Chains (1949) - full transcript

CHAINS

Stop, thief!

- Is there a mechanic around here?
- That way.

Help me push, will you?

- Come on!
- Push!

Now let's have some money.

Settle down, boys!

Share this among yourselves.

What's wrong?

It suddenly stalled.
I don't know the problem.

Probably the ignition coil -



Never you mind.
I need a mechanic.

I am a mechanic.

Go on. Call someone.
Hurry up.

Daddy, this man's
ignition coil is busted.

I'm not really sure
it's the ignition coil.

It won't start.
- Try it.

Yes, it's the ignition coil.
- I told you.

Can you change it now?
I'm in a hurry.

Bring me a new one and I'll have it
ready in 15 minutes.

Can't you take one from another car?
I'll bring a new one tomorrow.

Sorry, I can't.

- What do I do now?
- Come back tomorrow.

Could I use your phone?

Tonino, show this man
to the phone.



- My lovely Angelina.
- You'll get me dirty!

Good heavens!
The little lady's putting on airs!

Of course.
She has a new dress.

Tired, darling?

Like it, Daddy?

Yes, sweetie.
It's beautiful!

Whose car is this?

A young man brought it in.
He's making a call.

- Hi, Mom.
- Look at your face!

How did you get so dirty?
- I've been working.

I'll bring a new coil tomorrow.
Keep the car inside.

Easier said than done,
but we'll manage somehow.

Let me have your name.
- What for?

- Isn't it your car?
- Oh, right. Mino Rossi.

Wait a minute.

I'm going upstairs.
Don't be late.

I'm fixing rice
the way you like it.

I'll be right there.

- You need me anymore, Dad?
- No, run along.

Yes, Captain!

- Here you are.
- What's that?

Your receipt,
to make it official.

Thanks.
See you later.

Come on, little girl.

Time for bed.

Don't start that again!

Did you hear
what Daddy said?

But Tonino doesn't
have to go to bed.

Because you're a child,
and he's a young fellow now.

Enough of this " young fellow"!

Soon he'll want to be called
a" young gentleman."

- Give Daddy a kiss.
- Night, Daddy.

Good-bye, young fellow.

- I have to go.
- At this hour?

What can I do?
I promised.

- Where are you going?
- To tow a truck.

- Take me along.
- I won't be back before midnight.

Go to bed now.
- Good night, Dad.

Good night, Grandma.

- You're going out at this hour?
- Don't start, Mother.

Minotti asked me
to do him a favor.

He's interested in my plans.
He might put up some money.

Great idea, leaving it there.

You really take the cake!

Should I have left it
right in the street?

Yes, you idiot!

Now I'm really in a bind.
I knew I shouldn't trust you.

I called,
but you'd gone out.

No answer at the garage.

Did you at least get
the registration out of the car?

All right.

Let's go see
if we can find them at home.

Evening, ma'am.
May I speak with your husband?

- He's not here.
- When's he due back?

Midnight, maybe later.

I brought a car in for repair today.
Maybe you recognize me.

I need to get it back.
- I said my husband's not home.

I have to leave right away,
and I need the car.

I just have to change
the ignition coil here.

What can I tell you?
My husband's not home.

Wait, ma'am.

Here's the receipt to prove
I brought the car in.

I'm sure you did,
but what am I supposed to do?

Just open the garage.
It'll take me five minutes.

- What took so long?
- The husband's not home.

I had to persuade the wife to open up.
She's coming down now.

Make it quick. I can't rest easy
till this is taken care of.

Quiet - here she comes.

There it is.
It'll just take a minute.

Rosa!

You!

Emilio, what do I do here?

Wire it up any way you can.
We'll fix it up later.

Who could have imagined,
after all this time?

Cat got your tongue?
Sorry to see me?

No, why should I be sorry?

But didn't you go to America?

Yes, a long time ago,
but I've been back a while.

First I settled in Torino
for a long time,

then I went to France,
then there was the war,

and now here I am.

You're as lovely as ever.
- Will it be much longer?

No, ma'am.
Almost done.

Remember that night when we strolled
out this way and you were afraid?

How should I?
It was so long ago.

Well, I remember
like it was today.

Are you married?
- Yes.

- Happily?
- Very!

All done. Shall we go?

Go open the gate.

Here's for storing the car
and all the bother.

I hope we meet again.
- It's better we don't.

- Why?
- Because there's no point.

I have my life,
you have yours. Besides -

Besides what?

Nothing.
Go on now. Good night.

As you wish.

Does your husband know about me?
- No, not a thing.

But I could have told him.
I had nothing to hide.

No, of course not.

I was just curious.
Good night.

Here.

Did you get back early last night?

No, it took forever,

and then it started to rain -

Look at this!
- What?

That car yesterday -
it was stolen.

- Really?
- It's right here.

" Car stolen in Posillipo
yesterday about 5:00 p.m.

