El analfabeto (1961) - full transcript

[triumphant music playing]

NOTARY PUBLIC

The letter is ready, sir.

Read it to me.

"Mr. Inocencio Prieto y Calvo,

7 Corralón Street,

St. Hilarion the Great.

Our dear sir--"

"My dear sir."

Whatever.

"I hereby inform you



that your uncle,
Mr. Prisciliano Calvo y Velludo,

has passed away in Falfurrias, Texas,
on the 24th of last month,

bequeathing to you--"

Two million.

Precisely.

"Two million pesos, which you will acquire
upon receipt of this letter,

submitting baptismal certificate

as proof that you are his rightful heir.

Please, contact this notary public

to this effect.

Yours sincerely," et cetera.

Have you asked what state
that village is in?

Well, I'd presume
it's in an appalling state, sir.

I was referring to the state
within the republic.



Oh, yes, sir.

It is in Guanajuato,
a neighborhood in Guanajuato.

[bells tolling]

[man whistling]

[man 1] Inocencio!

How can I assist?

Bring me a box of 3-inch nails.

With or without?

Without. Quickly.

Here you are.

And the nails?

You said "without."

Without head.

I thought without nails.
You should specify.

Inocencio!

Yes, master?

Bring me some red cedar boards.

It'll be made out of pine and green.
Not refined.

Whatever, but hurry!

They'll wave down.

[man 2] Inocencio!

At your service.

Heat up the glue and stir it.

You're a nuisance with the glue.

Stir the glue.
This glue is more than stirred, man.

It is just right, just right.

- [man 3] Inocencio.
- Tell me, sir.

Have you finished the coffin?

Yes, sir.

In weeping-willow wood,
to suit the mourners.

And is it fitting?

Yes, but it'll fit the corpse best.

Well...

It is time for you
to be more than praiseworthy.

But my merits are evident.

Just come and see.

[comical music playing]

But what's this?

Why, it is the coffin
you asked me to craft.

The packing makes you feel like dying.

But from rage.

Are these the measurements I gave you?

Well, the figures were a bit blurred,
so I made it by estimation.

Estimation.

Well, I knew the deceased.

Rather large-headed, big belly.

So, it's capacious here,
so he can feel comfy,

as if he was in a sarcophagus,
Egyptian-style.

He'll feel like a pharaoh,

and he'll rest better.

It has no nails,

since, you know, a prick like that,

even on a numb body, can be a nuisance.

He has a zipper, so if he needs air,

or feels suffocated,

he opens his zipper, and the air blows in.

Like at a picnic.

No tight things. No, no, no.

Why would he want air?

What do you mean, sir?

We can't squash him in there forever.

Let him have some fresh air.

This is what I get for hiring people
who can't read or write.

I may not read nor write,
but you sure do exploit me.

Lift up boards, put down boards,

bring nails, stir up glue.

You've used me as your ass.

And you even want me

to build tailor-made coffins, man.

If you don't like it, you may walk out.

I will when I receive my back pay,
instead of criticism, for a change.

Here's 100 pesos and quit arguing!

You're arguing.

A hundred pesos for two weeks.

Who'll pay for the nails
I bought on credit?

I will, so hit the road.

One hundred pesos.

Who else can make a coffin like that,
Egyptian-style?

Just to criticize a person,
good wood, estimated dimensions.

Who else would finish it like that?

If the body moves, it is tight.
If it doesn't, it is happy there.

Well, that's enough!

My goodness.

Ooh. Ooh.

[bells chiming]

- Who is it?
- [woman] It's me.

Come on in.

Good morning, Epifanita.

Good morning.

Are you done with my laundry?

It's done. That's your basket.

How much is it?

Whatever is your will, Doña Chona.

Would 5 pesos be all right?

[chuckles] I'd say it was more,

but anything will do.

Ah. Thank you very much.

Okay, see you next week.

Please, see yourself out.

- [woman] How are you?
- You first, Doña Chonita.

[tender music playing]

What's up, Godmother?

What happened to you, my son?

You're never home so early.

Got planked down at the carpenters.

- What?
- Don Leoncio fired me.

- How come?
- Well, we had a technical argument

about corpse-like measurements,

as to whether the deceased was too big
for the coffin

or the coffin was too small
for the deceased.

- So, I left it like that.
- The coffin?

No, the argument.

[exclaims] And what will you do now?

We need those cents so badly.

Don't you worry.

These hundred pesos they owed me
will last a few days,

and I can always find a better job.

I don't want to spend my whole life
as a woodpecker, do I?

God willing.

Especially St. Joseph, the carpenter.

Yes. Hang up these clothes,
and I'll fix you something to eat.

Yes, Godmother.

Wow, these clothes are dirtier
than before.

[humming]

[bells chiming]

- May I?
- Come on in. Who are you looking for?

Just you.

I have some registered mail for you.

Are you sure?

Yes, it is clearly stated here,
"Mr. Inocencio Prieto y Calvo."

- I need your signature.
- What for?

It's the proof
that you received the letter.

- So, I have to sign?
- Of course.

You know,
my fingers have been a little numb lately.

I think it's rheumatism.

And it gets worse each day.

So, I cannot sign.

What a coincidence.

My leg sometimes goes numb, too.

But at your age, everything gets numb.

I suppose you might be able
to draw a cross.

A cross, yes.
For a cross, it goes un-numb.

- A crossed cross?
- Yes, a cross.

- A cross.
- Yes, a cross.

A little stick here.

- And another across it.
- Exactly.

- There you are.
- Well, here's the letter.

Thanks. See you around.

See you, Gutierritos.

I got a letter just like milk.

Like milk?

Certified. I don't know who sent it.

And is it for you?

Well, if this scribble means my name.

- Hey, was my dad a Prieto?
- [exclaims]

Real Prieto.

Sometimes he even glimmered.

No, I mean, his last name.

Yes.

You are Prieto on your father's side,
and Calvo on your mother's.

Such a name I got.

Then I guess it is indeed for me.

Let's see if I can figure out
what it says.

[groans]

Well, no, I can't understand a word.

No, and the other words even less.

I think this is written
in Russian or French.

Even if it was in English...

If I only knew who sent it.

As far as I know, your only relative

is your Uncle Prisciliano,
a brother of your father.

And he can write?

He was the only one in the family
who was into studying.

And what for?

Twenty years later, he went off
as a laborer to the United States,

and we never heard a word from him again.

Maybe it's from my Uncle Chano.

Don't dream of it.

I can assure you that if he's alive,

he doesn't remember he has a nephew.

You know who can read it to you?

Don Diego, the man at the drugstore.

Oh, that's right.

I will go right now to sort out this quiz.

Hey, but aren't you going to eat?

This is more important.

I'll be right back.

- Thank you, Don Diego.
- You're welcome.

[bells tolling]

- Hello, Don Diego.
- Hello, Inocencio.

What brings you here?

I brought myself, actually.

If it's not much trouble,

I need a favor from you.

Yes, of course.
I'll be with you in a second.

- Hello, Lupita.
- Could you provide us with this?

Yes, of course.

But where have I left my spectacles?

I can read it for you.

- [Diego] You can read already?
- [Lupita] And very well.

[Diego] Is that right? Let's see.

"A pack of cotton,

two porous patches

and a bottle of cherry syrup."

Very good, dear.

You deserve a candy.

- Chucho, get what the girl asked for.
- [Chucho] Yes, doctor.

It is a pleasure
to see such a little girl read fluently.

- She learned very fast.
- [Diego chuckles]

And what is it you need, Inocencio?

Well, I actually forgot what it was.

Oh, yes, do you have mustard poultices?

Yeah.

