Original subtitles

Okay.

um um

me is

This is Costa Rica, the coffee capital of Central America, where the summer

lasts the year around.

And Christmas is just another excuse for carnival and fiesta.

Pigeon's here!

Luisa and Pepe Castro.

Call your father and go upstairs and wash your face. Wash my face?

You'd think I was a child.

Serve coffee, Concho.

Si, senora.

Buenos dias, senora. Buenos dias, Concho.

Buenos dias, senora.

Buenos dias, Father Rafael.

Buenos dias, senora. Sit down.

Thank you.

Any news?

And your daughter Luisa, how is she?

Very well, thank you. By the way, speaking of Luisa, they say a wedding

with Pepe Castro is being arranged.

A fine family, the Castros of San Jose.

Oh, nothing has been settled, Father.

Luisa's been away at school for a long time.

I'm in no hurry to lose her.

Elsa!

What is that?

Hello, Father. Hello, Rico. Of course everything is settled with my old friend

Castro. But Luisa hasn't met Pepe yet. Oh, what is that matter? We have met him

and we approve.

Surely she wouldn't refuse him.

after her father has arranged everything.

I know she has American blood.

Ah, but in Costa Rican veins, Father, no, she will not refuse.

Your Costa Rican veins didn't keep you from marrying the new school teacher

from Kansas while your father was busy arranging another marriage for you.

Ah, that was different.

I was the exception.

But if everybody is the exception, then what becomes of the rule, huh, Father?

Wisely said. In three days, Luis and Pepe will meet at the fiesta.

They will exchange glances.

Well, what is better than young love, Elsa?

Middle-aged love has its points.

Oh, she is wonderful, mother. You see, we are in agreement in everything.

The marriage will take place here, of course. Well, of course, in your church.

Where else?

My marriages, if I do say so myself, are always blessed.

Oh, don't we know it, father.

Don't we know it, Elsa.

By the way, where is Louisa?

Drawing on her fiesta costume.

Uh-huh.

Love will...

it's love it will cast a spell

and I know quite well

I could never tell how I'll know

but I'll know it's love I will

hear a breeze rustling

Gentle as the sight of the flight of a

dove.

Then I'll hear my heart.

It will stop and start

with the...

This address is lovely, Louisa. Oh, Mother.

Why didn't you come and show it to Father Rafael?

Because I knew you were talking about me.

What's he like?

Father Rafael?

You know who I mean.

I'm sure Pepe Castro hasn't changed much since you asked me the day before

yesterday.

Mother, do you really think it's right for you and Father to choose my husband

for me?

As a matter of fact, Louisa, we have very little choice in anything.

Parents don't choose their children or children their parents, but they love

each other just the same.

In the United States, we think we choose our husbands and wives, but we don't.

Accidents choose them for us.

I came to Costa Rica to teach school.

Chance chose your father as my husband.

But you didn't have to marry father.

No, I was an American then.

Well, I'm half American now.

Well, then just half make up your mind about Pepe and stay on the Costa Rica

side.

At least until you've met him.

Luisa. Ah, que linda, mi chiquita, que linda.

Luisa, you look beautiful.

Turn around, show Papa the dress.

Uh-huh.

Elsie, she is lovely, preciosa. Just like your mama.

If Pepe Castro could see you now, we'd have to send for Father Rafael and bring

him right back here.

Look at her.

El punto, Juana Casteco.

Did you know your Papa was an expert dancer?

Thank you.

His papa is just so young as he's lost.

Thank you.

He's a famous dancer, Juanito. He came to dance at our fiesta.

Okay.

Thank you.

Where is Pepe?

Don't get excited. But he should have been here ten minutes ago.

He will be.

Here he is.

Come,

come, my son, sit down. I have great news for you. Oh, yes, Papa? As you

know, it has always been the dearest wish of your mother and me that one day

you would marry Luisa Molina, the daughter of my great and good friend

Ricardo Molina. Yes, Papa, but I... Just a minute, my son. Let me finish.

It has all been arranged.

I've talked with Senor Molina. The bands have been posted and in three days you

will meet your betrothed. But Papa, don't you think... It's wonderful, but

don't you think... I wonder if we shouldn't wait a little bit.

Well, I think we should make sure that Senorita Molina likes me first.

Nonsense, my son. Of course she will like you. And you will like her too.

Through her veins flows the finest blood in all Costa Rica.

Yes, Papa, but don't you... From all I hear, she's beautiful.

It will be love at first sight.

And you, my son, what more could Luisa want?

You are strong, healthy, a fine specimen of manhood. Papa is right, my Pepe.

Luisa won't be able to resist you. Your lovely hair, your wonderful eyes, and

your arms. It has all been said. Now go out and have a good time, my boy.

Your bachelor days are over soon. Yes, but Papa, don't you think that... No,

no, no.

