Original subtitles

Oh mama, come and meet me.

Come and meet me at the station.

When I leave the carriage

I wanna hold you tight.

When I leave the wagon

I wanna hold you tight.

And I want to tell you.

My life down in the rice field.

My life down in the rice field

I want to tell you

My life down in the rice field

I want to tell you

Come on, get close to me. Let's pick a good spot!

- This bed is mine. - I've already put my suitcase on it.

This bed was also mine last year.

- Go away! Away! - You stay here!

And that concerns you?

There's no bullying where I'm at. Get out! Get out!

Come on, be quick to get settled!

- There's no lunch? - There is.

- And you? Are you sleeping? - I have a little pain here.

Come on, eat and the pain goes away!

- And the little one? - It's mine.

- Bringing children is forbidden. - I didn't know where to leave her.

The same excuse...

Where are you taking her?

To the kindergarten. You don't want me to take her to the rice field, do you?

Oh, no... Don't cry. I'll see you soon. Do like the Indians.

Well done, well done! My little one. Come.

- Mom. - Yes, my little babe. Go, go!

Mom!

- Bonini Gabriella. - All right.

- Antonini Antonia. - All right.

- Paoletti Agnese. - All right.

- Marcelli Elvira. - All right.

- Carpi Giuliana. - All right.

- Gallini Piera. - All right.

- Lucani Vera. - All right.

- Moratti Giuseppina. - All right.

- Piovano Amelia. - All right.

- Barlati Rachele. - All right.

- Leretti Carmen. - All right.

Sassi Giovanna.

But your name isn't here. You're clandestine!

My brother is unemployed and I need some money.

I understand, but what can I do? I'm not the one in charge here.

- I just work here like everybody else. - Please!

All right, I'll try to talk to the boss later.

I hope I can convince him. We'll see what we can do.

- Thank you! - Go ahead.

- Next one forward. - Come on!

- What are you doing? Are you blind? - A little bit. Paola Bussi.

Go ahead.

- Franca Varelli. - All right.

- Hurry up. - Immediately.

- Donati Fausta. - All right.

- Acari Carla. - All right.

- Teolesi Francesca. - All right.

- Patizzi Angela. - All right.

Good morning, Mr. Pietro.

- Cattani Concetta. - All right.

- Cas� Maria Luisa. - All right.

- Ogliari Domenica. - All right.

- Ogliari Virginia. - All right.

- Nardi Elena. - All right.

What did you say your name is?

Nardi. Elena Nardi.

Go ahead.

- Cavallari Carolina. - All right.

Mr. Pietro, if you want to check the forage, the truck is loaded.

- Eppis Mariuccia. - All right.

- Bolzenaro Paolina. - All right.

- Bracci Ida. - All right.

Have they all arrived?

You could at least answer when I ask you something.

What did you say? I didn't hear anything.

Is it time?

It's impossible to get up. I'm more tired than I was last night.

- It's time to go to work. - I'm so sleepy...

- Five minutes and we'll have our feet in the water. - All day long.

Let's go.

Come on, sweetheart, wake up! Everyone's already going to the bathroom.

- Let's go girls! Quick! - Come on, girls, hurry up!

- Give me the towel! - Here, take it!

How cold the water is!

What are you doing? Are you planting cockspur instead of rice?

Cockspur?

Yes, cockspur grass!

I didn't know, it's my first time here.

You could have learned it by yourself! And you, Carmen, teach her!

You found someone to protect you. Or maybe she doesn't even know!

I can teach it to you too, you know?

You Cremonese are all mouth!

And you better go closing yours.

Wash that monkey face!

Are you all mad? Come on, stop it! What are you doing? Stop!

The glasses! The glasses!

The glasses!

- We didn't start it! - Blame those Novara girls!

- Silence! - Shut up!

The contract of employment speaks for itself: you're here to work, not quarrel!

Yes, nice speech. I would like to see you there!

Silence! What's all this fuss about?

What happened?

- We've fired this group. - Why?

One of the usual fights. These were the ones that started it.

- Always defending the locals! - They work better than you!

Here, did you hear it? They are the ones who protect them. They're in cahoots!

- Silence! - Shut up!

He's the boss. Let's trust him to do the best.

But what impression will we pass?

What do I care? I can't go home without money. Can you understand it?

- Don't be a coward. - Leave me!

Wait a minute.

- For them it is our fault. - Excuse me, you're the boss, right?

Why?

If so, it depends only on you whether they send us away or not.

If the two of them have had a fight, does it

seem fair to take the bread from all of us?

You know, when something happens, the whole group pays!

But it's absurd! Do you think it's easy to go back like this?

- We didn't come on holiday! - Who was the first?

It was me. I'll pack my suitcase and leave, but leave them alone.

OK?

