La grande strada azzurra (1957) - full transcript
Squarciò, a fisherman, lives with his family on a small island off the Dalmatian coast of Italy. Like his fellow villagers, Squarciò struggles against harsh living conditions, a scarcity of fish in nearby waters and exploitation by the local wholesaler. But while the other fishermen continue to use nets, he goes out to the open sea to fish illegally with bombs. But Squarciò borrows money, loses his boat, and in a moment of supreme desperation, has to bomb directly off-shore, causing the hatred and rejection of his fellow fishermen. Trying to save his family, Squarciò and his young sons sail their new boat out beyond the local waters and bomb-fish again. But this time, the sea exacts a terrible toll...
THE WIDE BLUE ROAD
This is the best season
for fishing.
In September the fish
leave the depths
and run close to the shore
where the water is still warm
and the seaweed
is tender and sweet.
These are my islands.
I know them well...
every reef, ev ery cove,
every inch
of the ocean bottom.
Only one man in the village
knows how to fish like me.
Salvatore.
We grew up together,
then he went on fishing
with nets. Not me!
There was another boy
we grew up with. Gaspare.
How our lives
went separate ways!
He signed up
for the Coast Guard.
He has a uniform, state pay.
But I like what I do
and I have something they don't.
Can we help, Papa?
Do what?
Blow us all up?
Stand back, both of you!
There now.
You can come closer.
- Bore?
- Here I am, Papa.
Sit there and grate.
There!
Like that.
As fine as you can.
Tonino, you get
the tar ready.
Fast. Like cheese.
What if it explodes?
Why?
Does chees explode?
This is not an explosive.
It has to be fired.
Come on, give it to me.
Bravo, Bore!
Mind your fingers!
Is this okay?
Better if it were finer.
But same thing anyway.
Detonators.
These explode right away,
only need a slight tap.
Careful.
Scared?
There!
Coast is clear.
Go on, Papa.
Stand back!
- Nothing.
- Quiet.
There they are!
Sea bream, Papa!
Sea bream, Squarcio!
That's right, kids!
My bombs never miss.
Quick, Tonino! Jump in!
How many, Papa?
Here!
Grab this big one!
Great!
It weighs six kilos.
Mamma mia!
Give it here!
What are you up to?
Throwing 'em away?
I don't throw 'em away,
I eat 'em.
- Greetings, Salvatore!
- Greetings, Squarcio!
How's it going?
Not much...
hope other nets...
Good luck!
- H e's making fun of us.
- Why's he doing that?
He can't hurt us
six hours away at sea.
Right!
Stick up for a friend.
What's that mean?
Friendship doesn't come into it.
Gaspare grew up
with us too, and yet...
The first officer?
What do you want him to do?
Calm down! He'll arrest him
if he gets a chance.
Domenico!
Hi, Squarcio!
See what I'v e got here!
You want some?
Why are you so full of laughs?
A pay raise?
I know.
800 lire isn't much.
But I don't sell fuses or TNT!
Too bad!
I wanted to make you rich.
Don't worry!
I'm just fine!
Neither rich nor in jail!
Good luck then. It's great
to have an honest friend.
Good luck to you too!
Next time, try me again.
You never know.
Ciao!
Good luck!
Ciao!
Out come
the rabbits in love...
Wait!
Let's both unload.
Here.
Ciao, Salvatore!
Hi, Santamaria!
Wait.
Hey, Grandpa.
Want a hand?
No need. Forget it!
What did I do?
It's your father.
You know damn well why.
I've got my reasons.
Hi, Santamaria.
Hi, First Officer.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hey, Salvatore.
- Hello, Gaspare!
Sardines again, eh?
Yes, look, they're bigger today.
You want some?
First weigh 'em,
then tell me how much.
Forget it, Gaspare!
Not worth it.
Okay, no deal.
Okay, you'll pay for it.
I'll send them home.
Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Pull, Zerro, pull!
Good catch?
Sea bream
and yellowtail tuna.
And you, Santamaria?
We didn't sail. Stopped...
The cops!
Aren't these great, Gaspare?
Can I offer?
No, it stinks!
That's strange!
It's the freshest catch.
A burnt smell!
Ah, I haven't done dynamite
fishing for 20 y ears.
Yeah, right!
Who's stopping you?
Shut up!
A violation as you speak!
Thank God, I never
caught you in the act.
If it weren't for the law
on catching people red-handed,
I'd have made you
change jobs.
Why not tell the law?
Yeah. Easy for you.
You're trouble!
Who asked you
to wear that uniform?
If you want a new job
there's always space on my boat.
Do the same for me?
Going to see what's up.
I'll make you eat it raw!
Eat it raw!
All right, Tommaso Fiore.
Remember who gave you bread
after you wrecked your boat?
- I paid you back!
- Right!
Die of hunger next time.
Natale won't give you a dime!
And you guys?
You forget when
I bailed you out?
I mean all of you!
Not all!
Such big talk, Salvatore?
Set up your Co-op.
Go buy another fridge.
Tough guys!
Up against me.
When the west wind keeps
you ashore for a month or so,
don't come to Natale.
I won't give you a dime.
Let's talk another time.
How much, the sardines?
Not the old price.
They don't sell on the mainland.
They even eat shark!
Think it's good!
So, how much?
Big and small.
45 lire a kilo.
Better the yrot!
Agreed?
Really?
Let's see, Natale.
Let's see what we can do.
Give it a try!
No fear, it won't ruin you.
You've gotten fat on us
the last 10 y ears.
Sea bream or yellowtail tuna
for the mainland bigwigs.
- Put them inside, meantime.
- No!
All or nothing!
- But I'm buying.
- Bravo.
At a fair price, right?
What do you care?
Nothing.
Just busting your balls.
It's not good for you!
Maybe!
Go ahead!
Let the first come in...
Start making change.
- Thanks, Squarcio.
- Thanks for what?
Bore!
Tonino! Diana! Rosetta!
- What did you bring?
- A surprise!
Let's see!
Let's see, Squarcio!
His name's Papa,
not Squarcio.
Leave him!
Let' em think we're brothers!
Diana... to the kitchen.
- I want to see the surprise.
- More madness?
Bought it especially
for you, Rosetta.
It's always for me,
when you buy what you want.
Give me the scissors, Tonino.
- Here they are.
- Thanks.
Hands off!
From a Frenchman
on the black market.
Wonder how much you paid?
- How does it work?
- I know how it works.
You do? Go on then...
Be careful, though!
Where's the cord?
No power...
It works on batteries.
Great, he y?