Rome license plate 1 1841 4.

Stolen when unattended
for a moment."

That's it.
I remember the license number.

You shouldn't have let them
take it last night!

- But who could have imagined -
- Forget it.

Now we're in a real mess.

We have to notify the police.

The police?

Of course. Just imagine.

If they get whiff of this,
they'll think I was involved.

Dad, tell them it was me.
I'm just a minor.

Anyway, what's done is done.

Did that guy come get it himself?
- Yes.

- Alone?
- No, with another man -

- Who?
- I don't know.

- What did he look like?
- I couldn't tell. It was dark.

Come on now -

I said I don't know!
I didn't see.

All right, all right.
The police will know.

Let's hope they solve it quickly.
Good-bye, darling.

How did it go?

Great.
They arrested all of them.

- All of them?
- Yes.

They got the car back.
Good thing I went to the police.

I got there just in time.
Luckily the inspector knows me.

- And -
- What?

Nothing.

A bunch of hoods
who specialize in car theft.

They were all in handcuffs.

I recognized the guy
who came here right away.

There were five or six of them.

Well, take Angelina to school.
- What?

Hurry and take her to school.
It's almost 9:00.

- Mama, buy me a monkey.
- No. Tomorrow.

- No, now!
- You can be such a bother!

How much for one?
- A hundred lira.

- Can you make change?
- No, ma'am.

Allow me.

Here. Let's go.

Thanks for not mentioning
my name.

I got out of that one
thanks to you.

Please, go away!

If you'd mentioned my name,

I'd be in jail now
instead of enjoying this sun.

It was very kind of you.

Go away, I tell you!

Sorry you saved me?

Yes. I didn't know
you were a thief!

Now that you know,
are you going to turn me in?

There's still time.
We can go tell your husband

that I was there last night,
that we go back years.

You swine!

What an ugly word!

You say that because
when we parted -

No, I thank God
I was so lucky.

Sure. You married well,
no doubt about it.

I married a gentleman,
and I love him.

And what do you care anyway?

Leave me alone.
That's all I ask.

Wait a moment.
Where's the fire?

- What do you want?
- To talk to you.

We have nothing more
to say to each other.

- Can we meet again?
- No.

- I think we can.
- You're wrong.

You always said no
back then too, and then -

That's past and forgotten now.

Well, I remember it perfectly,

and if you like,
I can refresh your memory.

When your mother made you

You know what she did?

To cook up such a nice dish

What did she use?

A hundred rosebuds
crushed in a mortar

Then she added
milk and roses

And whisked you up
in the blink of an eye

It doesn't take a gypsy
to figure it out

- Where can Tonino be?
- With his father.

Getting the fireworks ready?
That's dangerous.

He could get hurt,
and so could Guglielmo. Dear Lord!

Hiring on to handle
the fireworks!

Please go see.
I'll wait here with Angelina.

All right.

Straighten up that pole.

Tonino, what are you doing?
Get out of here, boys.

I told you
not to touch this stuff.

Then how can I help you?

This isn't a job for you.
Go find your mother.

Let's go, boys.
Finish connecting those fuses.

Good evening.

I told you we'd meet again.

It's fate.

Excuse me...

It's no use.
They won't let you by.

Where are you going
in such a hurry?

Come back

This heart is waiting

Hear that song?

They still sing it.

Don't you remember?

Set everything off
when the lights go out.

Wait for my signal.
Understood?

I said to get out of here.

Mind me or I'll give you a good one.
- I'm going, I'm going.

- Ready?
- Yes.

Set them all off.

You too up there.

Rosa, it's no use
trying to get away.

Don't forget:
When I get something in my head -

Just what do you want?

Nothing. I like looking at you,
talking to you.

What's wrong with that?
We loved each other once.

You loved me?

Yes, I did.

Don't believe me?
You're wrong.

And you know what?
I still love you.

And you still love me.

You're mad!

If you didn't love me,
you wouldn't try to get away.

You wouldn't treat me like this.
You wouldn't be afraid of me.

- Me, afraid?
- That's right.

Of me and the things
you wrote so long ago.

I found the most beautiful
of all your letters.

Shall I read it?

No matter.
I know it by heart.

" You'll always be
the only love of my life.

I can forget everything
but your kisses."

That's enough!

I was all set
to leave last night

and get away from here
for good.

But I changed my mind.
I've decided to stay.

But I won't bother you.
I won't insist on seeing you.

I'll wait.
- For what?

I don't know.
I'll trust in fate.

It's been on my side so far.

It led that car
to your husband's garage.

It saved me from prison,
with your help.

It brought us together tonight.
Tomorrow... who knows?

Good-bye, Rosa.

I found the most beautiful
of all your letters. I know it by heart.

" You'll always be
the only love of my life.

I can forget everything
but your kisses. "

That's enough!

It's almost noon -
time to get Angelina at school.

You're right.