Wait!

This time I forgive you. Apologize and go back to work.

- Thanks! - Quick! Go to work!

- Well done, Elena! - Thank you!

Thank you.

You, wait a second.

- Where are you from? - From Milan.

- Have you always lived in Milan? - Yes.

Is this the first time you come to work here?

Yes, why?

I don't know. I thought... How old are you?

Nineteen. Almost twenty. You want to know anything else?

Are you waiting for me? Go ahead.

Listen, since yesterday I wanted to ask you...

What?

It's hard to explain, but when I first saw you, I...

Excuse me, I have to return to my group.

If it wasn't for you, he'd have fired all of us.

Did you see how the boss looked at you?

You have a secret admirer!

- What nonsense. - Did he ask for a date?

No. I came here to earn my pay!

I wouldn't mind impressing the boss!

- Good morning, Mr. Mario. - Who are these? Have they just arrived?

No, there was a fight. We had them fired.

My uncle doesn't stand any nonsense.

No! It was he who let them stay!

He did?! What happened? This is the end of the world!

We too were very surprised.

- But I understand. - What?

No way! Who would it be?

The fourth, the one that's walking on the bank.

The old guy knows how to pick them!

- Well, bye. - Goodbye.

- Mario! - Ah, is that you, aunt?

You've been missing for six days.

You're right, but I've had so many things to do.

Be careful, he's looking for you.

Why? What does he want?

I don't know. He always asks if you've returned.

But did he tell you anything?

No. You know how your uncle is. He never talks to me.

We never talk to each other.

But... what could he want? Did you do anything?

No way!

Here he comes. Don't let him find us here. Let's go there.

- Hello, uncle! - At last! I was waiting for you.

Yes, aunt told me. Why?

- Can't you imagine? - No! Really...

- Look. - What is it?

A promissory note!

Well, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it.

No... Only instead of signing it with his name, he signed it with mine!

Do you know that for this joke I can send you to jail?

No, Pietro!

What are you saying?

Don't worry. There's no need for me to send him.

In the end, sooner or later, he'll end up in jail all by himself!

Now she cries. It's her fault! If she treated you like you deserved...

You're right, I did wrong. But I don't think

there's any need to make such a fuss!

I've used your name because I was sure I could withdraw it.

- I needed money. - Isn't your aunt giving you enough?

Not enough. And, after all, having money on credit is a great thrill!

Put a signature on a piece of paper and the money is all yours!

I have no credit, and that's why I put your name.

It is good to be so esteemed. You must be really satisfied.

What's this comedy? Less talk!

If you try it again I'll report you, understand?

All right...

The women are the ones to blame.

See... The ones I like cost me money.

You, instead, just take a look, pick one...

and they even thank you.

What do you mean?

Nothing... I've heard of certain girls who were fired.

Your order was enough to make them stay.

- They'll be grateful. - Who told you this nonsense?

Isn't it true, maybe? What's wrong with that?

Those are the advantages of being the boss.

I saw her, you know?

I saw her... The brunette you like.

She's not bad! You have good taste, uncle. Cheers!

Imbecile!

We were sure you'd stay in bed for today.

One can see that you really need to work.

I really need it.

- Who did you leave at home? - My mother.

- Only? - Only.

- Where are you going? - To take the bus to Novara. - And you?

To Novara. Do you want a ride?

Can we trust you?

What are you afraid of? There are four of you!

But where are you going?

The gentleman is giving us a ride to Novara.

- Don't waste the ladies' time. - Get in!

You three need to squeeze in the back seat,

otherwise there will be no space left.

What a ride! It took my breath away!

- I like to run. It's fun! - I wonder how long we have to wait...

- I'm not in a hurry. Are you? - Oh, neither are we!

- Thanks, I don't smoke. - May I ask why are you going to Novara?

Sure. After a week of work it's not much fun to stay on the farm.

And... Is someone waiting for you?

No. It's the first time I'm going.

Then, I must go with you.

No, I'm used to going alone.

Shame! Loneliness is a bad disease.

But a companion is just enough for it to heal. Don't you think so?

Am I right?

Here they make the best ice creams in Novara.

- How wonderful! Will you buy us some? - Sure! Come on, get out!

- You, wait. - Why?

- Antonio! - At your commands, Mr. Mario.

Put all that the young ladies orders on my account!

Let me make a good impression. Goodbye!

What are you doing? Stop!

How rude!

- Do you think he fancies you? - He's not my type!

Now what do we do?

Since he's paying for the ice cream, let's take it.

Yes, and not just ice cream. Beer, pastries, everything we want!

Waiter!

- Waiter! - Waiter!

Oh this nausea, I feel sick!

You've swallowed all the ice cream at once!

It would have been better to go to the movies!

