Original subtitles

Wonderful!

He's Mexico's best drummer.

You're right.

Hi, honey, let's dance.

We've practiced it. You should know by now.

Pay attention.

1, 2, no, not that way.

1, 2. 3, 4, that's it.

Turn. Great, honey.

Thanks.

Good night.

- Going already, Carmelo? - Yeah. Good night.

See you Wednesday.

That's what I call a gentleman!

COLONIA DANCE HALL

Wait for me!

Let's take a cab.

No, I'll take you.

Don't bother. You'll be late and your bed...

...ah, your supper will get cold.

Come on, Julia. I'll take you home.

No, I'll stay with Sylvia. You'll make up tomorrow.

Al right.

What got into you?

Me? He wanted to go back to his wife.

Well, you knew he was married.

You know, it's better to be alone. Like you.

I'll find myself a partner...

...just for dancing, and that's it!

You're No. 1357.

Monday, 6072...

Tuesday, 1099, Wednesday, 1099...

Thursday and Friday off, Saturday, 1471.

What are the numbers for?

Your shifts, to check your pay.

You write them down...

.-.-.So as not to forget them. Let's go.

I've got some lucky charms. Want one?

I'll pay you...

- I'll write it down. - Ok.

Look what I bought.

- Oh, lucky charms? - Yes.

This is my daughter.

You'll be a mother-in-law soon!

She looks older than she is.

She's just well developed.

Oh, Mom!

Let's go, honey.

What's this black one for?

Sex! See if it works...

Let her learn.

Come on, honey, let's go.

Welcome.

Thanks.

No, Mom.

- How nice! - What will you bring?

Fried beans and crackers.

What number, please?

Who are you calling?

Where is that?

Your call to Ciudad Juarez is ready.

There's a degenerate who...

...always calls at this hour.

Pay no attention.

I asked him what number and he asked back...

...""What numbers do you have?"""

Don't go. Chucho is coming and we'll take you.

So you've made up?

Just a minute. He says he's getting a divorce.

Oh, that's the best thing to do.

In what city?

Just a minute.

We're getting a ride home.

You go. I'll come later.

Number please?

Another dance?

Gosh, I don't think so. Thanks a lot.

Go ahead. I don't mind.

You're crazy. I haven't stopped dancing.

Strange, isn't it? He never misses.

Yes. So many years as dance partners...

He must be sick, you know.

The weather's been changing.

He was coughing on Sunday, remember?

I hope he'll be better before the contest.

He will be.

Why are you so sure he's not married?

We really don't know anything about him.

Oh, Silvia!

They're all married.

He's not like that.

They're all alike, honey.

But there's no other kind.

Let's go.

No, wait a while, will you? He might still come.

- No, let's go. - Don't be silly.

Have some patience. Wait a while.

What number, please?

If you don't know it, call back later.

This might be recorded.

I don't care! Why are they all calling now?

Never saw you so mad.

Well, now you see me.

What number, please?

Just a minute.

Why is your mother SO hervous?

Who knows? She never says anything.

She's upset about that Carmelo...

...who's disappeared.

Who?

Her boyfriend... well...

He's just a guy she's been...

...dancing with for a long time.

Just dancing?

- Yes, I swear. - Cheek to cheek at least?

Don't you believe me?

You should ask her what's the matter.

If you don't talk about what's...

...bothering you, you get tumors.

I deserve better, but that's ok.

- Maybe it's the menopause. - What's that?

When you stop having your...

...period. It makes you nervous.

Traveler by sky and by sea

You leave behind hearts

Beating with passion

And vibrating with song

Then, a thousand desillusions.

Me, too

I loved you

I kissed you, and then I lost you.

Pray God

You'll be weary of travels

And will finally want to stay.

What will I do without you?

What will the future bring?

How can I forget you?

Maybe I'll die without you.

My moon and my sun will go with you.

- Excuse me, Don Sebastian. - Yes, Miss?