- Mother, you go, please.
- Me?

I don't feel
like going out today.

- What's wrong?
- Nothing.

What do you mean, nothing?

You haven't gone out
in over a week.

That look on your face,
and you don't say a word.

Don't you feel well?

I feel fine.
I just don't want to go out.

- Guglielmo's noticed too.
- Noticed what?

This mood.

You're just imagining things.

See how you're on edge?

Fine, I'll get Angelina.
You need anything?

No, thanks.

Dad says to make coffee.
He's bringing a man by.

- What man?
- I don't know. They're talking business.

Here they come!
- Why don't they go to a caf?!

Make yourself at home.
This way.

I'll go get the papers.

I've run estimates
on workers, taxes, insurance.

I've even got blueprints.
- Very good.

Some coffee?
Have a seat.

Rosa, is the coffee ready?

- Just a minute.
- Hurry.

- Who is it?
- I'll tell you later.

Have a seat, please.

It's you?

Here they are.

Set it here.

Allow me to -
What was your name again?

- Emilio Marchi.
- My wife.

- Very pleased to meet you.
- A pleasure.

He's suggested I use
the space next to the garage.

I'm showing him
the plans I drew up.

Sit down.

This is the expansion plan.
These are the two biggest areas.

One's very large,
as you can see.

I thought I'd put
the body shop there.

We could even put in
a glass ceiling.

One?
- Yes, thanks.

- And the cost?
- I have it all here.

Where'd I put that?

Here it is. My estimates
are on the generous side.

Two million.

Not much.

These are materials needed:
tools, machines.

Practically nothing.

As I mentioned,
I have a few things already.

Good.

- May I speak to you?
- Can't it wait?

- It's about all this.
- Really?

Then let's hear it.
My wife and I have no secrets.

- Perhaps your wife disapproves.
- Why would she?

You know how women
always fear new things.

Take these papers
and study them well.

May I get your address?
- No, I'll stop by again.

No, to send you
my lawyer's notes.

Where do you live?
- The Albergo Commercio.

- Where is that?
- Down by the port.

I'll have an answer soon.
- Very well.

- Ma'am.
- I'll see you out.

Just what
was all that about?

You interrupted our business talk
for no reason at all.

He's not some nobody.
Montecchi at Fiat introduced him.

You made me look bad.

I just thought it was crazy

to get involved with someone
you've never seen before.

I just told you:
Montecchi introduced us.

But why involve anyone else?

We're fine like this,
with no one else to answer to.

Please drop the whole thing.

Why?

Let's be happy just as we are,
like your mother always says.

Listen, let me handle this.

These aren't matters for a woman.
I know what I'm doing.

Now put these things away
while I join Tonino downstairs.

No, he's not in.

He leaves in the morning
and comes back at night.

You don't know
where I might find him?

Try the Caff? Vasile.
He's always there.

Now then, father's last name?

Excuse me.
Have you seen Mr. Marchi?

Have a look in the pool hall.

Take over for me.

I knew you'd come
looking for me.

- I have to talk to you.
- Come in.

Don't be afraid.
They're all friends.

Straight ahead.

Don't be afraid.

Wait a minute.

One moment.

Now, what do you have
to tell me?

Emilio, don't use that tone of voice.

I've only come
because I can't take it anymore!

I'm going mad!

You're so beautiful
when you're angry.

Stop this, Emilio!

Would you like something, sir?

- Coffee for me. And you?
- Nothing.

Make it two.

Why did you come see my husband?
- I had a business offer.

Business!

You're a thief!
- I was a thief.

Not anymore.
I've changed professions.

Your husband's very nice.

A serious fellow,
with plans for the future.

I think we'll get along just fine.

Are you serious?

Why not?
We'll put together a great deal.

He needs money
to expand the garage.

I'll get it for him,
and we'll be partners...

and share everything.

If you dare come by again,
I'll tell my husband everything!

Like what?

That we knew each other before
and planned to marry.

I should have told him
that first night.

It was a mistake,
and I regret it.

But now I want to end this.
I can't go on.

Congratulations. Good idea.

And what if he thought
we'd been lovers too?

Lovers!

Could you be so vile
and contemptible

as to tell him
a lie like that?

I'll kill you first,
you hear me?

Think it over calmly, my dear.

I've found you once more
and never want to lose you again.

I waited for days
to talk to you again,

but you stayed indoors,
so I hit on this idea.

I found out
about your husband's plans,

so I became
sincerely interested.

You think I can't become

a gentleman too?

I must have you near.

I still love you like before.
More than before!

Don't be afraid.

I'll ask for nothing. I'll just wait.
- For what?

For you to be
like you were before,

when you would wait for me,
seek me out,

and forget everything
to be with me.

Remember when you snuck
out of the house

to come see me
in the service in Salerno?

And when you came to the ship
and didn't want me to go?

You held on to me desperately.

You cried and cried,

and I left.

