L'Innocente (1976) Movie Script

THE INNOCENT

- Very good, Mr. Hermil

- Thank you.

- Your carriage is here, Sir Hermil

- Thanks.

We'll continue tomorrow...

I'm sorry...

- It's late, I must go.

- Alright. Until tomorrow.

- Goodbye

Ready?

On guard

- I don't understand...

What were you were saying?

I said that for me it's a myth that

English men are cold...

It's pure invention.

- Really?

- You seem to be very knowledgeable about it.

Good evening

He said no, right away.

Isn't Ms Sperati

singing tonight?

- No, next Tuesday

- That's a pity, I won't be there

- They say she's admirable.

- As a singer or as a woman?

I know nothing about opera.

If our Princess knew how few of

her guests come for the music.

She knows it very well.

It's her way of inflicting

penance for our sins.

You come here to court

Countess Teresa Raffo,

you get 1 Mozart, 2 Schubert

and 4 Liszt as penance.

Good evening Countess.

Good evening.

- Pity you've arrived so late.

- It's my fault, Princess, only mine.

I have no doubt.

- You've missed a Mozart and a beautiful Liszt.

- I'm sorry.

Come and sit near me.

She plays Chopin extremely well

Come along darling.

I wanted to thank you,

Princess.

I'm afraid I

have to leave.

It's a pity you're

leaving so soon.

She is an extraordinary pianist.

Yes, I think so too.

Goodbye

Where are you going?

I don't want to stay

here if you're with her.

- I didn't know you would come

- Yes, I know

Farewell. Enjoy yourself.

- Teresa, please

- Are you leaving with me?

I can't, don't

you understand?

You come out

with me now,

or this is the last

time you ever see me...

The last time,

and I speak seriously

Beloved Tullio

You wouldn't allow the most

beautiful of our guests to leave, would you?

It is not up to me, Prince.

My evening

does not end here.

Will you tell Count Egano

that I am waiting for him?

I will, Countess.

It's fine,

here he is.

My dear Stefano!

I want to leave early

Come, Tullio

Let's go in before that

fanatic starts another piece.

My wife gets offended

if I'm not in the room.

After all, it takes so

little to please her.

- I'll come for you later.

- What?

No, I will

send the carriage.

I won't be back.

I'm not feeling well.

- I'll come with you.

- Don't complicate matters. I will see you later.

Come in.

As you can see I

know you quite well.

I was sure you'd come.

I chose to wait for you,

before going out again

rather than risking finding

you here when I got back.

Give me back my keys.

Be reasonable.

I couldn't leave with you.

For once my wife asked me to

accompany her to her best friend's concert.

Why didn't you tell

me you'd be there?

I went because I

knew you'd be there.

It's time we faced this situation.

Don't you agree?

For months, the charmer that you are,

has skillfully succeeded

in preventing me from

seeing how things really were.

- So I took the initiative.

- Initiative?

Seeing what?

That I am married?

You always knew that.

- Of course.

- So?

But from

what you say

the relationship with your

wife is only a formal one.

- Exactly.

- That's not true.

And it's obvious

when you're together.

You're just like all the bourgeois

husbands in this world, my dear

They swear to their lovers

that they've rejected their wives

and tell their wives

they don't have a lover.

I won't accept

such pettiness.

I am a free, liberated

woman and I act accordingly.

Just like you.

Are you jealous

of her?

I won't share a man

with another woman.

Not even with his wife.

You are not sharing

me and you know that.

All I think of is you.

You're part of me.

I feel your presence constantly,

it's persistent.

Even hostile.

I'm going out with Egano...

You go to your wife.

Leave me.

No, I won't leave you.

You're staying with me.

You're still awake?

You said that

you weren't well...

How silly of me,

I was worried

I waited by the

window for your return.

Do you know what I was doing?

I was writing to you

But since you're here...

Tomorrow I leave for Florence,

I don't know how long for.

This time it's serious,

I had to tell you

You're leaving forever?

Well, forever is

such a big word

Listen, Giuliana,

even though...

I've never spoken

to you about it,

I'm sure that,

at some stage

some compassionate

souls must have

informed you of

my infidelities.

I didn't tell you myself

because they were

insignificant affairs

and because of the pact

we agreed to

when we got married.

Love is only

there while it lasts

then it's replaced

by respect, affection

friendship,

common interests...

If all that is possible,

of course.

And I assume

that it is our case

since you've

peacefully accepted

the situation between

us for quite some time.

As you said, they were

insignificant affairs.

That's why I

tried to ignore them,

- For me, marriage...

- Yes, our marriage had...

to be protected

at all costs. Correct?

And you are right.

You've been wonderful.

Even if my

love for you...

has faded...

as it inevitably happens,

the affection and respect I

have for you have only increased.

I'm fond of you

and respect you...

like...

like a beloved sister

without whom I

could no longer live.

Of course, you have

every right to leave me...

but I will suffer

greatly if you abandon me.

Will you stay

with me and help me?

How? In

what sense?

By tolerating me...

You'd help me to

face a situation...

which according to our

society's standards...

would surely

be criticised

- The woman I now love

- Teresa Raffo

Yes, Teresa

- She is a widow,

she's free.