- Hey, so little and she can read.
- Yes.

So, remember, madam,

school starts on Monday at 8.

Thank you. Do I have to pay anything?

Not at all.

Not that we don't need it,

but tuition is and must be free
in every official school.

Thank you, teacher. Come on, darling.

[man] Next.

Where is the child you want to enroll?

Well, you know, that child is me.

Speak louder. I can't hear you.

The child is me.

[all laughing]

- Silence!
- [bell rings]

What do you mean?

I'm ashamed to admit it, but you see,

I can't read or write.

Hmph. Is that so?

Yes, I got a letter today,
and I still don't know what it says.

If you want, I can...

No.

I made up my mind
that no one will read it for me.

It's not because it's important.

It might even be somebody
asking for money.

Then why?

I am ashamed that a stranger

could know of my private affairs,

due to my lack of knowledge
because I can't read,

due to my ignorance.

As a punishment, I put upon myself,

I won't know its content

until I read it myself

and get rid of the ignorance
that is only damaging me.

[all laughing]

Silence!

What this man has said
is no reason to laugh, sirs.

On the contrary.

What our friend here intends to do

is truly praiseworthy.

It is never too late to learn.

And history has examples of people

who became celebrities,

even though by their 30s,
they could not read or write.

Who can say that

our friend here,

who is today nothing
but a poor illiterate,

should not be called to take on
an important position within our society?

I think you're exaggerating.

No, not at all.
Motivation can take you quite far.

And your determination
not to know what the letter says

until you can read it yourself,

uh, may be the beginning
of a promising career.

Well, if you say so, I will get there.

And although my class is quite full,

there will always be a place for you.

That's enough for me, teacher.

- What's your name?
- Inocencio Prieto y Calvo.

What shift do you prefer:
morning or afternoon?

As for me, I would take both,
to catch up and work hard,

but I need to work,
so I'd rather pick the afternoon one.

Fine, then.
I hope to see you starting next Monday.

I will surely be here.

I will give you the alphabet,

so you can get acquainted
with the letters.

- Thank you, teacher.
- [chuckles]

- See you on Monday.
- See you on Monday.

God be with you, son.

Next.

[peaceful music playing]

We bumped, didn't we?

It was my fault.

I was unfocused--

It was mine
because I was focused on my reading.

You're not local. You're an outsider?

I just arrived. I'm looking
for Rómulo González's house.

- The bank manager?
- Yes.

This is his address.
You can read it yourself.

- I guess I can't.
- You can't?

There is no need
because I know his house well.

So, you can guide me to it.

If I guide you, you'll get lost

because the streets are like a maze.

Each day we discover a new alley.

I'd better go with you.

If it's not much trouble.

On the contrary.
It's a host's duty to assist tourists.

- Thank you very much.
- Allow me.

[sighs] Your flowers
are beautiful, Aníbal.

Next to you, though, they look ugly.

You say such nice things.

Good afternoon, Aníbal.

Good afternoon, madam.

Look, Mom, what beautiful flowers.

Mmm!

You're always such a gentleman.

And you're always so kind, Doña Refugio.

It's almost 3,
and that girl hasn't arrived.

We could have picked her up
at the station.

She couldn't get lost
with the address on paper.

Waiting for somebody?

A young lady who will do the housekeeping

and keep Ofelia company.

That sounds good to me, madam.

[piano playing]

Did you see the new piano
my dad bought me, Aníbalito?

As soon as I came in. [chuckles]

Play something for your fiancé.

If he asks me to.

I beg you, Ofelia.

Would you like a nocturne?

Coming from your beautiful hands,
even a diurnal would please me.

[chuckles]

[playing tranquil music]

So, your mom worked
at Mrs. González's home?

Yes, many years ago,
until she got married and moved.

My father died recently,

and she asked Mrs. González
if I could work for her.

I'm both sorry and pleased,

since if that had not happened,

what might happen here
would not happen, would it?

- [chuckles]
- This is the house.

Thank you very much for your kind company.

You're welcome, miss.

Uh, if it's not asking too much,

would you mind me
visiting you again sometime?

[sighs]

If you want to.

What a silly thing to say.

I just realized I don't know your name.

Blanca. What a pretty name.

So pure and spotless.

And what's yours?

Well, mine is not very spotted either.

It's Inocencio.

Inocencio?

Oh, it sounds nice.

And once I carry out what I have in mind,
it'll sound much better.

Well, see you soon, Inocencio.

See you soon, Blanquita.

[doorbell rings]

We were all very fond of your mother.

[Blanca] She also remembers you
very dearly.

I hope Ofelia and you become good friends.

Yes, madam, of course.

Mr. Aníbal Guzmán.

He is Miss Ofelia's fiancé.

Come, I'll show you your room.

- Would you excuse us?
- Go ahead, madam.

May I, Don Rómulo?

Come in, Gorgonio.

- A man here wants to speak to you.
- Who is he?

I only know his name is Inocencio.
I hardly know him.

Mm-hm. What does he want?

He said it was confidential.

Confidential?

Well, let him in.

- You take care of these documents.
- Yes, sir.

Here is the person.

May I compenetrate?

Please, come in.

[door closes]

You want to talk to me?

Yes, I wanted to talk privately, just us.

With no one spying on us.
You know how gossip starts rolling.

Leave us alone, Fermín.

Have a seat. What is it about?

You know that Blanca has arrived?

Blanca who?

The young lady your wife was expecting.

Oh, yes. Josefina's daughter.

Josefina who?

Well, Blanca's mother.

The one who became a widow
when her husband died?

Well...

And is this why you asked
to speak confidentially?

No, I just wanted to show you
that I'm efficient

and well-informed.

But the main subject is another one.

Oh, all right.

You're not to know, and I'm not to tell,

- but today I was stirring the glue...
- For the fun of it?

No, at the carpentry shop
of that exploiter Don Leoncio.

You mean, you work there?

I used to work there.

Because you know Don Leoncio.

He got mad at me, about this and that,
and I told him:

"We are to speak in business terms,
not like that.

To avoid conflict,
we had better end our association,

due to unaccountability, okay?"

Very interesting.

That's why I came, to exchange opinions,

and find out if you could give me a job

in this banking,
financing negotiation of yours.

Mm-hm.

And what kind of a job would you like?
As an accountant, a cashier?

Not as a cashier.

I used to do the coffins,
but an accountant would do.

That may work.
I used to make stories count.

Do you know the one
about the sailor parakeet?

- The parakeet yelled, "Land!"
- No.

- Then the sharks came and...
- No, no.

- Sharks on sight.
- Don't go on, please.

It's new.

I was speaking in banking terms.

But you don't know a promissory note.

But I do know a promising note.

And I don't want to keep promising,

so I came to work it out.

This is the confidential part.

I don't know if...

- But you seem to be a very kind person.
- Speak up.

- As you see me here, I'm very ashamed...
- Come on.

As you see me here,

I can't read or write.

You don't say.

You would never tell.

Judging by my looks, I could be
a writer or a scientist, but no.

So, what position would you like?

An easy one,

like maintenance combined with errands.

And every now and then,
I can feed your fish.

Are you honest?

For sure. I hope you are, too.

Since we'll be working together,
there should be a certain trust.

A reciprocity.

I'm the bank manager.

That's why.

It's rare for a banker
to know about honesty.

But there are always exceptions.

Well, since you asked for it so well,

and I was looking for a trustworthy man,

you may start working on Monday.

Why not tomorrow?

It's Saturday, and we don't work.

That's not a problem. I can work any day.

Yes, I'm sure you can.

What will my schedule be?

You'll start at 6 a.m.,

so by opening time, the cleaning is done.

That's very early.