I traveled the world,
doing every kind of job:

from cabin boy on a ship
to a banker in Cuba.

Funny, isn't it?

I had run-ins
with the police everywhere

I had a hundred names
and a hundred faces.

I only came back to my senses
when I saw you again.

I owe it all to you.

Emilio, the past is past.

Now I have my home,
my family, my children.

I'm happy.

Really?

And I mean to go on being happy.

That's not true.

I could see at once
you still loved me

and that you'll never drive
this passion from your heart.

Tell the truth:
Am I right?

God knows how I prayed
to be cured of that sickness,

and I was.

That's why I ask you
to have pity.

As a favor to me.

Leave me alone.
I'm just a poor woman.

Have pity on me.
Leave me alone.

Rosa, listen -

Don't say anything.

If in a moment of weakness
I gave in,

I'd be so ashamed
and disgusted with myself

that I'd despise you.

I'd despise you!

Now get out of my life!

Good-bye.

Grandma, I'm hungry.

Who was supposed
to go get Angelina?

Rosa said she would.

The neighbor
had to bring her home.

I don't understand.

- Where did Rosa go?
- Probably shopping.

- What time did she leave?
- 10:30 or so.

It's almost 1 :00.
I hope nothing's happened.

I'm sure she's just been delayed.

Did you go get her?

No, a neighbor brought her home.
She was waiting half an hour.

You're exaggerating.
It was ten minutes.

If you couldn't go,
you could have asked me.

Of course I could go,
and I went!

- Who are you mad at?
- Nobody.

We only brought it up
because you -

Fine, I was wrong -
as always!

Now listen -

What's wrong with her?
- She's just a little on edge.

Go sit down for lunch.

I've told you
not to fill up on bread.

- Yes, Captain!
- Take Angelina with you.

Say anything
and she flies off the handle.

Is this done?

Yes, it's ready.

I told you:
Pay no attention.

We all have our bad moods.
She's probably tired.

From what?

She's always cooped up inside.
Try to get her mind off things.

How?

Oh! Tuesday is her birthday!

Take her out.
Show her a good time.

Take her out
for some fresh air.

There are so many
nice spots around.

Take this in.
I'll be right there.

Naples has awakened
to the sound of song

And guitars
are heard once more

The air is fresh and fragrant

And a goldfinch
greets me at dawn

My gypsy girl,
sorry for what she did

Wrote me
a beautiful love letter

Listen....

Listen...

My dearest love

Good afternoon.

How are you?
- Not bad, thanks.

My Neapolitan heart trembles

Tonino, I got the ball!

Hello, Emilio.

- How are you?
- Fine, thanks.

Will you join us?

No, thanks.

- Hello. How are you?
- Fine, and you?

- I haven't seen you around.
- I'm sorry.

I was away for a few days.
I meant to come by.

Good afternoon, ma'am.

- Here for lunch?
- No, I've eaten.

I just came to look around.
- Have a coffee with us.

Let me introduce you.

Mr. Marchi, Mrs. Capuana,

Mr. Franzi and his wife,
and Mrs. Anquissola.

If you'd care to sit down...

Move.

Please.

I sent you my lawyer's notes.

Thanks, I got them.

- Do that trick with the bottle.
- Which one?

Oh, right.
Quiet, everyone.

Ready?

There.

One, two -
Cut that out!

Three.

Do it again!

- No, that's it.
- Where's the bottle?

Right here.
Okay, once more.

Don't think I've given up.
I'm just waiting.

Lovely song, isn't it?

Is it your first time
in these parts?

- I was born here.
- Really?

Have you always lived here?
- Never.

What a shame!

I found out you were here and came
to wish you happy birthday.

Guglielmo,
shouldn't we be going?

Going? Already?

It's early.

This is such a nice spot.
I'd spend my whole life here.

Listen to her!

You devil!

Any song you'd like to hear?

Sing "O sole mio. "

No, "Ohi Mar?. "

No, "Funicul?, funicul?. "

Make up your minds!

Rosa, what was that song
you wanted to hear?

I don't remember.
They're all lovely.

- Do you know " Torna"?
- Yes, that's an old one.

Please sing that.

It's a beautiful song.

I want you in my arms again

I just have to accept you
as you are

I want those eyes, that face

Where happiness dances and plays

Dream of my life

Tell me where

I can find you again

Come back

This heart is waiting

Come back

For I long to see you

Come back

If you'll come back to me

We'll never part again

With a hundred treacherous desires

Your mirror led you to ruin

My soul wept when you left

Wondering where you could have gone

Who keeps you from me now?

What chains must I break

To have you once again?

- Come on.
- Go away.

- What's wrong?
- Go away!

You don't want to play anymore?

Come play.

If you'll come back to me

We'll never part again

Do you feel ill?

Let's have a lively one now.

