Original subtitles

...To the latest instructions of the Allied Command, in Nuremburg,

today's session of the trial for Nazi war criminals

was adjourned to Thursday, September 4th.

Rome: The Parliament commission met to study

the problems for reconstruction and recovery of the country...

- Excuse me. May I ask a question? - Go ahead.

Is this a fishing boat or a brig?

Is it a schooner? Or another type of boat?

- It's another type of boat. - So I imagined.

- No, I am closing. - I just wanted...

No, you don't want anything. I'm closing. Go away!

- You wanted to buy something. - Yes, but he wouldn't let me in.

So I imagined. I'll take care of it.

Excuse me. I am attorney Orimbelli from Villa Cleofe.

- That friend of mine needs... - I said it was closed.

You should kindly open your store, please.

- Do me a favor, and leave. - Don't touch me.

It's closed.

So I imagined. Thanks anyway. I'll go to the restaurant.

Why is it called "Tench"?

I don't know. I bought it used. That's what it was called.

Maybe because it's pot-bellied like a tench.

Yes, maybe.

It's a real cabin cruiser. At least what I can see from here.

- Come inside and have a look. - Thanks. Very kind of you.

I took off my shoes.

I'm not a real sailor, but I know the rules.

The boat is like a mosque.

My name is Temistocle Mario Orimbelli. I'm a lawyer.

- My name's Maffei. My pleasure. - The pleasure is mine.

It's a delightful place. There are two beds, a kitchenette.

It's a real floating home. It's very lovely.

- You go fishing with it? - No, I go around the lake.

Around, in what sense?

Well, I go around to Arona, Luino, Stresa,

the islands. - You're always in water.

No, I'm an amphibian. I sometimes get off on land.

And what do you do?

What I feel like doing. I've friends everywhere.

When I want to see them, I look for them,

and when I want to be alone, I stay by myself.

So I imagined. It's like having 100 homes, but never having one.

It's different from having one home, in the same place, immobile.

Looking out the window in the morning at the same water.

Is that a tuxedo? Lovely.

- Do you wear it often? - Yes, sometimes.

I have a tailcoat suit, but I hardly ever wear it.

The time for tailcoats is over.

Alright. I haven't been here since before the war.

You're from the area. You know where I can eat well?

You're having dinner at my home. No arguing.

- I'd love to, but no thanks. - Please.

Listen, I insist. Wait for me.

I'm not from here, but have lived here a year, since after the war.

And you're the first real person I've met.

My mansion is over there, less than a kilometer, 1.110 steps.

I often counted them. It's my only pastime.

We can go with your boat. It'll be very quick.

Just past the promontory. I've a little port and a dock.

Don't say no. If you refuse I'll jump in the water dressed,

and I can't swim.

Don't say no.

There. That's it.

- Yes, it must be that one. - You can't recognize your house?

It's the first time I see it from the lake.

Yes, that's the one.

You see the gazebo? That is my thinking place.

The mansion isn't mine.

It's part of my wife's dowry.

In fact, it's called Cloefe, just as my wife.

Cleofe.

- You like the name Cleofe? - Yes, it's not bad.

I find it disgusting.

Domenico!

It's me, Domenico!

I'm coming to the dock.

Matilde! Cleofe!

Hey there!

While you put on a jacket and tie...

Cleofe cares about that stuff... I will tell her.

It's always better to tell Cleofe. You never know.

He is Domenico. He'll escort you.

This is the door to the house. Take that one going to the garden.

- Thank you. - They are there.

Maffei, what're you doing there? Come.

We welcome you with open arms.

Cleofe, this is Mr. Maffei.

She is my wife, Cleofe Berlusconi in Orimbelli.

She is my sister-in-law.

Matilde Scrosati, widow Berlusconi.

Good evening.

Good evening.

I'll give the orders for dinner. Matilde, come.

You'll have to make do with what there is.

Of course. Sorry to bother you.

No bother. In fact, let's eat outdoors.

- No, inside. - Yes. I said inside, didn't I?

Yes, it's better inside. It's still a bit cold out.

- Martina, we're eating inside. - I heard.

Have you ever tasted camel broth?

That is real broth!

Excuse me. Where did you eat camel broth?

I was an officer in the glorious Somalia camel squads

with General Ajmone Cat.

We conquered the empire with camels.

You were in the Abyssinia war?

Yes, I was only in that war.

But it ended in 1936, ten years ago. You said you came a year ago.

I meant to say the war kept me away ten years.

Ten years, a lifetime, dear Mr. Maffei.

It was an odyssey.

If I tell you about it one day, you won't believe it.

And you'd be right!

Because 90% of it is lies.

What he's done in the past 10 years is a mystery.

Who was injured three times?

At Addis Abeba I organized all the supplies.

If I had less concerns, I'd be a millionaire now.

Who pretended to have ameba to avoid being captured by the English?

Who sank with an English ship hospital?

In Naples, who was an interpreter with the Germans and Americans

without knowing a word of German or English?

Who? Take it away.

During these ten years you left me alone with Matilde.

What a man! What a husband!

And your brother? He left as a volunteer with me.

Didn't he leave Matilde alone?

At least I married you in church and not by correspondence.

He is the great man and I'm the jerk?

My brother didn't return because he died. An idiotic comparison.

- Missing. - Dead!

- Not officially. - It will soon be official.

Then I'm sorry, Cleofe, sorry if I married you.

Sorry if I came back, Cleofe! Sorry if I'm not dead, Cleofe!