Well?

Everything's going to work out fine, Celeste. I'm approaching Papa from the

right angle.

What about my approaching him right now through the front door? And your mama,

too? Well, the fact of the matter is... I see.

I don't meet Papa after all.

You will, Celeste. You'll meet Papa, and Papa will meet you.

That's a nice arrangement.

I like to meet people about the same time as they're meeting me.

Well, you know how it is. We Costa Ricans don't move as fast as you do in

the States.

No? Well, you move fast enough in New York. You move fast enough in Miami.

You move fast enough when you got me to take this job here so that I could get

acquainted with your parents.

Well, here I am. Where are your parents?

They're home.

You have told your papa about us, haven't you, Pepe?

Well, not yet, but I know exactly what I'm going to say to him when the time

comes.

You know, darling, if we're anyone but you...

I'd say you were hiding something from me.

Who, me?

You aren't, are you, darling?

What's your name, Pepe?

Come on.

Let's have it.

Well, it's Luisa Molina.

My papa and her papa just got together and arranged everything.

Well, isn't that romantic?

Why didn't you tell me that before I left Miami?

I didn't know it then.

Well, I know it now.

Oh, now listen, Angel. I'm not going to marry Luisa. I'm not going to marry

anybody but you. I love you.

Then why don't you tell Papa?

Well, it's just a matter of getting around to it.

I've got it.

What?

I won't have to tell Papa anything.

No? I've got an idea, a wonderful idea.

Just give me 24 hours and I promise Luisa Molina will throw rocks at me.

And this is Luisa.

Muchacha, como has crecido.

The last time I saw you, you were this much high.

Well, little girls grow up and get married.

This is Juanito and Maria, the two young ones.

What charming children.

Gracias, senor. But where is Pepe? Well, Pepe...

Congestion of the trachea.

This is our son, Pepe.

Senora Molina.

Good afternoon, Senor Molina. Senor.

He was never sick a day in his life. Except for the chicken pump. Oh, that is

nothing. Everybody has something once in a while. This is the rest of the family.

Maria, Juanita, and this, this is Luisa.

Luisa, this is Pepe.

How do you do, Senorita Molina?

How do you do, senor?

We'll excuse you, children.

Run along.

Shall we have coffee in the garden?

Of course,

I don't suppose you two are thinking of coffee just now.

Well, get acquainted.

Come on. Well, get acquainted.

Get acquainted.

Come on.

Luisa's beautiful.

You must understand, Pepe isn't quite himself. This nervousness. All young

fellows get it under certain conditions.

I remember I got the hives.

Won't you sit down?

Oh, thank you.

Standing exhausts me, even for a few minutes.

No vitality.

Oh.

I understand you've been away to school, senorita.

Yes.

Good.

You went to school in the United States, didn't you?

I? Yes.

Yes.

Where did you study?

Study?

I beg your pardon.

One semester at Harvard, and one semester at Princeton, and one semester

at the University of Florida.

I kept moving south for my health.

Oh.

He looks half dead.

Which half?

It's time for my...

Would you mind giving me a red one?

I'm colorblind.

For the trachea.

And now a green one.

For melancholia.

Thank you.

Do you find me repulsive?

Oh, why, no, no. Of course not, Senor Castro.

But not attractive.

Why, I think you're nice.

Oh.

Too kind.

But let's talk about you.

How do you like San Jose?

Oh, I... It's a dismal city.

May I have the honor of showing you the fiesta?

Although I'm afraid you'll find it a bore.

Oh, no, I'm sure... But what is there to do?

A bullfight depressing.

Amusement park exhausting.

I'm very, very sorry, Senorita, but what can one do?

Oh, I suppose you don't like to dance.

Oh, I hate it.

It interferes with my breathing.

Oh.

I read about a nightclub with a wonderful marimba band.

The Club El Sasteo.

Perhaps one night, if your breathing is better... Oh, no, not there.

Not the Club El Sisteo.

Why not?

Well, the Club El Sisteo is not a proper place for a young lady.

Oh, but my best friends have been there. I know nothing about your best friends.

But I do know that I would never dream of taking you to the El Sisteo.

Never.

Well, children, haven't you something to tell us?

Well, when?

Well, you see, Papa, I... I understand, Pepe. I understand everything. Don't say

another word.

Luisa, embrace your papa.

I think we've

overwhelmed him.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'd better be going. Going?

Well, it's time for my throat spray.

What throat spray, Pepito? Oh, Mama, please. It embarrasses me to discuss it.

Adios, Luisa. Senor Molina. Senor.

Mrs. Molina.

Papa.

Mama.

My son.

Get out of my way, ma'am.

Luisa. Mama.

Mrs. Molina.

Luisa.

You are very beautiful.

Gracias, senorita. I bared it myself.

Oh, you speak English.

