Original subtitles

The Ghost of Love

It was something I almost never did, two or three times a year,

and this would be the third.

Rather than go by car I went to the square and took the bus.

Hey, there's a woman trying to get to the bus!

500 lire note won't work with it. You need a 100 lire coin.

- I don't have a coin, only this. - Please take this, miss.

Thank you. Are you sure I can borrow it?

Yes, sure.

But then how can I give it back?

It's only a hundred lire.

Thank you.

But I consider it a loan.

Yes, sure.

Thank you!

It was Tuesday, market day in the big square.

It was misty. First fog that winter in Pavia.

Is that you, Nino?

- Hi. - Brought mustard fruit again?

Yes.

You eat a lot of it, are you sure it's OK for you?

How bad could it be?

Professor Fascilli talked about this last Sunday.

Not sure how you metabolize substances

Alcohol, for example, becomes fat

and with the wrong things people eat today no wonder

they have infractions, ulcers and rheumatism.

You have a husband still in shape, young and handsome as the sun.

- We'll see when you... - You have conference on Sunday?

- Yes, with Monsignor Di Trotti. - Again?

Come on, it was two months ago.

Really? I thought less. What is he going to talk about?

I told you: The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius di Loyola.

Ah, interesting...

All right, we'll put some mustard fruit on this pig.

But, what will you have it with? A stew?

- Yes. - It's bad to eat it so late.

- Will you answer it? - No, it's probably for you.

Hello?

Hi, Loredana. Yes.

This cheese is good. Where did you buy it?

At Medagliani's.

- It's probably for you again. - Perhaps, but still, you get it.

They think they can call at all hours...

- Are you available then? - For nobody.

- Not even for Monsignor? - Not even for him!

Okay...

Hello?

- Hello?! - Dr. Nino Monti?

Yes. Who's speaking?

The woman from the bus.

- From the bus? - Yes, I had no money, and you...

Ah yes, I remember, go on.

How I can return it?

Come on, you can't be serious!

No, really, Nino?

- Didn't you recognize me? - Excuse me, look...

Have I changed so much?

Hey, I'm Nino Monti, auditor, I'm confused...

I'm Anna.

Anna who?

Anna Brigatti.

I know! have changed...

But you haven't. I recognized you right away.

You haven't changed much.

Anna...

I've been sick.

Nino, who's that?

In-n

I'm happy... to hear you.

Nino, and the 100 lire?

You'll return it next time. Do not worry.

Yes, next time we meet..

Who was that?

A woman I was supposed to meet for

a sale of properties. A barnacle.

I told her tomorrow I'll be in my office.

What's with all these calls at dinner time!

With Loredana I was quite frank.

Forget me during meals!

They won't let us take a single bite in peace.

By the way, today I saw Cozzi.

What a walking box she is!

We talked about school problems.

She dared say, "You can't understand them, they have children".

As I have no children, I don't understand the problems of children.

I know why my friends envy me

because I married a man younger than me.

If Loredana wants to be candidate for president, that's fine with me.

And as a president she may do whatever she wants to.

But the way things are right now

One thing is certain, I won't obey orders from anyone.

What?

Loredana was the last one in our circle

but thinks she can rule!

I'm exhausted, Nino, I'm going to bed.

I leave it all as it is, the maid will clean it tomorrow.

- What are you doing? - I'm going to bed, too.

I'll get a book from the study.

I remembered Anna, beautiful as she was then...

And thanks to the memory of her and our time together,

Sometimes when we made love with Teresa I closed my eyes,

Immersed... Bathed in sweat drop.

I got excited at the memory of Anna.

But now, it wouldn't be the same again.

After seeing her so changed, shabby, ill,

unrecognizable.

Good morning, doctor.

Good morning, Rita. Any news?

The accountant Ressi is waiting.

There was a call from the House of Trade and Finance.

And Dr. Bianchi.

- I've noted them down. - Thanks.

- Good morning, doctor. - Good morning, Aressio.

- You look pale. - True, I'm not very well.

Your stomach hurts?

- No, a bit of gastritis... - Then go home.

- Thank you. - That's all right.

- I'll be with you in a minute. - No rush.

Rita!

- Yes? - What is that coin?

- It's 100 lire. - I know, but who put it there?

Maybe the cleaning lady.

- Maybe she found it on the ground. - Ah, yes...

Sure... no one else came today?

No, nobody else.

- Shall I send in the accountant? - Yes.

No, I want to read the correspondence first.

Go Pavia!

Go Pavia!

I'll sit in the backseat, so Teresa can go in front.

Okay, but don't shout.

- Teresa will be right down. - Okay!

Enjoy the conference. Greetings to Monsignor.

Good bye.

The "Three Graces" are here.

Hurry up, the God-fearing can't wait.

You're not coming to the conference of Monsignor, right?

No thanks, St. Ignacio gives me indigestion.

