Original subtitles

-[♪ somber music playing] -This baby is yours. A Florio!

PREVIOUSLY ON THE LIONS OF SICILY

You can't have a child. It'll be a bastard.

[Vincenzo] Giulia!

You disappeared for weeks and left me alone.

-I made a mistake. -I'll keep my baby.

[Vincenzo breathes deeply]

[Carlo] With these upgrades, you'll have the biggest tuna factory

in Sicily.

[Vincenzo] After cooking the tuna, my father would place it in these jars.

Then he'd cover it in oil. Drown it in oil, giving it flavor.

But we can use the oil to preserve the tuna.

We'll be back in a year to taste it, then we'll know if I'm right.

-It's a boy? -It's a baby girl.

I'm creating an empire, Giulia.

[baby cooing]

And an empire won't exist

without an heir.

Palermo is uninhabitable.

-There's almost no cholera here. -I want to come here with my family.

[Giulia] Once again, I wasn't able to give you the son you always wanted.

Will you marry me, Giulia?

[♪ music fades]

[Vincenzo] Look!

Look how beautiful this dining room is, Mama.

We can dine with a view of the sea.

What do you think?

There's no better home in the whole world.

It's true.

Giuseppina, viens ici!

Follow me. This way. This is just the beginning.

Look at this, Mama! Huh?

So, Ma, do you like it?

It's right by the sea, it must get very damp at night.

-Damp? Come on. -[chuckles]

-This is a palace, right? -It is.

With cholera sweeping the city, this is the best place to be.

When it's all over, we can spend springs and summers here,

and then the rest of the year, we spend in Palermo.

At my age, all that back and forth?

You think you can say something positive for once?

-[waves crashing] -[cicadas chirping]

Your Uncle Ignazio would have loved this place.

It's beautiful.

-[♪ gentle music playing] -And the house is beautiful as well.

Well, you haven't even seen where you're staying yet.

Luisa! Luisa!

-Show my mother her rooms if you will. -Right away, Don Vincenzo.

[♪ music fades]

THE LIONS OF SICILY

-[♪ soft music playing] -[laughs]

-Come here! -Hey, don't do that!

[laughs]

We'll have our wedding party here.

We'll have the orchestra on the terrace. And torches here. Lots of them, all over.

[Vincenzo] We can't get married, Giulia.

[♪ soft music concludes]

-[Vincenzo] Not yet. -[♪ somber music playing]

I was summoned by the bishop.

He said that because of the cholera, all ceremonies have been cancelled.

Confirmations, christenings, funerals, weddings. Everything.

-For how long? -[Vincenzo] Until the epidemic is over.

Why didn't you tell me before?

I didn't… I didn't want to spoil this moment.

-I have to go back to Palermo. -You're leaving already?

I can't abandon my business.

But you're abandoning me.

-I'll be back as soon as I can, hmm? -[sighs]

Listen to me, stay here and don't let anyone in, okay?

And don't forget to wash the sheets and linens in boiling water every day.

I don't want to stay here without you.

-I'll go with you to Palermo. -No. Absolutely not.

Two thousand people die in Palermo every day.

I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you, you hear me?

[♪ somber music fades]

Be careful, my love.

[♪ somber music continues]

[door creaks]

Life is strange, isn't it?

You thought your wedding was drawing near, that everything would be better.

Instead, our Lord sent down an epidemic, and nothing changed. No, actually…

-It got worse… -[sighs]

…because now you're stuck here with me.

-[Angelina] Where is Papa going? -Papa will be back soon.

-[cries] -If you'll excuse me. Come on, let's go.

And may this cholera never pass.

WARNING PROTECT SICILY FROM CHOLERA

-[♪ melancholic music playing] -[horses snort]

-[horse neighs] -[♪ music fades]

-[Peppe] Welcome back, Vicè. -[door closes]

This is like a mortuary.

-No ships in sight. -[seagulls squawking]

The English and the French have left the city.

They called it "sanitary quarantine."

-Until when? -Until the epidemic is over.

What about our ship that's due in from Tunisia?

Refused entry.

The king has completely abandoned us.

[Baron Bordonaro] You've gotta be joking. This is impossible!

