Original subtitles

WE, THE WOMEN

"FOUR STARS, ONE STARLET"

I don't like it one bit! You have to work to earn a living!

That isn't work, you're just wasting time. If you want to go, then go...

But make sure you never set foot here again!

The reason for the row with my mother was always the same.

Though this time, perhaps, the door to my house would be closed behind me forever.

Good day, Miss.

Taxi!

That morning at the local film studio there was a contest to find new actresses.

I decided to take part.

Your attention, please! Those taking part in the contest...

... "Four Stars, One Starlet" we ask you to please not crowd around the gates...

... and to present yourselves at the check-in table in the order you are called.

Your attention, please! Those taking part in the contest...

... "Four Stars, One Starlet" we ask you to please not crowd around the gates...

Miss Maria Grazia Iacomelli...

Elena Di Rega... Luciana Gallo...

Miss Giovanna Rocchi...

Marisa Bianchi...

Lucilla Solivani...

Please, do not crowd around the gates!

Please be patient, ladies.

Anna Amendola...

Donatella Marrosu... Rossana Galli...

Emma Danieli... Liliana Mais...

Magdalene Fisher...

Angela Scopelliti...

Annamaria Maurillo...

Rosa Giovannini...

Marisa Funaro...

Your attention, please!

Your attention, please!

Present yourselves in order at the panel table on the terrace...

... and walk slowly past, in front of the judges.

The assistant will then hand you your slip...

... with the results of the panel's voting.

Prenzini, Priasqui...

No.

- No. - I've come all the way from Naples and I don't even get a screen test?!

- Miss... - I can't go home, what can I do?

The panel has made their decision. Please, off you go.

Yes.

- Yes. Congratulations! - Thank you.

No.

- No. - Why not? - Why not? Because you're older than 25, Miss.

But a good actress can play a younger role even if she isn't that young.

- It's the art that counts, not the age. - I understand, but those are the rules.

- Yes. - Thank you.

Yes.

Come forward, Miss. Yes.

- Are you happy? - I don't know...

Yes.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

No.

- Yes. - Mother, I won!

Hold your horses, there's still the second selection!

- And you? - No, I was rejected.

- Well, I'm going. - I'm sorry you didn't make it. - What can I do? I'm just unlucky.

- I'll tell your sister that you made it. - No, don't tell her anything. It's too early.

Those who have been selected are invited to proceed to set number 1...

... to have some lunch, while the panel proceeds with the second and final selection.

The panel thanks everyone else for taking part, and promises to retain photos and addresses.

We were all thinking about the next round, everyone was thinking about themselves.

We didn't even notice those who had been rejected, as they set off on their way home.

I have to confess, that at that point I wasn't even thinking about my mother.

Attention, please!

Please, sit wherever you like.

This includes friends or family who also have an invite.

During lunch, the will panel proceed with the second and final selection for screen tests.

Eat normally, act naturally, and do not worry.

Do not be afraid of the judges.

Act as though there were nobody watching. Congratulations to all of you.

Enjoy your meal. Music, please!

- Gosh, there are so many of us! - Quiet, here come the judges!

Mother, it's useless, there are so many girls competing.

But you have the prettiest eyes!

- I hope the panel are impartial. - Yes...

I hope so.

Even if it doesn't go well, at least we got a free lunch.

Attention, please!

We will now read out the names of those who the panel has chosen for screen tests.

Those nominated may proceed to department 4 of the studio lot...

... to be prepared and made up.

Danieli...

Doria...

Gallo...

Fisher...

Fanton...

Solimani. Todisco. Ristori...

Di Rega. Iacomelli...

Mazzarini. Maes. Mariani. Amendola...

The remaining contestants may go.

Thank you to all of those who have taken part and for making this possible.

Ceccarelli, this is the list. Make yourselves at home in your dressing rooms.

- Can I make a telephone call? - Please, go ahead.

They gave me a dressing room with two other girls.

One was sure of herself. The other, less so.

Even I had begun to feel a little lost, alone...

So I thought about my mother.

- Hey! - What is it? - Come and take a look at this!

Ah, they chose you! Cinema is run by the Mafia anyway!

I can see that you're ready to lower yourself! Thank God there are more honest jobs!

Leave them alone, it's useless to waste time with those kind of girls!

Sorry, they're calling my Father. He works across the street. It's a bar, you know...

... there aren't many telephones in Garbatella.

Father! Father! Yes, it's me. They want me to take a screen test.

Of course, Father. Listen, there are people waiting to use the phone. I'll call you later.

Bye, Father! Bye.

Thank you.

Hello, Maria? Is Mother there, please? Yes, it's Anna.

Ah, she's not home...

It's our turn.

Please sit, Miss.

My Father is an officer in Africa, he wants us to move but I don't want to leave Italy.

I'll have to win the contest, that's the only way I can stay here.

Yes, it would be nice. To be in a film with actresses like Bergman, Magnani, Miranda...

... Valli... and Danieli!

- It would be amazing, wouldn't it? - Yes.

Miss Doria.

The screen tests weren't how I imagined.

The director didn't make us recite lines, but instead questioned us about our lives.

Don't worry, I will ask a few questions and you will answer as if we were friends.

Rolling! Take 1! Screen test, Doria!

What do you think about men?

- I don't know... - What do you mean, you don't know?

- Do you mean... do I like them? - Yes.

Of course I like men, but they can be annoying sometimes.

You can't even go out and have fun in peace, they follow you like detectives!

They swear a lot!

Well, it's not all their fault.

But for us that have...

Can I speak freely?

For us who are a little... chesty, they won't let us leave the house!

So, what can we do?

Screen test, Fanton!

- Miss, what will you do if you become an actress? - I'd make some films...

... make lots of money, get married, buy a mansion...

... and have lots of little ones. Kids...

I was under the sun and really sweating. The more I dried myself, the more I sweated.

Then they opened the gates and told us to make our way to the square.

The panel was there, you were there too.

Then they told us to eat. So everyone thought: "well, at there's lunch..."

I, actually... think that today... is really kind of useless because...

