All language subtitles for El Abuelo

THE GRANDFATHER

(Horse And Carriage Clattering)

(Bell Ringing)

-Good evening.
-Good evening.

-Sir...
-Good evening.

-Good evening, ma'am.
-Hello, Senen.

-Minister...
-Good evening.

-Did you enjoy the play?
-As much as a tooth ache.

So-so. These modern authors are
only happy with rural dramas...

and peasants smelling
of wine and sheep.

Yes, those who know
say the theater is in crisis.

-What isn't in crisis nowadays?
-That's very true, sir.

I still prefer Echegaray...

although he's criticized now...

by those cafe conspirators
who applaud Dicenta or Guimera.

Ma'am, I've taken the liberty...

of preparing a little refreshment
for you, as usual.

-If I'm not required...
-Thank you, Senen.

Thank you, ma'am.
Good night.

-Sir...
-Good night.

No.

Don't turn up the light.

I like seeing you like this...

glittering in the dark.

Like flames.

What's more...

tonight you're...

particularly attractive.

I can't stay long.

Azcarraga has called an urgent meeting
for 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.

I'll have to spend the night
going over papers.

Things aren't going well.

In fact, they're going
from bad to worse.

There are rumors
of various dismissals.

How easy it would all be
if we took England as an example!

She is the political model
for the world...

the pattern which
our society should follow.

But...

To you.

To eternal love.

To the short time it lasts.

Don't be caustic, Lucrecia.

You know you're the woman
of my life...

-but in my career...
-For God's sake,Jaime.

No banalities.

Don't try to justify yourself
with that.

I know that
for your political career...

you mustn't upset
the great banker...

whose plump and gluttonous
only daughter...

you married out of pity.

You see?

I too am banal, and fall
in the ridiculous trap of reproaches.

Here, burn them yourself.

Don't you dare?

In a woman's heart, love can turn
to hate in the tick of a clock.

And I want to be free
of temptation.

Would it be a lot to ask you
to look on me still as a friend?

A good friend.

Of course I will.

Although friendship between a man
and a woman always seems...

too decent.

Was that the action
ofa good friend?

I'd like to know
what's behind that expression...

just there, where love,
or desire...

or the flesh...

converge with ambition.

All of them.

Every single day I spent
at your side...

has been the happiest
of my life.

The month we lived together
in Paris, in that little hotel.

What was it called?

It was in the Boulevard...

Near La Concorde.

And the journey to Geneva.

And so many evenings
in this drawing room.

But I'm a coward.

That's what is
in my expression.

Passion and fear.

(Clock Chiming)

Hotel Rivoli.

Boulevard de la Madeleine.

Room 105.

Thank you.

(Horses'Hooves Clopping)

Dolly...

why doesn't Mother want us
to live with her?

I'm sure we'd learn much more
in Madrid than here.

You know what Mother says.
In Madrid, girls grow up rickety.

She wants us to fatten up
in the country.

But she likes to be thin.

I think the fashion now
is to be thin to please men.

-Listen, Dolly.
-What?

-Have you ever thought of...
-Of what?

-Of being a nun!
-Idiot!

I always do, when we go to mass
with the ''Domnicans''.

Dominicans.

What's the difference?

They've got such
a lovely church.

You'd become a nun
just because you like their church?

Well, because of that...

but also I think it must be nice
on the other side of those grilles.

But they don't see anything.
No sea, no sky, no people.

Nothing!

I know that...

but what does it matter
if you don't see any of that?

You can see God there,
and that's better.

But God is everywhere, Nelly.
The catechism says so.

You think He isn't here now,
seeing us...

and hearing all we say?

Yes, but we can't see Him
or hear Him.

Let's test it out.
You look hard and I'll listen.

All right.

-Are you listening?
-Yes...

but if you don't keep quiet,
I won't hear anything.

All right, I'll keep quiet!

Hear anything?

Yes.

What?

I hear a kind
of very deep breathing.

What do you see?

I see...

I see...

I can see Him, Dolly!
I can see Him!

See who? God?

And He's looking at us.
Over there!

He's over there, Dolly!

Leonor, Dorotea!

Don't you know me?

I'm your grandfather.

Grandfather!

Grandfather!

Look.

These are tomatoes.

I picked them to show
to that pudgy priest...

if he tries to boast about his,
as he always does.

Yes, it's a lovely crop.

-But look at these beans.
-What's wrong with them?

They didn't ripen well.

What did you expect
with that hailstorm we had?

Listen.

Speaking of storms,
is that rumor true?

Come on, tell me.
Is the battle-axe coming?

-Go on.
-Has bad news ever been wrong?

It seems the countess
is coming...

and she's staying
at the mayor's house.

I bet Dona Lucrecia's
coming to take the girls.

You may be right.

They're growing up.
They're almost young women.

Well, it's a nuisance.

Of course, it's possible...

she's just coming to see them,
like before, and to pay us...

the money owing
for their up keep.

God willing, Venancio.

When would we get another
bit of luck like this?

A regular, sound income.

And another thing.

What'll happen
when Don Rodrigo appears?

I don't believe that
the lion and the panther...

will both be here by chance.

I reckon they're meeting...

so that they can come
to some agreement.

That's their affair, Gregoria.
What's it to us...

if they scratch and bite
each other over a scrap of honor?

We mind our own business.

Yes.

Who'd have thought it,
Venancio?

Us, keeping the Count of Albrit
from going hungry...

when not even
twenty years ago...

he was the lord and master
of Polan,Jerusa and everything.

And people say that
nothing ever changes.

Last night,
the train left me in Lain...

and I gave instructions there...

that they send my trunk
to La Pardina.

Then I went to visit a shepherd
from the old days...

Martin Paz.

Imagine how old
the man must be...

for when I was even younger
than you two...

he was already a grown man
as big as a house...

who took me hunting
in the mountains.

Where did you sleep?

With him, in his hut,
in Polan.

Before that, he gave me
a fiine stew for supper.

And this morning, very early...

I went to visit the grave
of your grandmother Adelaida.

Grandfather, how long ago
did you go to America?

I've lost count of the time.

Six years, eight years...
I can't remember anymore.

Time is a very strange thing.

-Really?
-Really?

I'm going to...

I'm going to tell you a secret.

We are prisoners of time.

Listen. Listen very carefully.

When I was a child,
I came to play in these woods...

and I'd climb the trees
to see the nests.

And do you know what?

It seems like it was yesterday,
yesterday morning.

(Bird Chirping)

Listen, do you hear that bird?

Yes.

It's a gold finch.

How can that be?

That bird...

is the same bird
that sang here...

when I was a little boy.

I remember it very well.
I'm sure of it.

You see?

He's a prisoner of time too.

He's made of time too,
just as we are.

-Lean on my arm, Grandfather.
-And on mine, too.

(Gold finch Singing)

He doesn't look
anything like his portrait.

Of course not.

That was painted
years before he went to America.

We were all much better-looking
back then.

You should have seen me
when I was eighteen!

All the boys around
were mad about me.

What eyes I had then,
full of light and life.

And what... everything!

You're such a moaner!

And your grandfather...

had to live through a lot of problems
and hard times in Peru.

And suffering...

is what ages you most.

Looking for his gold mine.

Looking for his ruin.

And to top it all,
the death of your father, Don Rafael.

But let's not talk
about sad things from the past.

This is a happy day because
you're going to see your mother.

Imagine, your lordship.

I served Don Rafael...

from when he became an officer
in the cavalry until he married.

And for a few more years
after that too.

And tell me something, Seneca...

Zenon, o rwhatever your name is.

What's your trade now?
Carpenter...

shoemaker, haberdasher?

I'm a civil servant
in the Treasury...

in the capital, of course.

Her lady ship got me the job...

and I also work for her
in a secretarial capacity.

Yes, yes. So you abandoned
the servitude...

of all those years with my son...

to go with my daughter-in-law...

because what you want
is to earn money at all costs.

Let me explain.

Your lordship, I believe
it's the duty of every man...

to progress in life,
or at least to attempt it...

whether he's young
or he's getting on a bit...

as in my case!

I don't know what to say,
for we're living in strange times...

when gentlemen are ruined
and servants are getting rich.

You've got the example...

of Gregoria and Venancio
to prove it.

I'll give you a bit of advice,
as you're so fond of cash.

I'm all ears, sir.

Money is made, Zenon...

Senen, your lordship.
It's Senen.

Don't interrupt, man!

Money is made...

by those who, with patience
and close observation...

always follow behind
those who lose it.