- Are you from Milan? - No, from Luino.

- You returned from the war too? - No, from Switzerland.

I expatriated to avoid the war, from 1941 to 1945.

What do you do?

My family left me something, so I'm looking around

to see what can be done, what's best.

If you wait any longer, you'll end up like my husband,

who still doesn't know what to do.

We won't have news from your husband for another 10 years, or can we hope?

Don't worry. He'll come back when he'll realize there's mayonnaise.

I apologize.

May I have the mayonnaise, please?

For example, where are you going tomorrow on that boat?

What will you do?

Nothing. I'll go swimming, get some sun.

It depends on the weather, the wind,

if the husband of a friend of mine will leave for France.

Lucky you!

How much does a boat like yours cost?

I don't know. Mine was very cheap, almost a theft.

- Would you like to... - Yes, I thought of it.

It's a nice feeling to leave with your own boat

and go with the wind, alone.

- Or maybe with company. - Right.

Having two beds, you can have a guest.

For example, a friend.

Sure. Even two female friends.

At night they sleep on the deck or in a hotel.

Nice, nice. Nice!

Nice.

- Did you say something? - No, nothing.

Mario, Cleofe asks if you can speak softly

and turn off the lights, because she can't fall asleep.

I'll speak loudly until I please! I'll yell!

Your wife is right. It's late and I'm leaving early tomorrow.

- I'm going to sleep in the boat. - No. It's humid in the boat.

You'll sleep in my home. Tell Lena and Martina to prepare the room.

- They're sleeping. I'll do it. - Good girl.

- Which room should I prepare? - The most important one.

Come. Tonight you'll sleep in the bishop's bedroom.

He was my wife's great-uncle,

Monsignor Alemanno Berlusconi, apostolic nuncio.

The bishop spent his summer vacations here.

My wife's father had this room decorated for him.

There is still his kneeler. These are his glasses

and this is his rosary.

- What is this? - That is mine.

There are my initials. "Temistocle Mario Orimbelli".

This trunk has followed me everywhere.

My whole life is in here.

Meet the bishop.

He died in 1928.

- Did he die in that bed? - No, he died at the dock.

- How? - He drowned.

They wanted to make it seem like an accident

but some say he drowned, some say someone drowned him.

It seems it was a young fisherman.

There was a rear end envolved! I'll get you one of my pajamas.

- How many pillows do you use? - Just one, thanks.

What does it mean to be married by correspondence?

By proxy. He was in Africa.

You must have been a child. How old were you?

Sixteen, and he never returned.

An unconsummated marriage.

- Why are you still in this home? - I have no other.

Here is your pajama.

- Thanks. - No. I must thank you.

I'll put it here. You need anything? A glass of water?

No, thank you.

- Good night. - Good night. Thank you.

This is the bathroom.

The light.

At what time to you want me to wake you tomorrow?

No need. I'll wake up by myself and not make noise.

- Thank you. - Alright.

- Good night. - Good night.

I envy your lovely boat.

Good night.

I'll turn off the light.

I envy you!

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- Here I am. - I see you. Why are you here?

A turn of events. I'm coming in the boat with you.

I insistently tried to have you understand that this is my wish.

My need to escape for two or three days.

But you didn't respond. So I just showed up.

I told you that I'm busy tonight.

That doesn't change anything.

I will move aside and you can do your private things.

I can even be a deckhand. I can polish brass,

raise the sails. Look here! Voilà!

Cleofe Farm, Carate Brianza, liver mortadella. Delicious!

- So can I stay? - Yes. You're attracting my stomach.

Thank you, captain.

- Did you ask her to go? - Yes.

So, captain, I will follow orders! What should I do?

- Nothing. Remain seated there. - I obey!

Loosen the sail! Arm the bow!

How delightful.

The water is cold. A nice injection of energy!

From Caienna to paradise!

Excuse me. Why'd you go home if you don't like staying with your wife?

Because I am a slave of my coherence.

Dear Maffei, don't ever marry for convenience's sake

unless you are a Bluebeard or Landru. Only they are authorized.

For the others it's life in prison, a life sentence.

I'll surely sleep at my girlfriend's home tonight.

- What will you do? - If I don't come too, I'll stay here.

So much the better.

It's better if you sleep here and watch over the boat.

Go have fun. I'll guard it.

I'll sleep a bit.

- Good. There's food too. - No. I never eat alone.

There she is. Right on time like a Swiss watch.

Charlotte!

Marco! Mon amour!

What a beauty!

Where did I put it?

Did you see a black telephone book?

Where... Here it is.

Charlotte's girlfriend came. I need to find a guy.

- Let's see... "Argentieri". - Don't bother Argentieri!

- I am here! - You said you were tired.

I confirm it. I can hardly stand up.

But when it's to help a friend, I pull out my blue suit.

Do you have cologne?

- It's almost ready. - Voilà!

We're getting there. Want to be chef assistant?

Yes!

You gently stir...

Excuse me. It's not the classic Abyssinian couscous...

Instead of antelope, there's rabbit!

It's not just that. The entire ritual is upset.

Excuse me, dear.

In Abyssinia... Lower the flame, please.

Generally this dish is made in front of the ass...

We're fine with that.

Then the Abyssinian women pour the semola, moving their tits,

which are the classical plateau tits.

- Aren't mine lovely? - Yes, of course,

but yours are more the melon type.

- What a slap! - Filthy pig!

Who is he? Where did you find him?