- Why? You're very pretty! - No, the other girls... more beautiful...

- Smile, why don't you smile for us? - I can't, I have a brace.

You have a brace? But your teeth are beautiful! Why do you need that for?

It's to straighten them.

Screen test, Marrosu!

- Where were you born, Miss? - In Rome.

Have you prepared anything for your screen test?

Yes, I had prepared a piece... but I've forgotten it.

- Well, I want to make films and be a singer. - Have you studied at all?

Yes, for seven months. But then I couldn't study anymore, so I stopped.

- I want to live in a mansion. - Where do you live now?

- I live in Garbatella. - Don't you like Garbatella?

Oh no, It's fine. But the mansion is my dream.

I know that I'll make it. I don't know when, It might take a month, a week...

... or years, but that doesn't matter. I know that one day I'll make it.

- You're young. - Yes, I have time.

- And you work in comic books? - Yes, photo stories always have happy endings.

- And now you want to make films? - Yes, it's really because...

See, photo stories, when they come out in the newspapers...

... they're never as beautiful as they are in the first draft.

- Screen test, Danieli! - Come forward, Miss.

- Where are you from? - Mantova.

- Mantova, Mantova? - No, I mean Buscoldo.

- So why did you say Mantova? - Because it's more important.

- What do you do in Buscoldo? - I'm studying.

- Please, sit down. - Thank you.

- Have you ever been to Rome? - No, it's my first time here.

- And what did you like the most? - Everything.

I wrote to Father and told him that the Coliseum made the biggest impression.

- What does your father do in Buscoldo? - My father used to have horses...

... but then he bought a delivery van so that he can transport local goods...

... straw, hay, wine. Anything he can get his hands on.

Can you call your father for us?

Yes, pretend you're in a telephone booth.

There's the telephone...

- But I don't know what to say... - Go on, give it try.

Father, Father! Yes, it's me, Emma.

Oh, It's too difficult! I can't do it...

Go on, just give it a try.

Father, it's wonderful here.

Yes, Mother loves it as well.

We walked all morning and we never got tired once.

The next thing was always more beautiful than the last.

You know, Mother liked Villa Borghese the most.

Because... there are benches to sit down, and everything is green like back at home.

Like back at home, Father.

Yes...

Father...

I want to come home, Father.

I want to come back, Father.

Don't worry, Father. It was just a moment of nostalgia.

No, it's not that I don't like making films...

Very good, thank you. Next!

Anna Amendola!

Finally, it was my turn. Now, it was me in front of everyone. Alone.

Little by little, everything disappeared. It was just me and the camera lens.

A camera lens in which I could see the reflection of my face.

Screen test, Amendola!

Miss, what did you think the screen test would be like?

Have you prepared something for us? A scene, or recital?

Yes, but... I don't know, I'd prefer it if you just asked me questions. - Very well.

- Let's talk about you. - Well... I don't know...

I'm studying, living at home, and I want to be an actress.

- What do they think about that back home? - Well, it doesn't matter about them...

I went to stay with a friend who lived across from my house.

I didn't want to go back home and face my mother.

For her to forgive me I'd have to give up on my dream of making films.

My mother had come looking for me, but I'd told my friend to say I wasn't here.

Just like she did once.

I thought about my life, about the contest. About my future, anyway...

I wasn't completely sure, but I knew that it would only be a couple of hours.

That day the panel would make their final decision.

- Shall we go see the screening room? - Let's go.

The big moment had arrived, the decisive moment...

All the girls were hiding their emotions, but they were like me: full of anxiety.

A few metres from us, and for the last few hours, they were examining our screen tests.

I want to come back, Father!

Don't worry, Father. It was just a moment of nostalgia.

Come on girls, you'll know soon enough. Excuse me...

Then I'm waiting here.

Tell me, Miss, if you make it, which actor would you like to work with?

If it was an American actor, Gregory Peck.

If he was Italian, Walter Chiari.

What? A dramatic actor and a comic actor?

Of course, I like to give everything a go.

I'm worried about my pig tails. I want to cut them, but Mother is old-fashioned.

- Miss, are you feeling ill? - No, it's nothing. - Would you like me to get something for you?

- What do you want, Miss? - Nothing, thank you. It's just the wait.

- They're killing us, making us wait like this. - Yes, it's true.

I've already missed 3 trains. I wanted to leave while it was still light, but...

The panel is bias, you know. They let some girls have longer screen tests!

Enjoy yourself while you can. When she's a star, you'll be dumped in the street.

- But when we have love... - Good luck to you!

- Mind your own business! - Yeah, you'll see!

Attention, please! Miss Emma Danieli, please make your way to the screening room.

Miss Emma Danieli!

- Mother! - Where were you last night?

- At Pina's house. - Miss Anna Amendola!

Anna Amendola, to the screening room.

Attention, please! The remaining girls...

... may still participate as extras in the film.

Fools!

Dear listeners, good evening. We're here at Titanus Studios in Rome...

... where we are broadcasting the result of the contest: "Four Stars, one Starlet"

... we pass you know to the director, Mr. Alfredo Guarini.

After much deliberating, the panel has decided to announce not one but two winners.

Emma Danieli and Anna Amendola. Congratulations, girls.

So, these two delighted girls will now enter the world of cinema...

... and participate in the film: "We, the Women" where four actresses...

... narrate on an episode of their private lives.

Come to the microphone, girls. This is the first interview of your careers.

This is the story of a wicked woman.

I didn't want to tell it to anyone, this isn't the kind of confession you make lightly...

I'm sure it would be the same for you, too.

But once a year, it's good to be honest.

I wasn't in a good mood that day. I had just got back from America...

... after a long time shooting. I'd left my sons in Los Angeles...

... and I wouldn't see them for two or three months.

Being away from them always made me very unhappy.

Even my job seemed unbearable.

All I could see were the sacrifices, the pretences...

Have you finished?

- Not yet, Miss Alida. - Rina, answer the phone.

I have to learn this off by heart.

- I'm not here. - very good, Miss.

Hello, who's speaking please?

It's not for you, it's for Miss Anna.