If you keep that in mind...

you'll get ahead, Senen.

We're going now, Grandfather.
Are you coming to see Mother?

No, no. I'm still a little tired
after that long walk.

Shall we give her any message
from you?

No, nothing.
You both look lovely!

Isn't it wonderful to see them
so pretty and so healthy, sir?

Well, if you'll excuse us,
your lordship...

we'll go to the mayor's house.

And when I say house,
I mean mansion...

because that's what
Monedero has built.

Right at the entrance to Jerusa.

Or right on the way out...

because it really depends
on where you're coming from.

And then they say
running a noodle factory...

isn't a profitable business!

I really don't mean to be rude...

but I'm delighted
that you're leaving.

-Indeed?
-Shall I tell you why?

Nothing that you say
could offend me, your lordship.

It's just that you're wearing
a perfume that stinks.

Forgive me for saying good-bye
so impertinently, Zenon.

Well, it's just a few little drops
of heliotrope.

Senen, your lordship.

-It's Senen.
-Very well.

Come along, girls.
Let's go.

Good-bye, Grandpa.

Good-bye.

-Your hat.
-Thank you.

And your cane.

Wait till you see the presents
your mother has brought you.

-Really?
-You'll see them soon.

Your lordship...

-Sit down, and carry on eating.
-Thank you, sir.

So you're the educator
of my granddaughters, are you?

Yes, your lordship,
at your service.

Sit down, sit down.

Thank you.

I've heard a lot about you...

and I've been anxious
to meet you.

Everyone says that
you're a little simple...

a poor wretch.

But no, I don't believe
any of that.

Although it's true that one need
only see your face...

to know that you're
an illustrious lamb.

So God made you a saint...

and your family, a martyr?

Less the first than the second,
your lordship.

Why do you think they chose...

and by ''they'' I suppose I mean
the countess, the priest...

the mayor
and other luminaries of Jerusa...

a retired school master
to be the girls' tutor?

It's very clear, your lordship.
Because there was no one else.

I've...

I've never been a master...

who liked caning
or tweaking ears.

I've never believed
in beating education into someone.

Maybe that's why...

some pupils
have laughed at me...

and hung paper dolls on my back.

But...

in other times...

I was a man of studies...

and I accumulated knowledge.

But...

misfortunes have unsettled
my mind...

and now...

Now I'm a disaster, sir.

You've got all my respect.

The man who doesn't fool himself
when speaking of himself...

is a wise man,
and as he is wise...

he is also humble.

Your lordship honors me
too much.

I reckon, Don Rodrigo...

that the honor
of having you in Jerusa...

is due to your desire to be
with your granddaughters.

And I'm not surprised.

Those two little girls...

can reach into your heart.

Yes, they are two
really enchanting children.

They're healthy in body...

and, one supposes,
in spirit too.

And they're so alike, so similar...

and I don't mean in height!

Similar, alike, you say?

It may be because
I don't see well...

but I find that
they look very alike...

and the tone of their voices
is also identical.

And I would even say...

that their characters...

are also similar.

Absolutely not, your lordship.

Neither their features
nor their voices are similar...

and much less their characters.

Tell me something.
You're with them every day.

Which of the two
is more ingenious, more alert?

Or which of them...

has the nobler, more generous heart?

Answering that...

is very difficult, your lordship...

because both of them...

are sharp and bright as buttons.

They're kind-hearted,
and very good.

And a bit mischievous too,
I have to say.

But they both observe
the law of modesty...

and the two of them
are very firm in their...

moral principles,
and fearful of God...

but not sanctimonious.

But all of that
is what they have in common!

What I want you to tell me...

is what makes them different,
Coronado.

That's your name, isn't it?

Yes, Pio Coronado,
at your service, your lordship.

Let me see if I can clarify it for you,
because it isn't easy.

Dolly is more prone
to be naughty...

and Nelly seems
more inclined to study.

But no, I don't want
to be unfair...

praising one more than the other.
You're their grandfather.

When you've been close
to them for a few days...

you'll know them
better than anyone.

That's why I've come, Coronado.
To get to know them better.

(Crickets Chirping)

( Chattering )

What beautiful rings.

And how original to wear them
on your little finger.

They're yours, Dona Consuelito.

Now, now. You say that...

because you know
Dona Consuelito can't accept.

And why can't she?

She's an unmarried lady
and not engaged...

as far as I know.

It was awful in the station
last night...

and then coming
through the streets.

I only came to see
my children, and...

The people in Jerusa
love you, your ladyship.

What am I saying?
They adore you!

And Jerusa can't seem
to be ungrateful...

nor forget the benefits
you lavished on it.

They can send me
a pretty bouquet of flowers...

not an entire rose garden.

Dona Lucrecia, your beauty is
only comparable to your modesty.

Forgive my audacity,
but who among us can forget...

that you obtained for Jerusa...

the Forbes road
and the telegraph station?

And the Higher Education
college...

which Durante wanted for itself.

And if you get them to grant us
the School of Commerce...

which Durante also wants...

the apotheosis we'll give you
will be heard in China!

Good Lord, Monedero,
that's enough nonsense.

Really, it was all due
to my friendship with the minister.

You know that.

How many girlfriends
do you have, Senen?

-Be honest.
-Listen to that!

-As far as I know, two.
-Really?

What doyou mean,
Dona Consuelito?

If only that were true!

Although to be honest,
I would have settled for one...

providing that one...

were like you.

But I know you correspond
with Dona Amalia Ruiz.

And you've been seen
at the theater...

with the notary's daughter.

That's talk for talk's sake.
It's just a simple friendship...

as ours could be,
if you chose it to be so...

Dona Consuelito.
Will you permit me to call you...

Consuelito,
Dona Consuelito?

And what news is there
of Don Rodrigo?

He's in La Pardina...

and I've ordered Venancio...

that while my father-in-law
is there...

they are to take
every possible care of him.

Who, at his age, would think
of going off to America...

however much
the yellow dust may glitter!

He said it was because
of the mirage of a fortune...

his grandfather left there.

Yes, he said that...

about ten years ago.

The worst thing is...

from what they say,
he seems to be a bit unhinged.

I'm not at all surprised.
Isn't it so, your ladyship...

that he spent the remains
of his fortune...

on the El Dorado adventure?

Rafael, my late husband...

God rest him.

Thank you.

warned him that it was unwise,
but you know how he is.

And if there was anyone
who could convince him of anything...

that person was his son.

And now, his granddaughters,
I hope.

(Tapping Glass)

Dear friends...

I would like to propose
a toast to Dona Lucrecia.

The reasons are so many
we'd never finish...

this dinner in her honor...

but I would sum them up
like this.

Because we love her,
as Jerusa knows how to love.

Because we respect her...

as Jerusa knows
how to respect.

And because never, ever...

could we be
sufficiently grateful to her.

And now some news...

even for my wife's ears.

Isn't that so, dear?

This morning...

in an extraordinary session
of the Town Council...

it was decided to change the name
of what was Royal Street...

to Lucrecia Richmond Avenue!

Thank you.

To Dona Lucrecia!

To Dona Lucrecia!

And...

Voila!

- ( Explosion )
- ( Guests Gasping )

( Fireworks Whistling )

( Chattering, Laughing )

It's amazing!

-Fantastic!
-How pretty!

An excellent touch, Monedero!

( Rapid, Continuous Explosions )

( Rockets Whizzing )

( Laughing, Faint Chattering )

(Fireworks Exploding
In Distance)

Lucrecia Richmond
is received in Jerusa...

with more pomp
than Cleopatra in Rome.

It's hard to know
who is worse, Adelaida.

She...

or those servile people
who applaud and flatter her.

(Birds Twittering)

(Carriage Passing)

(Carriage Door Opening)

Ma'am...

I thank you...

for being so kind...

as to grant me the interview...

in this isolated, holy place...

where we will not be disturbed
by witnesses of any kind.

I am only doing my duty
in agreeing to your request.

I say duty, because there was
a time you called me daughter.

That's true.

You were what we might call...

a temporary, transitory
daughter of mine.

I think I could call you
a passing daughter.

-You never loved me.
-Never.

You can see I'm being honest.

A foreigner by nationality...

and even more so by feelings...

although not by your accent...

you never identified
with my family...

orwith the Spanish nature.

Against my wishes,
my son Rafael made you his wife...

and I say against my wishes...

because I knew from the start...

that you were a capricious,
frivolous, fickle woman...

and fond of flirtations.

