Original subtitles

Professor,

I regret to say sincerely without understating the facts, her condition

requires the utmost precaution.

I get the impression that your wife is resigned to die.

She won't take medicine as required.

No, you can be sure she follows your prescriptions.

Don't worry. Put the nurse there to remind her.

Then there's no reason... Well, anyway, be very careful. I'll call in a day or

two. It's essential that she lies still and not walk for any reason. What she

most needs is rest, rest, and more rest.

She'll have it, Doctor.

I'll count on you. Of course.

Well, what did the doctor tell you?

He didn't say it, but I got what he meant.

Elisabetta hasn't long to live.

Could I get you anything, Professor?

No, thank you. You have to get some rest. Go on back to your room. Good

night, then.

In coma or asleep?

It's the injection.

Usually, artificial sleep will last 10 to 12 hours.

Poor Elisabetta. She didn't deserve such a fate.

No, Gabriele, please.

Not tonight.

It's no worse than all the others.

I want Joanna.

Come here.

Aurelio? Yes.

Are you still up, Your Grace?

It's two o'clock. Two o'clock.

Matter of fact.

In this tumble-down barracks, only the clock still works. Sit down.

But I shouldn't, Your Grace. Sit down.

But... Sit down.

I'll let your orders, Your Grace.

That's that.

We're saved, Aurelio. My mortgage...

can be extended for another year. What pleasant news, Your Grace. Yes, you may

say tumble-down barracks.

You'd mortgage even your title to live in it.

I'll make some chamomile tea to celebrate.

No, that's of no importance.

Tell me instead how this letter strikes you for its sound.

I bring your attention to Article 7 of my mortgage contract in which the right

to annual renewal on payment of interest is stipulated.

According to the law, you are not allowed to deny me a renewal for one

more year.

Brilliant conclusion.

For once, you've astonished me, Your Grace.

Nobody can rob me of my castle right under my own nose.

It's illegal.

Ah, but the president, Professor Luciani, I explained it to him weeks

ago. A man of my sort.

He never behaved to me in such a wretched manner.

Therefore, the association, recuperating 2,870,000,000 with the sale of the

buildings on Viale Mazzini and the land in Valle del Paradiso, etc., closes this

quarter with a net balance of 1,170,873,000,000.

The balance sheet is now open to discussion and any questions.

Just one thing.

I would like a brief summary of the business with Orsani Valenti. Count

Orsani Valenti has applied for a renewal of his obligation to us and says he's

disposed to pay a higher interest.

Evidently, my friend Count Orsani Valenti now believes that our

association of financiers would practice usury.

Our interest rates are fixed under the law.

But give the poor old boy six months.

After which, where is our capital?

He's always been punctual in paying the interest.

But he hasn't dislodged one lira of capital up till now.

We made a decision to proceed with the foreclosure on his castle, and I see no

logical reason, after that, to go back on that decision.

As you see, we've completed the agenda for today. I propose we adjourn the

session.

Well, compile your individual reports and inform the legal office of the

decisions made.

Gentlemen, thank you, and good morning. Good morning.

I'm tired, Professor.

Laked out.

Then would you like to be left alone for a while?

Just what I want.

Try this on.

Oh!

They're marvelous stones.

What a nice present. Nothing.

Thanks a million.

You earned it. Your presents to me are much more brilliant.

Tonight I'll surprise you. I'll pay you back with double interest.

I won't have the time tonight.

My wife's very ill.

Oh, the poor thing.

I'm sorry.

But we have all day open, Marisa.

Certainly, darling. You're the boss.

I must have mislaid it somewhere. What?

The ring with the four diamonds.

I was wearing it the day I fainted in the street and was brought to the first

aid station.

But I'm sure I saw it after that.

You've worn it since then, I could swear.

Then it's in one of the drawers.

I know it will turn up, along with my enameled bracelet.

Shall we look through all the larger boxes?