So what prevents you from going with her,

if that's what you want?

I said I love her but I

didn't mention marrying her.

She's a sensual woman.

Beautiful.

I desire her.

No woman has ever

succeeded in seducing me...

like she does.

What is this?

I arrive and they leave?

Anyone home?

Federico

- Tullio

- Federico

I have three days

leave and you all leave?

No, only me.

- Lucky that you're here.

- Where are you going?

Truly... How many days off

have you got?

Three, three and half,

to be precise.

Listen...I...

I am in a lot

of trouble...

or misfortune,

if you prefer...

I'm leaving

Giuliana by herself.

I don't want to impose

but I'd feel better

knowing you're with her.

Wait. I'd like to spend

my three days in Rome

but not with

my sister-in-law

- She's adorable, but...

- No, do as you please.

I only need to

know you're around.

I mean, if before

going out...

You could just

visit her and say hi

tell her your

plans for the evening.

Giuliana will be happy.

This is a very delicate time for her.

Very delicate.

Does anyone else live here?

The house looks so big.

Enlighten our friend,

or she'll be disappointed.

I promised to show her one

of Rome's finest homes...

But I'm not saying it isn't...

It's beautiful... But...

No, it's not.

This villa was

built for my mother.

She wanted

lots of greenery,

even in the city.

My father did his best

to please her, but...

when he died, she returned to Badiola,

the house in the country...

where it's much greener.

Then my brother got married

and came to live here with his wife.

I kept these three rooms,

to be more independent.

So it's not

the main house.

Yes, it is.

I assure you.

Federico!

Giuliana, what happened?

What's wrong?

Giuliana, come on!

Giuliana.

That's it. Help me.

- Call the governess.

- Right away, sir.

She didn't faint.

She took something.

Are you alone

in the house?

No. No. They've already gone

to bed. I was too...

Forgive me.

I was depressed and took

something to help me sleep.

But instead of relaxing

I became terribly anxious...

Terribly afraid.

I didn't want to stay alone.

- I'm here, how

are you feeling?

- It's nothing,

such a silly thing.

- Do you feel better now?

- Yes.

I'm sorry to bother you.

Lie down a bit longer.

This is Filippo D'Arborio,

the writer.

See what important

friends I have?

Ulderico Guinigi

and Miss Elviretta,

my sister-in-law Giuliana

- Hello.

- My apologies.

I ruined your dinner.

Please continue.

You mustn't be

alone this evening.

Come on.

Tell us when

you're ready for bed.

Or sleep here. You'll

be lulled by our voices.

- When we were boarders...

- You went to school together? Where?

I was poor.

My parents couldn't

afford my studies.

I paid my way by

tutoring younger pupils.

Federico was

one of them.

And I always fell asleep.

That's right.

He'd fall asleep as

soon as I started talking.

He says the tone of

my voice is to blame.

I'd be very pleased if now...

you managed

to sleep too.

Breakfast is served.

What a beautiful scent.

Are they tuberoses?

At this time of year!

How did you find them?

You're so sweet.

I'm here and I shall wait.

Stefano Egano

How dare he? The idiot!

You shouldn't read

other people's letters

You are being silly...

If I wanted to be with him,

I wouldn't be with you now.

I promised Egano I would

see his horses race at Cascine

but instead I am here with you

So what are you

complaining about?

I was hoping to see you

at the race yesterday.

My horses won prizes.

There are too many people,

I'm afraid of crowds.

They're racing in the

steeplechase tomorrow.

I have entered two horses.

I can get you seats

at the finishing line.

I'm afraid that won't

be possible for me

In case you

change your mind...

I can assure you the Countess

won't change her mind

- I'd like her to tell me herself

- I'm telling you.

If you change your mind

I'm at your disposal.

Very well.

Egano's friends say that

he has returned to Rome.

And so has she,

apparently.

She has broken

up with Tullio.

You have done

well to come.

Let the tongues wag.

Don't let them pity you.

Never accept the role of the

betrayed and abandoned wife.

You are here to

disprove that.

I hoped to be here on

time to tell you not to come

because Teresa's coming.

But my train was late.

He's come back. Did

you know about his duel?

And while I fought with some

idiot in Florence, she left.

I must see her again.

She's treacherous,

elusive and a liar.

The moment you think she's all yours,

she escapes

She's already

pursuing other desires.

I must find the strength

to break it off with her.

And you must help me.

- What can I do?

- I don't know. Many things.

Convince me not

to see her again.

Nobody can convince you,

least of all, me.

That's not true, you see...

the most dangerous thing for me is

that my frustration

is making me feel so unhappy.

But at the same time

I feel alive, awake...

It's the first time

I'm in such a situation.

It's true... One can sell his soul

in exchange for youth

and then finds himself

unconditionally in love, with no defence.

You talk as if

I never existed

You're right,

I'm being unfair.

I'm sorry. Be

patient with me.

As you would be

with a sick person.

Someone who indulges

in his own illness.

- Was it you singing?

- Yes

- Are you going out?

- Yes.

- Where are you going?

- To Di-Castro's auction.

I can't pin my veil.

Will you help me, please?

Do you have a new perfume?

What is that?