Ah, guipipia.

Guipipia to you.

Say, what does this guipipia mean anyhow?

Guipipia? Oh, I'll tell you what it means.

When you walk on the street, you meet someone, he will greet you.

Politely, he will treat you and say he's glad to meet you. That's what we mean

when we say guipipia.

Sometimes a man acts funny. His smile is... not so sunny this fellow he acts

funny because he owes you money you're mad at him but you say

I'm getting the idea it really means

Javier or I am glad to see you in Costa Rica we say

it means nothing in new

york we say hiya the same in shenandoah

and over in hawaii we say hello

good looking Sometimes we say, what's

cooking? Oh, to someone who's good looking.

We never say what's cooking.

We drink a glass of vino with someone we adore so. The vino, she is fino.

The girl is even more so. We clink our glasses and say, we be beer!

As I get back to town, here's what I'm going to do. What are you going to do?

What are you going to do? I'll stroll down the avenue and I will teach it to

each one who says I'll be.

Thank you.

Oh,

I'm sorry, Senor Stevens, but the airport has just telephoned that your

plane isn't leaving tonight.

I've sent your bags back to your room. Oh, thank you.

Oh, tell me, what goes on over there, hmm? A retretta, Senor. A what?

Oh, a promenade.

Very popular in the Latin countries.

You will notice, Senor, there are two lines.

The boys are all in one line, moving left to right.

The girls are in the opposite line, moving right to left. Right to left, eh?

They keep passing each other, moving round and round.

What's the idea?

The boys meet the girls.

Then what?

The girls meet the boys.

I get it. A sort of, uh, legalized flirtation.

Oh, it's an old tradition of ours, senor. From this come some of our best

families. Well, uh, tell me.

Handpicked or can anybody play?

Anybody. You see, the best families don't always come from the best

families. I think you got something there.

Well, uh, they talk to each other? Hold hands or something?

No. What do they do to start some of these best families?

They just look.

I don't get it.

You will, senor.

If a Costa Rican girl ever gives you the look that looks, you're finished.

Now, aren't you glad you came? Every boy's looked at me at least three times.

What, Luisa? I'm going to give him the look.

Please, Ria.

I see what you mean.

Flores, senor. Oh, sure, sure.

Yes, thanks very much.

Gracias.

Excuse me.

Hello.

For me?

Oh, thank you.

Oh, please, you mustn't. I know I mustn't, but... He's an American.

Yeah, that's right. Please, I'd like very much to talk to you. You mustn't.

But I must.

Maria, tell him to go away.

I don't know you.

Well, my name's Jeff Stevens, and I'm very happy to know you.

Maria? Hi, Maria.

She's Luisa Molina, my sister.

Let me go, please.

I have nothing to say to you. Very well, but this is your arm, I believe.

Maria, what do you make of all this?

You saw the way she looked at me. You saw the way I looked at her.

I don't say she hasn't got a right to look, but I maintain that I've got a

right to look further.

Perhaps just long enough for a little drink, a little polite conversation, a

dance or two, or three.

Where would you go?

Well, nowhere, and that's final.

Well, we'll go together.

Please, we're attracting attention.

You'd attract attention anywhere.

But you don't understand.

I can't go anywhere with you. Oh, Miss Molina, please. It's fiesta time. Here I

am, a lonely American with no place to go, nobody to talk to.

I've heard so much about your Costa Rican hospitality. Where is it?

After all, all I want is one hour or two hours to take the edge off of that

loneliness. Oh, I know, but... You're lonely, too?

You know, it's fate. Here we are.

El Sisteo?

Oh, no, not here. I can't. I promised. Promised what?

Well, I promised... Did you get home early?

Leave that up to me.

Well... I might just look in for a minute.

Now we're getting someplace.

Maraca, Maraca

Now, isn't this beautiful?

Wonderful orchestra, marvelous to dance to.

What's the matter with the place?

I really don't see why I shouldn't come here.

I don't see why you can't come here and stay as long as I like.

Do you?

Well, you see... What's the matter, Louisa? Did somebody knock the place?

I was told it wasn't proper.

Who told you that?

A friend of the family.

What's the matter with him?

Congestion of the trachea and melancholia.

That settles that.

Are you glad you came?

Yes, I am.

Why shouldn't I be?

I'm young and I have a right to... Well, it's Fiesta, isn't it?

Why should I sit in my room and watch everybody else having a good time?

Why should you?

You're right.

It's gay here, and I like it.

Thank you for bringing me.

Oh, don't thank me.

Thank your eyes, thank your mouth, and that cute little nose.

And your hands.

You know, you have beautiful hands.

What do you do with them?

Nothing.

Perfect.

I just finished school.

What do you do with your hands?

My hands?

Buy coffee. Yeah, buy coffee.

Thousands of pounds of coffee. Coffee for that tired feeling in the morning.