What are we supposed to do?

Are we supposed to endure every foreigner's whim

and wait until this is all over to get back to business?

How are we going to make our living?

I'm afraid we can't do anything about it. Those are the rules, unfortunately.

People in Naples have been adamant about it.

Dirty crooks. They're dirty crooks!

He's right, you know.

They can't cut Palermo out of business. They're dirty crooks.

-Who was he? -Baron Chiaramonte Bordonaro.

-He's a baron? -Kind of.

He inherited both the title and the estate.

If even barons are in the same situation as us…

then it means that we are ruined.

[sighs]

[machines whirring]

How long can we last with what we have in stock?

A month at the most.

Peppe…

go to our rivals, even the Canzoneri,

and buy everything you can, no matter the cost.

Vicè, we're all in the same situation. Warehouses are empty everywhere.

Hell is about to break loose here, you know.

Apparently, people in Naples don't seem to get it.

Of course they don't get it. They keep sending us soldiers.

We need everything but the army, and that's what they sent.

What good is the army for us now?

What do you think, Vicè? You believe what they're saying?

What did they say?

People are saying that the Bourbons in France sent cholera to kill us all.

They put Sicily in quarantine.

That's what's killing us, not cholera.

Oh, Raffaele. What are you doing here?

I thought I'd bring you some Marsala wine

and say hello, of course.

-How many boxes? -Uh, 20.

-That's all? -[Raffaele] Yeah.

Even if there were a thousand, we couldn't ship them anyway.

-What do you mean? -Well, because Palermo is in quarantine.

Nothing can get in or out until the cholera is gone.

-What are we supposed to do then? -We can pray.

I mean, unless you have your own private fleet.

Do you have a private fleet?

-[clicks tongue] -Well…

He doesn't. But we might be able to arrange that.

[♪ brooding music playing]

-[bell chiming] -[drink pouring]

[♪ music fades]

Who knows how Vincenzo is doing, alone in Palermo.

Why would he go there?

All the noblemen are abandoning the city…

but he's not like them.

[Giuseppina] He could have been.

My son could have been anything he wanted to be.

He's a free man, after all. He's always been.

But…

I don't believe he minds spending so much time alone in Palermo.

Spending time alone in Palermo is anything but fun at the moment.

[scoffs] Men always come up with ways to have some fun.

I feel a bit nauseous.

If you'll excuse me.

Of course.

Take care of yourself.

You don't look well at all today.

[♪ upbeat music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Ma'am.

-Did you see that? [chuckles] -Of course I did.

Welcome. Are you looking for anything particular?

[women chuckling]

No, thank you, signora. I've found what I was looking for.

Vincenzo! [chuckles] How did you know I was here?

With the Duchess in Mondello, I knew you'd feel lonely.

A city with no women is depressing, isn't it?

Well, a city with no ships is even more.

I need to talk to you.

Absolutely. Have a drink with me.

Ben...

cholera is going to end at some point,

and when it does, I believe we need to be prepared.

I thought of something.

Why don't we build our own fleet for all of us?

-All of us, who? -Us. The people of Sicily.

-[chuckles] -Why are you laughing?

You've been living here for over 30 years. You're more Sicilian than I am.

And how do you plan on building this Sicilian fleet?

We'll do it by gathering other entrepreneurs,

people who think like us, exasperated, like us.

What do you think?

[Ben] I'm not the person you need.

If you want to challenge the English and the French and Naples,

you need the people who truly hold the power here.

But you hate the nobility, so you wouldn't deal with them.

[Vincenzo] No. Actually, it's them who don't want to deal with me.

-Follow my example. Marry a noble woman. -[server] Signore.

Again? This marriage thing again? I've had enough of it.

If I'm being honest, Vincenzo,

I really don't understand why you're so obsessed with that lady.

Giulia, her name is Giulia.

She has no experience in society. She's of no advantage to you.

Not everything has to generate profit.

Oh, no?

-[women laughing] -Anyway, can I count on your help?

I'll arrange a meeting with Giacomo Morrison.

-He knows the English shipyards very well. -[Vincenzo] Great.

