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METELLO

Based on the novel "METELLO"
by Vasco Pratolini

Murate Prison
Florence 1880

Wasn't he due next month?
- I couldn't hold him any longer.

What's his name?
- METELLO. - METELLO?

Why METELLO?

Didn't we agree to call him...

Libero?

Or Comunardo?

So as not to mark him from birth.

To keep him away from jail.

We know how to bring them
into the world, but then...

we always have to take
the trip to the cemetery.

Of course this... This is a male.

And after two piddling girls,
I'd be sorry if he were to go.

This time I'll go first.

You look run down.

Because of my absence, huh?

But I promise you that
I won't go back to prison!

All the books you have under
the bed should be burned. - No way!

No!

You can't touch those!

Move! I order you to move!

Get away.

Run for it.

Run for it!

Keep out of the way, you two.
Go, get into a doorway!

Poldo!

Renzoni! You too? - Get away
or they'll throw you back in jail.

Listen!

Going to jail for having professed
one's own ideas, is not a shame!

What are they doing wrong?

They just want to be paid
by the sweat of their brow.

Is this a crime?

Is it a crime?

We'll take care of you.
- Get off me or you'll get a beating!

Adele! It's me, Poldo.

You could've replied.

I've been going to and fro
along the Arno all night long.

Luckily, I met Pestelli
who gave me something to eat.

Have you nursed the baby?

Be honest.

You thought I was in prison
already, didn't you?

Just listen to him.

What a voice, isn't it?

Did you hear how
he cried this morning?

Want to bet that this one
will pull through?

Adele?

Adele!

How many things I've put you through!

You knew what I was like.

We can do nothing about it.

That's how we're born.

But him...

But him...
I'll protect him, you'll see.

Adele, I promise you,
I will do it.

Even if it means dredging
all the sand from the Arno.

I will protect him.

One morning towards the end of 1883
the Arno was in flood.

My father was alone
on the barge laden with sand.

The current dragged him
for a long stretch.

Then suddenly he fell overboard...

and the barge covered him like a slab.

Forever.

Until I turned 17,
I lived in the country, at Rincine...

a village of Mugello
near the Sieve Valley.

Times were hard,
there was no work for anyone.

Mum and Dad Tinai,
who had taken care of me...

decided to emigrate.

METELLO!

Let's go.

Keep back, please. Watch out.

What's the matter?
Why so serious?

He who emigrates, dies.

But Belgium isn't America,
there's the train.

You'll return, sooner or later.

Your basket, METELLO.

Come on. - I'm staying here.

I hope you're joking.
What do you mean?

I'm not leaving, I can't do it.

Hurry up. - No!

Stop it, get on the train.

My parents lived and died in Florence

and I want to live and work
in my home town.

We are your family. Come on!

I know. I love you
even though I'm leaving you.

METELLO.

Well? Do you want to work or not?

Take it or leave it.

No, huh?

You, come here.
Do you want to work?

The pay is four cents an hour.

Is it alright?

Scoundrel! They're coming
from the country to steal our jobs,

go back where you came from!
- Leave him alone!

Don't you see he's just a kid?

Listen, tell me the truth.

Is it true you're from Florence?

I'm from outside,
but I was born in Florence.

My dad was a sand digger.
He died in Arno.

What was his name?

Poldo Salani. - Poldo?

Hey, guys! This is Poldo's son!

You knew him?

Did I know him?
All anarchists know one another.

He was a smart guy.
He was someone who never gave in.

Tell me, what do you do?
Where do you live?

Wherever I can.
Sometimes I sleep at the station.

Do you feel like staying
at my place? - Thanks.

No need to thank.
We must help each other.

Now, keep on unloading.

Remember that you mustn't work
for less than 5 cents per hour.

From the way you seized that ox,
I see this job is not for you.

You'd better choose another.

I'd like to be a mason.
- Then be one!

Anyway there's no job shortage
and the pay is 7 cents per hour.

Seven cents? A fortune!

A pittance, rather, you prick.

Hurry up.

Have you done with jobbing?

1.5 metres by 14.

That's alright, enough.

METELLO, are we going to Lungarno?

To do what? - Watch the gals.

The master's waiting. Some other time.
- What do you need to learn?

You can write, I only sign
my name and that's enough.

Enough to get swindled.
Why don't you come too?

I'd like to but tonight
you're coming with me.

Hey, beauties!

They don't even turn around.

There're always lots of
gals down here. - Indeed.

The band!

Wait, don't run.

Shall we take a look?

What is it? - The band's rehearsing.
King Humbert arrives on Sunday.

But who made him king, anyway.
- Certainly not me. -Humbert, hangman!

We'll plant bombs at the Pitti,
in Saint Peter.

- At the Quirinal!- Betto!

Are you crazy?
- Long live Cafiero!

Long live the anarchists!
- Betto! - METELLO!

We'll set up the Commune ourselves!

Master!

Master, what's going on?

Leave me alone! Leave me alone!
- Shut up! - Humbert, hangman!

The King and the Pope,
in public, feign to be enemies,

but they are always hand in glove!

Go, go away, Renzoni.

I can do it by myself.

Thought is anarchic.

And history...

is moving towards anarchy.

But slowly.

Calm down, Betto.

Ah, freedom.

You've got a fever.
Feel how you're hot! - Anarchy...

Anarchy is a great idea!