Meanwhile, she's probably sitting like a princess in that beautiful car.

Climb up...

You really wan to go walking the whole way?

Look, we are 15 kilometers from Novara and 12 from the farm.

I don't care!

Don't be stupid. So much ado for a kiss!

- Ah, you are... - Yes, a scoundrel!

You're right. I realise it.

But you're so pretty.

- Go away. Go away! - It is useless to shout.

Leave me!

The tough ones are the best!

What happened? Did it break down?

- Where are you going? - Towards Casalina, why?

Can you give me a ride to the bus for Novara?

Sure, get in.

No, thanks, I'm getting in the back seat.

- But it's not very comfortable. - No, I'm fine.

It went wrong, eh?

It's always like this: always nice, always letting

yourselves be fooled by the fancy cars...

and when they throw you in the street,

there's always a fool who takes you home.

Well? Have you lost your voice?

Do you know what happened to a girl like you three years ago around here?

The morning after they found her strangled in a ditch.

She paid a high price, didn't she?

Oh, finally!

What happened?

I don't know, this damn engine doesn't work!

All right, we'll make it go without the engine.

Sorry, but now you need to get down. We have to maneuver.

I need to hook it to the chassis.

I know, bring it here! It's not the first time that happens to me.

Here. No! The hitch is here!

- Okay, don't get angry. - I always hitch it here!

Have you seen it? Here... have you seen it?

It's done.

And now, where do we go?

Where do you want to go? To the car, right?

Come on, go. Go the other way!

You can't sit in the back seat. You must sit

here with me. It's not for me, it's forbidden.

- Who is that girl? - What do I know? - You never know anything!

Evelina, stop it ...!

I bet you regret taking this ride now.

You'd have preferred to stay with the other, wouldn't you?

Well, of course. I'm not witty and elegant like him!

Enough! Enough! Stop it!

I'm sorry.

I thought that... Listen...

Please, stop crying Otherwise I'll just cry too...

Oh, well, good. I feel better now!

And forgive me for talking like that.

Sometimes I don't even know what I'm saying.

It's not because of that.

How far are we from the farm?

We're almost there.

But, sorry... What are you going to do at the farmhouse?

- That's where I work. - Rice field? - Yes.

- Strange! You're not the type. - Yet...

- Thank you. - You're welcome!

- I've waited so long for that smile... - I was in a bad mood.

Yeah, I understand. Anyway... I hope... I mean...

If I happened to meet you again, I'd be very glad.

Me too.

- Hey, young man! What are we doing? - Just a moment! What a rush!

Go, they're waiting for you.

- See you. - See you.

- You, listen! - Well?

Don't you have another moment to talk to your girlfriend?

Girlfriend?!

Did you hear that? Thanks for the wishes!

- Elena? - What? - They were looking for you today.

Some of your personal data are incomplete in the employment contract.

Why? What's missing?

The name of your parents. You're a minor.

Ah, I understand. Maria Nardi is my mother.

And that's it. What else do you want to know?

- Where do you live in Milan? - Am I obliged to tell you?

- No, but it can always be useful. - Excuse me. Good evening.

Who knows what the boss wanted from her.

It is clear that between him and her...

Did you see how he looked at her?

Bravo, uncle! She's a tough little thing, isn't she?

I've tried to handle her... But it went wrong.

I'll try again.

Watch out. If you dare to touch her, I'll smash your head in!

- Pietro. - What is it?

- Setting off? - I'm going to Milan.

- When are you coming back? - As soon as I'm done. Goodbye.

Wake up! It's late! Come on, girls! Lazy bastards! Wake up!

Wake up!

Excuse me, ma'am, do you know a certain Maria Nardi?

Sorry, I don't know her. I've only lived here a short time.

Thank you.

Ah, yes, Maria! She lived by herself with a child.

She was a laundress, then she left, I believe to to Bovisa area.

- Thank you. - You're welcome!

Maria... Ah, yes, many years ago!

But then she left. To Via Magenta, I think, but it's been a long time.

Thank you.

- Good evening ladies. A table? - Mrs. Nardi. Maria Nardi.

- Nardi?! - I was told to come here. - Maria Nardi...

Ah, Maria! A moment.

- Wait a moment. - Right.

This way, please. You, take him!

Come.

- The chicken livers are ready? - Ready! - Here it is. - Thank you.

- A risotto and a doughnut - Immediately.

- Two spaghetti bolognese! - OK.

Maria.

You...

- What do you want? - I want to know the truth.

Tell me, when we broke up, were you expecting a baby?

No!

I won't talk, I won't tell you anything! You have no right to know!

Talk, I tell you! You must tell me the truth.

No. No! No!

I met a girl. Everything matches. Date, name, everything.

- She's our daughter, isn't she? - No...

- She's your daughter! - My daughter?!