If my predictions
were wrong in anything...

it was because you turned out
worse than I'd feared.

I see that failure in America
hasn't tamed the lion of Albrit.

Rather, he's returned
even fiercer.

God made me fierce
and fierce I shall die.

Is it Spanish nature to meet
someone only to be insulting?

No.

The reason for this meeting...

is to tell you
that you killed my son.

What do you mean?

My son died of sadness...

of grief...

of loneliness...

and of shame...

through your fault.

In Peru, I learned
of the definitive separation...

of Rafael and you.

I know that love
is a catastrophe...

an uncontrollable madness,
a fierce wind...

which can strike people,
and then,just as easily, move away.

So I don't blame you...

that your feelings
for my son disappeared.

I was informed that...

after the definitive separation...

my son went to live
in a humble boarding house...

he became ill...

and had no desire
to be cured.

He died in his clothes,
on the bed...

badly attended...

by mercenary people...

with no affection
to comfort him...

because I was absent
and you...

who didn't love him...

only looked for excuses...

to stay away from him.

Don Rodrigo...

life is full of complications
which are not easily explained.

And less so
in a few hurried words.

The affections...

the emotions between
a man and a woman...

are anything but simple.

Our discrepancies began
in the first months after our marriage.

Rafael...

who was always very kind
and very loving to me...

was a man without curiosity
or joy for living.

He didn't like to travel
or go out...

or to mix with other people.

I was suffocating at his side.

I wanted to change him.

But it was a mistake because...

Why do we always try to change
the people we love?

I assure you, I tried to help him
from the moment he fell ill...

but Rafael always rejected
my support and affection.

I may not have loved him then...

but not for one moment
did I stop caring for him.

How fine a thing it would be...

if you and I could weep now...

for that loved one.

But however terrible
all this is...

I can't forget that
what is really important...

is the other matter.

The other matter?

I don't understand.
I don't know what you mean.

Yes.

You do know.

In fact, you're the only person
in the world who does know.

There's a letter.

From Rafael?

For me?

He wrote it...

on the night he died.

He left it half written...

on the table
in his wretched inn.

He didn't have time
to finish it.

They sent it to me
with his clothes...

and his other belongings.

''I warn you that if you don't send
my daughter to me soon...

I shall claim her.

The other, the one you had
with the painter Carlos Eraul...

I leave to you. I don't want
to know any more of her.

You have to do it.

You know I've got proof...

and that...''

He couldn't write any more.

Just one word
will be enough for me.

The name
of my true granddaughter.

That's all I ask.

I can't prevent the law...

from passing on my name...

to my two heiresses...

those innocent children...

but by all in Heaven...

don't prevent me...

from making an exclusive
moral transference...

in favor of the true heiress...

the one who has my blood.

She shall be my successor.

She shall be my honor
for posterity.

The only descendant...

of the name of the Albrits...

of those kings and princes...

warriors and women
without blemish...

who have maintained untarnished...

the ancestry and splendor
of our lineage.

The honor...

the ancestry...

the posterity, the splendor
of the Albrits?

A tribe of lunatics...

burlesque chivalry,
a lineage of braggarts!

Listen closely,
Rodrigo de Arista-Potestad...

Count of Albrit...

lord of Jerusa and Polan.

Rather than harm
my daughters...

I swear that I'll kill myself.

Yours isn't the only pride
which must be respected.

Is that understood?

We've finished.

Lucrecia Richmond!

Perhaps God may forgive you.

I would too, if forgiveness
could go side by side...

with contempt.

(Carriage Door Closing)

(Reins Jingling)

(Hooves Clopping)

( Coronado )
Now, Dolly, the main events
in the life of Themistocles.

( Dolly)
Themistocles?

( Coronado )
Yes, Themistocles.
One of the great men of Greece.

( Dolly, Laughing )
We don't snoop
into other people's lives.

( Coronado )
Come, now. Themistocles,
born in Thebes...

defeated the Lacedaemonians.

No, not my glasses!
You'll break them on me!

You two drive me crazy
with your mischief.

( Girls Chanting Together)
She doesn't know.

I'll have to speak
to your mother, to her ladyship.

My conscience won't let me
deceive her.

It's terrible if she thinks
I'm teaching you something...

when really you don't want
to learn.

All Mother wants...

is that we should
always be out of doors...

and be as sturdy
as peasant girls.

And does your grandfather
want you to be donkeys too?

Grandfather loves us,
rough or polished.

To say your grandfather loves you
does him little justice.

He adores you.

Dear Nelly and Dolly...

I have to ask you a favor.
While he's here...

with you, you have to spend
a lot of time with him...

and chat with him,
and spoil him...

because he's a child too.

You're so good, Pio.

We love you very much too.

I know.

Dolly...

The participle.

The participle...

is something...

that's part ofa sipple.

That isn't the slightest bit funny,
Miss Dolly.

-Pio, come on, don't be angry.
-Don't be angry?

We don't like knowing what's in books.
We like to know things.

You have to know
about everything,just in case.

Just wait,
in no time at all...

you'll be aristocratic
young ladies...

and when your mother
takes you to the salons...

you're going to excel.

Imagine if, at a soiree,
they start talking about participles.

As you two don't know what it is,
people will say...

''Where on earth...

did her ladyship find
that pair of mules?''

They'll laugh atyou,
and the young men won't love you.

They'll love us
even if we don't know participles...

-conjunctions or anything.
-That's right.

And only very boring young men
would take us to soirees...

to talk about participles.

Pio...

how many daughters
do you have?

Five or six?

Too many.

Are they pretty?

Not as pretty as you two.

And...

Do they love you?

Well...

What's brought this up?

It's just that...

Don't get angry.

It's just that...

Well, that.

We heard your daughters
don't love you.

And sometimes they hit you...

and don't give you any supper.

Well, well.
Let's continue...

Let's continue with grammar.

Well-mannered people...

don't pry
into other people's lives.

If Themistocles' life
doesn't interest you...

mine should interest you
even less.

But we do love you, Pio.

Dolly and I love you
very much.

We play tricks on you...

and joke
because that's how we are...

but we truly love you.

As much as we love Mother
or Grandfather.

(Knocking At Door)

Yes?

( Woman )
Don Senen wishes to see you,
your ladyship.

Show him in.

-Go on in, please.
-Thank you.

Does her ladyship
give her permission?

-I do, Senen.
-Thank you, ma'am.

May I tell her ladyship that
today she is looking...

truly beautiful.

Thank you.

No, don't come any closer,
Senen.

You know I can't stand
your terrible perfumes.

Good heavens, ma'am,
I'm only wearing a drop.

And these clothes
are freshly put on.

I've hung out those of the last few days
to air a little.

Would you like me to open
the window...

in case my fickle emanations...

bother you?

It isn't necessary,
for the moment.

What is it?

Well, the thing is, ma'am...

This humble protege of yours...

Your poor...
Yes, yes, yes.

Your poor Senen Corchado...

would be very grateful
if you were to help him...

not to get stuck halfway
in his career because...

the truth is, ma'am,
on one's own in Administration...

one doesn't get anywhere.

What did you have in mind?

An archbishopric
or the Cross of St. Ferdinand?

No, no.

I only aspire to...

an obscure position
with lots ofwork.

Such as?

Executive agent
for the collection of Royal Rights.

It's a simple thing.

How simple?

To be quite frank, ma'am...

although your relationship
with Don Jaime...

isn't at its best just now...

it's quite obvious to anyone
that he adores you...

and I think that
a slight insinuation...

from the Countess of Lain
to the Minister...

would be like having
the post in my hand.

I'll speak to Don Jaime
when I'm back in Madrid.

Ifit could be by telegraph,
it would be much better, ma'am.

Rumor has it
that he'll be removed...

within no time.

Is anything wrong, ma'am?

Sit down, please.

(Clock Chiming)

I'd like to ask you something,
Senen.

It's a little delicate.

I serve your ladyship
disinterestedly...

in all that she wishes
to order of me...

whatever it may be.

You know I've never got on
with the Count of Albrit...

but now things have worsened
to a degree I find unbearable.

All he wants to do is turn up
the dregs of the past.

Like the ragmen in the garbage heaps.
Yes, ma'am.

Something must be done,
Senen...

to stop Don Rodrigo
hounding me.

What I want...

is to keep him away from me...

from my daughters...

and, if possible...

never to see him again.

( Distant Thunder Booming )

(Don Rodrigo)
Pio is a name of little character,
don't you think?