-Isabelle! Isabelle! [shushes] -[Giuseppina Florio cries]

[♪ music fades]

-Où es-tu? -[mockingly] "Où es-tu?"

[Giulia] Isabelle!

Have you seen Isabelle? I can't find her anywhere.

[Giuseppina] I sent her away.

[Giulia] What?

I don't trust that girl.

She goes out at night to meet who knows who.

-She'll end up bringing the disease here. -Where did you send her?

I don't know. I'm sure she has a place to stay.

We are in the middle of an epidemic and you put her on the streets?

-[♪ soft music playing] -I can't believe you.

Are you not able to take care of two daughters without servants?

You're good at getting pregnant, but you're incapable of being a mother.

[crying]

Make her be quiet. That baby is giving me a headache, you hear me?

Girls, let's go for a walk. Sweetie, come.

[Giuseppina] Where are you going? Didn't you hear what Vincenzo said?

We're not supposed to leave the house.

-Yes. We're going to the beach out front. -Have I not been clear?

I already said no. This is my house, and I make the rules.

It's my house too, Giuseppina.

Oh, no, my dear.

You are just a guest here.

And as long as you and my son aren't married, you are no one.

If that bothers you, just send me away.

[♪ wistful music playing]

-[♪ music fades] -[Ben] So, Vincenzo,

Mr. Morrison thinks that this boat

has an excellent loading capacity.

And the good loading capacity is not the only thing.

It has 150 horsepower

and a maximum speed of 14 miles an hour.

It's a great steamboat. Very modern.

And how much does this great steamboat cost?

Fifteen-thousand pounds.

That's almost 30,000 onze.

To which further, uh, expense should be added for the spare parts.

Because in Palermo, you can't find any.

-What's the new number? -Thirty-three thousand onze.

Then you should also consider the English crew

that will take care of transportation to Palermo.

Then there's the furniture, beds, tables, silverware,

-linens and so forth and so on. -So, what's the total?

Forty thousand onze, approximately.

James, would you give us a minute?

Of course. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Florio.

Well,

is this harsh reality enough to discourage Vincenzo Florio?

No one's doing any business.

Our coffers are empty.

How many are journeying the course?

About 20.

We can barely cover half the expenses.

Well, you can always turn to banks, right? No?

[indistinct chatter]

Don Vincenzo!

What an honor. To what do we owe your visit?

I need to speak with the loan director.

-Haven't you heard? -Heard what?

He died recently. Cholera. Rest in peace.

-I didn't know, that's terrible. -A real tragedy.

But you needn't worry. See? Business is going on as usual.

Follow me.

The new director will be more than happy to help.

[knocking on door]

Sir...

Don Vincenzo Florio would like to meet you.

[Ettore] Show him in.

Please come in.

If you'll excuse me.

Sir, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Please, have a seat.

All right, what do you need?

I'd like to talk to you about a project. I'm trying to get started.

[Ettore] For which you need money, I imagine.

Exactly.

Funny, isn't it?

Not so long ago, the whole city would come to you for money

but usury lack interest.

And now, look at you. How the tables have turned.

I don't see where you're going with this.

I haven't introduced myself. Ettore Nasca di Montemaggiore.

Perhaps you will remember my father better, Baron Mercurio.

You extorted the tuna plant from him for a few onze

-when he was in a time of need. -[chuckles softly]

I understand. I better go then.

Oh, and Florio! Don't waste your time knocking on other doors.

I'm going to inform anyone who lends you funds

that they'll be treated like cholera victims here.

-[Giulia] The first note is… -Do.

[Giulia] ♪ Do, re, mi ♪

Come on, play with me.

♪ Do, re, mi ♪

Have the kids had a proper meal?

I'll make something in a minute.

Amore, it's been three weeks since your father left, huh?

And he said that he would come visit us.

He must be busy with work.

-[chuckles] Yes, of course. -[piano notes playing]

[seagulls squawking]

Keep playing. [kisses, sighs deeply]

Donna Giuseppina, are you going to be at war with me

until the wedding?

Tell me something, do you think it'll happen at all?

Do you think that someone as rich and powerful as Vincenzo

couldn't convince the bishop to marry the two of you in secret?