Coffee for that tired feeling at noon.

And coffee for that tireless feeling in the evening when you're sitting next to

someone.

Next to someone.

Someone you want to sit next to.

Are you sure you're talking about coffee?

Mm-hmm.

I thought I saw someone.

Oh, but it couldn't have been. He's too sick.

Who's too sick?

Oh, it doesn't matter.

I must have been mistaken. Well, let's go back and have our champagne.

Oh, no, no. We go someplace else, then. I really must go home.

Do we have to run?

I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll take everything in twice.

How about the merry-go-round?

Oh, uh-uh.

Fortune teller? No.

The hot dog stand?

No.

Here's an idea.

You take either heads or tails.

If I miss, I'll take you straight home. But if I hit...

Whom

were you running away from at Elsa's Tale?

Nobody.

It wasn't the person I thought it was anyway.

Your husband?

I'm not married.

Boyfriend?

I told you I wasn't running away from anybody.

Not even me?

It's all right, Luisa.

I've tried to run away from myself, myself sometimes.

But I keep running after me. I'm pretty hard to shake.

We've stopped.

So we have. I hadn't noticed.

I was listening to you listen to that song.

What is it?

Mi vida.

What does it mean?

My life.

Well, my life at this moment is probably as lovely as it'll ever be.

It's a lovely song.

What does it mean?

This heart of mine will never let me forget you and the moment we met.

Through the moment we met In some

magic way You came from afar

You are here today Will you

be here tomorrow?

Me, Vida I knew we were destined

to me with you my life could be

completely complete

He always comes late. You can't depend on him.

The weather conditions are better. Your trip will go through in 20 minutes.

Muchacho, take the baggage, quick, hurry.

Pronto, pronto, pronto. Boy, boy, will you please take my bags back to my room?

To your room? Yes, I'm taking a later plane.

A later plane? Yes, much later, much later.

Good evening.

Oh, hello.

Now, Pepe, it can't be that bad.

You really think so?

Hold on, Jeff.

Jeff! Jeff Stevens, am I glad to see you.

Oh, boy, do I need a friend. Oh, boy, do you need a drink if we can find that

bartender. Here he is.

Gregorio?

What'll it be, Pepe?

Well, the water. No ice.

Hmm? Well, I never take a drink when I need one like you Americans.

Well, make mine a Scotch and soda.

Si, senor. With ice.

I thought you were leaving today.

Well, I was, but something a little more important came up.

Well, don't tell me your name. Let me guess. Oh, you don't stand a chance,

Pepe, because I'm not talking. Oh, Jeff, I'm in an awful spot.

Yeah, I saw her out in the lobby a little while ago. She doesn't look too

happy either.

Well, I don't blame her.

I promised Celeste that in 24 hours I'd have everything settled, and I'm not

getting anywhere.

Well, uh, what about the other girl?

You know, Papa's choice?

Well, I'm afraid she loves me too.

I've done everything I could to make her throw rocks at me, but nothing works.

And on top of all that, Celeste is riding in the parade tomorrow.

Well, what's wrong with that?

What's wrong with that?

She's going to be the spirit of the melon.

My beautiful Celeste, the cantaloupe.

Good luck, Pepe.

Gregorio.

Señor. See what the boys will have, will you?

Oh, gracias, señor.

Thank you, sir.

Guys, come here for a moment, please.

Do you know a song called Mi Vida? It's very beautiful.

He must be quite a fellow to make her sing like that before breakfast, huh?

He is.

Funny Elsie didn't come to the house, huh?

Maria, how did they meet yesterday?

At the retreat of Papa.

Mm-hmm.

I loved you the moment we met.

We know all about last night.

I don't see why she shouldn't go out with Pepe if she wants to.

Good morning.

Maria said half of Pepe was dead.

Well, Maria's changed her mind now. And that's enough out of you, Juanito.

What were you doing last night, Luisa?

Why? Stop your prying, Your Honor. You're not on the bench now.

Señorita, acaban de traer estas flores para usted.

For me?

Well, for who else?

Gracias, Lolita.

What lovely roses.

Well, aren't you going to look at the card?

In good time, Maria.

Well, well, what does he say?

He didn't write the card to us.

Oh, Mother, I'm not very hungry. Would you excuse me?

Spanish. With you.

Completely complete This heart of mine Will never let

me forget you And the moment we

met Look out, look out.

Grand Hotel Estrada.

Well, hello.

That's all right. I'll pay for it.

Here you go. You can keep the change.

Gracias, señor.

Well, you're even lovelier by day.

Where should we have lunch?

I didn't come here to have lunch with you. I came to tell you that... That you

didn't like my serenade, you didn't like my roses or my note, hmm?

Well, it was very embarrassing.

Why, you practically forced me to come here.

I'm terribly sorry, but after all, what can I do? I had to see you.

