All language subtitles for Caro Michele (Mario Monicelli, 1976) ENG

DEAR MICHELE

Dear Michele,
I'm going to town today

and if I make it in time,
I'll pay you a visit.

If I don't find you,
I'll leave this note.

I bought some rabbits and they
should be delivered tomorrow.

I'd like you to come
and build a few cages

as I don't know
where to keep them

and they can't stay
in the utility room.

If you come, feel free
to bring your laundry to wash.

Your aunt Matilde
has definitely settled in here

but we finally have a maid.

Her name is Cloti. She's not nice and
she doesn't feel like doing anything.

Where's Cloti?
- She hasn't come down yet.

What about the breakfast?
- I took care of it, don't worry.

We'll take it with us.
We don't have time to eat it here.

Bye, mom! - Bye.
- At least drink your milk!

Ready? I won't wait for you.
- I'm coming!

Cloti hasn't woken up yet?

That one didn't come to serve
but to get served!

You're going out?
- I'm going to town.

I'll come with you.
I'm going out too.

No, I prefer walking
in this fine weather.

There's a cold, healthy air.

Yes, but I'm off to Rome for the phone line.
One needs to go in the morning

and if I don't go in person,
we'll never get the line connected.

Without a nice recommendation,
you won't solve anything.

Will you be back by 1 o'clock?
- No, tonight.

Today is the first Thursday
of the month. - Right.

The more I think about it, the more
you seem crazy, both you and my brother.

What happens
if you miss one Thursday?

Nothing, but I always go.

So does he? - So does he.

But if it's a torment for both of you

what are you meeting for?
- It's a habit now.

You know, your brother is very
methodical in his disorganization.

When we separated, he decided
we had to meet once a month

and sit at that small table
from 5 to 7pm.

And we do that.

What's Cloti doing?
When is she supposed to get up?

I'll see about it.

Ah! Cook these onions.
We'll make a soup when I get back.

What? These? But they're all rotten.

Wait.

Let's go over there.

Madam, your husband's valet
has just called

to inform you that your husband
can't come today because he's ill.

He says if you could please call
him or pay him a visit.

Good morning, madam.
- Good morning.

Excuse me, who's that lady?
- The wife. - Oh!

I haven't decided yet if I like more
the flowered tile or the other.

And I'm not even sure if
the layout of the baths is right.

I'm miles away

because in a few days
I need to have surgery.

Come in!

I've arrived just now.
I haven't spoken to him yet.

He's doing nothing but phoning,
one call after the other.

He told me to come.
- Same to me.

What about Michele? - I think
he told him to come too.

I know, you're the architect,
but I'm the one who calls the shots.

It is me who has to go
and live in that house.

All year round.
Actually, for the rest of my life.

Alright, alright.

What's going on?
You need to have surgery?

Yes, to get rid of
that pain in my stomach.

I'm having that tower
at the seaside renovated.

Mainly for Michele.

You only worry about Michele and
you don't think about your daughters.

Besides, Michele dislikes the sea.

It was really a stroke of genius
buying that tower.

Anyway, I often have
these strokes of genius.

However, I don't like the fact that
you went to live in the country.

I had my good reasons.
- Yes, I know. Filippo got married.

He got a wife
and he already got her pregnant.

What a no-good man!
I've never liked him.

With those drooping shoulders

those little curls,
and that profile of a hawk.

Is it true you took my sister in?

She was depressed. Penniless.
She made a wrong investment.

I asked her to give the twins
some private lessons.

Don't let her come around here.
Neither Matilde nor the twins.

And I also don't want the twins
to go to the seaside tower.

I can't sleep in the afternoon
because of their portable radios.

I don't want Viola either.

She can go to her in-laws
in the country, with all those flies.

How can you put up with a daughter
who hasn't got a scrap of irony?

You, Angelica, you're better.
On the other hand, you have a boring husband.

Much more boring than Viola's.

He speaks ill even of C�zanne!
What a prick!

I want to talk to your doctor.

You'd better go to the clinic at once.

I'll decide when to go to the clinic.

I wanted to phone Michele.
I'll tell him to come here.

Michele, yes. You can phone him.

Let's phone that friend of Michele.
What's his name?

The one who has a bookshop
above the basement.

He surely knows where Michele is.
He can drop him a note.

Ah, I got it. Osvaldo.

Yes, Osvaldo.
I always forget his name.

Will you transfer the call
over there, in the studio?

I remember you always used to sing it
while you were painting.

Listen, dad. There's that girl
downstairs.

You know that girl
you introduced me to once?

We went together
to buy her a jacket.

She wants to know
if she can come up.

Anyway, mom doesn't care.
- No, I don't want to see her.

She takes too many cabs.

Hello? Osvaldo?
Sorry, it's Michele's mother.

Could you tell me...?

Mind that Michele is not in Rome.

I'm sure of what I'm saying because
I took him to the airport.

What? It's not possible!
- It is, Madam, I'm telling you.

I'm not really allowed to tell you...

but, given the circumstances...

Dear Michele, Osvaldo told me
you'd gone out to London.

I was astonished and appalled.

You could've called me to
a public phone in town to warn me.

Osvaldo says you intend to stay there
through the winter

but your father
is very sick.

Another thing
I want to tell you is this:

I received a letter from a certain
Mara Castorelli.

She says she met me last year
at a party in your basement.

She is staying in a pension but she says
it's too expensive for her.

She says she's had a baby

and she'd like to come
and show him to me.

I haven't replied to her yet.

I'd like to know from you
who this Martorelli is.

Hi! - Oof! I've been waiting for you
for an hour, like an idiot!

You came without the car?
- I had to park across

because there's no space here.
- See the curly-haired one over there?

She's my next-door neighbour.
She's been kind to me. I owe her a lot.

Money, even.
Smile to her.

My brother has come to pick me up.

Good morning.
- I'm going home.

Here.

One...

Here, like that.

And three.

So, I'll bring you back the thermos
and everything tomorrow. - Okay.

Here we go.

I'm your brother?
- She's been very kind.

Kind people like meeting
other people's relatives.

You owe her a lot of money?
- A little. Will you pay her back?

I told her she'd get the money
tomorrow but it's not true.

They'll never see me again here.

One day I'll send her a money order.
- When? - When I get a job.

What about the thermos? - I've got
a feeling I won't give it back.

Anyway, she's got another one.

So...

Hey, you aren't even watching him!
How does he look to you?

Who does he looklike?
- Newborns are all alike.

Not true at all! Curly-head's baby
is a totally different type.

Mine, when he was born,
looked like Michele.

But not anymore.
When will you see him?

Who? - Michele.

I went to see him
in his basement.

During the last days
of pregnancy.

When the baby was born,
I phoned to tell him.

He said he would come
but he didn't.

I wrote to his mother too.
I know her! I saw her once.

Let's go. Elisabetta
is waiting for us in the car.

Who's Elisabetta?
- My daughter.

Hold back that beast
and don't let him lick my baby!

Got it, Elisabetta?

How old is the baby? - Don't you
remember? A month and a half.

He looks older because he's plump.
I left the hospital 3 weeks ago.

