Original subtitles

The digital restoration of "L'assassino"

was made from the original camera negative

which was missing the first and last roll, and from a first-generation interpositive.

These two elements were scanned at 2K resolution for this restoration.

The grading was carried out by referring to the original print version

that was held by the production company Titanus

in the archives of the Cineteca di Bologna.

The sound was extracted from a 35mm negative

and digitally remastered.

Hello, Mr Martelli.

Hello. Fill my tank.

OK.

Hello?

Oh, it's you. Yes, I'm still in bed. No, I'm better.

I slept for ten hours straight.

I'm taking a bath now, then I'll leave for Lucca.

I told you sleep would do me good.

No, I still don't know what time, or if it's by train or car.

Uh... Yes. Yes, yes.

Of course, of course, darling.

Yes, but you'll see... Hello?

Hello... hello... hello...

You'll marry a tired man.

Yes, darling. As soon as I get to Lucca, I'll call you.

Of course.

Of course. I love you. Go to sleep now. Ciao...

Sir.

This is the car, it's still warm.

Where is he?

At home. That's the front door, and then the windows.

Where are you going? You're making a mess.

- Are you the superintendent? - Yes, I am. Why?

Come here.

Do you know this man?

It's Marc'Aurelio a Cavallo.

No, the other one.

It's Mr Alfredo Martelli. Third floor.

The lift will take you right outside.

Hey, who are you? What do you want?

- Hello. - Hello.

Are you the antique dealer, Martelli?

- Yes. - Mr Margiotta.

Very nice to meet you.

I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting company at this time.

Oh, no?

Please, please, make yourselves comfortable.

Don't stay at the door.

There are lots of them, what is it, a company?

I imagine they've already been in my shop,

and that the furniture they're most fond of, I keep at home.

Please, please...

I was burning the tips of my hair...

Has he got a cold?

...it seems ridiculous, but it's effective.

Please, please.

They can take a look around. I'm getting dressed.

We don't have much time, though.

Sicilians?

Agrigento, Taormina, beautiful, really beautiful.

Now, we've settled in Rome.

Oh, yes? For a long time?

Look, we work at the San Vitale police station.

Ah, the police station deals with furniture?

Well, it was time.

I can imagine the surroundings. Excuse me.

See, the waitress always takes advantage of single men...

Now let's see... Where...

Sir, that's my bedroom. It's not for sale.

Sir...

- Hey, what are you doing? - He was already ready to leave.

Don't worry, I'm going by car. I can leave when I like.

So you can spare a half hour to clear some things up.

- What's this about? - You'll find out later, I'll wait.

It'll be easier for you to come with us to the station.

Of course, of course. Perbacco.

Eh, no!

If we have to make small talk, we'll do it here.

I'll order from the bar, some coffees, some croissants.

No. You have to come with me.

Can I?

Well, now I want to know why.

And I can't tell you, I'm not authorised.

But, excuse me, I have to go to Lucca, but...

And then, one moment.

Where's the thingumabob, the deal, the mandate, a piece of paper?

Stay calm. It's all standard.

But do they realise this is a search warrant?

They can't do this at all.

But we have a mandate.

Come on, get dressed and come with us.

No, no, I won't get dressed, I don't take orders from you.

You know what, I'm going to undress and get in bed.

How many stories for a chat, half an hour tops for some verifications.

You should be calm, if you have a clear conscience.

My conscience is clear.

And you know what I say?

I won't move from here even with force. Is that clear?

Please, go ahead.

No, no, please, after you.

How couldn't I? They showed me the photo.

And I couldn't help but say it was Alfredo Martelli.

Of course. We get it.

Here they are coming.

Please, ladies, don't tell Mr Alfredo.

He'd never be able to understand.

- Hello. - Hello.

But what's happened? Where are they taking him?

I don't know. What will he have done?

Here they are, they're coming.

Then I'll go down.

You have to have some patience. Accompany him.

Let's go.

Where?

Please, sit down.

Please don't move from here.

He's arrived.

Oh, yes?

Let's make him wait, hm?

OK.

Excuse me, but do I have to stay here? Can't I walk the corridors?

Why are you in such a rush to visit the station?

Mister Palumbo?

Mister Palumbo?

I'm Alfredo Martelli.

And who are you looking for?

But what?!

- Where did he go? - Who?

The one who just left, he insulted me. It's an abuse of authority.

Calm down.

Calm, calm, my arse.

Calm for ten minutes, calm for even an hour, you know.

What is this system?!

Imagine, brought here with no explanation.

As if I were a murderer!

OK, a bit of patience.

The commissioner's coming now, take it up with him.

Got it. Wait for the commissioner, so my business, true...

You know that...

Do you know how much I can lose in an hour?

I can lose millions.

Ah, yes. All wasted breath.

But what do they know about how I earn my living,

and more than honestly.

Ferna, where are you taking me? Where are we going?

Imagine I'm being followed.

Even followed, what a hassle.

Give me a hand.

Are you still registered with the Party?

I don't do politics now. It disappointed me.

But, you vote for us?

Of course. Let's go.

Who are you with? Who is that?

The son of poor Cesare.

You trust too much.

"Mr Teacher, the bed is a rose, if you don't sleep you can rest".

Water in the belly.

He's got less than a year... I give him until Christmas.

I feel like I have to help him. Like I have to maintain him, understand?

If we can't help each other?

How does that help, here everything is money.

If you have to steal, steal with discernment, no?

Well, I'd even rob the Bank of Italy,

but these are the things you must teach children

and I've always worked, you know.

Did you give him the balms?

What oils? Here we need the gravedigger.

And now this one, is it another?

No, it's the one from before.

But you really don't have anything.

Look closely, there's lots of stuff here.

But what's wrong?

He's going cuckoo.

Eh, I see it, I see it.

And what's this?

A clock.

Even I managed to get that far. Where did you get it from?

I took coal to a Countess, an old lady.

She promised me 1,000 lire, then didn't want to give it to me.

So she paid with the clock?

Yes. The clock, 20 pieces of silverware and a blow to the head!

- You hit her in the head? - So?

How much do you want?

Whatever you want.