You mustn't do it again.

Could we talk that over at lunch? I'm getting awfully hungry.

Well... I know a very nice little place.

Quiet, very charming.

There's just two waiters. One who serves, and one who just looks out the

window with a napkin over his shoulder.

Well, all right.

I'll have this one lunch with you.

But remember, right after lunch, I have to go back. You have to go home, I know.

Maybe we could have a fillet of soles and hash browns. And alone, Mr. Stevens.

Alone, Miss Melina.

I'll send the two waiters away.

Then maybe we could have a sweet, a salad.

I did like your roses.

I envy them.

Oh, you needn't.

Louisa, what is it?

Louisa, what's the matter?

Well, I just... Oh, my goodness.

Well,

here we go again.

Luisa, what is this? I just... This

must be that old Spanish custom.

Well, hello.

The more the merrier. Oh, don't mind us. We're just stowaways. I remember you.

Good to be you.

You can't jump now.

Well, I do make like a cantaloupe.

Celeste!

Celeste! Bebe!

Bebe! Hijo, why are you going in such a hurry?

Well, I just wanted to bring you these flowers. Oh, thank God.

Thank you.

Home would never like that. Never.

I'd say gay in Costa Rica.

September's just like May in Costa Rica.

All the sights are so magnificent.

Between the Caribbean and Pacific.

Why do songbirds sing here yearly?

Because the winter's just like spring.

Oh, nearly.

Seven days a week, you'll find the joy you seek. Love is the language that we

speak in Costa Rica.

Romance is always in season. The climate's the reason. It helps it to

ripen and grow.

Each day departs without sorrow.

And then comes tomorrow And yesterday is long ago Arts are gay in

Costa Rica There's music night and day in Costa Rica

Nights are all but one desire The moon takes over when the sun

retires All the cares you know will vanish When señoritas

say hello In Spanish If you're looking

Yes, si, si, senor. In Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica. Well, certainly in Costa Rica.

This has gone far enough. I really must get off. Oh, you might hurt yourself.

Would that be our Louisa on the limo float?

Now, what would Louisa be doing on the limo float?

She's just wearing the same kind of dress.

Are you sure it's alright for you to dance?

Providing I don't put my heart into it.

Hello, Celeste.

Why didn't you tell me you were bringing Celeste, Jeff? Oh, we were disconnected.

Well, we meet again.

You two know each other?

Not formally, we just keep bumping into each other.

Well,

maybe, why don't you introduce us?

Oh, Miss Molina, Miss Celeste, Miss Celeste, Miss Molina, Miss Molina, Mr.

Stevens, Mr. Stevens, Miss Molina. Now we pause for station identification. How

do you do, Miss Molina?

You know...

You look strangely familiar.

Did you say Melina?

Why, yes.

Oh, I remember now.

You're the girl that was on the float with us this afternoon.

What float?

I'm afraid you must be mistaken, Mr. Stevens.

Oh, no, you weren't on any float this afternoon. You were at the ball game in

Brooklyn.

Well, how about some champagne?

Creepy beer.

What's the matter with your eyes? Did Papa give you a shiner? My eyes? What do

you mean?

Oh, it's nothing, nothing at all.

I thought you said they watered. No, that's his blood watered. I have as good

a blood as any man in Costa Rica.

Better.

I thought you said it had no red corpuscles. Well, that was just

temporary. I cut my face shaving.

You can cut your throat for all I care.

You can have him.

Jeff, take me home. I'm getting dramatic. No, now, wait a minute. So am

I. So it was you I saw at the Club Sestero.

You... Oh, you fraud.

I know now why you didn't want me to go there.

If you want him, you can have him, blood or no blood. I wouldn't have him if he

had a thousand red corpuscles.

You wouldn't?

Well, how do you not... Well, what were you doing at the El Sestero?

Well, I just... I thought you told me she was crazy about you, Pepe.

Who told you that?

He did.

Well, I was intoxicated. Oh, you were drinking nothing but water.

Well, there was ice in it. Pepsi, darling, she hates you. Isn't it

wonderful? Go on, tell Papa.

Yes, tell Papa.

I will.

My man.

Now, wait a minute, Celeste.

Luisa, it's usually the privilege of a woman to make announcements of this

sort. Now, you tell your Papa, and your Papa will tell my Papa.

Oh, no. You tell your papa, and he'll tell my papa.

But my father's a violent man, Luisa. So is mine.

So is mine.

What about yours, Celeste? Well, somebody better tell somebody's papa, or

I will. Oh, no, you mustn't.

Señoras y señores, the Lecuona Cuban boys will now play for your

entertainment.

me.

Oh, wonderful.

Good evening, Mr. Castro.

Welcome, Madre. Thank you. I'd like to have you meet Miss Celeste, a friend

of... a friend of Jeff's. Mucho gusto, senorita.