Pio, Pio...

But it suits you.
It's a good name for you.

And then, as it's such
a short name, you save time.

Pio-- and that's it.

Which isn't the case
with Nebuchadnezzar, for example.

Have you read ''Life Is A Dream,''
Coronado?

Several times, your lordship.

And I've seen it performed too...

because I should tell you that
I was very fond ofthe theater.

-What do you think of it?
-A great play, your lordship.

Calderon reflects accurately
on the mystery of life.

And in some parts I see myself
very well reflected.

For example, in...

''Oh, how wretched I am,
how unhappy.

I yearn to know
why you treat me like this.''

''Oh, how wretched I am.''
I do like that, your lordship.

I don't like it at all, Pio.

I think it's a bore.

What's more, that business
of''life is a dream'' is rubbish.

Life is anything but a dream.

What can I say, your lordship?

It certainly is a little boring.

Yes, yes, you're right,
your lordship.

Calderon lacks the spark
which Lope has.

A pain in the neck, Pio.
A pain in the neck.

'' Hamlet''... That's good.

Hamlet!

Doubt!

You've said it, Pio.
Doubt.

That Englishman knew
a thing or two.

( In English )
''To be or not to be,
that is the question.''

-You understand, Pio?
-Yes, your lordship.

What meager knowledge I have...

does include something
of the English language.

''To be or not to be...

that is the thing.''

An original translation, Pio.

Butyes, that is the thing.

William Shakespeare.
What a mind!

'' Macbeth,'' '' Romeo andJuliet,''
''The Merchant of Venice''...

(Seagulls Crying)

Grandfather!

Dolly, it's Grandfather!

-Hello, Grandfather!
-Grandfather!

Hello!

Grandfather!

( Girl )
Grandfather, are you happier now?

I? Why do you ask me that?

Because this morning, when we went in
to see you, you said...

( Imitating Don Rodrigo )
''Go away! I want to be alone!''

You seemed very angry.

Well, I'll explain.

The truth is, Gregoria had served me
some terrible coffee.

I apologize, my dears.
I'm getting very sour these days.

But it isn't your fault,
you're innocent of that...

and of everything else.

If you don't like Gregoria's coffee,
we could make it for you.

-Couldn't we, Nelly?
-Yes!

No, no, it isn't just the coffee...

which is cold
and as weak as water...

or the bread
that's as hard as a rock...

or the moldy biscuits.
That won't kill me.

But they've taken away
the fine porcelain cups...

and the dishes
with my coat of arms...

and the silver jug.

Those wretches pick
the dirtiest tablecloths and napkins...

to put on my table...

knowing well
how I like clean table linen.

But listen carefully.

Your mother is in no way
guilty of this...

for even though we aren't...

overly attached...

she isn't unaware that
my person demands certain...

attention and respect...

and she has always
given me that.

Take note of this, children.

Villainy is forgivable.

In gratitude, never.

(Thunder clap)

( Thunder clap )

( Don Rodrigo )
Did you love your father a lot?

( Don Rodrigo )
Did you love your father a lot?

An awful lot.

-Doyou remember him a lot?
-How could we not?

-All the time.
-Father adored us.

Both of you equally...

or one of you
a little bit more?

No, both of us equally.

He wrote to us
almost every day.

Separately?

No, to both of us
on one sheet of paper.

By the way...

when I came along the cliffs
looking for you...

I thought I saw on the sand
on the beach...

a beautiful drawing of a lion.

-Did you two draw it?
-Nelly did, Grandfather.

She paints like the angels.

Are you telling me
that Nelly paints?

Wonderfully.

You kept that very quiet,
Nelly!

You're a painter!

I like doing silly sketches
from time to time, Grandfather.

Don't listen to her.
She's an artist.

With her boxes of brushes
and her bottles of paint...

she can capture
whatever she sees.

Don't you feel that vocation,
Dolly?

Not me, Grandfather.
I'm too clumsy. I'd be no good.

And who gave you lessons?

No one, Grandfather.
I learned it on my own.

How?

Well, by looking at things.

The cloud will pass soon,
Grandfather.

No, quite the opposite.

The storm clouds
are gathering endlessly.

(Distant Thunderclap)

His Majesty's very quiet today.

Nailed down,
like a cheap boot.

He wouldn't even have supper.

He's got some scheme.
He only came to stir things up.

If only he'd died
over there in America.

But anyway...

According to Senen,
it'll all be over tomorrow.

Yeah, yeah.

(Don Rodrigo)
How lovely, Adelaida!

The passing of man will never soil
this magnificent painting.

Thesky,
the woods in silence...

the clouds, the blue sea.

Thesea, Adelaida.

The friend of our childhood
and our courtship...

is the only thing
I can see well now.

My blindness only lets me see
large things.

To think how well I could tell
rogues from honest people before.

But to get back to the children,
I repeat that they're angels.

To see them, be with them,
and notlove them is impossible.

They've brought a great sense of joy
into my life...

but you know how I am.

I turn merriment into sadness
very quickly...

hounded as I am at all hours
by terrible thoughts.

So, Adelaida...

here I am, floundering
amidst the swell of doubt.

Oh, Adelaida!

If only you were here
to pacify me.

I miss you so much...

and how I long for us to walk
together again along the cliffs...

and watch as the sun sinks
into the sea...

and the stars
gradually appear.

Old age, if it's of any use...

is to contemplate reality
as it really is...

and my only reality
was you.

Well, you have
to excuse me now.

I've been invited to a banquet,
by Carmelillo, the priest.

By the way, you can't imagine
how fat he is.

It's as if he had the church pulpit
where his stomach should be.

When I tried to give him
an embrace...

I couldn't get
my arms around him!

Knowing him, the feast will be
like Camacho's wedding...

and the feasts of Lucullus
all together.

The truth is, I need to get
some things olid into me...

because those scoundrels
are starving me to death.

And don't you worry.

Old Albritis
more than capable...

of discovering when a lie
is grafted onto truth...

and villainy on to nobility.

We'll talk more later, Adelaida.

Blessed be the vine
that gave this wine.

It must be the one
Noah planted.

Don't you think it exquisite,
Don Rodrigo?

It's good that Don Rodrigo should see
the excellences of Zaratay...

from the point of view
of the organic life and the comforts...

although, as a good aristocrat,
I suppose, you can imagine it.

Why is that a good idea?

So that you can see
how the monks live here.

And I say that
with the greatest respect.

Who wouldn't like to live here!

Every time I come,
I want to put on the habit and stay.

So why don't you?

It would do you good
to get acquainted with the hoe.

Yes, but I'm not free.
I belong to my parishioners.

But you, Don Rodrigo,
on the other hand, could be...

the Carlos V of this Yuste.

That's a very sensible idea.

It really is.

If I were you, Don Rodrigo,
I wouldn't hesitate.

I'd come here...

to live
with these saintly men.

That's the truth.

If you would like
to live with us...

we would be
extremely honored.

This would be your home.

Really, this lamb is...

amazingly amazing!

If you'll pardon
the expression.

Some more wine?

As it's sheltered
by the Verola mountains...

there's a southern
temperature here...

which is excellent for anyone,
even the healthiest people.

It allows us to work comfortably
from sunrise to sunset.

God wants us to cultivate
not just heaven...

but also the earth...

for the earth is
the complement of Faith.

Prior, thank you very much
for your offer...

to accept me in Zaratay.

-But...
-You would live...

in the most comfortable,
warmest cell we have...

facing south.

''Cell''--you said it yourself.

The cell is only for resting.

You could walk as you please
through the orchards...

and, of course, be excused
from attending services.

Services...

or any other kind of task,
excellency.

Don't think that
you'd be asked to cultivate...

the vegetables
or to feed the hens!

You'd also be excused
from fasting and penance...

for Don Rodrigo, as...

As is natural, he would eat
what he pleased.

If that isn't a good life,
Excellency...

bring me someone
who could find a better one.

The priest's life, Zenon!

Senen, Don Rodrigo.

It's Senen.

Here you would find...

that peaceful life
which your age requires.

Remember the ''Beatus ille.''

I know.

I know.

But I still have a mission
to carry out in the world.

Afterwards, perhaps...

when the time comes,
and I'm not saying yes or no...

I'll think about it.

At present...

I can't accept the holy charity
of this monastery.

But perhaps another glass
of this excellent wine?

-Well, did you like it?
-Yes, it's beautiful.

Mother, I know it's got
nothing to do with this...

but what's Paris like?

