you been all this time?

That's how you learnt to treat girls?

Come on in.

So, Mr. Angelos...

Why didn't you show up?

You know, my friend...

...well, my uncle to be specific... - It's okay, you don't have to tell me.

- So, you were about to go out. - Yes...

actually, I don't have a certain place in mind.

Sit.

How about going to the cinema together?

That's why I came here.

Today's a holiday and the blacksmith's is closed.

Alright, sonny.

Be a good boy now and turn around so that I can dress.

We can go anywhere you want afterwards.

Thank you, Miss Mary.

You are so nice.

You are very nice too...

...and very handsome as well.

- Where is Pari? - Oh, it's you. I thought it'd be Doris.

Is Pari inside?

I'm here, my Ilos, what's going on?

- The law on brothels will be passed through any moment. - Damn them!

In 3 months at most, they''ll shut us down.

- Did the lawyer tell you about it? - No, I'm gonna find him now, I might prevent something.

Go, my Ilos, run!

Mary, did you hear? In 3 months they'll shut us down.

No need to worry about anyone else but the pimps, Madame Pari.

How uncaring you are!

Come on, Angelos, let's go.

Well, Madame, are we going out or not?

- Are you coming with us? - No, I'll wait for Doris.

He's not coming, take my word.

- If not, I'll go find him myself.

Come on, let's go, leave her be.

You won't slip out until I get back!

It's so outrageous that they want to shut down the houses.

What about the US Navy?

I'll go to see the admiral in person tomorrow.

In 3 months at most, the houses will close.

Do you think it's true what Mirsini said about Doris?

Do you think he plays around?

I haven't seen my old man for a week.

I'll go find him, I'll go straight away!

Evening!

- Where have you been? - Don't you know?

You haven't shown up for 2 days!

Life is hard.

- Where have you been hanging around? - I've been busy!

Don't lie to me!

What's crossing your mind?

With whom have you been?

Stop laughing!

When I'm not with you, I'm not with anybody, silly!

You have an affair, I know it!

Don't do this, let's go out to talk.

I'm not going anywhere, give me an explanation first!

You heard me quite well.

Look at me.

That's better...Tell me now, have I lied to you before?

I believed everything you said. How could I know?

So, what now? Don't you believe me anymore?

It's that...it's that I'll kill myself if you leave me!

I'll take poison!

Why would I want to leave you, silly?

You haven't refused to do me any favour so far, have you?

- No, Doris, never! - Then why you think I'll leave you?

If you begin to show rebellious attitude, then we'll talk about it again...

You mean, you have me just because I always do what you want?

No! Above all, you are my girl. I love you.

You love me? Really?

Do you want me to prove it to you?

My Doris! My love!

My love! I thought of the worst!

I was on the verge of madness! I thought there was another woman!

However, you should know...

If you leave me, I'll kill myself, keep this in mind!

Come on now, wipe your tears away and let's go.

Anything you want, my Doris! Anything you want!

Do you want us to go to the bouzoukia?

- I have arranged for you to spend the night with someone in... - Not tonight, my love, not tonight!

I want us to sleep together! It's been a week since we last slept together!

What are you talking about? We are broke and you...

I gave you 1000 drachmas, the last I had, have you spent it already?

Why, are you checking on me or something?

Move it! Time passes!

I can't tonight, I'm not feeling well, can't you see?

Very well, darling.

Don't go!

We had made an agreement, you remember? If you became a rebel, I'd leave!

Let me tell you another thing, the houses are bound to close very soon...

...there are so many chicks out there who would kill to have protection.

Go on your way now and leave me alone.

So, you're leaving me?

Good luck!

If you leave me, I'll take poison, I'm telling you!

I said good luck!

- It'd be better if you killed me! - Give me a fucking break!

No, Doris! I'll come with you!

Looks like a good flick, shall we see it?

- Ah, you're here! - I'm not late, am I?

Every time we meet, I'm so impatient.

Shall we watch this or anything else? What film is this?

- Let's watch this one, whatever it is. - Alright!

Wait a second.

You are here too!

Who am I?

Let's go.

Excuse me...you look so much alike.

- Where are we going afterwards? Tell me. - Anywhere you want!

What's the matter?

You see...outside the house we have to go into hiding!

Let's go.

Two for the gallery.

That's what happens to the girls who wander around alone so late.

- I didn't even turn my head to look at him! - You didn't need to, as you saw!

Everybody knows that women wander about in the port for pick-up...