Come in.

on the phone just now the professor said he's very sorry he can't join you at

lunch today i asked if he wished to speak to you and he said he was very

busy but he'll be home early before dark thank you louisa

please take this anna i'll search some other time

i saw you remove it i'm positive

Good day, sir. My respects, Carter, son.

I was in the wrong, but what they are doing is against the law.

It's a patent swindle, Your Grace, but we will not be dispossessed. If our

lawyer appeals for us, the case could be dragged out for another ten years.

My dear Aurelio.

The lawyer's a creditor as well.

He's not expected to handle this case gratis for the rest of his life.

She tried too much, and you should have prevented her.

After the doctor ordered absolute rest, it was absurd.

She refused to obey orders.

She insisted on having dinner downstairs.

She said she felt better.

Just one drop of Fernet.

That's right.

After that, would you please help her back to bed?

Should the doctor be cold?

Yes, we'd better phone him now.

I'll phone the doctor. No, you and Louisa see to my wife.

I'll make the call.

Where has he gone?

What's wrong with Gabriele?

He's gone to telephone the doctor.

He shouldn't be called. I'm feeling better.

You should have done what I told you this evening.

I was afraid the surprise you planned for him would only cause him more grief.

But I believed I was better.

Yes, Doctor.

I'll explain.

She'll stay in bed now.

Yes, you're right. I know that.

It was sheer negligence.

Fine.

Now, don't you worry.

Right away.

How is she? Any better?

Worse than before.

It seems that her strength is exhausted.

The doctor expected the same effect. She forced herself too far.

She must take the usual drops, but double the dose.

I'll need a small glass of water. I'll get one.

Now go to bed, Louisa. She'll be alright.

As you wish.

Make love to me right here tonight.

That's more exciting, isn't it?

From now till tomorrow morning.

Better in bed.

My bed, that is.

All right. In your bed.

Finally, my darling.

However, I have good reason to hope...

that this brutal maneuver will be crushed entirely.

But, um, Your Grace.

But what?

If you will allow me to, Your Grace, I would say that in tone it resembles

somewhat a wartime communique.

Do you think so?

I suppose so.

What do you mean?

First of all, you suggest I use discretion as I give her the facts. And

now you call it a war communique.

You realize my daughter Valeria is a grown woman now. She's about to receive

a degree in law.

And as to the facts of life, she knows much more than either of us.

Yes, Your Grace is perfectly right, as usual. I regret having so much as

spoken. Have I hurt your feeling?

Mine? Any contradiction I receive from Your Grace is always, to me, a great

honor. Please, Your Grace. No, no.

May I?

Oh, yes. You're very kind.

Valeria has modern sympathies. She said the castle was preposterous. She always

advised me to find a sucker.

That is, sell it.

Don't look so shocked. I know it's one thing to find a sucker, and another to

let it be given to a pack of swindlers. I say nothing in that regard, Your

Grace. I only suggest that we make sure we put this letter in the post to

London. And as to us, transfer it once to the apartment house in Genoa.

The faster we leave the castle, the better it shall be, Your Grace.

Why so late, Anna?

Your wife reacted tonight against her sedative.

Strange.

She always falls into a trance.

It's not strange.

Today she was upset over a trifle.

What? A diamond ring is missing.

The same as her beautiful Chinese bracelet.

Missing? Elizabeth has put them away someplace.

Now she doesn't remember.

I told you, Gabriele, I wanted no competition here.

I'll bet you're two-timing me, too.

What I might think about you doesn't bother you.

Because I know.

A male chauvinist pig.

A chauvinist old pig.

Thank you.

Have you found someone yet who's willing to buy the castle?

Well, as of this moment, nothing is settled, although there are a few bids.

For the furniture and the paintings in my study, I would pay a ransom to the

new owner.

Well, that's always possible. The moment we know, we'll arrange for you to meet

the new owner of your property, sir. You can be sure.

