Original subtitles

Goto, Isle of Love

The film is set in our time on the Isle of Goto…

in the fortress-residence of the governor, Goto III.

Gera, tell me whose portrait this is.

His Highness, Goto III, Governor of the Isle of Goto.

Well done, my boy!

Gora, whose portrait is this?

His Highness, Goto I, Governor of the Isle of Goto.

Well done. Sit down.

Silence, silence!

Whose portrait is this, Gamo?

His Highness, Goto II.

Well done.

Goto III,

Goto I,

Goto II.

Can we see it closer?

Careful! It's a work of art.

- How do you do it? - I'll explain.

It's an optical effect.

We learnt it in physics.

It's three portraits.

But it could be three landscapes.

The main thing is the optical effect.

Sit down. I'll explain.

Now you see why Gera, Gora and Gamo were all correct.

Each side sees a different picture.

You'll change places every week.

Those in the centre will sit on the left,

then the right, and so on.

Each week, one of our kings will be your patron.

Why kings, Gamo?

Because since 1887

royal status has devolved upon our governors

although not officially assumed by them.

Why 1887, Gamo?

A catastrophe… The unforgettable catastrophe of 1887.

I don't remember…

Gnor?

Introduction: The night of 12th January, 1887,

changed the history of our kingdom.

A terrible earthquake obliterated 90% of our country.

The sea swallowed 99% of our population,

including the royal family.

We honour them.

The unforgettable catastrophe of 1887

proved rich in blessings, despite the forebodings of our elders.

Contact with the world was lost.

The governors were enabled to maintain national traditions

and they have faithfully preserved the pre-earthquake way of life.

That's just a start. I'll swat you like a fly!

You'll crack like a hollow shell!

Hear that?

The Andante Larghetto already.

The Supreme Tribunal, according to custom

makes no decision without the agreement of His Highness.

Today the Tribunal executes the verdict pronounced a week ago.

The condemned man, Gras, committed his sixteenth crime.

He killed Corporal Gat.

The condemned Grozo.

Committed a theft: he stole Lieutenant Gono's binoculars.

According to law, the culprits are condemned to public combat.

And although both crimes warrant the death sentence

only one will perish: the loser.

His Highness the Governor will pardon the victor.

Don't be afraid. Gora is gone.

Rest, you're a good lad.

The storms are fled afar

No longer we hostages are

Of Nature hostile

Goto protects our isle

Of your voice we stand in awe

We venerate your law!

I never knew my father.

I was three months old when he died on the stage.

And you took to the boards after him.

Yes, but, Your Highness, I swear it was the first time…

Right, I believe you.

Do you know why I summoned you here?

One never knows that, Your Highness.

You'll soon know.

Come, doggie.

Well, do you like your servant?

Very well.

You'll replace the old man who keeps my kennels.

And from today,

in addition to that,

I entrust two other offices to you:

killer of flies

and cleaner of our boots.

Understand?

Dogs…

flies… boots.

His Highness' boots?

Mine and those of my wife.

Well, repeat your offices.

Dogs… flies…

boots…

Your cell will be changed.

I'm grateful to His Highness for everything.

What do you want here? Clear out, you little wretch!

Quiet! You'll only get more upset.

I've just come for a little lie down.

It's a long time since I've been able to stretch out on my back.

It's more comfortable than on the stomach.

Go ahead. It's your right.

It's probably your last wish.

You wanted to spit in my face and you did.

If that didn't satisfy you,

please carry on, try again.

Bastard! You'll pay!

You miserable swine!

You wanted to kill me!

Me, who's so weak… you, so big.

Now you've got a real headache.

Maybe you feel nothing?

You seem a bit lost without body or limbs.

Isn't your head enough for you to think up something?

So, here lived the strongest man…

on the Isle of Goto.

Leave it, you idiot!

Take that muck!

The pommel… the cantle…

the bridle… the girth…

the stirrup-leather and…

The stirrup, that's easy.

30 are missing, I'll bring them next time.

- Are they all good? - They're all good this year.

Be sure to hide them, Lieutenant Gono.

Don't worry.

I heard him say he'd bring more.

They speak too loudly, these country folk.

Windfalls.

Is there no punishment for taking them?

Yes, but for tobacco,

they'll risk combat on the stage.

Glossia! Wait!

I'd like to live here.

- Are those apple trees? - Yes.