Crab-apple.

It's an English perfume.

'The Flame'

'To Giuliana Hermil, my 'Ivory

Tower' I humbly dedicate my book.

Filippo D'Arborio'

- Aren't you going out?

- Do you know D'Arborio?

Yes

When did you meet him?

When your brother was here.

- Have you read it?

- Yes, I skimmed through it at the Club.

A mediocre writer,

don't you agree?

No

His style is so pompous,

so emphatic.

It's quite unbearable

How can you say that?

He has an extraordinary style.

It's enchanting, just like music.

You cannot judge

an artist like him

having read only a

few pages at the Club.

You take it to heart!

He may be a great

writer but he's ill-mannered.

You must

give me that.

His inscription is

not only emphatic

but also uncalled for,

if one considers

it's addressed to a

lady he only met once.

I saw him again

after our first meeting.

Are you taking

the carriage?

No, I'd rather walk.

See you later.

Now as you've

all seen

4500 Liras and

4500 Liras twice.

Congratulations

Countess Raffo.

Thanks.

Now there's a fabulous

dove-shaped pin

in pink diamonds

and rubies

Value estimated at 5000 or 6000.

I'll start at 1000.

1000, 1100, 1400, 1600...

1600, 1800, 2000,

2200 for the Lady

2200, 2400,

2600, 2800, 3000...

3000, 3500 at the back.

4000 right at the front,

4500 for the Lady

5000 here. I

feel the room heating up

Good evening,

Mr. Hermil.

6000, going 6000...

6000, 6500, 7000,

7500, this is welcome

8000, 8500, 9500,

10000 over there

10100, 11000

Selling at 11000

going once, going twice.. sold!

Now for auction a

beautiful fashionable bracelet,

practically new...with more

than one hundred diamonds

and sapphires,

mounted in platinum

Estimated 10000.

Start with 1000

1000 Liras, 2000 Liras

- Good evening Madam

- Good evening Emilio

- Is Mr Tullio in?

- No, Madam, he went out.

Tell the kitchen

I've already eaten.

- Good night

- Good night, Madam

I've spent endless nights outside here,

looking up at your windows.

I know, I saw you once.

And you didn't call me?

Why are you

so cruel to me?

You are one of those

men who make women suffer.

You're selfish.

Proud.

Despotic.

A domineering lover.

If you knew how

hard it's been

to resist calling you.

But I succeeded.

And you had to come

looking for me today.

But I didn't come

looking for you today...

I went there by chance.

- That's not true

- It is, I swear.

I haven't left the

house for days on end.

My wife said she was

going to the auction, so...

Your wife was there?

She wasn't there,

I assure you

I had nothing to do today either

so I got there early.

And I'm usually

late wherever I go.

I saw every single

person who walked in.

Oh God, I'm ruined.

So your wife

lies to you.

Perhaps she

has a lover.

I'm sorry.

I'm only joking.

I only saw those who

were already there.

I didn't see the

people who arrived later.

I didn't even see you.

- Good evening, Sir

- Is my wife back?

Yes, an hour ago,

but she left again.

She went to catch the

8:30 pm train.

She said that she was

going to visit your mother.

I believe she left

you a note in the study.

Sir Hermil I'll be

with you shortly.

You're the only

punctual man in Rome.

Let me introduce you to

Mr Filippo D'Arborio.

- I'm Tullio Hermil.

- D'Arborio

Shall we do a

sparring match?

- Yes, with pleasure.

- Please.

Blades in line. Salute

Mask...

Gentlemen, on guard

Gentlemen, start

I'd like your opinion...

Who would you like

next to you at the table?

On your right the Princess of Fondi.

And on your left?

It's up to you.

- Do you like that book?

- No

I do, very much.

I also like the author.

I invited him this evening,

but he is not in Rome

D'Arborio?

He'll get in touch as

soon as he gets back.

I'll organise another dinner.

I'd like you to meet him.

- I've met him, thank you

- What's wrong with you?

- Are you in a bad mood?

- Not at all

Then, will you approve

my seating arrangements?

Don't forget we must give the

Dampierres an answer by tonight.

What are you saying?

Are we going to Paris or not?

You're the one

who's been invited.

I'll go if

you come too.

What else do

you want to do?

D'Arborio's dinner, trips...

You're a bachelor

again...

and so...

and I'm taking

advantage of it.

I am sitting here

the Ambassador on my right,

and I've put Dampierre on my left.

- Is this all right?

- Yes, it is.

I have put Dampierre

next to me.

So I can tell him we'll be

going to Paris next week.

All right.

Thank you.

Tullio!

- How are you, Giuseppe?

- Well, thanks

- Tullio, my dear Tullio.

- Mother, how are you?

You are all alike,

you arrive all at once

when we least

expect you

- How's Giuliana?

- She was hoping to see you too.

Come. Come.

- Elvira, where's Madam Giuliana?

- In the garden

Go and tell her

Mr Tullio is here.

Yes, my lady.

How does Giuliana

spend her days?

- Well, luckily she has some friends, so...

- Friends?

Her friends from Rome

are staying with the Torrigiani.

Giuliana says that

they are likeable persons.

At least she keeps

herself occupied.