It's very different,
but it's also very pretty.

Prettier than Madrid?

Prettier than every city.

Don Pio says it's full of artists,
painters, musicians...

-poets.
-It's true.

-Will you take us?
-Of course.

I'll show you the Louvre
and the Opera...

and shops full
of wonderful dresses and hats.

-We'll sail on the Seine.
-Really?

( Speaking French )
And you can improve your French.

( French )
Yes, Mother.

( French )
Of course, Mother.

What's it like?

Paris?

Yes, Mother. What's it like?

Romantic.

Bohemian.

Open, merry.

Brimming with excitement.

With its soul exposed.

At least,
I remember it like that.

You know what, Dolly?

Cities are really
how you feel them.

The smallest...

ugliest town...

can be an indelible memory
in your life...

if you share it
with the right person.

You'll understand soon.

And so will you.

How often have you been?

Twice.

Once...

a long time ago.

And the other, last year.

Which did you prefer?

The first time.

Did you go with Father?

Yes, Dolly.

(Bell Ringing)

(Ringing Continues)

(Ringing Stops)

Father Maroto.

Father Maroto.

I nodded off.

It's a habit I've had
since my youth.

What's more...

the wine was plentiful.

And tell me.

Where have the others got to?

Well...

Your lordship...

those gentlemen
have gone back to Jerusa.

They tricked me
into coming here...

and they've gone off!.

They shut me up
like a dangerous animal...

and you and the community...

consented to act as jailers.

I would askyour lordship
to please calm down.

Those gentlemen,
all friends of yours...

think as I do.

Your lordship should remain here,
in the monastery.

No one's going to lock me up
and deprive me ofmy freedom!

My vows oblige me
to shelter the destitute...

and practice with them...

works of charity.

Well, the ninth says...

you mustn't shut up
your neighbor against his will!

For the last time...

Don Rodrigo...

I ask you to think it over.
It's madness...

to oppose this holy retreat.

''Holy retreat.''
That's blasphemy!

A retreat arranged
by the family...

and sponsored by friends.

My curse on the family!

And my curse on the friends,
and the Faculty!

And Zaratay can go to hell!

Mind what you say, Albrit!

I say that the prior
of Zaratay...

is an accomplice and servant
of Countess Lucrecia...

and that the countess
has bought him to be my jailer.

That's what I say!

The way out, at once!
The way out!

You can't play with me, Albrit.

You're a child,
and I'll treat you as such.

Stay where you are,
you damn friar!

Stop, or I'll crack your skull!

And order these lazy bones
to stand still...

or I swear by the blood
of my ancestors...

that someone will end up
the worse for wear!

It's all right, brothers.

We'll let this poor madman
leave here.

All the worse for him.

Go back to the world, Albrit...

and carry on digging up
the dregs of your family...

if that's what you wish.

Open that door, brother.

(Door Opens, Creaks)

(Door Creaks, Closes)

(Don Rodrigo)
So you didn't have the courage.

Killing yourself!.

That's madness!

You have to fight,
fight unflinchingly.

That isn't for me.

Let him who can, fight.

Your lordship...

forgive me
for praising myself...

but I'm the kindest man
in the world.

So kind...

that I've come
to despise myself for it.

Your lordship...

it's so awful to be kind.

Come along.

I know what you need now.

And I need it too.

And did your wife
die in the end?

It's almost a year
since Hell reclaimed her.

And she went off with Satan...

and left you
with an assortment...

of daughters?

Six.

And they're all still at home,
living off you.

Yes, sir, and that's the cause
of all my misfortunes.

Promise a good dowry
to whoever takes them away.

My house.

That's the dowry they want.

And the six are fighting over it,
especially Esperanza.

She'd like to have
the house now...

so that she could
throw us all out...

and set up her business there.

Esperanza...

is crazy about men.

You mean Esperanza has turned out
to be, as it were...

a bit more of a whore
than the others.

Yes, but as she does it
for pleasure...

she doesn't make much
of a profit from the job.

She's a whore from vice,
what they call...

a vocational whore.

-Get another bottle.
-Yes, sir.

What a setup!

Here.

( Sighs )

If I was told there was someone
in the world like you...

I wouldn't believe it.

How is it possible
that in all these years...

you haven't been able
to find a day...

an hour of strength,
to rid yourself of a crew like that?

To ask that of my character...

is like asking rocks
to bear apples.

My wife...

dominated me.

If she just looked at me,
I'd tremble.

And I was never
what you'd call a decisive man.

Now I understand...

the reason
and the excellent logic...

of your intention
to commit suicide.

But what remains
unquestionable...

is that your behavior
isn't that ofa Christian.

It seems more
like that of a Buddhist!

Your philosophy, Coronado,
is destructive.

You're right, your lordship,
because wherever I am...

there is always kindness,
truth and forgiveness.

I disgust myself.

And it's only right that
you're sickened by yourself...

because an excess
of kindness...

kills just the same
as an excess of water...

or of heat.

Do you have any idea
of the danger you represent...

for humanity?

I, a danger, sir?

I've had an idea...

which could be
your salvation.

What's the idea, sir?

You lack the courage to hurl yourself
into the other world.

That's true.
Many evenings...

I've gone up
to the cliff top...

with the firm intention
of throwing myself in the sea.

But at the last minute...

I've always lost my nerve.

That's exactly
what I'm getting at.

What I mean is that the bravery
which you lack...

I have in abundance.
Listen.

I grab you,
I throw you over the cliff...

and before you hit the bottom,
you're dead...

and your sufferings
are over.

What do you think?

Well, I...

I think it's an excellent idea,
your lordship.

And I'm not objecting.

The thing is...

today you've caught me
off guard.

Who would have imagined...

that your lordship would worry
about me to that extent.

But I'm very grateful
to you, sir.

Really I am.

You won't find
a better death...

whether you use arms,
poison or carbonic acid.

What I'm offering you
is instant death...

a sudden entrance
into happiness.

I see.

Now, we'll choose
the part of the cliffs...

which has the sheerest drop.

If you want, we can go now
and I'll push you over.

This is a good moment
for the sea.

Nightfall,
when it's roaring...

as if asking for something
to be thrown in to amuse it.

But there's a problem.

Your lordship will be accused
of my death...

and put in jail.

And I can't allow that.

And tonight, you've got me
when I'm feeling a bit...

out of sorts.

Well, it's up to you, Coronado.

Whenever you want, we'll do it,
and don't worry about me.

The law never suspects
respectable people.

What's more, I'd like to write
a note beforehand...

saying I've died
by motuproprio.

You're right. These things
have to be done correctly...

and with all due formality.

( Faint Chattering )

Nuria, see the brother out.

And I say, what's the point
of so much light at nighttime?

We can easily see in daytime
what's to be seen in the world.

Don Carmelo, that is precisely
what Spain needs. More light.

More electricity, more industry,
more modernism.

And fewer priests!

Hear, hear!

Gentlemen...

Some awful news.

Brother Deogracias from
the monastery at Zaratay...

has just come to see me.

You'll never guess.

We'll never guess?

The Count of Albrit...

has flown.

Isn't that it?

He almost came to blows
with the prior.

An unbelievable scandal.

From what Father Maroto's
envoy told me...

when Don Rodrigo woke up...

he started shouting
and blaspheming...

and threatened...

to crack the monks'
blessed skulls with his cane...

if they didn't let him out.

What do we do now?

Exactly. What do we do now?

Now, only you,
my dear saw bones...

can sort out this situation.

Who, me?

Salvador Angulo...

you must ratify
what we all know already.

That the Count of Albrit
is losing his reason.

So don't try
to wriggle out of it...

which is what
you've been doing...

since we started
with this blasted problem.

So now you know, Dr. Angulo.

A certificate to support this...

in which it states clearly
that the old fogy's ravings...

aren't just dangerous...

but extremely dangerous...

and the best place
for Don Rodrigo...

is in a mental hospital.

(Billiard Balls Clicking)

(Rain Dripping)

(People Chattering)

(Billiard Balls Clicking)

Listen carefully.

Before letting himself be shut up
in that damn convent...

the Count of Albrit would prefer
to drag his bones...

from door to door,
begging for a crust of bread...

and a roof to shelter him.

The intention was good,
Don Rodrigo,

Perhaps we were mistaken
in the way we did it...

in the procedure,
but the intention...

It's true, Don Rodrigo.

We thought you'd be better
in Zaratay...

than in La Pardina.

You're such liars and cowards.

My God!