Why don't you join us at our table?

Oh, no, thank you, Papa. We're having... Yes, yes.

This is an unexpected pleasure, Mr. Castro.

Ah. Yes, indeed.

I've heard more about you than any man in Costa Rica.

Oh.

Oh, many Americans look alike. No, no, no.

You're thinking of the Eskimos.

Am I? You know, Louisa, I almost thought I saw you on one of the floats today.

That's what comes of being a judge. You get all mixed up.

You're from the States, aren't you?

Kansas City.

Which side of the river?

The right side, Kansas.

Well, what do you know of sunflower?

Chink.

Now, what would a boy from Kansas City, Kansas, be doing on a float with my

daughter, Louisa?

Well...

He could be awfully happy he came to Costa Rica.

What's funny?

Oh, I'm just happy.

She's happy. I understand everything, my little one. Love is a wonderful tonic.

Oh, no.

Papa. Yes?

Pepe and I, that is, we both agree that the sooner we can... I know, I know it.

Well, I understand everything. I know the impatience of you.

What do you think? I was young once myself and still am.

I understand.

I understand everything.

Father.

Go on, Poopsie. Tell Papa.

Well, wait a minute, Angel. I'm working up a sweat.

You're doing fine, darling.

What's wrong?

I'm just happy.

I understand, my son.

Love is a wonderful topic.

Oh, no, Papa.

Luisa... Luisa and I... That is, Luisa and I both agree that... I know, I know.

That's what we've been hoping for. Go and dance with your Luisa, my boy.

Yes, Papa.

Do you like dancing?

Wonderful party, isn't it?

Makes me glad I'm alive.

We prepare?

Yeah, yeah.

Pepe. That's a great driver.

Yes, he is.

Well, tomorrow I'll tell Papa.

I almost put it over tonight, but I was a little off balance.

Yeah.

You and the leaning tower of Pisa.

Oh, my bag.

Night, all. Good night. Oh, Celeste.

Why don't you go after her?

Oh, that's a good idea. Thank you. Will you excuse me, please?

Certainly.

Well, I suppose it's home, James.

Yes.

This is home.

Well, does the moon go with the house?

Mm-hmm.

Jeff, I don't know what you must think about my bringing you all the way out

here tonight.

I think it's wonderful.

I don't know what came over me.

I just thought it would be nice to see the Fiesta City from up here.

This is my favorite place.

Then it's mine, too.

Isn't it lovely?

Beautiful.

Are you still running away, Louisa?

Oh, we're giving New Year's Eve party tomorrow night.

That is tonight.

Must be tomorrow by now, isn't it?

I've lost all sense of time.

I wish you'd come.

Nothing could keep me away.

Do you know what they say about this pool?

Do they?

They say that if you... throw a coin into the water and make a wish that

you'll fall in love before the next full moon.

You shouldn't have done that, unless you meant it.

Well, how do you know I didn't?

Would you like to hear my wish, or are you superstitious?

Another night like this Is what I'm wishing

for The moon above

give its light to another night like this

I've never known such bliss

how could I hope for more

my heart and I would glory in the sight

of another night like this there must

be some reason why

to a song but I won't know until I've known the thrill of

your kiss nobody else

but you could make my wish come true

so promise me that you'll make every

night just

Nothing.

Oh, Jim.

We'd better be getting back now.

All right.

I think I'll go get my coat.

Good evening, my son.

Good evening, Father.

I saw a car turn into the hacienda and I thought perhaps the family had returned.

Oh, I see.

Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Father Rafael.

I'm Jeff Stevens.

I've known the Molinas for many years.

A fine family.

And Louisa is a fine girl.

I baptized her.

Soon I'm going to marry her to a very fine young man.

You've known Louisa long?

I know. I met her yesterday.

Ah, Fiesta.

Very pleasant time, my son.

Especially for the very young.

It's like moonlight.

You see things beautifully.

But do you see them clearly?

I love her, Father.

And she loves you? I'm sure of it.

Since yesterday?

You are an American?

Yes, Father.

Fine country.

Good people.

Very fine traditions.

We Costa Ricans have our traditions, too.

Not so many, perhaps, and perhaps a little bit more old-fashioned.

But to us, they are quite as important.

A parent's plans for their daughter.

The word of two families giving them good faith.

A way of life to which our children have become accustomed.

You say she loves you.

Perhaps she has told you so.

Not in so many words, but... Yes, I know, my son.

But there was the moonlight, and you are both young.

And when one is young, one does not use... What is that they say in your

wonderful country?

Horse sense, no?

Oh, Jeff.

Yes, Louisa.

Good night, my son.

Good night, Father.

I thought I heard voices.

I was just thinking out loud.

About what?

About you and the moonlight

Wishing the moon above would gladly give us

time to another night like this.