You were here last night after the dance.

Did you notice if Carmelo came late?

No, Miss.

Oh, that's great. My feet were killing me.

- Don't exaggerate. - You didn't dance.

Why wouldn't you dance with...

...the guy in the green jacket?

Because.

I don't want to dance anymore.

Certainly not a danzon.

What's the matter? Why don't...

...you go and look for him?

I already have.

I went to the Club, and they...

...haven't seen him in a long time.

And the restaurant where he worked?

Why shouldn't they know

ll love you, my dear

Why shouldn't I say it

If your soul and mine are one

What does it matter

If they see me cry one day...

Excuse me, Miss, does...

...Carmelo Benitez work here?

One moment please.

We only live once

We must learn to love and to live

We must know that life will go

And we'll cry for our dreams

I don't want to regret

What could have been and was not

I want to enjoy this life

Close to you

Till I die.

Perla, if you keep eating candy you will get fat.

Oh, Mom.

Let's dance, ok? Come on, just one.

I haven't practiced in ages.

Right now?

Please, honey.

Just one, ok?

Ok, but just one.

Great.

Now, remember: This at an angle.

Your hand at the level of your cheek.

Your chin held high.

Mom, you should exercise.

Your arm is flabby.

Oh, go sit down and eat your candy.

And you will see what you will look like.

I didn't mean to upset you...

...but you really should look after yourself.

Sure. Look who's talking.

You practice and I learn.

Ok, we'll see.

1 told you, at right angles!

Your hand at the level of your cheek...

...chin high, your feet together.

Just keep to a square.

Boy, am ll glad I don't work tomorrow night.

Well, they wrecked my whole week!

No, I'll stay with my daughter, just in case.

Don't leave your bag in the locker.

She doesn't know this place yet.

Silvia will stay with you.

Don't be so possessive.

Remember the operator from San Juan?

They said she'd been chloroformed and raped.

- Where? - It really happened!

True.

I'll stay and take care of my mother.

Put everything of value under the pillow.

Your bag, your watch, everything.

Oh, Mom. It won't fit!

Keep it close.

I'm exhausted!

Isn't Julia acting strange?

It's probably the menopause.

You're crazy! She's younger than me.

She's been looking for this guy all over.

Can you keep a secret?

Of course.

Chucho told me they almost locked Carmelo up.

They thought he'd robbed the cash register.

He was even charged, but someone...

...warned him and he ran away.

Gee, that's awful.

Shh. Keep quiet.

Later on they found the guy who did it.

What about Carmelo?

Nobody's seen him since.

I READ CARDS AND PHOTOS. LOVE? DECEIT?

I REUNITE COUPLES.

A young man.

A young man?

You turn it over.

An older man.

Dark.

What about all these ships?

Well, ships, trains, trips...

There's a gorgeous kid...

...staring at me. Don't turn around.

Shall we dance?

No thanks.

And you?

Ok.

Hi! Do you want to dance?

No, thanks.

You're crazy. He's a doll!

Come on.

No, thanks.

What's wrong? He was gorgeous.

I've told you... we shouldn't...

...dance with anyone younger.

All right, don't dance.

Shut up! Here he comes!

Don't I know you? I'm Pedro Ramirez, and you?

No, thanks.

Do you want to dance?

No.

I'll dance with you.

Sure.

- Take a leave of absence. - What?

Are you crazy?

I'm going to Veracruz.

I'm going to tell Carmelo...

...they've found the real thief.

How did you find out?

So you knew...

No, when Chucho told me I...

...was going to tell you... I swear...

He sent me a telegram.

What does he say?

What does he say?

Come on, tell us.

She's teasing.

Are you crazy? How can you go now?

With this modernization program, the new courses...

...you might just be fired.

No. Anyway, Perla can take the...

,»,course and then explain.

I just want to find Carmelo.

Why, if he's nothing to you?

No? Do you know how many contests we won together?