- Why did you come looking for me? - I don't even know.

- I heard a name one day... - And then?

I had a hunch. That name no longer came out of my mind.

I've asked, I've searched and finally managed to find you.

Why? To see what's left?

Here she is: the poor woman who is tired of suffering and crying.

No, Maria. I need to know everything!

Know what? How I've lived, how I've suffered?

Humiliation, hunger, shame...

Knowing everything... It would take us a long time.

My father didn't want to forgive me and I never looked for him again.

As I didn't look for you.

And then I started working as a maid. As still I work!

Understand? At the beginning I lived with the bosses' families,...

..but it wasn't easy to find houses that would accept me and the baby.

And when I couldn't find work, I had nothing to eat.

Do you understand? Nothing!

You wouldn't know what it means...

nothing to eat and a child who cries... and doesn't understand reason!

Poor creature.

Yes. Poor creature! Now you feel sorry for her.

Let me explain to you.

Explain what? Why you abandoned me? Why you never looked for me?

Forget it. I don't care.

I don't want to justify myself.

What I did was bad, but I've paid a high price.

I was weak. I didn't know how to rebel.

I married the woman my parents wanted because she was rich.

You did good! At least you've been happy.

No.

There's nothing more miserable...

than two beings condemned to be together forever, without love.

But it's useless to talk about me. Tell me, rather, what can I do now?

For me?! What do you want to do now?

Offer me money again? You already did it then. Remember?

It would be too humiliating. Let it be.

I can't.

I can't, now that I've seen you, that I've heard from you.

I want to do something for her, at least. For my daughter.

Your daughter?! How can you call her that? What does she have of you?

Do you think she belongs to you just because you're her father? No!

She belongs to me. Only me.

Elena has suffered and everything she has suffered I carry in my heart...

as a remorse.

I can never forgive you... for being the cause.

When she was little, she needed so much affection and caresses.

She was so fragile! She was moved and excited by everything.

I had to hold her, cradle her

and whisper, so that she would fall asleep.

But I was so exhausted, so tired from my work and my loneliness

that I didn't spend as much time with her as I should have done.

Maybe... I didn't love her enough.

One day, I even regretted being there.

One day, I thought about killing myself.

And it was Elena who gave me the strength to get by.

And now you ask me what you can do for her?

Nothing! Absolutely nothing.

At least I've been able to give her some studies.

She's managed to graduate. And has become a teacher!

- Teacher?! And how...? - Yes! And now she's...

She's with some friends.

They invited her to the countryside, near Novara.

She writes to me every day, almost...

And... she's fine!

Listen, Maria, what if I looked for her? I'd tell her...

Tell her what?

Everything. The truth: that I am her father.

Do you think she'd throw her arms around your neck? No!

You're a stranger to her! And it's better this way.

I've sacrificed my life to give hers some balance.

She must remain unruffled.

Only the love of a man can break the loneliness in which she lives.

A man who deserves her.

I pray day and night!

I know he will take her away, but...

...she will be safe and may find some happiness.

Look... Forget that we exist. It's better for everyone.

- How do you feel about your back? - I've not felt it for a while now.

Angela! What's going on with you?

- She feels bad! - Let's take her to the bank.

- Slowly. make some room. Watch out. - Slowly. slow slow.

Careful.

Come on, Angela, come on! Let's take her away.

Come on, come on, come on! Come on!

Be careful not to slip!

She's the third one to faint!

If she doesn't resume work in an hour, she loses her full day's pay.

It seems fair to me! The fainting is her fault!

Look at him, he looks like Gregory Peck.

He's been back there for a while!

- Oh, sorry! - That's OK. - Great! - What?

She's hit the mark.

I always hit them, but only at target shooting!

- The miss wants to shoot? - No thanks.

- Let's go dancing? - Oh, yes! Let's go dancing!

Shall we go dancing?

Would you allow me?

Still angry? Come on, don't exaggerate!

When one is as beautiful as you are, one must be kind. And then...

And then what?

I'm your boss, right?

You too? Everyone is a boss around here!

Well, boss is a way of speaking.

With you, I am the one who accepts the orders.

Ah, yes? Then get out of the way and leave me alone.

Wait a moment. What are you afraid of?

- Hi Gianni! How are you? - Hi! I'm getting along.

But what are you looking at?

What are you looking for? I hope that this time...

And your brother?

He writes that he's fine and that he'll be back soon.

- Good morning! - Hello!

- Did you come to dance too? - No. I have to tow a truck.

I've heard the music and just got in for a moment.

Oh, what a pity! So, are you leaving right away?

No! The truck is there, it's going nowhere.

Are you the one who's come to tow the broken car?

Yes.

- And the girl also needs help? - Yes.

Well, it's a nice job,without any doubt.