To give you a hand, three or four thousand lire, it's not worth more.

Aleà... Happy... 4,000 lire the watch.

But who's this, another one?

Are they queuing here, or what? Is this a halfway house, this house?

Why not take him to the hospice?

He doesn't want to go.

Give me a hand, go on.

We said 4,000 lire, right?

He has little, if he dies inside what do I do?

Eh, I know. Here. Hold that a moment.

Here's 5,000, have a drink to my health.

OK.

If something happens to you, don't come looking for me, got it? Bye.

Yes, yes, bye.

This clock is beautiful.

What era is it from, please?

Here. 800 Empire...

Golden...

Look, the two figures are well carved.

It has a special feature, the chime has a very original motif.

How much is it?

150,000 Lire.

Mr Martelli!

You're ill-mannered.

And so?

I am Palumbo.

Ah! Yes, yes. I've heard you mentioned.

Well, sometimes they even put us in the papers.

But really, I heard it from someone every five minutes looking for you.

Ah...

Dear Martelli, here there's always someone looking for me.

This is a terrible job!

Here, one feels almost like a prisoner.

The fact is I've already been waiting here for an hour, without knowing why.

- Take a seat. - Thank you.

Take a seat.

What would you like us to do?

These are still the police of 50 years ago:

they believe that anyone coming in here is at least a murderer.

Go away. Go away.

Horrible job, dear Martelli,

it's the mind-set.

They don't realise if they're dealing with a well-mannered person.

That's what I'm saying.

No, no. It's exactly like that. It's just another thing, you see.

It's not even a question of, I tell you, knowing what to do, no.

No sir: you see the problem here is far more substantial.

So it seems.

It's constitutional.

We must put in mind that the investigation

must absolutely take into account certain fundamental freedoms.

That's obvious.

Indeed.

So, you're an antiques dealer, right?

Yes. Yes, I have a shop near Piazza di Spagna.

Is the shop all yours?

Now, yes.

Because before?

Well, before I was in a company with a lady.

Mrs De Matteis, the one who's restoring the old Hotel Sangri-la.

In Tor San Lorenzo, you know.

De Matteis.

De Matteis, you said?

Yes. Yes.

For how long have you had the shop?

Well... By now it will be five or six years.

Ah!

And what did you do before?

Always antiques dealing.

I had a shop in Via dei Coronari.

You know, a smaller shop.

So they won't bother us.

Dealing junk?

No.

A more modest shop.

Yes, old furniture didn't bring much.

Then the woodworm settled in.

Battistoni and Cerquozzi, in Via dei Coronari.

Antiques dealer, huh.

Indeed.

A good business.

Almost, I almost envy you.

However.

Look, I had a lot of other jobs before.

I even attended an acting course at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia.

Oh, yes?

Are you married?

No. No.

Engaged?

Yes.

With who?

Excuse me, but is this really necessary?

Uh, yes.

With Miss Nicoletta Nogaro.

The daughter of the industrialist,

Nogaro, who makes pharmaceutical products.

Are you officially engaged?

Of course: we should get married within the year.

Mister Palumbo?

Mister Palumbo!

Would you be so kind as to tell me why I'm here?

Dear Martelli, you shouldn't rush things.

This is a complex thing, we have to get through it.

No, we need to really understand who you are.

Hm. Have a little think. A lifetime.

You belong to a family of anarchists, right?

Me?

Your grandpa was an antifascist.

So? Is that a crime now?

Not now, but then.

Then what...

Back then there was fascism.

Grandpa, the fascists are after you, they want to beat you up.

What?

The fascists are after you, they want to beat you up.

You go home, so I can think about it.

OK, I told you.

Grandpa, don't be so scared!

It was just a joke.

It was very clear, Mister Palumbo, that I am proud of my grandfather.

In his town he was the only true antifascist.

Your name often honours the promissory notes of protest, true?

Yes, two or three times, in commerce you understand.

But what does this matter?

Don't worry.

I told you this was about something long.

- But how long? - It depends.

Well, in that case I have to make a phone call.

Have you forgotten I should already be in Lucca by now?

Can you tell me who you're calling?

Mrs Adalgisa De Matteis. I have a deal pending with her.

- Please, go ahead. - Thank you.

Hello?

Sangri-là.

Yes, can you get me Mrs Adalgisa.

Alfredo. Martelli.

But that's my business.

Hello, it's me, Palumbo.

Yes, don't worry.

Yes.

So I know, I know that you want to leave me.

Now I understand, you can do without your stories.

You're a fake, that's it, a fake.

And you always have been.

Go on, say that you don't need me anymore.

Do you think I don't know?

You have no more use for me.

I was only useful to pull you out of your hovel.

Without me you'd still be a junk dealer,

the wretch that you were and will remain.

But you no longer remember, huh?

Go away.

Get out of the way,

don't forget that I'll kill myself because I have the courage!

I'll do it, I'll do it.

Look, to really succeed, you have to put your wrists in hot water.

But, how did it happen?

Well... Now, calm yourself.

Instead, a while ago, if I'm not mistaken, you tore up a ticket.

What ticket?

But yes, a short while ago, you took a ticket from your jacket,

and you tore it up and tried to put it in a vase like this.

Then you had a second thought and you stuck it in your pocket.

Yes, yes. It's absolute rubbish.

Here.

I can't believe it, that she's dead, I can't believe it!

Martelli, Accountant.

Why did you tear it up?

Eh? Because. What importance do you want it to have?

Everything, from now on, could be important for you.

I'm not an accountant, but...

to make my mother happy,

I made her believe that I'd got this degree, that's it.

So, she had these printed by the town printmaker.

A long time ago.

Then she died.

So, I thought that...

abuse of a title,

if you find it on me,

yes, it's absurd, I know, but...

As you know very well, Mrs De Matteis has been murdered.

Eh?

Murdered!

But what are you saying?

Do you understand, now, that you're in trouble?

We already know

that you were the last to see her, last night in her hotel in Tor San Lorenzo.

Yes, I was with her, but, no, I don't know anything else.

Were you her lover?

Of course.

Hm.

But who doesn't know that?