Rosetta, wine for everyone!
Not Bore,
it's bad for him.
No, it's not! Want to see
me drink a whole bottle?
Six months
since a catch like this.
Happy?
Tomorrow we'll celebrate.
Listen to Mass on the radio.
And then, let's go out.
You want to keep me
home for Mass?
- Only for your sake, Rosetta.
- I know...
Change the station!
Seas: Ligurian, upper
and central Tyrrhenian...
northern and central
Adriatic light swells...
southern Tyrrhenian,
Sardinian, and Sicilian...
lonian, lower Adriatic,
swells, rough in places,
waves...
What are you doing here?
Why'd you come?
Go away!
Diana!
No, no, Domenico.
Please, dear, let me go!
Why?
I love you, you know.
I love you too so much.
But I swore we wouldn't do it again.
I'm ashamed, Domenico.
But what's wrong, Diana?
Now you're crying?
It happens when
you love each other.
It happens to everyone.
Yes, but after
they're married.
And we aren't
getting married?
Will you really marry me,
Domenico?
Yes.
I want to marry you.
Diana!
Leave my brother alone!
He's smaller than you! Coward!
Stop it!
Have you gone crazy?
Tonino, you don't know.
We're getting married.
He swore he'd marry me.
Is that so?
Yes, I want to marry her.
See me kill you if you don't!
Don't tell Squarcio.
Domenico.
Poor Domenico.
You love me, right?
- Yes.
- Yes.
Love.
And no special leave!
No girlfriends!
No weddings!
No funerals!
Nothing, no way!
Not one.
Not one of them
caught in the act.
- Actually...
- Well, two!
But in how many years?
Look at this.
Fishermen's protests,
certified letters,
reprimands from H Q.
How can I catch
such fast boats?
And they ev en threaten
a transfer. Enough!
From tomorrow morning,
do a search. Every island!
Rock by rock! Bush by bush!
It's time to put a stop to this!
As for me,
you can stay a month.
But it's not as if
that'll change the situation.
Not even a miracle
will re-open the quarry.
Listen to me, go back home.
But how do you
want me to say it?
Shipping costs are too high.
Can't work.
What are you waiting for?
You've already been fired.
Do as you please!
What can I say?
Domenico!
Why haven't you
come by lately?
We've been here day and night.
They said it would re-open.
What are you going to do?
Go back to the mainland?
I'v e got a plan
for the beginning.
I must speak to your father.
- You're staying here then?
- Yes, I won't leave you.
See, First Officer, I went
right over it without noticing.
Look. Fuses, gunpowder,
sticks and detonators.
A detonator
for every stick of TNT.
That's it!
This time Squarcio pays!
Back to the station,
early tomorrow, 6:00 a. m.
Don't forget!
Let me stay, First Officer!
Tomorrow morning, I said.
One of us is enough.
Thanks, Santucci.
Now, go away!
If one of us is spotted,
all will be ruined. Go!
Stop! Halt!
Squarcio,
I can identify you.
Wait, Squarcio.
Let's talk! Stop!
Stop! Squarcio!
You don't shoot on sight!
It was an accident, Squarcio.
It wasn't me.
An unfortunate accident.
An accident.
Tomorrow, we fish
our catch for his mother.
How do I come into it?
Domenico stole for you.
Not for me or anyone else.
H e stole because
the quarry closed.
He nev er wanted to before.
He was a good kid.
So you think.
But I don't come into it.
Yes, you do!
I guarantee it'll suit you!
Come on. Let's go.
Just a drop.
No. I'm tired.
I need to go sleep.
Huh?
And not clear the table?
- Let me do it!
- Only take a minute.
- Right, Diana?
- Yes, Papa.
And you, where're you going?
Staying right here.
Must mend the net.
You like fishing
with that better?
Yeah, I know,
it brings in too little.
How about you, Bore?
- Bore!
- H e y!
Good night.
Bad day, today.
- You knew him?
- Saw him, a few times.
Was a good kid, Domenico.
Honest...
If only he hadn't
been fired.
TNT's no use
in a dead quarry.
He had to get
a bit of money, poor boy.
That's certainly
what he was thinking, no?
What are you doing?
For the mosquitos.
It was no one's fault.
Not even Gaspare's.
Life is so difficult,
getting married
and having children,
getting them a life.
Yes, that's why
so many things happen.
Pick yourself up!
Let's go for a walk.
Strong wind.
Tomorrow's going to be
a hell of a day.
To the Commander at Naviglio
di Montfalcone Station,
Re: Request for discharge.
On the 18th of this month,
my renewal comes due...
First Officer, they are
dynamite fishing. Right close by!
Next line.
Since I do not intend
to stay long term
in the Coast Guard,
please consider my resignation
effective as of the abov e date.
I await a decision
from my superior officers
and my replacement
as Squad Commander.
Signed, First Officer
Gaspare Puggioni.
- Send it off right away.
- At your command, First Officer.
Have a good trip!
- Gaspare!
- H i, Squarcio.
Good day.
They told me at the station
you're leaving.
When's your replacement
arriving?
Should be here today.
In any event,
I'v e handed over my post.
- What will you do now?
- Don't know.
Don't know yet.
Well,
if you need something...
No thanks.
H e y, don't be offended!
We grew up together.
Friends, right?
A loan.
No rules and regulations now.
Just the same, Squarcio.
Thanks.
All aboard!
- Ciao.
- Ciao, Gaspare. Good luck.
Goodbye, Squarcio.
Thanks for coming.
Goodbye, Gaspare.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
First Officer Puggioni!
That boat belongs to
the Coast Guard. Right?
Yes, I think so.
Great boat! I've never seen
one like it. Not in these waters.
No, me neither.
Not around here.
Ready for the army
but he can't swim?
That's really shameful!
And he thinks he's brave.
I'm not afraid of anything!
Don't run away, come here!
No more big talk, eh?
Hurry up.
Down you go!
Well, how's it going? Like it?
A lot.
Very good. Bravo.
So I'll tow you then.
Fine, but let me
take a short break.
Papa, the Coast Guard!
Look how fast they go!
Quick, everything overboard!
Even the roll of fuse wire!
Tonino, overboard, quick!
Finished?
Bravo, bravissimo! Move!
Hurry, hurry!
Stop!
There they are!
That's Squarcio.
Here they come, boys.
Smile and play it cool.
Welcome, First Officer.
What's up?
Need some help?
No thanks.
Getting to know you...
This is me.
Like what you see?
When did you start
being so disrespectful?
Since officers started
being rude to fishermen.
All right, mutual respect.