I know that. You prefer hanging out with playboy friends like Luciano.

He's at the match.

What will you do? Stay home, go to the movies?

I'll stay home, read something.

- Bye solitary. - Bye.

Tell the Monsignor that conference was interesting, but I had to leave.

Okay.

With a silence that...

You would be able to kill?

It sounded almost like a claim.

A small voice so shy, insecure, as if doubting whether itself is being heard.

A rainy Sunday afternoon everything seems strange, unreal.

I felt the desire to go back there,

to see that house again, her home,

which I hadn't seen for so long,

among those streets from the old times.

I had to face the memory,

a kind of search for a time lost,

that complicated things further.

I had always remembered this neighbourhood of narrow streets,

courtyards full of shadows.

Anna and I touring these silent streets,

smelling urine in corners, wine and cigarettes at the inn

Once I accompanied her back home,

and she wanted to kiss there,

to defy her mother, neighbours, the concierge.

Looking for someone?

No.

Nino!

Nino...

- Nino... - Anna...

Nino, is it you?

Looking for me? I do not live here anymore.

You are soaked.

Back in the days you wouldn't leave me in the rain.

Sorry.

You came for the 100 lire?

The 100 lire? What are you talking about?

Please take it. I'm giving them back.

But what are you doing here?

Nothing.

I had something to do nearby.

Then I stayed waiting for you.

You came for me, right?

You have found the way as if you'd travel here every day.

This was our refuge, remember?

We said it would be great to have the key to that door,

and enter the garden.

Yes, I remember but... it was so long ago.

It's been a long time, yes.

You really think there's time?

Time?

Does it exist?

The time we get older, consuming us,

it does exist.

But inside I have not aged.

I am still the same as before.

The Anna of yesterday

Kiss me, Nino.

Kiss ma.

I beg you, my love!

- Finally you're back, come! - What is it?

Something horrible.

- Ressi! - Doctor! Doctor!

- What happened? - He was a witness...

- to a crime - Really?

Calm down. Drink something and tell us everything.

Come, be strong.

That was strong.

Well, I was off to a friend,

a very good person, a lawyer.

Few doors before getting there, half an hour ago,

I passed a house and looked inwards unintentionally,

and I saw...

I thought she was drunk.

She hit the door,

I heard a strangled noise

- Her throat was cut, from side to side! - How horrible!

A woman with her throat cut?

Yes, there was blood everywhere, and then...

She fell to the ground in front of me.

Where was that?

Didn't I say?

In Via Porta, corner San Colombaro.

Via Porta in the old neighbourhood?

- You know Via Porta, right? - Of course.

You have to go to the police and tell'em what happened.

Want me to go with you?

- No. - Come on, let's go.

- No, I've bothered you enough. - No, come on.

Thank you. What will my mother say?

I'll call her. Nino, go.

Yeah, come on.

- Thanks, that's kind. - You're welcome.

- I'm afraid. - Of what?

Of the questions they will ask.

Tell them what you know and that's all. Come on.

Excuse me, can I use the bathroom?

Yes, well. You know where it is.

- Nino... - Yes?

- Who is Anna? - Anna?

Look.

Some Anna Brigatti... greets from Cortina D'Ampezzo.

It's from 1963.

Can you believe it? No wonder people criticize the post office.

Only 20 years late. Should report this to the press.

Yes, sure.

Yes.

- Was there anybody else with you? - No, I was alone.

- Although now that I think... - What?

Shortly before... I saw someone running out of the house.

- A man? - I didn't see well, it was raining,

He had an open umbrella.

A boy or woman, I do not know.

Wearing a long white overcoat.

- Good morning, doctor. - Good morning, Rita.

I read in the press, it seems it was a nephew who killed that old woman.

Ressi said it will take a while. He's at the police station.

Yes.

"Janitor beheaded with a razor"

"The murderer struck furiously and wild".

"There's a suspect, victim's nephew, a certain Mario Lucchi".

What a day!

- Hello. - How did it go?

Many indiscreet questions, they were rude.

One question after another, without respite.

First the Carabinieri, who were very friendly, then the cops...

Only one commissioner was friendly, others were brutes.

Seen my picture they posted? I look like an old man.

- No, you look all right. - You think so?

Nice enough. But, what's new?

They are not sure, but suspect the nephew, they're looking for him.

Considering several indications. Many given by me.

There are also other important details.

Like what?

They found an umbrella, of a man,

black, open, it was in the scene of the crime.

It was the first Sunday in November Dinner day for 'survivors',

as Luciano called us, organizing those meetings.

I was meeting three friends from Ugo Foscolo Institute.

The event, as always, was at the Old Mill.

Good morning, Dr Nino.

Hello, Mario. Am I first?

Dr. Luciano is inside already.

Hello, Luciano.

Hello. How about the chairwoman?

Good.

Women are always all right, husbands are the ones who suffer.

I know, I'm single.

- How many have you made suffer recently? - None, any more...