After all the times
I saved you from hunger...

because all of you,
and your parents...

came to ask me for work
and for favors...

and all of you were always
well attended in my house.

And I solved
all of your problems.

Scoundrels!

Listen, Don Rodrigo,
in case you've forgotten...

I am mayor of Jerusa.

You are no one.

You? You don't know
who you are...

goddamned boot licker.

You're a vile being
and a thief.

You're mayor here
because some things are unavoidable.

You live off giving contracts
to your cronies...

and by stealing.

What's more...

and this is the worst of all,
you're a nonentity...

who'll poison half of humanity
with your false noodles.

-Don Rodrigo, I can't allow...
-You'll allow this and more!

Can you remember?

Can you remember
when the hard winters came?

Or did you lose your memory
along with your sense of shame?

The wine which you've stolen
from me over the years...

and which
we let you steal...

to help you get out
of the mess you were in...

would have provided
a million drinking sprees...

for this priest,
whose belly is no more than...

a bottomless cellar.

Restrain yourself, Count.

Show some respect
for a minister of the Church.

Respect?
That's what you owe me!

When your father died
in the brothel...

and I don't say
it's a bad way to die...

it was due to my generosity
that you could finish...

your studies
in Theology and Law.

The little saint who wanted
to be like Paul of Tarsus.

And here he is now,
transformed into...

a sack of lard!

The foremost spoon in Spain!

There's a rumor
among those of your sect...

that you can gobble down
more French toast at breakfast...

than you hand out hosts
at communion.

Minister of the Church!

Minister of the daily bread,
more like!

And you...

you third-rate quack.

Who paid for your studies
in Valladolid?

Who paid for the boarding house
during all those years of study?

Isn't it true, pill-pusher,
that you and your father...

whom I saved from prison,
unfortunately, for rape...

Isn't it true...

and I ask this
looking you in the eye...

that when my son and I
passed by you...

you and your father
got on your knees...

and we had to hit you
to make you get up?

Look at each other closely...

sons born of my cooks...

fathered by my stable boys.

You wanted to cage
the Count of Albrit...

who founded
the Fishermen's Fraternity...

who brought you water
from Santaorra...

who funded the Verola road...

and the bridge
over the Caudo river.

My parents built
the hospital...

and the foundling hospital
and the La Pardina chapel...

where you went...

to midnight mass
every Christmas Eve...

not out of
religious fervor...

but to receive the generous
Christmas boxes we offered you.

And how did you want to repay me
for all those favors?

By locking me up
like a rabid dog...

selling your consciences...

to the highest bidder!

Look at yourselves...

rooting around like pigs.

Listen carefully.

The poor lion of Albrit...

who asked nothing of you...

and needs nothing from you...

proclaims his contempt for you...

with every drop of his soul.

He doesn't want even an inch
of land from your city...

to bury his tired bones.

There'll surely be room for him
in the sea.

Keep this world of yours...

which I don't understand...

where lies...

infamy...

and greed...

do as they please.

Enjoy your meal.

Or rather...

may it give you indigestion!

( No Audible Dialog )

Sit down, Grandfather.

Grandfather...

is it true they tried
to lock you up in Zaratay?

-We were very worried.
-Yes.

It was all exaggerated!

Some friends took me out
for a ride in their carriage...

to the monastery...

and I took the notion...

to come back on foot,
along with Don Pio.

Grandfather...

in a few days, we're going
to Madrid with Mother.

She told us yesterday,
when she took us to see Valdedios.

And do you girls want to leave?

On the one hand, yes.

We'll go to school
and make lots of friends...

and to the theater
and parties.

And on the other hand, no,
because we'll have to leave you.

And we want to be with you.

The real truth is...

we'd rather stay with you.

At least I do.

It makes me really sad
that we have to leave you.

You'll get over it.

There's a world out there...

with a thousand attractions
and fascinations.

I understand that you're happy
to leave Jerusa.

What's more, you should get
to know other surroundings...

live in another society.

You know what?

I'm going to stay with you.

What?

I'll ask Mother to let me
stay with you.

I don't want you
to be on your own.

Nelly can go with Mother
so that she isn't alone.

-That's fine.
-And you and I will live here.

I don't think your idea
will please Venancio very much...

-or Gregoria.
-No?

Why not?

Because, with the greatest
respect, Dolly...

the house belongs
to Venancio and me.

Are you telling me...

that Grandfather and I
can't stay here?

No, Dolly, I'm not saying that.

Well, then?

What Gregoria means,
my dear Dolly...

is that La Pardina is ours.

That we, Gregoria and I,
are the owners.

The sole proprietors.

Understand, Dolly?

''Miss'' Dolly.
Understand, Venancio?

There's no reason
to be like that.

I'm not being like anything.

I know that the house
is yours...

but the land that feeds you
is only leased to you...

almost free.

And that land is ours.

It belongs to the House of Lain,
to her ladyship.

Exactly.

And my sister and I
are the heiresses.

If you, Gregoria,
and you, Venancio...

serve my grandfather here...

it isn't out of charity,
for you obviously have none...

but because that's what my mother,
your mistress, wants.

And even if she didn't want it,
which I doubt...

my sister wants it
and I want it.

Now, now.

Let's stay calm.

Listen to me, Gregoria.

I want the best coffee
for my grandfather...

the best sheets,
the best furniture...

the best glassware
and the utmost cleanliness.

Grandfather, you'll have some
freshly made coffee now...

very bitter,
the way you like it, eh?

Is all that clear, Gregoria?

Then clean my grandfather's
bedroom. I want it as sparkling...

as those silver cups you hide
at the back of the wardrobes.

Understood?

Yes...

Miss Dolly.

Come along, then.
I'll check on it later.

Come on, Gregoria.

And you, Grandfather...

don't worry.

No one will ever throw you out
of this house.

(Knocking At Door)

Yes?

( Senen )
It's Senen.

Come in.

What do you want?
I'm busy.

I presume your ladyship
knows of the scene...

which Don Rodrigo caused
in the club.

Yes. Go on.

Do you remember
that I remarked...

that a government reshuffle
was imminent?

Well, as you can see,
here it is.

Our minister has been
struck down.

He'll regret it more than we,
won't he?

Undoubtedly, ma'am.
Undoubtedly.

But I would like to know...

what your ladyship intends
doing about my appointment...

because now...

it's up in the air.

You think your promotion
is all I have on my mind?

Of course not, ma'am.

As I know how busy you are...

I've allowed myself
to think for both of us.

And given that your ladyship
already knows the new minister...

Don't you remember, ma'am?

You dined together at the home
of the Marquis of Pescara.

You're so ambitious, Senen...

so persistent, so selfish...

that it would seem you've lost
all sense of reality.

You think I'll speak for you
to someone to whom I've only said...

''Good evening''?

I would be very sorry,
ma'am...

if my humble request...

You're the limit.
I've never seen such insolence.

I understand.

Yes, I understand.

Who am I...

that your ladyship
should bother about me?

When it was in my power,
I got you all the favors I could.

And the services I provided
for your ladyship?

And the loyalty...

I showed for so many years?
Is that worthless too?

I repeat, Senen.

Your services were well paid.

Leave me alone, please.

I've got truly important things
to see to.

You should know, ma'am...

that during the time
I was at your service...

I was prejudiced
by being such a gentleman.

Such a what?

You?
A gentleman?

Yes, I, a gentleman!

For silencing those
who spoke of your ladyship...

and said things
you shouldn't hear.

Enough!

For keeping secrets
which you well know are very serious!

And the payment I receive for all that,
for my dog like devotion...

is to hear you say
you owe me nothing...

and I should leave you
in peace.

Get out of here.

Think about it.

Ma'am, think about it.

Get out.

If I wish, I can still
cause you harm.

More than you imagine.

Get out, Senen.

More than you imagine.

Simona!

Ma'am?

Throw down phenic acid
from here to the front door.

Yes, ma'am.

Get out.

( Coronado )
''Oh, how wretched I am!
How unhappy!

I yearn to know...

whyyou treat me like this.

What crime did I commit
against you in being born?

But, as I was born, I understand
what crime I have committed.

Your justice and rigor
have had cause enough...

for man's greatest crime...

is to have been born.''

Curtain.

Forgive the indiscretion,
your lordship...

but where will you go
on your own?

In any house in Forbes
or in Polan...

I shall find better hospitality
than in La Pardina.

There are still
a few old colonists left there...

who will be glad to see
old Albrit arrive...

even if he has turned
into a beggar...

asking for a bite to eat
and some charity.