Yes, why? Don't you like it?

Listen to me. Sometimes it's better not to meddle in other people's business.

- Ah, no? - Absolutely not.

Otherwise, sometimes, it may happen that...

What?

Come on, continue. What can happen to me?

Look, friend, follow my advice.

That's enough! Come on, let's go.

Wait a minute, let him talk. Haven't you heard? He wants to give me some advice.

Come on, spit it out! What's your advice?

Listen...

You know that I don't like you And I don't find it funny. Move!

- Come on, that's enough. Let's go! - Come on, Mr. Mario, it's not worth it.

You're crazy to want to fight with that one. He's the master's nephew!

- And who cares? - You're still the same!

- Goodbye, Gianni. - Goodbye.

- I'm sorry. - I'm not!

Do you want to go for a ride?

Would you offer me a cigarette?

- Oh, yes! - Thank you.

- Don't you recognize me? - Well... Not really.

Don't you remember when you left us in the cafe to leave with that one?

Oh yeah! I'm afraid I did something stupid.

Why?

It would have been better If I had chosen you!

There's always time to remedy it...

- Are we going to pick up the truck? - What truck?

The one that has been left in the middle of the road.

Oh, that truck! Oh no. It doesn't matter.

If you have to do it, don't waste time with me. Let's go!

Well... That truck's gone.

what's happened to it?

There never was one. I made it up for...

If you knew how many of those I have to tow with the crane!

- So? Shall we have a spin? - Whatever you want. I trust you!

It's not a compliment! Only the old ones trust me in Novara!

- And how dangerous are you? - Well... Not dangerous, but...

- If I'm close to a pretty girl .. - Great!

- Where are we going? - Your pick.

Listen, I know a coffee shop where they do the best ice cream in Novara

I've heard of it before.

- Nice, right? - Yes.

Do you want to see my workshop?

Is it far?

- No it's back there, we can go on foot. - Let's go!

Come in!

- What's wrong? Are you afraid? - No!

Here, this is the workshop.

Don't mind the mess.

I have a 50% partner, but I'm afraid we'll split soon.

- Would you take everything? - Yes, I want to install more modern devices.

Here will be a movable bridge.

There will be a beautiful service station,

complete, with everything. In short...

It must be somebody wanting gas.

There's no peace, not even on Sunday. Excuse me a moment.

- Here I am! How much? - 10 liters.

One moment and I'll bring you the change.

Excuse me, I'll be with you right away.

- Here's the rest. - All right.

And... Good evening.

Who is it?

The owner of the rice field where I work.

- What did he want? - I don't know, it's so weird...

Every time I meet him he asks me questions.

Why?

I don't know. I don't understand it at all.

Who knows what he'll think now that he's seen me here!

Who cares? Let him think what he wants!

You look pretty nervous. What happened?

Nothing.

Here we are!

Too bad, it was very good just the two of us.

- Yes, it was good. - And you're telling me now?

When should I have said it?

When we were alone. I would have hugged you so hard!

- See you soon! - Bye!

Elena, excuse me for a moment.

- What is it? - Here, I wanted to tell you...

I saw you with that young man...

Look, it's better to speak frankly.

- I don't like being watched! - Watched?! And why?

It's obvious. I stumble upon you everytime, even today in Novara...!

I didn't think I'd find you.

Yes, but always stumble upon me and even though you're the boss...

Don't use this bad word.

I'm an old man and you're almost a child, so...

- I feel ridiculous. - Why?

There are so many dangers in life that you can't even imagine.

- Why are you telling me this? - I don't know.

You seem to have suffered a lot... and I don't want you to suffer more.

Why do you care about me?

Because it seems to me that this work isn't right for you...

As if you were here through an error.

Yes, you're right. But how do you know all these things?

It's difficult to say why.

- Hi Gianni! - Hi Stefano!

Tell me, Gianni... What happened to you?

- To me? - Yes.

Yesterday a guy came. He asked me what we do here and how much we earn.

- And why? - What do I know?

He even asked me who was your father and your mother...

- If they lived here... - Didn't you ask him his name?

He told me, but I don't remember.

He's the owner of a farm near Cameriano.

- The owner of a farm? - Why, do you know him?

I seem to have understood who he is. And begin to understand something else.

Hello?

Yes, he's here! Gianni, it's for you.

Hello. It's useless to insist! Goalkeeper or nothing!

I know more about what I can do than you, right?

And who will take my place?

Beltrame?! Ah, good, great idea!

Put Beltrame in. On Sunday we'll have some fun!

It's good for him they've already got 4! And if

it goes on like this, we'll reach 40!

- What did I tell you? - What happened?

They've scored another goal. But you don't care about the game at all.

- No! Not at all! - If you want we'll go now.

No! It's nice here. I enjoy it anyway.