- What have you prepared, poison? - Pickled carp, want some?

- Smelling petrol? - No, local products.

Perfect and trashy, eh?

- How about a starter? - Risotto with frogs.

OK, bring it on.

- Here comes Rinaldo. - Hello, Nino.

- Hello, Rinaldo. - What's wrong with your fields?

Much rain or little?

Raining taxes.

Are you expecting Prof. Arnaldi?

Yes. But we'll start without him.

I'll bring something

Nino, you've been reported seen on a bus.

Yes, that's possible.

Don't be astonished...

You were seen. Right or not?

Did the report say I economize on gas too?

Good one.

But I told them that someone like you, successful auditor,

doesn't need to skimp or save 100 lire.

Do you Know where I was yesterday?

At the Dumping.

What's that? Some club?

Yes, but not like in our times.

You remember the Porta d'Oro?

Sure, used to go there every night.

Well, boys, this one has nice girls too.

Speaking of old times,

Guess who I saw, that looks like a mummy.

- Who? - Anna Brigatti.

- Remember her? - Who? The blonde with blue eyes?

Sure, you wanted her too, but she gave you the brush-off.

- She lived in Via Porta? - Yes.

But how could she become a mummy? She had...

Had great tits and an awesome ass. - Yes, yes.

But you can'! imagine how she looks now.

You wouldn't even recognize her. A real shame.

She looks old, wrinkled, emaciated, skinny...

And dressed like...

But what happened?

I think she has been very ill.

Hello.

Excuse me. The clinic...

- I couldn't make it earlier. Hi. - Hello.

It was a very serious case.

We just talked about illness, Maurizio.

A poor girl who once was with Nino.

So what were you saying about Anna Brigatti?

As I said, she was an eyesore, unrecognizable, I was stunned.

And to think she was so beautiful.

Which Anna Brigatti?

She was my girlfriend, remember? The blonde with blue eyes.

Yes, but how many years ago did you see her?

How many years?? The other day on the bus!

- Anna Brigatti? - Yes.

But... she's dead!

Dead?!

No wonder she looked like a mummy, if she's dead.

Maurizio, are you sure?

Yes, I'm the one who diagnosed the disease.

Her husband, Count Zighi Sondrio, my friend,

He brought his wife to me, because...

Are you sure it was that Anna Brigatti?

Yes, it was a girlfriend of yours, who lived in Via Porta,

Strolling with you by the Ticino. How could I forget?

They married in Sondrio.

Nino, are you sure it was her not some other similar girl?

Well, I don't know...

Yes, maybe it was someone who resembled her.

You better remember it like it was. As she was before.

Sure, you're right.

Let's not think about that now. Come on, let's eat and drink.

Come on, friends, we came here to have fun, right?

- Right. - Mario, bring the frogs!

Nino...

- Nino... - What?

- Why don't you tell me? - What do you mean?

What's going on. I can see something is worrying you.

Trouble at work?

No, everything is fine.

Just sleep well.

Have you seen? A letter from the alleged murderer.

- What? - Mario Lucchi, The janitor's nephew.

The one police are looking for.

Don't you have anything else to do?

Yeah... right. Excuse me.

Okay, read it.

"The alleged monster Via Porta wrote to our newspaper"

It's the headline. Here's the letter, read it:

"Your paper has published things about me that are not true.

The truth is different and I know it well.

My aunt was a lacklustre, but she didn't deserve to die like that.

I didn't go to the police station cause you can get in but you can't get out.

Quite a nerve, but he's right.

"Once I decide, I'll explain everything.

I will give my version, which is the truth, tremendous and incredible.

I know if someone knows the truth and can help, etc...

What do you think?

What I can say? I know as much as you.

- Any news about the crime? - What crime?

- Sorry. May I? - Yes.

Woman beheaded in Via Porta.

Ah, yes. Looking for the nephew.

Despite his exculpatory letter He seems to be the murderer.

What could've been the reason?

Who knows. There could be many.

It was a heinous crime, angry, hateful...

beastly...

- Are there any more suspects? - For now not.

An umbrella seems to be a clue...

An umbrella?

Yes, black, open, lying near the crime scene.

But it took us nowhere.

It was sold in Milan 3 or 4 years ago.

Apparently the victim was a good piece.

Yesteryear facilitated abortions, but well... not anymore.

- Excuse me. - Sure.

The singer was excellent.

But you must also provide some prose for us.

Indeed, I'm preparing a recital based on works by Paul Claudel,

great playwright and a good Christian. - There is a book about Claudel...

I'd like you to read, Teresa. - Of course I will! Who is the author?

I haven't read it yet but I'll read it for sure.

Rice!

Here comes the rice!

- Have you greeted Monsignor? - Yes, yes.

Everyone loved the concert, they congratulated me.

- Can I have some rice? - What?

- Can I have some rice, before it's all eaten? - But, of course!