...especially the Americans.

Get inside.

Wait!

There's something we need to talk about.

From tomorrow on you'll quit strolling around with the smart guy.

I know where you go, what you do with him...

Did you speak to him? Did you?

Did you tell him that...

You're in a cold sweat!

- Tell me, did you speak to him? - Not yet!

If you speak to him, it would be like killing him.

- Do you love him? - What have I done to you?

- Do you love him? - You're hurting me!

- Tell me, do you love him? - Who are you?

- What gives you the right to ask? - The dough you owe us!

Yes, I love him!

Because he's so different to you all!

Because without him I would have jumped into the sea to drown!

Listen...

What would you offer so that he won't learn anything?

Everything! Anything you want!

As long as you keep your mouth shut.

Let's go.

As a customer?

Yes, as a customer. Come!

Get the hell out of my sight!

Scram!

Now I realize what kind of person you are!

What kind of person am I then?

Your filth hasn't even touched me!

Every time the pigs lie on me and growl like rabid animals...

I can't feel my body!

Even if you pierced me with a red-hot iron this moment, I wouldn't notice!

Go ahead and talk to him! I don't care! Either way, he would learn sometime.

But you should tell him about you, too! You scum!

What are you looking at, bitch? What?

Go to hell, as well!

Katerina! Katerina, what's wrong?

Are you crying? Why?

Are you sick?

Why are you so late?

They had me locked in the asylum, I couldn't get out.

I got away and I came here.

Are you sick?

No, I'm fine.

There is some blood on your lips.

I was hurt a little bit.

Why did it take you so long to come?

I told you, they had me locked there...

but I fled and I'm here!

- You are not sick, are you? - No, I'm not.

Have you saved anything for me?

Of course I have!

Lots of things!

Give me a hand.

- My dear, you are sick. - I'm fine.

You have to quit the job.

We're here.

- We had a good time, didn't we? - Yes.

Well...good night.

Good night.

Let's go inside.

- Good night, Angelos. - Please.

Come in.

Be quiet, they'll hear us.

Cut it, they'll hear us...

Come, I have a hot soup for you, I know you like it.

- I'm so hungry! - Sit.

It looks so good!

You are so good, too, Katerina!

- Madame is out, right? - They went on a visit.

- Do you like it? - Yes!

Very much!

- You have a package for me, too? - I have lots of things for you.

Buns, raisins, a piece of baklava...

...I have also a pair of woolen socks, so that you can keep your feet warm.

Will you give it to me now?

Sure!

- You are so kind, Katerina. - You are kind, too.

I was thinking about you a lot while I was in the asylum.

It wasn't bad there, but I wanted to see you often.

Do you have any cigarettes?

You bet I do!

Many!

Oh, cigarettes!

I'll light this english one with the cork tip!

I haven't smoken such a cigarette before!

- Do you have a match? - Yes, I have matches, too.

Life is beautiful, isn't it, Katerina?

It's good.

The thing is we haven't done anything with the shack.

Don't worry!

Now that I ran out of the asylum...

If we had finished it...

every time I'd have a day-off, I would come there...

we would make some coffee and drink it in the yard.

We'll finish it, I'm telling you!

In the garbage, there are some big tin pots...

I'll nail them...

and in 1-2 weeks, our shack will be ready!

- Really? - Of course!

I'll help you, too! I'll get the Wednesday off and I'll come there early in the morning.

I'll also bring some flowers to plant.

It will be charming, you'll see.

Yes...

it will...

Merry Christmas!

[Singing Greek carols]

Good morning!

- Good morning, Eleni. - Good morning!

How do you like our tree?

It's very beautiful!

I brought you some more ornaments.

I had to get to Athens to buy them.

For five years now, I've been decorating the Christmas tree myself.

Shall I tell what you are thinking?

The same thing you are thinking about.

Not to spend Christmas here again, right?

Merry Christmas, Eleni.

Mail! You've got mail!

Good morning! Merry Christmas, happy holidays!

Who is Miss Anna Georganta?

Ah, she's upstairs.

- Anna! - Give it to me!

Thank you very much, happy holidays...

...and I wish you to be home next year! - Thank you!

It's from the captain, he has written to her!

Anna! Anna, letter for you!

Letter from the captain!

- This is so exhilarating! - Open it!

I can't! Please open it for me!

He has sent you a card!

Read it, please!

To my wife and my son, my best wishes...

I wish that this Christmas will be the last one we won't spend together

My Anna, you have given me great joy...