Allow me to see
one of those fish, please.
Don't joke around.
That one, quick!
How did you get
such a big catch?
With a golden hook.
Look! This one's
got a broken spine.
Poor guy!
Must have crashed into a rock.
Maybe I caught it already dead.
Evidence enough.
If an explosion had been heard,
you'd have spent
the night in jail.
Not sleep too well there, right?
Well enough.
We'll meet again, Balzano.
Let's move it!
See you again soon!
Cheers, Chief!
In fact, it's natural.
One first officer goes,
another comes.
Except this one's
got a motorboat.
Have you ever seen
such a moustache?
Bet it'll do 10 knots.
I'm fit to bust with laughter.
Now for the dynamite fishermen!
Quite the comic,
your son, Salvatore.
Beware of overkill though!
Overkill?
Time you stopped making
jokes about men who work.
Why, perhaps...
do I live off interest income?
Worse. With you it's like walking
into a bank to blow up the safe.
- Only the sea is everybody's.
- Exactly right.
- It's not only yours.
- You can profit too.
Who's stopping you?
What are you afraid of?
The Coast Guard?
Or dynamite?
If everyone fished like you,
there'd be nothing left in a year.
I don't fish
close to the islands.
You know damn well
I don't interfere with anyone.
That's the only reason
we still speak to you.
You couldn't s end
Bore or Tonino?
They haven't gotten back yet.
All right, I'll pay.
Rush home now.
What did you want
to tell me?
The new first officer
with his motorboat.
- Well, what's he done?
- H e's arrested Zerro.
You know, I always drop by
your house when I go fishing.
Thought I'd like
to say hello.
See? I'v e put your name
on my boat.
A fine name,
not like any other.
Everybody uses
the names of saints.
Not us.
Ours is called "Speranza. "
But "Diana" is the best of all,
don't you think?
- How old are you?
- 16.
I'm 19.
Some other evening,
I'll drop by again
if that's okay with you.
Here's your father.
You'll be happy now.
Stay under the covers.
How'd it go?
Nothing again today.
What's wrong with Bore?
A bit of a sore throat.
Nothing serious.
Ever since he got here,
he's been after me!
Wherever I go,
I trip over him.
- How do you feel?
- Fine.
It was a miracle
he didn't lay a hand on us.
If Papa didn't know
a strait via the shoals...
Diana, I'm thirsty!
What's his temperature?
101. I'v e just taken it.
Take it again!
I bought it from a peasant
who made it hims elf.
- Squarcio.
- What do you want?
Now that we have a home...
Well?
...you could go back
to fishing with nets.
Yes and then?
We want to start over?
I'd rather die!
Yeah, with nets!
Catch only enough not
to starve each day!
Then you get
a year like that one...
two months, one after the other,
without being able to set sail,
NO ADVAN CE S...
A year like that
and you vanish,
if you have no savings.
It was at the end of that winter
that my mother died.
I promised to marry you
but I'd rather not do it
than make you live
like my mother did...
like all the women
of the islands.
If I marry you,
you have to have
a happy life, Rosetta.
Happy at any price!
And now I have to give it all up!
Everything I built?
My family?
For First Officer Riva?
Are you okay, Rosetta?
Yes, Squarcio.
Fine. Everything's fine!
Sometimes a guy thinks
he's made a mistake.
Happy, Rosetta?
We have a home, and three
healthy, strong children.
All things that cost money.
Then Diana will get married
and she too will have children.
Will you be upset
if Diana gets married?
Why should I be upset?
I'll also be happy
if she gets married.
You shouldn't worry, Rosetta.
I'll think of something,
you'll see!
The motor, Squarcio.
The motor!
The new motor!
Bore!
The new motor!
- The new motor has arrived!
- Watch out! Look, Tonino!
Hav e you seen
how many crates?
Accountant Carlo Festucci.
Squarcio, Giovanni Balzano
- Pleased to meet you.
- He couldn't find his way here.
- Tonino?
- Yes, Papa.
Run and fetch my tools.
Bore...
- Sorry, Signor Balzano, first...
- Yes, money.
Go get cash from Mamma, now!
Here are the promissory notes.
- Where?
- Here.
You'll assemble it at once?
Sure.
- On your own?
- Sure.
You know how?
- Here it is, Papa.
- Put it there.
Here.
The old motor
is all yours.
Did you see?
We have to pay
all those notes?
With a motor like this...
I can sail no matter the weather.
Let's drink
to the motor!
I thought we'd stopped
dynamite fishing.
No, you hear?
He'll never stop.
No one will ever get him to stop.
That's for sure.
Isn't that Salvatore's son?
What does he want
with our sister?
H e y! What d'you want
with Diana?
Go on boys, to bed.
It's 10:00 p. m.
But I'm not
very sleepy.
He won't catch me!
Let him chase me now!
Let's drink to the motor!
Let's drink to Zerro!
Sooner or later,
we'll all end up the same way.
Me, I'm changing jobs.
Afraid?
Yes.
d When the moon is full d
d When the night is silent d
d Out into the fields d
d Come the rabbits in love... d
Look, my hands are shaking.
That's natural, Santamaria.
You're old.
Natural. Ev erything's
natural to you!
Even if a guy dies,
that's natural.
Even if it's your fault,
like with Domenico.
You shouldn't
have said that.
You oughtn't say that!
Leave me alone, I said!
Who's touching you?
Get lost!
Take me along, Squarcio.
I'm old.
Let's be partners.
Give me what you like.
I don't want a partner.
Go back to your son.
I can't.
It's too late.
He doesn't want me anymore.
Salvatore doesn't want me.
d I can nev er forget
that I'm in love... d
Look who's there.
Watch this!
Don't do anything rash,
Squarcio.
No, it's only for fun.
Accelerate!
Full speed ahead!
Nothing doing!
See, Rosetta? We're going
at least two knots faster.
The megaphone! Here!
H e y! Speranza! Stop!
Get alongside.
Easy now.
Don't worry.
Nothing'll happen.
Morning, First Officer.
May I?
I'd like to introduce my wife.
This is First Officer Riv a.
My wife Rosetta.
- Nice to meet you.
- My pleasure.
Congratulations.
You've bought a new motor?
How fast does it go?
You didn't see? At the very least
two knots faster than yours.
No one ev er dropped bombs
inland near the islands.
- On your orders?
- Sure.
Full speed ahead!
Signora!
We'll meet again, Balzano.
Grab hold of the rudder!
Turn away! Turn away, Rosetta,
for pity's sake! Don't look!
It's nothing.
It's just a wound.