Look, in these recent times, no, we haven't had further relations.

Even all my friends know that,

in these months, I've seen her two or three times.

But how, murdered?

And so, why were you there last night?

No, no. No, no, no. Wait, wait a moment, huh!

Look, she lives on a bad street.

I assure you.

But do you believe me or not? I'm giving you my word of honour.

- You didn't kill her? - No!

Last night when you left, was she alive or dead?

She was dead... She was alive!

Mister Palumbo, you mustn't confuse me.

You're the one losing your cool.

Yes?

Sir, I spoke with Mr Nogaro, the girl's father,

the most important news is that the girl disappeared from home this morning.

Yes, OK.

It was her, Adalgisa De Matteis,

who financed your new shop in Piazza di Spagna, huh?

Yes. She loved me. There's nothing wrong with that.

But did you love her?

So you don't really want to come and see these Roman ships?

No, I told you, even they are a disappointment.

We're going back to Rome.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Bye, Nicoletta. - Bye.

- Bye, Alfredo. - Bye...

So, are you staying with us, Nicoletta?

But, aren't you already in a couple?

The Roman ships can also be seen as a trio.

Yes. But, if you're really sure I'm not disturbing you.

No, come.

No...

OK, I'll come then.

- Yes... - Yes.

But who is that dope?

Alfredo!

Don't play dumb, you know very well she has a lot of money.

Imagine if you are not informed.

But why did the Germans destroy these beautiful Roman ships?

Because they are German.

And what did the Romans do with such big ships, in a lake this small?

The Emperor kept them just to make love.

Day and night, night and day, just to make love!

Nicoletta, have you ever made love on a boat?

Well, honestly, I've never tried it.

You'd like it.

Going on boat trips, I love them.

So, making love, I believe also.

Hm.

Adalgisa doesn't like it on a boat.

It makes her nauseous.

Not only boats.

Many other things also make me nauseas.

Yes, yes, I know.

These bronze strips served to reinforce the sides of the ships,

for protection.

Don't they look like abstract paintings?

Your name's Nicoletta, right?

Yes.

But these Romans, what big hands they had!

You're good together, you're having fun, huh?!

Yes, I'm really enjoying myself.

Adalgisa!

You're not getting jealous of little girls now?

Can't you see that she's an idiot?

Oh, why? I like her.

She's young, nice, rich.

I'm going for a ride in the car, I want to be alone for a while.

I'll come back later.

You stay with her.

Why, doesn't that suit you?

When you act like this, you offend me, really.

Go, go, go for a ride.

But what's happened?

Eh? Oh, nothing, she's a strange woman.

But did you love her?

Respond, did you love her?!

Yes, I loved her very much.

So, why did you split up?

For many reasons. It's not that simple.

A relationship ends.

That's it.

And it was her who left me.

Imagine!

She was older than you, eh?

Yes.

Was she jealous?

Yes, she was jealous,

but at the same time she was pushing me

to leave her and marry someone younger.

Indeed.

Dear Martelli, you are a man to envy,

I know you used to make her suffer.

To be unhappy, Adalgisa, needed no particular reason.

But you always provided her with someone.

Up to the point of pushing her to leave you.

After all, the shop was already launched, and you were sorted, no?

I'm not even going to answer you.

Indeed, I get it.

Miss Nogaro is richer than the deceased, right?

And De Matteis was starting to be a real obstacle for your plan.

I loved Adalgisa.

Not her money.

No, enough! Enough. Now, enough, huh!

I am neither a parasite, nor a delinquent.

I'm tired and I don't feel well.

I've never so much as killed a dog

and you slam me in the face like this without any regard.

Bring that gentleman in.

Mister Palumbo, I want to go.

I really loved Adalgisa!

If you think I was only with her to exploit her,

you're wrong.

And I'm ill, I feel really bad.

Call someone, do something!

I am not staying here!

I'm not staying here!

So.

You are Mr Morello,

the husband of the deceased, right?

Do you know each other?

Mr Commissioner, if you're listening to him, then it's useless.

It's not the first time he's tried to ruin me.

We no longer see each other.

Yes, do the same. I know your intentions.

Come, come.

You're the man who would love to see me dead.

- Moreover, he even hated Adalgisa, so. - Take a seat.

He's not even listening, you know.

He's the only person who has an interest in testifying against me.

So you know each other very well.

We were good friends once.

And now?

Obviously not.

How long has it been since you saw each other?

Five years.

Strange friendship.

Look, I didn't run away with your wife.

Not exactly, but you know that very well.

I even wrote to you explaining.

I never even opened the letter.

You wanted to take advantage of my position

to broaden your connections.

Before, I was your friend.

I begged on my knees, you don't know what I did:

"Adalgisa, I beg you, don't leave me".

She didn't want to listen to reason. Nothing, she left me.

She went to the hotel.

For eight years, everything went smoothly,

and she didn't want to tell me why she'd done this.

But she won't be in love with someone else, you know.

You go, you speak to her. She'll listen to you, huh?

Listen to what she wants, what she's lacking,

if she wants to take a trip.

But like this, in a hotel, here in Rome, she can't continue to stay.

I... I love her.

And what impression will I make?

Look it's nothing to do with me, huh?

It was he who insisted,

moreover he's a friend, of course I see it badly.

So this is a very important decision. Have you thought about it properly?

Thinking, yes, always thinking.

But I'm tired of thinking,

tired of the usual life,

of the same faces,

of the same friends.

Well, you're no longer a young girl.

You'll know yourself what you're going to meet.

Listen, but what will you do?

I'll figure something out.

I'll do business,

I'll set up a fashion house.

Is there someone else?

Oh.

No.

Adalgisa,

I...

don't want to be here right now.

But, something strange is happening to me.

I have a strong desire to kiss you.

Oh.

Don't say silly things.

Alfredo...

- Alfredo. - Yes?

Alfredo.

Look...

I don't know how to do things by half,

if I start, I go all the way.

Adalgisa.

Everything I imagined, except it ending like this, you know!

What a funny hairdo.

I had it when I was a young boy.

Hello. Morello, is that you?

Yes, yes. I spoke to her.

She's here.

Don't worry.