I'm counting the hours to come back home...

to meet you and our child at the port.

I'm sending you lots of kisses, Captain Nikolas Maloukis.

My darling Eleni, everything came off as I had hoped!

- You see?

I'm thinking to have my wedding in Santa ..., won't it be beautiful?

...nearly in the sea. You're coming to my wedding, aren't you?

Of course I am!

Do you think I can conceive again?

My Goodness! I was about to go to school...

They have festivities there, Liakis is waiting for me!

Come on, go! Don't be late!

Anna! Anna!

Give him this from me and my kisses, too!

And tell him that on New Year's Eve I'll send him a very big boat!

Thank you, Eleni!

...as soon as he comes back, we'll get married!

Merry Christmas, Mary!

Angelos!

This is for you.

So lovely flowers!

Come inside, Angelos.

On my island, on Christmas Eve, we make a wish for a person...

then we get them flowers, and the wish comes true!

Thank you, darling.

It's good you're here and you can give me a hand with the Christmas tree...

because the others have left me all alone.

Take this star and hang it...

and tell me what wish you have made for me.

Where shall I hang this angel?

Where shall I hang him?

On your hair! He will like it very much.

He will even be able to hear what you will think.

So...will you tell me what wish you have made for me?

I wished you will be someplace else next year and not here...

because here...

I love you, Mary. Really I do!

I don't want to love you because...

my sister is unmarried and is counting on me...

but I love you, no matter what my friends say.

I love you because your heart is so kind....

and your eyes are so beautiful.

I came here to tell you...

I want to marry you.

You shouldn't laugh, Mary.

I know that you are used to a different way of life.

As for your silk clothes, my uncle has raised my wages and you will have as many you want.

And one day, the blacksmith's will be mine, keep it in mind.

No, it's not because of this...

I wasn't expecting such a proposal and...

I thought that you would be happy to hear that I wanted us to get married...

...but you just mocked at me.

It's something that can't be done, don't you realize it?

You are still a boy. You haven't even served the army yet.

I am what I am...

So, Mary...You don't want me?

I want you! I do!

After all, I love you too!

However, we can't rush such matters so much, honey.

And don't you ever again say I'm a boy!

I'm talking to you as a man... because I love you, Mary!

Silent night, holy night...

all is calm, all is bright...

round yon virgin mother and child...

holy infant so tender and mild...

sleep in heavenly peace...

sleep in heavenly peace.

Twelve ticks, red dwarfs...

wake up; there's snow on the roof...

Let the Christmas fairytale...

sleep with you tonight...

- My boy! - You are very pretty today!

All the kids tell me that I have the prettiest mom!

And I have the loveliest boy!

Only that he doesn't know how to tie his tie!

Mom! This is not a tie, it's a bow-tie, didn't you know?

- I got it wrong! - Mom!

- Yes? - Are you still working in that travel agency?

- Yes, darling. - They have books filled with drawings...

which show the inside of airplanes.

Can you get me one? - As many as you like!

- Can we go now? - Where to?

Wherever you want!

You won't say no, will you?

Tell me!

Shall we go fly with the planes?

This is a schooner! Who made this card for you, mom?

Someone who is a sailor.

And why did he send it to you?

Because... because he knows me.

Mom!

Yes?

Do you know when the first steam driven boat was made?

No, how should I know?

In 1707, in Prussia and it was called Carut Adudas!

Fancy that!

- Mom! - Yes?

Are you a widow?

Does it matter to you that I'm asking?

No...after all, you have to know.

You are grown up now.

I don't want to upset you... I just want you to tell me...

Have you got a divorce?

Is my father here somewhere or far away?

Since he's never come to see me, neither has he ever written to me.

Yes, he has! Look, this card is from your father!

It's not his fault that he hasn't come to see you, I'm to blame.

But he's coming now! In a few months he'll be here!

You said he travels?

- Yes... - Is he a sailor?

- Yes. - And when is he coming?

This is his last voyage...

after that he's coming to stay with us.

- Have you sent him a card? - Not yet!

I wanted us to write it together. Here it is!

Think now what we'll write to him!

- It's Lilika's, right? - You see, it's Christmas.

- Have you seen Doris? - It's been a couple weeks now...

- You saw him with another woman, right?

I didn't see him but what can I do to you, Marina?

What the hell are you doing here?

- I'm looking for Doris, I can't find him anywhere!

To hell with him, get back to work!