I never go out,

I never see anyone.

I told her to

invite whoever she wants

but she doesn't want to

disturb me so she'd rather go out.

It will be a beautiful surprise

for her to find you here

Here's Giuliana.

- You look very well

- I wasn't expecting you.

To be honest, I

wasn't planning on coming.

I was already at the station,

with a ticket for Paris.

But then I saw a train to here

and changed my plans.

I knew that Tullio was a little crazy,

but not to this point.

Wait

Do you mind if we occupy a

room in the left wing too?

Tullio reads at night

and I wake up very early.

So we'd rather

have separate rooms.

As you wish, there

are plenty of rooms.

Take those to the

left wing please

- Would you like some?

- No, thanks

Thanks

Did you go to Villa Lilla?

- No, I haven't.

- Why is that?

- I haven't been there.

We will have to speak

about Villa Lilla...

There's a former

English diplomat,

who fell in love with it

and who'd like to buy it.

We could sell it at

an excellent price.

I'm against selling it

but we could rent it.

With all the money

we spent to renovate it.

When you were newlyweds,

you said you'd spend

six months a year there.

I never believed you.

If we rent it

we would cover the

maintenance expenses, at least

Uninhabited houses

deteriorate before their time.

Well, think about it.

It's not for the money.

To me, it will

always be your home.

Mother is right,

we should at least go and see it.

If you're free tomorrow,

we'll go to Villa Lilla.

Welcome Sir Tullio.

Welcome Madam.

Hello, Callisto

Give a drink to the horses

and some hay.

I've been airing the house

for the last fifteen days.

I knew you were

at the Badiola.

I've been waiting for

the weather to improve.

Very good Sir.

You should listen

to your mother

and rent it.

Yes, it would be the

most reasonable thing to do.

The English diplomat

would look after it well.

But the idea

upsets me.

Doesn't it

upset you?

You seem just as

hesitant and fearful

as you did when we came

here for the first time.

The same flowers were blooming.

The same scent.

Yes, it was

the same season

Let's try to be

two new people...

who meet here

for the first time.

It's up to

us to try.

If we do

not succeed

we sink back into

unhappiness and misery.

It's not possible,

don't torment me

Why not?

You've been my wife, my sister

but you've never been my mistress.

It's different, you know.

Very different.

No embarrassment,

no false modesty.

No holding back.

Love is all this.

Especially all this.

And I have

never taught you.

It's my fault.

I was wrong.

Tell me that you want

to make love with me,

Tell me you want to.

Ask me.

Ask me, ask

me my love.

I was getting worried,

I wanted to send someone.

How are you?

- Well.

- You want me to accompany you?

- No, thanks

Hello,

mother

Giuliana is not well, I wanted to sleep

at Villa Lilla but she did not want to

- She is ill?

- Nothing serious...

a light malaise,

perhaps she has caught a cold.

You're so right. It's a

shame to leave Villa Lilla empty.

But no English diplomats.

We'll go and live there,

at least some

months of the year

- But...

- Yes, I know you don't believe me

But you'll see.

It was so beautiful

there today...

The smell of

the lilacs...

Maybe that's why

Giulana got ill.

It was a such a

heady perfume.

I'll tell her to stay in bed.

It would be wiser.

And I'll call the doctor.

I wanted him to come last week,

but Giuliana refused.

Tell Giuseppe to take the

carriage and go to Dr Milani.

I'd be most grateful

if he came tonight.

Calm, calm, mother,

you are exaggerating.

Giuliana is fine

It was nothing serious.

There's no need to worry.

Giuliana forbid me to tell

you until she was sure.

But, as there's

no doubt now,

So I'll tell you...

so you won't be as

silly as you were today

by taking her out

in the carriage.

Giuliana

is pregnant.

- Pregnant?

- Yes

- She told you?

- No, no... I worked it out.

She has had many malaises,

like today.

Nausea, dizzy

spells, you know.

So I asked her and she

said she hoped she was.

But she wanted to be

sure before telling you

She didn't want to disappoint you,

of course.

I've begged

her so many times

to see the doctor because she won't

listen to my advice.

I've told her to look after

herself but she won't listen.

She should be in

her third month.

But don't betray me.

Wait for her to tell you

She made

me promise.

I am so happy!

I have yearned

for this moment!

Now she must

be careful.

The first months are

the most dangerous

for her

most of all.

She's so frail

our dear, dear child.

Goodnight mother.

I'm going upstairs

so if she wakes

up I'll hear her.

You'll wait

for the doctor?

If Giuseppe had found him,

he'd be here by now.

- If you need anything

- No, thanks, goodnight.

Tullio...

Don't leave.

I'm afraid of being alone.

What have you taken?

A sleeping pill?

Tullio.

Have you

slept here all night?

- What happened?

- You asked me not to leave you alone.

I did?

When?

You do not remember?

No.

I took a

sleeping pill.

Maybe I took

more than usual.

Since when do you take sleeping pills?

Does the doctor know?

Yes

Show me what

you take.

I don't remember

where I put it.

Wait

I think...

I must have finished it,

and thrown out the bottle.

Is what my mother

told me true?

That you're pregnant?

Yes, it's true.