- What did he do? - He put his hand inside!

- Oh, no! - Oh, yes!

- I am so hungry! - Come to the table!

- This is an aphrodisiac dish. - Come.

Air!

Give me your eyes! Close your eyes!

Massage.

Open your eyes.

Close your eyes.

Open your eyes.

- Who did it? - Not me. Nobody is here.

- They're dancing. - How did you do it?

Power of suggestion. Hypnosis.

Let's try again.

Close your eyes. Massage.

- Open your eyes. - It's you!

What a temperament! Typical Swiss susceptibility!

- What happened? - Nothing, a misunderstanding.

- I'll leave now. - Wait. I'll accompany you.

She's a girl with no sense of humor, even if she's cute.

- It was an innocent pat! - Yes, yes...

Before going to sleep, tighten the moorings as I taught you.

Yes, captain! Please, apologize to the girl for me.

- Where are you going? - I'm thirsty.

- What are you doing here? - Making coffee.

- I need good coffee in the morning. - That wasn't the question.

How can you be here? Last night I accompanied you to the door

and I bolted it.

I found an open window that looked out on the stairs.

We are so weak! Coffee?

The rest was easy.

Last night she would have plucked your eyes out.

An angry woman is an easy woman. I was lucky. She was in the bathroom

so I had time to undress and show up with a big erection.

So when she returned to the room, she found me like that.

How much sugar?

- Am I doing ok like this? - Yes, fine. Head for Belgirate.

- We're going to get some sun. - Wow!

Maffei, hold the helm. I'm losing my sense of orientation.

It's wild! This is the life!

This is real bliss!

It's appropriate to say, cheers for the tench!

Excuse me if I sometimes look at yours too.

If you want, you can look at mine.

That way we'll be even. Annulled match!

You know, in some moments,

the tench makes me cry. I get emotional.

Since I was a boy, it moved me. Tits too.

Asses make me laugh!

Well, not much.

I haven't eaten steaks like this for almost a year.

You're really the diet type!

Diet? You mean fasting. You don't know my wife.

Ask Maffei what sort of woman she is.

She's terrible, as jealous as a hyena.

She's convinced all women fall at my feet.

She forbid one of my maids to come in my room to make my bed.

Martina, Domenico's daughter.

Does it seem possible that I could take advantage of Martina?

Now that I know you, actually it seems certain.

Your wife isn't jealous of your sister-in-law?

Is there a sister-in-law at the mansion?

A big piece of sister-in-law!

Matilde is like a daughter to me.

Don't joke about that. You still don't know me well.

In my life I've been very much loved.

If I think of the love I received, and still do,

I admit that without this sort of plankton that I'm wrapped in,

I couldn't live.

I mean love, not sex.

I can give up sex, but not love.

You understood that one!

The Lady.

The Lady!

It is so beautiful.

It's the loveliest boat on the lake.

It's a storm wind! Let's go, hurry!

- What time is your train? - At five.

- If I miss it, he won't marry me! - Then miss it!

- I feel sick! - Stay inside!

- Let me out! - Stay inside!

You want to end up in the lake?

Come here! The sound is too soft. Nobody can hear us!

Forget it! Help me lower the sail.

- I'm afraid! Help! - Stay calm!

We'll find refuge in your dock and wait for the storm to pass.

In my wife's dock? You are crazy!

- I'm crazy if I don't! - Just try it, if you dare!

I'll push all of you in the water!

- Hold the bar or we'll capsize! - Yes, but I'm afraid!

- Go on! - My Lord...

- Get back inside, idiot! - Help!

- Go on! Go on! - I'm going!

Why did I do this?

- What're you doing? - I can't stand it anymore!

- Go against the waves! - What waves?

- Move! - I feel sick!

- Go away! - If I must die, I want to die there!

- There! - It won't hold. It's breaking!

Hurry. It's about to leave. Run. There it is.

- Go on. - Bye.

Bye.

- Watch out. - Yes.

- Bye. - Bye, pretty girl.

Bye.

- Bye, Germaine. - Bye.

- A double room, please. - Thank you.

- A single for me. - Thank you.

Sadly single.

Is there a carpenter in town who can repair my helm?

Not one that you can trust. I won't take the responsibility.

Alright, I understand.

I'll rent a speedboat and go to the shipyard. Or we're stuck.

Yes, Marco.

I don't know what time I'll be back. Don't wait for me.

- Orimbelli. - Yes?

Watch the boat and keep Charlotte company.

- You are a gentleman. I trust you. - And you are right.

I was in the service. I know what loyalty and friendship are.

Good.

Get close and let's enter that dock.

Mrs. Cleofe.

- Mrs. Matilde. - Where is my husband?

- I left him in Stresa because... - So he's with you.

- So he left with you. - You didn't know?

No. You two left without advising.

- I wanted to call the police. - I'll bring him back tomorrow.

No. You can keep him.

I warn you. That man is very dangerous,

for himself and for others.

Come, Matilde.

Hello. How's it going?

- See you tomorrow. - Matilde!

- You need help? - No. I'll do it myself.

Go on!

Hi.

He's sleeping like a baby.

Last night he did a big scene.

He got on his knees and didn't want to sleep alone.

- He says he has terrible nightmares. - You wouldn't think that.

I couldn't say no. Do you mind?

Oh, no!

Wake him. I want to see his face.

We are so weak!

I'll go to my single room.

No. I will go sleep in your solitary room.

Thank you.