But I no longer get along with anyone.

Everyone has turned to the trade union.

Close the window!

Enough of that music!

I've had enough.

The trade union is a flock
that needs a shepherd,

a dog...

and a stick.

Not like that. Not like that.

Not for this I've been fighting!

I've been waiting a long time

for everything to change.

But we are only a few,
so we'd better have done with it.

To go like your father did.

Jump into the Arno...
and I'll do it sooner or later.

Have you seen Mr. Lampredi?
- Yes, last night around 2 o'clock.

Drunk as he was,
he might've fallen in Arno!

If he didn't drown, he's in prison.

It wouldn't be the first time.
Don't you worry,

He probably fell asleep
in Serristori Park.

Betto. - What is it?

Sorry, I made a mistake.

Excuse me, I'm looking for my friend,
Betto Lampredi.

I'd like to know if by chance...

Excuse me. - Who are you looking for?
- Is Betto Lampredi here?

Come with me.

Where are you taking me to?
- Get in!

I didn't do anything! - A few days here
won't hurt you. - Let me go!

I want Betto Lampredi!

I didn't do anything!
I didn't do anything!

Damn!

Hey METELLO!

What are you doing here?
- Right, what?

Last night Betto came out
plastered and feverish.

I came to look for him,
and they threw me in!

Betto isn't here.
If he were, you would hear him.

You mustn't worry.

They'll set us all free
as soon as the King leaves.

What did you do?

The other night I was discussing
socialism with lance corporal Bertini.

I was trying to explain
that it's more difficult now

for the employers to do us harm.

The idiot burst out laughing...
and it came out badly.

It's so important for you to learn
to stand up for your job.

You're young and you must join us.

No. Betto would suffer too much.

I take my hat off to the anarchists

but socialism is something new.
More real!

There are now important leaders
in the Party.

They've written books this thick.

Marx, for example.
Have you ever heard of him?

Turati? Costa?

Marx? No. - That's bad.

And these? Are they socialists too?
- No, we're thieves.

It's still a crime against property.
If you want, I'll teach you the trade.

At least you go to jail for some reason.

Your master is not in prison.

If he's drowned, as they say
they'll fish him out.

And if they don't do it... We will.

Betto's road, your Dad's road.
Do you know where it's leading you?

Here! Do I make myself clear?

They held me prisoner for two days.

They had regard, being underage
and with a clean record.

I came out after they had me
listed as son of anarchist,

disciple of Betto and bricklayer.

Look who's here.

Good morning.

Morning.

I live nearby, in that house down there.

We've been told there's
someone skilled in farming.

He's been a peasant. He's skilled.

Why don't you come tomorrow evening?
- All right.

Will 25 cents per hour do?

Yes, it will.

Leave it to me.

Ah, you're here.
Hold the basket.

What are you looking at?

What a fool you are.
It took some doing, eh?

Viola!

My mother-in-law. Now go away,
and come back later.

Come in here.
I'll leave the gate open.

Beware of the dog.

Viola, where are you?
- Coming, Mum.

Do you have a girlfriend? - No.

Pity,
I liked stealing you from somebody.

Pick it up.

Take off your shoes,
you're hurting me.

Here.

And if I get pregnant,
what will you do?

In such cases people get married.

Get that idea out of your head.

I've had a husband,
and if the Lord took him early,

it is just to make me understand
that marriage is not for me.

How did you want me to reply?
That I'd run away scared?

Take it.

Buy a hat.

Put away that money.

Take it away!

I worked for two hours today,
and I'm entitled to half a lira.

Work is one thing,
and love is something else.

Moretti, wake up.

Don't make your Viola wait too long.

She's on edge like
she's starved for a month.

That one would eat up a whole regiment!

That's enough! Enough! Stop it!

Stop it, idiot!

They'll send us away! - Get off me!
- Get out and have done with it!

Go down.

I'll cut him down.

Are you crazy?

Do you want to lose the job
because of a joke, you idiot?

What happened?

I had a punch-up.

Why?

Someone at the yard
was speaking ill of you.

What did they say?

That you would eat up
an entire regiment of men.

I was beside myself.

He said that out of rage.

He used to work here
and I sent him away.

So, that's why you didn't turn up, huh?

So did you make love to him?

How funny you are.

Take off your jacket.
- I haven't told you yet,

but I've come to say goodbye.

Early tomorrow,
I'm leaving as a soldier.

METELLO!

Dear Viola, I'm writing you this letter,
although I hadn't promised to,

to tell you about myself,
about my army life.

As you'll see from the photos,
I've gotten fat.

Yet one toils away here,
the slop feeds you,

although there's never enough of it.

The first rule they impose,
is to not have an opinion,

a standpoint, an initiative.

So your brain takes this long holiday.

Meanwhile, we're counting the days
that separate us from freedom

like the condemned.

100, 99.

1095 days without thinking
about anything.

Days go by between a reveille,
a mess ration, a muster.

Our worries are
the foot bands to wash, the bayonet,

the rifle '91, polishing the ammo pouch,
the oath to be learned by heart,

and the salute with straight hand.

Still 800 days without thinking
of anything, and then it'll be over.

What will Florence look like?
And you, when I come back?

Will I find a job?

Maybe I'll find everybody changed,
even you, even my friends.

What can you do?

I have nothing more to tell you.