Everything's OK.

It's not true that you're engaged.

The girl's father doesn't even know you.

I don't know him either.

You lied.

You spoke of an official engagement and a wedding date.

Yes, I lied. That's my business.

I intend to marry her. And she agrees.

Her father will find out in his own time.

The fact is the girl disappeared from home this morning.

She disappeared?

Indeed.

Eh...

Did you live in this area for many years?

Yes, but...

it's been at least ten years since I've been back.

Why?

Because it's sad.

My father died here. Then my mother went back to her town.

It reminds me of bad times.

Hm.

NEW HOTEL SANGRI-LA NEXT OPENING

Let's go. This way.

They found her in the gazebo?

It is a beautiful hotel,

how come you left it almost all to that lady?

Because I had tried to expand and I was up to my neck in debt.

Ah!

So, tell me,

Mrs De Matteis, how much money did she put in the deal?

30, 40 million, I think.

She paid my debts, in short.

She became the owner of almost the entire hotel,

which is worth much more.

She took me by the neck, but she basically saved me from bankruptcy.

Do you want to tell me again why you went to see her last night?

I've already told you. I needed a loan.

Indeed, yes, yes.

Recently a deal came up that I needed a couple of million for.

A small restaurant nearby, in Tor Vajanica,

with which I could start from scratch.

When should she have given you this money as a loan?

Today or tomorrow.

She's already been promising me it for a week.

So, why did you come here last night?

I'm always here, I follow the jobs.

I'm a partner... A boss.

Oh, good, I understand.

Was the lady alone, when you got here?

No, she had company.

Ah yes, I was here.

Fortunately, the day is getting better.

Ah! Oh my, forward... forward, let's try to do it soon, go.

Have you seen, Mr Alfredo? The poor woman.

But who is this? What does she want? Send her away, go.

Let's go, miss, come on.

Palumbo? Please listen, don't make me go in.

I didn't even see my mother dead. It upsets me.

Let's go. Martelli, they've already taken her away!

Hm!

However.

It's nice here, eh?

She must have been a strange women, this De Matteis,

a little eccentric, no?

Well, she liked... beautiful things.

Maybe in these recent times she was a bit strange, however, yes.

You know, Palumbo, this was the first area

she sorted out herself when she bought the hotel.

Oh, yes?

Poor Adalgisa!

Ah, poor Adalgisa indeed!

She was so happy.

Morris...

My dear Morris, come,

come to your owner.

This, Palumbo, is the dog I've already spoken about,

yes, our dog.

You know last night I came to take you back? Poor Morris.

What do you expect anyway,

that to satisfy your selfishness, as usual, I continue to look after the dog.

Here we go.

Now you're starting to throw it in my face.

You usually start with the dog and end with the bills.

Are you still here?

Madam, I'm sorry to be intrusive, but I have to insist.

But I've already told you I agree.

Yes, I know, but I need that money urgently.

Now isn't the time.

Excuse me, I have things to do.

If you like, I could come back later.

- Otherwise I'm cancelling the deal. - I understand.

Sometimes it's a matter of hours, of minutes.

I don't know what to tell you,

if you're in this rush,

ask someone else.

I don't really know what to do.

But we'll see each other tomorrow morning on the site

at the usual time, huh?

See you.

OK, I understand.

Basically, you want me to believe, that you only came here for the dog?

True?

Yes, yes, I was surprised too, when she called me,

but that's it, I came for the dog.

I swear.

She wanted me to take him,

maybe she found him annoying,

then maybe I don't know,

it might have been an excuse to see me,

she knew how much I liked the dog.

She was sure I would come.

This is the first room that I sorted out to live here,

do you like it?

Nice.

Listen...

don't tell me you made me come here just for the dog, huh?

No. It wasn't just for the dog.

Imagine, they told me you don't have enough money

to pay me for the bills tomorrow,

but you know you don't have to worry.

You're kind, to tell the truth, I asked to renew them myself.

I brought you this watch.

Oh, but why?

Like this.

Because I think about you.

It's become a bit of a habit by now.

And we hadn't seen each other for ages.

Come here.

You see that I still love you.

But you, with that brunette boy... That waiter there.

But why do you do this?

I like him.

Weren't you a bit like him?

It's natural to have a weakness for youth.

I don't understand your surprise.

When I think of you with Nicoletta,

I'm happy.

You won't believe me,

but when I'm with Nicoletta I still feel like I'm cheating on you.

That's why I like you.

You still believe in cheating,

while we're just us,

with all our desires.

Marry her.

Call Mrs De Matteis' waiter.

OK.

We also want the dog here.

Leave the dog, you grab him.

This way.

Come over here a bit.

So...

Tell me, this man,

did you see him leave?

No. I saw him arrive.

Martelli, did you hear?

Oh...

Listen a moment.

Who gave you this, huh?

Huh?

The owner.

"Adalgisa...

"Don't lose me."

There are quite a few of these around.

We know, we know.

I didn't want to say that it was you, you know, no.

It was just to show these men, it could have been anyone.

Not him. Because he was in Rome.

While you were here.

Uh, yes.

Go, go.

Don't you think?

Eh, indeed.

But if he saw me, that means he was in the house, no?

Yes, but after you got here, he went to Rome.

All verified.

Palumbo, how is it only for me there are no excuses?

Let's get it into our heads that Mrs De Matteis...

and don't take me for a cynic,

but at some point I must defend myself, right?

Since she was no longer with me,

she'd taken the habit of welcoming whoever turned up first.

Everyone knows that.

So it's possible that also last night.

Well! Last night...

Martelli, let's go.

Palumbo.

Palumbo...

Listen, will you stay and listen for a moment?

Do we want to clear up this story once and for all and go?

What do you want to say?

What do you want to clear up?

You insist on saying that you came here last night.

Yes.

You had intimate relations with the woman.

- Yes. - And all this to not take back the dog!

Look, it might make you laugh, it might seem absurd, but that's it.

It's true.

You, last night, argued,

over these bills that, as you well know, were due today.

No sir, but...

we didn't argue at all.

And it's true that in the station you made that...

comedy phone call.