But it's all right. And the closing time?

At 3 p.m., you may leave.

That's good. It gives me time
to go to night school.

- Do you go to school?
- I start on Monday.

Very good.

That is one more reason for you
to earn my respect.

Is that all I'll earn?

I forgot about that.

That's why I'm here, to remind you.

- [intercom crackles]
- [Fermin] Yes, Don Rómulo?

Come to my office, Fermín.

Is 100 pesos a week all right?

Two hundred would be better.

But I'm not greedy,
so 100 is fine to start with.

Tell me, sir.

Mr. Inocencio is our new errand man

and janitor.

Although he is still illiterate,
he's full of goodwill.

Brief him on all matters,
so he can start on Monday.

Very well, sir.

Would you follow me?

See you on Monday, Don Rómulo.

- And thank you very much.
- You are welcome.

So, you got a job at the bank?

Yes, and I thought
I was going to be the errand boy.

- And?
- Well, they hired me as vice boy.

- And what's that?
- Well, I'm not quite sure.

It must be important,
almost like a vice president,

because they were impressed
by my personality.

What good luck!

Some days start off badly,
but then they improve.

I got a letter, and it's as if I hadn't

because I don't know what it says.

How come? You still haven't got it read?

No, but it seems it gave me luck.

God willing, son.

It seems so.

I got a job at the bank,

Don Cosme signed me up at school,

and on top of that,
I think I got on a boat.

- What's that?
- I almost got a girlfriend.

Take advantage of tomorrow's feast
of our town's virgin,

to go to church,
and after singing to Our Lady,

you can thank her for all the blessings

and ask that she never release your hand.

I have to go anyway because, as they say,

I'm the spirit of the choir.

Of course,

without your angel voice,
that choir would sound un-angelic.

Get some rest now. See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow, Godmother.

[sighs, then clears throat]

[clears throat]

[singing in Spanish]

[organ playing church music]

[singing "Hallelujah" in Spanish]

[bells tolling]

[man] A penny for the love of God.

A penny for this poor blind man.

A penny for the love of God.

A penny for the love of God.

A penny for this poor blind man.

A penny for the love of God.

A penny for this poor blind man.

A penny for the love of God.

A penny for this poor blind man.

Hold this for a second.
Don't you steal it.

[comical music playing]

You got us a job? I can't see the time.

You can't see anything.

It's not a job.

It's about serenading a girl
I am interested in.

- Do we know her?
- Who's the victim?

No victim. She's a very decent girl.
From a good family.

Grab your instruments.

Which one shall we rehearse?

We will play something like...

Well...

Something romantic.

Something heavenly?

Something earthy,

smelling of fresh earth,
just like she does.

Remember that piece
that starts in three-four time,

very romantic, which goes:

♪ I got in my soul ♪

♪ An immense desire ♪

- Do you remember?
- Let's see if we do.

What key is it, G major?

How can it be G major
if it's a nocturne, a serenade?

G major.

We'll do it in C minor, slowly.

Since you are the brass,
you'll go on nocturnal pizzicato.

- Just pizzicato.
- With an introduction?

Of course.

I won't come in with my voice
to impress her.

With introduction and all.
Are you ready?

[playing out of rhythm]

Just a moment, young fellows. What's that?

Aren't you ashamed?

Have you no feelings?

Don't you vibrate with the music, the art,

the harmony, man?

But the piece is in a waltz rhythm,

and you're marking a rock 'n' roll rhythm.

I mark as I please
because I'm the director of the group.

You can't talk
because I learned at a reservatory,

and you play by ear.

You can't hear, nor see, nor play.

You want to be a soloist.

But I'm tired.

Do you think Beethoven didn't get tired?

All the great geniuses got tired.

They studied. They were unperishable.
They took what they got.

And as they took it, they started being.

What a lack of ethics, of professionalism,

of a sense of responsibility.

Gosh, man.

Really, what have I tried
to teach you all this for?

We'll come in all together,

and we'll come out as we may.

- [man] And where do we meet?
- Wherever we can.

Let's start.

[playing out of rhythm]

♪ I want to make for you ♪

♪ A pearl necklace ♪

♪ With my tears ♪

♪ And let me cry ♪

♪ As today I lost you ♪

♪ The more I try to forget you ♪

♪ I remember ♪

♪ You the more ♪

[music stops]

And now beat it.

What follows doesn't need
any accompaniment.

Lovely song.

I would've been better,

but those fools ruined it.

Really?

To prove how interested I am in you.

Though by tomorrow,
the whole town will know.

I'm afraid so.

Shouldn't be afraid.

I'm here to take responsibility,
as a gentleman should.

No doubt.

I know that when the time comes,
you'll face it.

Sure, though every time I do it,
my face gets broken,

but I stay steady.

By the way, you still haven't told me
what you do for a living.

Well, there was no mutual closeness.

You see, my business so far has been wood.

Fine wood, right? Export, import.

First-class wood,
estimations, refined wood.

As they say, a big business,

more like a black market.

Then I decided to change course,

and now I'm into banking issues,

uh, financing, credit,

where there is some future ahead.

How long have you been in this?

I've been thinking about it
for a long time,

but I'll start working on Monday.

Ah.

This is something with a future.

It is, as they say, a matter of class

and of connections and...

You know.

[bell chiming]

I must go. They're calling me.

Eh, Blanquita, would you mind
if I come in my spare time to visit you?

No. Otherwise, you could write to me.

- [bell chiming]
- No, I'd rather come and visit you.

So would I.

Okay, see you soon, Blanquita.

Good night, Inocencio.

[bell chiming]

Please, don't bother.

It's no problem, sir.

Let Blanca see you out.

- Were you calling me?
- Often enough.

We wanted more coffee.

Now escort the gentleman
and then lock the door.

Yes, madam.

At your service, madam.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Come on, lady, don't be foolish.

Let go of me or I'll scream.

You weren't so skittish
with that dope by the church stairs.

He's a decent man.

He's a poor, ravenous man.

You sure would wish to be like him.

Now go away or I'll tell Miss Ofelia.

All right, all right, Blanquita.

I can wait.

[chuckles]

[dramatic music playing]

[peaceful music playing]

Did you oil the machine?

Yes, I used castor oil plant.
So, it'll loosen up.

- Castor oil?
- Yes, but see how well it's working.

Here are the assets.

And here the liabilities.
The assets still need some adjusting.

[man] Inocencio!

Tell me.

Have you swept the filing room?

What firing room?

- Filing!
- I'll do it tomorrow.

Inocencio!

Don't yell at me. I'm not deaf.

Tell me.

Hand me that cloth.

Now polish my shoes.

What do you mean?
Do I look like a shoeshine boy?

"Polish my shoes."

First you need half soles, then shoes.
These look like slippers.

Aren't you ashamed to come in slippers?

I'll teach you respect.

You should give respect first,
to receive respect.

Inocencio. Get me some cigars.

- What brand?
- Filtered Fumarolas.

I mean, what brand is your watch?
Have a look.

My day is almost over.

So, what's the hurry?

I don't want to get
a "lack of unpunctuality" at school.

I'm doing well.

- Are you making progress?
- A little.

I got an eight in botany,

a nine in gym,

7.5 in singing,
because I missed the high note.

But I'm doing bad in math.

I can't get the Roman numerals.

Since you have an Italian look

and you are a go-getter,
why don't you give me a hand?

If she gives you a hand,
you'll learn fast.

[all laughing]

Rodriguez, Agustín.

I'm here, teacher.

- Silverio Perez.
- [all] Olé.

What do you mean, "olé"?

Silverio Perez.

- I'm here, teacher.
- Take a seat.

Inocencio Prieto Calvo.