For six years nobody's beaten us in the danzon.

He left everything, even the dance...

...which is the most important thing in life.

And he was sick, wasn't he?

Yes, he had a cough.

He left suddenly. Without telling anybody.

All alone. Completely alone...

All that was in the telegram?

In code, that's how telegrams are.

I'm going to find him and tell him...

...the real thief's been caught and...

You know what?

Go on to Veracruz!

Carry your bag, Miss?

No thanks, it isn't heavy.

Excuse me, how much for a room?

With or without fan?

What?

With or without a ventilator?

Oh yes. With.

20.000,00

Ok.

How many nights?

One.

You pay in advance.

Here it is.

Help her.

Here.

Thanks.

I saw you when you came in.

Pretty!

I know you can't understand me, but I like you.

No, from Mexico.

Me... ship... mariak... Russian...

Name: Piotr.

And you?

Me? My name is Julia.

Julia... you're beautiful, unique.

You, Tarzan!

Come with me, come.

Good bye, beautiful!

Think of me

If you want to kiss

Think of me

Is there a bank nearby?

Three blocks away, past the Post Office.

Thanks.

But don't go.

Why not?

Because it's Saturday.

Your room's up at one.

Hey, what's wrong?

Why are you crying?

Want some coffee?

You're crying for a man.

I'm sure you're crying for a man.

As if I didn't know, I've had six.

I've had six children.

And what for?

They're all gone.

Sugar?

How many?

One.

- Here. - Thanks.

My poor child.

Do you have talcum powder?

Help yourself.

What did he do to you?

Nothing at all.

These girls know all the men in the port.

Let's ask them if they know him.

Hey, Red!

Describe him to her.

His name is Carmelo Benitez.

They lie even about their names.

Well, he's about 50...

Does he get a hard-on easily?

Well, I don't know.

Isn't he your man?

Describe his face.

He's very dark.

He always wears a white hat...

...and he's very elegant.

He has a lovely mouth...

...very pretty, really pretty.

And he dances beautifully...

...any kind of dance.

But what he likes best just like me, is the danzon.

Really? Then go to Zamora Park.

All the best danzon dancers meet there.

When?

Right now, in the evening.

Come here, little one.

He wouldn't eat...

But he took a bath.

Is the chubby one Yadira?

No, Yadira's the one who had your earrings.

I'm Susy.

Well, that's my stage name.

Oh, you're artists!

That's why you... dress like that.

We have a show.

Great!

So he's accused of a crime...

...which he didn't commit.

How you jump to his deffense!

You're very passionate.

I'll help you find him.

What's his name again?

Carmelo. Carmelo Benitez.

He's a dancing teacher and a cook.

That's Charal's brother's name!

You should know

That when love dies

There should be no regret...

That's even better than the barber shop.

Shake out the skirt.

Good morning.

Would you like breakfast?

No, thanks.

I wanted to tell you, I'm going to stay longer.

All right, stay.

What's the matter?

Let me help. I'll hold him.

Did you find him?

No, but I met some friends who will help me.

They're actresses who know his brother.

The coconut vendor

Coconut vendor, baby

He's just arrived

Coconuts

Coconuts with water

Sweet, clear water

I'm selling them

Who will buy?

Coconuts with sweet water

Water sweet and clear

Coconut vendor

Coconut vendor, baby

He's just arrived.

Did you like the show?

Yeah!

Don't just stand there. Look around...

...try on anything you want.

Julia, sit down.

You have to be strong.

From now on, remember...

...you have great memories and close friends.

And when you feel sad...

...just remember you have lots of friends.

Why are you saying all this?

I know how much you love him...

...but you must forget him.

He drowned.

That's life.

And when you drown, you've drowned.

Canelo is dead.

That's terrible.

But who is Canelo?

Charal's brother, of course!

I'm not looking for Canelo...

...but for Carmelo, Carmelo Benitez.

How stupid I am!