It was the head nurse who gave me
the address of that pension

but I couldn't stay there.
It was filthy!

It made me sick putting my feet
on that green, rubber mat.

You know what those mats
are like? - I do, I do.

They said I was ringing
the bell too often.

I was ringing because
I needed many things.

I'm doing mixed feeding. Down!

It's complicated.
I would always forget the fork.

What fork? - The one
to shake the powdered milk.

Then, to weigh the baby, I was using
curly-head's scale.

Oof! But, though very kindly,
she told me

not to go in her room at 2am.

Does your mom have one of those scales
to weigh babies? - I don't think so.

I really need a scale.
- You can rent one at the pharmacy.

What am I going to rent if I'm broke?

Watch my baby.

Goodbye, eh. - Goodbye.

Bye, daddy! - Bye.

That's your wife?
Ask her about the scale.

No, not now. I'll ask her later.

Your daughter is indeed nice.
She didn't utter a word!

She's shy. - Shy and rude!

She didn't even look at the baby!

You took this flat
without checking it first?

I didn't take it at all.
They lent it to me.

A friend of mine.

First I was staying with
some friends on the Cassia

then I had a row with them
because I broke their camera.

After that, I moved away.

Actually, I'm going to phone.
- Who? - My friends on the Cassia.

His wife told me she'd find me
a job if I spoke English.

Do you speak English? - No.

Listen... Here. In the meantime,
go over there and boil the water.

Everything's there.
At least, that's what they told me.

A cup, a bowl, a fork and a spoon.

I see no forks. - Dear God!

I have no luck with forks.

I'll shake it with the spoon.
- No spoons either, just knives.

Alright then,
I'll shake it with the knife.

Do you want me to go to the pharmacy
and rent you a scale?

You'll go later. Don't move now.

I like having someone near me
when I shake the powdered milk.

I'm always afraid I might do
something wrong, that it might be lumpy...

You have no luck with chairs too.

I can't stay here forever.
I've got to see my wife.

You're separated. Why do you need to go?
- To spend some time with the girl.

Why did you separate?

Because we were too different
to live together.

How different? - Different.

She rich, me poor.
She active, me lazy.

She always with some kind of project,
houses to tidy up,

old aunts to accomodate,
dogs to mate,

garages to turn into art galleries.

Curly-head told me that
I could go with them to Trapani.

Her husband is in Trapani,
setting up a snack bar.

If things went well,
they'd hire me.

They need someone
to keep accounts.

Can you do that?

Almost everyone can keep accounts.

Go see if the water's boiling.
- It's been boiling for quite a while.

Then, turn it off.

You know, I can even
take Michele to court

because I'm underage.

If I did that,
he'd have to marry me.

Come off it!
Don't make me laugh.

I've always looked older than my age.
When I was 12, I already had...

No way! You're 25.

I saw your identity card.

How could you do that?
- You gave it to me.

You wanted to show me
how bad the photo was.

It's true. I do remember now.
I often lie.

It seems to me that your lies
are meaningless. - Not always so.

Sometimes you get tired of people
feeling sorry for you.

Or maybe you're feeling so down that
you can only feel better by lying!

You always told me you don't know
if that baby is Michele's.

Exactly. I don't know for sure.
I think it's his.

But I was going to bed with
lots of men then.

Who knows what came over me.

When I realized I was pregnant,
I thought I wanted the baby.

I've never been so sure of something.

I wrote to my sister in Genoa and
she gave me the money for an abortion.

I wrote back that I was keeping the money
but I didn't feel like having an abortion.

She replied that I was crazy.

And her husband wrote me that
they were moving to Germany

and told me to go to hell!

He's an agronomist.
I've never met him.

I see.

How strange...

I've never made love with you!

It never crossed my mind.
Neither yours.

I leave you cold?
- To tell the truth, you do.

Fuck you!

You think it's nice to hear that?

The baby's asleep.
He's done eating.

This baby is a pest.

He's not a pest at all.
He sleeps all the time.

He's a pest even when he's asleep.

I know I've got into real trouble.

Don't think I'm not aware of that!

Now you're going to cry?

Go shake the milk. - I've never
done that in my whole life.

Then read the instructions
on the tin. Help me!

Mom, mom! - Don't shout.
Your dad's sleeping.

The bell rang.
I answered the door.

Who's that?

What are you looking for?
- Michele.

When did you see him?

He says he's cold and hungry.

Shall I warm these up for him?
- Just a moment.

Dear Angelica, I left in a hurry

because they phoned me at night
to tell me that Anselmo got arrested.

I called you from the airport
but you weren't home.

I'm giving this letter to a lad
who will hand it to you.

His name is Ray.

I met him here.
He's from Ostend. He's reliable.

Put him up if you have a bed.

He'll have to stay in Rome
for a few days.

Can't you hear the phone?

I won't answer.
I'm not in for anyone!

If they're calling from the newspaper
tell them to look for someone else.

I've done 18 hours in a row
and I can't kick the bucket.

I must sleep,
do you understand or not?

Yes. It's a friend of Michele.
He is from London.

OK, you'll tell me later.
Now, answer the phone.

Enjoy your meal!

He'll be staying here
for a few days. - Ah, that too!

What's with you?

Dad has died.

Get back to sleep. - No.
What shall we do now?

Nothing. We've got time.
Please, get back to sleep.

He'll have to stay in Rome
for a few days.

You must go to my place at once.

Get the keys from Osvaldo
with an excuse.

Tell him you must look for a book.
Tell him whatever you want.

I almost forgot to tell you
you must take a bag or a pack.

Inside my stove there's a dismantled
machine gun, wrapped up in a towel.

I totally forgot about it when I left.
It'll look weird to you, but that's how it is.

So, take that machine gun
and get rid of it somehow.

I'm giving this task
not to Osvaldo, but to you.

In fact, I'd rather Osvaldo
not find out about this.

What did you just throw out?
- Rotten oranges.

I'd also like a black scarf.

I'm leaving the basement keys.
- All right, thank you.

Did you find it?
- I did, thank you.

You'd better keep the keys.

If Michele arrives,
he might come right here.

He will certainly arrive.

It's a shame he didn't come at once.

He's the only person in the world
dad would've liked to see.

Poor dad.

In one of his letters, Michele asked me
to take care of a girl.

I don't know if you've met her.
- I took care of it.

She was staying in a ridiculous
apartment on via Prefetti.

Miss Perone has a very old mother

and she needed a girl
to do the housework

in exchange for room and board.
It's a nice house, she'll be fine there.

I'm glad. I think she deserves
to get help.

Madam!

Miss! - What is it?

Miss!

What are you doing, mom?
- Nothing, looking for my slippers.

What do you say, Madam?

It's not quite time,
but he's been screaming a lot.

Good thing you're awake.

If he hears us talking,
he'll go back to sleep.

Should I give him milk
though it's early?

How should I know? I was sleeping.

What time is it? - 12.30.

When did we feed him last night?

I don't remember.
When was it, mom?

At 1 o'clock. - We'd better wait
another half an hour

but there's the risk he might hear us
and go back to sleep.

And then, who knows when
he's going to wake up again!