I've served the country, I'm fond
of my friends, that's what remains.

At this crucial age in a man's life

they call you for conscription.

Then, once again face to face with life,
you find out you have to start all anew.

Is Del Buono still on the 2nd floor?
- Yes, he's there. - Thank you.

Come in.

METELLO! - Yes, it's me.

What a surprise. When did you arrive?
- Today.

I wrote to you, a letter and several
postcards. Did you get them?

They opened the letter at the Control
since the sender was a Trade Union.

So I got 20 days in isolation.

And 10 days in prison for each postcard.

You could've warned me,
I would have avoided it.

Actually, I should've guessed.

Don't you think so?
- No, I liked to receive mail.

What are your plans now?

To find a job,
but I know there's little.

As for the job, I'll see about it.
Talk to Pallesi on my behalf.

If we don't help each other...
- He's still with Badolati? - Yes.

And, for the rest?
Have you made up your mind?

For the rest I'm here, with you,
with my class.

But as for the Party,
I don't feel ready.

However you've said something I like.

My class, you said. I'm with my class.

Good!

Viola...
- I'm glad to see you again.

Now I'm married.

And my husband has joined the army.

Well? - Well what?

Everything's like before. - No.

You think I'm crazy, don't you?

When I wanted you, I've let you
understand that I liked you, right?

Same for the others before you.

Now, things have changed... No!

I don't want to.

Leave me alone!

I have a son.

Where is he?
- Nearby. At his grandparents'.

When did you have him?

Two years and 4 months ago.

Yes, he might be your son.

Or someone else's.

But he's mine alone.

Although he's named after Alfredo,
my husband.

He had to have a name.

I've convinced myself
that people are right.

In spite of my teaching diploma,

I hadn't considered the sorrows he would
encounter in life without a name.

That's why I married Alfredo.

Not out of fear...

Or because my parents threatened
to leave the orchard to the Church.

Why you aren't looking at me?

I'm the one who should feel guilty.

If you had written to me
to inform me, I wouldn't have come.

I would've left you in peace.

Certain things are not to be
written to a soldier.

And then I've told you,
I was glad to see you again.

To be honest
I've never understood you.

Neither do I now.

Maybe it's because of
the age gap between us.

And what are you doing now?
You start crying?

Why?

One of my age, it's true,

should find a girlfriend
among those like him.

You made me realize that.

Listen, METELLO, do you have a job?

I'll resume with Badolati.
Pallesi made me hire.

Renzoni! -What is it?

Listen, tonight, if it doesn't rain,
do we go on Lungarno looking for girls?

No, I already have a girl waiting.
She's a seamstress.

She has many girlfriends, why don't you
come too? - All right then, I will.

Hey, Salani.
The engineer wants you. Hurry up.

First you must erect the scaffolding
and then you build the walls.

Obviously you need a precise project,
with all the details.

Excuse me. - Go, dear.

Listen, Salani,

if you find a job elsewhere,
take it because

I must cut personnel next week and,
obviously, I'll start with the youngest.

You understand that?

I'm alone, true, but I live with my work,
you understand that?

What am I to do? Dismiss those
who have a family to feed?

You're not the only one,
I have to dismiss 10 men.

That's why I can keep you
say, for another week, no more.

I'm so sorry.

Try to find something else.

Thanks.

METELLO, why are you like that?

I'm in trouble, I can't come with you.
- Why?

I'm going to the Trade Union.
Badolati threatens dismissals.

Then soon it'll be my turn.

You needn't worry, Del Buono is an MP.
He'll make himself heard.

The employers too have their MPs.
They make themselves heard too.

METELLO! What did he want?

He's going to dismiss 10 men.
I'm the first.

Either you dismiss everybody
or no one, engineer!

That's enough of your tricks! Enough!

Don't give us that anymore! What do you
want to do? Starve the young?

Exploit us even more?

If you throw the boys out, mind you,
we'll all stop.

And I'll stop first!

Watch out, it won't hold!

Pallesi!

Keep calm.
You'll see that everything will be fine.

A rung was missing.

It must have been rotten.

I don't have it with you.

You're the boss,
you're doing your job.

I should've been careful.

It happened to you too.

But you can be an engineer
even without legs, right?

METELLO...

run to my place.

Inform my family.
Bring them to the hospital.

Everyone. Everyone, don't forget!

Even the boys, and Ersilia.

If I die...

carry me off with flags,
but with no priests.

Gentlemen! Gentlemen!

Away with the flags!
No flags allowed!

No one stops you from following
the funeral. - That's all we need now.

Withdraw the flags, and no speeches.
That's an order!

And by whom? - The Chief Constable
and the army commander.

No concern of ours.
We aren't policemen or servicemen.

Let's avoid a scandal.
I'm asking you to comply with the order.

You're the ones who disturb things
with your demands.

We'll keep the flags.
- In that case, you are the one to blame.

In position.

I don't like how things are going here,
we'd better leave. - Yes, you're right.

We've made an appearance anyway.

I know what you've done for my dad.

I'm Ersilia. - Salani METELLO.

Thanks for everything, Mr. Salani,
and for collecting money.

Even the engineer was very kind.

He gave 100 lire out of his own pocket.

Nobody move!

The flags cannot be part
of the procession! - Don't listen!

He died at work!
People must see, people must know.

Away with the flags! - Enough!
- We are in our right.