Something's distracting you lately, you're nervous, tense.

What's wrong?

Nothing. There you go.

- Here, Teresa. - Thank you.

- Would you, Nino? - No, thank you.

- Rice, Monsignor? - My secretary is getting me some.

Nino...

- You're Nino Monti, right? - Good evening, Don Gaspare.

- Long time no see. - What is your life like now?

As always, focused on work.

And you, immersed as always in your books?

Yes, increasingly.

I am finishing a biography of Nicolas Flamel, the great alchemist.

I am also translating Coleridge.

You know the "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?

No.

"Her lips were red, Her looks were free,

Her locks were yellow As gold:

Her skin was as white as leprosy,

The Nightmare LIFE-IN-DEATH was she,

Who thicks man's blood with cold."

I've seen her, you know?

Seen who?

The pale lady Coleridge speaks of.

Lesser, thin,

wrinkled skin.

The defunct, that is.

Nino Monti, visit me on your return.

Where from? I'm not going anywhere.

- A little rice? - Thank you.

Nino...

Yes?

I wanted to tell you about poor Loredana.

- Why say poor? - She is afraid she's not well.

That is something serious.

But she only trusts her doctor and asked me to accompany her.

- Because he's not in Pavia. - Where is he?

In Sondrio.

In Sondrio?

Yes, it is far and an uncomfortable ride...

Nino, can you come with us?

Can't you take a taxi?

Are you kidding? From here to Sondrio?

Okay, I'll take you there.

Thanks.

Loredana, are you well?

Well, thank you.

At Sondrio I'll make a phone call.

Sorry to disturb, we've never met. Is this Zighi, the Countess husband?

I'm a friend of Professor Arnaldi's, can I see her?

Are you the husband of...?

Most likely the widower...

Yes, I called you because strange things happened to me.

No, we haven't met.

I knew Anna well. Did she ever talk about me?

Yes.

Some time ago we had an affair. Yes, A lot.

I confess I still love her.

Is Anna alive? She's very sick, right?

Tell me the truth. Is she dead?

There are many cars, we have to wait.

- I'll go for a ride. - Okay, but not too long.

No, an hour or so.

- Coffee please. - Very well.

- Do you have a phone? - There.

- Hello... - Is this Count Zighi's residence?

Yes, who is it?

Can I talk to the count?

He is out. And who are you?

You do not know me...

I'm...

It doesn't matter.

I'm from Pavia and my name's Giovanni Monti.

Nino? Is that you?

- It's me. Anna! - Anna?

- So... - What a surprise, Nino!

Why are you in Sondrio? We must meet at once!

Yes, of course, but tell me where.

- Didn't you come to work? - No.

- Forget everything: - OK

- Come and get me. - Okay.

So long ago...

- I'll give you the address. - Yes.

Where are you?

I am... in a bar.

Hold on...

A pen...

I got it...

Tell me.

Can I?

Nino...

Finally...

How beautiful you are, Anna!

Beautiful as ever.

What are you talking about?

My hair's all gray.

I can't see it. Yes, maybe some, but I adore it.

You look fine. You've hardly changed.

Just a little.

I'm so glad you called me!

- It's time you showed up. - It is true.

Had long wanted to come and see you.

- Why did you come to Sondrio? - Well...

No, do not tell me.

I like to think that you have come just to see me.

It's kind of truth.

I wanted to, I grabbed the first opportunity.

Anna...

For a few days, the memory of you haunted me.

The memory of our great love?

Do not mock me.

- It is true. - Nino, I'm married!

- You should behave. - Okay.

- Are you married too? - Yes, I am married.

- To someone I know? - No, I don't think so.

She came to Pavia after you left.

A! that time... my meeting her...

It helped.

I said, "I must start a new life."

I needed to forget.

It was my fault you married someone else.

Or thanks to me, if you prefer.

We wanted to build something solid,

a family with children...

But the children didn't come.

The years passed, and now we live like old friends.

Oh, God...

We are getting dramatic.

Yes, you're right.

Let's talk about you.

Are you happy with your husband?

I'm trying to.

He is a very serious man, also affectionate.

He gives me everything I want.

A quiet life...

provincial...

You have a very nice house... that's important.

- Come, I'll show you. - OK.

This is the dining room.

But we almost never eat here.

My husband is in town all day. We usually dine out.

Come on.

My husband's bedroom.

We sleep in different rooms.

After years of living together some freedom is appreciated.

This was my bedroom.

Was?

Yes, it is. I said, this is my bedroom.

The bathroom was meant for the children,

but we didn't have any children, either.

Want a drink?

Yes. Why not?

I think there's walnut liqueur from my aunt.

Yes, there's a little.

- Want some? - Yeah, that would be nice.

Thanks.

- You don't drink? - No.

- To your health. - Thank you.

I don't even know how many times I wanted to call you,

and I nearly did...

- Why didn't you? - I don't know.