I can see your guard.

He's far away already.

Will there be enough tobacco for all?

Are those apple trees without fruit?

They only bear properly every third year.

Then how did the guard manage to find those apples?

It's the entire crop.

And the boat?

For the next lesson?

What's the time?

Twenty to twelve.

He's waving to you.

How could he recognise you?

It's impossible, he can't.

He hasn't been out of there in years.

Anyway, we must appear no bigger than ants to him.

I'm late.

Shall I go with you?

Keep away! They could tear you to pieces!

They might get to know me.

You never know,

if they take against you, that's the end.

I've had enough.

He didn't pat me once. I've had enough!

Never one pat. It's a dog's life!

What are you doing, you idiot?

Can't you see it's dirty?

Go and wash the meat at once. It's full of sand.

What are you doing?

What have I done? I couldn't help it,

I'm learning the job…

No one had to teach me, I did it straight away.

You're getting old, though. Someone else must take over!

Let me in, I was in front of him!

There's been some mistake!

Gaba, number six.

Gonasta, number three.

Gueva, number ten.

Groma, number four.

Glada, number thirteen.

That's even nicer.

It's a royal gown.

Don't you like it?

Is it torn?

Listen… if you don't want it…

Wait… I won't leave it without you.

Will it really be better over there?

Not better, different.

We won't live longer, but we'll be together.

Not for long, then?

For ever.

Can you trust your soldiers?

They think it's only for a trip,

but they wouldn't betray us, anyway.

Even if the Governor gave them tobacco?

I'm on the fourth already.

I don't know if fate will spare me long enough to make other models.

We can never have enough.

I think that this one

which has proved most efficient, particularly for meat flies

must serve for some time yet.

It just has to be copied.

Can you manage to make more?

I'll do my best.

But it's not the work which I'm afraid of.

I'll leave you the tools.

You talk as if you may die. You'll teach me how to use the tools.

We'll use the same tools.

But I'm not worried about them,

even if you take them to the grave.

Where shall I get thread and sheet iron?

I pick cloth to get thread. The sheet iron is here.

I've collected enough to make nine or ten boxes, at least.

How many will be needed?

Do they wear out?

Do I have to look after you forever?

Kill flies some other way, if you're soared of thread and iron.

Get going with this fly-swatter.

Granddad…

don't overtax yourself.

So you know I'm going to replace you.

As a first step,

you'd better tell me if this design copes with all flies.

It's different from the others.

It's bound to work, even with old flies.

You can catch young flies with common candles

or with Fly Agaric,

or anything.

The mouth of this little funnel is designed in such way

that a fly has no qualms about landing inside it.

It has no idea it won't be able to get out once it is inside.

Really, granddad?

But just think… It's possible!

If a fly enters the box,

why can't it take the same way out?

Just a moment, I haven't finished.

I'll explain, but you'll have to take my word for it.

Do you see that tip?

Yes, but it's tipped with hair!

The fly enters by parting the curtain of hair

but it's impossible to return against the hair.

The fly thinks much the same way as you.

Entering is easy, but later it's as sorry as hell.

Don't compare me to a fly.

Because…

I might get angry.

The design is fine,

but where does the hair come from?

From my neighbour.

I wonder if it really catches anything.

Look, they'll be done for in the sea.

The sea is salt. Salt devours everything.

Coleoptera, Orthoptera,

Hemiptera, Neuroptera,

Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera.

1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7.

Seven orders of insects.

I've already discussed six of these seven orders of insects.

Now we shall concentrate on the last, the Diptera.

These insects have only one pair of wings,

corresponding to the first pair of wings in other insects.

The mouth is formed for pricking and for sucking.

The larvae pass through a pupa stage

before it becomes a full-fledged insect.

Among the Diptera insects we find

flies, mosquitoes,

gadflies, midges.

Let us take the ordinary fly.

We note at once it is in the Diptera order

if it has one pair of wings

joined to the second segment of the thorax.

On the third segment the wings have been reduced to two small organs.

We call them halteres.

The fouth of the mly…

I mean… the mouth of the fly… Silence!

The mouth of the fly is designed for suction.

The lower lip and long jaws

form a tiny trunk with a bulbous tip,

as we can see under the fly's head.

Grozo, please show us your fly traps.

A happy invention of Gomor,

the fly-vanquisher.

Flies are a plague on society.

Don't touch that!