Goodness me, your lordship.

The way you put it
sets my teeth on edge!

That's how it is.

Old Albrit has got nothing left now
but loneliness...

and despair.

Loneliness is terrible...

isn't it, Coronado?

You talk to me about loneliness,
your lordship...

when I've just buried
my third dog?

(Don Rodrigo)
So, what do you have to say to me?
And let's have no rhetoric.

The truth, sir.

The truth?

About what?

About the Countess Lucrecia's
dirty secret.

One of your granddaughters,
Don Rodrigo...

is not of Albrit blood.

Despicable toad!

What do you know about that?
Tell me!

I've got proof, sir.

Let go of me
and I'll tell you.

Proof of what?

I knew the painter
Carlos Eraul.

For some time...

while they were lovers...

I brought Carlos Eraul...

the letters which the countess
wrote him, and vice versa.

I brought the countess...

the passionate epistles
which he composed for her.

I've got those letters,
your lordship.

You disgusting pimp!

You stole them!

Let's say that,
when the painter died...

I found them by chance...

among his private papers.

And your lordship knows...

how life is.

The poor are born
with barely...

a patch ofland
to call our own.

So we are forced to watch out
for our future.

The fact is, in those letters
her ladyship leaves...

clear evidence
ofher ardent passion...

for Carlos Eraul.

But there is one...

which is very special.

In this letter, her ladyship...

gives precise news...

about the charms
and the health of their daughter.

The honor of the house of Albrit...

demands...

the destruction of that letter!

Honor, of course.

Honor, the honor of the Albrit!

Have you forgotten
that I was born a plebeian...

and honor is something
that doesn't move me?

Speak to me
of something material...

more substantial...

if the merchandise
really interests you.

You know very well
that I am poverty-stricken.

I can offer you nothing.

Yes.

There's something.

That drop of blood...

which gleams on your hand.

What is it?

A ruby, perhaps?

It was a gift...

which was made...

to a viceroy of Peru.

For seven generations...

it has belonged...

to the House of Albrit.

Take it!

And my curse along with it!

And now listen...

very carefully...

to what I'm going to say.

When you see me drawing near...

to where you are...

flee.

Do you understand?

(Footsteps Retreating)

How did you get on
with the beast?

We heard shouting.

Magnificently...

because I did what I wanted to do
with that proud old man.

Put him to shame...

and tell him a few home truths
about his honor...

and all that nonsense...

and he ended up as meek
as a lamb. You'll see.

And I also told him
what I told...

that other one,
the stuck-up countess.

IfI perfume myself
with heliotrope essence...

it's because
I damn well want to!

Well done.

The days of slavery are over.

And if that weren't enough...

look.

Look at what I got
out of the old fogy.

The ruby of the Albrits.

A gift from some Incas
to a viceroy of Peru...

some relative of his.

Indeed.

What do you think?
Magnificent, isn't it?

Bye-bye...

to the happy couple.

.'.'(Senen Humming)

Well.

Look at him.

(Dona Lucrecia)
Dearest Carlos...

each time that I see
in our daughter's eyes...

the same joyful, good-natured gleam
I notice in yours...

and which made me tremble
when I met you...

opposing feelings of pride
and guilt take hold of me.

That's when I'd like to be
at your side...

to feel protected
in your arms...

to be that sustained note
within an ever ending symphony...

which, as you say,
ourlove is...

and tell you, my darling...

that in the child's
innocent look...

is a constant reminder
of your caresses...

your words...

your silences.

I only hope that innocent,
sensitive child...

maybe the repository
of the best of both of us.

Please, answer me at once.

If it is impossible
to live without you...

without your voice,
your laugh...

without your hand on my back,
on my neck, and on my breast...

don't deny me at least
your clear, firm letters...

saying you love me
more than I do you...

for that is impossible.

You know what?

And this is a littlesecret.

Inever liked my name...

until I heard it
on your breath.

Since then, I tremble
when I hear it...

for it is no longer
my name...

but a sound...

mine alone...

which comes from your lips.

And one last thing.

I must tell you
that if God exists...

He knows that we are
two good people...

and that you caress
as He does.

I carry you within my soul.

( Speaking Latin )

(Carriage Approaching)

-It's Mother.
-Mother?

-Mother!
-Yes, it is Mother!

-Mother!
-Mother!

Whoa, there, whoa!

-Hello, Mother.
-Hello.

You look beautiful!

-Don Rodrigo.
-Yes?

The countess is waiting for you
in the chapel.

Thank you.

( Breathing Unevenly)

I'm listening, ma'am.

I've come to apologize.

Apologize? Why?

Firstly...

for the stupid idea I had
of sending you to Zaratay.

And secondly...

for my behavior
over these last years.

Also I've come to tell you...

that I married your son
because...

I believed I loved him
with all my heart.

Shortly after, I met
the painter Carlos Eraul...

a good man,
honest and intelligent...

who, like I, suffered greatly
with our relationship.

For a time, I tried to fool myself.
I told myself...

that Carlos Eraul would
only be a passing affair...

but it was love.

As sacred as if it had been
blessed by matrimony.

I fought for months...

trying to destroy
the fire and the desire.

But reason is always inadequate
against affection.

We couldn't restrain
our feelings.

We fell in love.

And we were unhappy.

I couldn't look your son
in the face...

Eraul couldn't look at himself,
and we separated.

I tried with all my strength
to live with Rafael again...

as if nothing had happened.

But love, Don Rodrigo...

is destructive.

Our life was such that
only the presence of our...

Of Nelly and Dolly...

and good manners...

made it bearable.

After your son died,
I had an affair.

That was just an affair...

the kind that is mentioned
in the press, with a politician.

An affair which is over now.

That is the entire
scandalous love life...

of a woman of thirty-two...

who believed she had married
for love at eighteen.

Anything else you may have heard
is malicious scandal.

Yesterday I went to Zaratay.

I confessed
and took communion.

And today I feel ease
in my soul...

where I had felt
horrible confusion and guilt.

What you wanted to know...

I have told to the only one
who should know.

To God.

No, not to God.

To a priest.

But I understand.

I understand the extreme delicacy
of the subject...

and I want to respect
the state of serenity...

which you are in today.

Moreover...

it wouldn't be fair
that I torment you now...

with the shameful question...

because I know.

Lucrecia...

I want to make you
a proposition...

a fair offer.

I would like us to share the good
which God has given us.

The girls.

One for you...

the other for me.

And for you...

which of the two?

You agree to the partition
and then I'll choose.

Tell me.

Doyou love them both...

equally?

For God's sake, Don Rodrigo,
they're both my daughters!

I can't say the same.

Both are not
my granddaughters!

Please, understand me.

My daughters must be with me,
for many reasons.

I must attend
not just to their future...

but also to the health
ofmy soul.

Alongside them,
it is guaranteed.

Ma'am...

try to understand me.

I am old.

I have only got
a few breaths oflife left...

and I need my granddaughter
near me.

She is the only root
that connects me with this world.

Why don't you come with us?

We'll live together in Madrid.
We'll be a family.

You can enjoy them,
and they you.

Introduce them to reading,
to music.

Show them cities
and countries.

Be their grandfather,
their father and their friend.

Be reasonable, please.

It is I who am begging you...

that Dolly...

should stay with me.

I'll speak to my administrator
and you will receive monthly...

a sum ofmoney
with which you can live comfortably.

And you will be granted
the use of some properties...

in Polan and Lain.

Without my granddaughter,
I want nothing.

- ( Dolly And Nelly) Grandfather...
- ( Knocking At Door)

-Yes?
-It's us.

Come in.

Grandfather, we're leaving.

Grandfather, we know
you're going to wander around...

from door to door,
begging for bread.

Don Pio told us. He's...

He's very worried.

I'm going to tell you
a little secret.

We adults...

like to exaggerate things
a little...

to get attention...

because the truth is...

we elderly folk
are really little children...

locked inside old bodies.

So I don't wantyou two
to worry about anything.

Why don't you come with us,
Grandfather?

Because it's impossible,
Dolly.

You know what?
I'm going to be a painter.

Mother says I can study
at the School of Fine Arts...

and when I can choose
my topic...

I'll only do portraits of you...

as you are now...

with your hat,
your walking stick...

and your bright eyes.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

The problem is, Grandfather...

you don't love Mother,
do you?

Listen.

In life...

there are circumstances...

which force us to respect
certain principles...

certain moral standards.