And now we are going to have the traditional wedding dance.

Thank you.

I will hear a breeze rustling

through the trees.

Gentle as the sight of the flight of a

dove.

Then I'll hear my heart.

It will stop and stop.

You are not eating your breakfast, senor.

I'm not hungry.

Yeah, senor, I too have not eaten my breakfast many times in New York.

What's the matter with New York breakfasts? Oh, nothing, senor, nothing.

Oh, they were wonderful.

Your New York is wonderful.

She's so big. The buildings are so high. The electric signs are so, so electric.

The noise, the excitement. She takes my breath away.

But after one year, I am homesick for Costa Rica.

I cannot eat my breakfast like you, senor.

I then only think of San Jose, the blue water of the Caribbean,

the coffee fields.

Were you in love while you were in New York?

Oh, no, senor, no.

Perhaps that makes a difference.

Thank you.

Maybe if you'd been in love, you wouldn't have been so homesick.

They say that home is where the heart is.

You are right, senor.

Maybe.

But then there's the other side, too, and it's pretty important.

A person's roots go pretty deep in their own country.

Not easy to pull up.

They have to change their habits, their tastes, their whole way of life.

Well, love might help you out sometimes, but then again, sometimes the excitement

wears off.

Then what?

You are right, senor.

I know what you are thinking.

The Fiesta, she is beautiful.

The songs are gay.

The senoritas are lovely.

But it is not always Fiesta time in Costa Rica.

And then you, too, become homesick for your wonderful America, USA.

That's not what I was thinking.

She's so young, so inexperienced.

She doesn't know anything about me at all.

Except by moonlight.

I'm sorry, senor. I do not hear what you say.

I was saying that perhaps the Padre was right.

Who, Senor?

A friend of my... my friend.

I understand, Senor.

A very wise man, Felipe.

Just like you.

Oh, thank you, Senor.

Will there be anything else?

No, that's about all.

Happy New Year, Senor.

Same to you, Felipe.

Me once in a while instead of that door.

Your Pepe will be back in a minute.

Ah, there is your Pepe.

You've had enough of your papa. Come.

Where's Jeff?

Well, he's in the lobby.

Isn't he coming?

No, he's leaving.

I'm sorry, Luisa. I did my best. But he's taking the plane tonight.

He thinks you're a wonderful girl and all that, but you're so inexperienced,

and you're Costa Rican, and he's American, and, well, it's just a case of

plain horse sense, that's all.

Oh, by the way, he wants you to meet him in the lobby.

I'm very sorry, Luisa, but... It's all right, Pepe.

The scoundrel! He might have waited until after they were married.

Hello, Luisa.

Thanks for coming out. I just wanted to tell you that... Oh, yes.

Pepe told me you were leaving.

I'm sorry you can't stay and celebrate New Year's Eve with us.

But as you Americans say, business before pleasure.

Adios, senor.

And thank you for showing me the fiesta.

Luisa, I hope that you don't feel it.

Feel what?

Well, I just want to explain that... Good heavens.

I hope you didn't take our little... adventure in the moonlight too

seriously.

After all, it was Fiesta.

Yes, it was.

Your taxi, senor.

You mustn't miss your plane, Mr. Stevens.

That's right.

Goodbye, Louisa.

Bye, Jeff.

Luisa? Luisa!

Now, you see, she's not home yet. And it's two o'clock.

Elsie, you cannot tell me a girl as much in love as she is has not done something

desperate. Oh, I don't believe Luisa would do anything desperate. Certainly

not about Pepe Castro. About whom, then?

I didn't say there was anyone else.

First they quarrel, then she disappears, then he disappears.

Sometimes they do desperate things together.

Anyhow, I'm going to find out. I'll call Castro.

Operator 6832.

Uh-huh.

Hello, Castro?

Ricardo. Did your Pepe get home yet?

No, he is not.

And when he does come home, I'm ready for him.

Cadice?

She is not?

What desperate things!

We must be calm, my friend. We must be calm.

Meet me at the hotel right away. Maybe they know something there.

I'll go with you. No, dear. This is a father's business.

I am Senor Castro.

I'm looking for my son, Pepe.

Ah, felicitations, Senor.

What? His Excellency left only a few minutes ago.

Since when is my son his Excellency?

What are you talking about? Have you seen him or not?

Certainly, Senor, but I'm afraid they cannot be disturbed.

They have just ordered another bottle of champagne.

Champagne? Si, Senores. Senor Pepe and his bride.

Married? Right.

When did it happen? As I said, Senors, His Excellency the Governor left only a

few minutes ago. He married them.

Excellency, Governor, marry them.

I won't permit it. No, Raya.

But it's done, Senors.

Dios mio.

Castro, my friend, do you realize this is what we are waiting for? Our

children. Papa, they should have told us.