Is he not here?

I'm here, teacher.

- Good afternoon, children.
- [all] Good afternoon.

Teacher, I'm late because I stayed
with the manager, exchanging opinions

on foreign currency matters,
and it got late.

Since the reason is so commendable,
you are excused.

Thank you, teacher.

Do you remember yesterday's lesson?

Yes, teacher, of course.

Letters are not equal to each other,

since some of them are not equal
to the others,

and the others differ from them, right?

Well, yes, continue.

Eh, in the light of this matter,

we also have capital letters
and lowercase letters.

Capital letters are the ones that are big.

The lower ones, due to lack of vitamins,
that is literary undevelopment,

they remain little ones, right?

Yes, more or less.

Well, give it more than less, teacher.

Also, to finish
this lecture-emulating situation,

we've got--

We find this phenomenon
which can be a grammatical one,

but which is about the same situation
we were talking about before,

we've got vowels

and inconsonants.

Perfect. Can you name a vowel?

I can name one or all of them in a row,

for you to see who you are talking to:

E, I, O, U, A.

No, no, no.

A, E, I, O, U.

Well, I'm surprised, teacher,

since the order of the factors
does not alter the alphabet.

Why, you have impressed me.

You've impressed me more,
for these are high-school questions.

- Have you done your homework?
- Here it is.

Please, show it to me.

Here.

The difference is that I'm an orphan,
so my parents didn't do it.

I had to do it myself.

Excellent. Let's see.

- Let's see...
- [shocking music playing]

- I see nothing here.
- Neither do I.

The fact is, the paper absorbs everything,
since it's wrapping paper.

Then the ink is watery.

And the lights went off.

And some kind of stain fell,
which, if you look at it closely,

is something somewhat abstract,

like a painting by Picasso,
or whatever they call him.

But if you look carefully,

the shape takes the form of a boat.

[all laughing]

Silence!

I forbid you to laugh again
at a schoolmate

who is speaking with such goodwill
and has such a thirst for learning.

That's right.
I spend the whole night studying.

Did you hear?

In his desire to learn,
he spends sleepless nights.

With tallow candles, the worst ones.

Yesterday, without electricity,
I lit up a tallow candle.

And with it dripping,

and the O you told me
to draw real round,

I don't know why, but as much as I tried,

- it came out in the shape of an egg.
- [boys laugh]

Are you listening?

You don't know what a sacrifice it is

to work during the day,

come to school in the evening,

and then spend the nights studying.

[scoffs] These kids.

These kids.

Starting today, I will give you the paper
and the ink you need

to do your homework properly.

Thank you very much.

[peaceful music playing]

But you still haven't found out
what the letter says?

I'm working on it. It just takes time.

But what I can tell you

is that it has lots of small letters,
the lowercase letters,

and the capital letters,

which are the ones
with the suspensory points.

[exclaims]

No one can say you have not made
a lot of progress, son.

That's right, Godmother.

- [bell chiming]
- Who can it be at this hour?

- Good evening, Doña Epifanita.
- Good evening.

- Is Inocencio in?
- What for?

We only came to say hello.

- He is studying.
- I told you so.

Can we see him?

- Come this way.
- Let's go.

But don't distract him.

No, madam, don't worry.

Hello, Inocencio.

Why did you let in this bunch

of uncultivated
and illiteratical vagrants?

These what?

I said, illiteratical.

You may leave us, Godmother.

I'm off to darn your clothes.

Tell us what "illiteratical" means.

"Illiteratical" means...
Well, it's the mythology of the word.

But illiteratical are the ones
who don't even know their names.

I'm not that. I know I'm called the Frog.

I'm the Blondie.

- I'm the Sightless.
- I'm the Goat.

You see, you don't know.

Those are your appellations.

What is an appellation?

You are indeed unlearned.

Totally lacking in agriculture.

"Appellation," the word indicates it.

Appellations are names used
by apelike guys like you.

What?

Your names are Nicandro,

Isidro, Nicanor, and Dalmiro.

Hearing you talk,
I even feel like learning to read.

"Feel like..."

Why don't you enroll at my school?

- When?
- We work all day.

Why don't you teach us
since you know so much?

- Fine, but on one condition:
- [Nicanor] What?

That, in class,
I'm not Inocencio or "Hey."

I'm "teacher."

As you wish, buddy.

What did you say, sassy?

Whatever you say, teacher.

That's different.

So, come here tomorrow

to start receiving
the pedagogics you need.

We'll be here as one man.

Not one. I want all four of you here.

And don't bring me...

oranges, or apples, or bananas,

or sisters' messages
to wheedle a ten from me.

You'll study or you'll fail
and won't pass the year.

Yes, sir.

And you have breakfast before coming.

All right.

- And wash your hands.
- All right.

Until tomorrow, Inoce-- Teacher.

Until tomorrow.

Bye, ma'am.

Bye, teacher.

[tender music playing]

Why don't you lie down, my son?

I have to keep on studying,

so as to soon be in a position
in which I can propose to Blanquita.

You still think that girl is for you?

Of course, Godmother.

Since I first met her,
she's become like a dart

in this poor heart,

which was slowly defoliating,
for I was like a thistle by the brook.

Now I have hopes, I--

Okay, okay, okay.

When you're done,

- don't forget to turn off the light.
- No, Godmother.

I'll just practice my O's,

since no matter how much I try,
it looks like a hen's egg.

- [chuckles] See you tomorrow, my son.
- Bye, my godmother.

OPEN
FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Open up, please.

I can't. It's closed.

But it's important.

Look at the sign.
These are not the enabling hours.

We'll miss the train.

I don't care. Wait until we open.

We have some money to deposit.

- Why didn't you say so?
- That's it. Open.

- Is it a deposit?
- Yes.

- Don't move.
- My God.

What's this? A holdup?
An assault? What's happening?

We came to open an account.
Where is the safe?

- The safe?
- Yes.

Answer quick or you die.

If I die, I can't answer.
Don't tickle. I'm ticklish over there.

- Speak up.
- The money is not in the safe.

The safe is only a decoy.
But I know where the money is.

Where?

If you promise not to hurt me--
Don't prick so hard.

I'll show you. But don't hurt me, please.

Get a move on.

Should I move or not?

Start walking.

- Hurry up.
- Well, don't push me.

How?

- Well, watch your manners.
- Where is it?

- I'll ask the manager.
- You can't ask him.

- Where is it?
- In the closet.

- Come on, walk.
- Walk, walk.

- It's locked.
- Sure. I have the key.

Well, open up.

You keep this up, you'll fire a shot, man.

- Come on.
- Go on, man.

- Here's the issue.
- Don't quiver.

I'm not quivering. I'm just nervous.

Just nervous.

- Where's the money?
- What money?

- The bank's money.
- Is there any?

There is some kind of cupboard.

- Rather like a bookshelf.
- Yes?

- There it is.
- Sure?

There is the bookshelf,
and it's behind it.

- The money?
- The dough.

Don't move.

- Are you afraid?
- Don't tickle me, man.

- Tickle.
- [clattering]

It's very dark here! Get me a match!

I'll go buy some.

You stay here!

In a minute.

In a minute, pal.

- Allow me.
- Please.

Thank you.

- Get in there now.
- Hey, hey, hey...

[doorknob rattling]

Hello. Is this the police station?

I need to talk to the chief.

This is Inocencio Prieto y Calvo.

No, sir, it's no joke, it's my name.

Yes, sir.

From the bank.

Yes... [stammers]

Not that early.
Aren't you available around the clock?

You're asleep?

So, it's not true
that the police never sleep.

It's about a robbery.
Yes, sir. That's why I'm calling.