I'm going to prepare the milk.

He's all wet. - Of course!
It's time to change him!

This time I'll let you do it,
but be careful, eh?

Where are you going, mom? - That's it!
I'll talk to her. - You'll catch cold.

The cheese shouldn't be put
in the fridge.

Unless you wrap it up in foil.

Listen, Miss...
- I'm always so hungry at night.

Hungry and thirsty. It must be
because of all that dried cod.

Why are you eating that
so often? To save money?

After two days of dried cod
I have no milk left.

My daughter... - Go over there.

If my sweetie hears you talk,
he'll calm down.

I'll boil the water.
- My daughter...

Tell your daughter
she can change him now.

My daughter isn't good with kids.

Besides, she works all day
and she needs sleep at night.

You are here to assist us.
Do you get my point?

I know your daughter better than you.
She's crazy about kids!

I smell something burning.
What happened?

Ah, my coat!

Oh, my! I was ironing my coat!

My God!

I'm screwed!

Remember my wife? - Of course I do.
Thanks for coming. You are...?

Ada, still the same wife,
athough we separated.

You're never as much united
as when you're separated. Really.

Mom, Angelica's coming with you.
I'm going with Elio.

Angelica,
I've got something to tell you.

I'm off to the newspaper.
See you at home.

I disagree with dad's will

especially on that tower issue.
Why did he leave it to Michele?

That's what he wanted. And besides
it's a wreck, it's barely standing.

To make it livable,
you'd have to put a lot of money into it.

It would be enough to sell
some of the plots of land in Spoleto.

If we can be of help...
You know, Michele is to me...

I know. Thanks for having phoned him.
He wrote me about that.

He was thinking of coming
at least for the funeral

but I don't know what stopped him.
I can't understand what might stop

someone from returning
when such a tragedy happens.

I really can't.

I wonder whether he'll come
when I die, at least.

Let's go, mom. It's freezing.

Oh! Michele talked to me
about a girl. Her name is...

Mara Pastorelli
or something like that.

You found her an accomodation, no?
- Yes, but it didn't work out.

Why? - Because...
Because with the baby...

I think it's outrageous that Michele
didn't show up. Outrageous!

He was afraid he might get arrested.
They arrested 2 or 3 members of his group.

I think it's outrageous anyway.
And you agree with me

because he could let himself be arrested

if it means being able to follow his
father's corpse to the cemetery.

The corpse? - Yes, the corpse.
What's so strange?

Nothing. I think that's an unusual
word for you to say.

I think it's very common.
Say, why did it cross your mind

to take that girl to the Peronis?
- I felt sorry for her with that baby.

Besides, the Peronis needed help
with housework.

To my mind, that girl
is completely stupid.

Not completely.
- Yes, completely.

She's not stupid, just dazed.
- I can't grasp the difference.

Does the baby look like Michele?
- He's got dark hair.

Michele's hair is reddish.
- Hair doesn't matter.

Michele should've come here
and give him his name.

He would've done that if he were honest
but, obviously, he's not.

Just think how he
treated his father.

Anyway, I've never found
your Michele particularly likeable.

He was kind, yes,
but he was never that funny.

Why do you speak of Michele
as if he were dead too?

Because I think
we'll never see him again.

He won't come back. He'll end up
in America or who knows where.

The world is full of such young people
who wander aimlessly.

One can't imagine
how they'll get old.

It's as if they would
be that way forever:

no home, no family

no fixed job, nothing. Just the
few things that they own and that's it.

They've never been young.
Thus, how will they grow old?

Even that girl with the baby.
How will she do that?

He's gonna get an herniated disc, or
he might choke. Do you hear that too?

He's been screaming like that
for 2 hours straight. And nobody's home.

Two hours? Much more than that!
But that girl, the mother...

She did come back, but she's gone
to fetch a locksmith

to force the door open.

She locked herself out,
or she lost the keys, dunno.

I phoned Miss Peroni at her office.

She's taking a cab to come here.
- Thank goodness.

Here I am! I'm coming, sweetie!
- Here comes the mother.

Sweetie!

Excuse me.
Your mom is coming, sweetie!

There there, sweetie.
There there, sweetie.

We'll be with you right away.
Sweetie!

What's that?

Police? - The fire brigade, maybe?

Come on, hurry up!

Pull it down.

Hey! You should smash that window.
You can get into the house from there

and then let me in.
- We could try forcing the door open.

No, it takes too much time
because of the security bolt.

I authorize you. I'm the mother.

OK, get the ladder. Let's go.

Watch out!

Sweetie? There there, keep calm.
We are on our way.

The simplest solutions
never come about at once!

Did you see, Miss? - Eh!

What have you done, sweetie?

Look how much water.
Everything flooded.

Did a pipe break?

What's all this water?
- The shower tap was running.

Impossible! Before I left
I wanted to take a shower

and there wasn't a trickle of water.

It's a sure sign that the reservoir
was empty, then got filled up.

You left the tap running. - Miss!

Why so early? Is there a strike?

The doorman phoned me.
You forgot the keys.

Did you have to bother her too?
The firemen are already here.

Listen. I would be happy
to keep you with us

because it's also a good deed,
but you have no common sense.

You're definitely of no help to us.

I'm sorry for you, but I don't understand
why you wanted this baby

since bringing him up
causes you such anguish.

No anguish at all! - If it was up to me,
we could get on with it

but my mother is too old.
She gets frightened.

You'd better leave.

It stinks in here.

The flat has been empty
for some time.

Just let some fresh air in.

It smells of sewer, and it's
always been that way.

What with bleach and muriatic acid
you have no idea how much money I spent.

But it's useless. Some houses
stink and this one does.

I also warn you that
the roof leaks. There.

I had a bricklayer look at it. He told me
that the drop ceiling should be redone.

What are you doing here? - I couldn't
live with those damn Peronis.

They aren't mean, quite the opposite,
they're rather kind

but they made my breasts dry out
with all their dried cod dinners.

You can't stay here. My friend here
has brought some merchandise from Japan

and we're setting up a boutique.
- I don't think it's such a great idea.

With all those stairs to climb.

And this stench!

Lovely!

Listen, dear, I said you could
stay here for a few days only.

DO you ladies live in this house?
- Just me and I'm not a lady.

Look, I've got to talk to
my friend now.

And then prepare
the powdered milk for the baby.

Hold him a second. Here.

Since you've got a lighter,
if you don't mind...

Please, help me light the gas stove.

I warn you that it stinks too.

The electric one broke down.
- What? It worked just fine!

Not on your life! The coil
burned out. - You must have burned it.

It leaks!

Don't be afraid, you're almost there.
Strike another match.

Thanks.

Well, don't get me wrong

but there are too many of us
in here.

Listen, come back later,
you'll see we'll find a solution.

When may I come back?
- Later.

If madam would like to stay here

I have nothing against it.

You could watch over the merchandise
and open the boutique in the morning.

We'll discuss it later.

But I probably won't accept

because, you see, this lady here
is the sister of a friend of mine

who is currently living in London.

This friend has his own apartment
which I believe I might use.

Am I right, Angelica?

Mom! - Say what?