- Fear of your wife? - No.

- Or that my husband would answer? - No, no! really.

And you, haven't been back to Pavia?

Why should I?

I have no relatives and no friends.

Why would I go?

To see me, for example.

- To see you? - Yes.

Yes, why not?

It's wonderful to see you again, so great!

Do not know why, but...

I've had nightmares for days.

I shouldn't tell you, but I had a hard time because of you.

- Because of me? - Yes.

I heard horrible things about you.

That...

you were dead.

- Oh, really? - Yes.

Who told you that?

Arnaldi, a doctor friend of mine.

Clearly confused you with someone else.

Now the nightmare is over, here you are,

I returned to find you, and I will never leave you.

Dead? What next?

Now I understand why you called my husband.

Wanted to offer condolences?

- It this really why? - Yes.

People will say anything... Talk and talk without knowing.

And what did they say I died of?

Of serious illness.

- So funny, one could die laughing. - Yes.

- How did you react? - You can imagine.

You probably said: "Poor old Anna Brigatti ".

Well...

Yes...

After all maybe it is true, I'm dead.

I have a nice house, I'm Zighi Countess,

one of my husband's friends woos me,

so did some young man on the beach last night.

Truckers whistle at me down the street...

But actually it's completely true.

What is true?

That marriage is a grave.

I am dead indeed.

Anna...

- Anna, my love. - No, Nino...

Make no mistake,

I'm not a being unsatisfied, unfaithful to my absent husband.

I've never cheated.

What wonderful days we had together.

- It has been many years. - Yes.

I thought about those days and still do.

Our first meeting, in that old dance club

- Remember? - Yes

The Ticino, the boat.

And we made love hidden behind the bushes.

You've been my only love, really. I had not realized before...

but now I know.

- I want you! - No! No!

- No! No! - Why not?

- Because. - Why?

Please, darling, not here.

No!

It's strange seeing you after 20 years.

Why did our love end, for no reason?

Ended? Not for me.

The love I feel for you has never died.

I am a woman, Nino,

and women do not destroy anything, they care, retain.

I have not forgotten what I experienced.

I keep all my memories, especially of you

I keep it all inside.

You know that I still have all your letters?

You used to write a lot.

Not like now, a call and that's all.

Your cards are beautiful. Full of love and promise.

I like to reread them occasionally.

- Have you kept mine? - Yes, of course.

I'm not as tidy as you, but I have.

I have the photos, too.

But...

after all these years,

why do you come to Sondrio? To see me?

But I told you...

that I have seen curious things.

I found a strange woman, with a sick face.

The way she looked, I thought it was you.

Can you describe her better?

Yes.

She was somewhat lower than you,

all wrinkled, with crazy eyes,

in a long raincoat, old and dirty.

I know who she might be.

A old friend of mine that resembled me and was jealous of me.

She was ugly and I was pretty.

I haven't seen her long.

She suffered serious nervous disorders.

Yes, "You'll be yourself again, sooner or later"

So says Franchinetti, the psychiatrist.

Poor thing.

How did you meet?

The first time was a few days ago, on a bus.

- I gave her money for the ticket. - Hundred lire?

Yes.

100 lire, yes.

The second time was in front of the house the night of the murder.

The concierge's cut-throat?

Yes.

Have you read the latest news? It looks like it was the nephew.

A certain Mario...

- Mario... - Mario Lucchi.

I knew them both well. They were very unfriendly.

Did you know that Mario Lucchi was a suitor of mine?

Ah, really?

I believe they won't ever find him.

But what matters is you're here,

that at last we can see each other again.

Goodbye, my love. You better leave now.

But we will meet again.

You know where I'd like to meet? On the river, like we used to.

Yes, shall I call you?

No, I'd rather call you.

What passion! Have a little patience.

One day, you may not remember,

your open lips asked me for a last kiss and I didn't realize.

I realized later, but you were gone.

That's not a tragedy.

No, but that kiss you wanted

and that I didn't give, is a debt of mine.

No matter how much I kissed you, it wouldn't make up for the one kiss

that I denied you.

Why are you laughing?

You think I'm crazy, right?

I'm not laughing.

But it is true, you are a little crazy.

You said something very nice.

That kiss you owe me... give it to me at the river.

I was trying to control my legs, they wanted to run.

She could be looking at me. What do I do? Look back?

I felt light, as if I were drunk.

That heat, that woman's perfume...

Could I have rediscovered that after so many years?

Those kisses, those caresses, so touching and desirable.

It was a matter of waiting...

only for a week... or less...

- How did it go? - Great, I have nothing.

- As healthy as an apple. - The doctor has forbidden us to worry again.

Get comfortable, ladies.

I knew there would be nothing wrong. Today is a great day.

What did you do in the meantime? Perhaps you've been unfaithful?

Can you get me Dr. Arnaldi, please.

This is Nino Monti. Thanks.