I wanted to tell you.

I tried to yesterday

at Villa Lilla.

Is that why you left Rome?

Yes. But I

didn't know then.

- And he followed you.

- Followed me? Who?

It was all over

before I came here.

Before I knew

that I was...

like this

I had found the strength

to overcome my confusion.

I was very lonely.

Very sad.

I'm not justifying myself

or accusing you.

I'm desperate.

Desperate.

But I come last.

What about you?

The same right

applied to you as to me.

We were two friends,

two free people.

You could too.

It wasn't to claim a right.

I never felt I had one.

I swore eternal fidelity to you,

in front of God.

It was different

for you.

But for me...

There is one thing

that I want to know

And it is uniquely

important

I'm no longer interested

in our past life together.

But I've changed a lot

in these last few days.

- And yesterday at Villa Lilla

- No, please.

No, let me finish.

Yesterday I

found you again.

And I believed you'd

like to start from scratch.

For a moment I felt

that all I'd been through

was nothing but a dream,

a nightmare.

It was you and I,

like when we just got married

Are you being

sincere?

Nobody must

suspect anything, understand?

Why?

Do you want me

to stay with you?

Yes

Seeing you're awake...

I came all the way

here to tell you that

I am enrolled in the

international championship

I need some lessons.

So I won't discredit the family.

- Coming down?

- I'll be with you right away.

- Hello, Giuliana

- Hello, Federico

Touché,

Bravo

Why don't you take my

place in the championship?

You still fence beautifully

I'll make more of an

effort now. Ready?

Careful, boys.

Don't hurt yourselves.

Stop it.

What are you doing?

Are you crazy?

We're off the board.

I want a return match.

Not now,

I am tired

That's enough boys.

The doctor is with Giuliana.

If you want to talk to him,

you'd better see him.

All is good

But he wants Giuliana to

stay in bed a few days.

It's safer.

Anyway, he'll tell you.

Go up.

No, I am sweating.

I want to change.

I'd keep him waiting.

Apologise for me.

It's no use pretending

I don't know anything.

As you can imagine,

mother told me already

I am really happy.

That way she'll stop

nagging me to marry.

The heir is guaranteed.

Congratulations

May I congratulate

Giuliana too?

No, leave

it for now.

Better Mother had kept quiet.

Giuliana is not well

She may lose the child

But the doctor said...

Didn't you hear?

Even last time

Giuliana got pregnant...

soon after we

got married,

the doctor said

everything was fine

but it wasn't.

If you leave abruptly...

without the doctor's consent,

my mother would be so upset.

So you'd better

stay a few more days.

I'll go to Rome to make arrangements

with Dr Magli.

I'll have to give

him some details.

How many

months ahead are you?

I finished the second one

a few days ago.

I don't think there's

any danger at this stage...

if one takes the

necessary precautions.

I don't understand.

You're not thinking

of keeping it, are you?

Last time you lost it

through natural causes

and this will help

cover up for this one.

I'm referring to the

family who know you're pregnant.

I know what to

say to Dr Magli.

But I can't.

- What can't you?

- I can't.

Why not? Are you

afraid or don't you want to?

I can't because

it's a crime.

A crime.

How could you

think that I...?

But you're quite

happy to give my name

and my family's

affection to a stranger

Isn't that a crime?

Why won't

you answer me?

I said that I want

to help you.

I love you and I bear no

grudge for what you have done.

I am grateful to you,

very grateful, but...

But what?

You have said

it's all over.

That you want to

put it behind you.

So it's not true.

Because if it were so,

how could you and I...

Yes, I admit

it's impossible.

I must leave you.

It's over between us.

Listen, Giuliana, the real

crime is the one you want to commit.

First you torment

yourself with remorse

but then you forgive

yourself from that sin

and torment yourself

about the consequences

and the absolution

is a life sentence...

but not only for you. Can't you

see how absurd your behaviour is?

I am an atheist.

But that doesn't mean

I don't have moral problems.

On the contrary, I'm

aware of the consequences.

Because God doesn't decide

what's right or wrong for me

I assume my

responsibilities.

You see, I

know that my sins

if I've committed any

can't be redeemed

through repentance

or by punishment.

I am a free man

Earth is my only country.

I have no other destination.

My story begins

and ends here.

I don't have

a hell to fear

or a heaven

to hope for.

I believe we can

only count on ourselves.

What I'm proposing

isn't an easy way out.

My solution faces

the truth of existence.

It doesn't seek

refuge in faith

or in a god created

by our imagination

who, in another life,

grants rewards or penances.

If I could

think like you...

have your self-assurance...

You could live your life freely,

to the fullest...

without fear.

Think it over carefully.

It's entirely up to you.

I'll go to Rome

to make the arrangements.

You'll join me as

soon as possible.

I need a favour.

You must let me meet your

friend Filippo D'Arborio

Do I have to come

to Rome for that?

Send him an invitation.

He'll be delighted to come.

We're good friends.

Besides, he'll rush

here to see Giuliana again.

They met one evening at my

house and he was love struck.

I don't even want to tell

you how much I teased him.

I don't want to invite him.

I want to...

It must be a

chance meeting.

You invite him

and I'll just turn up.