What is it?

- Nothing. - Let me see it!

It's nothing, nothing important.

- Where did you get it? - The boss gave it to me.

Oh! The boss gets to give books!

No, he met me and asked if I wanted to read it.

Then he asked me if I wanted to be his secretary.

- And what did you tell him? - I refused!

Good thing! We can do without this.

I don't think he's what you think.

Yes, he's kind to me. Maybe too much.

But sometimes he looks sad, embarrassed. It almost makes me sorry.

Ah, are you sorry? Then console him!

Accept his proposal, go to his office. But I'll go there first!

- What will you do? - Anything! Don't worry about it.

- Good morning. - Good morning!

- Do you want to talk to me? - Yes.

And it's useless to tell you who I am? You already know everything about me!

What my name is, what I do...

And so?

But there is one thing you don't know. And I want you to get it in your head.

Elena is a good girl and those who dare to bother her, I...

- You like her very much, don't you? - Sure!

You're right... She's a good girl. No need to hurt her.

I'm glad you got it!

I know, you believe you have all the rights to those poor girls!

Just a gift, a promise of employment...

But this won't work with Elena!

- And you're still allowing yourself... - Enough! Stop it.

Don't think you can use that tone with me!

I don't have any boss! You should be ashamed, a man of your age!

But don't you understand? Stupid!

- Get out. Get out! - Yes... I'm leaving.

But remember what I told you!

Take it easy, they're all asleep. Give me the blanket.

Wait... The candle!

A ghost!

Turn the lights off!

Help! Help, the fire!

- Help! - Help! Help!

- Giovanni! - I'm here! - Call Beppi! - Right!

- Help! - Help!

Run! Call the fire brigade!

Here! Take her!

- Have they all been rescued? - I believe so.

Get them out of here right away. Call a doctor! Where's Nardi?

Elena!

Elena! Elena! Where are you?

Calm down! We'll take care of all of them.

In the other room! There's no space left here!

Enough, it's fine like that.

Is she hurt, doctor?

No, no. She's just in a slight state of shock.

Here, I brought your jacket.

Thank you.

Aren't you going home?

Yes... Let's go.

There's still land there.

Yes, and watch out for that beam. It could fall at any moment!

Enough of playing this ridiculous role.

We have always lived like two strangers,

and then you end up losing your head for a slut...

Shut up.

You've become the laughing-stock of everyone. And I turned into a joke too!

But remember that this is also my home!

If you want to continue hooking up with your sluts, do it. But out of here!

It's not what you think.

- Ah, no? - No. Of course not.

- What is it, then? - It's...

I'm not obliged to tell you. These things simply don't concern you.

They only concern me!

No, me too. You forget that, although you're the boss, the patrimony is mine.

Don't fool yourself.

If you think you can waste my money with that one...

I'll never let you!

Don't worry, I won't ask you anything.

I just want one thing, let's not talk about this anymore. Never again!

Those are my things... And nobody must interfere, starting with you.

That small bouquet of flowers

that comes from the mountain...

I wanted to thank you. I heard that, in the fire, if it wasn't for you...

Forget it, there's no need to talk about it.

You've saved my life!

They told me it was you who entered the flames.

I didn't do anything special, believe me.

Fortunately everything went well and there were no victims.

- Were you hurt? - No, nonsense!

And you, how are you now? Have you recovered from the scare?

Yes, but I'll never be able to forget that moment.

The girls screaming, the flames about to engulf us!

I knew I was going to die, but something pushed me to help the girls.

And after what I did, I felt that I couldn't, that I didn't want to die!

It wouldn't have been fair.

You are still so young. Young people have every right to live.

Yes. I've realized how much I love life, maybe because I was about to lose it.

It's hard to explain, but... I feel like I need to love everyone.

My companions, all these people. Even those that I don't know!

What I say might seem ridiculous, but I feel that way.

I'm glad to hear you talk like this.

It's the first time I feel so happy, so serene.

Because until now...

A sad life. Me and my mother, alone, fighting against everyone.

And your father?

I don't know him.

- You've never heard of him? - Never. And I don't care!

What if you happened to meet him?

How is it possible? He's never taken care of me.

He probably doesn't even know I exist!

Yes, I'd like to meet him...

..but to tell him how much I hate him for the harm he has done to us!

But maybe he didn't know...

Sure, the usual excuse.

They never know. How disgusting!

Sorry... And thanks again.

- How many days are left? - Only a few.

The transplant is finished. Now it's time to clean the rice.

I can't take it anymore. I'll stay in bed tomorrow.

- One day and a pound of rice less. - What do I care?

Look, Gianni, how bad I've been here!

I don't like this one, there's too much shadow on the face.

Yes

Sure, I did it when it was getting dark.