- Hello, Nino. - I'm calling because

I want you to know something.

- Do you know who I saw 2 days ago? - Who?

Anna Brigatti, Earl's wife, you said she was dead.

She is alive and well. More beautiful than ever.

Do you hear me?

Yes. You sure? Where did you see her?

Forget the details, I saw her and that's all.

Hello? Nothing to say, eh?

Admit you were wrong?

Listen, Nino, we'd better talk in person.

Why should we talk?

Just wanted to tell you this.

Let me consult my archive files.

Come see me later okay?

Gladly, hospitals are fun. See you later, bye.

I was excited yet by my visit to Anna,

She had promised to call me, But when?

It had been three days.

Then I decided to call.

Hello. Hello!

What's happened?

Dr. Arnaldi had a heart attack.

- Is he dead? - Yes.

- But how did it happen? - I was out there.

I heard a scream, like someone could not breathe.

- A cry of fear. - Fear of what?

Dear Monti, when the time comes, everyone feels terror and anguish.

Welcome, son. I've been expecting you.

Good morning, Don Gaspare.

I alone deciphered the whole "Century" by Nostradamus

Nostradamus, the sorcerer?

Sorcerer? For whom?

A sorcerer for the ignorant and the Church,

Not for the initiated ones.

I'm rather ignorant on these matters, but

When you told me I'd go on a trip...

So, this is why you came here...

Because you want to learn, to inquire,

Because you are afraid. - Afraid? No, Don Gaspare.

Fear! Fear!

Non-believers are frightened and ignorant.

Ignorance supports disbelief and ingenuity rests in certainty.

The ingenuous one doubts

but the shrewd one, he believes.

I didn't come to interrogate a warlock but to visit a friend.

A friend?

You came because of Dr. Arnaldi' death.

A strange death, isn't it?

- It left you restless, afraid. - No.

It's true I was sorry, but not frightened.

I'd like to understand, because... I took a trip to the past,

but when you told me

I didn't know I'd make it.

"There are more things on earth and in heaven, Horatio,

than can be explained by your philosophy."

Why are you so interested in myths and folk legends?

As a priest you should have a concept of the afterlife...

more... elevated.

First, I've given up the habit,

Besides...

the beyond is not that far away from here.

It is here among us, my dear Nino.

Death is an alternative form of life.

One day we shall live it too

or perhaps we already have.

Look...

I got this from a lady who makes curious experiments.

With this apparatus she has recorded voices of the dead.

- Really? - Yes.

Not for the first time.

In 1961, a man left in the garden a tape recorder on

to capture the voices of night birds...

In the morning he found he had recorded the voice...

of his dead mother.

How's that possible?!

Since then, this system has been used extensively.

Listen...

You know where I am.

Where I speak from.

Hello!

Hello!

But... who's that?

But... but...

We hear...

- Do not answer. - It could be for me.

I told them I was coming.

Nino, don't answer!

Hello.

- Hello! - Nino?

Anna! My love! I've been waiting for your call.

I did as I promised. Haven't we agreed to meet?

- Sure. When? - Tomorrow.

- Okay, yes, but... - With whom are you talking?

- Where? - In Ticino.

- Yes - Agree?

Okay, by the riverside. At Torre d'lsola, at 10.

- But who's talking? - Okay, at 10.

Anna, if you knew how much...

Hello...

Hello...

Don't go there, Nino.

- Hello. - Hello.

Luigino...

Don't you remember me?

Mr. Nino, how are you?

Good, good...

- Been a while, right? - We've grown.

- Have a boat? I want to paddle. - Yes, I have three.

- Which one should I take? - That one.

Hey, want a ride across?

Nino!

- Where are you taking me? - Guess.

To ultimate Paradise. Remember?

- I recall it well. - Yes, with white sand,

and scent of wild herbs.

It's there we made love.

Us two in this boat, as in an old romantic film.

Like a photo that became yellow with the passing of time.

Photo of two former lovers separated for life

but always united, always faithful. - Faithful?

Yes.

There is a loyalty that lasts over time,

deep, spiritual.

Yes, that's true, but...

I was referring to... from way back...

to... Mario Lucchi.

Mario Lucchi?

Yes, You said you knew him.

Yes, he courted me, I told you.

- What else? - What do you mean?

You think it's the right moment to talk about it?

It's true, let it go.

No, let's talk about it.

He was crazy about me, and very jealous of you.

What went between you two?

It was so long ago.

Very well, I agree. It doesn't matter.

No, you'd better know the truth once and for all.

We may not meet again.

That's only up to you.

Look at you... You've changed suddenly,

You've grown cold, distant...

If you really must know,

He was the reason, I left you because of Mario Lucchi.

What? Your mother was transferred to Novara,

and you disappeared suddenly.

There was no transfer, it was a leak.

As I said, you ran away.

Yes, it was a leak. But I ran away from him, not from you.

So, you were crying over him that night?