But poor Canelo!

And Charal! He's broken up.

Don't worry, she can take care of herself.

Or the other girls will help...

...her. They all work for him.

I don't understand those things.

But then again, who am I to criticize?

I'm just so nervous.

I can't find Carmelo.

I miss my daughter.

I might be fired from my job.

And I'm spending all my money.

I wonder what I'm here for.

Want a cookie?

You're lucky you have your daughter.

I had six children. What for?

None of them comes to see me. I'm always alone.

But who cares!

Have you looked for him in the Academy?

The dance academy? Yes.

In the Ciriaco?

Yes. And in the Zamora Park and everywhere.

Have you asked Macalu?

The tall thin black man?

Yes, but nobody knows anything.

Even the actresses have been looking.

Gosh, are they noisy!

Want to listen to Tofia la Negra? Do you like her?

I love her. Specially this song.

Warm and silent night in Veracruz

Song of the fishermen

Rocked by the sea

Fireflies vibrating

Their lights...

Julia, let's make a toast.

A toast?

To celebrate the beginning of my danzon classes.

One, two, three, four and close.

And your knees like this...

...neither too stiff nor too loose.

And don't think about feeling...

...the emotion of the dance.

Just make your square.

Very good.

Now let's do it to music.

1 think I've got it.

Now, this is how to hold your partner...

From the way you hold her...

...one can tell if you know how to dance.

See?

Your hand at the level of her cheek...

...and she puts her hand like this.

Then, with three fingers on her waist...

...you lead her, left or right.

I put my hand like this...

Let's try.

No, no, hold me like a man.

Even with just three fingers, I have to feel...

...it's a man holding me...

...that you are leading me here and there...

...that you're in command.

Why don't you show me what the woman does.

Oh no! You're taller than me!

So what?

No, you lose the harmony.

The couple must be aesthetic.

Really, that's the beauty of the danzon.

I don't think I can do it.

Just remember how Carmelo held you.

Don't remind me of him or I'll cry.

I've got that, now.

No, three fingers... no!

But it's elegant.

Don't look into my eyes.

Why?

You have to look off in the distance.

At something indefinite...

...like the music.

How unromantic!

Looks shouldn't be direct.

They should be soft.

You have to feel them. Now watch.

Let's try.

See?

There it is!

Once your looks cross, everything is clear.

How beautiful!

More.

IF YOU ARE TOO BUSY

TO HANDLE YOUR MAIL, CALL ON Us

You've just heard Mata Maja on your radio...

...with the danzon orchestra...

...directed by Genaro Barcelata.

Now, attention please!

We are trying to locate Mr. Carmelo Benitez.

If he is listening, or if someone knows him...

...please, contact us.

Why don't we sit with Yadira and Karla?

Why not?

See who they're with?

Who?

A dangerous Mafia boss.

You're kidding.

L1 want to thank them for helping.

They even went to the radio.

They were just leading you on and nothing happened.

Let's make these two think I'm your boyfriend.

Will they believe it?

Sure. When I want to I can act like a man.

Why, are you ashamed?

Not at all.

Of course not.

Do you mind? Thanks.

Excuse me. Do you know Carmelo Benitez?

He came from Mexico.

I thought you might, because he's a cook too.

When did he come?

About a month ago.

Do you remember the Greek ship?

See the difference?

You're a summer woman, so you need bright colors...

...like red, bright pink...

...green, acqua, and you can even dare black.

I'm an autumn woman, so I can't wear orange...

...but see how great I look in gray and silver!

Isn't this too much?

Just to go down to the docks?

They'll think I'm a... uh...

What?

That I'm offering myself or looking for...

A man!

You're afraid they'll think you're a whore or...

...that men will like you?

You may say you're looking for your cousin.

No one will notice.

There you are.

Oh, no!

At least...

...like this.

Excuse me, could you tell me...

...where the Greek ship is?

What's the name?