Two guys held up the bank,

actually in connivance,
because the robbery didn't take place,

due to lack of time
and to unskillfulness to my partaking.

[man 1] Open up, or you'll see...

Yes, let me tell you.

Send the investigators, so I can explain.

They are in the filing room.

They are here. I locked them up.
Yes, all by myself.

[man 2] Open up, you scoundrel.

Send me some men.

Some men in those new blue outfits.
They are more impressive.

You're sending the ones in brown?

- Oh, yuck.
- [men yelling]

Well, it doesn't matter. Send them soon.
They are battering the metal.

Now stop arguing. We're on our way.

Come with me, guys.

[sighs] Oh, boy.

All right, I'll be right there.

They tried to rob the bank.

Did they arrest the thieves?

Inocencio caught and reported them,
all by himself.

And is he all right?

Apparently he is. I'll dash off.

- Take them away.
- You will pay for this.

- Quiet.
- I'll be here.

You see how we are always watchful?

Yeah, once I caught them.

Mind your attitude

or I'll take you, too.

Efficient, but when I called,
you were asleep.

So, you caught those bandits,
all by yourself?

It was a matter of episcolloquy.

Whatever the way, that was a real feat.

Feat or defeat, if I hadn't been careful,

I'd be a dead duck right now.

[chuckles] Before you go, I want
to have a word with you in my office.

At your service, Don Rómulo.

So, you turned out to be a hero,
my distinguished and worthy illiterate.

Since I go to school,
you have no right to call me that.

Until you get your diploma,
go get me some cigars.

And I want a cold drink.

And a cheese sandwich for me.

- With chipotle or jalapeño?
- As usual.

Then a chorizo one.

Let's play a good joke on Inocencio.

- Wonderful.
- Any ideas?

Yes, follow me.

I wanted to make sure you're all right.

I'm all right.

Because you are cold-blooded?

In fact, I am quite ardent.

Trust me, I'm sincerely glad.
Congratulations.

"At your service.

Inocencio

Prieto y Calvo."

[all laughing]

And here Inocencio will sign.

[door opens]

Here is what you requested.
I'll keep the change.

Yes, that's fine.

You know, Inocencio,
we have all agreed to give you some help.

- Good. You'll help with the cleaning?
- [all] No.

Something better.
Today's deed deserves a reward.

It was just a coincidence. No big deal.

No, look, we have written
a letter for you to sign,

asking Don Rómulo for a raise as reward,

plus one month of paid leave.

I think it should come from him,

rather than forced under pressure.

It doesn't matter. He will be very pleased
to know what you want.

- He loves to receive things in writing.
- Does he?

- Of course.
- Sure.

All right, then.

Sure. Tell me. Can you write your name?

Not in full. I can do the initiatives.

That will do. Let's see.
Here you are, take this.

Don't stare because you intimidate me.

It's oblique
because I don't see parallels yet.

- Never mind.
- On the board, I do it really straight.

Well, now, look, take advantage
of Don Rómulo being alone right now.

- I give it to him?
- Yes.

- Don't we use an envelope?
- There's no need.

- No, well, it's like a prelude.
- Right.

Yes.

Go, go.

I just hand it to him?

Yes, of course.

- I think I'd better--
- [all] Go, go.

- I find it very--
- [all] Go on.

Come in.

- I brought you this letter.
- Mm-hm.

I'll be right back for the answer.

No, wait. Who is it from?

It's mine, sir.

Can you write already?

Well, not exactly,

but the guys are good people,
and they helped me out.

Mm-hm.

Don't go away.

Do you know what this letter says?

Well, not in detail.

But as for its literature,
I know what it's about.

Hmm.

Would you mind me reading it aloud?

No, aloud or a-low,
whatever tone is more convenient.

Okay, listen.

"Dear Don Rómulo.

What they've been saying about my heroism
for what I did this morning

is only lies and mere gossip.

The truth is that I made a mistake,

since if I hadn't opened the door
to those bandits,

what happened today
would have never occurred.

In view of this,

I demand
that you cut my salary 50 percent

as a punishment,

that I may never again commit
this kind of clumsiness."

Is that what you want?

Not at all, Don Rómulo.

That says opposedly the contrary
to what they told me it would say.

Unless you have read it wrong.

[woman over intercom] Sir?

Bring your coworkers.
I want to have a word with everyone.

Yes, sir.

I didn't want to, but they insisted
that I should ask for a raise.

- I see.
- [door opens]

- Did you call for us?
- [Rómulo] Yes.

Come here.

Which of you induced Inocencio
to write this letter to me?

Who?

Don Rómulo, it was a joke. You know?

As Inocencio can't read or write...

Well, I can't read or write,
but I have never scoffed at anybody.

And if what you know

is used to hurt a man's dignity,

who, owing to facts in his life,
couldn't get cultivated,

I'd rather keep being ignorant

but with no malice, with honesty.

That's how I'd rather be, just as I am.

I don't want to become what you are.

You know that what you just said
was really well-spoken?

Well, I can't read and write,
but I could talk since I was 3.

The hell with them.

All right, Inocencio, don't get upset.

How can I not be upset?

When these guys, instead of being thankful

that when I go for their food,
I ask here and there,

add more sausage, take off the crust,

put a good steak in,

compensate with a taco, and so on,
all that for them, and what for?

For this ungrateful ragamuffin

to repay me like this.

- Ungrateful.
- You're more than right.

It's the only thing I am more.
The rest I am less.

Don't worry.
I'll make sure you aren't less anymore.

So, it was you
who played this joke on him.

It's about all he can spare.
He's so stingy.

Then I will lower your salary by half,
for six months!

- We'd better fire him, so he learns.
- He deserves it.

And if you're not happy,
you can resign right now.

Answer me.

It's all right, sir.

Mm. You can go now.

[singing in Spanish]

And for you, as a reward,
I'll give you a check for 1000 pesos.

Thank you, Don Rómulo.

Where do I cash it?

Right here. The cashier will pay you.

Does the bank have enough funds?

It has my signature.

I'm just asking since checks get bounced,
even in the best families.

Make the zeroes nice and round,
so there are no problems.

So...

what do you plan to do with this money?

Well, now that we are speaking
as colleagues,

I'd like you to advise me.

Would it be best to acquire mortgage cells
or petrolling bonds?

It's not enough for all that.

That's what I thought.

You could have given me a check for 2000,
but it's already signed.

Never mind.
I can buy a dress for my godmother.

She's worn the same one
since my christening.

Very well.

And then I want to buy a hat,

a suit and some shoes for myself.

Because I've never worn
anything new in my life.

- Sounds great.
- And to finish...

The final brooch.

- No, an engagement ring.
- Mmm!

I'll give it to the young lady
who lives in my dreams.

A "you and me."

A "me and her."
That I'll give to her at the fair.

Wonderful.

And for her, I'll buy a dress,

for the local beauty contest.

Well, you don't know how pleased I am

to have contributed
to making all those things possible.

And I rejoice in contributing

to your being pleased by me.

What do you think of that sentence?

And I'm only in kindergarten.

[band playing festive music]

I see you're limping, Inocencio.

It's these damn shoes, Godmother.

- Are they too tight?
- They just fit.

My size is eight,
and they are six and a half.

But these were the last in this style.

They are Italian-mold.

Yes, they are Italian,
and my feet are local.

They still don't connect.

- [Blanca laughs]
- [Epifanita exclaims]

I think I'm going to leave you
and go to bed, my children.

I'm very tired.

Too old for so much hassle.

- Shall we take you home?
- No, what for?

You stay here and have fun,

while you're still young.

Bye, my son.

Night.

Get into bed, wrap up tight
and cover your feet,

or you'll start coughing
and that will keep you awake all night.