The Romanian girl is not here, you get out all the time...

what the hell? We can't work just with the subsidiaries!

There must be another woman...

I hope so! We will both relax if it is so!

Come on, we have so many good customers today and we leave them high and dry!

And my Michailos, where could he be?

I have a heart too, what do you think?

But I'm not calling it a day as you can see!

So, let's get back to work! Let's go!

Come on!

- Merry Christmas, Katerina! - Merry Christmas!

Next year we'll be in our humble abode!

I brought you something!

Come!

- Do you like it? - It's lovely!

It's not from the trash, I bought it myself!

I have a present for you, too!

Here you are! A drunk American dropped them and I picked them up!

I didn't give them to him since he dropped them, does it matter?

Not at all! Americans have lots of them!

After all, we have American aid, don't we?

- Petros! - Yes?

If it matters to you that we are alone, close your eyes...

and you'll see that we'll be in a nice night club, full of people...

I don't like it here...

everyone stares at you and they whisper something at their pal

I feel jealous here...

I don't want the others to like you so much...

I want you only for me!

Don't go tonight...

I have to go.

Then... Stay as late as you can!

I always stay as late as I can.

No matter how long you stay, it's never enough...

You think I wouldn't like to stay the whole night?

...or even stay forever?

Then why don't you stay?

You promised that tonight you wouldn't ask me about anything.

Tonight I'd like us to be happy.

How beautiful and carefree you are!

No, no! Not you...

Do you have a light?

Not so fast...

I know what you're after.

One time when my mother sent me to school...

...my teacher put me on the first desk.

I was the best pupil in the class...

and my teachers always pampered me...

I always got full marks on my exercise-book...

and if in life I got a zero, a woman is to blame...

Hey, handsome, come with me to spend the Christmas night together...

The rain girl!

How much do you charge?

I'll take you night and I'll indulge myself with you till the morning light...

I'll get even for all the deceit you've put me through...

for all the nights I spent looking at the moon and stars

How much do you charge?

How much, you whore? How much, answer me!

Like that... I'll undress you...

I'll leave you all naked, like when you were born,

I'll pay you to do to me all the wiles you learnt in this brothel...

Tell me, how much do you charge?

Tell me, whore, how much do you charge?

I was sitting by you...

and I was burning in desire to clasp you in my arms...

I stuck my nails in my palms...

for fear that I'd make a move and hurt you...

It dawned...

and I craved nothing more...

than the night to come again quickly...

so that I can slake my thirst by looking into your eyes.

But you...

Is it her?

Mary?

Yes, Angelos?

My uncle knows all about it.

My friend told him.

Has he told you anything about it?

He told me that you are a forthright girl and...

What else did he tell you?

He told me that what you and my friend said is the right thing.

All right, Angelos.

He didn't say anything bad about you.

Yet, he is right, isn't he, Mary?

I haven't even served the army yet.

Besides...

there's also my sister who relies on me.

After all, you've been telling me the same thing.

Besides, you're older than me and...

...all the things you were saying... - Sure...

I told you first about all these things... - Isn't it so?

- He should have also said that I am a... - He said it!

He said that if my sister's fiance finds out that I have married a girl...

- ...from the red lanterns, eh?

...he'll dump her. That's what he said.

He's right.

It's not my fault, Mary.

I know.

- I'm hurting you, right? - No, no...

I'd like to see you again, for all that.

To clear it up to you...

You were perfectly clear.

What can I do?

Nothing else.

Goodbye, Mary.

Goodbye, Angelos.

Old man!

Old man!

Katerina!

What do you think? Isn't it going to be beautiful?

Yes, beautiful.

- We still have to build a small kitchen. - It goes without saying.

As soon as we finish, we'll find a bed and a table...

...and two chairs.

and a good morning, to decorate the wall.

We have to fix our stove, too.

We're on mountain and the nights will be cold.

Of course we'll fix it!

We'll collect wood from the mountain and we'll set it on fire...

This one here will tell us about the weather. It knows!

- I wish you the best for your new home! - Thank you!

- Come in. - You want it?

You want it? Take it!

...to wake you up every morning!

Isn't it nice, Katerina?

It's fine!

When do you think you'll finish?

In a couple weeks.

I'll have finished with the garden by then, as well.

Everything will be green here in the spring...

...with deep red flowers.

All the same, we have to finish quickly...

...as the houses will soon close.

I hope so.

I'm fed up with this place.

I don't want you to be there either, you got it?