I happened to meet the gentleman

In charge of that station
with Marconi's new telephone

When he heard my meager voice

He hired me on the spot

And on the radio I sang

A song to my Fifi

Over the wireless tel-tel-telephone

I tell of all the crazy things

We do for love!

- Not eating again tonight?
- I don't like it.

- You've always liked it.
- Not tonight.

- Try it. It's good.
- I said no!

Hey! Is that how you talk
to your mother?

Apologize.

Never mind.

Absolutely not.

Did you hear me?
I said apologize.

You shouldn't have done that.

Please, Mother.
He got what he deserved.

You overreacted.
No need to make a scene.

Did you hear that tone of voice?

- I'll go see -
- Mother, let him be.

Guglielmo, we can't send him
to bed without dinner.

Don't worry.
He won't starve.

Who could that be at this hour?

No, I'll get it.

Mother, keep an eye on Angelina.

What's wrong?
Why don't you answer me?

Nothing's wrong.

What's going on?
Don't you feel well?

Leave me alone!

So your father was right.
You got what you deserved.

Sorry to disturb you
at this hour,

but it's been a busy day.

Don't mention it.

Forgive me, ma'am,
but I couldn't come by earlier.

I'm sorry,
but an opportunity's come up

that's too good to turn down.

I'm leaving for Venezuela.

- Right away?
- Yes.

Too bad.

I mean for me. I've been planning
this project for some time.

It came up quite suddenly.

Friends there wired me
about an important position,

so I must leave right away.

All I can say is
good luck and bon voyage.

I'm so sorry. I'd already discussed
financing with the bank.

We could have started right away.

Oh well.

Here are your plans.
I think they're all there.

- Have you been to America?
- Once, but not for very long.

- Angela, time for bed.
- I'll take her.

Good night, Mommy.

Night, Daddy.

Good-bye, ugly.
- Good-bye, beautiful.

Your idea's good.

I'm sure you'll find
an interested party.

But I must be off now.

Ma'am.

By the way, do you have
Montecchi's number?

Montecchi? Hold on.

It's 35-
Do you remember?

Where'd I put my address book?
Excuse me.

Did you hear me?
Tomorrow at 5:00.

It's 35-70-80.
Want to write it down?

My apologies once again.
Good night.

You said 35-
- 70-80.

Hey!

Did you sleep in your clothes?

I was tired
and just fell asleep.

- What in the devil's going on?
- Nothing.

What's all this about?
If you don't feel well, we'll call a doctor.

I'm fine.

Tonino, your father's
always been your friend too.

If I slapped you,
you had it coming.

You've always been a good son.
Are you mad at your dad?

Then tell me:
Did something happen?

No, nothing.

- Did somebody hurt you?
- No, nobody.

Don't look away.
Answer me.

There's nothing wrong.

Then get up and stop all this.

You've been like this
since yesterday.

You won't talk,
not even to your mother.

Don't be afraid.

What's wrong?
- Nothing.

Always the same thing!
You know what the truth is?

You're just a bad boy
and a liar.

I break my back working all day,

but you'd rather stay up here
than help me.

Don't say that, Dad.

It's not the work.

I can handle that alone,
even if I fall down dead.

But I don't like
seeing you like this.

What kind of son are you?
Don't you care about your father

or your mother?
You're an ingrate and a bad son!

Daddy, don't say that!
It's not true!

All right.
Let's drop it.

There's no point crying.

Stay inside today,
but come down tomorrow.

Just to get your mind off things.
All right?

Okay, Dad. Tomorrow.

See you later.

Look at her pretty dress.

- Will the skirt be velvet too?
- No, silk.

Look how pretty!

And we'll put a lovely
blue sash around her waist.

Will you make a hat for her too?

First we have to finish her dress.

Mommy.

Mommy, you're hurting me.

- Has anyone been asking for me?
- No.

- Is that clock reliable?
- It's the only thing here that is.

- Excuse me.
- Yes, sir.

- Could you run an errand for me?
- Certainly.

- Is your mother in?
- Yes. Why?

- Call her for me.
- But -

Go on.

Good day, ma'am.

I have some tablecloths
to show you.

Look what beautiful material.

No, thank you.
I don't need any.

Perhaps next time.

This is from someone you know.

Good-bye, ma'am.

" Rosa, I've been waiting.

If you're not here within one hour,

I'll tell your husband everything,
and whatever happens, happens.

Remember: It's him or me!
I'll be waiting at my hotel."

Mommy.

Look how pretty she is.

You like her?

Yes, very pretty.

Are you crying?

No, it's nothing.

Now go play with your doll.

Rosa, I'm going out
for a moment.

Give me some money
for cooking oil,

since I'll be out anyway.

- Here.
- All right.

Tonino, want to come with me?

No, Grandma.

- Are you going out?
- Yes.

When Grandma returns,
tell her I'll be back soon.

Aren't you taking Angelina?

No, I have to run some errands.
Keep an eye on her.