Bye, Blanquita, my dear.

See you tomorrow.

- She's a nice person, isn't she?
- Uh-huh.

What do you like most at the fair?

Everything.

So, let's try everything.

Oh, Inocencio.

No, no, no. Did you get a little dizzy?

Hold on tight.

Look at this.
The stomach seems to go up, doesn't it?

Yes.

No. Be careful, hold on.
That's why I'm holding you tight, okay?

[Inocencio exclaims]

It feels real smooth.

Hold on tight there.
Use your leg to help it keep still.

Yes, Inocencio.

Shall we dance, Aníbal?

No, it's too late.
I'd better take you home.

[music stops]

You're out of breath. Want a drink?

- Yes, Inocencio.
- Let's go.

[band resumes playing]

Can I take your order?

- A tamarind.
- And you?

A fruit juice with bits of fruit.

With pleasure.

I wanted to tell you something.

Say it, Inocencio.

So, what is it you wanted to say?

I wanted to tell you,
but you won't be upset?

I'm sure I won't.

Besides, I think I know what it's about.

If it weren't asking too much,
I'd like you to allow me to...

What?

To take my shoes off
because they are killing me.

That was it?

I know it's rather uncouth,

but this mold has my big toe mounted
on the little one

and I'm getting some cramps.

Almost like chills.

Besides, you stepped on my foot
a couple of times.

Well, don't you worry about me.

Thank you, Blanquita.

[sighs] Now this is different.

- Do you know the time?
- It must be...

Let me see.

It's about...

half an hour till midnight.

I must leave.
The lady only lets me out until midnight.

As you wish, Blanquita. Miss.

[woman] Yes?

Thanks for everything.
I've had a great evening.

Have you really?

I'd never had so much fun.

Neither have I.

Except for the shoes that are killing me,

this has been one of the luckiest

and happiest evenings
in my whole precarious existence.

Good night, Inocencio.

Good night, Blanquita.

[groans]

[romantic music playing]

[knocking on door]

What is it, Inocencio?

I had forgotten.

[Aníbal] With so little, you are happy?

If you turned to me,
you'd be covered in jewels.

I don't want jewels.

You'd rather be with that pauper?

He's no pauper.

He's an educated man with a great future.

He told me so.

Really?

Why don't you pop into the bank
and find out what he really does?

Don't come any closer.

All right, as you wish.

But I assure you, you will regret this.

[peaceful music playing]

Still awake, Godmother?

I just remembered you have
no clean clothes for tomorrow, son.

- And how did it all go?
- Very well.

- By the way, I wanted to ask you a favor.
- Let's see. Tell me.

For the contest, I wanted
to buy Blanquita a typical costume.

Like a country girl costume?

Something like that but prettier.

[chuckles] And you think
she'll want to enter the contest?

There'll hardly be a contest.
She's the prettiest and she's sure to win.

Don't worry.

Buy me the cloth and the ornaments,
and I'll make it for you.

I've been thinking.

Wouldn't a black velvet dress
with cretonne lace be nice?

Bobbin lace would be better.

Whatever you wish,
but make it look pretty.

[chuckles] Go on, go to sleep.
You have to work tomorrow.

Yes, Godmother.

Thank you very much.
And don't iron so much.

You get a backache
and then you can't move.

[upbeat music playing]

Oh, my goodness.

I came to see how your feet were doing.

Well, my feet... My feet are better.

Only I have a blister on my toe.
It's still killing me.

But all in all, I'm almost better.

How are you today?

Very good, thank you.

As they say, you caught me red-handed,
I mean, brush-handed.

As the guy who does the cleaning is out,

we take turns with the manager.

After all, as they say,
work is no dishonor.

When you get off tonight,
could you come and see me?

Sure.

After the closing of books,
as today we must appraise assets.

With you, one can say
that the hunter became the prey.

- He who laughs last laughs longest.
- [chuckles]

María, make some copies of these,

but make sure they're nice and clean.

Don Fermín, I'm glad I saw you.

I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry

about the salary trimming,

though you got your dues.

But don't worry.

I will use my influence,
talk to my friend Rómulo

and see if he'll give up the punishment.

Don Inocencio, would you be so kind
as to remove the dust from my humble desk?

Shall this not cause the least distress
to your dear self?

Did you notice the difference?

Don't get in the way, Fermín.

That's the way to ask.

Show that you went to school
and caught urbanization.

[comical music playing]

Would I be asking too much if I beg you
to go and get me a cold drink?

Yes, you would,

but what is requested decently

is provided hastily.

Thank you, Don Inocencio.

[foreboding music playing]

I told you
that she went out with her mother.

Now go away, please. Leave me alone.

Did you find out
what business Inocencio is in?

Yes. Now that I feel I can help him,
I love him more.

[door buzzing]

Don't you hear they are calling?
Get off! Let me go!

[foreboding music playing]

What you really want,

we could say,
is what in finances we call...

You want to open a savings account,
don't you, Blanquita?

Yes. I have very little,
but I think it'll be safer at the bank.

It depends on the bank's unsolvency.

But the accruals will be yours.

And from a financial standpoint,

on the one hand it is a lot,
and on the other it is not a lot.

A lot and not a lot? I don't understand.

It's a lot of time to wait
and not a lot that you gain.

Because you have the trustee

and mortgage discounts,

but it's very safe.

Okay, it's better than nothing.
There you go.

[Inocencio] Is this all?

[Blanca] Yes, when I have more,
I'll let you know.

What are you doing?

Why did you leave the door open?

I was just leaving, madam.

Don't you work with my husband?

Exactly.

He's honored to have me
among his most efficient coworkers.

And I'm almost his advisor. The other--

Your fiancé is waiting for you, miss.

Come on, Mom!

What kind of guy is that Cannibal?

A graduated professional
who's new in town,

but I don't like him a bit.

And is it true
he's going to marry Miss Ofelia?

It must be only for her money.

He may be right about that
since for free is very risky.

Miss Ofelia is very good.

Well, it all depends on...
I mean, what you want her for.

What?

I forgot. On Sunday,
it's the town contest to choose the queen.

I heard about it.

I thought you could be my contender.

- Me?
- Why not?

You can win. You're the prettiest.

And the teacher and I will be part
of the disqualifying jury,

and I'm sure you will win.

So, the election won't be fair.

It would be biased.

That's not new. It's always been that way.

I think
it's also a regional costume contest.

And yours is the prettiest.
It's got this shape...

You'll see. I already chose it,
bought it and paid for it.

If you really want it...

I don't have much. It's the last 100 pesos
of the 1000 that Don Rómulo gave me.

Then don't do it, Inocencio.

Don't be worried.

Besides the pleasure of you winning,

it'll be great to brag

and say, "I'm with the queen."

[romantic music playing]

- What are you doing here?
- Waiting for you.

Why are you surprised?

No one should see us together,
and least of all, know we're cousins.

The one who had the idea
of settling you here,

until your fraud in Mexico blew over,

was me.

Remember?

Yes, I know. I'm very thankful.

How's your business with Ofelia?

If I wanted to,
I could marry her tomorrow.

I told you so.

But all I want now is to annoy Blanquita

and her wretched Inocencio.

- The servant at the bank?
- Yes.

Look.

- [shocking music playing]
- [Fermín] What's this?

They belong to Mrs. González.

- Did you steal them?
- Yes.

But they'll blame it on the maid
and her despicable lover.

Mm-hm-hm.

Then I can freely offer you

a far more profitable business.

What is it about?

Here. Read this letter.

I brought my son.

He can't do it at school,
but he may learn something here.

Why "something"?