You stay here and sleep the unjust man's sleep.

- Don't say that. - Stop it.

Is that clear?

I'll set the alarm for 8. I must take you two home before 1 p.m.

- Me too? - You too.

Slut.

Well, yes!

You're in a hurry to take me home!

Be truthful. You won't forgive me. You fear me!

Don't make me laugh, and let's forget it!

Sure. Another man's woman doesn't exist.

If you want my opinion, a woman is nobody's property.

- That's a good one. - Yesterday she was abandoned.

- Legally, it's "res nullius". - What?

A residue, something left over. I took your leftovers!

You ate in my plate, and cleaned it with your tongue.

- No. I don't want to see it! - What? Are you crazy?

The mansion is there in front! I don't want to see it!

- Ok, but don't capsize the boat. - Sorry. It's over.

You see? I am now looking at it.

With disgust, but I'm looking at it.

There are lots of people there.

Who are they?

My God, the Puricellis!

- Who? - The Puricellis!

My wife's cousins. One is more a pain than the other.

Hey, wow!

Look at how the Purcelli girls grew up in six months!

- Dad, let's take a boat ride! - I said no.

- Please! - I said no. Enough!

- Mom, you tell him! - Just a small ride!

Girls, don't insist. When Dad says no, it's no.

- Darn! - Be good girls and obey.

Olivo, excuse me if I may.

You deprive your daughters of a spiritual enrichment.

Going sailing is a flight into silence, a dive into Nature.

- You forget everything. - Even your family.

Never as in these two days with a friend on a boat,

have I felt so close to God.

- Isn't that so, Maffei? - Yes, even to the Madonna.

I won't send my little girls in a boat with two men.

Thanks for trusting us. Let me show them the boat from land.

- Come on, Dad. From far off! - Alright, but hurry.

Come on, girls. Run!

One, two! One, two! One, two!

Cleofe, see how my Corinna has grown?

It's the cod-liver oil.

Why this change?

- What do you mean? - You're no longer in mourning.

Today my husband's presumption of death certificate arrived.

- Now he is officially dead. - And you're officially a widow.

- Now you wear light colored clothes? - Maybe you don't know it.

If after six months, a marriage like mine

isn't... - Consummated.

It's not valid. So I was never his wife and I'm not his widow.

I am nothing. Nobody.

I'll teach you to find out where the wind comes from, on a boat.

Put your finger in your mouth like this, hold it in the air...

Do it.

- Do you feel the cold? - I don't feel it.

You didn't suck it enough. You must suck it well. Like this.

Hold it up. Stick your finger in your mouth like this. Hold it up.

Cristina, Corinna, go to Mom immediately!

- Scoundrel! You're a pig! - Come on!

- You put a finger in her mouth! - I didn't do anything.

You sucked my Cristina's finger!

I was explaining the way sailors feel the wind.

You were explaining your filthy pig's way!

Don't you dare!

I do dare with someone like you! You're a filthy loser.

Dirty pig! You've never done anything good in your life!

What are you doing in the world? Shoot yourself! Shoot yourself!

Shoot yourself!

A lurid degenerate pig!

Someone like you deserves the death sentence!

Shame on you! You're the shame of Lake Maggiore!

Monster of Dusseldorf!

Sex maniac!

Girls, let's go. Cleofe, I'm sorry for what happened.

I am mortified. I'll accompany you to the car.

- Bye, Auntie. - Bye.

That man is my curse! One day he'll end up very badly!

Each has his own cross to bear!

What Puricelli says about him is true,

but it's just half of the filthy things he did.

My daughter wasn't yet 18.

He waited for her to have a boyfriend,

and then he had sex with her while she was washing dishes.

Don't lie! It's all slander!

Shut up, you pig! Delinquent! What you do is terrible!

Degusting swine! If she were your daughter, what would you do?

Puricelli is right. I'd cut off your balls with these scissors!

Filthy scoundrel!

Dinner is ready.

Should I stay?

Please.

If Mr. Maffei agrees, next time

I'll go on the boat with them too. - Sure. Why not? Even tomorrow.

You must have gone mad.

No. I want to start living again.

Must I wait to become old?

No, Mr. Maffei can't.

He said that the boat has other guests tomorrow.

It's true, but I can postpone. Yes, I can postpone.

Alright. See you tomorrow morning. What time do we leave?

Whenever you want, as soon as possible.

This lovely day couldn't have been worse.

That's for sure. First you behaved shamefully with my cousins...

That's it! Go away!

It's easy to pretend to not hear!

Then tonight that other one comes up saying

she wants to live again! What does that mean?

Have I kept you locked up in this house? What gratitude!

You're free to do what you want.

I can't stop you, but I don't want the responsability either.

You didn't ask for my advice, but I feel the need to give it.

I don't know what goes through your head,

but think about it and watch what you do.

You own nothing, and you had everything you need here.

I kept you like a daughter, but never had obligations with you.

Now that your husband is presumably dead, I care even less.

If you do things your way, you'll pay the consequences.

If you think you're indispensable with the small services you do for me

and your little company, you are wrong.

Remember, girl. Think it over.

I can do without you, but you can't do without me.

Stop with that noise!

Sorry to disturb you. It's urgent and important.

I've been anxious since last night.

May I rely on your discretion as a man of honor?

This concerns you too.

I'll tell you a secret I've never told anyone.

I don't think you know any terrible secret concerning me,

but if you want to talk, do so.

- Do as you wish. - I trust you blindly.