I wonder if it's even true. Do you think they spoke

or was it just a tale Vincenzo invented to buy some time?

We're in the middle of an epidemic, in case you haven't noticed.

You're the one who doesn't notice things.

[♪ somber music playing]

Vincenzo only used you. He had fun with you.

But now, he's come to realize that you're of no use to him.

Let's go.

[♪ music builds]

[fire crackling]

-[crowd shouting, clamoring] -[glass shattering]

[knocking]

-Take me home, Pasquale. -[Pasquale] Let's go.

[Peppe] The line reached the square today.

In two days, we'll have nothing left.

May God help us.

[♪ music fades]

Have these letters delivered.

Let's hope they grasp the fact that either we do something, or we die.

[crickets chirping]

[♪ pensive music playing]

-[glass shattering] -[crowd clamoring]

[♪ dramatic music playing]

[rioter grunts]

[crowd clamoring]

Do you want your toy? Your little horse?

Here you go.

[Salvatore] We've run out of everything. I swear! Everything!

We aren't getting any shipments. There are no supplies left!

[customer 1] Please, I need medicine for my wife!

-She's in terrible pain! -There's no medicine left!

[customer 2] Not even a jar of valerian? It's for my daughter!

[Salvatore] We don't have anything left, I don't know what else to tell you!

[customer 3] You're lying! I don't believe you!

You're saving all the spices for you and your friend!

[crowd yells, clamors]

Stop it! Stop it! Stop this at once!

Let go! Stop this madness! Do not touch Salvatore!

-[customer 4] What are you doing? -[customer 5] Shame on you!

Stop it!

Don Florio, for the love of God, help us. I know you will!

[Vincenzo] Signora, haven't you heard Salvatore?

We don't have anything in stock. I know you all, believe me.

-You're just lying! -Why on earth would I be lying, huh?

[customer 6] You're hoarding spices in here somewhere.

Now, get out of the way, before we make you!

-[crowd clamoring] -Get off me!

You think we're lying? You wanna kill us? Well, do it. Kill us!

What do we do, huh? What are we supposed to do?

Perform a miracle? We're here. Now, what?

-What can we do, huh? -[customer 7] Help us, Don Florio.

-We're in need. -What can I do?

There are no ships sailing from the port of Palermo,

-neither in, nor out. -[customer 8] We're desperate.

I know that you're saving spices!

-You're saving spices for your friends! -What friends, huh?

-We need to help our families! -Get off me! What friends?

I'm telling you. We are the only ones left in Palermo.

What friends? Now, if you would please just back away.

Because if we get sick,

we'll die like dogs, like everyone else did.

Vincenzo Florio, you're the biggest trader in Palermo!

-It doesn't make sense. -You don't believe me, signora?

Want to come see for yourself?

-Come on. -Yes, let's go.

-[distant gunshots] -[crowd clamoring]

[groans]

[groans]

[groans]

-[♪ music intensifies] -[crowd screaming, clamoring]

-[♪ pensive music playing] -You're Vincenzo Florio, aren't you?

Si, signore.

I'm General Francesco Saverio Del Carretto.

Why did you kill them? There was no need.

Rioting must be addressed like weeds, and it needs eradicating before it grows.

These rioters would've kept on going and destroyed everything.

-Don Florio. -[horse neighs]

[♪ music builds]

Vicè, are you all right?

-[♪ music fades] -[crickets chirping]

No.

Things are about to get worse, Peppe.

Citizens will get even more desperate, and soldiers will get even more ruthless.

Palermo needs more rations. Even our warehouses are empty.

-[dogs barking in distance] -I can't afford to pay wages anymore.

If nothing changes, we'll lose everything.

There's something else I need to tell you about.

Oh, no, no, Peppe, I don't think I can handle any more bad news.

Someone saw Donna Giulia here in Palermo.

-[♪ gentle music playing] -[knocking on door]

[knocking continues]

-[Giulia] What are you doing here? -What am I doing here?

What are you doing here?

Giulia! Why did you come to the city? Where are the girls?

If you're here to take us back there,

I'll have you know, we're not moving from here.