- For me? - Yes.

Hello? Ah, it's you.

Yes, okay, in an hour. Bye.

Thank you. Excuse me, Miss, it was...

- Don't worry, I understand. - You know, we're having an engagement party tonight.

And you didn't tell me? Why didn't you invite me?

- You wouldn't have come. - What do you know?

Then come! They'll be very happy!

- Tonight? - Yes.

No, there's a dance tonight! I have to learn this thing, too!

Wait, what was it again?

"Us members of cinema are happy to be part of such a good cause..."

And that's it, I forget.

Can I ever have a quiet evening in peace around here?

Miss Alida, I wouldn't be complaining too much if I was in your shoes.

Yes, but I can never do what I want to do. You know, what I like to do.

Anna, you know what I'll do? I'm not going to the dance tonight, I'm coming to yours.

- Are you happy? - Of course I am!

Instead, I went to the dance anyway because... well, let's say professional interest prevailed.

It's not easy to extract oneself from the obligations of such a profession.

I had to dance for ages with some strange, foreign producer.

He danced with the same monotony with which he spoke.

And he spoke of millions of dollars.

He talked, talked continuously.

I pretended to listen to what he was saying...

... and would laugh every so often.

But inside I just felt empty.

I thought how useless these obligations were.

All the same, all with the same pomposity.

I would just walk around like a robot.

And here's Alida Valli, we've finally found her! Welcome back from America, Alida.

Would you mind sharing your thoughts on this magnificent celebration?

Us members of cinema are happy to be part of such a good cause, and...

Thank you, Alida, that will do. One more thing, what is your next film?

My next film will be shot partly in France, partly in Spain, and...

Thank you. And here's the son of a famous American producer.

What do you think of Alida Valli?

They were calling me on the telephone. I thought of Anna and the promise I'd made.

So I instinctively told the boy to tell them that I wasn't there.

Then some journalist came and asked me: "What are your thoughts on Neorealism?"

I hesitated a moment, but he insisted: "What about the lack of original subjects?"

They always ask so many questions, the kind it's so difficult to answer.

And you must come across as intelligent at all costs.

I decided to leave.

But then I thought about Anna. It hurt me to have lied to her.

I would go to her house.

I was happy with my decision. Partly because it put my conscience at rest...

... partly, well mostly because I was bored.

Good evening, Miss. I'm Franco, the husband to be.

- Is Anna here? - Anna! Anna!

We're happy to have you here. Anna, look who it is.

- Oh, Miss Valli! Good evening. Excuse me... - How are you?

Good, thank you. And you? I was afraid you wouldn't come... This is Franco!

- We've already met. - Come, I want to introduce you to everyone.

Everyone was very kind, apart from one old lady...

... who didn't want to give up her place on the sofa.

Anna introduced me to Franco's parents...

... a guest wanted me to listen to her child recite poetry.

Everyone crowded around me, and a queue began to form.

This is Mrs. Montagnoli.

- And Mr. Montagnoli... - Miss, I've seen all your films. Well done...

- This is my cousin, he's from Foggia. - A pleasure to meet you.

- This is my cousin... and her husband. - Nice to meet you.

- This is a friend of ours, Giovanni. - Pleased to meet you.

- This is Franca. - Pleased to meet you, Miss.

- And these are all my friends. - Delighted to meet you.

- Miss, an autograph please? - Later, perhaps.

I couldn't wait to get up from that sofa.

With the sofa and my dress, it made me look like a statue.

A young man with a guitar turned up and started singing about one of my films.

I felt so ridiculous.

For the first time I really understood just how disproportionate the admiration...

... people have for us celebrities really is.

No one realised that I was more frightened of them than they were of me.

Luckily, Anna's mother turned up.

Lovely to see you, Miss! I would hug you, but my hands are all dirty.

Go on, keep dancing, enjoy yourselves!

- I'm going to give a hand in the kitchen. - No, you'll get all dirty!

Please, I'd love to!

This is the kitchen. Please excuse the mess, but we're simple folk.

How wonderful, really!

- This is Miss Ronchetti from the floor above. - Come on, recite a poem for the nice lady.

- Later, come on... - Oh wow, look at this! Incredible...

How marvelous!

- Anna, let me help with something. - No, you'll get dirty.

- You put the icing sugar on the cakes. - Yes, yes!

- How beautiful, who made this? - One of Franco's friends.

Everything was so nice, I told Anna that I envied her.

Anna and her mother wouldn't hear a word of it, but I really envied her.

- Wow, you can see the trains go by! - We don't hear it anymore, we're used to it.

Miss, please come and dance.

- But I wanted to help Anna. - No, Miss, go and enjoy yourself. Go on!

Pino! Pino, play something.

Even Anna's fiancé was so simple...

... so different from the men I was used to.

Suddenly, I ran to the balcony.

It was so beautiful!

- It's the train! - It stops there every night.

He told me that he was a train driver, he drove the line from Rome to Florence.

I told him that I wanted to take a train journey in the engine room...

... and that it had always been a dream of mine, ever since I was a child.

I asked him lots of questions about trains, he knew everything.

He spoke with the enthusiasm of a boy.

I was playing a game with myself, but had almost forgotten this fact.

The trains, the scenery, all took me back to an age long ago...

... when I too dreamed of a simple life, with a boy like him.

- Let's go and dance. - Yes, let's...

By that point I was in another world. It was me getting married, instead.

Nobody forgets their hopes and dreams.

I liked interpreting that role, in that environment.

And if things had gone another way, this life might even be mine.

But of course, he wasn't acting. He was emotional.

He was silent, perhaps hiding his embarrassment.

But I wasn't thinking about that, I was just lost in a dream.

It was the sight of Anna that brought me back to my senses.

Miss, may I?

This was how things really were.

Yes, envy was what I felt.

Anna noticed that he was looking at me, and that I was looking at him...

... so she grinned at me.

And still, I kept playing the game.

I looked at him some more.

Suddenly, Anna's expression turned to one of fear, and mine to shame...

... as if she had discovered what I really thought.