Quite frankly, I would have preferred to conclude this business with Professor

Luciani. Ah, me too. But right now we're in the middle of summer, and the

professor goes abroad on other business.

It's hard for us even to keep track of him.

I imagine.

imagine.

See? It's a real castle, 12th century, with a real majordomo and the minimal

staff to take care of it.

Sorry darling. What for?

Slowly now.

Impressed?

Stupendous.

It's so large, I feel even more lonely.

Why? Surrounded with all your servants?

They're strangers.

I'd prefer having just you.

Two weeks of business.

After that, for two months, no one can drag me away.

Glad?

Remember, you follow those frescoes to reach your room. It overlooks the sea.

I spoke to the porter's wife. She says it's difficult, but she'll do her best

to find a girl part-time, Your Grace.

I've some better news.

I have a letter that was posted in London.

Valeria.

Valeria.

Let's see if she got my letter.

Bad news of any kind.

The post office delivers safely.

Perhaps this time I made a mistake.

As to the manoeuvre, she says I've been hoodwinked.

She's sorry there's nothing she can do to help.

As soon as I have my degree, I'm planning to join you.

Certainly, the fact we're together will be at least something to help you

through what you say is the bitterest experience in your life.

You and me, too.

The perfect ladies, Contesina Valeria.

She sends you her fondest regards.

Thank you.

And is that all?

Why, no.

Same old story.

But you must take very good care of me.

And especially my gastritis.

There. Will Your Grace please eat what I advise Your Grace today?

The menu is stewed prunes, fresh-laid egg, and tapioca.

Yes.

Professor,

I've typed the letters. Is there something else for me?

Yes. Replace these documents in the file now.

And thank you. Very well.

Good evening. Good evening.

Yes, but when I give it a thought, 250 million seems a bit steep.

In fact, it looks exorbitant, but the offer has to be imposing if we want to

get possession of the area surrounding the building, too. But look, getting rid

of the present occupants will be another story.

I've already been busy on that score. They'll all be out within a year at

most. Well, if that's so, let's proceed.

You know, tomorrow I go on vacation.

Call me at the castle only in case of emergency.

Trust me, Professor Luciani.

I'm able to respect your sacred repose. The repose of the warrior.

Finally made it. I thought that dreadful lawyer would keep you all night. My

darling Marisa, it's always the last item that's important.

Oh, madame?

I'm all for it, but I've nothing there to eat, Gabriel.

Oh, it would be tonight. I'm famished as a wolf.

But there's a dining alcove.

Fabulous. I want to have a beautiful memory when I depart for my long exile.

I'll sit with you if you want.

Then good night and pleasant dreams.

I know I've been only a torment lately. Forgive me, Anna.

But you're always considerate.

From now on, while there's Gabriele with me, you'll be able to meet some young

men.

We've become good friends here together.

What I do for you is a pleasure. I've no complaints.

Now I think of you as almost a relative.

And I too, almost.

Good night.

I want a double whiskey.

Better stop before you stumble.

All right, I'll let you split it.

Oh, two whiskeys. Yes, sir.

Here. Thanks.

Oh darling.

Thank you.

Well, let them boast now.

All right, so you beat us. All right, you pay us then. We'll pay. What's your

hurry?

Two cones. Okay.

Hey, why don't you give us our revenge, huh?

Not us. It might cause you bodily injury.

Don't kid yourself.

Here you are. Two ice cream cones.

Let's be kind. What do you say? Should we give it a taste?

Just a little one.

What's the tab?

200 lire.

But I scream in the eye. A lot of men I know prefer it.

Well,

who's the winner?

Beginners, they don't know the rules.

Don't you ever think of bathing?

They're all groggy today.

They think swimming is too much bother.

Well, I'm not groggy.

Let's hope it's not as cold as yesterday. Why, no. It's like a steam

bath. Come on.

We set a fine example wasting the morning away.

Hey, want to return match?