But I was calling for the deadline,

this is the last million I owed Adalgisa, to buy her out of the shop.

Yes? Do you have this million you would've had to pay?

Of course I have it.

In the bank I have 300,000 lire, but I have a lot of receivables.

Oh, a lot of receivables.

- Wow, a lot of receivables. - Yes sir, I have some receivables.

You're the only one with an interest in tearing up these bills!

That's not true.

Adalgisa will definitely have torn them up.

Adalgisa was odd, she had these contradictions.

In a rush of generosity. For love. There you go.

So, did you decide to get back together?

No.

And what were the last things you said to each other?

We spoke about... my future marriage to Nicoletta.

Adalgisa realised there was nothing more to be done,

she thought that, maybe, who knows,

pushing me towards another woman, to her, wasn't dangerous,

she could continue her relations with me, even after my wedding.

So, she was fighting your marriage of convenience.

But it's not true. If it was her pushing me away.

How did you leave each other last night?

Nothing. She was sleeping. I tiptoed out.

It seemed like she was asleep.

It didn't seem like. She was asleep!

No.

She was dead.

You know,

I really don't have the money.

You were well informed,

look, just a renewal of one month is enough for me,

I have an interesting deal at hand.

You really are an idiot, you know,

I didn't put the bills in the bank.

I imagined so.

Where did you put the knife?

But what knife?

Respond, go on. Where did you put it?

I ate it. I've also been a knife swallower.

Yes, yes, make wisecracks.

Where did you put it?

Listen, for the last time. I can't see knives.

Look: with guns and poison, I can cause carnage, but not with knives.

Martelli is almost 35, he is a made man by now.

Yes, and he's tired, too.

Come on, walk.

Come on, let's go.

And so you refuse to help the police?

Yes.

I'm willing to go to jail,

but for contempt and resisting the police.

Is that how it is? OK.

Hey you, let them smell him.

What do you want?

Come on, come on, hurry,

and you be still, don't move.

Palumbo, I'm cold. Are there no blankets?

I'm warm, on the other hand, but there's some coffee, anyway.

You, bring him some coffee.

- So tell me something. - What is it?

- Have they found Nicoletta? - No.

I annoy you, don't I?

To tell the truth, yes,

because you're strange and I don't understand you.

Indeed. Is it clean?

Yes, it's clean.

When someone makes a career from nothing, to you it's strange,

in these days!

Anyway, don't worry,

annoyed or not, I'm objective.

Ah!

What a beautiful sunset.

Do you like sunrise or sunset?

- Sunrise. Sunrise. - Indeed.

- Palumbo. Just listen. - Yes?

When Adalgisa was killed, the dog was barking,

that's what the servants said, right?

Well, this is the proof it couldn't have been me.

That dog, even if I kick it, it doesn't bark at me.

Not even when seeing you scuffle with his mistress?

- Absolutely not, no. - That's what you say.

- How much shall we bet? - Now we're playing games too!

Palumbo, let me do this test.

If you let me do it, you'll see the dog doesn't bark.

OK. You, you, come here a moment.

Go on, where's that dog? Find that dog.

Who has the lady's dog?

Morris.

Morris.

No, no, no, no, not here.

There, there, in the bathroom, where the lady was found dead.

So you have to pretend to punch the girl.

- Yes. - Understood?

And if you could please scream. Scream loudly.

Understand.

Come in. Come in.

I'm closing the window. He could still bark seeing you.

OK, close it.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Don't you see who I am, don't you recognise me?

Then you're an idiot as well,

huh, Morris.

Incredible.

Look, he's playing, Commissioner, don't you hear it,

he's playing.

For me he's barking.

But...

Palumbo.

Hey, you, come over here.

What do you think he's doing, this dog?

For me, barking.

But of course he's barking, he's playing with me,

and his owner died here.

Maybe he's emotional.

You wanted this, yes or no?

I don't know what to do to convince you it wasn't me.

Commissioner.

Palumbo, what's he doing, he's going now.

The dogs found this.

What is it?

Stale bread.

The builders say they saw a tramp hanging around.

- What tramp? - Someone hanging around the garden.

Try to find him. And take Martelli away. Understand?

Let's go Martelli, come outside.

Find that tramp! Maybe he's the murderer?

Everyone go. Go on!

Commissioner.

Commissioner.

It wasn't him. I know him. He's been good to me.

Well done!

Mr Alfredo...

- Go on, go inside, it's cold. - Let's go.

Mr Commissioner.

Commissioner!

Pah, this one's crazy, word of honour.

Commissioner, listen to me.

Oh, my goodness! What is it, what is it now, eh?

I have been in his service.

He took care of me like I was his daughter.

He sent me to the doctor almost every day.

I understand. The doctor. Very good.

- He's innocent, Mr Alfredo. - Of course. I believe him too.

- He's innocent. - Certainly.

Commissioner.

Why don't you want to listen to me?

Of course.

It was me.

It was me who killed the woman.

Oh, come on!

I'm the murderer!

Let's go, come on.

After you.

Go on, go on, let's go quickly.

My boss is innocent.

Mr Alfredo is innocent!

Even with maids, huh?

What maid? What do you take me for?

So why did you send her away?

No, thank you.

Adalgisa wanted her as she was good.

She was jealous.

But Adalgisa would never have been jealous of a waitress.

So, why does she get so upset about you at all?

Because she's ignorant, because I always treated her well.

We'll also see about that.

Yes, we'll see.

Sign here.

Thank you.

Come with me, come on.

Carmelo.

Here.

After you.

But what, there's not even a bed here?

That's it there.

I want pyjamas.

Silence, silence, sleep!

What time is it?

What's it to you? Are you late for an appointment?

I want to speak to my lawyer.

And I'd like a bottle of mineral water, I'll even pay.

Yes, like you're on a train!

Where's the toilet here?

Or is that not provided by the regulations?

Huh?

Could I have a cigarette?

A lighter, please.

Thank you.

Thank you...

Look at this stuff.

Feel how cold it is.

All against me, all against me,

oh, not even one person

who believes I'm innocent.

Ah, Rosa.

Rosa was the only one!

But why then,

accuse herself of murder?!