I would have done anything to assure her that it wasn't like that.

I told them that I had to get back to another party.

All of them insisted that I stay...

... but it seemed, at least at that point, that I was a very convincing actress.

Slowly but surely I saw trust return to Anna's eyes.

- Please, stay a while longer! - I'm very sorry...

- You've been so kind, but I can't stay. - Are you sure?

- I'm very sorry. - Thank you, Miss. You shouldn't have...

But don't stop on account of me. Keep dancing, keep playing!

You too, Anna, go and dance. Goodbye and thank you to everyone.

It was wonderful, thank you! Goodbye to everyone!

- Miss, can I have an autograph! - Hey, wait!

I just wanted to get away from there.

To get away from the place where I'd almost done something terrible.

I felt like crying. Though I don't know whether it was remorse... or melancholy.

- An autograph! - Wait!

No, I don't know what to tell you!

What do you want... what do you want me to tell you?

I don't know what would interest you.

Hey, get out of those flowers!

There, now I remember. Something happened to me here.

Too ridiculous! Too silly!

It was my first year here. See, the house down there?

That's where Mrs. Annovazzi lived, the ex-proprietor of this place.

When she sold the place to us...

... she asked me if she could stay a few days longer...

... to finish taking advantage of the sun.

You've no idea how much trouble she caused.

I loved this place from the beginning.

This sea! This beautiful blue sea.

This is our house and down there you can see where Mrs. Annovazzi lived.

The garden wasn't like this, it was a complete mess.

But I got to work right away because I have a real passion for flowers.

Anyway, this is where we settled down.

The kids, the dogs, the pony...

... all the children, mine and those of my siblings. A tribe.

One day, the air had already started to turn cold...

... I was on the terrace, reading...

- Miss, Ugo wants to speak with you. - Ah, okay.

- Should I send him up? - Yes, please.

Miss, the roses that you planted, they're all ruined. Can you take a look?

Yes, I'm coming!

- But who was it... what happened? - It's a disaster, Miss!

This way, Miss!

Look! Look what a mess they are! Whoever it was did a good job!

- You planted them so well, too! - What happened here?

I don't know, I don't understand. Perhaps it was the dogs.

No, the dogs are always with me, and the rest are down there.

I don't understand, perhaps it was the children.

Hey, kids, did you ruin the flowers?

No, it wasn't us!

We'll see.

Kids!

- Kids, was it you who ruined the roses? - What roses?

- The ones out front that I planted yesterday. - No, it wasn't us. We're never up there.

Then you must have opened the gate for the dogs. Which one of you was it?

- Where's Logiacono? - He was here a moment ago.

Robertino, be careful!

- Where is he now? Robertino, have you seen Logiacono? - Yes, he's out.

- Where? - In the car...

Where? You left the gate open.

Now he's escaped. I told you to keep the gate closed!

You never think what you're doing! Logiacono, come here!

Come here, Logiacono!

She's crazy about those roses!

Logiacono!

Logiacono, come here now!

Where are you? Come here right now!

Oh, excuse me. I forgot to mention that this dog doesn't listen when you shout.

He only listens when you call him with a calm voice.

Logiacono, come here.

Logiacono, my darling, come here.

Logiacono, where are you?

Logiacono !

Poor Logiacono, don't my flowers interest you, eh?

Go on! Get away!

That chicken made me very suspicious. It belonged to Mrs. Annovazzi.

Did you see the face he had? Proud, full of itself!

I started to follow him. Every so often he would take a stroll in the garden.

And I surprised him once or twice, dangerously close to the roses.

Mrs. Annovazzi, your chicken has eaten all of my roses.

- My chicken? - Yes. See where he is?

- It must have been your dogs. - No, you made us close them in the courtyard.

Of course, they would have torn me to shreds. Then it must have been the children.

No, it was your chicken! I saw him eating them just a moment ago!

- Then I'm sorry. - They're very, very rare roses.

They flower only twice every year, and would have been mature a month from now.

They use the word "mature" for pears, not for flowers.

Miss, please stop your chicken from eating my flowers.

And how am I supposed to do that? Should I tell him off?

- Keep him in the house. - We've become prisoners in our own home!

Now that you're here, we can't do a thing!

Miss, after the sale you said that you only wanted to stay for a few days.

So, you're going to hold this hospitality against me?

- No. Just... please, mind the chicken. - Yes, don't worry, I'll guard the chicken.

- It's not asking lots of you, is it? - "It's not asking much", you mean.

The pony was a present from a friend of ours.

The children loved it!

The tennis court was ruined anyway, so we transformed it into our very own rodeo.

Such joy to see the children so happy!

But out of the corner of my eye I was always checking on my roses.

That chicken was diabolical! I never managed to catch him in the act!

You like the pony, don't you?

- Miss, if you'd like to make that call, it's half past 3. - Very well, watch him.

Get out of here, you!

Mrs. Annovazzi, your chicken ate another bed of my roses!

He'll ruin all of them if you don't do something.

- Don't exaggerate, Miss! - I asked you to keep him under control!

- Just tie him to something. - Yes, put him in chains!

Why don't you tie up your children?

With all the noise they were making yesterday, I couldn't sleep. Screaming, all afternoon!

- They do it on purpose. - That's not true, Miss.

Of course they don't, and it won't happen again. Anyway, they're just children!

And a chicken is just a chicken!

We've locked the dogs up for you...

... we've stopped the children from making noise in the garden...

... stopped people singing in the shower in the morning...

... we've stopped everyone doing anything that just slightly bothers you.

- What do you want me to do, kill him? - Don't make things into a drama.

I'm not making things into a drama! Very well, I'll tether the chicken.

It was a windy day, the sea was choppy.

I was waiting for some guests, when...

Come here, darling.

Come here, little chicken.

Ugo, send me Logiacono, please.

- Where? - Here, in the house. Thank you.

Children, why did you close to door? Open up!

- No, it's not the children, it's me. - Do you need something?

No, nothing! Leave me in peace!

Miss, here's the dog.

Logiacono, come here.

Look, Logiacono.