No, I'd rather jump in the ocean.

in very boring company, I fear.

I thought you were sleeping.

In three whole days, you haven't stepped out of the castle.

I like relaxing here beside you, Elizabeth.

I don't know when I felt better. All this air, all the sunshine, all the

peace. All the boredom. That's nonsense.

Professor, you're wanted on the telephone from Turin. I might have

guessed the minute I mentioned all the peace.

Sorry, darling.

After you.

I haven't learned my way around yet in this labyrinth. Where are the phones?

The nearest in the big salon, Professor.

And always two on each floor. How many kilometers?

This is the big salon.

Just a minute. Wait here.

Yes?

Ah, Johnny.

But haven't they arranged it for you, carte blanche?

I leave it entirely up to you.

But if you need money, just withdraw it.

Yes, the directors of the bank were told so.

We'll meet at the end of vacation.

I don't recall your name.

Lorella.

It suits you.

It could be the name of a breed of roses.

Lorella. Thank you, Professor. It's kind of you.

Are you engaged?

Uh-huh.

Oh, hothouse roses.

Flowers I mustn't pluck.

If I may, Professor, I should go back to the kitchen.

I see you perform your duties. I won't delay you.

But I would like to say that a young lady who's so pretty mustn't live like a

maid for the rest of her life.

It would be a great injustice.

Thank you.

Well, we've reached the point of spying.

Tomorrow that woman is discharged or I go.

Don't be jealous for fear she's more attractive.

Cheating on me in the house.

Under my nose.

I won't stand for it one minute.

I never would, Anna.

You know you can trust me.

No kitchen slut can give you what I do. I know, darling.

You're the only one.

Let's go for a swim, all right? All right, let's go.

And how about the intellectuals want to join us?

We're reading a book.

Oh, well, aren't they spiritual?

All they can soak up is culture.

Let them drown in it.

It's fantastic.

Let's swim that way.

What a pretty yacht.

Oh, that could take you around the world.

If it could.

But as usual, it's bobbing at anchor like a raft. Same as all the others.

I've never been on anybody's yacht.

You're not likely to be. The plutocrats are more jealous of their yachts than of

their wives.

But isn't it strange? There's no one on it.

Oh, that's impossible. There's always a sailor on watch. There has to be.

I bet you're dying to see what it looks like on board, right? Why don't you

pretend you're drowning?

Hey, that's an idea.

Let's try it.

You shout for help. Okay.

Ahoy! Ahoy!

Help! Help!

What's going on? A girl's drowning!

Lower the ladder, quick!

Hold on, hold on. Hurry!

Women shouldn't be allowed in the water.

Throw on a lifeline!

Hurry! I'm lowering the ladder.

How you feeling now?

Better, thank you.

Do you have some cognac? Sure we have.

Thank you.

How marvelous, even the sun feels brighter.

Mamma mia!

A mermaid!

I thought they had tails.

Where's that cognac?

In the ticket.

No, no, thanks. You have some more.

Good morning, Professor.

I didn't expect you.

Well, how come you lowered the ladder?

For the rescue. A girl was drowning.

You recovered? There she is. She's come around.

All right, take a break.

How is she?

Our friend was seized with a cramp. Excuse us for this intrusion of board.

I should thank you.

It's my pleasure if the yacht can be of assistance.

That's very kind of you. And we won't trouble you anymore.

Why, no, I beg you. Please stay until she's recovered herself completely.

Signorina. Roberta.

Delighted to meet you, Roberta. My name is Gabriele Luce.

This is Matteo, and this is Angela.

How do you do? You're my guests. To welcome you aboard my modest pleasure

craft, may I offer you a glass of champagne?

No, thank you. Don't take the trouble.

But it's traditional when a guest comes aboard for the first time.

Gennarino, put two bottles of champagne on ice, will you? Aye, aye, Professor.

Please.

I regret, my dear Roberta, that this first boarding results from a fright

you'd rather forget.