Squarcio, my hand! Hurry!
- Grit your teeth.
You see? I told you.
I'm no good
for anything anymore.
Calm down, Santamaria.
My son will have me
at home now, right?
Certainly, certainly he will.
Easy now...
pull up alongside.
Take the boat in tow.
Get him on board.
Quick! Quick!
You made everything vanish, eh?
I didn't touch a thing.
Let's hear what happened
striking a match.
I wasn't here.
- Ready, Commander.
- Dire ctly into harbor.
Come now, don't cry.
Santamaria was old.
His hands trembled.
That'll never happen to me.
Squarcio, it's enough. I beg you,
I beg you... I swear.
Away, Rosetta, stop!
I tell you it's nothing serious.
He'll make a good recovery,
you'll see.
It's an old story.
Since he was a boy,
he'd leav e the house and...
once a dynamite fisherman, always...
even if he is my father.
But he's wounded now.
He's out of danger.
Didn't you hear
what they said at the hospital?
He'll manage to avoid prison.
The boat will be auctioned.
- How's it going this year?
- Bad.
Natale still gets his price.
But I think there'll soon
be another fridge on the island.
- The Co-op?
- Certainly.
Need any help, I know
wholesalers on the mainland...
Genoa, La Spezia...
Thanks, First Officer.
But remember, there'll always
be dynamite fishermen.
Listen, why don't we give
each other a hand?
Each to his own, First Officer.
Would you come
drag in nets with us?
Fair enough.
Goodbye.
Let's go to Campana Point.
Yeah, to fish for stones.
How so?
Because it's September,
the fish are on the move.
Let's go to Saracen Cove then.
Sure, to gather clams.
Okay, let's go where you want.
There he is, Commander.
Good! This time
he won't get away!
Half speed.
Stay sheltered from the wind.
Stay as close to the coast
as possible.
Papa, how's it going?
Look!
Want me
to come down there?
No, go back
to your post!
Ahead, keep going ahead!
No depth, Commander.
Don't worry.
Stick to the coast.
The first officer, Papa.
The first officer!
How far away?
- Not quite a mile.
- Start the motor, Papa?
It's us eless. The y'll find us...
at the mouth of the inlet.
Quick. Tie everything down.
The oars, the nets, everything...
everything that floats.
You hear?
Quick!
Don't forget a thing!
It doesn't matter
about the knots. Quick!
Hurry! Hurry!
Quick! He's close.
He's almost here!
Remember the landmarks,
that rock down there,
the mouth of the bay,
that high crag with
yellow moss... okay?
Why don't you get
the motor running?
Remember, this is where Speranza
goes down. Now jump in!
What are you doing, Squarcio?
Why don't you start the motor?
Move it!
- And you?
- Go!
Jump, Papa!
What are you doing?
Easy now.
Slow down.
Did we miss them leaving?
Turn back. Full speed!
Got a cigarette, Squarcio?
It's clearing up.
Let's hope... it's time.
Nylon line is better.
No, dynamite is better.
Nylon costs too much.
Well?
Nothing doing.
I talked with that guy
from Montefalcone.
H e also won't go down 90 feet
without a diving suit.
If you find someone,
I'll lend you the boat whenever.
But it's difficult. Everyone
is busy saving their own skins.
Squarcio, take notice of what I say.
Quit now!
Know what I do now?
I sell cheese.
I'm in much better shape.
- Even the boat's up for auction.
- Poor Santamaria!
Balzano...
where's your boat?
I lent it out.
- Know what I regret?
- What?
I'm sorry there's no
deep-sea diver on the island.
Yes, Chief. A real shame!
We could do with a diver.
See you, Chief.
Hope so.
Ciao, I was looking for you.
Ciao, Salvatore.
- Have something to drink?
- Yes.
A bottle.
Listen up...
a laughing matter!
H e's got it bad
for your daughter.
- I will marry her!
- Hear that?
H e'll marry her.
What do you think?
Me? I say he's a fool.
I said the same.
H e's 20!
- You'll ruin yours elf, son.
- That's my business. Well?
I told you.
If she agrees...
I'll go and tell her.
Ever s een such a frenzy?
Let's giv e them a hand
and get them married at once.
At once? No, Salvatore.
No, not at once. I don't agree.
Let's wait a bit.
It's got to be a grand celebration.
All right. There's no hurry.
I'v e been meaning
to say this for a while...
if you agree, we could
be together like before,
50/50.
Poverty again, going 50/50.
You'll see.
Things will be better.
Soon we'll also have a fridge.
I'm not the Co-op type.
Unless you need
a dynamite fisherman.
As you wish.
I'll pick up the tab
for the wine.
Ciao!
Be seeing you...
I told you, I can't accept.
Thanks, Renato, but I can't.
Thanks so much.
You're in love
with someone else?
No, it's not for that reason.
Because...
I'm not who you think I am.
What do you mean?
You s ee, he wasn't like us.
H e was from the mainland.
He made it all sound so simple.
It s eemed as if there
was nothing wrong.
He would'v e married me, however.
I'm sure of that!
I have to go home now.
What a pity.
I liked you
when you came by
to say hello.
Diana! Listen.
Stop, Diana.
I'll marry you all the same!
It's all the same to me!
I want to marry you!
Meanwhile, I'll start
taking inv entory.
And then I'll talk
to your husband.
No, wait!
Won't you take a drop?
No, thank you.
One table,
one radio,
one sideboard,
one night-fishing lamp,
one cast-iron stove.
- All in excellent condition.
- Wait, I beg you!
It's not my fault
if the notes weren't honored.
Notes s e cured
by property, ma'am.
- One sewing machine.
- No, please. Not this!
One sewing machine
in good condition.
What year?
- Didn't you hear my mother?
- Stop it, Tonino.
Please, signore! It was a gift
from my husband two years ago.
What's going on?
What do you want?
I don't enter into it.
Just following orders.
Scram, louse!
Get out! Get out!
- Okay. Calm down, let's see.
- Get out!
Listen, wait a moment.
Maybe we can cut a deal.
H e'll wait a fortnight.
Don't worry, Rosetta.
Don't worry!
They're right close by!
Who can it be?
Start the motor, Renato.
Let's go!
Quick, Tonino, quick!
H urry!
Out! Fast!
Stop, Squarcio.
It's useless!
Let's wait.
You go! Quickly!
Go away, I said!
Take these, they're yours!
Your bomb killed them.
Take them home!
Are you done?
Those're ours,
on the other hand.
We work here, Squarcio,
with nets.
Take them now.