Logiacono, come here.

Do you see this nice chicken?

Here, it's all for you.

Get him.

Miss, the guests from Rome are here.

- Welcome! - Hello, how are you?

- Look at this house, how wonderful! - Bring the tea in!

- Do you like the garden? - You've always been good with flowers.

And you're less than 40 minutes from Rome.

I know, but this house is just temporary. It's too small, the big house isn't finished yet.

- Please, take your jacket off. - The children must love the garden...

We'll take tea in the living room. Serve it through there, in the other room.

- Come on, let's go. - Don't worry darling, we're fine here.

How long do you think you'll be here?

Not for long, I don't think. It's already turned cold. Logiacono!

Get out of here, right now!

- How would you like your tea? - With lemon, please.

- And you, darling? - For my stomach, whisky would be better.

- Okay. Get the gentleman some whisky. And you, Maria? - Tea with lemon, please.

- Wait, where are you going? - To get the whisky, Miss.

- It's not there, it's finished. - No, I put 4 bottles in there this morning.

- There's nothing, check in the other room. - But there's none left in there.

- Trust me, there's some in there... the bar. - Very well, Miss, but it's all gone.

There's something in the cupboard.

- A rat. - A rat?! - I wish to speak with the lady! Where is she?

- Miss, Mrs. Annovazzi is here. - What does she want?

- My chicken... has vanished! - Ah, what a pleasant surprise...

- The string has been cut! - So?

So my chicken has been captured by someone here.

Do you hear that?

How awful!

Don't worry, I'll be gone by tomorrow. I'm sick of the way I'm being treated!

Chicken thieves!

- So, tea with lemon? - Yes, thank you. - Now you can get me some of that whisky.

And that's the story. Did you like it?

I'd like to justify my actions. I didn't want to kill the chicken...

... I just thought that Logiacono would teach him a lesson, scare him...

There was the chance that the chicken might die of shock...

... and anyway, I thought that Logiacono might like a big fat chicken.

But... what am I saying?

I already told you, it was a ridiculous story!

I live on the top floor of an isolated apartment building...

... towards the bottom of Via Nomentana.

Here, I like to entertain various people from my profession.

I have a small gallery for my paintings.

Mafai, Savinio, Guttuso, De Chirico...

... Pirandello, De Pisis, Bartoli...

... Scialoja, and many others.

All these artists are very dear to me.

They interpreted me in their own way, some with evident irony.

But it's me. Always me.

Once I had an excellent assistant, and following her lead...

... I now keep an archive of all the newspapers and magazines that mention me.

I always have a handful of photographs ready to give to fans.

And I jealously hold on to any photos I can find from my films.

"Everybody's Woman", "Red Passport"...

... "Affairs of Maupassant"...

... "Man from Nowhere", "The Lie of Nina Petrovna"...

... "Adventure in Diamonds"...

... "Hotel Imperial"...

... "A Woman has Fallen"...

... "Malombra"...

... "Zazà", "The Walls of Malapaga"...

... "La Ronde", and many others.

Diplomas, awards, medals...

As you can see, the house of an actress is a lot like a museum.

All the scripts that I had to learn off by heart.

Millions of words, creating images both good and bad...

... of many different characters from both past and present.

The telephone is almost like our master...

... but I'm always ready, like a soldier.

Sometimes it brings joy, but more often displeasure and annoyance.

But I can never ignore it.

After waking up, we begin our day in a disciplined manner with a little exercise.

At 8 O'clock, the make-up artist begins his lengthy work on my face.

He's convinced that the right eyebrow needs to be more curved.

At 10 O'clock, the eyebrow is more curved.

At 11 O'clock, he starts all over.

And then it's lots of trying things on. Jewelry, real or fake...

... clothes or dresses are designed, passed from one hand to the next to get them just right.

Hours and hours.

Once done, it's time to shoot.

A draining day of getting ready is burned away in just a few metres of film.

This is my life.

Anything that could have distracted me from my work, I cut from my life.

This is why I didn't want children.

One day I was leaving the studio. Tired, but happy as always...

I love certain areas of Rome's suburbs...

... where even though there's something monumental...

... there's also the human aspect, of everyday lives.

These fields, these meadows, they remind me of my north...

... my Lombardy.

Oh God, oh God...

- What happened? - Miss, the canister exploded...

- Where does he live? - Not far away, in Trionfale.

- Is there a pharmacy near here? - Yes, but We need to take him to the hospital.

- I don't want to go! I want to go home! - Don't worry, we'll take you home afterwards.

Take him to San Filippo hospital, it's the next turn on the right.

Oh, God...

- What happened? - It was a canister, I was just passing...

- Some kind of unexploded bomb? - No, I was hitting it with a rock...

Prepare a tetanus injection We'll need three or four lots.

Miss, please, I've just sent that man's wife away. We need quiet to work.

- Oh God. Oh God! - Don't worry...

... the doctor won't hurt you, don't be afraid.

- You'll be home soon. I'll wait for you outside. - Don't leave me!

No, darling...

- If you keep still, she can stay.. - There, I'm not going anywhere.

- Oh God, oh God... - It's over. It's over, isn't that right?

There. It's over, darling.

- What's his name? - Giancarlo.

- Frontalesi. - Is he yours?

No.

Miss, could I have an autograph please?

It's a miracle you're alive and you're worried about autographs?

Come on, darling.

- Now which way are we going? - Straight on.

Very good. You give me the orders, I drive.

- Now? - To the bottom.

Okay, down to the bottom.

- Which building? - That one, the first floor.

What happened to your arm?

It's nothing, don't worry. Are you home alone?

Mother's gone out. What happened to you?

You've been gone since this morning!

Now you should really sleep, so that tomorrow you'll be better. Where's your bed?

- Over there. - Over there? Come on, I'll help you.

Hold on, darling! First we need to get undressed.

We'll get him undressed, then put him in bed. Okay?

- I'll make bed! - Yes, okay, I'll get him undressed.

- Did you know Mother was looking for you? - How would I know that?

Mummy will give you a good smack.

Careful. There you go!