Oh, I have forgotten.

All's well that ends well.

A glass of champagne. Back to you, Countess. Thank you, Baron.

To your month's salary, the professor is adding this as a present.

Could I say goodbye to the Signora?

it's not advisable that would only upset her

don't fret you've nothing to worry about

you don't need references to find a new employer with your figure

neither do you

She's a real ocean liner from what I've seen. There are a lot of bigger ones.

For me, she's stupendous. A fairy tale.

It's amazing to me, though, why people who own these beautiful yachts keep them

anchored in the middle of the bay. That's true.

If this were mine, I'd keep moving all day and all night.

If there's a reason.

But you mustn't forget, it's difficult to find agreeable shipmates.

And it gets rather lonely on the ocean, all by myself.

Although with you, it would be most delightful.

An invitation?

If you're willing.

Then why not?

Let's make it soon.

Ciao!

Ciao!

She hasn't eaten anything? No food, just some hot tea.

Well, that's not much help to her.

Take it away.

Tonight, you didn't touch your supper again.

You don't want to help us make you well.

Didn't you hear what the doctor said?

Medicine alone isn't enough.

Why didn't Lorella serve tonight as usual, Anna?

She decided there was too much work for her to cope with here.

Too many stirs, so she just left.

But that's odd. With me, she said there was nothing she wouldn't do here.

Much more than we asked.

The youth of today are very complicated.

They don't know what they want.

Has Gabriella had his dinner?

Yes, but he didn't eat much either.

He seemed rather out of sorts.

Don't hold it against him.

Has he gone to his room?

No.

He's gone to his study.

Want me to call him?

Not this evening, Anna.

Better not bother him.

Take Gabrielle in hand down that he needs you too Don't worry about that We

both want to help your husband But you think of yourself now the best thing for

him is for you to get well Should I turn out the light?

Yes. Thank you. I hope I go to sleep in a few minutes. Just relax and you will

Good night.

Good night

Ah, it's you.

What is it?

Is Elisabetta feeling worse?

Same as usual.

But she's asked me to undertake her husband's care.

She realizes... in her condition,

she's not much of a companion.

Poor thing.

I'm ashamed of myself.

So am I.

But I have to obey her orders.

She wishes... me to help you as a wife would.

I will, too.

You mustn't stay another whole day without me.

You see?

Fantastic. I see. Now let me try it. Well,

Roberta, how does it feel? Like it at this speed? At this speed, it's

marvelous. Look over there, what a splendid little beach.

Ahead of us are even better ones.

Really?

Come on, let them drive. Yes, yes.

Oh, hi.

After you.

It pilots itself?

The pilot's manning the controls from the top deck.

Want to try it?

Would anyone like anything cold to drink?

Three macaronis.

Another one for me.

Right away.

They all swim in the same waters.

Your wife doesn't like this.

She never appears.

You expect her to share my sports?

If she were like me, if I married a man with gorgeous yachts... That may

be.

But you're mistaken.

My wife is a helpless invalid.

I'm unpardonably rude.

I want to apologize.

I'm so sorry.

Why?

At your age, you imagine marvelous things.

You'd never imagine there are some who can't enjoy them.

I ought to thank you, my dear, and your friends for giving me so much that we

can enjoy together.

If we're friends now, Roberta, I beg you, couldn't just both of us get

together? Let's go on, Dick. Answer me first.

All right.

Yes, Professor, I hope we can. Roberta.

Come on, Professor.

If my friends have a fault, it's gossiping.

Mamma mia, what a library.

You want these brought over there?

Yes. Walk.

Well, unfortunately, there's no benefit from the sea air.

What I propose is a hospital instead, a sanatorium. Not that it would increase

her chance of recovery, but it would guarantee the right kind of attention.

The nursing.

She has to have now.

I already proposed it. She feels she's beyond recovery.

She implored me to let her die here at home.

I understand her position.