You know you're doing wrong,
Squarcio. Why keep on doing it?
Come on! Are you afraid?
There're fiv e of you.
We also worked as
a five, Squarcio
- Let go!
- Watch out! H e might fight back!
We know you're in deep trouble
but you shouldn't be doing this.
- Shut up, you little snot!
- Enough already, Squarcio!
- Give us those bags!
- The sea's ruined.
Now you bomb us at home.
No fish will be caught
for six months,
and you know it. Thief!
Stop, Squarcio.
Stop, you!
You'll pay for this.
You're dead meat!
Cowards! Cowards!
You're dead meat!
Sorry, children,
but your father's
doing wrong.
Let's go.
Slowly...
that's the rock,
the mouth of the bay...
the crag with moss.
It's here for sure.
Halt! Let's take a look.
Why don't you let me try first?
I might make it.
Okay.
Now stay alert,
I'm warning you!
If any boat comes by,
cast your fishing lines.
If you hear
the Coast Guard's boat,
give me a signal,
pull on the rope, like this, okay?
There he is!
Did you make it, Papa?
How deep down is the motor?
You're tired?
Why don't you take a break?
The wrench?
There he is!
H e won't make it!
H e won't make it! H e'll get hurt!
Tell him, Tonino!
Make him stop!
Papa! Papa!
73, 74, 75, 76...
91, 92, 93, 94...
I did it, boys.
I did it, Tonino!
- What's up, Papa?
- Nothing, it'll pass.
- Do you want to drink?
- No.
Let me sleep now.
We have to wait till dark.
Attention, signori, please.
H e y, did you see that?
Your son's here!
H e came like all the others,
out of curiosity.
Just like me!
Who cares about the boat!
I looked for you everywhere.
I need an advance.
On what? No, I already
told you, Squarcio.
Listen! The Co-op's fridge
will be running in a few days.
No one's going to work
anymore to make you fat.
I know. So what?
You can't imagine
how much disgust I feel
but I'm the only one willing
to fill up your fridge.
And how will you go out fishing?
Going to swim out there, maybe?
I'v e got my motor back again.
Nobody bids 40,000 lire?
Tiny little boats cost more.
Any bids? 40,000?
H e can bring the price down,
as low as he wants.
But if Santamaria doesn't
buy his boat back,
there'll be no bids.
That's how we do things here.
- Who bids 30,000?
- 30,000.
I have a bid of 30,000.
You see? You see?
No more?
Nobody bids more than 30,000?
30,000 going once,
30,000 going twice...
35,000.
37,000.
A 24-foot boat, signori.
No more bids?
40,000.
Can you lend me some money?
You got nothing to give me?
- Going... going...
- 42,000.
42,000, Signori.
It's worth a lot more.
Courage!
50,000.
No more bids? Attention!
Going to the highest bidder.
- Let's go.
- 50,000, signori.
H e's leaving.
Should I go?
Sure, go on!
Pleas e, Signori,
a moment more.
50,000 going once...
50,000 going twice...
gone!
Got it?
It's ov er with Diana too.
Salvatore!
Courage, man!
Go! Go!
Thanks, Salvatore.
I'm sorry,
but I had no more.
I'm sorry too, Grandpa.
Thanks... thanks...
The boat's not what counts.
Come on, let's go.
It's always his fault!
H e's ruined my life! Look at it!
Stop it, Diana!
No, that's it! First Domenico,
and now Renato.
I can't go out with him.
He forbids it!
And why not?
What has he done wrong?
Nothing! He just said
that he loves me.
He only wants to marry me.
Come on, Diana.
It'll all work out.
No! It's not fair. Tonight,
he was going to take me dancing.
For a month, he's been promising.
Everybody's going and I...
- Where to?
- To the Co-op party.
Get yours elf ready. I'll take you.
Move it! Get dressed!
- But... Papa?
- H urry up!
I told you,
I'll take care of it!
- No, Diana. Papa said no!
- Papa's wrong!
Let's drink to the Co-op!
Cheers! Good health!
Listen up! Tomorrow morning,
4:00 a. m., we set sail all together!
You're drunk, Tommaso.
You've already told us four times.
Right! Let them dance
so they'll fish better tomorrow.
Come down!
As I said, we'll take
the wholesalers' best offer
and then we'll see if we should
go direct to the market.
Even Natale did this.
Diana, would you dance
with such an old man?
Would you hold this?
Bravo, bravo, Salvatore.
H e y, Salvatore.
We're still going strong, eh?
H ere, you next. Dancing isn't
for me anymore, I'm out of breath.
- H e's holding her too tight.
- Shut up!
You shut up!
You'll see what Squarcio says.
I could care less.
Instead, I do! Don't say again
that Papa's in the wrong.
- What do you know?
- More than you.
As soon as we're alone,
you'll see.
- You want to hit me?
- Yes!
H e's dead meat, your father!
H e y guys, stop that!
I fight with father and son
and you let her go with them?
Diana's in love. Renato
is a good boy, you always said so.
- And Bore and Tonino?
- They went as chaperones.
H ere they are!
- Did you enjoy yourself?
- Yes, Mamma.
And you?
Don't you like dancing?
No. But we had to
chaperone Diana.
You can sleep well.
Mamma told me.
- All's agreed.
- Thanks, Papa.
H urry up, however,
becaus e we set sail at 4:00 a. m.
Great!
At 4:00 a. m., Squarcio.
You're going fishing?
Yes, you know.
Easterly wind,
tomorrow will be perfect.
An exceptional day!
H e couldn't do anything
with that boat,
don't you think?
What's important is that
Santamaria is back with his son.
Certainly, he'll be happy.
In any cas e, I'll give him back
his boat as soon as I can.
Just a few more trips done well
and we'll be on an even keel again.
How many more trips, Squarcio?
Oh... three, four.
We'll finish paying for the motor,
get Diana married.
And after that?
After what? We'll talk
about that afterwards!
It's 16 y ears, Squarcio,
since I married you.
For 16 y ears,
I'v e been afraid.
And you never said
anything about it to me?
You think it's easy
to tell you anything?
You know, no one gives
you something for nothing.
It's natural.
Yes, but we've got it all now.
A bit of land,
the house...
Meantime, you still haven't been
capable of giving me another son.
Still three more trips,
you said so yourself.
- Fine, we'll discuss it later.
- No, I beg you, Squarcio.
You must tell me right now.
Because it's not true
that I haven't been capable.
We will have another child...
A boy!
A boy! Rosetta!
Another boy!
What can you fear,
with four men in the family?
Listen, we could
even man a trawler.