- So why were you hiding the gun? - So that... my enemy wouldn't take it.

Ah, I see! Now, let's take the shoes off.

One! Take this, little one.

Now the other. Two! There you go.

- Now, the trousers... - I don't want to see his pants!

- What's your name, little one? - Paola!

- What a lovely voice! How old are you? - Look, I hurt my leg.

- Oh, dear! - It hurts here, here, here, and here.

Everything hurts, does it?

- And I hurt myself here, and here... - Oh, really? I should kiss it better...

- Here, too. - I want to see out the window!

We'll look out the window afterwards! Yes, that's nice. Paola, tell me something...

- When will Mummy be home? - Late.

- "Layate"! - Really? And where has she gone?

To take Father his dinner because he works the night shift.

"Take Father dinner because he's nights..."

- Paola, do you really love Mummy? - Yes.

So will you give me a nice big kiss, like the ones you give to Mummy?

Paola, will you give me another kiss?

Listen, Paola...

Look... no, no playing with the gun!

You have to rest now and get better.

The cover is mine! It's my cover!

- Are you going to be quiet? Do you want to sleep? - Yes.

- "Want to sleep"? - Shall we let him sleep?

- "Want to be quiet"? - Yes, let's leave him to sleep.

Give him a kiss!

- There we go! - Pretty!

Careful, be careful...

My pretty Paola, my pretty Paola...

Quietly, quietly!

There we go. Paola is in her seat. There you are...

- Come here, darling. - I did it!

You did it? Well done.

Quietly though, okay?

Look what we have here.

You too, look how pretty they are!

Quietly, kids...

I really felt at ease in that house. It made me think of my childhood in Milan.

The milk! Oh, dear! It's gone everywhere!

Will you clean it up? Well done.

- Do you have to eat? - Those two, yes. - Really?

Okay, let's eat dinner!

- Now we're going to eat dinner. - My leg hurts.

- Really? Let's sit you down then. - There's a hole.

There's a hole in the chair? But you have to eat dinner...

Hold on.

I don't like it! I don't like it!

What do you mean, you don't like it? Don't you want to eat dinner? No?

Okay, we'll see.

- Sure? Just a little bit? - No.

- Please, Paola! - No.

- Here we go again... - Now it's time to eat dinner.

- You spilled some there! - Oh, I'm sorry.

Here we go, a little sugar...

- I wanted to put it. - Well, it's already in there now.

Shall we do the aeroplane? Okay?

- Let's try again, shall we? - Miss, this is her game. She always does it.

A game! Is that right?

And why's that?

She wants another spoonful of sugar but mother won't give it to her every time...

... otherwise she'll get ill.

No, I'm sure we can give her one more spoonful. Do you like lots of sugar?

A little more sugar...

Can you do it by yourself? Yes, well done.

One...

Two... that's a lot!

- Paola, sugar doesn't grow on trees! - Yes, that'll do now.

Wow, that's so much! Well done...

- Now we can eat dinner. - It's almost finished!

Now we have to eat dinner, because the sugar is almost finished.

Just a little bit, please? Come on, darling...

I think that Giancarlo might have a fever. Do you have a thermometer?

- How are you feeling? - Better.

Feeling better?

What's going on? What have you done, Giancarlo? Oh, my gosh, what happened?

He hurt one of his arms while he was playing with a canister.

My God, he's running a fever!

It's nothing. Just a reaction to the injections. I took him to the hospital...

In these cases they always give patients an injection to avoid infection.

But... when did this happen? Did the doctor say there's something wrong?

No, don't worry, Miss. Look...

The doctor said that tomorrow he'll be up and about.

- It doesn't hurt, does it? - No, it doesn't hurt.

- Did the doctor hurt you? - No, he didn't.

I didn't dare move, for fear of interrupting that wonderful connection between them.

I felt that I finally understood what a mother and a child are...

... for the very first time.

And I felt excluded from this world of tenderness.

Please sit down, Miss.

This boy gives me more to worry about than all the rest of them combined.

- Did you give them something to eat? - Yes, some milk.

- The lady gave it to them. - Do you have children, too?

- No. - No?

- I hope it wasn't too much trouble. - No...

- What year is he in? - Second year, but he's taking it again.

It's not that he doesn't want to learn. And he has a couple of horrible friends.

- They're just kids! - I have to smack him.

He's crazy about playing with dangerous things, I always have to smack him.

Mummy, you're home...

- What do you want? - Some water.

Some water. Go and get her some water.

What can you do? He's had it all: measles, mumps...

... whooping cough. And he doesn't mind missing school!

His father comes home, dead tired from work, and I don't want to stress him out...

... by telling him what the boy's done. And anyway, he just distracts his father.

Each time he thinks he might be in trouble, he starts asking him questions about politics.

Did you hear what your mother is saying? Is it true?

That's right!

And look at what you've done to your clothes! What will I tell you father?

This time you won't be able to distract him by talking about Togliatti!

If you don't tell him what happened, I'll take care of the rest.

Bye, Giancarlo. Call me to let me know when you're better.

Bye, Paola. Bye, darling...

Take the nice lady's number down. Giovanna will call you, she's very good at it.

840...

4...

... 80437.

Here, open your mouth for the thermometer. Sorry I can't see you out, Miss.

Giancarlo, where are your manners? Say thank you to the nice lady.

- Thank you, Miss. - Thank you so much, Miss, goodbye.

Bye, Giancarlo.

Call me...

Many thoughts crowded my mind.

I'd experienced them before during my career...

... but never had they taken on such a precise form...

... because, occupied by my love for the profession...

... I'd always pushed them away.

Now they are back, and with a power and cruelty that I've never felt before.

And never before has this house felt so empty.

Now It's my turn. I'm Anna Magnani.

See that taxi down there? That's me, I'm going to the theatre.

Anyway, they asked me to tell you an episode from my life.

Now if this story doesn't involve a fight, you'll all just be disappointed, won't you?

I know, because when they talk about Magnani...

Sometimes I hear people on the street: "Careful of that one, she's got a mouth on her!"

I told Visconti about this little incident...