What an idiot.

Carlo, are you spacing out?

So have you...?

No. Me, with waitresses, never.

Ah, I, look, with a girl like this,

I go into the house,

I bolt the door.

Listen. Do you want to see her naked?

If only!

Do you feel like changing jobs?

- Rosa? - Yes.

Your finger... How's your finger?

More or less the same, I think.

Why not get the doctor to have a look at it?

Oh, yes?

- You have to treat it, you know. - Yes.

Let me see your foot.

Do you have circulation problems?

I don't know.

But take advantage of the doctor. Have him check, no.

But I'm ashamed.

But won't you undress?

Do you want a cigarette?

Yes.

Two.

It must have been the candles' fault.

Shut up and give me a cigarette.

Ah!

We have guests!

Good evening. Good evening.

It must have been because of the candles

or someone spied on us.

- Shut up. - Yes, someone spied.

Shut up!

Excuse me, have you come from outside?

It's useless to interrogate him, we don't talk to you.

I was crazy telling you things with that face.

He's a police informer. They all do this.

But are you crazy?

No. You're wrong.

He has an eye like ours.

What's your name?

Martelli, why?

Martelli?

So?

Oh, so it was you who killed the old lady.

Four stab wounds.

Indeed! It's him from the photograph.

What photograph?

In the paper, today, at lunchtime, there was a photo this big,

you were on the right and Casabubu on the left.

I recognise you now.

Let me see a moment.

Get your hands off.

The old lady, the photograph!

But what are you looking for?

You know they arrested me when I was reading your article.

What an interesting life you've had.

Of course you're disappointing me a bit, ending the old lady that way.

Martelli, eh?

Sex or robbery?

Get out of here!

That's how it was written in the paper.

However if the killing isn't collective,

and it's not the purpose of robbery.

What's your name?

Martelli.

Ah Marty, you're an intelligent boy, you should confess.

Confess, you should.

Of course.

You can always say you were jealous,

and she cheated on you.

For you, you shameless bitch, pow, pow, pow and pow.

Why don't you mind your own business? I have nothing at all to confess.

So, if you have nothing,

shut up and sleep,

because, when they come,

they'll wake you up.

But who should come?

What do you mean, who?

Don't you know, Martelli?

From now on,

every moment is good,

good for going under.

But under to do what?

To talk.

To remember things.

They ask you, for example, if you've had contact with them.

And it's not like you can lie.

They search everywhere,

they ask everyone you know, to see if they remember you.

Get off.

I had him in year 3 or 4,

he was a clever boy but naughty,

right from the start.

His mother died of a broken heart, my lady!

Not only!

But when he came to live here,

all the light bulbs started disappearing

from the stairs, courtyard, and even the fountain.

Hey, hey, I forgot to tell you something.

One day, they killed Pippo.

And who is this Pippo?

My cat, yes,

and I soon suspected it was him,

because he couldn't even look at Pippo, he annoyed him.

He was the first in the area to get Marlon Brando's haircut.

- For me he's a nutcase. - Hey!

Alfredo at the Centro Sperimentale!

But when did he ever go?

I took him to the cinema to make an appearance.

Imagine that once he had to tell a joke:

"He died last night."

He said, "He died jest bite".

We were soldiers together for 18 months.

He was mad about pocket knives, knives and bayonets,

sometimes he fired them at the doorposts.

One day the Sergeant caught him.

I said, "Careful what you're doing, OK?" Know what he said?

"One whiner less!" He was a cynic.

Yes. Years ago he had his shop directly opposite mine.

I had a lovely shop.

Martelli called it competition,

for me it was larceny.

You don't know the rumours he spread.

He even said I was a homo...

Hm.

Don't you see how he's reduced me?

Of course these paintings are fake.

Everyone does this.

How much did Martelli give you?

50,000 lire a month for five paintings.

But he got much more.

Oh, yes? And how does he do this?

It's for Americans.

But I always tell him it's exploitation.

Fakes must be reported, madam.

But where else can I get a real Brenghel for only two million!

Look at it, look how beautiful it is, how well it's done.

And you know what I tell him, that boy is so nice to me!

I want to be with him always, the only one who amuses me in Rome!

- The one on the left. - Hey, you!

Eh!

Now it's my turn,

but I'm confused.

These are clever.

Move, walk.

I'm scared.

I'm talking.

I'm saying everything.

You know they interrogate you with the crossed system.

Crossed?

Yes. One question before another behind.

It's an assault, bam, bam.

Be quiet, get off.

I didn't kill her.

We only wanted to grab the sleepers.

Then at some point the watchman came with the lamp and saw us.

But what?

Did you kill a man?

I don't know.

Maybe.

There was a river of blood.

A black river.

It was him, huh, my friend,

he had him in the head with a sleeper.

But blood is red, you know, right?

What do I know?

It's black, black like tar, help me.

Help me, help...

Go away, get away, sleaze.

Please, come on.

Where are you taking me?

Why are you worried? We want everything good, have faith.

Let's go, come on!

Come on.

Do you have a cigarette?

No.

Please...

Stay calm.

Sit down. Sit.

Are you hungry?

No, no.

Did you know Mrs De Matteis was pregnant?

No.

For how long have you not been intimate with the victim?

I already told Palumbo.

Repeat it to us too.

For more or less a year.

And last night before the murder?

- Ah, indeed. - How, 'ah, indeed'?

I meant that between she and I,

there was a relationship in which,

a certain intimacy could arrive,

without doing anything.

Martelli, enough, be more concise.

But this is my way of expressing myself!

Excuse me!

You gave this watch to Mrs De Matteis, true?

- Yes. - When?

Last night.

Yes, but when? I want to know, just after arriving or before leaving?

Nobody was there?

- What a question! - Please, respond.

Almost immediately.

We were alone.

Thank you.

It seems logical to me, right?

We found this heel in your car.

And we've determined that it belonged to the victim.

I can see you aren't telling the truth.

This proves that you saw her habitually recently.

In my car there are things that have been there for years.

The rest is of no importance. Continue.

What do I continue?

Intimate relations with the victim?

Oh, I was saying, that, I'm tired.