It's not true that Matilde's husband, my brother-in-law, is dead.

He is alive. Understand?

- He's alive. Where is he? - In Abyssinia.

He's become an Ethiopian citizen and even has a passport.

He is Ras Negheta's trusted man. He's very rich.

Then he can come back any minute.

He won't come back. He'll never come back.

You know why? Because he's a lonely sword.

You know what that means?

Right. You didn't go to war in Africa.

They captured him and cut his balls.

He still has his thing, but not the things below.

He has no sex drive anymore.

The last time I saw him was in 1941.

He said he would definitively disappear.

"Dead or missing. As long as they think I don't exist anymore."

- Does Matilde know? - Oh, heavens, no!

Cleofe and I swore to respect his wish.

It was pointless to tell her. Matilde never loved him.

It was an arranged marriage. Love had no part in it.

Love came later.

Love came later.

Love, for me and for her.

Dear friend, I came to tell you this.

I love Matilde and she loves me.

It's a tragedy, a real tragedy.

I live only for that woman. I am crazy about her.

She loves me too. She loves for the first time in her life.

But my wife suspects something. She won't leave us a minute.

Since I've been back, I've spoken to her alone once or twice.

Our feet meet under the table, we slightly touch each other,

because that witch looks at us! We've kissed 4 times in a year.

If you plan on getting together with Matilde on the boat,

you're making a big mistake! Get that out of your head.

You know now what feelings are involved here.

It's a devastating passion for which

I wouldn't hesitate to cause a tragedy. I'm saying it outright.

If that is the truth, you are two good actors.

An endless habit of hiding, the slaves' self-defense.

- Was I wrong in confessing it? - No, you did the right thing.

It's best to know things and people beforehand.

Now go and let me sleep. Go, go.

- Are you offended? - No, no.

- Are we going tomorrow anyway? - Yes.

For Matilde and myself this trip is our only hope.

Don't worry. We'll go.

We'll go.

You want a cognac?

I'll raise the volume.

Does the sun bother you?

You want a hat?

I'll give you mine.

Here. Look.

Baveno is over there.

Pallanza.

That is Switzerland.

- Maffei, your bag. - Thank you.

- Will you be gone long? - I could return this evening,

but if you want a night alone... - Make it two.

We'll make it two.

Listen, don't be offended.

Is your girlfriend like those two Swiss girls?

Is she someone who can associate with Matilde?

That's incredible!

- Goodbye. - Bye.

It's slippery.

- Where are your friends? - They're here!

On horseback!

- Orimbelli! - Hey, you boat people!

Welcome. Excuse me. We were resting.

- She is Landina. - My pleasure.

- She is my Matilde. - Good morning.

My pleasure, Landina.

- Welcome back. - Good morning.

- What a great life! - I'm going for a swim.

- Matilde, you're not going in? - She doesn't have a bathing suit.

- I brought two. - Then go for a swim.

Maffei, I owe you a confession. It's not gentlemanly,

but since you helped me so much, you've a right to it.

Last night there was an explosion

and I was thrust in the air, in pieces, towards paradise.

You could have worn a less indecent bathing suit.

- What about this one? - Cute.

- Maffei. - What is it?

Come. I must tell you something.

Today is September 14th, right?

- What time is it? - 4:10. Why?

This is a solemn moment.

September 14, 1946 at 4:10 p.m.

the life of di Temistocle Mario Orimbelli

takes a decisive turn.

What are those two doing? I feel seasick.

They're making love.

Marco, I feel like it too.

Then come inside my sleeping bag. Come here, beautiful.

What do you think of me?

What do I think? I think you'll go your own way.

I don't know which one.

Certainly you'll go without looking at anyone in the face,

and certainly without any qualms.

Maybe you're right, but it's your fault too,

especially yours. - My fault?

Why did I ask you to come on the boat? You surely understood.

You left me with my brother-in-law. So you two were in agreement.

- Answer me. - What are you saying?

- You two were in agreement. - No, we weren't.

You are making a fool of me.

Your brother-in-law told me everything the night before leaving.

You were waiting for the moment to go to bed together

and you used me. - Is that what he said?

And you did it too.

There was no agreement nor was there anything between us.

He made passes at me but I never bothered with him.

When you left to get your girlfriend, I felt betrayed.

I felt like a slave who the master got at the market.

- What market do you mean? - The Luino one.

I told her there was a lot of American stuff there,

but it comes only twice a month.

- Where is Landina? - She went to the beauty parlor.

- Why didn't you go? - I wash my own hair.

Then go change. Pack up your things for tonight.

I want to spend it in a real bed.

I reserved at the Hotel Italia.

- What are you doing? - Sleep, sleep.

I'm going to smoke a cigarette.

- What are you doing? Come! - Here I am, Landina. I'm coming!

Orimbelli, what are you doing? What are you looking at?

Looking at the top of Mount Zeda.

I am doing some triangulations.

Life is like land. It is measured in triangles.

Yes, certainly, but the women have already gone.

Are you staying here, or coming to the sanctuary?

Go. I'll join you right away.

Orimbelli! Where were you hiding?

16, 17, 18, 19,

20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25...

Orimbelli, you can see Mottarone from here!

Ladies and gentlemen, in this cave the hermit rests in peace.

Attention! One, two, three!

No! By God! Why are you showing me dead people?

I don't want to! I don't want to!

I don't want to see dead people!

Wine?

You too?

You're not eating it?

Give it to me.

Waiter, the bread.