I'm done living with your mother.

I swear to God, I'll divide the house in two after we're married,

that way she won't harass us anymore.

Assuming we do get married.

Why would you say that?

You never came to see me.

Do you know what I think? I think you're glad about all this.

I think you've changed your mind, but you're too scared to tell me.

She put that thought in your head, didn't she? Tell me the truth.

Of course I want to marry you.

Tomorrow, you and the girls will come to Palazzo Florio.

You'll come live with me.

-[♪ music fades] -[bell dings]

-Peppe. -Vicè.

Well, did anyone respond?

No, Vicè.

[breathes deeply]

Of course, they wouldn't go through the trouble of responding

to someone like me.

I believe convincing one of them should be enough, the others will follow.

And we will convince one.

-[bell tolling] -[horse neighs]

[doors creak]

Baron.

Florio, what are you doing here?

-We're in the middle of an epidemic. -I was looking for you.

You can avoid cholera, but not Vincenzo Florio.

-So, what can I do for you? -I sent you a letter.

Then I must have missed it,

but you know, I have quite a lot to see at this time.

Would you give me a minute, please?

All right.

Thank you.

-Let's keep a distance. -Baron, you were born a merchant, like me.

And like me, you made money by lending money.

People call us parasites and bloodsuckers.

They call me that to my face.

And they call you that behind your back,

only because you have a coat of arms on your door.

-[Baron Bordonaro] Your minute is up. -You have three brigantines.

You understand both business and sailing.

I believe you'd be perfect for the operation I've planned.

What operation?

Give me some more of your time and you'll find out.

I'd like you to have dinner at my place.

I'll think about it if my schedule allows it.

[Vincenzo] You don't have children, Baron,

and I haven't been fortunate enough to have a boy.

Who are we doing this for if we can't leave it to anyone?

We're doing it for Sicily, for our country. Come over for dinner.

[horse neighs]

[Giulia] A fleet?

-That's what we need? -[Vincenzo sighs]

It would be wonderful.

The Florios back at sea…

-[Giulia] Hmm. -[Vincenzo] …like the old days.

If only those numbskulls could comprehend it.

Who are you talking about?

-Damn princes. Fucking barons. -[chuckles]

-I sent out 20 letters. -Hmm.

-And no one responded? -Not yet. No.

-But I did go see Baron Bordonaro. -And?

I believe that I did the right thing.

It doesn't matter if you do the right or wrong thing here.

People in Sicily can't stand those who do something.

-Or maybe just when you do. -Hmm.

[smooches]

END OF THE CHOLERA EPIDEMIC

-[distant bell tolling] -[indistinct chatter]

Giulia!

-The Baron responded. -He's not the only one.

-I only had to convince one. -And the others followed just like sheep.

-That's right. -[chuckles]

-Now we could really use your help. -My help?

We have to convince them to invest their own money…

-Hmm. -…so we can raise this fleet.

What better occasion to host a dinner?

Host a dinner with all the nobles of Palermo?

Yes, we can do it.

-No need to worry. -[chuckles]

This is for the future of our Florio family.

[chuckles]

[♪ lively rock music playing]

These go to the kitchen.

Hurry with those flowers!

-Why is the sauce still here? -I'll have it prepared right away.

Luisa, have one place removed from the table.

[♪ music fades]

-I'm staying in my room. -Why? Are you not feeling well?

-It's not cholera. Don't get hopeful. -You shouldn't say that.

I'm sorry you won't be joining us.

He only needs you. You've always wanted to be a lady.

Now is your opportunity to show that you are one.

[Giulia] You know how important this is to Vincenzo.

There's a lot at stake tonight.

Could you just welcome our guests? Then you're free to leave.

-Oh, I have your permission. -We are hosting every nobleman in Palermo.

-Make this sacrifice for your son. -My son has never made sacrifices for me.

Get me some chicken broth.

[scoffs] Is that what you'll be wearing?

Yes, this. This is what I'm wearing. This was Vincenzo's suggestion.

Seems like you're dressed for a ball, not to host guests for dinner.

And it's too revealing!

[♪ upbeat rock music playing]

Ben.