There's no one
who can fish like me!
And my three sons on board!
The finest crew
in the Mediterranean.
And we'll have
huge gear, all new.
We could even install a fridge
and go far out...
far out on the open seas,
and reach the coast of Africa.
Great things, you'll see!
You'll see what
I'm telling you, Rosetta.
Rosetta?
Squarcio...
is there really no other way
to get all this?
Stop!
Everybody, stop!
Let's start here, facing west.
Now then...
Good luck.
See you tonight!
Nice boat, Squarcio!
Where'd you get it?
H e got it
from his fairy godmother.
Give it back to Santamaria!
Greetings to Natale
for us, Squarcio.
You made it, Salvatore.
Each one adapts as he can.
Good luck.
Speak, Salvatore.
- Speech, we want a speech.
- Strength and courage, Salvatore.
Speeches I don't know how.
We're doing this
for our families,
for our children
you all know.
Louder! Come on, Salvatore!
Continue! Speak!
Listen up!
By uniting our nets,
we could enclose
10 miles of s ea.
We've got our own fridge
in the village,
and strong arms!
Now it all depends on us.
Good luck, fishermen.
Let's begin!
Strength to the Co-op!
Long live the Co-op!
An extraordinary day.
Eh, sons?
A great day for fishing.
Yes, Papa.
And the admiral knows nothing.
The admiral is sleeping.
Even as we are back at sea,
why don't the y speak?
What hav e they got against me?
What are the y short of?
Bore, rev up the motor a bit.
Afraid of burning
too much dies el oil?
Tonino,
on Sunday, the three of us
will go fishing with nets.
Happy?
From now on,
I'm Natale's only supplier,
and Tonino is ashamed of me.
I need to talk to him.
I need to talk to him, immediately.
Papa! Papa!
Bore, take a look at Tonino!
Is he alive?
Bring him here.
He's alive! He's alive!
You're alive, alive, big boy.
Alive!
Try, Bore, try and help me.
Tonino needs to be
taken to the village.
Let's try together,
for mercy's sake. My legs!
Again... again...
don't worry.
We can't make it, Squarcio.
We won't be able to make it.
Papa... Papa...
Listen. Your brother's
losing too much blood.
You two'll make it.
Take him to the village, Bore.
Straight to the hospital.
Then come back with someone.
Go on, hurry!
Grab him by the arms.
That way you can keep
his chest raised.
Papa!
Be strong, Bore!
Be strong!
Be brave, Tonino!
Gently... gently, Bore...
Come, Bore.
Come quick.
Write down what I say.
It's best this way,
you never know.
Courage.
Write!
I'm not able to.
Ah, Bore, you told me
you'd learnt how.
It doesn't matter.
Then listen,
and repeat it all well to Rosetta.
She'll take care of everything.
The boat must be given back
to Santamaria because it's his.
The motor, I'm leaving it
to you and Tonino.
And all three of you must help
Diana when she marries Renato.
Wait, one more thing.
Salvatore, the Co-op...
it'll solve everything,
you know, Bore...
like bombs...
perhaps better.
Tell Salvatore from me
that the Co-op...
will do good business,
because within a few years
no one on the islands
will know how to fish
better than Squarcio's sons.
Don't cry, Bore...
men don't cry.
You'll see, I'll make it.
Go now, my little one.
You've never run
the boat on your own...
but I'm sure you'll make it.
You've got to hurry...
Tonino's in your hands
and perhaps me too.
Be strong, Papa!
Strong, so I can make it in time.
The air valv e, Bore!
The wind's blowing,
the northwesterly.
Pity...
It was a great day
for fishing...
like I used to fish!
THE END
This is the best season
for fishing.
In September the fish
leave the depths
and run close to the shore
where the water is still warm
and the seaweed
is tender and sweet.
These are my islands.
I know them well...
every reef, ev ery cove,
every inch
of the ocean bottom.
Only one man in the village
knows how to fish like me.
Salvatore.
We grew up together,
then he went on fishing
with nets. Not me!
There was another boy
we grew up with. Gaspare.
How our lives
went separate ways!
He signed up
for the Coast Guard.
He has a uniform, state pay.
But I like what I do
and I have something they don't.
Can we help, Papa?
Do what?
Blow us all up?
Stand back, both of you!
There now.
You can come closer.
- Bore?
- Here I am, Papa.
Sit there and grate.
There!
Like that.
As fine as you can.
Tonino, you get
the tar ready.
Fast. Like cheese.
What if it explodes?
Why?
Does chees explode?
This is not an explosive.
It has to be fired.
Come on, give it to me.
Bravo, Bore!
Mind your fingers!
Is this okay?
Better if it were finer.
But same thing anyway.
Detonators.
These explode right away,
only need a slight tap.
Careful.
Scared?
There!
Coast is clear.
Go on, Papa.
Stand back!
- Nothing.
- Quiet.
There they are!
Sea bream, Papa!
Sea bream, Squarcio!
That's right, kids!
My bombs never miss.
Quick, Tonino! Jump in!
How many, Papa?
Here!
Grab this big one!
Great!
It weighs six kilos.
Mamma mia!
Give it here!
What are you up to?
Throwing 'em away?
I don't throw 'em away,
I eat 'em.
- Greetings, Salvatore!
- Greetings, Squarcio!
How's it going?
Not much...
hope other nets...
Good luck!
- H e's making fun of us.
- Why's he doing that?
He can't hurt us
six hours away at sea.
Right!
Stick up for a friend.
What's that mean?
Friendship doesn't come into it.
Gaspare grew up
with us too, and yet...
The first officer?
What do you want him to do?
Calm down! He'll arrest him
if he gets a chance.
Domenico!
Hi, Squarcio!
See what I'v e got here!
You want some?
Why are you so full of laughs?
A pay raise?
I know.
800 lire isn't much.
But I don't sell fuses or TNT!
Too bad!
I wanted to make you rich.
Don't worry!
I'm just fine!
Neither rich nor in jail!
Good luck then. It's great
to have an honest friend.
Good luck to you too!
Next time, try me again.
You never know.
Ciao!
Good luck!
Ciao!
Out come
the rabbits in love...
Wait!
Let's both unload.
Here.
Ciao, Salvatore!
Hi, Santamaria!
Wait.
Hey, Grandpa.
Want a hand?
No need. Forget it!
What did I do?
It's your father.
You know damn well why.
I've got my reasons.
Hi, Santamaria.
Hi, First Officer.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hey, Salvatore.
- Hello, Gaspare!
Sardines again, eh?