We've had enough!
- It's not fair!

We can't even bury the dead
in our own way!

Away with the flags, now!

What are we doing wrong?

My God!

Dad!

Dad! - Get away. Quick!

Go, go!

No! Leave me alone. Dad!

Don't move from here.

Let me go!

Shame! Shame on you!

Leave me alone.

Get down! Get down!

You must stop!

Those arrested yesterday!

Listen to me!

We've obtained permission
to greet you one at a time.

But you must not reply.

Or they will send us away by force!

I'm Federico Monsani's wife!

Tell him if he didn't hear!

I... I'm Armando Baldinotti's wife!

Baldinotti Armando!

Martini Pisacane!

It's his wife, Lidia!

Dante Chellini.
It's his wife who is greeting him.

Giovanni Renzoni!

His sister is here,
she came to greet him.

Ferdinando Lippi!

Here's an old woman, who can't
raise her voice enough. His Mother!

Lippi Ferdinando.

He's a mason.

I'm Omero Pantifari's daughter.

I'm greeting him!

Salani METELLO!

It's Ersilia!

Be quiet or they'll chase them away.
- Ersilia, it's METELLO!

Get off me! Ersilia!

Salani METELLO...

Ersilia Pallesi thanks you.

I get out, and I marry you.

In the name of His Majesty Humbert I,
we sentence

Chellini Sante to two years imprisonment
and one year under house arrest,

for rebellion and instigation to revolt.

Salani METELLO,
to 1 year and 3 months imprisonment,

for rebellion and instigation to revolt.

Renzoni Giovanni, to 1 year imprisonment
and 6 months under house arrest,

for rebellion and instigation to revolt.

Lippi Ferdinando, to 1 year imprisonment

for rebellion and instigation to revolt.

All other defendants...

are sentenced to 6 months imprisonment

for resisting the police.
The hearing is closed.

Write to me.

Write to me.

Come on, guys.
You'll see there'll be a remission soon.

Dear Mr. METELLO,
you hinted me to write you,

so I'm writing,
like I used to write to my dad.

It happened to him too, sometimes,
to be taken away from home.

He didn't do anything wrong,
but they picked on him

because he'd been to France,

and was later involved
in the events of 1879.

At that time, I had been just born.

Now I'm 20 and am a florist,

but I guess that soon I will change job.
Fake flowers aren't used anymore.

I can always find something to do.

Cheer up, fifteen months are not few,

but it seems there will be an amnesty.

Dear Mr. METELLO...

you hinted me to write you,
so I'm writing...

At the time of the events of '79,
I too had been just born,

but it was a provocation all round.

I know because I read it in a book
that poor Lampredi left me.

Write to me often,
and call me by name, Ersilia.

Remember,
I'll marry you as soon as I get out.

Will you give me a posy?

Have you finished?

Fold it like this, look.
I've told you many times.

You're holding the whatsit wrongly.

Wait before saying:
'I get out and I marry you'.

It could be a wasted project.

That day I came to greet you
because I was prompted by instinct

but it could have been by compassion.

I'm still not sure
whether I truly love you.

The truth is that maybe
I have yet to meet love.

Does it exist?

If it does, Ersilia,

I wish you could see me
and read my thoughts.

A year has already gone by,
there are hardly 90 days to go.

I say 'hardly' so as not to bang
my head against the wall.

This is actually the world.

We were born on one side of the fence,
and we must stay there.

But from now on...

As soon as I get out I'll marry you.

Ersilia!

METELLO!

Why did you surprise me?

I would arrive before
any letter I'd write.

I've been given 2 months' remission.

So you are in Florence.
- Since three days.

Sadly they released me only yesterday.

I went to your house
but I didn't dare knock.

So I started looking for a room
where I could sleep,

but I didn't sleep a wink.

I was waiting for daylight to see you.

I returned to your house in San Frediano

while the bakers were returning,

but your mother told me
you were doing the night shift.

She was kind.

So...

Now that you've seen me from the front,
have you made up your mind?

You've lost weight.

A glass of muscat.
- A grappa.

The first one in 13 months.

Come! Come!

Let go! - Come on, I live nearby.
- Let go of me!

And don't pull me!

If I didn't want to,
you'd never make it.

I've never been alone in a man's house.

Come.

If you change your mind tomorrow,
have no qualms with me.

But if you marry me,
watch out for yourself!

That's done.

No, Liberino, don't cry.

Want to come to daddy?
- No, sweetheart.

No, no, no.
- Come on. There now.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Who is that? - A lady who lived
opposite the construction site.

METELLO.

Do you recognize me? - Olindo.

Olindo!

How are you? - Well.

What a pleasure to see you!

This is my wife,
and this my first son.

It's Olindo! We grew up together.

Come, come on!
When did you arrive?

From Belgium, on Sunday.

I brought the kids to Cosetta,
at Rencine. - How is Mother Isolina?

She's getting on. But sadly everything
went wrong for us. Then...

I got sick in the mine,

and so I decided to come back.

I'm taking the child upstairs, METELLO.
- We're coming too.

Lucky you.

You've got a happy family, a home.

I've got friends at the Trade Union.

You see, I'll find you a job.

Who knows, maybe even at Badolati's,
where I'm working.

Come, sit down.

He's sleeping?
- Yes, he was so tired.

As long as you've nowhere else,
you can stay at our place.