Prince. Baron, may I introduce you to Donna Giulia?

-Florio, your home is truly wonderful. -[Vincenzo] Thank you.

Welcome.

-Prince, come in. -Good evening, Florio. Enchanté, madame.

Donna Laura.

-[in French] A little too much, isn't it? -Too exaggerated.

[in English] There's a sort of pretentious elegance, don't you think?

The greater the effort, the further away you get from it.

Because of the epidemic, I was locked in the house for weeks on end.

I've been so bored.

I would've had dinner at the servant's house

-Well, where do you think we are? -[both chuckle]

[Vincenzo] Welcome.

-[♪ music fades] -[indistinct chatter]

Ben! [kisses]

-[whispering] Just relax. -I can't.

[noblewoman chuckles]

It appears as if we're becoming extinct.

There aren't many others of our species left.

I don't understand, Donna Stefania.

-What species? -[Stefania] The legitimate wives.

Now, we have a thriving collection of other kinds of relationships.

-[guests snickering] -Dear Princess, our society

has always been acquainted with relationships of every kind.

Who among our husbands has never had a mistress?

-Hmm? -[guests muttering]

For example, you, Baron Bordonaro.

If I'm not mistaken…

-I'm joking. Just joking. -[guests chuckling]

Well, yes, of course. Forbidden affairs have always been a reality.

That's true, but you see, before, they were much more of a prerogative.

I never thought this custom would become as common as it seems to be.

Well, let's look on the bright side. Now that the common people do it,

having a mistress will grow out of fashion.

[guests snickering]

Why do you despise the common people, anyway, Princess?

"The terrible bourgeois."

That's what they call us, my friend.

Well, I don't. I was just referring

to how people like yourself have adopted the customs of the nobility,

even when it comes to hospitality.

Your, uh, husband is an example of a man

who's reached the top of society, certainly.

Well, I don't think it's fair to view society

-as a sheer mountain that we should climb. -It is though, isn't it?

Certainly there are lots who are very eager to reach the top.

And there are some who are busy stopping others from doing that.

Well, if we plan on reaching the level of elegance of your, uh…

social events, we still have a long climb ahead of us.

Not that I was ever invited to one, of course,

but I can only imagine how luxurious some gatherings can be.

In fact, I think I've contributed quite a bit to that luxury,

haven't I, Prince?

What does he mean?

[chuckles] Oh, it's nothing.

I just turned to him for a small loan once.

[Vincenzo] Hmm. Small.

Maybe it was a small sum given the finances of the nobility,

but it was quite considerable for us poor bourgeois people.

Oh, isn't that nice? Why am I only hearing about this now?

Was it really necessary?

[Vincenzo] This is the way of the world, Princess.

Don't get upset about it.

You take some things from us, and we take some of your customs.

But that's enough chatting.

Tonight, I want to share something important with you.

Adelina, please.

-[♪ gentle music playing] -[guests muttering]

[Vincenzo] I am sure that what you all are about to taste

has never been on your tables before.

But after tonight, you won't be able to go without it.

-I guarantee it. -Mon Dieu, it's not even in a plate.

-This is fun. -[both chuckle]

-Thank you. -[indistinct chatter]

In oil? Tuna in oil?

[Vincenzo] This tuna was caught over a year ago.

[indistinct chatter]

-[Vincenzo] Please, try it. -[guest 1 clears throat]

-There's nothing like this on the market. -It's never been served before

I guess you could say you're my guinea pigs tonight, yes?

Try it and tell me what you think.

[guest 2] Mm!

Ben. It's wonderful.

[♪ music pauses]

-How is it? -Délicieux.

-It's buonissimo. -[♪ music continues]

It tastes like fresh tuna. Incroyable.

[Vincenzo] It would be my great pleasure to send an entire crate

to each one of you.

[indistinct chatter]

Please, come in.

You'll find coffee, liqueurs and cigars for your enjoyment.

If you'll excuse me.

[Vincenzo] Please, have a seat.

All right. We'll wait in the salon. Follow me, please.

Thank you, my dear, but I have a terrible headache,

so I'm going to go home. Goodnight.

Thank you.

I'm feeling quite tired as well.