Nevertheless, I insist on having a registered nurse at the castle night and

day. Those injections and those drops are dangerous medicines.

We'll make this a hospital.

Goodbye now, Professor.

But call me at any moment. Thank you. For everything.

Nothing more can be done then? No.

While her suffering is prolonged with medical aid.

What if I had the courage? I also thought of doing that.

With simply one injection omitted or a drop or two more.

Be still, I beg you.

The law requires her illness, not you to kill her.

One or two drops more and you're a murderer.

I saw the doctor to his car, my dear.

He'd feel better if you had day and night nurses.

No, Gabriella, I don't want them.

Because they'd make this a hospital and I couldn't bear the thought.

There's Anna.

But Anna's not enough, my dearest. What you need are nurses from a hospital.

There's no need for them.

So why bother, Gabriella?

Just let me have for once the satisfaction of not causing you any

difficulties. You'll get well.

You have to get well.

May I?

The medicine drops.

Why do I have to take this? No.

Take a break, Anna. I'm on duty.

You? No, Gabriella, you're too busy.

Shh, I'm in charge.

Being here with you, for me, is escaping.

The weather's so clear and bright today, not a trace of cloud anyplace. I was

able to see clear to Sardinia. I thought you were sleeping. You sat up all night

long.

Do you mind putting these in my bureau drawer? I thought I'd go breathe some of

this air.

In case Elisabetta asks for me, I'll join her for tea.

But don't be late.

An enchanting vision.

It's too beautiful to be hidden again.

Please, Professor Lushani.

I could have hidden myself and watched in silence.

At least I'm honest.

You've always been fortunate with ladies.

Am I right?

No, you're mistaken. I nearly always give the impression of a good papa.

And I received their filial affection.

Well, that could be true.

There, I did it again.

I was mistaken first. Now both of us are.

Would you mind fastening my bra for me?

What a pity

Thank

you

Easy

Careful I

Really am delighted with this news of yours

And I assure you, if your friends abandon you, I'll see you're not loaded.

Naturally, if I'm allowed to see to it.

What do you say?

How's your wife? I hope she's better. Neither better nor worse. But I couldn't

cure her. I stayed with her day and night.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't remind you.

My drama?

Don't be too upset. You didn't say anything bad.

I have to thank you for your interest.

It was sweet of you.

Now, I know, Professor.

I was mistaken. And I have to beg your pardon.

Would you like to invite me to London tomorrow?

Why, certainly.

I'll come pick you up at your hotel.

Professor Luciani.

Professor, will you remain in Turin?

No, I'm going to the castle. I don't want to see anyone.

I understand.

Thank you.

Much better. Another pair of vases and the terrace is converted into a garden.

Contessina Valeria has always been fond of flowers. With the terrace, you'll

feel almost at home, Your Grace.

But once inside, it makes me feel crowded.

I would say, Your Grace, it seems small because you put so much furniture

inside. Indeed.

Yes.

Well, if something were taken out, then... You must decide that, Your

Grace. Nevertheless, I'd wait till the arrival of Contesina Valeria. For a

month we can wait. After that, she'll make the decision that's appropriate.

Of course, that's correct.

Of course.

I'm not sure.

Because I want to rest.

I don't know, Anne.

But it's better if we separate. Better for you as well.

I wonder, Gabriele, why you insist on being alone.

If what we knew would happen finally did happen.

I remind you, what finally happened to her came unforeseen.

Gabriele, stop playing around.

Her death, everybody foresaw.

Blaming it on me, huh? Search your own conscience first.

I've done that.

Here they all could swear that I was your mistress.

That makes you all the more likely to have murdered Elisabetta.

Isn't it likely you would have wanted her dead? To want someone dead, you have

to have a reason, my dear.

Even when she was alive, I took you when and where I pleased.

Why, you filthy cur.

That's why you'd better take a long vacation.

Since I met you, you've wanted a long trip. Well, now's the time.