1 don't know. I was told there's only one.

Martinez!

Check out the Greek ship.

You're very pretty, young lady.

Thanks.

What's the Greek flag like?

We have no information right now.

Love is anguish, a question

A luminous doubt

It's wanting to know everything

And at the same time fearing

To find it out.

Love is hearing in your breast

The rush of blood

And the tide.

But love is also

Closing your eyes

Letting dreams flood your body

Like a river of forgetfulness

And sail aimlessly

Love is

After all

Indolence.

PURE ILLUSIONS

LOST LOVE

YOU SEE ME AND SUFFER

Do you like red?

For work it's ok.

I'll be back soon.

Not many work on Mondays.

Most girls take the day off.

Don't you rest?

What? Not at all!

Can't afford it, with these two kids.

Only when I have my period.

Hey, why don't you ask them?

There's always someone there.

Ask who?

The tugboat men.

Do you know the booth? Down at the pier...

...where you saw that guy.

Morning.

Anybody there?

YOU SEE ME AND SUFFER

What is it?

They said you could tell me...

...about the Greek ship.

The Greek ship? It sailed this morning.

Are you sure?

Yes, Miss. I checked it out myself.

Is there another one?

Greek? No.

Would you have a list of the crew?

The name of the cook?

Sorry, I don't know about that.

I was supposed to give my cousin an urgent message.

Really?

See?

Over there.

It left today.

Don't pretend to be tough, Julia.

Cry if you want.

I'll tell you how...

Close your eyes. Listen to the music.

And the tears will come.

I can't tell you

How it happened

I can't explain

But ll fell in love with you.

It was a light

That illuminated my being.

Your smile, like a spring

Filled my life with longing.

Was it your eyes

Or your mouth?

Was it your hands or your voice?

Maybe it was my impatience

Waiting so long

For you to arrive. But...

I can't tell

What happened

I can't explain

But ll fell in love with you.

I've got a ticket for tomorrow.

Could you change it for the day after tomorrow?

This week is all filled.

It will have to be next week.

Next week, then.

If you want

To take my life

It's getting cold.

I don't want it

I don't want it.

It's of no use without you.

I'm worried about Julia.

She's afraid to go back home.

She doesn't want to face the facts.

When someone dies it's easier...

...tears, a burial, that's it.

You have to accept he's in his grave, underground...

...rotting, full of worms.

Cheers, darling.

I'm alone

Completely alone.

And I know you will never

Fill my loneliness.

Here are the keys.

She's soaked in perfume.

I really can't dance.

Not the danzon.

- Do you like this danzon? - Very much.

This one reminds me of many things.

- Romantic things? - No, no.

About my job. It's called...

...""Long distance phone call""."

And I'm a telephone operator.

I thought you meant a boyfriend.

Oh, no.

Do you have one?

No.

The sailor, is he really your cousin?

Of course.

I mean... I did have a boyfriend, but...

...he had to go far away because...

...his family needed him...

His brother was very sick. Then he drowned.

- Where did he come from? - Who?

Your boyfriend.

He's a Russian.

Do you love him?

Not anymore.

Was it long ago?

So, so.

He was my husband, in fact.

We separated long ago, after our daughter was born.

She must be lovely, just like you.

Yes, she looks like me.

- How old is she? - Who?

Your daughter.

Let me guess...

Six years old?

No, five.

You're a lovely mother.

Do you like sailing?

Yes.

Doesn't it frighten you at night?

No.

At night it's even more exciting.

Oh my Moorish beauty.

There's a Moorish girl in Assyria]

Whose eyes are lovelier

Than a bright star.

Oh, my Moorish beauty!

If I get on that boat...

What would Silvia and Tere say if they saw me.

Oh my God! What can ll do?

He's wonderful, he fascinates me.

Come on, Julia.

" ""You're always in my thoughts."

I always think of your love.

" How do you want me.. or is it ""do you think?"""

Do you want.