I'll have the coachman return for my husband later.

[Baroness] Such a lovely evening. Goodnight.

Have a good night.

-Are you coming with us? -No, Baroness. I'm staying.

The night is still young for me.

[noblewoman] Have a good night.

Come on, let's go get a drink.

[whispering] Thank you.

-[inhales deeply] -[♪ mellow music playing]

[Spadafora] Don't let their arrogance get to you.

-You were truly wonderful. -[crickets chirping]

Except for making me drink alone. That was very rude.

-Are you sure you don't want to join me? -I'm just not in the mood.

You were absolutely marvelous. Everything was perfect.

Yes, it was perfect while they were keeping their husbands company.

But when asked to join me on their own… [scoffs]

…God forbid, they find me worse than cholera.

Don't say that.

I can picture the satisfied look on Donna Giuseppina's face.

"You're not enough for my son."

-[chuckles] -"How do you feel now?"

[sighs]

You were an impeccable hostess, my dear. What else is left for a woman to do?

Now it's Vincenzo's turn, and I bet he's doing his best in there too.

-Thank you for staying here with me. -I didn't want to leave you alone.

And I wanted to show everyone whose side I'm on.

But I should go now. Although I bragged and taught a lesson too branci volte,

I'm afraid I don't have the energy I had in my twenties.

[whispering] Take care, my dear.

Goodnight.

[sighs]

[Vincenzo] How long does it take to go from Palermo to Naples?

Around eight days.

-What are the costs? -Ten onze.

Ten onze, right.

A fleet of Sicilian steamboats would allow us

to make that same trip in 16 hours.

-Sixteen? -Exactly.

And the cost would also be lower.

From 10 onze to 50 tari.

Sicily has its own sea,

so all of Sicily should be able to sail it without depending on anyone else.

I've found 40 partners already, in Palermo,

including merchants and entrepreneurs.

Merchants, huh?

Why should we have anything to do with merchants?

What I'm offering you is a great opportunity…

to bring progress to Sicily.

[groans] Progress would have been being able to find a cure for that…

[sighs] …damn cholera outbreak we had, wouldn't it?

C'est exact. May I have more of this Marsala wine?

Me too, if you will.

Go get more.

If there's one thing that cholera has taught us,

it's that we Sicilians can't afford to depend on Naples.

And we can't depend on the whims of the English and the French.

When I started with my father and uncle, there was nothing here.

Every idea seemed like it was crazy.

I remember what Sicily was like 30 years ago.

I watched it be transformed, thanks to the dreams of this gentleman.

[exhales]

And I've learned that one must always have faith

in the ideas of the Florios.

Especially in times when they seem utterly crazy.

I was told you ran out of Marsala wine,

-so I thought I'd serve it to you. -Giulia.

Forgive me, Ben. I didn't mean to interrupt.

This Marsala wine, for example.

When Vincenzo wanted to challenge the English,

I thought he was going to fail.

But instead, his is better than ours.

And God only knows how much it hurts to admit it.

Now, with all due respect, if even the king is afraid

of provoking the English and the French…

[chuckles] …why shouldn't we be too?

Exactly. Is it wise to stand up against three monarchies?

And the Bourbons, Sicily's against them, I believe.

I think of myself as one of you now,

and I know what the people in Sicily think about the Bourbons. [chuckles]

They even think the Bourbons sent cholera to eradicate us.

-Giulia. -Obviously, I don't think it's true.

But in fact, isolating us and leaving us with no medicine did kill a lot of us.

Soon, the people will rise up against them, once and for all.

At that point, with the Bourbons gone, the English and the French

are going to devastate our land. Just like they always have.

You, you are all the most noble families of this marvelous island.

You were the ones who created this land.

I refuse to believe you're willing to become subjects to just anyone.

Forgive me for speaking up, but I'm only repeating

what Vincenzo has told me once.

What do I know?

I'm just a woman.

If you'll excuse me.

[footsteps receding]

Florio, this steamboat.

How long would it take to build it anyway?

And how much would it cost?

[♪ gentle uplifting music playing]

-How did it go? -Well, extremely well.

You were fantastic. I'll marry you.