Excuse me.

I hate to spoil your sweet dream.

What are you spying here for?

Is this a game?

I want to give you a warning, because you're headed for a monstrous trap.

For three years, I've been the mistress of Gabriele Luciani.

Professor Luciani.

Evidently, he has decided I must yield my post to you.

Maybe I'm wrong, but if it's true, he won't last beyond the end of the summer.

You can pull this trick on somebody else, but I'm a person you don't trick.

Now you better get out of here.

I should feel only hate.

But I know you've fallen for the wrong man.

He might like it, but not for a long time. I already told you to get out of

here. I'm going.

Believe me, Gabrielli will prove he's physically still mine.

You'll have the proof when he starts whoring. In his sleep he'll call me,

only me.

I thought you'd left by now.

I've seen her.

I have to admit she's more than pretty.

Who do you mean?

That nice girl on the rocks.

But still, you have to admit she's a very poor substitute.

Listen, Anna. You know what I've suffered. Don't say it.

Hypocritical lies are the most squalid kind.

I've got to make it clear.

You know where to find me.

And I'll come running whenever you want me back darling Would

you please kiss me before I leave

Remember, that's how you took me the first time.

By a wood fire.

Let me stay, Gabriele.

You could also have your blonde here.

If you like, I'll wash your clothes.

Because she's only a caprice you'll soon forget.

But there isn't a blonde moving in, as I told you.

I want to be here alone, but not forever.

How many weeks?

Until I calm down.

Then I'll want your beautiful body, Anna.

Come in.

Excuse me, Signorina, but we were told to wake you with these flowers.

Who sent them?

There's a message.

Good day.

Thank you.

I'll come pick you up at your hotel today for lunch.

Please forgive my long delay.

Gabriele.

Let's have another whiskey, okay? Hey, no.

Just a little one.

Now stop before you stumble. I'll split it with you.

Never mind. Two whiskeys.

Satisfied? Yes.

Oh, but look, your tie's crooked.

Roberta, will you marry me?

You got the bride's bouquet. How wonderful. Isn't she pretty? It'll bring

you good luck.

May I welcome the lady of the castle and mistress of her humble caretaker.

To our wedding day.

And life together.

How funny.

I've never felt so shy.

You're stupendous and delicious.

Of course, it's this place.

I'm in a castle.

A real castle.

But it's nothing.

For your beauty, a royal palace isn't grand enough.

Believe me.

Stupendous. I please you.

A beauty.

A work of art.

They didn't touch their supper.

There'll be many changes around here.

The new senora is very pretty. Yes, but she's also very young.

If you ask me that's in our favor a young person like her won't take to

living in a castle They'll be going out all the time per start, but it won't

last very long

Those people need a vacation, don't they?

Hey.

Those people want to rest, don't they?

What people?

The Legion, the crew that works here.

Cooks and majordomo and maids.

What's the idea?

Dismiss everybody?

That's the way children talk.

Perfectly right.

As a baby, I dreamed I would own an enchanted castle with turrets and

courtyards and secret stairs.

A real... enchanted castle, but deserted, haunted.

A castle only for me. But alone it's impossible to live here. I know,

darling. It wouldn't be forever.

But I'd manage, I suppose, a short time alone here.

A week is plenty.

I simply want to see the dream come true.

Well, yes, your plans are beginning to appeal to me. Just the two of us alone

in a castle that's abandoned.

Yeah, yeah, I like it.

Alone, darling.

A week's vacation will be good for all the personnel.

A complete rest with no problems to worry about.

But the cooking, Professor, and washing dishes.

That'll be fun and games for me and my wife. As you wish, Professor. In

emergencies, you'll know where to find us. Thank you.

And enjoy your vacation.

Gabriele?

Are we alone, darling?

Mm-hmm.

I want to explore every corner of my own enchanted castle.

Ah, yes, my princess.

Will you grant the honor of escorting you to your faithful squire? Granted.