Yes, look, they're bigger today.
You want some?
First weigh 'em,
then tell me how much.
Forget it, Gaspare!
Not worth it.
Okay, no deal.
Okay, you'll pay for it.
I'll send them home.
Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Pull, Zerro, pull!
Good catch?
Sea bream
and yellowtail tuna.
And you, Santamaria?
We didn't sail. Stopped...
The cops!
Aren't these great, Gaspare?
Can I offer?
No, it stinks!
That's strange!
It's the freshest catch.
A burnt smell!
Ah, I haven't done dynamite
fishing for 20 y ears.
Yeah, right!
Who's stopping you?
Shut up!
A violation as you speak!
Thank God, I never
caught you in the act.
If it weren't for the law
on catching people red-handed,
I'd have made you
change jobs.
Why not tell the law?
Yeah. Easy for you.
You're trouble!
Who asked you
to wear that uniform?
If you want a new job
there's always space on my boat.
Do the same for me?
Going to see what's up.
I'll make you eat it raw!
Eat it raw!
All right, Tommaso Fiore.
Remember who gave you bread
after you wrecked your boat?
- I paid you back!
- Right!
Die of hunger next time.
Natale won't give you a dime!
And you guys?
You forget when
I bailed you out?
I mean all of you!
Not all!
Such big talk, Salvatore?
Set up your Co-op.
Go buy another fridge.
Tough guys!
Up against me.
When the west wind keeps
you ashore for a month or so,
don't come to Natale.
I won't give you a dime.
Let's talk another time.
How much, the sardines?
Not the old price.
They don't sell on the mainland.
They even eat shark!
Think it's good!
So, how much?
Big and small.
45 lire a kilo.
Better the yrot!
Agreed?
Really?
Let's see, Natale.
Let's see what we can do.
Give it a try!
No fear, it won't ruin you.
You've gotten fat on us
the last 10 y ears.
Sea bream or yellowtail tuna
for the mainland bigwigs.
- Put them inside, meantime.
- No!
All or nothing!
- But I'm buying.
- Bravo.
At a fair price, right?
What do you care?
Nothing.
Just busting your balls.
It's not good for you!
Maybe!
Go ahead!
Let the first come in...
Start making change.
- Thanks, Squarcio.
- Thanks for what?
Bore!
Tonino! Diana! Rosetta!
- What did you bring?
- A surprise!
Let's see!
Let's see, Squarcio!
His name's Papa,
not Squarcio.
Leave him!
Let' em think we're brothers!
Diana... to the kitchen.
- I want to see the surprise.
- More madness?
Bought it especially
for you, Rosetta.
It's always for me,
when you buy what you want.
Give me the scissors, Tonino.
- Here they are.
- Thanks.
Hands off!
From a Frenchman
on the black market.
Wonder how much you paid?
- How does it work?
- I know how it works.
You do? Go on then...
Be careful, though!
Where's the cord?
No power...
It works on batteries.
Great, he y?
Rosetta, wine for everyone!
Not Bore,
it's bad for him.
No, it's not! Want to see
me drink a whole bottle?
Six months
since a catch like this.
Happy?
Tomorrow we'll celebrate.
Listen to Mass on the radio.
And then, let's go out.
You want to keep me
home for Mass?
- Only for your sake, Rosetta.
- I know...
Change the station!
Seas: Ligurian, upper
and central Tyrrhenian...
northern and central
Adriatic light swells...
southern Tyrrhenian,
Sardinian, and Sicilian...
lonian, lower Adriatic,
swells, rough in places,
waves...
What are you doing here?
Why'd you come?
Go away!
Diana!
No, no, Domenico.
Please, dear, let me go!
Why?
I love you, you know.
I love you too so much.
But I swore we wouldn't do it again.
I'm ashamed, Domenico.
But what's wrong, Diana?
Now you're crying?
It happens when
you love each other.
It happens to everyone.
Yes, but after
they're married.
And we aren't
getting married?
Will you really marry me,
Domenico?
Yes.
I want to marry you.
Diana!
Leave my brother alone!
He's smaller than you! Coward!
Stop it!
Have you gone crazy?
Tonino, you don't know.
We're getting married.
He swore he'd marry me.
Is that so?
Yes, I want to marry her.
See me kill you if you don't!
Don't tell Squarcio.
Domenico.
Poor Domenico.
You love me, right?
- Yes.
- Yes.
Love.
And no special leave!
No girlfriends!
No weddings!
No funerals!
Nothing, no way!
Not one.
Not one of them
caught in the act.
- Actually...
- Well, two!
But in how many years?
Look at this.
Fishermen's protests,
certified letters,
reprimands from H Q.
How can I catch
such fast boats?
And they ev en threaten
a transfer. Enough!
From tomorrow morning,
do a search. Every island!
Rock by rock! Bush by bush!
It's time to put a stop to this!
As for me,
you can stay a month.
But it's not as if
that'll change the situation.
Not even a miracle
will re-open the quarry.
Listen to me, go back home.
But how do you
want me to say it?
Shipping costs are too high.
Can't work.
What are you waiting for?
You've already been fired.
Do as you please!
What can I say?
Domenico!
Why haven't you
come by lately?
We've been here day and night.
They said it would re-open.
What are you going to do?
Go back to the mainland?
I'v e got a plan
for the beginning.
I must speak to your father.
- You're staying here then?
- Yes, I won't leave you.
See, First Officer, I went
right over it without noticing.
Look. Fuses, gunpowder,
sticks and detonators.
A detonator
for every stick of TNT.
That's it!
This time Squarcio pays!
Back to the station,
early tomorrow, 6:00 a. m.
Don't forget!
Let me stay, First Officer!
Tomorrow morning, I said.
One of us is enough.
Thanks, Santucci.
Now, go away!
If one of us is spotted,
all will be ruined. Go!
Stop! Halt!
Squarcio,
I can identify you.
Wait, Squarcio.
Let's talk! Stop!
Stop! Squarcio!
You don't shoot on sight!
It was an accident, Squarcio.
It wasn't me.
An unfortunate accident.
An accident.
Tomorrow, we fish
our catch for his mother.
How do I come into it?
Domenico stole for you.
Not for me or anyone else.
H e stole because
the quarry closed.
He nev er wanted to before.
He was a good kid.
So you think.
But I don't come into it.
Yes, you do!
I guarantee it'll suit you!
Come on. Let's go.
Just a drop.
No. I'm tired.
I need to go sleep.
Huh?
And not clear the table?
- Let me do it!
- Only take a minute.
- Right, Diana?
- Yes, Papa.