How dare you, you damn idiot!
I'll make you take that back!

You're a stupid revisionist!

What did you say? I'll kill you!
- Oreste, stop it! Are you mad?

Look! Go wash with cold water
right now.

Cold water!

What did you do to him?
I'd better take him to the pharmacy.

Take him wherever you want,
but don't you dare bring him back here!

Or else I might do something crazy!

I don't want to see him ever again!

Dear Michele, I saw Mara,
the girl from Via Prefetti.

Osvaldo found her a job. She works
for Fabio Colarosa, a publisher.

I also saw the baby:
He's cute but he's not yours.

He's got thick lips
and long, black wisps.

The girl would like to stay
in your basement

but it's not possible now
because Ray

the guy you sent here, and
who stayed in my house for a week,

lives in the basement with Sonia,

that friend of mine.
I don't know if you've ever met her.

Ray and Oreste did not get along.

Dear Michele...

Guilt.

Always to be preferred to connivance.

Purity.

Ambiguous word used mostly by those
who think in terms of dirtiness.

Money.

The shame lies in having it,
and not in spending it.

No, Miss. It's not necessary
that you come here.

When you hear the rattle,
press the button on the Dictaphone

at your desk and write down
what you hear me dictate.

Dear Michele, I give you the good news
that I've found a job.

It was Ada, Osvaldo's wife,
who found it for me.

I'm working for a publisher,
Fabio Colarosa.

He's Ada's friend. Osvaldo says
they've been lovers for 2 years now.

I was watching you.
I'm not dictating.

I can see and hear it.

You can go back to your place.
I'm ready. - Now, you switched it off.

You told me to press it
if it was ringing.

Now it wasn't.

Good morning, everyone.
- Good morning.

How come you're here?
You said you'd call first.

I was passing by and I thought
it was easier to just drop in.

I'm having lunch with Osvaldo.

What do you think of the girl?
I warned you, she's a bit crazy.

I have nothing against crazy people.

I bring the baby to a lady
who takes care of 8 more babies.

Again, it was Ada who
found that lady for me.

Three slices of strawberry tart...
- You need to get the receipt.

Three strawberry tarts
and a ginger ale.

1,500.

Here. - Wouldn't you like
to go with me to a restaurant?

Thanks, but I promised my baby
I would come for him earlier.

Some other day, with pleasure.

The baby looks like you.

His hair is black and straight.
Yours is curly and reddish instead.

After all, babies hair changes
in time.

His eyes are dark-grey.
Yours are green.

But it is well known that the colour of
babies' eyes also changes in time.

I wish the baby were yours,
but I'm not sure.

But don't think I'll ask you
to be his father when you come back.

I'd be crazy if I did that.
I'd be a scumbag too

since I'm not sure
that you're the father.

Good-bye. - Good-bye.

They make me dizzy.

Who knows why he took up painting
these monumental and mindless pictures.

Please, leave that portrait there.
- Yes, madam.

As for the others, we'll seek advice.

I'll just take this portrait of mine.
He painted it at Pieve di Cadore,

a few months before we separated.

Shortly afterwards, we came back
to Rome. It was the end of summer.

At that time
we lived on Corso Trieste.

One morning I went away.
I left him forever.

I left with the twins.
Michele was six years old.

Here it is! I found it!

You found what? - My novel!

It was the only corrected
and typewritten copy.

I gave it to him to read
3 years ago.

He told me he had lost it in a cafe,
at the train station in Florence.

Remember? - Yes.
You told me that many times.

''Polenta and Poison''.
That's the title, right?

''Polenta and Poison''.
I intend to have it published.

I'll tell Osvaldo.
His wife is friends with Colarosa.

It's just...
I was just talking about you.

You know the publisher Colarosa
very well, don't you?

My wife. - Exactly!

So, we'll ask your wife
for a recommendation.

I will make you look good, you'll see.

Let's hope so. If nothing else so that
she forgives me for another recommendation

that I asked of her, which will
probably bring about a lot of damage.

You're still hungry.

I thought you'd invite me out,
so I skipped dinner.

Do Michele's parents
look after the baby?

I only know Angelica, his sister.

She's nice, she promised
that she would get me a baby carriage.

It wears me out carrying him
on my back.

I'll go to see his mother.

She says she's been quite depressed lately.
And I'm waiting.

When she'll be less depressed,
I'll go see her.

I don't want anything from her.

I'm not even sure
whether the baby is Michele's.

Even if it were,
I don't want to marry him.

He's bad-tempered. No.

Not that I don't want to marry him
because he's bad-tempered

but because I feel sorry for him.

I'd like to get married to a man
who I'd never feel sorry for.

Because I already feel sorry for myself.

There. I'd like to get married
to a man that I could envy.

We are late, aren't we?
- No, why?

Not at work today. On Saturdays
we have a half day off.

So?

So, if you allow me,
I'll walk you home.

That way, you'll introduce me
to your baby. - Of course!

But my baby is not at home.
- Then, show me your place.

He's at the lady's who looks after him
when I'm working.

I don't own this place. A Japanese man
was supposed to come stay here

but he didn't
because of the stench.

He gave me this kimono
when my coat got burned.

But if it amuses you...
- It does. - Alright.

I said I'd make you coffee,
but this is instant coffee.

I have no patience with coffee.
It takes too much time to make.

Is that okay with you? - Yes.

The hardest part is finding a cup.
I have only one.

I borrowed it from a friend
who lives in a pension.

I should buy some household items
but I'm always busy.

I was saying I'm always busy.

Besides, I don't like taking
my baby to crowded places.

No sugar. Is that okay?

Ah, the teaspoon.

Here you are.

We made it.

Bad smell, isn't it?
- No, I can't smell it.

I've got a big nose but
I have no sense of smell. - Lucky you!

I do.

No, that one is cracked.

But...

What a nice idea!

What is he like?

Pretty. Really pretty.

No, wait! I must prepare the milk.
If you get up, you'll make noise!

You were sleeping so well
that I didn't want to wake you up

when I came for my sweetie.
I had to dash.

Besides, it made me happy
to know that you were here.

Because I don't like being alone
when I shake the powdered milk.

I should be used to it
as I'm almost always alone.

But, I can't get used to it.

Here you are.

If you want to stay for dinner
I'm making a sirloin.

We could split it.

Or you are busy?

You've got to dine with Ada?
- No, I haven't phoned her today.

You look like a pelican!

I thought that
the first time I saw you.

You look like a pelican.

I know. I've been told that before.
I don't remember who but someone did.

It was Ada.
- No. I don't think so.

I'm going to see
if I really have that sirloin.

Remember that you mustn't be on
first-name terms with me at work.

Sorry if I made you wait.
I was in the shower.

And this baby carriage?

Don't tell me that...
- No, it's for a girl.

You know, that girlfriend of Michele's.

I hope Osvaldo will come to collect it
and take it to her place.

Are you alone? - Yes.

Oreste's gone to Orvieto
for a rally.

And the girl is having
a sleepover in Anzio.

Do you have any cookies? - No, I don't.
But I have breadsticks, if you want.

Tea is almost ready.
Would you like me to pour?