We'll put up a camp bed.

He can get by here.

As far as I'm concerned
if your wife agrees...

METELLO knows what he's doing.

Mrs. Salani!

Mrs. Salani.

Listen.

My husband asked me to invite you tonight

to the cafe on Piattellina Square.

They inaugurate the electric lighting!

Invite them, he said,
you'll see they'll accept.

Sorry, Ida, but a relative has arrived,
and we must bring the child to grandma.

What a pity!

Some other time.

I'm sorry, but it's impossible tonight.
Goodbye.

If it's because of me...

Don't worry, it's not because of that.
- Dear, shall we go?

Did you take the money?
I don't like going without.

If something happens, the poor,
you know, are taken to hospital.

I can't stand those dimwits!

She's a friend now, in her own way.

You know what it takes?
A nice whack in the mouth!

How quickly you hand out slaps!

And who'll receive them?

Help me.

Olindo!

Tonight we'll meet at the Trade Union.
Inform METELLO as well.

METELLO.

What is it?

The meeting has been set for tonight.

My sons...

Don't take it seriously,
this wave of democracy.

Don't let it go to your head.
I was like you.

And I'm a self-made man.

And now, if I have some money,
and a business,

I don't owe it to the Trade Union.
They are the fruits of my brain, got it?

Engineer, we're talking about
bread and work.

The fares are already meagre,
and must be respected!

I do respect the rates.

No, engineer.
Neither you are respecting them.

Tinai, for example,
gets 3 cents less than the fare.

- Why?
- Why? Because I wanted to help him.

I didn't even need him!

No, he's the one who
is helping you get rich.

I'm saying this for your own sake.

Pour water on the fire!
Don't jump into the fray!

Don't listen to Del Buono,
it doesn't suit you!

Come on, what would you do on your own?

You couldn't even pluck your finger
out of... of your own butt!

Say ass, engineer,
you know how to say it!

When, at daytime, you think
that we aren't sweating enough,

or that the cold hasn't broken our hands,

why, then, don't you talk clean?
- Because I'm paying you to sweat.

I don't want to get involved in this.
- Enough now, guys. Go!

Go on home. Go home.

You know that your daddy

is such a distinguished man?
He doesn't even look like a mason.

Just try telling him that.
He cares so much about his work!

But, is it true that Mr. METELLO
had troubles with the law?

Sorry for asking...

Yes, it's true.
It was because of politics.

Really? I too know something about it.

I had an uncle who made
my mother weep so much!

You know, such ideas,
that all men are equal,

that all have the right to work
without being exploited.

When they get in your blood...

Besides, it's even written in the Gospel.

If men like Metello's weren't like that,
they wouldn't be themselves.

Listen, if I were his wife

I'd do anything
to keep him away from politics.

Good evening.

Good evening.

You know we were just talking about you?
Speaking well, of course.

Is dinner ready?
- My husband got tickets for the opera.

You won't say no this time too?

I've come of age today.

I'm turning 21.

Do thank your husband
but I really can't tonight.

Some other evening, with pleasure.
- Please yourself.

I'll tell my husband to get the tickets
for tomorrow evening.

It's the Excelsior ball.
- Thank you, Ida. - Good night.

There's an important meeting tonight.

Surely we'll decide for a strike.
We all agree.

Renzoni and I,
we're in charge for Badolati's yard.

Don't worry.

I'll take you to the theatre.

If you go on strike...

Know what I'll do?

I'll take the baby to Mum's place
and leave him there for a while.

We'll make economies
and I won't be tied down.

Idina gave me a nice idea. It seems
fake flowers are back in fashion.

I could earn some money.

Idina's idea?

Why don't you like her?
She's so pretty!

Don't you think she's pretty?
- Yes, she is. - So you like her?

You asked if she's beautiful.
- And you should say you didn't notice.

Then what do I need eyes for?

Watch out!

Come, this way.

Ersilia, look how beautiful she is.

No, thanks.

Come, Ida. Your husband gives
into frenzy if you're not beside him.

Definitely not.

But, I don't see why
we should break our habits.

Changing, sometimes, can be an asset.
I won't move.

Not to mention that I might be
the jealous one.

In that case, I'm not moving either,
I'm staying in my place.

The next day, a strike was declared,

and for the era in which it took place,
it was 1902,

it was a strike that remained legendary.

It was Florence's turn to give
evidence of solidarity and strength.

The machines producing wealth,
with their noise, had awoken everyone

and the alarm had reached the scaffolds.

These people have opened their eyes.

They must shut them, and soon!

They won't have the guts, you'll see.

What's going on here? - Strike!

Stop working!

We are on strike!

Down from the scaffolds!
- Everyone down! Everyone!

Olindo!

Get down!

Do you hear? You too voted
to strike like everyone else!

If you don't want to work, go away,
but leave the others alone, got it?

You're trying to cause an accident?

Who ordered you? The boss?

You forgot when you too went on strike?

No, but that's my business.

A few years ago is a few years ago...
Now I'm here to uphold the work.

Understood? - No.

I didn't understand.

You bastard!

Be careful what you're doing, boys.

Who stops working today will no longer
set foot in my yard, remember that!

You've been warned. I'm not kidding,
be careful what you are doing!

You, Salani! You let it go to your head.

Don't raise your hopes.
This time you'll have a hard time.