... he liked it, so now we're telling it to you.

Anyway, 10 years ago... Oh, boy, 10 years ago...

Anyway, 10 years ago I was in a show at Quattro Fontane. It was my first taste of success...

... I loved my work, so I tried to be on time for everything...

... but for one reason or another I hardly ever managed it.

I had a Daschund named Babal. There he is. That day, everything was his fault. You'll see...

It's early. Listen, Driver, drop us near Piazza di Siena, we'll get out there...

... we can walk the rest of the way. Thank you.

I loved carrying those two foxes around. Like a butcher carrying his meat.

My God, was I fat back then! I don't believe it...

- Driver, how much do I owe you? - 4,50. - 4,50...

- Such a wonderful day! - Plus another lira on top of that.

- For what, sorry? - For the dog, Miss.

- The dog has to pay, too? - Dogs have always had to pay.

You have to pay? Listen, I take taxis every day and I've never had to pay for this dog.

- Maybe they were just being nice. - Then they must have been nice people.

- Miss, only lapdogs don't have to pay. - What dogs?

Lapdogs.

More of a lapdog than this, you mean?

This is the tariff, read it.

The rules? Who cares about the rules? "... the transportation of lapdogs..."

This isn't the problem. It's that you don't even know what a lapdog is!

- I wasn't born yesterday, you know. - I know, I can see that.

Listen, let's just resolve this please. It's not about the money, I'll happily give you a tip...

... but don't tell me that I have to pay extra, because this is a lapdog!

Miss, the rules state that this isn't a lapdog! And I know what that means!

Try not to burst a blood vessel... If it's not a lapdog, what is it?

- What do I know? - So you're just trying to make me angry?

- Then let's go and find a policeman! - Let's go and find one!

- If this isn't a lapdog, what is it? - What do I know?

Oh, you don't know?

- He doesn't know! Poor thing. Shall I call a policeman? - Go right ahead.

So now I have to go and find a policeman, all because of one lira!

I've never met a more pigheaded Roman than this one right here!

What are you lot laughing at? Then mind your own business!

One lira! We're been taking taxis for years and have never had to pay an extra lira!

Now he wants an extra lira! Wonderful...

No, I won't give you the satisfaction!

Driver, there's a policeman! Stop here.

- Where? - That one, there.

- He's looks a little busy to me. - What do you mean, he's busy?!

- Do you want me to get a fine? - He's standing still, not doing a thing!

- He's not busy in the slightest! - He's directing the traffic, Miss.

Listen, we're not going to Quattro Fontane, let's go to Quirinale. We'll find one there!

Then let's go to Quirinale.

"Little black face, beautiful Abyssinian..."

"... Wait and hope the hour gets closer!"

"When we are close to you, we scream: Long live the Duke, long live the King..."

- Excuse me, Officer. - How can I help you, Miss? - I wondered if you could help us solve something.

In your opinion, is this a lapdog or not? Because he says it isn't...

- Then what is it? A wolf... what?! - Registration documents, please.

- What does that have to do with anything? - Please, Miss, I'm just doing my duty.

I know, but I have to get to the theatre.

Listen to how these kids are screaming.

Now, all I need to know is whether this dog has to pay an extra lira or not! Okay?

- Is the dog yours, Miss? - Yes, it's mine. Why?

- Well, it doesn't even have tags. - What? - Tags, Miss.

- I'm not sure what happened to them. He had them, you know. - Are you sure?

What do you take me for? Yes, of course he had them!

Miss, since the dog doesn't have tags, I'm afraid I have to issue you a fine.

But I pay taxes!

Oh, I'm sure you do. For the other thing, you can speak to someone at the police station.

- Fine, thank you. - Name, please?

- Anna Magnani. - A-N-N-A M-A-G-N-A-N-I... - Yes...

- What's your father's name? - Di Marino.

- And where were you born, Miss? - I was born in Rome.

- Do you intend to pay now? - What do you mean by that?

- Will you pay the fine now? - How much is it?

- 14,50.

Laugh some more, idiot!

I'll show you! 14,50. There you go.

- Oops, that's one too many. Sorry about that. - Thank you, Miss.

- So we're going to the police station. - That's right. - Okay, thank you.

Goodbye, goodbye.

I should throw you out the window! All of this over one lira!

You cost me 14,50!

14,50!

Now we have to go to the police station. Perhaps they'll throw me in jail!

Excuse me, perhaps you could help me resolve a small problem...

... that I have with a taxi driver just outside, regarding this dog.

He wants an extra lira on top of the fare because he says that this isn't a lapdog!

- Sergeant! - No, don't call the sergeant, please...

It's simple. All you have to do is come outside with me, tell the driver that...

... that the dog is tiny, and that's that. Because I really have to get to the theatre.

- Sergeant! - Can't you help me, instead?

Don't you understand me? Oh, God, he must be deaf...

Can you hear me?

Miss, you're not supposed to talk to the sentry, talk to me.

I'm so sorry, I didn't know. I thought he was just a quiet lad...

Listen, Sergeant, I have a small problem with a taxi driver who's outside.

It's about the dog. When I went to pay my fare, he wanted one lira extra...

... for the dog, because according to him this isn't a lapdog.

See how small he is? Now, is that a lapdog or isn't it?

I would think that such a situation could be resolved through common sense.

But if not, I can always ask if we have some measuring equipment for such a thing.

- Some what? - Measuring equipment.

- What, we have to measure the dog now? - If not, we can always talk to the Marshall.

Well, really! See, Sergeant it really isn't about the lira.

I told the driver that I'd pay it, but only as a tip...

... but don't make me pay for my dog! I will not tolerate injustice, Sir!

Miss, I do understand. Perhaps with a little bit of good will this can just be resolved.

And Miss, what do they say? "The wisest always rise above it."

Then I'm the only wise one around here, because he won't give in!

If I wasn't already late, I'd take this thing to the high court! Here he is!

- Tell me, can we resolve this mess? - I'm right.

See how unpleasant he is?

- How can you say you're right, when the Sergeant hasn't spoken? - It's obvious.