I think I'm pregnant.
- Are you?

I think I'm going to have a
blood test tomorrow.

Michele wrote me
that he's getting married.

When? - In no time.

As soon as he gets the papers
he asked me to send him.

You must be kidding!
He'll never get married.

He'll never have a family
of his own. He is gay.

What? - Didn't you realize that
he and Osvaldo are lovers?

What are you saying?

He has a girlfriend and a son
who is most likely his.

Now he's even getting married.

Because he's bisexual.

Osvaldo has a wife and children.
To you, he's bisexual too?

Bisexual. - Come on!

Is he marrying an old girlfriend?
- No, he says he met her there.

She's not all that young.
She's divorced, has two children.

American. He says she isn't pretty.
She wears glasses.

But she's very smart.

We could have taken this
for granted.

He wrote nothing to me.
Does mom know?

No. He wants me to give her the news.
At any rate, he wrote to Osvaldo.

And Osvaldo?

He was very nervous
when I mentioned it.

See? They are lovers.

Nonsense! He was nervous
because Ray, Michele's friend

who I put up in the basement,
takes a lot of strange people home.

Osvaldo is nervous because of Michele.
Say whatever you want

but this relationship
Michele-Osvaldo... Hm!

Even if Michele were gay, or
bisexual, that's his business!

I don't see why we should take the tower,
since dad's will was to leave it to him.

I have to take a thing
on behalf of Michele.

He wrote me to come here.

Dear Osvaldo,
in my basement

there's a scarf
in the back of a drawer.

It's a lovely scarf, 100% cashmere wool.
White with sky-blue stripes.

My father gave it to me.

I'd like you to take it
and make it yours.

I'd be happy to know that you have
that scarf around your neck

when you leave your shop and
you're strolling along the Tiber.

Dear Michele, the cashmere scarf
is nowhere to be found.

But I bought myself a scarf.

It's not made of cashmere wool
and doesn't have blue stripes.

When I wear it I imagine that it's yours.

I'm aware that it's a surrogate.

On the other hand,
we all live on surrogates.

Bring in the rest. Fabio!

Fabio!

Oh! I hope there's milk in the house
because the baby has to eat.

Actually, me too, but the baby first.

Regular milk is all right too
if you don't have any powdered milk.

Is there any milk? Perhaps
the young lady will have to dine.

No milk. As for dinner...
- Go down to the caf�, please.

Buy some milk and
a rotisserie chicken.

Don't forget my stuff!

Where's your room?

What an effort!

I've had it.

I get along well with you.
We may as well live together.

Aren't you happy?
- Of course I am.

I like this bed.

It's soft.

Who painted it? - Mafai.

Michele would like it.
You know he's getting married?

He wrote me that from England.
He wrote he's getting married

and he's sending 12 onesies
for the baby.

They belonged to one of the kids
of his fianc�e, who is divorced.

And we could send him
this painting for his wedding.

What do you say?

I got married on Wednesday.

Luckily, none of you came.

Not that I don't want to see you.

But we arranged the wedding hastily,
we didn't give weight to it.

If you had come,
you might've been disappointed.

Who are the other ones?

Her parents, I think
or close relations, anyhow.

He could've sent us
a better picture than this one.

You can't see anything at all.

Just a black raincoat.

Strange. I was sure I took the letter.
Where the hell did I put it?

Did he look happy to you?

He says his wife is a Communist
who teaches in a university.

so in the morning he has to
take care of the house, the kids...

and even do the dishes.

How old is his wife? - 30.

Your brother needs to have
an older woman close to him.

He's always longed for
motherly affection.

It's your dad's fault. He took him
from me when he was little.

Let's hope they come for Easter.

That way... We will meet
the wife and children.

Speaking of children...
Look there on the desk.

Filippo had a baby girl.
They named her Vanessa. Idiots!

Tell me if that's a good name for a girl.

Dearest Adriana,
Vanessa was born last Wednesday.

We're very happy about the arrival
and we announce it to you first.

You miss Filippo a lot, don't you?
Couldn't you two stay friends?

I didn't want to.

I like it better this way.

I cherish wonderful memories
of the years I spent with Filippo.

Listen. I invited Colarosa,
the publisher, to dinner next week.

Matilde has already annoyed him
in every possible way.

She's been bothering him
to get her novel published.

Of course,
it's going to be at my expense.

Did you know he's going out now
with Mara Castori? Castellari...?

What's her name? Michele's friend...

Only the kitchen light is on.
- Seems like we got here too early.

May we come in? - Oh, that's you!
Why are you going this way?

It's pitch dark
on the side of the entrance.

I know why:
you want to check the menu.

Rice timbale

vol-au-vent with mushrooms
and b�chamel sauce.

Zuccotto cake. Everything round,
like Adriana suggested.

Come along with them.
I'll be right back.

Miss Castorelli.
- Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.
- Publisher Colarosa.

No! Introductions in the living room.
This is where the cook takes a bow. Please.

Come, come this way.

Mom?

Why don't you get up?
They're already here.

I told you I wouldn't serve dinner.
I'm feeling sick and I've resigned.

Why? What did I say? I just made
an observation on the vol-au-vent.

You said it was runny.

Good evening.
- Good evening, Osvaldo.

Mr Colarosa. - Pleased to meet you.
- Good evening.

Miss Mara Castorelli.
- This is Michele as a boy, isn't it?

Yes. - He resembles you so much.
He has your green eyes.

My baby looks like him too.
Even though he has dark eyes.

Too bad I don't have
his picture on me.

But one of these days
you'll meet him.

It would be my pleasure.
What would you like to drink?

Angelica, take care of our guests.

What would you have?
- Nothing, thanks.

Osvaldo? - Me neither.

Silly me!
I forgot where I found it.

Thanks.

You're not from Rome, are you?
- No, I'm from Novi Ligure.

Have you ever been there?
It's a very pretty place.

Actually, it's not that pretty.
But my house is.

It's a very beautiful villa
and very big.

Many of us live in it.

Of my own relatives, my little brother
is the only one I have left

and my dear old nanny.
Now my cousins are living there

as it was a pity to leave
the villa empty.

Anyway, my cousins are
like brothers to me.

They're all lawyers.

Just like my uncle was,
and even my father.

All very, very famous lawyers.
I always said to Michele:

''Should you ever need it,
you or... your parents, of course"

''there is no one better than them''.

I would entrust myself
to them, if I ever needed it.

They win every case.
They're bad news if you're against them.

Aunt Matilde said it's ready!

Come and help me, I said...
- I'm coming.

I'm coming too.
- There's no need, believe me.

I'm cold. I want to fetch
my fur coat. - Cold?

It's freezing.
- Is she really cold?

It's boiling hot. What an idea!
- Coldness is not an idea

if anything, it's a feeling.
- Possibly a sensation.

Relief to the starving!

Lay it down here. - Don't be ridiculous.
It's hot. Take it off!

Are you afraid I might spoil it?

Please, take a seat.

Please.

It was bought 5 days ago.

He didn't really order it for me,
but I came at the right moment

to inherit it.

I've been into Pascal lately too.

I was curious to know what
was published in France in '48.