- Here, look! - Ah, beautiful.

Look how many flowers!

Very nice! You prefer flowers to me!

What does that have to do with anything?

- Here, this is the one I like best! - Let me see.

No!

If you don't give it to me, I'll clear off right away!

And if I give it to you, will you give me a kiss?

No. No, you don't deserve it!

No, don't kiss me...

I didn't think I could fall in love with a girl I'd just met.

How many plans do I make? Every day I invent a new one!

It's like being a child again.

Maybe because you too have been little.

You're right.

I worked all week...

...and on Sundays I went to see the other children at the fair.

Moving their heads up and down.

I deluded myself because I had no money to ride the merry-go-round.

Even if we could buy a carousel, we can't recover what we've lost.

We'll take our children.

Do you want to?

This girl story was all I needed. And I have to put up with this humiliation!

- What do you think he wants to do? - Who knows? I'll force him to stay here.

And he'll let himself be dragged by that slut! At his age!

He's in hot water, poor uncle!

He's capable of ruining himself.

I believe so. With the love he has for his family...

Stupid, I don't know why she gives herself so many airs.

But, I'll put her in her place!

Maybe! You'd save him and me.

Gianni!

Gianni, where are you?

Elena!

No! You got me all dirty.

- Look how you've got me. - Ah.... It's just a bit of soap!

But what happened? I wasn't expecting you.

I was so eager to see you. Does it bother you that I came?

Bother me? What are you saying?

You've put on new clothes, you shaved...

- Do you have an important meeting? - A very important one. Come here!

Look.

- What's that? - Haven't you read?

"Your most illustrious honor...", that's me ..

"...please come to my office for important business."

- "Lawyer Severini." - What does he want from you?

A big fuel company wants to invite me to be their distributor.

Is it a good deal?

Fantastic! You can earn what you want.

And do they come to offer it just to you?

That's what I don't understand. You can see they've made enquiries.

We're so lucky! Now I can ask you to marry me, miss.

Oh, Gianni, I'm so happy! Quick, now head to the lawyer!

I forgot about him! Are you waiting for me here?

What if someone comes?

It's easy. You say, "Come in, please, I'm the mistress, what do you want?"

Bye.

- Welcome! Good morning. - Good morning.

Please, take a seat.

- Here I am. - Please sit down. - So, what is it about?

I already told you on the phone, it's an important distribution contract.

If you accept, I have the contract here.

It's useless to read it all, right? The usual ways.

You are given 25% of the selling price...

and an annual bonus, provided by the fuel company.

Contract for two years, renewable under the same conditions. In agreement?

Yes, but, excuse me, I have a small workshop in an alley.

This company will want bigger premises.

That is not a problem. Move the office.

Find a nice venue...

But this takes money, which I don't have.

All right, but don't worry!

Of course there will be expenses. You'll have all the money you need!

From whom?

From who is interested in this deal. Someone who trusts you.

And who is willing to spend their money to help me?

- Excuse me, what worries you? - I don't understand it very well.

Look, young man...

Do you understand what this deal means?

Yes, yes... I do.

Certain occasions don't happen twice.

You're young, you must ensure your future to start a family.

A family?! What does a family have to do with this?

No... It's a possibility, right?

Who's the one who is interested in my affairs?

The name doesn't matter.

- I want to know who! - Calm down! Calm down, young man!

I don't think it's quite right to use that tone

Who?

Gianni!

But what's wrong with you? What happened?

Can one know what's wrong with you? Tell me!

Go ask him.

- But, who are you talking about? - About him, about your boss.

You don't understand, huh? Naive... You don't know anything, right?

I...

"Financing, a beautiful venue, the future must be secured..."

A great deception! He pays to keep the mistress and I marry her!

- A practical, prudent and speedy system! - What are you talking? Are you crazy?

You should have heard the way he offered it to me.

He believed that I]d also agree. Everyone does... but not me!

My hands are clean.

Tell your master to look for another! He has the wrong address!

But Gianni, I.... I don't understand!

And you... I was listening to you like a fool.

The engagement, the "I love you"... You were good at playing your part!

All those poses of love!

Did you do it to the old man too? And he paid you well, right? Gross!

Do you think that? Aren't you ashamed to talk to me like that?

Elena!

Are you happy now? You got what you wanted!

What do you mean? Why do you talk like that?

Gianni was everything to me! My joy, my hope...

You've wanted to put yourself between us. Now it's over. I've lost him forever!

And I have to thank you! But why? What do you want from me?

- Elena... - Enough! Leave me alone!

- I don't want to see you anymore! - Elena...!

Elena!

We come back home!

With 40,000 liras and 40 pounds of rice. One a day.

And the pain in the bones all year long!

Angela Barbati: 37 pounds.

Why 37 pounds, if I've been here for 40 days?