So you know more than him? Then why don't you take his place?!

- See, now you've made me lose my voice. - What do I care?!

- I'm sorry, Sir... - Go ahead, go ahead...

You've been wasting my time for 45 minutes! You're in the wrong...

... I don't owe a thing. And if you insist, I'll make sure this thing doesn't end here!

- But I'm in a hurry now, I have to go! - Really? - Really, really.

Well I'm not in a hurry.

According to her I'm nothing but a thief. I've never stolen a thing in my life!

You won't find anybody with a cleaner record than mine!

Of course you won't, people like you don't exist anymore!

Sergeant, I didn't bother the lady. All I asked of her is what I'm owed...

... and now I want satisfaction.

I won't give you satisfaction!

Three quarters of an hour now, I've been suffering... it's crazy...

Nothing doing. For him, this isn't a lapdog.

Do you need a vet's degree to see that this is a lapdog?

It's a lapdog! They don't get much smaller! He's almost the size of a newborn!

Exactly, and puppies don't pay! This one is only small because he hasn't grown.

- What on earth are you talking about?! - Oh, I understand alright!

Do me a favour! Be quiet, before people laugh at you!

- Good day, Marshall. - The lady was looking for clarification on a particular matter.

- If I can just sit down a moment... - Please, Miss... - I'm worn out...

I'll tell you what this is all about. I've been through it 30 times, but....

So, I took a taxi... Oh, God! God only knows what they're thinking at the theatre!

- She's not here. - What do you mean, she's not here? Are you sure?

The doorman hasn't seen her come in.

- Well? - What? - Have you called her? - No. She always gets here in time...

Always gets here in time! Right...

Curtain, curtain! Elen, run and get changed!

- What do you mean? - You'll have to do Magnani's number. Quick!

Hey! Give me the white backdrop, get rid of the blue one. Quickly!

What are you doing? Get on the stage, quick!

- What shall we do now? - How should I know?

- Well, where is she? - Perhaps she's gone for a stroll. It's a beautiful day...

- But it's almost her part! - Then do another number.

- But she has to go on! - Well, she'll be here in a minute. 5 minutes and she's ready.

Yes, I know her 5 minutes!

I'm making her coffee at the moment. Once she's here and has had that, I'll send her on stage.

- Coffee?! I'll show you coffee... - I'm sure you will...

- "Lap..." - "Lap..."

"Lap, from the Middle English term 'Lappe'. The front area..."

"...from the waist to the knees of a seated person..."

"... the part of the leg between the hip and the knee...

"... or the portion of a garment that covers the lap."

"For example: he picked up the little girl and plopped her down in his lap."

Marshall, thank you! That's the phrase I was looking for.

What do I have in my lap, eh? The dog!

Therefore this is a lapdog.

Your honour, I rest my case.

Thank you so much, I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you. Thank you...

Oh, I'm sorry, I always forget that you can't shake people's hands. Goodbye...

Miss, I meant well. I might be ignorant, but I meant well...

You might be ignorant, but it's not your fault. Thank you and goodbye!

I always thought that "lapdog" meant, well... "from the lap". Like puppies... you know?

We understand you, don't worry! Goodbye, and I do apologise.

Sorry for the inconvenience. Goodbye!

It's amazing what can happen over a single dog and a single lira!

Driver, where are you? Come on, let's make peace.

Looks like those guys are having fun! Goodbye!

- Thank you, you've all been so kind. - Congratulations, Miss.

Goodbye!

Thank you! Oh, yes, you don't speak...

Quickly, people! Men, lower the backdrop!

- We made it! How much is it? - 14,50.

- 14,50! Not bad, eh? - Plus one lira extra.

- For what? - For the dog, Miss!

Get out of here, you bastard! Ripping people off like that!

If you get me a ticket, I'll come and cheer you on!

Ah, you're here! Half an hour late! I'm issuing you a fine, you know.

- A what? - A fine.

I won't pay a thing! Take the dog, he does nothing but wastes my time!

- Ms. Magnani is here. - Christ, just in time!

Get ready, Magnani is here!

You do make me angry sometimes! Sending me on stage unbuttoned!

I'm in such a temper!

- Who is it? - Can we get your scene ready?

- Of course you can, what are you waiting for? - Okay, three minutes and you're on.

- In the meantime I'll send the rain on. - The what?

- "The Rain". The two Viennese girls... - Okay, I'll be right there. - Okay...

- Miss, your scarf... - Just a moment.

Oh, the scarf! Useless, I tell you! Get out of here!

- The flowers! - Here they are.

Come here, you. How's your curtsey?

- Alright. - Miss, the dog...

Take that thing away from me, otherwise I'll get it stuffed! Take it away!

Damn. It had to happen to me, didn't it?

What a day!

In Rome you can find fortune. Yeah, in Rome you can lose a fortune.

"So many cars, some red and some blue..."

"... So many people, taking in the view."

"So many crowds of girls and goons..."

"... So many radios, playing their tunes..."

"The upper rooms, full of couples in love..."

"... All locked in firm embraces up above."

"The waiter goes by with his loaded tray..."

"... dropping beer and coffee along the way."

"Every table is its own little scene..."

"... with flowers being sold to lovers keen."

"They fling themselves into a waiting taxi..."

"... Or speed off to watch the game on TV."

"Always watch out for the traffic cop, out on his horse looking for people to stop..."

"The terrace was like a ballroom and every night..."

"... their lights would dazzle, oh so bright."

"But the members of higher society..."

"... Stay at home and play bridge with anxiety."

"And that man who points with the telescope..."

"... Poor thing, even him, what will he do?"

"He can't reach the stars, shining up there like jewels..."

"... so has to stay at home at night and play with his tools."

"Such a moon..."

"Such a moon there is tonight..."

"... Looking down on the world from such a height."

"From Saint Peter's and the domes down there..."

"... Until the sea and further up, into the air."

"What do I care if no one is up there?"

"What do I care if I don't find something to wear?

"These flowers, I give to beautiful Rome..."

"... Or to a soldier waiting to come home."