And I believed that...

Mario Lucchi and his aunt ruined my life.

Explain, Anna... Be more specific.

It was fair to punish them, they both deserved it.

I don't understand. Punished for what?

That Mario was a violent... vulgar type...

He took me by force,

destroying everything he touched.

He wanted to completely humiliate me and left me pregnant.

You couldn't know. How could you know?

When the old hag heard

she dragged me to the gatehouse

and she said even if I chased after Mario he would never marry a...

a whore like me...

The wretched woman also did abortions and forced me to have one

You were forced? You had to agree.

Some people have a power...

a sinister power, which...

you cannot resist.

To this kind of people

I gave in, I always gave in

Not willingly, but...

I could not resist.

I was full of rage and...

I grew desire of revenge.

There are certain things,

that cannot be forgotten,

cannot be forgiven

And those two paid for it.

She was slaughtered and he...

- And he? - He disappeared.

But they say he killed her, he was the murderer.

Yes, so they say.

But, enough... No more of that talk.

Enough!

I never knew that you could be that bitter and hateful.

I can hate because I can also love, without limits.

Could we stop here?

- Nino, let's stop. - Agreed.

I want to make love.

Nino...

- Yes? - Look at me.

Look into my eyes.

Do you want me?

Yes, Anna. I want you.

You want me as much as I want you?

Yes.

Nino...

Annal...

Annal...

- Do you want coffee? - Yes, thank you.

- Anything new, Sergeant? - Nothing.

- Want some? - No.

- Want some? - Thank you.

- Mr Monti, does... did the lady live in Pavia? - No, in Sondrio.

No address in Pavia?

No, she came straight from Sondrio, said she'd left the car in Torre d'lsola.

We just came that way, there was no car there.

- Was there a car in Torre d'lsola? - No, sergeant.

- May I use the phone? - Yes, of course.

- Hello? - Teresa, it's me, hello.

Nino, where are you?

You sound so far away.

I'm out of town. Going to the Police Station.

Police?

I'll explain later. There's been... I'll tell you.

- Something serious? - Please, do me a favour.

Call Luciano immediately, tell him to come to the Police urgently.

- My God, what happened? - I cannot explain now.

Find Luciano, quick! Bye.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but I don't know how...

I left the car at the river.

Not at all. Calm down. What are friends for?

And Teresa? What did she say?

She knows everything. In a little town news travel fast,

especially bad ones.

Who was she?

Let it be.

Married?

- Yes. - These things happen.

I've always avoided getting married, to avoid problems like this.

Sorry, Teresa, but such things have always happened.

- Tomorrow, we'll have lunch together. - Thanks.

Imagine how I feel.

Bye, Stella. Try to sleep.

Take off your boots, you'll mess the carpet.

Cheer up, girl. I've had my share, too! You should also cheat!

Till tomorrow.

- Yes, goodbye. - Goodbye.

Take a shower, in the kitchen there's something hot.

I'm not hungry, thanks.

I have prepared a bed for you at the study.

Yes, dear.

Thanks, I know.

You are very kind. Goodbye.

Could you at least tell me who she was?

Is that important?

No.

I don't have to know who but I sure know what she was.

So why bother talking?

Yes, of course. You're right. Nothing happened.

Why talk?

Anyone here?

Yes?

Count Zighi?

It's me.

I'm Nino Monti.

Sorry I entered like that, but the door was open and...

Come in.

I came from Pavia... Thank you.

I have come to speak, wanted to call you, but...

I thought it my duty to come And explain in person.

It was a bad circumstance, a fatal sequence of incidents, I'm shocked...

But I want you to know, I tell you as a gentleman,

Anna and I were just friends, an appointment was innocent.

Although...

I loved her once, yes, very much.

We wanted to visit places from the past.

Nor does it seem right, and rightly so,

for that I apologize...

I did what I...

But it all happened so unexpectedly,

out of sight in an instant.

I don't understand anything.

What don't you understand?

What you're saying...

But then...

Maybe you still don't know.

- Don't you know your wife... - What?

She drowned yesterday!

She drowned and died.

Mr Monti, what do you want from me?

What the hell are you talking about?

I have come to fulfil my duty, to explain that...

My wife died three years ago.

Yesterday I went sailing with Anna, it is useless to lie.

And I saw her here a week ago.

Go away.

- I talked to her here, in your house! - Go away!

But...

Excuse me, I thought...

Do you live here?

I am the servant of Count Zighi.

- I talked to him, because I wanted... - What do you want?

- How long have you worked here? - 12 years.

Then... you knew signora Anna?

The poor countess, of course I knew her.

I lived here with her.

Is the countess... dead?

Yes. She died three years ago.

I knew her, too.

Can I ask you a favour?

It will take up to 10 or 15 minutes.

Agreed.

There it is, look.

Poor thing.

I come here every week.

I change the flowers, check the lamp.

Lord, give her eternal rest. Shine for her eternal light.