It's so huge.

Let's begin on this side.

If you like.

What's in here?

A bedroom for important guests.

I asked you if this is the guest room. Sorry, I was distracted. No, it's my

study. Ah, well, let's have a look at it. Let's have a look.

Don't you like it, Roberta?

No, it's gloomy.

It almost frightens me. Really? All the paintings and the furniture are of great

value. They're spooky.

I'm afraid I'm not much impressed, darling. In that case, I'll have this

room shut off forever.

So you won't see it. Never mind.

And to think the former owner of the castle wanted to redeem only the

furniture in the study. Let him take it. It would save us the trouble of calling

a junk dealer.

But all in good time.

Come here.

No, no, darling. Wait till later. I want to see the whole castle.

I haven't started yet.

What's this?

It's where the cook sleeps, Roberta. I want to look.

Oh, no, Roberta. You mean you really admire this old cubbyhole?

Oh, fantastical!

You're fantastical. The taste you're showing is beginning to worry me.

Professor, you're about to acquire new tastes from me.

Pretend I'm a nun in a cell.

And you're her father confessor.

I'm warm now, Gabriele.

If you're hot.

I want you.

Oh. Oh.

Why aren't you stirring any longer?

It's hot.

Darling, you're sweating.

Let me dry you.

Thank you.

Why, polish it. This year the season's finished sooner than usual.

Why, the professor gone someplace else?

No. His wife's come.

Good

morning,

Gabriele.

Your breakfast is ready.

Open your eyes.

Roberta.

Why not so soon? Let me sleep a little.

I'll wake you.

No, I beg you.

I'm dead tired.

Oh.

Did you finally speak to the doctor?

No, but I spoke with his assistant.

Such pain.

So much.

Here.

And here.

It cuts me.

It cuts like a knife.

But the doctor will finally arrive.

The pain will soon go.

Yes. I'm here, darling.

Don't worry while I'm watching.

roberta fresh air i need it open the window

give me air

No. No.

No.

No.

No. No.

No, please.

No, no, please.

I'm sick.

Roberta. Not now, please.

No.

I told you I'd come to you if you ever wanted me back.

Because I loved you.

And I loved you the way you can love only once in your life.

But you didn't believe me.

I was one of so many.

One like all the others.

I've come back to you now it's all over, my poor Gabriele.

And now I feel you're mine.

Mine alone.

Like the remorse for the crime that stains my conscience.

Like the desperation of a love that's overwhelming, but hopeless and forsaken.

It's certainly most strange.

After the swindle he perpetrated, he writes all of a sudden and says, come

and collect your furniture and paintings.

Excuse me, Your Grace, but I see nothing strange in that.

Perhaps he's decided to make amends for his ungentlemanly behavior.

Don't delude yourself, my dear Aurelio. A born swindler will die a swindler.

Welcome, Count Orsani.

This way.

Signora Luciani will be with you in a moment. Please sit down, Count Orsani.

Valeria!

My first caller, Count Orsani.

Valeria. Valeria. Papa.

Papa, darling.

Aurelio, dear.

Contesina.

Sit here, Papa. Thank you, dear. But will you explain what you are doing

here? Receiving two guests, my dearest Papa.

And returning the keys of the castle to you.

Returning the keys, but the castle's not mine. Now it's Professor Luciani's.

Really, Papa.

Explaining it all is embarrassing.

I know both of you would only misunderstand it. But I can't imagine.

You have to explain.

Well, your daughter is today Signora Valeria Roberto Luigi Arsani, grief

-stricken widow and heir of the lamented Professor Gabriele Luciani.

What the fuck? Oh, Grace.

Widow? And when were you married?

Right after I came back from London.

But how long have you been back from London?

It's more complicated than a novel, Papa. But now that one's finished, we

can begin a new novel. We'll begin the novel.

Let's hope it's not a porno thriller at least.

But you've worked out the whole plot.