Because you stayed in bed for three days.

Did you find a husband?

No. Do you know what he said when I asked him?

"Why buy the cow, if milk is cheaper?"

- What a gentleman! - What a pig!

- Pagliari Gianna: 40 pounds. - And how did it go? - What do you want?

That young man who went out with you... will her marry you?

He didn't propose and I don't care.

- You say it with such a face... - Mind your own business!

Next.

Nardi Elena: 40 pounds.

- Next. - Garzi Maria: 39 kilos.

Now they sing the serenade to the masters.

It's the tradition. It's the last day.

Thank you!

With your permission, we sing the serenade.

Gentlemen come here...

...and we'll thank you.

Greetings we bring to all with pleasure.

Great!

Bravo!

Goodbye.

And you, Elena, won't you dance?

Come on, let's have fun! The work is over!

What are you doing alone? Come with us!

Of course, I also want to have fun. Come, girls, I offer you!

Come, girls, invite Elena! Something happened to you?

- I want to have fun, that's all! - Great!

- And those are all workers? - Yes.

- And why are they dancing? - To have fun.

It's the end of the harvest season and tomorrow they return home.

- You're not coming, Mario? - Wait for me at the table.

- Come here. - What is it?

We're leaving tomorrow, you promised that we would see each other again!

Indeed, here you have me. Look at me!

- But... - What's gotten into your head?

- More Vermouth for all! - This is enough for me.

Not that much, not that much! That's enough.

Don't drink too much, it'll make you nauseous.

It feels good It's just what I need.

I was a fool. I don't care about anything now.

I've changed my mind about so many things.

You'll see.

- Can you dance? - I can't do anything else!

Then let's go!

Coward!

Leave me! You're hurting me...

Where's uncle?

I don't know. He was here recently, told me he was coming right back.

Does it bother you to dance with me?

- Do you still think I'm a scoundrel? - Yes.

- But you're not afraid anymore, eh? - No! I've never been afraid of anyone.

Great! Now I like it!

What is it? Are you crying?

Crying? I'm happy and I really want to dance!

Go away, she wants to dance alone!

What is going through her head? Is she crazy?

Come on, Elena! Great, spin!

- Come on, faster! - Show what you can do!

- Get away from here! - Why?

I saw that you were crying.

Come on, tell me what happened to you.

Get off me!

No!

Get off me! No!

- No! - Come on, don't be stupid!

Get off me!

Now that you know, you can understand everything.

- Thank you. And forgive me. - Go, go!

Help! Gianni!

Gianni!

Gianni! Gianni, no! No!

Gianni! Gianni!

No!

Mario.

Mario!

He's wounded!

He's seriously injured!

He's not breathing.

He's dead. There's nothing to do.

You killed him.

Gianni, I came here to be alone.

I wanted to be alone!

However, he came.

- Oh, Gianni, believe me! - Yes, but keep calm now.

They'll arrest you! What will become of us?

What will become of me?

And all because of you.

If you hadn't intruded, Gianni and I would have been so happy!

And yet, since I've known you, nothing but bad things have happened to me.

If he knew how I hate him!

- Damn you! Damn you! - He's your father, Elena!

My father?

My father...

My daughter, forgive me for all the harm I've done to you.

Go away! Nobody has seen you. Get back to Novara! Take my car.

If they ask you something, say I left you in the workshop today.

Here, I thought of everything. Come on, go!

- But what do you want to do? - Go away!

And you go too. Don't despair, nothing will happen to your Gianni.

- I'll fix everything. - No!

- But why? - It was an accident, but it's my fault!

But don't you understand that it's about saving her?

If you want her well, you can't deny it.

Go, someone might come.

And remember, you haven't seen anything!

But I can't...

You can't what? Do you want to ruin her?

It's her father who asks you!

I'm asking you a favour.

Saving you, I save her, the only thing I have left.

It's not fair!

Isn't it fair that your father does something for you?

Elena, my child, look at me.

I don't ask you to love me, I know it's too early,...

but at least give me the hope that one day I won't be a stranger to you.

I have caused you nothing but misfortune.

And now that I want to help you a little, you don't want it! Why?

What was that? Mario... Mario...

Mario...

What did you do to him? Why don't you answer me? Mario...

Answer!

Hello? Good evening, commander. I'm Pietro Guerrini.

Come, please.

Murderer... Murderer!

Murderer!

Down there in the station.

When I leave the carriage

I wanna hold you tight.

When I leave the carriage I wanna hold you tight.

- When? - How? - But why?

- They arrested him! - Why?

What did he do?

- The boss? - Arrested?!

Deep down, I feel sorry. He was a good man.

They arrested the boss.

Something he did.

I called it, sooner or later, it would end badly!

- Papa! - My daughter...