I'll be harsher than the others.
You'll come back to me on your knees.

We shall see about that.
For now we're on strike.

We want fair pay. We can't get by
anymore on your scanty wages!

Mister engineer.

At this rate, where will we end up?
- In our days, these things didn't happen.

Hi guys, how was it by you?
- How could it be?

The boss acted like a hangman.
- What did you expect from him?

When you touch their wallet,
they leave manners behind.

What a nice day.
It almost looks like spring.

Yet, it'd be nice to be doing nothing.

As for me, I've never believed
in the story that work is a man's duty.

You're right, work is slavery,
that's what work is.

Look! Look who's here.

Good evening.

Here's your dad.

Ersilia was right.
She told me I could find you here.

Seems like you're none too pleased
with this surprise, huh?

I'm ill-mannered. But you know what
they say, it's the same with the bosses.

You have to defend yourself
so as not to be tempted.

I don't know anything about bosses.
I've never had one.

Temptations then, you know,
are of the devil. - It's not true.

The saints too have temptations.

And if one gets caught,
where will end up?

Maybe to hell,
but also in paradise, who knows?

But don't make me blaspheme.

I don't care if these are months
good for the passage of foreigners.

All right, let's go to the beach!

Close the window.

I can't stand them.
- Leave it, at least some air gets in.

They're going to stop it now.

In the meantime,
they're going to the beach.

When I think about my condition.
I'm forced to ask you...

for hospitality.

You're talking like a stranger.

As if we're weighing down on you.
- It's not that.

I'm eager to have Cosetta
and the kids with me.

So eager that you'd rather work
while we're on strike! Be honest!

I won't be the first to go to work.

But I won't be the last either.

Unless I must obey you
because I'm your guest.

If that's the case, just tell me,
and I'll leave in no time.

If you leave or stay, I don't care.

But careful, if it ends badly
between us, it's your fault!

Don't shout. People are waiting for this,
that you quarrel among yourselves.

Then I'm leaving.

And from now on I'll decide on my own.

Olindo! Olindo!

Don't do that.

METELLO loves you.

If you leave now,
you give him an undeserved pain.

Ida!

Idina!

Come inside, they see you!

Let me breathe another five minutes!
No one can see me anyway.

With this hot weather
my breast is all in sweat.

A penny for your thoughts?

Let's go, come on.
I have 20 cents left.

Enough for two glassfuls.

So we'll take some fresh air,
you can't breathe here!

Yes, let's go.

Good evening. - Evening.

Ring, ring. Have fun,
now it's our turn to ring.

Far from starving them into submission.

They have more stamina than we do.
- Yet, engineer...

I know for sure
that they no longer get along.

That they've decided to negotiate.

Then, two weeks without pay is no joke.
- Bullshit!

Who gives you such information?

They're collecting money
all across Florence.

Those lot help each other.

Let's go.

There he is, comes to speak.

Don't tell me that we won.

Remember, guys,
if he must speak, let him speak.

I burp, so he believes me sated.

He does it on purpose to exasperate us.
- Engineer!

Shut up or I'll flatten you!

Who called me? - I did.

Well?

Come on, speak up! Why were you arguing?
- No one argues here!

Oh no, I saw you!

Renzoni wanted to speak to me.

You and that other guy
jumped on him!

Like him,
who knows how many want to speak to me.

I have nothing to say.

Speaking, yessir, but you ought
shut your ears, as they ain't prayers!

I'll tell you the truth.

It wasn't Renzoni who called, but Tinai.

Scoundrel! - Son of a bitch!

Stop! Stop!

They're not murderers.

We're unarmed. We're strikers.

The truth is that our force frightens you!

If Nardini is carrying a gun,
someone authorized him.

I certainly didn't,

if that's what you're getting at.
Go back to work!

The sooner, the better.
Is that clear?

As clear as mud. Accept our conditions
and we'll go back to work!

Your conditions?

Yes, our conditions!

It's you who must accept mine,

if you want me to convince the
other contractors to forget everything!

Nardini,

close the gate.

Let's go.

CLASS STRUGGLE

AFTER 12 DAYS
MASONS' STRIKE DOES NOT WEAKEN

Mr. METELLO?

Mr. METELLO!

I'm sorry to bother you.

I'm so hot!

I drank half a litre of orangeade
and I'm thirstier than before.

The thirst, Ida, only wine removes it.
Don't you know?

I have it, if you wish. Indeed, I can
bring also some orangeade for Ersilia.

No, thanks. Ersilia went to deliver
some flowers. She'll be back late.

Silly me! She even told me so.

I'm alone too.

If you wish,

I'll come to your place.
- Come right now, I'll be waiting.

Come in.

METELLO.

I want you always.

We have to think about it.

What does it matter?
I am not afraid of anything.

Neither am I afraid of anything.

However, if you want this to be
the first and the last time

it depends solely on you.

Mrs. Idina?

Mrs. Idina!

Mrs. Idina!

I lay down a bit on the bed,
but with this heat I fell asleep.

May I come? I'd like to ask for advice.
- No, wait! I put on a dress and I come.

METELLO!

Tell me, Ersilia.

I wanted to ask you if you could
help me tone in the flowers.

I know you have good taste.

The first order went well,
thanks to you.

I'm glad.

The strike is still going on?
- Yes, it is.

Now I'm going to upset you.
You know you've lost an earring?