It is a delicate matter

which I cannot explain to you

It's also my fault.

We didn't expect

you in this heat.

And since the house

needed a thorough cleaning

including the carpets

So I thought...

Put the house in order.

My wife will be

arriving next week.

- Who is in the house?

- The cook, Virginia, Alfredo...

Any further orders, sir?

What is that?

Ah yes, I need someone

to deliver a letter.

I will send the coachman

or I can go myself, if you like.

You may leave.

I'll call when I'm ready.

Well?

I'd have joined you,

as I said in my letter.

Not even for a moment

I thought that you'd return so soon.

You're contradicting yourself.

You knew I would.

In fact today you sent your

butler to my home, not to Paris.

I hadn't heard from you,

so before leaving...

Did you expect

me to believe

that you'd

join me in Paris?

No.

You see?

I did well to come here.

Contrary to common belief

I believe truth is

never said to one's face.

There are too

many factors which

intervene in our

intimacy, so...

one usually ends up

not understanding anything.

Understanding what?

That you're over it,

my dear.

Quickly, in fact.

Very quickly.

It's not pleasant for a

woman to be abandoned.

There are those

ready to pity her

and I don't want that.

There are those who

question her charm

and I don't

want that either.

You sent me a note when I

was already on the train

saying that you had

serious family matters.

Oh, come on now!

Not even a mere clerk

would resort to that.

I really believed a

catastrophe had occurred.

I wanted to go to Paris,

yes, to have fun.

And when I arrived

there, I didn't even unpack.

I came straight back

thinking that if you

had such serious problems,

you might want

me by your side.

My friends

will surely laugh

when I tell

them the story

of my fall.

What are

you saying?

Shall we still

dine together?

As you wish

No compliments.

Please, Teresa...

You're the only person in the

world to whom I may tell my story one day.

I hope that this

will be our last day.

Good Evening

Here

Thank you

Here. Let's go

Thank you

Good evening.

Excuse me.

My brother Federico.

Countess Raffo

Countess.

Osvaldo said

you were here.

I'm terribly upset about,

I mean, rather...

I looked into that matter

but couldn't find my friend.

I last saw him

before going to camp.

I didn't even know

he'd gone to Africa.

In Africa, to do what?

Right now he's in

hospital in the isolation ward.

His condition

is very serious.

A disease he

caught there.

Perhaps, Countess, you

know this friend of mine too.

Filippo D'Arborio,

the writer.

We've met.

I am one of

his admirers

I've been told

he's between life and death.

The truth is that

they know nothing

about tropical diseases,

and they don't

know how to treat him.

Too much sad

news this evening

I am sorry to be the

bearer of this.

I'm truly sorry.

Drop in to see me

when you get home.

I'm staying out late.

Nevermind, I'll wait.

Very well.

Good night.

You know what?

I'm suffering

less than I thought.

One day I might listen

to what you have to say.

What's wrong?

- Nothing

- What do you mean?

- Nothing.

- The door was open.

You told me to

come at any hour.

Ah yes, I wanted...

I wanted to know which

hospital D'Arborio is in.

In the Policlinico,

in quarantine.

No one is allowed

near him.

Now you must tell me

what you want from him.

When you asked

to meet him

I thought you suspected

something between D'Arborio

and Teresa Raffo.

It's plausible...

since all the ladies in

Rome are in love with him.

Besides, your

lovely Teresa Raffo,

no offence meant,

of course,

isn't the type to

refuse a flirt.

But no, I found out they

barely know each other.

You saw it yourself.

She didn't

know he was ill.

And so? What are

all these mysteries?

I can't tell

you anything

It's an issue

that concerns

a friend.

Well, I'm going to bed.

It's dawn.

Can you at

least tell me

when he left for Africa?

I'll find out,

but tell your friend

to leave him in peace.

D'Arborio is ill, very ill.

He is a man who

deserves respect

He is not only a great

writer but an angel as well

He's the only person

who makes me feel ashamed...

or almost.

Why?

If you think about it,

you might realise why.

We're intelligent,

we've studied.

We've travelled.

We enjoy ourselves so much,

we're so rich...

and then?

- What's all this nonsense?

- I don't know.

Goodnight.

At what time are we

going to the Club?

You owe me a

return match.

I don't know.

I don't know what

will happen tomorrow.

- It depends

- Goodnight

Good morning.

Mrs. Giuliana sent me to

get her lighter clothes.

It's hot at the

Badiola now too.

Didn't she say she

was coming to Rome?

No, Sir.

I'm sorry, I

almost forgot.

It's from

Madam Giuliana.

I also have to do a few

things for your mother.

I hope I'll be

able to leave tonight.

If you have any orders...

No, it's Ok.

I'll get there before you.

I can't do

what you asked.

I'd rather leave.

Get out of your life.

I can't commit a crime.

- I spoke to...

- To whom?

With my confessor.

Did he tell you to leave?

No, but he agrees.

I hope that my family will

give the child their name.

And why not

its father's?

No, he must

never know.

Do you really

mean that?

Do you realise what will

happen if you leave me?

It's not the scandal

I'm worried about.

But your situation

as a single mother

Who, to save her child

deprives it of a father.