Is the Tench, anchored in the port, yours?

- It's his. - Yes, it's mine. What is it?

- Who is Mr. Orimbelli? - I am. Why?

I have bad news for you.

Your wife was found dead today in Baveno.

- Dead? - Cleofe Berlusconi in Orimbelli.

They looked for you everywhere. I was informed 30 minutes ago. I'm sorry.

- How did it happen? - Who are you?

Her husband.

They found her drowned at the dock.

Drowned? Speak up!

The judge will tell you. Come, please.

Come, Matilde. Maffei.

No, you leave. You'd better not get into this.

Catch the first train you find and go home. Bye.

Bye.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I'm Mazzoleni from the Novara Court House.

They are Marshal Gambino of Varese and Chancellor Cannavale.

- Are you Mr. Orimbelli? - Temistocle Mario Orimbelli.

She's my sister-in-law, Matilde Scrosati.

Mr. Maffei is a friend of the family.

Yes, they told me. They were with you on the lake.

Alright. Unfortunately you are aware...

Aware? I only know that my Cleofe died.

- In obscure circumstances. - Obscure? By God!

- Then let's clear them up! - That is why I am here.

- You must help me. - Where did they...

The body was transferred to the Legal Medicine Institute

for verifications. - Autopsy?

In these cases there are always three hypotheses.

Accident, suicide, homicide.

The first is improbable. We must choose one of the other two.

For homicide, you need a motive.

Also for suicide. Shall we enter?

- We took over your house. - Make yourself at home.

I know you spent last night at Pallanza.

Yes. Me, in my boat. The gentleman and lady...

You and the lady at Hotel Italia, rooms 16 and 18.

- Yes. We never moved from there. - So it seems.

No means of transportation was rented from Pallanza last night.

- Neither cars, nor speedboats. - It would be long on foot.

It's 18 kilometers. Mr. Orimbelli, shall we sit down?

- Yes. - Excuse me. Come, marshal.

Don't worry. Truth is the best defense.

The pure and simple truth.

Go make some strong coffee.

Mr. Orimbelli, what was your relationship with your wife?

If you questioned the hired help, they surely described it.

Yes. They described it as not too good.

Not too good? They didn't tell you the truth.

The relationship was terrible!

I'll tell you clearly. I never hid it from anyone.

It's not that I disliked her... I totally hated her.

But it's not enough to drown her like a cat, poor thing.

Sommaruga Domenico, the gardener, stated

that you didn't have the house keys.

- It's true. - Why?

Well, poor Cleofe didn't want me to go out at night.

That isn't enough to kill her, either.

There was no sign of breaking in.

Sommaruga also stated

that the door from the dock leading inside the home, was open

and the key in the keyhole.

The hypothetical murderer could've gone from the garden to the dock

and from there, to the house. - If Sommaruga says that...

- No, I say that. - So I imagined.

In his first report,

the coroner states your wife's death took place

between 1:30 and 3 last night.

Mr. Orimbelli, can you prove where you were and what you were doing

last night at that time?

Did you understand the question? Can you prove it?

Yes, I can.

Well?

I did it.

- You did it? - Yes, I did it.

I mean that...

Indirectly, it was my fault.

Be more clear.

On the 14th of this month, I wrote a letter to poor Cleofe.

I think... in fact I'm sure,

that in reading that letter, she decided to kill herself.

Yes. Not too fast.

I think that the reason is...

Just that.

Matilde.

I need to know something.

Do you think... You, who know him better than me...

Do you think he could have killed his wife?

Why?

The other night in Pallanza I saw him leaving on a bike.

- Are you sure? - No.

It was my impression. It seemed like it.

It seemed like it was him.

I don't know what to do.

If I should say it or not.

What are you saying? Mario isn't capable of...

If you're not sure, please don't say it.

Don't say anything.

Domenico, Lena, Martina.

Go. It's your turn now.

I needed a good coffee.

It was a registered letter. I signed the receipt.

- What time did it arrive? - Around 11.

I immediately took it to Mrs. Cloefe who was in the garden.

- Did you stay while she read it? - No, I left.

Are you aware of an intimate relationship

between Mr. Orimbelli and his sister-in-law?

- Yes. - You know that for certain?

You want to know if I saw them.

Actually, I heard them. The boat is small.

The other night you saw Mr. Orimbelli

physically taking a room at the Hotel Italia?

Yes. We said goodbye in the hall.

Then he and Matilde went up to their rooms.

He absolutely wanted two rooms.

He wanted to save appearances.

It was stupid, because once I accepted the situation,

I didn't care about what people thought or said.

Did you hear that, judge? This is love.

Thank you, Matilde.

You took two rooms to save appearances, but only used one.

- Yes, until a certain hour. - Meaning?

I remember until 1:15 a.m.. It's the last toll of the bell I heard.

He was still there with me.

I waited until she fell asleep and went to my room.

I called the doorman and asked for wakeup. You can verify.

He woke me up at 8 and brought breakfast to my room.

Verify, if you want.

But I can't verify from 1:15 to 8 a.m.

Did you know that Mr. Orimbelli wrote a letter to his wife?

No. What letter?

A letter where he confesses his relationship with you.

No, our love.

And his intention of leaving his home to go live with you.

You wrote that to Cleofe?

- Yes. - Why didn't you tell me?

Who said I was in agreed with living with you?

I wrote it because I wasn't sure. I wanted you push you.