Me to forget you...

...if you're always...

...always in my thoughts

Like it?

It's a song by Juan Gabriel.

If you don't, we can think of something else.

No, dear, It's very pretty.

Let me put it in the bottle.

Yes, do that.

Carmelo will receive it soon.

What an imagination!

What do you mean, Julia?

I like the idea.

Throw it in, then.

How?

Well, like this.

Do I climb up there?

Of course.

Ruben?

Some haircut, huh?

I didn't recognize you.

What is it?

You're strange...

...So quiet...

...you're avoiding me.

You don't want me to touch you.

Just because I had a lousy haircut?

I don't mind your haircut...

It's just that...

...you're too young for me.

You're my daughter's age.

Six years old?

More like five!

Look at this dump!

Poor Julia!

Susy the aristocrat.

I'm leaving the baby with you. She's almost asleep.

Here's the bottle, if she cries.

Which is Mrs. Julia's room?

She's not in. Why?

Did she say where she was going?

Good night, Dona Ti.

Gilerito! Goyo Mondongo phoned you.

Oh! Goyito. Thanks a lot.

Thanks a lot.

Come on, you wait here.

I feel bad vibes. I'm going...

...to look for her everywhere.

Red Cross, the police station... the sea.

This is the end of the world. Faggots everywhere.

Here's your bottle.

When I felt

Your eyes on me

Sky blue

Sea blue

My sad world

Was bathed in blue

With

Your blue.

It was a blooming

Forget me not

It was a cloudy day

Forgotten by the sun.

As blue

As the rings under

A woman's eyes

Like a blue ribbon

A sunrise blue.

Just look at her!

Wake up, Karla!

What is it?

Disappeared without leaving a clue.

We'll have to send a cable to Greece.

Julia's arrived.

Oh?

Didn't you notice, silly?

How is she?

Looked well to me.

What's her room number?

Here's the key. I'm leaving tomorrow. See you later.

Sure, Glerito.

Her room number, please?

What for? You will wake her up.

She arrived very late.

Right. We'd better let her rest.

We'll come back tonight to take her to the show.

Dear Susy: I must leave...

...my daughter and my memories...

...are waiting for me. You've been very kind.

I'm leaving you my records and best wishes.

Regards to Karla, Yadira and Miguel. Kisses.

Julia Solorzano. P.S.: See you at the Carnival

Think about it, woman

Think it well

See how I suffer

Without your love.

See how ll cry...

I'm leaving, Dona Ti.

For good?

Yes, I've got to.

If my friend the artist asks for me...

...please give her these records.

All right, baby.

Say good bye for me to Red and her children.

And you, keep singing so beautifully.

If the young man comes, what do I tell him?

Tell him...

Thank him for me...

No, please tell him...

Don't say anything.

Don't feel sad!

You've had your fling!

Bye, girl.

Take care.

Did you see that gorgeous guy?

Who?

I brought you this necklace, this jewel box...

...and this cream, like them?

This is great! Thank you.

New clothes, huh?

I just loved that blouse.

This is for you, too.

Gosh, Mom.

This little boat is for Memo.

He's not my boyfriend anymore. I'll give it to Raul.

Did you hear that?

Who is that?

A friend of mine.

She works in a wonderful show in Veracruz.

No kidding! Good relation, uh?

That's the way to comb your hair.

You fool!

- Look, pure Italian silk. - Beautiful!

Let's have a drink.

Bring the glasses, Perla.

Have you been seeing Chucho?

No. I've got a new boyfriend, and a new look.

You never found Carmelo?

No, I didn't.

Tell me!

Tell me!

Let's hear the applause and...

...let's enjoy our happiness.

The Dimas danzon band of the Perez Brothers.

What do I see here?

Why did you leave us for so long?

Hey, you're looking great!

Come on, guys!

The next danzon is dedicated to Julia Solorzano!

Subtitles: Veronica Kugel, Augusta Rios.