- Where are you going?
- I told you: I have things to do.

Just why do you need to know?

- I'm going with you.
- You weren't feeling well.

I'm fine now.

Then go help your father.

No, I want to go with you.

What's this tone of voice about?

I just want to go with you.
What's wrong with that?

You've been watching me
like a hawk for some time now,

but I have nothing to hide.

I didn't say anything.

Then what do you want?

I love you, Mommy.

I love you so much.

You have to understand...

I'm young and I don't know
how to say certain things.

I don't understand.

I love you so much.
We all do.

Don't hurt us, Mommy.
- How would I hurt you?

Do it for me, Mommy.
Don't go out.

Tonino, my son!

Tonino, don't talk like this!

For the love of God,
you're frightening me!

Be good now.
Mommy won't hurt you.

Stop crying now.

I have to go now.

I'll be back soon.

No, Mommy. Don't go.

That's enough now!

No, you mustn't go!

- Let me by.
- No, I won't!

I won't!

Let me by.

Stop this!

I said stop it!

Hi, Rosa.

What's wrong with her?

- Daddy!
- What is it?

- Tonino had a fight with Mommy.
- What?

He had a fight with Mommy.

He had a fight with Mommy?

What's going on?

What happened?

Nothing.

- What are you crying about?
- Nothing.

I know why.
Mommy slapped him.

Why? Did you make
your mother mad again?

Did you talk back to her?

You must have,
if she hit you.

What did you do?

He held on to her skirt
so she couldn't go out.

Is that true?

Yes, I didn't want her to go out.

Why not?

Think you can tell your mother
when she can go out?

Now you've gone too far.

I can understand whims
now and then,

but defying your mother!

After everything you promised me!

I'll have to teach you
a serious lesson,

because going easy
on you doesn't work.

Now get out of my sight!

Where did Mommy go?

I don't know.
She got a letter and went out.

A letter? What letter?

What letter are you talking about?

It's not true.
Angelina doesn't understand.

I do too.
I saw it myself.

She read it and started crying.
- Crying?

She read a letter
and started crying?

And then she put it -

- Where?
- I don't know.

Yes, you do. Tell me.

In the bureau drawer.

Here I am.

I did what you wanted.

I'm here...

to ask you for the last time:
What do you want?

I told you, and I put it in writing:
It's me or him.

And this time
I'll go to any length.

Oh yeah?
Then so will I!

I'll kill you, you bastard!

I'm right here.
Go ahead.

I'm not afraid, like you.
You're trembling.

Go on. Shoot.

Dear God!

What have I done
to suffer like this?

Rosa, you mustn't cry.

Try to understand:
This isn't just a whim.

It's much more serious.

I only realize now how much
I loved you and still love you.

I can't wait on a street corner
hoping to see you.

I want your happiness and mine.

We'll leave together,
go far away,

and forget everything.

You can't say no.

Why settle
for a life without love?

I can tell you love me.

You're right: I'm crazy.

So crazy that I would -

Let me go!

You swine!
Let me go!

Guglielmo!

- Get out of here!
- For the love of God -

I can explain!
- Go on!

I said get out of here!

Just as well you came.

Open up!

Open this door!

Open up!

They'll kill each other!

What's going on?

- What happened?
- I heard a shot!

- Where are you going?
- I don't know.

But I won't go to jail -
not for that tramp!

Blessed Virgin!
How could you do it?

I saw her in his arms
and lost my head.

I grabbed him by the throat,
and we rolled on the ground.

He pulled out a pistol,
but I wrestled it from him

and shot him in self-defense.

What have you done?

Don't yell, Mother,
and don't make me lose time.

This should last you a while.
I'll send word.

- Where are you going?
- I don't know!

My beautiful Angelina.

My dear Tonino.

Where are you going, Dad?

I'll come back soon.

Until I return...

you'll have to be the captain here.

God help you, my son!

Mother, remember this:

That woman is not to set foot
in this house again!

Understand?

Come here.
You too, Tonino.

Swear before the Virgin.
- I swear.

- You too, Tonino.
- I swear.

Pray for me.

Good-bye, Mother.
- My son!

- Awaiting your orders, sir.
- You may go.

Why are you still here?
You can go.

Where?

Go home.
You're finished here.

You there - put out that cigarette
and come with me.

Here are your things.

This is no longer your home.
Go away!

Mother, listen to me.

I'm not guilty.

I swear!

Go away, wicked woman!

You drove my son to ruin
and destroyed our lives.

No, it's not true.

Hear me out.

You can't turn me away like this!

Go away, wicked woman!

My boy!

Guglielmo.

- Ah, it's you.
- It's all set.

You sail tonight.
- What about a passport?

Here. The name's different,
but it doesn't matter.

You'll work it out there.

Stay put until I come get you.
See you soon.

- Listen -
- He's dead.

And the police took her in.
Any message for her?