Let's say that in the family...

there is a blessed foundation...

which a man must
always respect...

if God has put in his soul...

the awareness of honor.

Dolly...

how pretty you look!

What's wrong, Grandfather?

Nothing, nothing.

It's just that suddenly...

you reminded me
of your grandmotherAdelaida.

When we met, she was about your age,
more or less...

and she had...

that queenly air...

which you have now...

and the same joy...

in her eyes...

and the same scent
in her hair.

Grandfather...

what is honor?

(Monedero)
To Countess Lucrecia...

t oher speedy return
to her home here...

and to the misses
Dolly and Nelly...

future princesses of the beauty
and elegance of Madrid.

As you instructed...

I have cancelled...

the band for tomorrow...

and no one will see you off
at the station.

Yes, dear.

Not even Vicenta or I.

Thank you.

Are you happy to be going
to the capital?

Yes.

Yes and no.

Why is that?

Yes...

because Madrid is Madrid.

And no...

because...

my grandfather
will be alone.

You must be very careful
with the Madrid air.

It's very treacherous,
especially in months with an ''r''...

January...

And as regards the possible...

concession toJerusa
of the School of Commerce...

we are in your hands,
Countess.

I'll see what I can do,
but don't be too hopeful.

The government has changed.
Things aren't as they used to be.

I'll keep you informed.

Yes, yes, good old Senen
told us already...

before he went off
to his obligations...

-in the capital.
-Rather hastily.

He did tell me...

that the new minister
is a hard nut to crack...

but that even so...

the countess knows him well.

The countess doesn't know him
well or otherwise.

She doesn't know him at all.

And what can I say about Senen?

You know what he said to me
the other day?

That you and your wife
were idiots...

and he'd never seen
worse taste than in this house...

except, he added...

that o the town's
''rich tubby''.

That was the nick name
given to Consuelito...

by good old Senen.

(Crickets Chirping)

( No Audible Dialog )

( Ringing Bell )

It's twelve o'clock!

It's stopped drizzling!

Blessed be the holy souls
in Purgatory!

Blessed be they
forever and ever!

(Don Rodrigo)
What do you think
can be so urgent...

for the prior of Zaratay?

(Coronado)
I haven't the slightest idea.

I've given you the message
word for word.

The prior...

requests the Count of Albrit...

to be so kind
as to call at the monastery...

as urgently as possible,
and at any time...

in connection
with a very personal...

and very serious matter.

Your lordship.

Your lordship!

Yes?

I wanted to talk to you too...

because I've got it
all prepared now.

I've written a letter...

saying that no one
is to be blamed for my death.

I'm sorry that I'm not wearing
a better-tailored suit...

for my suicide...

especially as I'm going
with your lordship.

Don't worry about that.

At such a moment,
clothes are of ittle importance.

Let's go to the cliffs now.

I would ask you to finish me off
as soon as possible.

Wait a minute.

My dear Adelaida, I'm going now,
I'll tell you about it later.

You're not going to tell me
that you regret your promise...

and that now you don't dare
give me a push.

No, not at all. I'll do it,
and with great pleasure...

especially today.

You'll see with what style
and courage...

I throw you in the sea.

But first I must go to Zaratay,
and I want you to come with me.

The monks may try to play
another dirty trick on me.

( Church Bell Ringing )

The Countess Lucrecia...

who is about to leave for Madrid
with her daughters...

on the dusk-time train...

I presume you're not trying
to show off with me now...

by dint of vulgar rhetoric,
are you, Eminence?

''On the dusk-time train.''

It's curious.

I've observed for years...

that all those who eat a lot
talk unendingly.

It's because
the stream of words...

eases the digestion.

But I don't think
this is the moment...

to dictate an encyclical...

so, Father,
let's get to the point.

And forget about the fried bread!

It'll make you ill!

Good Lord, what a temper!

Well.

Listen carefully.

The Countess Lucrecia...

sunk in a crisis of conscience...

and touched, undoubtedly,
by the Lord's grace...

made a general confession
of her sins to me.

And last night, she sent me
a letter, signed and sealed...

in which,
for the good ofher soul...

and possibly
for yours too, Albrit...

she released me
from the secret of confession.

Which of the two?

Nelly.

Your granddaughter is Nelly.

She is the legitimate descendent...

of the House of Albrit.

( Chattering, Indistinct )

That's all of it, ma'am.
Here's the ticket.

-Here you are.
-Thank you.

(Train Whistle Blowing)

Well, Dolly.

-Happy?
-Yes.

-Really?
-And you?

So am I.

(Train Whistle Continues)

When your lordship wishes...

we can go up to the cliff...

and you can give me
the push we agreed on.

Dolly isn't my granddaughter.

What do you mean?

No.

She's the daughter
ofa coarse, immoral painter.

Carlos Eraul.

Our time has come, Coronado.

Verywell.

Did you say ''our''?

First, I'll throw you off.

And then myself.

-Come along.
-Just a minute, Albrit.

Stop!

Yours wasn't in the agreement...

and I won't allow it.
I'm rebelling, eh?

Don't change your mind now,
Coronado.

Don't be a coward.

If the push scares you...

we'll jump together
in love and company.

Your lordship can't do that!

Why can't I?

-Who'll forbid me?
-I will.

This wasn't in the deal.

If you're scared of death,
go back to your daughters.

You know which is worse.

Goddamn it!

Don't you understand?
Mine was all agreed on, but yours...

Yours...

You've gone senile!
Albrit, come back here!

Don't make me responsible
foryour death!

What a ridiculous idea!

They won't even let you die
in peace, Coronado!

(Whistle Blowing)

(Surf Breaking)

The sea will be so cold.

My God...

forgive us.

When you wish, Don Rodrigo.

( Dolly)
Grandfather!

Grandfather!

Grandfather!

Grandfather!

( Coronado )
''My dearest Don Rodrigo...

and allow me to address
you always as such.

On today's date,
which is that of today...

I have ordered
the administrator...

to hand over to you
for your use...

the house by the river...

the large house in Polan...

and all its lands.

And, given that you love Dolly...

and Dolly loves you...

after a mother-daughter
conversation...

very interesting for both of us...

I give my consent...

that she should live with you
for the rest of your days.''

Full stop.

''By the time you read
this letter...

Nelly and I will be
on ourway to Madrid...

where you too
have your home.

Nelly and I hope...

that both of you will visit us
as often as possible.

With the sincere friendship
of your daughter Lucrecia...

and many kisses
from your granddaughter Nelly.''

Final full stop.

Ifyou were asked to choose...

between honor and love...

what would you do?

Look, if that thing
which we call honor...

could become
something material...

it would be very good
for fertilizing the land.

Manure.

For growing lettuce
and tomatoes.

That is honor,
in my humble opinion.

A piece of shit.

Dolly...

why do you want
to be with me?

Your place is with your mother
and your sister.

They'll take better care of you
than I.

And who'll take care of you?

And what has that got
to do with it?

I don't know why I like
being with you.

But I do.

I liked being with Father too.

Well, let's go to Polan.

Your lordship!

There's still that business of mine.
Don'tyou remember?

The little push.
We've got an agreement.

-Kneel down.
-Yes, sir.

Pio Coronado...

great philosopher...

I name you my friend.

-Do you accept?
-Of course I do.

I hereby swear...

that from this moment
we are friends.

Listen.

Our friendship...

means a new agreement.

That of waiting to die
of old age...

because now we have
to take care...

-of our granddaughter.
-Our granddaughter?

Yes, of course!
She's as much yours as mine!

Stop asking stupid questions.
Come along.

Come on.

( Coronado )
Gundemaro, Sisebuto...

( Dolly)
Suintila, Sisenando, Kuintilla...

Your lordship, she knows
the list of the Gothic kings!

( Don Rodrigo )
I didn't hear you properly, Coronado.

Did you say ''your lordship''?

( Coronado )
Well...

I said, Rodrigo, my friend...

that our granddaughter
knows the Gothic kings.

Amazing.

And another thing.

Look, Rodrigo, even though
you're a man of the world...

for you've seen such foreign
countries as France, England...

Peru, Cuba, Argentina,
Mexico and the United States...

which are all very far away...

and even though your knowledge
exceeds mine...

I can tell you, Rodrigo,
my friend, that life is a dream.

( Don Rodrigo )
Ifyou start contradicting me, Coronado...

you'll stop being my friend
right now.

Doubt, Pio, doubt.

That is the thing.

Where is good?
Where is evil?

That is the thing.