We'll take our sacks every morning and we'll stroll about in the city together.

Together we will be able to collect a lot of paper.

We'll sell it and...

Don't you want it to be like this?

I want us to go to Athens some day.

We'll go everywhere! Everywhere!

- Where are you going? - I'm planning to stay in a flat with Rita.

- Where are the pots?

Maria! The sewing-machine!

Madame Pari! Forget it all now, you'll have to get used to it now!

You see what's going on out there? How could we find a taxi now?

Has your ne'er-do-well boyfriend come to pick his clothes?

- I'm waiting for him. - You fool!

You're throwing yourself away on a pimp!

Are you going to work in a cabaret?

- No. - And how are you gonna live?

You're in a bad fix now, but you'll snap out of it.

In due time, you'll realize than nothing is more worth than our own skin.

You old cow, you'll spill your guts now!

Here together, gone tomorrow!

It's your turn to pay now!

Time to pay now, Madame Pari!

Take your shit now and run!

You leech! Bitch!

Where is my Michailos?

Why isn't he coming to shut her mouth?

I have a good mind to go and pull her hair out!

Instead of having a bone to pick with the government...

call each other names?

We had been working together since we were 15.

Am I to blame for her ineptness?

My Anna!

Here's the model woman!

The ones who were good, I helped them...

I brought them up properly, I married them off!

Where are you going, my dear?

To the Naval Office, I'm going to get the money he sent me.

Have you told him about the house? Did he like the fact that it's close to the beach?

Yes, he's written me that I can choose whatever I like!

You should rent it, I'll give it to you cheap!

- Have you packed your stuff? - Yes, everything!

So, when are you getting married?

As soon as he gets back. I have to take care of the license, too.

I wish you the best, my dear!

Hopefully, you'll bring some luck to us, too!

What the hell are you laughing at? Shut up!

Gangway! Make room!

Did you happen to see Doris?

Are you still waiting for him?

Mary! Did you see what the damn bureaucrats did to us?

They did to you, Madame Pari, not to us.

Now that the houses closed, you'll walk the streets!

You'll wear your soles out in a night's time to find a customer!

Not at all!

Since we'll have the right to keep our own room and accept customers there...

...we'll have nothing to fear!

As for customers...

I for one wouldn't leave anyone to go...

without handing him a memo with my new address!

They were delighted to know that I would give them a discount next time!

Business as usual, Madame Pari...

but decently and without bawds!

A slap in the face will do you good!

Excuse me, without madams I meant!

Beat it!

The faster you get the hell out of here...

Where are your manners, Madame Pari?

Good friends don't part like this!

We'll shake hands, we'll kiss each other, we'll bid farewell...

and we'll have no hard feelings for robbing us all this time!

What are you talking about? Weren't you being paid your commissions?

I won't say no, I was.

But you would take it back for food and rent.

What did you expect? To eat and sleep for free?

If it was like this, we would have put the shutters ourselves!

- As only you and your kind would have remained on the job! - And like you, too...

but one hundred years ago, not in the sorry state you are now!

You dirty slut, I'll break your head!

Things have changed, Madame Pari.

It seems you forgot that your nunnery has closed!

You're hurting me!

You dislike me now, while you should be proud of me because you've educated me!

Shove off to your pimp now and leave me alone, you old hag!

Nobody is afraid of you now, old hag! Shrew!

Excuse me, I have this authorization...

whom I should inquire about it?

The gentleman here.

I'm a journalist, I wish to have a list with the victims' names, please.

I'm afraid you can get it only from the ministry.

They told us they'll make an official announcement in the evening!

I'm really sorry.

But we must make it for the evening papers!

I told you, sir, at the ministry!

- Can I help you? - I'm here to collect some money...

Here is the authorization.

If you want the letter, too...

Excuse me, can I make a phone call to my newspaper?

Here you are.

Are you married to a sailor?

Not yet, I am the fiance of Captain Nikolas Mparoukis.

His ship now is heading for Norfolk...

he's going to land there and then...

Yes...

When did you receive his last letter?

The date is on the letter...

March 11.

My brother was on Yakoumis!

Yakoumis?

That's his ship!

My God!

Is it possible that...

I'm very sorry.

The signal was received this morning.

Cargo ship Yakoumis...

owned by our company...

sent out an SOS signal...

on the 22nd March of the current year...

at 23:17 GMT, for the last time.

The rescue boats that went to the spot...

found only floating objects of the sunk vessel.