Rest in peace. Amen.

Look.

Look how poorly she looked, last photo just before she died.

The world has gone mad.

Heaven and earth are scrambled.

I'm mad..

Yes, I have a decomposed brain. God!

Was I alone in the river? Was I alone?

I'll end up eating mandarins and biscuits in my pyjamas in a courtyard

No, no, calm down, I have to think straight,

use reason, find an explanation to this nonsense.

There is a question regarding the victim of the accident.

- The drowned woman whose body... - Still has not appeared.

Exactly.

- You knew her, right? - Yes.

And her name, as you stated, was...

Anna Brigatti Zighi.

We... we knew each other twenty years ago and...

and we happened to meet again recently.

Yes, but the police station in Sondrio says that there must be a mistake.

Here it says: "Anna Brigatti, etc. married to Zighi, etc...

deceased... three years ago.

From cancer, I know.

How do you know?

Your Honour, you think that...

that... Nino Morti is crazy...

those who walk with the dead can't be sane.

I guess you will not believe in ghosts,

because, like me, you received secular education...

So I tell the truth, the whole truth...

and nothing... nothing but the whole truth.

Your Honour, the reality is different.

I address you as a judge but also as a friend.

You are my friend, aren't you?

Sure.

Then...

Then, as a man, a friend, you'll understand me.

I lied...

I made it all up.

That poor woman that died...

I had just met her on the road.

You know, where you stop to meet certain ladies.

I took her in the car, she was elegant, didn't look like a prostitute,

and she said her name was Anna

So...

When it happened, unfortunately, the incident, as you said,

I didn't want them to think I see whores

so I said her name was Anna Brigatti.

You understand, right?

You think I'll have problems with Justice?

It has caused considerable discomfort and a big waste of time.

Yes, but we are all only human...

and sinners.

We'll try to fix the problem...

interrogate the girls working in the area to see...

Yes.

What?

Ah, very well.

Where?

- The body appeared. - I beg your pardon?

They're now raising the body from the river.

- Coming? - Yes, of course.

You show me the way.

- What's wrong? - Nothing, only nerves.

The body showed up. Well, I'm glad.

Good morning, Judge.

- Where was it found? - It was stuck there.

- Show us. - Alberti...

- But ifs a man. - Yes, sir.

It's Mario Lucchi, documentation was still legible.

He has been in the water for at least one week.

A week? How is that possible?

- If two days ago... - What?

Nothing.

I said...

Nothing.

Everything was normal, right? What's so strange?

He was dead and I met him. Quite normal.

Also she was dead and I kissed her.

Ghosts exist, ladies and gentlemen.

The dead return and kill, because they are vengeful.

But we must forgive them.

Pity for them, pity for us...

Pity for those who love...

How mad must that man have been?

First slaughtered his aunt and then jumped into the river.

He surely was a depressive paranoid.

Stop, I want to get out here.

- No, I'm taking you home. - No, I want to take a walk.

Where are you going? Wait!

- You look very nervous. - Thank you, Judge, bye.

Excuse me!

Anna!

Make way, I must get off.

Anna!

You came back and followed me, Nino.

You had to see me again.

Because you love me, I know.

Yes, it's true.

I've always loved you and I still do.

But now you're not the same, it's not you, Anna.

You're a poor creature full of resentment,

that came back only for revenge.

You called me.

Your love brought me here.

I was lost.

Wandering in the dark, like a boat without a rudder.

But you are the light that attracts me,

and makes me do things I would not like to do.

No, for me there is only love, no hate.

Haven't you yet learned to forgive, over there?

For now I'm still here.

I can't get away from you, I can't manage to leave you.

I would like to get away from you forever.

Just say: "Goodbye, Anna, forget me, go away!

All right.

I'll say goodbye, disappear, but...

I won't forget you.

I will never forget you, Anna.

Then we split forever.

Won't you give me the last kiss?

Anna!

Anna!

Nino...

Nino, I'm gone.

I'll be a few days with my mother. It will be better for us both.

Teresa.

Look, dear sir...

What they say about afterlife and this life are all stories.

It's always us!

We're alive, we are dead at the same time.

You don't believe me?

I know, it is difficult to explain but it is so.

I knew her and loved her passionately.

I felt horror and passion.

She slipped away.

She disappeared in the river for good.

That's it...

But was it really like that?

Now, look! I'll tell you a secret...

She didn't disappear...

She's always around me.

Because she said she needed me to go on living,

like a moth needs a flame.

And as long as I live,

she'll live, too, you see?

Because love...

is eternal life,

life within death,

It's...

just that...

no one wants to believe this simple truth,

Even here, the learned people guiding us,

these professors,

They listen to me, they write things down...

but I understand very well that they don't believe me.

No.

Excuse me, they're calling for me.

The producer thanks the people and authorities of Pavia

for their hospitality and cooperation during the shooting of this film.