The clasp must have snapped
while I was sleeping.

I'll be right back.

METELLO!

Viola!

Bye, Lippi. - Bye.

How are you?
- Not bad, and you?

I came here because I was worried.
I want to know something specific.

I've been told some strikers
were arrested, and I thought about you.

I'm glad you didn't
get involved this time.

I've got something to do with it,
but I'm still out.

You need anything?

No, thanks for the thought.

The kid is doing well? - Yes.

And you? - I'm all right, thanks.

Well...

Bye.

Still awake?

If I'd known...

I'd have invited some friends for a drink.

We're lucky,

we have enough to eat...
because you sacrifice yourself.

You or I, is not the same thing?

What time must you get up?
- At 5 o'clock.

We must be at the yard early.

Are you going to bed?
- Are you not?

No, I have to finish. I'll have to
knock hard, you won't be able to sleep.

When I fall asleep, not even
an earthquake would wake me.

Rather, you will bother the neighbours.

From 30 days we came home without pay.
Yet, work wasn't missing.

The walls were there,
and begged not else than to be completed.

Our morale was high,
but our stomachs were empty.

How long could we resist?

A strike is like a siege,
it comes to endure.

LAST WARNING

Workers returning tomorrow
will keep working all year round.

Extremists are dismissed.
Re-hirings will be done case by case.

Mrs. Idina!

Oh, Ersilia. Sorry, but I'm late.
I have to meet my sister.

At least let's see how elegant you are.
- I'm in such a hurry. Let me go.

When you come back from the beach,
we'll decide how to act.

I can't leave.

I'd come back with first train, I swear.
I'm sure.

Is it possible that you
don't want to understand?

Perhaps in a month this infatuation

will pass for both of us.

Certainly not for me.

I assure you, I feel like I'm alive
only since we're together.

Not me.

I'm being honest.

I feel like a thief.

Let's go.

What, you don't even give me another kiss?

Come here.

Come on, hurry up. Let's go.
What will your husband say?

He's out of town,
he'll be back late.

Even if he were at home,
it'd be the same.

He believes everything I tell him.

Rather, say the truth,
it seems you're the one who's worried.

It's not what you think.
I should be at the Trade Union already.

You know what, METELLO?

The only good thing about this strike
is that we can meet every day.

Then consider it over, strike and all.
- I was joking.

You're joking because
your husband is rolling in money.

Well, yes, I'm not just a florist.

A mason and a florist get along fine.

Where are you, Del Buono?
Has the money arrived?

Don't hide, like all employers!

So, has the dough arrived?

We're fed up with waiting!
Who's going to pay our debts?

Don't hide, Del Buono!
- Come out!

What is it?
What do you want to do?

Want to recall guards and soldiers?

You already know, the money
will arrive, for sure.

When?
- In 2 or 3 days, no longer.

We go back in the yards tomorrow.
You delay us from day to day.

At least admit that you've ruined us!
- Always Tinai stirring up trouble!

He deserves a lesson!
- We've been waiting 40 days!

For the employers as well, it's 40 days.

The difference is that you are not alone.

Mechanics, glassmakers, railwaymen,
metalworkers, cigar makers are with you.

The whole of Italy is behind you.

In every town
they're collecting money for you.

Chatter, just chatter.
Tomorrow we'll go back to work.

Mind you, Tinai, you want to ruin us.
You'd better shut up!

No. The employers have the whip hand.

Bastard!

I'm hungry, and I've got family.

The money will come, I swear!

Right now, giving in
would be a real suicide! Listen to me!

I'll go back to the scaffolds tomorrow.
Those who agree, come with me!

Stop! - Where are you off to?

So the police have reason to intervene,
and that's what they want!

You filthy bastard!

Get away guys, we'll be caught up!
- Run!

Del Buono!
They'll arrest him.

Renzoni, get away!
The Carabiniers are here!

Come away, METELLO!

Where have you been?

Where, damn you?
- What happened? - Tell me!

They caught Del Buono.
It's all Tinai's fault.

You were the only one
who could stop him. Come on!

Come in for a moment, Mrs. Idina.

I'm dead tired.
If you knew how much I walked!

Didn't you go visit your sister?

Yes, but then I went for
a walk on Lungarno.

Oh, yeah? Come in for a moment.

Well, a moment only.

I've taken so much sun, I'm all giddy.

But, what's wrong? I see you haven't
advanced much with your work.

Indeed.

Ugly slut! Where did you take him?
- What? Who?

Whore!

Where did you take him?
Forget him!

Forget him, got it?
Forget him!

And now get up, beat it!

Yes, it's true, I stole him from you!
And I'll do what I want with him!

Beat it!

They've arrested Del Buono.

It's all Olindo's fault.
- Want to eat?

If there's something ready.

I have to go out again.

We have a meeting
at the Provident Society.

We'll have to make out on our own.

We must organise the pickets.

We must be at the yards before dawn.

What's with you?

Nothing.

'Nothing'?

I've never seen you like this.

You might at least reply!

Well?

Anything I might say,
you already know. So...

How, I know?

You know, I've told you, nothing!

Say rather that
you're tired of being a wife

who works all night long
for a husband on strike!

As the bourgeois say,
"striker is synonymous with idler."

You too think so, right?
Come on, say it!

I'd better get going.

It is not evening to withstand
such perfect wife.