They're designed for dainty flies,

even the biggest weigh nothing.

The slightest touch may upset their precision.

Correct, except for a small inaccuracy.

Even the small fly weighs something, but never mind.

Be quiet, please.

Don't touch the traps, they may be dirty.

Flies harbour microbes and have certainly left some in the traps.

Excuse me,

but the traps are thoroughly washed out daily.

Washing is not enough.

They should be boiled to destroy microbes.

It's impossible. That would distort the hair,

the most important part of the apparatus.

Grozo, allow me to continue.

If I'm not mistaken, it's hair.

My wife's hair.

I cut it off, it's better than thread.

That hair… is it Gonasta's?

Be careful! Hold your breath or you'll blow it all away.

Go and join your flies, you old crock!

Where did you get that gun?

Are you stupid?

You dared…

to cut the hair…

of Glossia's mother?

Did he say any last words?

When he fainted I put him on the bed,

he regained consciousness for a moment, but said nothing.

And before?

What were his last words before he fainted?

He asked me to make more traps

then he showed me how the funnels were designed.

He's very anxious to know his father-in-law's last words.

Gomor! Gomor!

It's him!

He killed him.

He's the murderer.

Now he pretends to mourn him!

She's insane, call a doctor!

No!

Next thing, people will think my promotion is a crime.

It brings back my childhood.

I learned riding here.

My father sat in this very place when I had riding lessons,

watching over the progress of his son.

Keep your distance!

I like it here.

There is more air and fewer flies.

What can be done?

I would pull down this old fortress

but first I'd have to build a new one.

We may not have air or light

but we have security.

There are no wars.

And who knows, a new fortress

might well bring misfortune.

Am I right?

Yes.

The best solution is not to alter well-proven things.

There's air enough outside the walls. I always have that in mind,

that's why I ordered riding lessons for you.

We'll ride out on a trip, far away.

I'll show you the trees, the sea.

Lower your shoulders.

I'm afraid of not riding well enough.

You ride very well.

How many lessons? Twenty? Twenty-five?

I don't remember, I've been learning for a month

but I'm sure mountain slopes are not like the riding school.

It's very easy. It's a wonderful experience.

You'll feel like it's your first visit to the sea.

Look! What agility!

Lesson over.

Bravo! Great!

Goodbye till tomorrow.

Congratulations, lieutenant!

- See you tomorrow. - Yes.

Bravo, bravo!

An excellent rider.

I'd never have thought it.

Congratulations once more, Lieutenant,

the boys ride like a circus troupe.

And now my wife.

What art! What a sense of rhythm! Pure music!

I'll be right back, Glossia.

Come on, let's go.

We're going on a trip.

I don't want to boast, but I'm a fair horseman.

I'm not ashamed to compete with such a company.

- Goodbye, Lieutenant. - Goodbye, Your Highness.

Come with me.

- What's your name? - Gauda.

And what's in this pannier?

My brother.

Your brother?

Where are you two going?

Nowhere.

Nowhere? And where are you taking him?

I'm taking dinner to my father and older brother.

- At the quarry? - Yes.

What does your mother do?

She's dead.

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

He doesn't know. How touching.

Poor little thing.

Glossia! Come down to the sea.

Come on!

Hello!

Hello!

Peekaboo!

Peekaboo!

Someone's come or someone's going!

What a cockleshell!

A boat for suicides.

I'm afraid. The boat will drift away…

No, it's quite safe.

It's a stout boat, with oars.

No, you said it was a bad boat.

It was a bad joke.

Glossia!

Glossia!

Who's there? Speak.

I'm looking for the best places for fly traps, Lieutenant.

Take this.

Don't set foot in the training paddock again.

- It's forbidden. - Sorry, there wasn't anyone here.

The horses were here.

It's true, the horses were here.

I'll know next time.

You'll wash out the wagon like this every day.

Higher! That's it.

There are no flies here.

There might be, Your Highness.

Where will you put the traps?

Over there.

Here, there are currents of hot and cold air.

Flies don't like draughts.

Haven't you any boots?

I'm afraid of slipping on the iron staircase.

In the Dog Days

the sun will make it hot under the roof.

Milk and warmth, the flies will like that.

It's high up.

Don't you know this loft?

No, I've had no occasion to come here before.

It's just that I was thinking today

that in summer, a loft like this

must get very hot.