In short, I can make love to a woman,

without feeling involved.

Without involving her morally, let's say.

But if you get her pregnant that brings commitment,

doesn't it?

And you eliminate her.

I can't take any more.

Alfredo!

Nicoletta.

Nicoletta.

But what does she matter now?

How are you? What did they do to you?

Nothing. I've been thinking so much of you!

What have you done all day?

Miss Nogaro,

why did you not meet Mr Martelli last night?

He didn't feel very well, he went to bed.

Please, sit down.

How can you be so sure?

He told me so.

I'm sorry, Nicoletta, I'm sorry, I'm so humiliated, I'm sorry.

Finally, someone who believes him.

And now that you know the truth, what do you think of your fiancé?

That he will have had good reasons.

I had an urgent phone call!

Why did you run away from home today?

I didn't want to talk to my father.

So this means your father doesn't approve of this kind of engagement.

That's my business.

How did you react to the newspaper?

But what paper? Which?

They asked me for a photo and I brought them one.

This one in a swimsuit?

Oh, I still hadn't seen it published in the paper!

Yes, lovely!

But why do you do these things?

Enough. Anyway. He also talks about you, don't worry.

Miss Nogaro, you can go.

Everything will become clear, don't worry.

Alfredo, I believe in your innocence.

After you, Miss.

Leave, now. Go on.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Bye. - Bye.

They'll let you go soon, you'll see. Bye.

Bye.

Miss.

What are you doing here?

Your father is downstairs.

We've come to get you to take you to the airport.

They're making you leave.

I'm... not a perfect man,

in fact.

I have many things on my conscience,

I'm not even ashamed to say so.

In these last few hours,

I've realised that.

To match,

the well-being,

to establish my selfishness...

I haven't paid much attention to the means that I was using.

But of course, we've understood you.

For example,

see?

You say this heel has no importance.

For me, however, it does.

Meaning?

It reminds me... of a fact,

something which still makes me feel guilty

of, of selfishness, of indifference.

Adalgisa was also there, coincidentally.

Stop, stop a moment.

What happened here, an accident?

Let's go and see.

Oh God, someone's dead.

Oh!

Wake up!

But look at this stuff.

This needs a bit of vinegar, something.

But you are all my witnesses, right?

I didn't see anything.

But it's like he wanted to commit suicide.

But he threw himself under from two metres away,

you saw, right?

Don't leave, come back! Now, this one's going!

Luckily I was going slowly.

Adalgisa! Come.

This one really wanted to die,

he was walking really slowly on the right,

when I came to his height, he jumped,

I found him in front of me and I braked.

Oh, damn.

We need a doctor here, who knows what he has.

Look, there's no blood, there's nothing.

Ah, he opened an eye. I saw him.

He opened an eye.

Oi!

So, you aren't unconscious, huh?

He's drunk, he's drunk.

But what got into your head, huh?

Do you want to ruin me?

This we do.

What are you saying?

Don't you see how he's reduced?

He's better than me, he's dead drunk.

That means nothing, it's all his fault.

That guy's really crazy!

So?

We can't leave him like this!

What do you want to do?

Look, I know his type, you saw how he opened his eye.

And what does this prove?

It proves that, if I'm not a comedian, he would've opened both.

He jumped like he was a cricket, come on.

But why would someone throw himself under a truck at two a.m.?

Look, there isn't a time for these things.

He's the classic type who wanted to take the insurance premiums.

However, let's not go on too long.

Let's go to sleep, I'll drive.

Your cynicism is misplaced.

What were you expecting?

That he'd die to show you his good faith?

Adalgisa. Let's go, it's late, come on.

Ah! Dammit.

My heel is broken.

That's it.

Let's follow him.

What does it matter to you? You're playing the humanitarian now?

I beg you.

I want to give him 10,000 lire.

But how nice, if you like to drink.

Stop that.

Here he is.

Ah! Here, here's the drunk, see how he's walking.

God, he's moving, huh?

Beep.

And brake, you're scaring him.

Hey!

Hey!

Here's 10,000 lire, take it.

- Hey! - Listen!

Listen!

He's also proud.

Well, where are you going?

What do you mean where?

He left because you scared him.

Now walk behind him and catch up to him.

But sure, Adalgisa, you're right,

it's not a bad game, let's go to the end.

Let's take him home and adopt him, he was cute too.

Someone's thrown himself under!

Oh, look, it's the guy from earlier.

He managed to kill himself.

So he wasn't drunk then.

Poor guy!

Well, what do you want to say?

Maybe I could've helped him.

But he will have been crazy, screwed up.

Martelli, if you want to talk, don't waste my time, confess instead.

Here you are again, Martelli!

Old Martelli, you know we can spend our whole lives together?

How cool is that?

First they'll take us to Regina Coeli,

then maybe after some time in Portolongone

and then pop up to Procida.

Yes, yes.

It's a life full of movement.

The guards help you get off the trains, they take care of you.

In short, you become an employee of the State, Marty!

Have you seen?

We confessed!

A large weight lifted from us!

Will you leave me alone? Leave it, go.

You know now they're treating us like big men.

Look Marty,

they even give us cigarettes.

Do you want one? Here.

Do you have 50,000 lire?

No. Leave me alone. I'm tired, let me be.

Want to provide an alibi?

The night you killed that woman, you weren't at the crime scene.

You were in the Aurora Hotel, in Via del Leoncino, 20.

Do you want to be quiet? You foul-mouthed slob!

Just leave it.

Just a bill, whatever you feel like.

Send 50,000 lire to my lawyer,

I need it for my case, help me fix this mess.

Get off me, get off!

Get away from me!

I want to come out!

You're a murderer, a dirty unknown.

You're a murderer!

Tell him, tell him, that it was you, you must confess, understand?

You killed her.

Besides, the life sentence is ready, they know it was you.

Confess, confess!

The old lady was no longer useful to you.

Your hands are as filthy as ours, pimp, confess!

We confessed, you have to confess too, cowardly swine.

I want to come out!

Open up, Martelli wants to confess.

Commissioner, Martelli wants to confess.

- Open up! - Guard, open up, open up.

I want to come out.