Hey boy.

Look over there.

Soldiers! - It was to be expected.

It's not only that.
There's something worse.

They're all there.

Tinai, Costanzo, Piero,

the German...
Not one of those rascals is missing!

What time did they arrive?
- They slept here at the yard.

It was all a plot, cowards!

Yesterday's brawl as well.

They wanted Del Buono arrested.

What shall we do?

The guns in the hands of those boys
bring tears to my eyes.

The workers listed below
are warned to stay off the yard:

Salani, Lippi, Benzoni.

Is anyone of these three here?

I asked you a question!

Stop!

Leave them.

Please, leave them.

What shall I do? Start the siren?

Engineer, don't provoke us!
Don't start the siren.

Because our hands are shaking
from despair.

Nardini...

Start the siren.
We have work to do here!

Olindo! You others! Wait!

Don't set against us right now
that the collected money is on the way.

Salani, I'm surprised at you.
I've always been a friend.

The first time I hired you,
you wore short pants.

Wouldn't it be more dignified for you
to go back to work? - You see,

when my father was young, contractors
like yourself went hiring them,

and they were lined up
at Piazza Della Signoria, like whores!

And there was always who volunteered
for less, stealing jobs from others.

But ours is another generation.

I've just learned to write
and I understand it,

how can you not understand,
having studied so? - Just because I studied

I advise you, for you own good,
go back to work!

Just so you know, from other regions,
where there's not as much work,

hundreds of workers
are ready to come here.

They don't question fares,
they just want to work.

METELLO, the engineer
wants to talk to you. Come!

We don't have secrets.
We talk in front of everybody.

Secret is hunger, syphilis, fear!

Ever since we're on strike, I've only
heard words. And words aren't bread.

Start the siren!

The strike is over!

No! It's not over!

Stop!

Get away, engineer.

Leave him to me, Lippi.

Renzoni is wounded.

Renzoni. Renzoni!

I'll be fine,
but you have to go away,

or they'll blame you. - No!

I'll stay here with you.
I won't leave you with these animals.

Go away, METELLO. Go away.

They'll put the blame on you.
- They'd catch me all the same.

It's not fair.

They kill us for three cents.

Stop it!

Stop! Del Buono has been released.

Your representatives are negotiating.
The contractors have given in!

We'll come to an agreement, boys!
We will!

METELLO! We've won!

Did you hear?
For the first time one of us

goes into a workplace
to negotiate with the employers!

Start the siren now, if you wish.

Because we've won.

For you too, Olindo Tinai.

How everything must cost us dearly.

I'm 25, can you believe it?

I seem to have reached only now
the age of reason.

Del Buono says
he will denounce the sergeant.

But anyway, all agree

in blaming us.

Just because we

provoked them,

by throwing stones.

They say the sergeant
fired in self-defence.

He had a gun,
and we just our bare hands.

You must never regret
to offer your wrists to handcuffs.

As my dad used to say,
you have to fight, and he was right.

Perhaps one day there'll be a world
without exploiters and exploited.

Cesare!

Wake up. We're late.

They're leaving for the beach.

They're packing their suitcases.

They said they'd leave in a week.

She changed her mind.

You had it all figured out!

It's was all my doing.

She has no fault.

It just turned out that way.
- I can imagine.

No, you can't.

Of course I can.
You learn a thousand things in a moment.

But I haven't committed my heart,
that's sure.

I hope so.

Otherwise
I wouldn't be here talking about it.

Salani METELLO, open up!

It's them!

Open up, Salani!
We know you are there.

Follow us.
You're charged with incitement to riot.

Salani METELLO!

To the visitors hall!

How are you?
- I'm fine. The kid too. And you?

It's cold,

but for the rest, I can't complain.

I'm living with my mother
to economize on rent.

Be honest.
You aren't working with flowers anymore?

I'm looking for work elsewhere.

Roini dismissed me because
I'm the wife of a subversive.

Flowers are still in fashion.

What's important is that
you come home soon.

So many memories.

So many events.!

So much time has gone by!

Now I realize I haven't kept the promise

I made to you while leaving
the cafe on Piazza Piattellina.

I told you I wouldn't get
involved in politics anymore.

But the more you draw back,

the more something
brings you back to the front line.

From now on, I swear...

I know, you don't want me to swear.

I'm aiming for a quiet life.

You, Libero and me.

Maybe even another child.

But I know some things cannot change.

Finally, dear Ersilia,
I know what it is to be a mason.

A socialist.

Too bad you didn't study,
the judge told me.

I studied on the scaffolds.

I've thought again about
all we have in common.

For instance,
how our fathers' destinies were similar.

Maybe it will be the same for us.

But I hope it will be better.

Open wide your eyes.

Listen to me carefully.

Tomorrow they'll set you free.

This too, is over.

Why didn't you tell me anything?

So you wouldn't worry.

Will there be work?
With all the debts we'll have...

Don't think about it.
You must rest.

Rest? From what?

We're rich.

We can pay off our debts
and live for a while without worries.

A kid came home
and left an envelope with some money.

He ran away whilst I was opening it.

I leant out of the window and
had time to see an elegant lady.

A fairy must have sent it.

If it's a girl,
Viola could be a nice name, how about?

But I promise you...

that I'll never again set foot in there.

I swear.

I don't care, don't swear.

Even my father was never able to.