No, no message.

You out of cigarettes?
Take mine.

See you later.

Off to seek your fortune
in America too?

Great country, America.

I sing and play guitar,
but I'll do whatever work comes along.

- Cigarette?
- Thanks.

Angelina,
you're out of your mind!

Why are you out of bed, sweetie?

Dear Jesus!
You have a fever!

Let me stay here, Grandma.

You should be in bed, sweetheart.

I want to wait for Mommy.

She's not coming back tonight.
Mommy's far away.

Tired?

You've been crying again.

When are you going
to think about your health?

Cry and work -
that's all you do, dawn to dusk.

I bought some fish for dinner.
We'll grill it up, okay?

Whatever you like.

Grandma, Mommy's over there.

I see her over there.

Be a good girl
and don't catch cold.

Mommy, why don't you want
to see me anymore?

Sorry to disturb you so late, but -
May I?

Come in. What is it?

- She's downstairs.
- Rosa?

What does she want?
- I don't know.

She asked me to tell you.

She's afraid
to come up on her own.

She's waiting on the stairs.

And knowing what happened,
you would help her -

I'm not helping anyone.

She asked me to tell you.
Why should I refuse?

I didn't have the heart to tell her no.
If you saw the state she's in -

I never want to see her again -
dead or alive -

after all the harm she's done.

I've come like a beggar.
Just tell me to leave and I will,

grateful all the same.

- What do you want?
- I don't know.

I don't know how I found
the courage to come.

Maybe I'm dreaming.
Blessed Virgin, don't let me wake up!

So many nights I've passed
beneath these windows in the dark,

happy just to see the lights,

knowing Angelina and Tonino
would be at the table.

Then their bedroom lights
would go on.

Then all the lights would go out,
and I'd be left there watching.

I could almost see them
asleep in their beds.

They're asleep now, aren't they?
- Yes.

I've watched Angelina
come and go at school every day.

She's never seen me.
I always stay hidden.

It was enough just to see her.

Now, with the holidays,
I can't see her:

Christmas, New Year's, Epiphany.

Everyone's happy this season,
while I -

I can't let you see her.

Have pity on me!
Let me see her!

Just for a moment.

What are you saying?
I can't!

- Just for one moment.
- I swore I wouldn't!

I won't say a word.

She won't know. All these tears
have taken away my voice.

Don't say no.

I'll leave right away.
That will be my Christmas.

Don't say no.

Come.

I promised my son
before the Virgin.

You understand?

I understand.

My little girl...

- Nothing for me?
- No.

Mail for you.

"I received your letter.

We're all fine here.

Christmas is coming, and Tonino
has set up the Nativity scene.

Angelina never stops
asking for her mother.

I tell her she'll be back soon...

but she doesn't believe it.

I pray to the Virgin
for you always... "

Hear all that carousing?
They're like madmen.

They're all drunk.

They're smart.
Drinking keeps dark thoughts away.

Then let's drink too.
Want some?

I've had enough
of that whiskey.

Oh, for some red wine
and roasted chestnuts.

We eat chestnuts on Christmas Eve
in my village too.

We roast them in the fireplace.

Where I'm from,
they make the ring-shaped cake.

My wife used to make a great one.

All the children
would gather around.

The children...

They're gathering
around the Nativity scene now.

Here are the sheep.

Where do I put the shepherd?

Next to the sheep.

Will Baby Jesus bring
Mommy home for Christmas?

Yes, sweetheart.

I'm sure he will.

Will Mommy bring me presents?

Certainly.

Grandma.

What?

Shall we write a letter to Mommy?

What would you tell her?

Lots of things.
That I'm waiting for her.

Why do you have
your mommy and daddy

and I don't?

Dearest Mother

Christmas is almost here

And being so far from home

Leaves a bitter taste

How I wish I could light
some fireworks

And hear the sound
of the bagpipes

Set up the Nativity scene
for the children

And set a plate for me
at the table

And when Christmas Eve comes

Act as if I were
there in your midst

Oh, what this America
has cost in tears

For us Neapolitans

For us who yearn
for the Neapolitan sky

This bread is bitter indeed

In your letter you wrote

That little Assunta's
been crying out

For her mother,
who left and is now far away

What can I say?

If the children want their mother

Let the woman come back

But I will not return
I'm still far away

Working for all of you

I, who have lost
country, family, and honor

I'm meat for the slaughter

An emigrant

Oh, what this America
has cost in tears

For us Neapolitans

For us who yearn
for the Neapolitan sky

This bread is bitter indeed

Come in.

Wake up.

- Who's there?
- Police.

Police.

I got that.

All right.

Why are they arresting him?

They're taking him back to Italy.
Seems he killed a man there.

- What's going on?
- Keep quiet. Good-bye.

Let's go.

LAW OFFICE

So you were the victim's lover.

No, that's not true!

He hounded me
to leave with him.