I want to confess, I want to confess.

Swine.

Take him away.

Listen...

the trams have already started running.

The day's already begun.

Oh...

Hm?

So?

So nothing, I have nothing to confess.

Yes, I tore up the bills, OK,

but I didn't kill Adalgisa.

Why don't you want to believe me?

And take me out of that cell with those two.

If not, I don't know what will happen, I'm not thinking clearly.

Take him away.

Want a cigarette?

No.

Mr Martelli!

But how?

You're still here?

I can't take any more.

This is the worst day of my life.

The ideas that have come into my mind. The confusion I have in my head.

But you know it's your fault that I'm here.

My fault?

Why?

Yes, because of the watch.

I maintained that when Mrs Adalgisa came to talk to me

she had the watch, that antique watch,

the one you gave her.

And instead, you told the police

that you gave it to her just after I left.

But I told the truth.

Are you sure of that?

Look, I don't know what I'm sure of anymore, I don't know.

But don't worry,

it's me they're after.

OK, it will be like this, but I'm inside too,

I'm not saying so much for me, Martelli, I'm saying it for my mother, understand?

She's really old, she's 80 now.

Just one emotion like this and everything goes to tatters.

Because I'm sentimental.

Imagine, I've never even got married out of respect to my mother.

But these are feelings that no longer exist.

Answer. You're a big antiques dealer, you have to take care of your business.

But let it ring.

It could be important.

Hello?

Who?

My mother in Rome at Piazzale del Varano?

And why didn't she call?

She's scared?

My mother's in Rome.

I have to see her.

Mother.

Mother.

How are you?

Good. Good.

Couldn't you have warned me?

But how, leave, take the bus, come to Rome.

Are you a little girl? Eh?

How Rome has changed in the last ten years.

Yes, it's changed.

I took some flowers to your father.

You did well. Well done.

Listen...

Let's not stay here. Come.

Will you take me to see your house?

Yes, yes. Now, let's see.

Come on.

Damn, how heavy is this case, what have you got inside?

It's not like you're going to America.

Alfredo.

I came to see your house,

and instead you take me to a restaurant to eat like two gypsies.

I would have cooked.

There are still builders at the house.

There's no kitchen. There's not even a chair for you to sit on.

When it's finished.

Who knows when I'll be back.

I'm old.

I don't think I'll manage to.

Do you want lobster?

No, don't spend.

Go on, eat.

But aren't you eating?

I'm not hungry.

Have you seen, Alfredo?

It's already night.

Let's go now.

Come on, come on! Get on, now, go on.

Thank you.

It's a three hour drive, why don't you come and visit?

Have you forgotten me?

Ah, mother, you're always preaching at me.

You know how much, how much I have to do, no?

Once I'm settled, I'll come and see you.

Let's go, guys.

Come on, I have to leave now.

- Bye. Bye. - Bye. Give me a kiss, huh?

Bye, take care.

Bye.

What's wrong? It doesn't work. Leave it alone. Go and sit down. Bye.

Bye. Bye.

Bye!

Hey, wake up.

Let's go.

Come on, let's go.

Let's go.

Come with me.

God, we're starting again.

Let's go.

No, leave the blanket there, come on.

Can you sign here, please.

What do I have to sign? Where are you taking me?

Home. You're free.

Free?

Yes, free.

But free, free?

Yes, yes.

Because the lady had refused him a loan

he was convinced he'd already been conned by her,

exasperated, he hid and waited for Martelli to leave the hotel.

But how did he give himself away?

Did he confess?

Conned because he's not all there in the head.

Otherwise it wouldn't have been easy.

We only had some small clues to hand!

It could have been anyone.

Eh! This is such a strange world.

And a woman with such a difficult, complicated life.

But how did you find out?

He gave himself away with the watch story.

Can we take a photo of the murderer?

Ah, yes, take him away.

You see, the lady didn't have the watch the first time,

that night, when she spoke with him.

He saw it afterwards,

the night when he came back to insist on the loan.

Martelli had already left.

She treated him badly,

she offended him,

and he's a megalomaniac, a nutcase, he killed her.

And so he killed her.

Imagine, the knife was in the kitchen at his house, still covered in blood.

Yes, do it quickly though.

Quickly.

Enough!

Enough!

Well, enough now.

Ah no, no enough, I beg you.

No, have patience, enough, I allowed one minute, enough now.

No. Not me, what's it got to do with me? No, we won't do these stories!

But, Martelli?

Eh, Martelli.

Eh. He's a good boy.

Hey.

Are you hungry?

Here. Take everything.

A coffee.

But isn't that the antiques dealer of that crime?

You can see they let him go.

Only now, a year later,

I've managed to talk honestly about that day,

and only with you.

If I didn't do so before,

in our previous meetings, it was only out of modesty.

As soon as I was free I had just one desire:

to change, to change, Nicoletta.

Have you changed now?

See, a year has passed since then,

I'm no longer myself.

I feel... responsibility.

Even now, you see,

towards you, Nicoletta,

I feel guilty.

I feel the responsibility of always taking you

to these places, of always meeting you in secret.

While I'd like to always give you beautiful things,

darling,

it's demeaning, believe me.

That killer was right,

feelings no longer exist,

we're only animals, sweetheart.

But what we must do...

Nicoletta, hold me, hold me, darling.

Why didn't you look for me before?

Now we'd be husband and wife.

Alfredo, listen, I...

I have something else to tell you.

What?

That before coming out, I told my husband everything.

Eh?

Nicoletta, Nicoletta.

But why did you do that?

But why do you women have this fever of clarity, this,

this anxiety of morality?

There were already two of us suffering, now there's three. But...

But what use is it,

Nicoletta, huh?

We already had our complications,

our crises of conscience.

You know, I lied to you:

I didn't tell my husband anything.

Bye.

Nicoletta...

Nicoletta...

Hello?

Bornicchia car showroom?

Yes.

Yes, yes, I tried that, yes, OK, there's nothing to say.

It's the line that doesn't convince me.

But it's half American, half Italian.

But...

And then how much is it?

What?

Oh!

But do you know who you're talking to, yes?

With the murderer!