And a civil ceremony. Oh, we'll have a church wedding later.

Of course.

Where are they? Room 214.

They must not be disturbed.

Besides, the elevator is not running. Well, we will watch.

They surprise us, now we surprise them.

Boy, where are you taking that wine? To 214, senor.

Thank you. We will deliver it.

Two twelve.

Two thirteen.

Must be the next ones.

You knock, Castro.

You knock, Tico.

We both knock.

That's champagne, honey.

Oh, we have company.

Who is that woman?

Don't you dare to call me a woman.

Tell them, Peter. Yes, tell us. Tell us who is she.

Well, she's a friend of mine, Papa. What?

He means friend-wife.

Well, yes, she's friend-wife, Papa. A wife?

Then where is my Louisa? How would he know? He's a married man.

What have you done with her?

I will never forgive you for marrying this... Now, don't you say it, Papa.

Don't you dare say a word against my wife.

My husband's a man, I'll tell you.

He's not afraid of his own Papa or anybody's Papa.

He's afraid of his mama, though. That's how we happened to get married so

suddenly.

Where is my Luisa?

Well, she must have followed Jeff Stevens to the airport. You know,

they're in love with each other. I don't believe it. I don't believe it. Well,

Jeff left by plane tonight, and Luisa must have gone with him. This is the

first time anything like this has happened to the Castros in 150 years.

You mean the other Castros weren't married, Papa?

Let us go, my friend.

What time did the airplane leave tonight for the United States? At midnight,

senor. Well, get me the American address of Jeff Stevens.

Stevens, Stevens, Stevens.

Stevens, uh-huh.

The Ronnie Plaza Hotel, Florida, USA. What time does the next plane leave for

Florida, USA?

At 12 noon, senor. Get me a ticket. Two tickets. In this, the cars will stand

with the Molina.

But, senor, to get tickets, you must have reservations. To get reservations,

you must have priorities.

Besides, there's the weather.

Sometimes the plane goes.

Sometimes it goes and comes back.

Sometimes it doesn't go at all.

Sometimes. Who knows? Who cares who knows? I will buy a plane. I will fly it

myself to the Roni Plaza Hotel, Florida, USA.

This Jeff Stevens will never get away from me. From us? Oh, you wish to see

Senor Stevens? I will follow him to the end of the earth. Oh, but that won't be

necessary. Senor Stevens is right here. He's here? Then he did not leave? Three

times he did not leave. Ricardo, what are we waiting for?

My poor Luis. Save him. We will destroy him. Save him. Oh, but senores, but

senores. Just a minute, senores. But senores, he's not here. You are trying

to protect him. He was in, now he's out. He was in, he was out. Where did he go?

Oh, but senores, he took a taxi. He took a taxi. Where did he take the taxi? Oh,

I don't know. I beg of you, senores. But where did he take the taxi? Senores, I

beg of you. I don't know. Where did he take the taxi? Ask the driver.

Driver.

Driver. Driver.

Did you drive the American?

The Americano? You mean the one with the wife? No, no, no. Maybe yes. Maybe yes.

About 50 years old, wart at the end of his nose, big belly, small teeth. No,

no, no. A young one. A young one. Tall?

No. Yes.

Yes, yes, yes. Oh, bueno. Good tip for that one. But he's a little lofty, you

know.

Do you know what he said, senor? He said in the United States all the houses are

numbered and we ought to have the same thing here.

What a crazy idea!

Where did you take him?

Oh, it's not so easy to remember.

First, primeramente, I drove him to the Sanferrados, about 100 yards

north. And 50 yards east of the butcher shop, La Gran Vida.

Then where?

Then, oh, yes.

Then, cuatro casas.

Four houses from the yellow house.

And then, oh, yeah, I remember. I got to thinking about my wife.

Then, then.

Oh, yes, yes. I remember.

Directly across the street from the second house with the green shirt.

That's my house. So it is.

Oh, so you have company, senor. Take us there at once. Drive as fast as you can.

Faster.

Boo!

Put the pistol down, Ricardo.

Elsa, where is he? Where is who? The American.

Oh, he's in the patio with Luisa. With the... And you sit there and nip?

Well, it's no sillier than standing around with that old blunderbuss.

Is that a proper way to receive your future son-in-law? What? Son-in-law?

Elsa, what are you talking about?

I'm trying to tell you that Jeff is a very nice boy, and he's going to marry

Luisa. Marry Luisa?

With her consent, for a change.

Que te parece?

I forbid it! You should!

Nonsense. I've already given your consent, and you can't go back on my

word.

Besides, 20 years ago, my country gave you a girl. Are you sorry?

Well, that would... Certainly not.

Well, then what's wrong with giving one back?

When did all this happen?

When a couple of sunflowers from Kansas got together.

What is better than young love a Ricardo well middle-aged love has its

points