That's the only reason
I went there that day.

With God as my witness,
I never cheated on my husband.

I swear on the heads
of my children.

All right. Calm down.

I'm here to defend your husband
on charges of premeditated murder.

You know what that means
in layman's terms?

Thirty years in prison.
- My God!

I'll be very frank.

Do you want
to help your husband?

I'd give my life for him.

Then you must
tell me the truth

without embarrassment,
holding nothing back.

Let's see here.

How long had that man
been your lover?

Never, I swear!

But you were caught
in his hotel room!

Yes, I went there,

but only because
he forced me to.

Look. He sent me this
a few days earlier.

He threatened to destroy my life
if I didn't join him.

That day he sent another letter
threatening me again.

I got frightened
and went to see him.

But only to tell him
to leave me alone!

Go on, read it.

Convinced now?

He wouldn't have written
those things to a lover.

You believe me now?

For God's sake,
why didn't you stop your husband?

I tried, but he wouldn't listen!

He was like a madman.

He locked me out of the room,

and then...

it was too late.

No one will believe me!

Not a single person!

There, there.

Tell me what I can do
to save him.

I'll do anything!

Save him?

That won't be easy now.

You plan to assert
your innocence in court?

Of course.

I want him to know
and believe me.

He'll believe you, all right.

So will the court.
So will everyone.

But that won't save your husband
from 30 years in prison.

What do you mean?

Your very innocence
will condemn him.

My innocence?

But how?

If I'd really been that man's lover,
my husband could be acquitted?

Maybe not acquitted,

but it would certainly be
grounds for a defense:

an offense to his honor,
provocation,

crime of passion, self-defense.

I could pursue the honor angle,

or at least provocation
and moral values,

and perhaps find a way out.

So you mean...

if I were to say that...

Your name is
Rosa Carresi in Aniello,

and you're the wife
of the accused?

You stated
in preliminary proceedings

that you'd known the victim
for many years.

Going back how far?
- Before I married my husband.

Was he your lover
at that time?

No, my fianc?.

Why didn't you two marry?

He left, promising to return.

But he never did, right?

Did your husband know
you'd been engaged to this man?

No, he knew nothing.

- When did you see this man again?
- A year ago.

And did you immediately
become his lover?

Answer the question.

Did you immediately
become his lover?

Yes.

Silence!

You denied that in preliminary
proceedings. Why?

I was ashamed.

And now you've decided to confess.

I have no further questions.

Prosecutor, any questions
for the witness?

No, Your Honor.

- Defense counsel?
- Yes, Your Honor.

The victim reserved two seats
on a steamer for South America.

Could the witness
shed any light on that?

Answer the question.

I was to go away with him.

You were ready
to leave your husband

and abandon your children?

Yes.

That's all.
No further questions.

Can we dismiss her now?
You may go.

Wicked woman!

Home-wrecker!

She turned her back
on her own children!

Tramp!

Never seen anyone faint before?
Open the door!

A human being was killed.

Respect for life, a gift from God,

demands that the accused
serve a sentence

as a warning and an example.

I therefore ask that the accused
be sentenced to a term of...

She alone bears the guilt here!

Don't be swayed by her tired look,

her trembling voice,
her lies, her fainting spells.

It's all a lie,
like her whole life!

Your Honors, it's not clemency
but justice that I ask of you!

Your verdict should reflect

that the defendant's act
of self-defense

was the will of destiny.

Indeed, we can say

it was the will of God.

Does the accused
have anything more to say?

No, Your Honor.

The court will adjourn
to deliberate.

All rise.

In the name of the Italian people,
the Criminal Court of Naples,

in the case of Guglielmo Aniello,

per Article 479
of the Code of Penal Procedure

and Article 52
of the Penal Code,

finds that the accused acted

in self-defense,
and orders that the accused

be immediately released.

My son!

Wait for me at home.

Counselor,
I'm deeply indebted to you.

I owe you my life.

Never mind all that.

There's another debt

on which you must
make good immediately.

Another debt?
To whom?

Your wife.

You must be joking.
That tramp -

Stop right there.

You don't deserve
to even speak her name.

You said I saved your life.
That's not true.

Your wife saved your life
by sacrificing her own.

What are you saying?

Here. Read these.

They're letters from her " lover."

If she'd shown
just one of these to the court,

you'd be in prison for life.

Go on - read them!

- She should be ashamed!
- Wicked woman!

- Brazen hussy!
- Home-wrecker!

- Turned her back on her own children!
- Tramp!

Rosa, open up!

Why did she lock it?
- I don't know.

Rosa, no!
What are you doing?

Get something for her.

Hurry!

Hurry.

The lawyer told me everything.

Now I know...

and I'll make sure everyone knows.

Yes, everyone must know.

So you... you believe me?

Yes, I believe you.

- Our home.
- How I've dreamed of this moment!

Rosa, my daughter.

Sweetheart!

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