Port-Royal, Sainte-Beuve...

I have a lot of admiration for
impulsive writers.

Today, in these times of ecological thinking,
just like we look for genuine food

we should also favour
more genuine writers.

Dear Michele, the other night
I dined at your mother's house.

I don't know why I once wished so much
to see her, and wanted her to like me.

Maybe because I hoped
she'd help me marry you.

I've never really wanted
to marry you, obviously

or perhaps I was so desperate
that I did, without knowing it.

It wasn't an enjoyable dinner.

I was wearing the mink coat that
the pelican gave me 5 days before

but then, at some point,
I felt like a high-class whore

and then I got very gloomy
and I thought:

''What am I doing here?
Where am I?"

''What kind of people are these
if they don't ask me anything?''

''And when I speak
they seem not to listen?''

They're intellectuals.

I was dying to shout to their faces
that they're big arseholes!

I'm handing you my manuscript.

My treasure, the only copy.

That'll do, thank you.

Best wishes to your
''Polenta and Chestnuts''!

The title of the lady's book
is not ''Polenta and Chestnuts''

but ''Polenta and Poison''.
- I got confused because of that song

the one that goes... Don't you know?

My mom used to tell me:
Don't go to the mountains.

You'll be eating
polenta and chestnuts

and you'll get a heartburn.

If the Kra...
if the Krauts don't kill us

Krauts and clefts
and the cold alpine wind

when we get old
we'll have something to say.

I don't know what you have against me.
What did I do to you?

You didn't talk to me,
you didn't look at me once.

I've got a terrible headache.
- God!

Always headache! Always!

He's teething, poor thing.

I have a right to get some sleep.

So? I too have a right to get
some sleep and have some fun!

You have a right to nothing!
You're the mother.

Listen!

You'd better leave.
I'm sacking you!

You've already sacked me
many times but I won't leave.

The doctor has to tell me that.

Bitch!

Don't think
I can go on living like this.

We ought to hire a nanny.

A nanny?

Yes, a nanny!
A nanny, a nanny!

When I was living alone
on via Prefetti

from time to time,
I could even let the baby cry.

But I can't do that here because
you're always having headaches.

I don't think I feel like also
having a nanny here.

Then I'm leaving!

I'm off!

I'll put 500km between you and me.
I'm going back to my relatives!

And don't treat me like
a high-class whore

only because you gave me a fur
you'd bought for some other woman.

I'm pretty, young, kind.
I have an adorable baby.

I do you the honour of living here.
I spend money that you don't need.

What more do you want of me?
You're nothing else but a shitbag!

I don't even need you!
I know where to go.

I've got a villa in Novi.
I come from a good family

I have relatives and my nanny...

Dear Michele, I told you that
Colarosa and I would get married.

It was nonsense.
Pretend I never told you that.

He never dreamed of marrying me and
maybe I don't want to marry him either.

Amelia! - Who is it?

Amelia, open up! It's me!
- Who might it be?

Who are you? - I'm Mara.

Mara? - Yep!

And that one? - He's mine.

Ah, we haven't seen each other
for so many years

and I knew nothing of you,
not even that you got married.

In fact, I didn't get married.
- I see. You aren't married.

I had this baby with a guy
who dumped me on the street.

What street?
- Well... It's along story.

Listen, Amelia.
You have to take me in

as I have no money for a hotel
and I'm dead tired.

I've spent an entire day on the road.
- Where would I put you?

Why don't you go to your cousins'?
- I don't want them to know I'm here.

They don't know about the baby.
Neither does my brother.

May I know why did you come here?
- I don't know.

I was uncertain whether to come here
or go to my friend's in Trapani.

It would've been better if I'd gone
there but I've still got time.

Do you see my cousins?
How are they doing?

How could they be doing? Bad.

Here.

Is it yours? - Of course it is!

How lovely.
It must cost a lot of money.

Do you want to sell it?
- Why should I?

Amelia said that you're broke
and that you came here...

I came here
asking nothing from you.

In fact, I asked Amelia
not to tell you that I'm here.

Instead she told us, and all
the other relatives as well.

Well, you know,
we can't do anything for you.

We're already taking care
of your brother.

But if you'd like
to sell the fur... - No!

Hey, this one here
is your nephew, you know.

You're not even looking at him?
Give him a warm welcome.

Think it over. It's nice, new. - I like
having nice things. I even have...

I left my kimono
at the pelican's place.

That screwball, Mara,
called you from Novi.

She's asking you for a favour:
that you go to the publisher Colarosa's

and take a Japanese kimono
which, in haste of departure,

she forgot and to take it to her
at the station

when she passes through Rome
on her way to Trapani.

She doesn't know when that'll be
and she's not sure if she wants to go.

Dear Mara, Osvaldo came and took
your Japanese kimono.

I'm deeply grateful to you
for having gone away.

It was, in fact, my deepest wish
and you figured it out

also because, maybe, I acted in a way
so that you could understand.

If you are still keeping alive,
deep inside you

an obscure, confused
will of coming back one day

you should know
that it will never be a good idea.

I wish you all the best
and I hope you're happy

provided that happiness exists.

I don't believe it exists
but others think it does

so it's not impossible that they're right.

Who do we leave the girl to?
That costs a lot, you know.

Mom can easily pay for my trip.

Why doesn't she go see Michele?
I don't know why you get so upset.

What caused this state that you are in?

His last letter.
Anyway, you read it too.

Exactly because I read it.

Did he get bored with his wife?
Too bad for him.

Why did he marry her
if he barely knew her?

He didn't get bored with her.
He's disappointed in himself.

He's in the middle of a crisis,
feeling alone.

Does he miss you
and his friends in Rome?

He should come here
and fulfill his need.

I don't understand
why you have to go see him.

Longing for that Mara...
He wrote that or I'm wrong?

Yes, but he says that
because he's desperate.

His wife, that's the point,
despite all her cleverness

couldn't help and
understand him.

He says he can only pour out
his heart to a screwball like Mara.

Which is like talking to nothingness.
- The truth is you bring on imaginary problems.

Michele has always liked
to pity himself.

To pretend to be misjudged. The real
problem is there's nothing to undestand.

I told you:
''Do what you want''.

The fact that I'm against it
is of no importance.

All you have to do is
put up the girl somewhere.

Because, next week, I'll be working on
the night shift again, got it?

Where were you looking for me?
- Didn't you say you were going to Trapani?

Yep! - That's the train to Trapani.

Are you sure? - Yes.
- Oh, my! Hold him, madam.

Help me out.

Two...

And three. I'm coming.

Thanks.

Where was I going to?
- I don't know.

I only know that... - Come on!

...that's the train to Trapani.

What a wretched trip!
Put it here.

Tell me why did you go to Novi?

I went there because
I wanted to run away.

I was head over heels in love
with the pelican.

But he didn't give a damn about me.

As a result of saying I had
a beautiful house, relatives...

Hold him a second, please.

I was saying, as a result of telling
everyone I had a beautiful house

nice and fond relatives... and friends,
I ended up believing it.

Well done. Instead, it's not true at all.
I might've gone to Trapani at once.