Oh… binoculars.

I swore I'd never touch binoculars again in my life.

When I think of Gra, in that little basket,

it sends a chill up my spine.

Suppose that today, as an exception,

your master allowed you a little look,

would you refuse?

- I'd be afraid. - To refuse or to look?

It's hard to decide,

they're both pretty bad.

But if you force me,

I'll be obliged to choose, Your Highness.

I command you to take the binoculars.

It's a dangerous game, Your Highness.

My fly traps…

On my honour, I'll not harm a hair of your head.

Take it.

Come on, look! Look!

From here one can see almost half of the island.

Your Highness.

Stop!

He might see us. He's carrying my binoculars.

I permit you to get them back.

I'm not an officer. I'm not armed.

- Loaded? - Six bullets.

What if it jams?

It won't.

- I've never fired a shot before. - It doesn't matter.

- Is that the safety catch? - There isn't one.

Now I know everything.

- Thank you. - At your service.

Gino, go and put the traps up in the loft.

- Do you know the way? - I'll find them.

Put them near the window.

His Highness has killed himself in the loft!

I saw His Highness! I did!

Load!

Shoot!

You'll pay for this! Get away from here at once!

Idiot!

I must do my duty, General.

The body will lie here for three days.

What about the plague?

Idiot!

It's cool and dark here.

There are no flies.

No, there are flies which like cool and dark.

I'll have you shot, you fool. You're insubordinate!

General, listen to me, this is serious.

The governor didn't kill himself, he was murdered. I know who did it.

Who told you?

I'm the only one who knows.

Why didn't you say so at once?

Because I wasn't sure.

Now I am. I must talk.

Not now. After the ceremony.

But until then?

Stay here.

Don't move until someone comes for you.

Goto Ill is dead. He has passed on tragically.

Let us honour him with a minute's silence.

Yes, the yard was being washed,

when Lieutenant Gono passed by the kennel.

For how long was Gono there?

About ten minutes.

And during that time you heard the shot?

Yes. I didn't take much notice of it.

Then Gono crossed the yard.

His horses were very excited…

as if they got spurred.

Did Gono see you?

Yes, the horses were shying.

Where was your assistant?

Finishing the yard.

The dogs lost the scent because the yard was washed.

When did it occur to you that Gono had killed the governor?

On the stage, when I was taken bad.

You may return to your work.

Well, Gilo, were the apples good?

As for food, your meals will be served through this hatch.

You will be humanely treated.

Your Highness!

It's Grozo.

Don't be afraid. You saved my life, Madame, remember?

I've a debt to repay.

What do you want?

Do you know that Gono has been arrested?

- When? - Today.

He assassinated His Highness the Governor.

It's not true. He didn't do it.

I'm sure he didn't.

If he can prove an alibi, he'll be acquitted.

It was suicide!

Please don't cry. They'll hear us talking.

- Can you hear me? - Yes, I can.

I'm going to help you.

I'm going to help you. Many things have changed.

I'm an officer and I can get to see Gono.

Can I give him a message from you?

Tell him I believe he's innocent.

You could write to him. Have you paper and pen?

Yes, but that is dangerous…

No, I'll see he destroys the letter when he's read it.

Knock in a few minutes.

I'll come back when it's quite safe.

The General Staff of the Isle of Goto

executes today the verdicts pronounced two days ago.

The condemned Grymp has committed a tenth crime.

He has killed the deaf-mute Gordo.

The condemned Gono

has committed the most incredible crime.

He killed our governor, Goto III.

I've written a letter.

He'll have it soon. And the tray?

- I haven't dined. - I'll be back in an hour.

Good.

My dear Gono, I know you are innocent.

It was suicide. Courage! They will free us.

Yours for ever, Glossia.

- I'm unlucky. - Stick with us, anyway.

Stand back!

Be quiet. Mind where you're putting your feet.

We'll draw by height, OK?

- I'm the tallest… - Quiet!

- I go last. - Then I'm third.

And Gimon…

fourth.

Agreed?

So there's no confusion later.

In case of a tie, there will be a rematch.

Let's do this then.

Why bother to go on? You've won.

You never know. You could get three, too.

It's two days since you said you'd come back.

I couldn't.

What's happened?

I've been very busy

and we've been watched.

What does that mean?

I've been elected.

Where's Gono?

He's dead.

He was buried yesterday.

Glossia!