In spite of the desperate search...

none of the people on board were found alive.

In any case...

you can collect the money.

So, what are you planning to do?

Are you going with Mirsini?

No.

Are you going to work alone?

I don't know.

Maybe.

Is it true what they told me?

What?

That you're going back to your village.

No.

It's not true.

I'll tell you what, it wouldn't be bad.

You may find a good lad there, you never know.

My village has written me off, since you set yourself to make me a lady.

You didn't have great losses... it's been better this way...

rather than having your bosses, sons and fathers clean you out.

Do you have any objection to that?

You're right.

It's like this.

I hope you don't have a grudge against me.

After all, we had a good time together.

Goodbye...and I wish you good business.

- Kiss me! - What's with you?

Kiss me!

On the lips!

- Spare me your foolish slobbering! - Please!

Don't leave me, my Doris!

Don't leave me!

I'll do everything you ask me to do!

I'll work day and night and I won't keep anything for me!

We'll find a room together and I'll put up with anyone you bring there!

You'll keep all the money for yourself, all of it!

The only thing I ask you is to come and sleep with me when it gets dark!

Rubbish!

We've discussed it a thousand times!

Don't go, my Doris, don't go!

I'll poison myself!

I'll fall into the sea to drown!

It's my fault that I listened to you and came here on my own!

I'll drown!

Don't be stupid!

You'll find another one, better than him!

Don't take it so hard.

Our Anna is getting married.

Angelos asked me to marry him, too.

It's all about luck, Marina.

You must be patient.

Everything can be forgotten and something new will come.

Come on.

- Are you ready? - Yes.

- Have you got your booklet? - I have it right here.

Jump on it.

Dudes, these are my things...

One, two, three...

four, five, six, seven, eight, nine... ten pieces.

- And take it easy, I don't want you to break anything! - Don't worry, ma'am!

So, have you made up your mind? Are you coming with me or not?

We are two, plus you, three. We'll find one more to become four.

Two and two. Are you in it?

Rent, food and all all that will be my responsibility.

As for money, I'll keep half of what madame Pari got.

Deal?

You have 5 minutes to think about it.

- Mirsini! - Yes?

- You said that you need one more to become four. - That's right.

You want me with you?

Of course I do! You bet it!

It's much better to have you and not a stranger.

What about Angelos?

He left yesterday to join the army.

Until he's discharged...

What are we waiting for? We had a deal about the money, let's go then!

Everything alright, guys?

Two fivers more to carry the girls' things too, these and those ones.

You got it.

Where to, Katerina?

I'll find somewhere to go.

Do you want to come now and then to clean the rooms and wash the sheets?

No.

I'm leaving you my address, just in case...

Come on, quickly!

Mary! Are you ready?

Yes! I'm coming!

Cheer up, girls, we'll do good business together!

We'll find an old woman to have her as a tout...

...and no procurers from now on!

We'll also buy Japanese incense so that the room smells good!

We'll meet the cream of the society!

You there and you back!

Bye, Popota, bye!

Goodbye, girls!

So long!

Before you go, I want you to listen to me.

Please! Listen to me, please!

I want you to know that, whatever I did, I meant no harm!

That night, at Christmas, I didn't even realize how I did that.

No sooner than I opened my mouth to speak, I had already regretted it.

You're lying!

You had it in mind for a long time!

And you achieved what you wanted!

- You've got to believe me... - I told you that I loved him...

...because he's nothing like you or your like...

...and if you talked to him about me would be the same as killing him.

Now I'm willing to do everything you ask me to.

It's too late now.

Everything is over.

Him...you and your house as well...

Where are you intending to go? What are you going to do?

You don't have anyone!

I'll go back to my folks.

And you're going to live with ten refugees in a chamber?

I'll work.

And you think you're gonna make it after this..?

Before a week passes, you'll walk the streets again.

Not anymore.

Now I want to escape.

And I will escape!

Wait a minute...

Take this.

So that you can make a new beginning.

You earned it!

I'm not giving it away to you!

The bills are here, too.

Are you ready, Katerina?

I am.

Do you have any other things?

No, that's all.

You take the suitcases and I'll carry the bundles and the basket.

The bundles are very heavy, how're you gonna carry them?

We'll get the tram.

Money?

I have.

I wanted to say goodbye to her.

Do you feel sad now you're leaving, Katerina?

No, come.

Katerina, I'm so happy.

You?

Me too.

Isn't life beautiful?

It's good.

Shall we go now?

Let's go.