If I were sure

that your decisions

stemmed only from your

moral and religious convictions

If I felt you were

mine and mine alone

I could stand anything.

Children belong to whoever

educates and raises them.

FILIPPO D'ARBORIO IS DEAD

Maria, did

my wife call?

No, Sir, but she asked me

to wake her at 9 o'clock.

Wait a minute.

You can go.

May I?

Good morning, Madam.

It's 9 o'clock.

Come in.

I have been up for a while.

Good morning

What's the weather like?

It's sunny.

Have you seen it?

FILIPPO D'ARBORIO IS DEAD

I was told in Rome

that he was seriously sick.

I told you, right?

How strange.

I would have sworn

I told you about it.

A tropical disease he

contracted in Africa.

Why won't

you look at me?

What are you thinking?

Why torture yourself?

Here is the doctor

I'll show him in.

- Good evening Doctor.

- Good evening. Is the midwife here?

Yes she is.

This way, Doctor.

- Is the doctor here?

- I'm here.

- Come quickly.

- I have something to tell you.

And I'll do so in the

presence of my mother.

Last time you

examined my wife

you said we may be

faced with a choice.

Let it be clear,

and I take full

responsibility

that, should this

unfortunate situation arise

we want the

mother saved.

I sincerely hope...

that we won't be

faced with this choice.

But I'm grateful to you

for taking full

responsibility.

- As you know, the Catholic religion...

- I know.

It's an immoral and criminal precept.

But it doesn't concern me.

Come doctor.

Breathe

Good, long breaths.

Another long push.

Very good, very good.

Mr. Tullio!

Mr. Tullio! Mr. Tullio

Here's is your boy.

He's already

opened his eyes.

They're both safe

and sound. We made it.

Congratulations,

he's a beautiful baby.

All has gone well,

Sir Tullio.

You may go in now

to see Mrs Giuliana

but do not let anybody

else enter the room.

She's going through

some brief crisis.

She's well

but very weak.

It is nothing,

do not worry.

Yes, she's had a strange

psychological reaction.

She won't

see the child.

She's crying.

Isn't he beautiful?

God bless him.

Raimondo. Grandma's

Raimondo.

Isn't he the world's

most beautiful baby?

Look at his eyes.

Please don't cry in front of

your uncle, treasure.

He's so good. He

just eats and sleeps.

Look at his hands.

He'll be tall.

Isn't he gorgeous?

He's just like

all other babies.

I can only

tell foals apart.

- You should see Zara's

- What?

He's a splendid silvery grey.

But babies...

You're just saying

that to make me angry.

What do you

know about babies?

When you were born you were ugly,

red and wrinkled.

You weren't like him.

He's beautiful.

Tell this to Tullio instead of

being silly

You must say: Tullio your son is a

little ray of sunshine.

- Must I be the one?

- Yes

Nurse, shut the windows.

It's cold today.

- Right away Madam.

- Today is not a nice day.

Are you scared I'll say to Tullio

and Giuliana the foal is better?

Don't worry, Mother.

I'll tell them I've

never seen such beauty

and that I'll be

proud to be his godfather.

What's wrong?

You joke about it.

But I am desperate.

Desperate.

What are you saying?

You have no idea!

I'm not upset

with Giuliana.

Even the doctor said...

...it's a reaction to stress.

But your brother...

So strange!

Before he was worried for her,

and that's understandable,

but now that

all has gone well

they never

see the child.

As if he didn't exist.

They don't

even mention him.

The only thing your

brother told me is

if we want a baptism,

it must be private.

No reception,

nothing.

You scared me for a

moment! Is that it?

You know that

Tullio isn't religious.

He has his own ideas.

We'll celebrate

some other time.

- Is that what upsets you?

- Yes, a lot.

And above all

they keep to their room,

by themselves. They're hostile.

But no,

this is good news

We won't have to

bother with the party

and Tullio and

Giuliana are so in love

they forget

they have a son.

Perk up, all

will go well

Tullio will

come into church...

as he did for

his wedding.

Right?

And Raimondo?

Is it decided? Will

they call him that?

Your crazy husband is

really upsetting Mother

You shouldn't have come to church

and hide in a corner

I asked mother and nurse

to join us for some champagne

to calm her down.

It's champagne,

not holy water!

Come in.

Oh! Good,

come, come

No, not here,

in the other room.

Giuliana mustn't get tired.

You may go.

Let's go, Federico.

Do you really

not want us here?

Why don't you come?

The doctor said

you can move a bit.

I think it

would do you good.

Come on, make

an effort.

- Hurry up Federico

- For me

Go, go. I'll

see you later.

Let's have a nice

Christmas to please mother too.

Try to come up

with something.

Do not count on me,

I won't be here

Really, you're not

staying for the festivities?

Mother said that...

I am sorry to disappoint

her but I have changed my mind.

I can't make it

I'm sorry but I don't

like the atmosphere here.

I love you all, but I

have my problems too.

And I want to spend

my holidays in peace.

I will celebrate

elsewhere.

Has he eaten?

I hoped to

find him awake.

Will he be

warm enough?

His little

hands feel cold.

Shall we put

his mittens on?