And now to defend myself and prove my innocence,

I must reveal this. It'll be a scandal! Let the papers talk!

You'll be forced to marry me because you are mine now.

Mine forever! I love you.

I want to marry you!

Judge, may I officially introduce my fiancée.

Congratulations!

Mr. Orimbelli, where is the letter?

I mailed it, and they saw it arrive. It will come up.

My wife kept even streetcar tickets.

See you tomorrow.

What are you doing there?

What are you doing? Where're you going at this hour?

I'm hungry and am going down to find something.

I was thinking, and trying to examine myself inside.

I don't feel any sorrow.

She died and I don't feel any sorrow.

What can it be?

What do you think of me?

My gosh, what a mess!

And I have to straighten up.

Those policemen seemed so well-mannered.

- Did you find the letter? - No.

Look for it! Find it!

We taxpayers pay you for this. To look for evidence!

It's the key to the dock. We found it in the boat.

Should I find the evidence? Excuse me.

Judge, this is the autopsy report.

There are no signs of violence, and a lot of water in her lungs.

- She was alive before falling. - See? It's suicide!

This would prove the suicide, but doesn't exclude homicide.

Maybe she was taken there unconscious and kept under water.

It's suicide! It's suicide!

It's how her bishop uncle died, drowned at the dock.

It's a curse that hovers over this family!

- Excuse me. - Please.

Suddenly I remembered a small hiding place

that Cleofe used sometimes.

She kept some papers there. Maybe it's worth looking.

- It's in that secretaire there. - Let's see.

It's here.

Here.

Stamp and date correspond.

Thank you.

- Welcome. - Dear Brighenti!

- Dearest friend, how are you? - Fine.

Maffei, may I introduce my friend, Major Brighenti,

ex-comrade, bronze medal.

The last remaining friends, the only witnesses of our happiness.

- Shall we go? - Yes. Let's do the formation.

Maffei, you'll accompany my wife to the altar.

And you, Brighenti, accompany me. Are we ready? Forward! March!

One, two. One, two. Step!

That day was November 14th.

While the Orimbellis were leaving on a brief honeymoon,

I began wandering around the lake.

For over three months I avoided getting near Villa Cleofe,

despite the many notes from Orimbelli I found around the lake

asking me, even on behalf of his wife, to visit them.

Only when my relationship with Landina ended,

above all pushed by the desire to see Matilde again,

I turned the bow towards Villa Cleofe.

No. That's nothing compared to this other one!

One day, after three days of walking in the desert,

finally we managed to find a well.

Remember, Orimbelli?

We all start running to drink

but General Ajmone Cat yelled,

"Everyone stop. First the camels and then the men!"

We all stopped except for that wise guy there

who jumped into the well to drink first.

From high on his horse, General Ajmone Cat cried out,

"Captain Orimbelli, as of this moment

you are considered a full-fledged camel!"

- "A full-fledged camel!" - Yes, you're funny.

Next time I'll see you at Varese.

Yes. Let's meet more often. Come back again.

We are always alone, darn it!

- Colonel, I don't want bread! - I want lead of the musket.

- But the end of England... - Has already begun!

Come back!

Let's meet again!

- The casserole was disgusting. - I'm sorry.

So was the whole dinner. Only the salt and toothpicks were good.

- I said I'm sorry. - You don't give a darn.

Again...

You're just good at laughing

over the juicy anecdotes they tell about your husband.

- Enough! Enough! - What is it?

That darn cedar tree's broken branch!

I told Domenico to cut it! Now I'll cut it!

I am glad you're back. I was waiting for you.

You once asked me if I thought he was capable of killing.

I said no, but I was mistaken.

Now I say yes. After these three months together, I say yes.

He is capable of anything. I'm afraid.

Do something. Help me. Save me.

- What can I do? - Tell them that thing.

- Say that you saw him on a bike. - But I'm not sure.

I am sure.

Yes, but what can I do now?

Please.

I couldn't do it. Darn it.

It was too high. I even cut myself.

Matilde, bring me alcohol and cotton.

You were right in coming back. I was waiting for you.

You see? It's all over.

Love... It's over.

Three months and we burned everything.

- Someone rang. - What?

I thought I heard...

It must be the wind. Who could it be at this hour?

At times I wonder whose fault it is.

Certainly Matilde's a bit, but also mine.

I always lived of love, but I don't know now...

I don't emanate anymore. I don't absorb anymore.

Dear Maffei, what a disaster!

Help me find myself again.

Let's leave together. The two of us, on Tinca.

Like the old times.

Come in.

Poor engineer Berlusconi is here.

What?

You can go, Domenico.

Angelo.

Yes, Matilde. It's me.

- Why did you come back? - For this.

You knew he was alive?

At Addis Abeba, Italian papers aren't appreciated,

but some arrive and I happened to see this obit.

"Cleofe Berlusconi Orimbelli's tragic disappearance."

I'm here because I'd like to know what "tragic disappearance" means.

It means she is dead. I've been in mourning for 3 months.

- How did she die? - She drowned.

Who are you?

A friend of the Orimbellis.

I see. The Orimbellis.

You didn't lose time, and you knew I was alive.

You knew? Why didn't you tell me?

His wish was that of disappearing and pretending he was dead.

Have him tell you that if he's not ashamed.

Are you ashamed? Then what do you want from me?

You've no more moral or physical right over your wife. Is that clear?

Go back to hiding where you've been until now.

- You have no more rights here! - I know. Cleofe wrote that to me.