With my method, he'll learn sooner
than with St. Michael's reader.

- What's your name?
- Lucho.

Lucho, that's a substantiative name.

Not like your father,
who they call the Goat.

Can you read?

No, teacher.

Here you will learn.

I don't want you to be like your father,

who's 30 and talks with spelling mistakes.

Sit down.

So, let's see, you bunch of uncultivates.

Did you do your homework?

Yes, teacher.

Let's see
if you got the dictation properly.

"The garden has threes

full of sons."

Why, look how brutish you are, really.

What did I dictate?

Here's your first mistake, "in threes."

This is a numeral word

and therefore you can't have the H
in the first syllable,

as it's an uncountable collective noun.

- Ah.
- "Ah."

And then look at your second mistake:

"Full of..."

You put "sons," with an O, as in "son,"

from which you think
we're talking about offspring.

I said:

"The garden has trees."

See how the gerund appears again,

when I actually said "full of sun."

As in the verb "to sun."

- Where is the verb?
- It's in the germ, so we don't see it.

Hey, you really made progress.

Faster than you can say Jack Robinson.

There's more.

You'll see what a guy can achieve
through his studying efforts

because the worst thing is
not knowing to read or write.

Tonight, I can tell you,
I'll give you a huge surprise.

I'll read a letter
which I haven't read yet,

as I didn't have the consonance
and couldn't do it fluently

or with the proper intonation.

But now you'll see what I'm able to do.

Where...? The letter's right here.

I had it with me.

You will see. Someone stole it.

- Godmother.
- [Epifanita] What's wrong, my son?

Where's the letter I got?

I don't know. You put it away.

I had it here,
but as you scrutinize me daily--

Goodness me, don't say that.

Where could it be?

Don't you worry.

Maybe as you said,
it was someone borrowing some money.

But I want to show these bums
what I can do,

orally and verbally and fluently.

It was here. I brought it here.

Okay.

I put it in the rear pocket.

Two million pesos
are quite worth the risk.

And what's your idea?

You find a way for that Inocencio
to sign any blank paper for you.

Consider it done.

I'll fill it in,

saying that he gave me full powers
to collect his inheritance.

And how will you legalize it?

That's up to me. That's why I am a lawyer.

Remember that the person must submit
his baptismal certificate.

While you find a way for Inocencio
to sign that blank paper,

I'll get a certified copy

of the baptismal certificate
from the vicar.

- And we go half and half, don't we?
- Of course.

Take this as a sign of trust.

ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

There's the lime.

Cigars.

What a way of wasting paper. Just look.

It looks like a streamer.

Your cigars.

Would you forgive me about the other day?

Yes, I'm not spiteful.

Are we friends, then?

- Friends.
- Shall we split up the nougat?

Better split up the sandwich.
I'm getting hungry.

- Half and half.
- Let's.

So, is it true
you can already write your name?

- Has the gossip spread?
- Yes, but I don't believe it.

- You don't?
- No.

- I'll show you.
- Come on.

- Give me pen and paper.
- Come on, come on.

Here's the paper.

Name and last name?

Sure. But I don't think you can.

Even with flourish.

- I don't believe it. Let's see?
- All right, let's see.

Ino...

cencio.

Because the C is pronounced "zio."

P as in "pansy."

Prie-- Priet-- Prieto.

Prie-- Prieto.

Prieto y Calvo.

Calvo is not spelled with a K
but with a Q.

Calvo.

Calvo.

And now the signature.

I'm Inocencio's lawyer,

and we need a copy
of his baptismal certificate.

It happens frequently. Here you are.

Thanks. Here you are, for your poor.

May God repay you.

Here's your dress, Blanquita.

My godmother made it on estimations.

If it's too long, you can lift the hem.

If it's too tight,

you can untie the "trutru,"
and it'll loosen up.

But those are unimportant details.

Thank you very much, Inocencio.

When we danced,
I felt you to take your measurements,

but you moved a lot,
so there may be some mistakes.

If there's any, I'll let you know.

I'm so excited.

And me, I spent many nights sleepless,

thinking of being the lucky prince
of an alleged queen.

It's exciting.

You have such a pretty way
of saying things.

And now that I'm fully into literature,

I'll have even more flowery phrases.

See you tomorrow. And thank you very much.

Good night.

And dream of little angels.

- I'll dream of you.
- Which is about the same.

- Good night.
- Good night, Blanquita.

Oh, Godmother, I'm almost there.

[band playing festive music]

[applause]

"Miss Ber-- Bert--"

There's an H here. Is it silent?

Silent, yes.

"Miss Bertha Capetillo."

[applause]

And now...

follows the next, who is sure to win.

Miss Blanca Morales.

[crowd] Blanquita! Blanquita!

[crowd cheering]

I kept them here. In this little box.

The only one who comes in here is Blanca.

One day while you were out,
I was waiting for you in the lounge.

Suddenly, I saw her step out of the room.

And when she saw me, she was startled
and tried to hide something.

Was it the same day we saw her

give a little package
to that boy Inocencio?

Inocencio?

Yes, I saw it, too.

She also told him she'd let him know
if she got anything else.

- Let's call the police.
- No, wait.

And right now.

But... [sighs]

The Guerrero one, she got my attention.

Sir, that's because you watched
her departure,

but she's lacking arrival.

I find the Chinanteca pretty.

You find her pretty?

You can't find a prescription,
Mr. Druggist.

The Huichola could be one
of the 11,000 virgins.

But she's not. She lacks demeanor.

She lacks harmony.

As for me, gentlemen,
I must say, I go for Blanquita.

You see,
the teacher has good inclinations.

Then you see where he is inclining.

All right, so be it.

- I agree.
- Me too.

I always support the majority.

This jury, in full sincerity,

has determined that our queen this year

will be Miss Blanca Morales.

[crowd cheering]

[crowd] Blanquita! Blanquita!

So, you saw that girl coming out
of Mrs. González's bedroom?

Yes, inspector.

And when she saw you, she was startled
and tried to hide something.

- Yes.
- And after that?

The bell rang, and she rushed out.

Will you confirm this before the judge?

- Of course.
- All right.

So, why didn't you go to the contest?
It got late.

Did you know that she won?

It was all very nice and amusing,

but when she stepped out,

well, she was the prettiest.

What is all this now?

There was no swindle. She's the prettiest.

Where did you get that dress?

- It's the one I bought for her.
- Oh.

- You've impressed them. Let's leave.
- Just a moment!

Miss, do you have something to say
about certain jewels

which belong to Mrs. González?

Jewels? What jewels?

The ones you took from your boss's box.

And then handed to your accomplice,
present here.

- Excuse me?
- I said, accomplice.

Me, accomplice?

For your information,
and so you don't speak,

I have a clean record.

I'm an honorable man.
And believe it or not-- Do you think...?

Do you want references?
I can give them to you. Right, Don Rómulo?

- Well, yes, actually, I--
- You shut up.

So, you're not convicted
and self-confessed.

We haven't been with Victor
or anybody else. Nor did we confess to...

Did you take them, Blanquita?

How can you think that?

I don't, really.

I only ask
so that this will not start slander.

And be careful.
I'm an honest man, and she...

How can you--? Man.

A girl who just won,
which of course is obvious, because...

Well, as you won't speak,
I can only have you arrested

and consign you to the judge.

- Take them!
- Oh, no. I'm not to be consigned.

- Don Rómulo, post bail for me.
- Madam, please.

Now that everything is ready

when will we collect the 2 million?

Once he is convicted,
we'll have enough time.

Will you testify in court?

Of course I will.

I'll be there.

To see if this time,

they also give
that wretched Inocencio a prize.

[both laugh]

So, you saw one defendant
handing a package to the other?