No, no, Madam,

do not worry

He's nice and warm.

Don't worry.

He won't wake up.

It is soothing for

children to hear our voices...

knowing they're not alone.

You go to bed too

Nurse, goodnight

Goodnight, Madam.

I've been watching

you cuddle him at night.

Go during daylight.

Why don't you tell the

world how much you love him?

Don't lie.

Have the courage

to speak the truth.

I went in because

I thought someone called.

It has happened before.

It's like they're calling me

to tell me something is wrong.

That's not true.

I've seen you sneak

out in the dark before.

Trying not

to make noise.

What's wrong

with that?

You do the

same thing.

Nurse told me.

It's true, it's true.

But it's not

the same thing.

I try to discover your

secret by watching you

I try to force

myself to forget

but I can't, I can't.

And I damn the day I

accepted this torture.

And you've changed.

You're happy now.

That's why I can't

stop looking at him.

And you don't care

that I'm suffering.

You love him.

And by loving him,

you're loving his father.

You know that's

not true.

I even wanted him to

die when he was born.

It's awful

but it's true.

His presence

distresses me, too.

Yes, I despise him...

...for the pain

he's causing you.

I can't see you like this.

Why do you not believe me?

I swear I despise him.

Is that what

you think?

Yes, because he

has come between us.

I would like

you and I to...

Take me away.

We will be happy

away from here.

We'll leave after Christmas.

I promise.

Mother is waiting downstairs.

We're going to mass.

- Your cape, Madam.

- Fine. I will wait for to you here

Won't you

wear my present?

It does not seem the right event,

it is too opulent.

Nonsense.

It pleases

the peasants..

...to see their

masters well dressed.

The bells have already

rung twice Madam!

We must hurry.

It's Ok.

Good evening.

Nanny, you can go

to mass if you want.

I'll stay here.

Thank you, Sir Tullio.

I will go.

The baby is

fast asleep anyway.

Goodnight, Sir. Tullio.

Merry Christmas

Goodnight.

Giuseppe, serve

supper immediately.

Of course, Madam...

Immediately

Yet another Christmas

has passed

And we'll be leaving.

You promised

After Christmas.

When are we leaving?

Whenever you want,

tomorrow if you want.

Madam!

What is it?

Come. The child

isn't breathing.

My God!

Doctor, quick.

He's not breathing! He's not breathing!

He's not breathing!

He's not breathing

anymore Doctor.

Oh my God,

my God, my God!

I don't want to. I do not want

you to go in there

Why not?

Stay with me,

I am so afraid.

Come with me.

Mr. Hermil,

Mr. Hermil!

No! It can't be!

It can't be!

Is he dead?

Yes

Get off, get off me,

don't touch me!

I am not your

accomplice.

Be quiet, Giuliana,

I beg you.

- You did it

- Quiet. You knew all along.

It's your fault!

I hate you.

No, you said

you hated him.

No, I wanted to

save him from you.

I did my utmost

to save him.

But what are

you saying?

Yes, everything I did

with you was to save him.

Only to save him.

Now, for the

rest of my days

I will have to live

with this mark on my soul.

My God, help me!

May you be as

unhappy as I am, Tullio.

You're lying to yourself.

You've always wanted him to die.

Listen to me, not even for a moment...

...did I want to get rid of him.

Because I loved him,

my poor baby...

I only pretended to hate him.

You must know that

so you'll understand

it's truly over.

I loved and always will

love that baby's father.

To the end

of my days,

I can but hate you.

Hate you.

And despise you.

Women have the

extraordinary capacity

to adapt the reality

to the romantic ideals

of the worst literature.

My wife's adventure

with Filippo D'Arborio lasted...

but a fleeting

moment.

Just like many

of your friends

who fell for the

fashionable scribe

who had the misfortune

to contract a disease

which sent him

back to his maker.

That's all.

I'm only sorry that I

helped to contribute elements

to this appalling

second rate novel.

You don't

really believe

that you caused the

death of that innocent?

You see,

it's strange..

But newborn babies have an

extraordinary resistance.

The cold didn't

kill it.

So don't feel

any remorse.

He must have

died because...

No, that does not

have any importance

As far as

I'm concerned

it's the intention

that counts.

And there are no

doubts about my intentions.

I knew with full clarity

what I was doing.

I feel no remorse and

I'm not justifying myself.

I'm not touched by

man's justice because...

no court on Earth would

sit in judgement on me.

Have I bored

you? Sorry.

It's still early.

We can still spend

some time together.

That would give

me great pleasure.

I like your home.

I've tried to picture

it so many times,

but never

succeeded.

It's strange,

you know,

because it

resembles you.

It really does.

- With all your beauty.

- And my ugliness.

What is there

that's ugly?

I want you

to tell me.

There's no rush.

I have to look

carefully...

and think about it.

- Will you offer me a drink?

- Of course.

So? Have

you decided?

What is there in

me that's ugly?

Now I'll tell you.

Let me drink

first.

I shouldn't.

I drank a lot at dinner.

But you've

plunged me...

into such melancholy.

Let's do it in order.

You asked me before what I

thought about what you told me

Now I'll tell you.

I believe you're even

L'Innocente (1976) - full transcript