With me dead and my sister as sole heir, you got the whole assets.

If you're back for that, take back your money and leave!

I don't need money. I want to find out about my sister's death!

- Is the official version, accident? - Suicide.

She was jealous and drowned when she found out about our love.

Cleofe committed suicide? Who would ever believe that?

There was an investigation and the police had no doubts.

Dear Angelo, it's closed, filed!

If new facts arise, investigations can be opened again.

- Which ones? - I know which.

- It's a cedar tree branch. - It sounded like a hyena.

There are hyenas here too.

Don't anyone bother. I know the way.

Excuse me.

Mr. Maffei.

You know my name? The other evening I didn't say it.

It often shows up on the investigation reports I studied.

- What do you want? - Nothing. I was just passing by.

No. You've been here an hour.

You're curious to know if I found out something new.

I moved to that hotel to do some tests.

My brother-in-law could have entered and left without being seen.

Unfortunately, this is useless.

What is useful is if someone saw him.

I thought you had elements for re-opening the investigation.

Yes, a letter served to acquit him.

Maybe another will serve to incriminate him.

- What letter? - Does it interest you?

Here. My sister wrote it to me the day of her death.

It's about her husband's letter telling her of his love for Matilde

and their decision to live together.

Then it continues like this:

"I don't care much about my husband. Better to lose such a villain."

"But his letter was very strange. It sounded phony,

and I feel like an omen of something that will happen."

"I wish you were here. Write and give me advice."

"At the estate I changed the corn cultivation."

"We'll see on the next harvest."

Does it sound like someone who wants to commit suicide?

- Excuse me. Do you rent bicycles? - Huh?

- Do you rent bicycles? - I don't.

I wanted to take a ride. Does anyone in town rent them?

Once they did, but now it's not convenient.

They leave fake IDs and goodbye bicycle!

A friend of mine told me he rented one here.

- From me? - A robust man in his fifties

with a white Saharian jacket. - Here, with me?

Yes, I think so.

Oh, yes, I remember!

It happened four months ago.

I don't have it anymore. I sold it to him.

He made a deal. It was almost new and he paid 500 Lira.

- What are you waiting for? - I feel sorry for him.

You don't feel sorry for me? I have to keep on living with him.

- If he did it, he did it for you. - And you won't do anything for me?

- For us. - Alright.

What my brother-in-law says has no legal value.

He is an envious man,

and doesn't have any balls. They cut them!

I ask for an evaluation. Eunuchs don't have a right to testify

nor enter the Kingdom of Heaven. - Calm down, Mr. Orimbelli.

I am very calm. Don't you see? I'm smiling.

Smiling at the idea that you send me to court for a letter!

There isn't any evidence against me. Let's proceed.

Right away. Marshal, let him in.

Mr. Combi, in this room, do you recognize

the person you sold the bicycle to on the afternoon of September 14th?

That man.

What bicycle? What bicycle?

The one you rode over the 18 kilometer distance

from Pallanza to here, in an hour. - Where is that bicycle?

We are searching the bottom of the lake.

I'm sure we will find it.

You listen to him? He is crazy!

- Wrong. Take a good look at me. - I remember well. It was you.

Yes, Mario.

That night Marco saw you too, riding on the bicycle.

Yes, yes. I'm sorry but I saw him.

I saw Orimbelli. Now I am sure.

What have you got to say, Mr. Orimbelli?

This is a plot.

You can't! You put out a sentence!

- You acknowledged my innocence! - And now I declare you in arrest.

Marshal.

Away with the handcuffs! I am an officer!

I will turn to General Ajmone Cat. He'll tell you who I am!

Alright, no handcuffs. Let's go.

At least let me go change.

Watch out. He has a trunk full of arms upstairs.

This lady is a slut. She wants me in jail to get everything,

and run away with that scum who I kept in my home like a son.

You don't know. If I'm guilty, I'm not entitled to money.

It all goes back to Berlusconi, and you, slut, won't get jack shit!

In fact, take this!

Let's go. I am curious to see that trunk too.

Winchester rifle.

Pistol Machine.

Service saber, and complete colonial uniform.

Two bayonets.

What is this?

It's the war scepter of a prey.

All war memories.

My bowler hat. London, 20 years old.

It's all my savings. Almost a million.

Fanny.

Yvonne.

Giovanna.

- Marie. - Enough. Give it to me.

Sally, Somali, age 13.

A Danish girl.

Ethiopian hair.

Love letters.

War memory?

Souvenirs. Souvenirs of a life.

- And what a life! - A sad life.

- That's what you say. - Get ready. You have 10 minutes.

Marshal, take the arms down. You wait out here.

This donation is more than enough.

Before leaving I'll advise my lawyers. No need to worry.

Thank you. Even the estate and the Milan house? It's too much.

You're entitled to it. I had duties towards you,

and blames too.

- Bye, Matilde. - Thank you, Angelo.

- Judge. - What is going on?

He's locked up inside. I knocked and called, but no answer.

Let's go see.

Orimbelli! Open, Orimbelli!

I'm the judge. Open! Open!

Orimbelli!

He hung himself.

- When is the funeral? - There won't be a funeral.

Tomorrow he will be taken to Milan to the family tomb.

I am tired and going to bed.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning.

What is it?

Why are you looking at me like that?

No reason.

I'll tell Domenico to get your things in the boat and bring them home.

No, Matilde. I'm leaving.

- Where? - Away from here.

I don't know where.

Goodbye, Matilde.