-I'll marry you right now. -[chuckles]

Great.

At least this baby will bear the name "Florio."

-You're pregnant again? -[chuckles]

[both chuckle softly]

[♪ music fades]

It's midday, Raffaele.

-Vicè. -Well, what are you doing?

Come outside. Let the lady rest for a while longer.

[Raffaele] Vicè, you gotta understand. It gets lonely out here.

and I need a little company from time to time.

Ben Ingham says that our Marsala wine is far better than the English one.

Of course. Ours is the best available on the market.

So why aren't we selling more?

Because you told me I should focus on quality, didn't you?

Those crates left outside in the sun, how long have they been there?

-Nah. Don't worry, I'll move them. -Forget it, Raffaele.

Discard that batch.

It's not even good for salad dressing now.

Ah, it's not a big deal. They've only been there a few hours.

Is this your idea of quality?

Hey, I'm putting my heart and soul into this.

Doesn't seem like it, Raffaele. Doesn't seem like it at all.

The farmers said you rarely show up, you're always delegating.

I put you here because I thought that you would think just like me.

You made me your partner. Not your slave.

I warned you, Raffaele. I'm very meticulous.

Trusting you was a mistake.

-So what now? I'm fired? -[clicks tongue]

-What, then? -I'm going to buy your shares.

So you'll be rich, and can do whatever you want.

You know what?

No problem. We'll go our separate ways.

Perfect.

[Raffaele] Vicè, my father would always say…

"The Florios only care about money."

But that's not true.

This is not just about money for you, Vicè. It's really not.

You are obsessed with this.

You're obsessed with screwing everybody over.

It's never enough for you, is it?

You're insatiable.

How can you live like that?

Take care, Raffaele.

[♪ pensive music playing]

-[indistinct chatter] -[distant bell tolling]

[♪ gentle music playing]

We're half an hour late. I don't want to keep them waiting.

[Spadafora] Nothing can compare to how much you've waited.

-Is my family here? -No, I'm sorry.

I mean, is the groom here at least?

-Well, I did sort of assume that. -[chuckles]

Never assume anything with Vincenzo Florio.

Sweetheart, get that look off your face.

It'll be fascinating to tell your grandkids

about the time you got married in secret, don't you think?

Let's go inside.

Shall we go in?

-Thank you for walking with me. -Donna Giulia, it's an honor.

[♪ uplifting music playing]

[bishop speaking indistinctly]

[♪ uplifting music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

-[♪ music pauses] -[Giulia screaming, sobbing]

[baby wailing]

[♪ uplifting music continues]

[baby wailing]

It's a boy. [chuckles softly]

A boy?

Hello.

You can hold him if you want.

-I don't know how to hold him. -Just keep his head up.

[Vincenzo gasps]

No!

-No. -It's okay.

Don't cry, my boy, it's okay.

No, don't cry, my boy. Don't cry. We're here.

Mama, it's a boy!

-[laughs] -It's a boy.

You've finally given an heir to this family.

-No. No. -[baby wails]

Should we call him Paolo, after your father?

No.

Ignazio.

He raised me, my uncle. Let's call him Ignazio, Mama.

-Yeah? -Ignazio. Yes.

[baby wailing]

[chuckles]

[speaks indistinctly]

[♪ music fades]

[♪ closing theme song playing]

♪ Menomale che non sei normale ♪

♪ Come tutti quanti ♪

♪ Che lasci tutto e torni ♪

♪ Se ho paura anch’io e non lo sanno gli altri ♪

♪ E allora come mai ♪

♪ C’hai messo così tanto ad incontrarmi qui ♪

♪ A farne il tuo bersaglio ♪

♪ E poi portarmi in alto che la città è un puntino ♪

♪ Lo vedi quant’è bello dividersi un destino ♪

♪ C’è una notte stellata tra le ciminiere ♪

♪ C’è una vita pensata ed una da pensare insieme ♪

♪ Ed una da inventare ♪

♪ Ed una da capire ♪

♪ Ed una da durare io e te ♪

♪ Ed una da impazzire io e te ♪

[♪ music fades]

Translated by Giuseppina Paola Bonica