At least, I had a job there. - A job?
What are you thinking?

You'll be working as a servant.
- Alright, but little by little...

Later on I might find a place

like the one I had
at Colarosa's, the publisher,

before the pelican took me
to live in his attic.

Actually, he didn't take you.
You went there yourself.

But do the guys down there know

that you are coming?
Curly-head.

No. How could I?

They might not take you in.
- They will, they will.

She's so kind.

It's leaving.

Bye.

I brought you something to eat.

Now and then, I think
it's a real pity that Michele left

and that he got married.

Not because I wanted to
marry him, certainly not.

Besides, I'm pretty sure
the baby's not his.

But, I had a good time with Michele.

Instead, I ended up falling in love
with a man, not even handsome

with a big nose.

A pelican.

It is true you can fall in love
with anybody

even with the funniest, strangest person...

the saddest.

Hey, won't you give the baby a kiss?

How do you like it?

Hi, Viola. - Hi, mom.

Oh, my God! The Van Gogh painting
would have been better,

as suggested by your publisher.

If nothing else to give him
a little satisfaction, poor thing.

This looks to me like a leaflet of
the Socialist Party. - Nonsense!

It's much better than Van Gogh's.
And it's my own, just like the book.

Well, if it pleases you.
How come you're here?

No reason.
Angelica sends you this.

What's that? - The money
you'd given her for the trip.

She's not going to England
anymore. - Why?

She'll explain it better.
She's coming tomorrow.

You must know something too.

An Italian guy who got a scholarship
to Leeds and who knows Michele

phoned Angelica saying that
Michele had dumped his wife

and no-one knows where he is.
He said he wanted to go to Bruges

but he might not be there.
Michele's wife, according to this guy

says that Michele is �300 in debt
and he wants you to pay it off.

When did all that happen?
- I don't know.

But I think it would be absurd for you
to pay such a big sum.

In my opinion,
no-one should pay.

Well, if those are Michele's debts...
- That's what the wife says.

Alright then. He'll tell us.

What he might be doing
in Bruges or Holland?

I think he'll come back here soon.

Sorry.

Sorry! I've got to see Miss Lidia.
She lives here, right? - She's my wife.

I just asked you if she lives here.
- Go upstairs. Stairway on the left.

I can't take upstairs all this stuff
while holding the baby in my arms.

You take it upstairs.

You invited me and I'm here.
- You could've warned me, no?

What's going on here?
- It's Mara, my friend from Rome.

I talked you about her. - No.
- Yes, I did. She's visiting us.

You haven't taken upstairs
my luggage?

Hold him a second. I'll fetch it.
Besides, it's time to change him.

Who's this lunatic?
What's she doing here?

This damn bed!

She's in a fix. She asked me
if she could stay with us for a while.

She'll help us with the housework
and the baby, won't she?

This morning in Bruges,
during a student protest

the police intervention
caused a vicious reaction

that led to violent riots.

In order to crash the protest,
armed units of the Belgian police

had recourse to the use
of tear gas and hydrants.

The students, after having
wrecked the cobblestones,

went on with throwing
Molotov cocktails.

Hello?

Oh, God. German.

Please, wait a moment. - What?

A moment. - Sorry?
- Eine Moment. - Alright.

Oreste, sorry, there's someone on
the phone and I can't understand him.

He's calling from Bruges.
He speaks German only.

He's saying something
about Michele.

- Hello? - Hallo? - Hallo?

You're Michele Vivanti's relative?
- Yes, I'm his brother-in-law.

We inform you that
Michele passed away. - What?

Yes, he died. - When?

Yesterday,
during a student protest.

Do you wish to take a note?

The body is at
the Bruges Central Hospital.

Central Hospital.

And? - That would be all.

Thank you very much.
- You're welcome.

What did he say to you?
What happened?

Michele...

If I must work as a servant,
then, it's different.

You'll have to pay me!

I could take the kids
to the playground,

bathe them. Instead...
I have to get up at 7 o'clock

bring you coffee in bed,
make the beds... - So?

Clean up the room.
You can forget it, my dear!

What were you doing before
I came? - You don't want to undestand

that if my husband sees you
doing nothing, he'll kick you out!

Besides, the doctor said I have
a nervous breakdown. I must rest.

As if I had an easy life here.

I don't like this town! The snack bar
is not going well at all.

A pile of bills to pay.

And which of us is worse off?

What should I say then?
I'm all alone.

They've always treated me badly.
Everywhere!

Reduced to working as a servant...
I don't like working as a servant.

I don't think anybody does.

Why don't you sell me
the fur I like so much?

Are you nuts? - Why?

Why should I sell it to you?
It's my fur.

You're broke. It's mine. I like it.
It's a keepsake and I'll keep it.

You think I can't pay you?
- What can you pay?

What can you possibly pay?
You are so broke!

You invited me but instead
you want to take advantage of me.

What's going on, holy cow?
What's going on?

Give it to me.

Nothing's going on.

You're still at this stage?

You haven't even set the table.
The guests will be here any moment now.

Did you hear that?
Go set the table. Go!

Oh, my sweetie.

Why are you crying?

Sweetie... - What's up?
Why is my cute nephew crying?

This one is hers.
Yours is the other one, you idiot!

Why don't you get moving? I put
the good dishes on the cart. Snap it up!

Hey!

What happened?

Oh, my God! What have you done?
It's our best set of china!

The cart collapsed. - What?
You'll pay for each and every one of these!

How's that my fault?
The cart collapsed, I'm telling you.

Our family ends with him.
Has it ever occured to you?

If only he had recognized
the son of that Castelli, Castorelli...

We need to inform her,
send her some money.

Michele always asked us to help her.

Today I was thinking about
the last time I saw Michele.

He came here to fumble
in the wardrobe

searching for some Sardinian rug.

He wanted it to cover a wall
in his basement.

I remember it because it's connected to
the last time I saw him...

I spoke to him.
Who would have thought?

Only now I realize
it was a happy day.

We usually don't recognize
happy days while we're living them

but only later,
when they're just a memory.

Hello? Hello? Trapani 7231?
- Yes.

I'd like to speak to
Miss Mara Castorelli.

Who's speaking? You can talk to me.
Mara's looking after the kids.

Call her anyway. It's urgent.

I want to tell her some bad news
regarding Michele.

Michele? Who's that Michele?

Dear Filippo, this morning,
while browsing through some old photos

I suddenly remembered when
we went to Courmayeur

in your car to see Michele.

You bought him a green hat
with a suede tail.

He must've been 12. He was happy.
He burst out singing in the car.

He knows it too!

It was a song his father used to sing.

Usually, it annoyed me
because it reminded me of his dad

with whom I wasn't getting along
at that time.

But that day I was happy.

You'll think I'm crazy
but I wrote this letter to thank you

for having sung with Michele
that day.

I'd like to ask you a favour:
if you know all the words of the song

transcribe them for me
and send them by mail.

It'll seem strange to you, but one seems
to cling to the smallest wishes

when in truth there's
nothing left to wish for.

I'm worried about leaving the baby
to her. What about taking him along?

Are you crazy?
That wouldn't be a holiday.