As I'm seeing you.

I protest and ask to speak.

Silence.

You will speak when your turn comes.

- Well, let my turn come sooner.
- [judge] Silence!

- [crowd chuckles]
- The prosecution still holds the floor.

So, that's fine. Let him roll on.

I can't stand him. He thinks
he's rock 'n' roll and superfluous.

The witness has finished, Your Honor.

- You may leave, Mrs. González.
- Thank you.

Your Honor,
I'd like to summon the next witness.

Next witness.

Mr. Aníbal Guzmán.

Mr. Aníbal Guzmán.

Mr. "Cannibal" Guzmán.

- [crowd laughs]
- Silence. Silence.

It looks like the witness is not here,
Your Honor.

- Is this witness of importance?
- [prosecutor] Undoubtedly, Your Honor.

This court is adjourned for an hour

to allow time for the witness to arrive.

[exclaims]

Oh, my poor Inocencio.

What are we going to do, teacher?

Don't you worry.
Everything will be all right.

[sighs]

So, you say he left the house?

Last night, sir.

It looks like he went off to Mexico.

[Cosme] Easy now, son.
Easy now. It's only...

It's so upsetting.

I stayed awake for nights,
draining my brain

in a scientific study,

to fit into civilization.

To do something good in society. What for?

So, that they come with calumnies

and destroy the honor of an individual.

Calm down. They couldn't prove anything.

They couldn't,
but who'll take away the shame?

Now they will take my fingerprints,

they will investigate me,

and maybe they'll even torment me.

Oh, what stress. What stress.

But I'm macho.

And if I weren't a trusted employee,
why would I be at the bank?

Managing huge deposits,

all in my hands, and I see the money.

And I crave it, but I refrain.
Why? Because I'm an honest man.

Of course, son.

And I gave him a copy
of Inocencio's baptism certificate.

But quite a few days ago.

Creep.

Who, son?

No, nothing, Father.

Sorry about the trouble. And excuse me.

In light of the witness,
Aníbal Guzmán, remaining absent,

this court shall proceed
without his testimony.

The prosecution holds the floor.

You said you bought the dress
for the codefendant--

- The co-what?
- The codefendant, the young lady.

-for the coronation party.

I said it, and I say it again.

Where did you get the money
for such a costly dress?

With what I had left of the 1000 pesos
that Don Rómulo gave me.

Mmm! Don Rómulo gave you 1000 pesos?

He could have given me more.

But I said so, and no one believes me.

- Don't yell.
- You don't place falsehood.

Silence.

I beg you to keep more temperance.

Yes, temperance.
I think you take me as your thermometer.

I asked if she gave you a package,

let's say, secretively.

It wasn't secretive, sir.

It was squaredly.

Whatever the shape,
that package contained the stolen jewelry.

You really are a meddler,
alterating and entangling.

[gavel banging]

I urge the defendant to watch his words.

And I urge the public prosecution

not to place falsehood
or say things they're not positive of.

- [crowd laughs]
- [judge] Silence!

What did
that square-shape package contain?

It had my savings.

Which I was to deposit at an interest,
so she could collect the dividends,

making use of my banking situation.

Hmph. Do you have the receipt?

I didn't have time.
But I have it here. I haven't seen it yet.

Allow me.

- He may steal it.
- Give it to him.

- This is not square.
- The pocket takes shape of a trifle.

[crowd laughs]

I don't like him.

Kindly open the package, Your Honor.

- The stolen jewelry.
- [shocking music playing]

Silence. Silence.

Do you still deny it was you
who stole this jewelry?

Reply to His Honor.

I...

I don't know, Your Honor,
how that jewelry reached my pocket.

I do!

Silence. Silence.

Come forward.

You said you knew who put that jewelry

in the defendant's pocket?

- Yes, Your Honor.
- Well, tell us.

I did.

Quiet. Quiet.

Then it was you who stole them?

No, Your Honor.

They were stolen by Mr. Aníbal Guzmán,
who gave them to me.

- [crowd clamoring]
- [judge] Silence.

No, Dad. It can't be.

- Yes, it had to be. He looks thievish.
- I can't believe it, Mom.

- [judge] Silence. Silence.
- [banging gavel]

Silence.

And can you prove that Aníbal Guzmán
is the one who planned the robbery?

I can prove that and more.

Everything started
just the way I will tell you.

The notary will not take long.
You may wait for him.

Of course.

[dramatic music playing]

That's how my cousin,
Aníbal Guzmán, forged a letter

with which he could collect
the 2 million pesos

that Inocencio inherited from his uncle.

And right now,

Aníbal Guzmán will be collecting
the money at the notary's.

Wow, me, owner of 2 million.

Look at everything that happened
from not being able to read in time.

Two million.

Silence. Silence.

I declare the defendants innocent

and free as of this moment.

[all cheering]

It's over.

Thank you, God.

Don't you worry. It's over.

Don't be silly. Don't cry.

Justice comes.

Late but it comes.

The fact is that it's blind,
so it loses its way.

But it got here.

The preparation of all the documents

will take some time, as you know.

How long, sir?

It's 1 p.m. Would 5 p.m. be all right?

All right.

I'll have everything ready for you,
including your check.

Excuse me.

Hello.

Hello!

Hello. No.

No, miss. No, no, no.

What? The lines are dead?

Yes, yes, miss.

Yes, yes. Thank you.

You heard it. There's no way
to get in touch with the notary.

- What shall we do?
- Go to Mexico while I try to get through.

How do we go?

My car's outside.
I put it at your service, Don Inocencio.

Thank you, pal. Let's go. Come on.

Hello. Hello.

Yes, yes, miss.
Look, please, try to put me through.

[suspenseful music playing]

The notary told me to come at 5.

He called. He won't be here till 6.

All right. I'll be back in an hour.

Mm-hm.

- Put it out, man.
- But there's no water.

- Put it out.
- With what?

Hello. Yes, miss, please.
Try to put me through. It is urgent.

I'm sorry, but please understand,
I'm a little bit anxious.

All right. Do what you can.

Do what you can.

Please, put me through.

I'll wait here. Get ready, will you?

I'll wait here.

- Has he arrived?
- Yes, he's waiting. Come in.

Thank you.

May I?

Come in, Mr. Guzmán.

Do you know Mr. Inocencio Prieto y Calvo?

- No.
- What do you mean, you don't?

Well, yes, I meant--

Whatever you meant,
you won't any longer, will you?

Get him.

Come here, my dear. Do me this favor.

Sign here, will you? Here.

What for?

Sir, it's the proof
that you have received the 2 million.

Yes, excuse me, but I'm just exhausted
with so much cheating and stuff.

- And the cents?
- Here's your check.

- The pen.
- And here's your pen.

Here's your checkbook, Mr. Inocencio.

Thank you, Don Rómulo.

Tell me, what do you plan
to do with that money?

First I'll buy my godmother
a washing machine,

so her back won't ache anymore.

- You'll keep washing but sitting down.
- Thank you, son.

Then I'll allocate a big sum
to build many schools for children,

for rebels, for adulterers--

You mean, "adults."

Those too.

So, that we stop having
so many illiterates,

and they don't suffer what I went through.

I'm proud of you, Inocencio.

And I'm proud of you, teacher.

And the rest of your fortune?

[romantic music playing]

I'll do my best to please the woman
who encouraged me with her trust.

Is that your intention, Inocencio?

It's a direct wedding proposal
in its full order.

Bravo, Inocencio. Bravo.

Girl, you got yourself a pearl.

Oh, Godmother,
you're always so alterative.

- Blanquita.
- Thank you very much, Don Rómulo.

[triumphant music playing]