No. Besides, the baby gets car sickness.

I'll talk to her. Here, take.

Mara, don't do that.
You know what I'm going to do?

I'll call my sister and she'll give you
a shot. It'll be good for you.

My doctor prescribed these
for my nervous breakdown.

Tomorrow, I'll have her give you one more.

And while we're away for
the next 3 days, you can relax, rest.

Amuse yourself with the kids and
stay out with them all day long.

OK? Whatever.

Let's hope for the best.

Meow...

Who's that? - Meow.

Who's meowing? - Meow!

Who gave you the keys?
- I've always had them.

Do it again,
you made me laugh.

Good. I heard you were crying a lot.
- I did nothing but that.

Say, have you already eaten?
- Shh! They're sleeping!

Let's make spaghetti. - I'm not hungry
and I don't feel like cooking.

You have this, if you want.
- Oh, no!

I'm fed up with lasagne.
It's all I see night and day.

I've had it!
It makes me sick!

Come on, make some spaghetti.
Come on! - No!

No, if you're hungry, you can eat
the lasagne that your brother made.

Did the father of your baby die?
- He wasn't his father.

At least, I don't think so,
because he doesn't resemble him.

He looks more like
a friend of his, Oliviero.

I see.

And you were going to bed
with both. - Well, going to bed...

We had sex maybe 3 or 4 times
but I didn't even enjoy it.

Why did you, then?

Hey, why don't you mind
your own business? - Wait.

You want to go to bed with me? - No!

If you're hungry, eat the lasagne.
I'm off to bed.

Why won't you try with me?
You're gonna like it, I tell you.

Such an uncomfortable bed.
It's too small for the two of us.

''We won't fit''?
- No, look. - Get down.

Down! - Let it go, stop it!

Here.

How can you sleep in such
an uncomfortable bed, poor thing?

At least now,
while the owners are away

you could sleep
in their big bed.

What a nice idea!

The garage is closed at this hour.

I'll pick it up
tomorrow, to have it burned!

Cars are no longer what
they used to be. - Yes, yes.

Damn it!

Slut!

Look what this bitch is doing!

Come to see what this whore does
when nobody's home. Come!

In our bed, with your brother!
- What are you doing, you slut?

Well... - Get out of here!

No! Unless your husband leaves,
I won't get out of the bed.

Get up, you slut. Get out!

What are you watching? Why are you standing
there like an idiot? Get moving!

You saw how he was watching me.

What a fuss! I'm leaving.

You think it's fun here?

I had an awful time here and
I wouldn't come back for anything.

Fancy that!

How could you do such a thing?

I know you're young, but...

And on top of that, in our bed.
Next to those innocent souls!

My husband will never forgive you!

I don't give a damn.

Where will you go now? - Rome.

Where can I go?
I'm rich, you know.

I sold my fur coat! There!

To whom?

To the baker!

You wanted to pay it in instalments.
And she, snip-snap!

Actually, I'll take some of your milk.
Stores are closed today. - That too.

I must take the thermos too.
- You're crazy.

I lent it to you in Rome
and you never gave it back.

I lost it. - Sort it out yourself.
I won't give you this one as well.

Rather, you must pay me
for the plates that you broke.

Don't be ridiculous. I broke them
but it could've happened to anyone.

I won't give you this one.
- Know what? Here, take it!

I want to humiliate you! I'm gonna
throw the money in your face. Here.

Where are you off to?

Look... I'm throwing
the money in your face!

Of course, you owe me. Here.

You're really picking it up!

No, I mean to give it to you.
- Filthy cheapskate!

Dear Angelica,
I tracked down Ermanno Giustiniani

Michele's friend. He told me that
Aileen and the children

went back to USA
and he doesn't have her address.

He told me that Aileen
was a woman of great intelligence

but an alcoholic.

Michele had married her planning
to make her quit.

Of course, he didn't succeed.

This must've been Aileen's.

This is Michele's.

The label says "Anticoli",
it's a shop on Via della Vite.

I can't find out much
about Michele from this guy

as they barely met
and he hardly remembers him.

Today's youth has no memory.
Above all, they don't value it.

Michele was like that too.

You, your mother and I, are maybe
the only one left to value memories.

You by temperament. Me, and maybe
your mother, also by temperament

and because in our present life
there's nothing that's worth as much

as the places and the moments in our past.

See how nice it is, travelling by cab
with your mom?

What d'ya say, Simone? Look.

Don't get used to it.
You won't always get the chance.

Look how nice!

At least once in your lifetime.
So you'll have a memory of it.

Miss! Miss!

What? - The baby is crying.
- And you left him alone?

Sing him a song.
You'll see he'll get back to sleep.

No, Mr Osvaldo is not in.

Where can I find him?
It's urgent.

Mr Osvaldo is out of town.
I don't know when he'll be back.

Look, I'll explain.
Listen carefully.

I'm coming to Rome. - Now?

But, on second thought,
I'd rather go elsewhere.

It'd be better
because Mr Osvaldo...

I remembered that Mr Osvaldo once

mentioned an old cousin of his
who lives in a villa that...

I forgot where. That cousin
was looking for someone

who would keep up his villa
and keep him company.

In Varese, I think. - Varese!

Yes, it's Varese!

Could you inform that cousin
that I'm coming?

No, listen, I can't wait.
I'm on the road with my baby.

I'll call you in an hour to confirm.

Yes, I'll call you back in an hour.

Varese! We're off to Varese!
I forgot the name.

Varese? At the top of Italy? - So?

You know how much
a round trip costs?

I have to count up kilometres.
- Don't you worry.

Count up and let's go.

Don't forget that the baby
will have to eat in an hour.

And I must make a phone call.

Pull up in a decent place.

Jeez! I must know
where to go!

I'm travelling by taxi.
I'm on a budget.

The baby is with me.
The driver too has to stop,

eat, sleep...
He can't drive nonstop!

Do you hear me?

Yes, Miss Mara. - The money I got
for the fur won't be enough.

I paid for the plates too.

I don't know if I'll make it
with all these expenses.

I had to buy a tarpaulin because
it's raining cats and dogs.

And the baby carriage was getting ruined.

The doctor isn't in Rome and
I don't think he'll return this week.

When will Mr Osvaldo be back?
First, he tells me to go to Varese...

I don't know what to tell you, Miss.
I know he went to a conference

but I don't know
where and for how long.

Miss, don't you see
the meter?

Do you realize that?

I told how much I can spend.
Not a lira more!

So, not a metre more.
The meter...

We calculated it together.
- Sorry, I don't know where I'm going.

But I do.
I want to go back to Sicily.

Go back then! Pull up here now.
I'm not enjoying your company.

With a job like yours,
you should be more polite.

Pull up, you are making
my baby nervous.

Pull up!

Why did you pull up? Bastard!

See? You just can't be nice.

Take my stuff out.

And this one? - Coming.

Damn it!

Here we go.

Well, won't you give me a hand?

Here, here.

Just a moment. I have to check.
- That's all there is.

Watch where you walk,
they'll run you over.

They'll pay attention, no?
They can see there's a baby.

English subtitles by:
marooned2 & CosmoVitelli, KG