And you, where're you going?
Staying right here.
Must mend the net.
You like fishing
with that better?
Yeah, I know,
it brings in too little.
How about you, Bore?
- Bore!
- H e y!
Good night.
Bad day, today.
- You knew him?
- Saw him, a few times.
Was a good kid, Domenico.
Honest...
If only he hadn't
been fired.
TNT's no use
in a dead quarry.
He had to get
a bit of money, poor boy.
That's certainly
what he was thinking, no?
What are you doing?
For the mosquitos.
It was no one's fault.
Not even Gaspare's.
Life is so difficult,
getting married
and having children,
getting them a life.
Yes, that's why
so many things happen.
Pick yourself up!
Let's go for a walk.
Strong wind.
Tomorrow's going to be
a hell of a day.
To the Commander at Naviglio
di Montfalcone Station,
Re: Request for discharge.
On the 18th of this month,
my renewal comes due...
First Officer, they are
dynamite fishing. Right close by!
Next line.
Since I do not intend
to stay long term
in the Coast Guard,
please consider my resignation
effective as of the abov e date.
I await a decision
from my superior officers
and my replacement
as Squad Commander.
Signed, First Officer
Gaspare Puggioni.
- Send it off right away.
- At your command, First Officer.
Have a good trip!
- Gaspare!
- H i, Squarcio.
Good day.
They told me at the station
you're leaving.
When's your replacement
arriving?
Should be here today.
In any event,
I'v e handed over my post.
- What will you do now?
- Don't know.
Don't know yet.
Well,
if you need something...
No thanks.
H e y, don't be offended!
We grew up together.
Friends, right?
A loan.
No rules and regulations now.
Just the same, Squarcio.
Thanks.
All aboard!
- Ciao.
- Ciao, Gaspare. Good luck.
Goodbye, Squarcio.
Thanks for coming.
Goodbye, Gaspare.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
First Officer Puggioni!
That boat belongs to
the Coast Guard. Right?
Yes, I think so.
Great boat! I've never seen
one like it. Not in these waters.
No, me neither.
Not around here.
Ready for the army
but he can't swim?
That's really shameful!
And he thinks he's brave.
I'm not afraid of anything!
Don't run away, come here!
No more big talk, eh?
Hurry up.
Down you go!
Well, how's it going? Like it?
A lot.
Very good. Bravo.
So I'll tow you then.
Fine, but let me
take a short break.
Papa, the Coast Guard!
Look how fast they go!
Quick, everything overboard!
Even the roll of fuse wire!
Tonino, overboard, quick!
Finished?
Bravo, bravissimo! Move!
Hurry, hurry!
Stop!
There they are!
That's Squarcio.
Here they come, boys.
Smile and play it cool.
Welcome, First Officer.
What's up?
Need some help?
No thanks.
Getting to know you...
This is me.
Like what you see?
When did you start
being so disrespectful?
Since officers started
being rude to fishermen.
All right, mutual respect.
Allow me to see
one of those fish, please.
Don't joke around.
That one, quick!
How did you get
such a big catch?
With a golden hook.
Look! This one's
got a broken spine.
Poor guy!
Must have crashed into a rock.
Maybe I caught it already dead.
Evidence enough.
If an explosion had been heard,
you'd have spent
the night in jail.
Not sleep too well there, right?
Well enough.
We'll meet again, Balzano.
Let's move it!
See you again soon!
Cheers, Chief!
In fact, it's natural.
One first officer goes,
another comes.
Except this one's
got a motorboat.
Have you ever seen
such a moustache?
Bet it'll do 10 knots.
I'm fit to bust with laughter.
Now for the dynamite fishermen!
Quite the comic,
your son, Salvatore.
Beware of overkill though!
Overkill?
Time you stopped making
jokes about men who work.
Why, perhaps...
do I live off interest income?
Worse. With you it's like walking
into a bank to blow up the safe.
- Only the sea is everybody's.
- Exactly right.
- It's not only yours.
- You can profit too.
Who's stopping you?
What are you afraid of?
The Coast Guard?
Or dynamite?
If everyone fished like you,
there'd be nothing left in a year.
I don't fish
close to the islands.
You know damn well
I don't interfere with anyone.
That's the only reason
we still speak to you.
You couldn't s end
Bore or Tonino?
They haven't gotten back yet.
All right, I'll pay.
Rush home now.
What did you want
to tell me?
The new first officer
with his motorboat.
- Well, what's he done?
- H e's arrested Zerro.
You know, I always drop by
your house when I go fishing.
Thought I'd like
to say hello.
See? I'v e put your name
on my boat.
A fine name,
not like any other.
Everybody uses
the names of saints.
Not us.
Ours is called "Speranza. "
But "Diana" is the best of all,
don't you think?
- How old are you?
- 16.
I'm 19.
Some other evening,
I'll drop by again
if that's okay with you.
Here's your father.
You'll be happy now.
Stay under the covers.
How'd it go?
Nothing again today.
What's wrong with Bore?
A bit of a sore throat.
Nothing serious.
Ever since he got here,
he's been after me!
Wherever I go,
I trip over him.
- How do you feel?
- Fine.
It was a miracle
he didn't lay a hand on us.
If Papa didn't know
a strait via the shoals...
Diana, I'm thirsty!
What's his temperature?
101. I'v e just taken it.
Take it again!
I bought it from a peasant
who made it hims elf.
- Squarcio.
- What do you want?
Now that we have a home...
Well?
...you could go back
to fishing with nets.
Yes and then?
We want to start over?
I'd rather die!
Yeah, with nets!
Catch only enough not
to starve each day!
Then you get
a year like that one...
two months, one after the other,
without being able to set sail,
NO ADVAN CE S...
A year like that
and you vanish,
if you have no savings.
It was at the end of that winter
that my mother died.
I promised to marry you
but I'd rather not do it
than make you live
like my mother did...
like all the women
of the islands.
If I marry you,
you have to have
a happy life, Rosetta.
Happy at any price!
And now I have to give it all up!
Everything I built?
My family?
For First Officer Riva?
Are you okay, Rosetta?
Yes, Squarcio.
Fine. Everything's fine!
Sometimes a guy thinks
he's made a mistake.
Happy, Rosetta?
We have a home, and three
healthy, strong children.
All things that cost money.
Then Diana will get married
and she too will have children.
Will you be upset
if Diana gets married?
Why should I be upset?
I'll also be happy
if she gets married.
You shouldn't worry, Rosetta.
I'll think of something,
you'll see!
The motor, Squarcio.
The motor!
The new motor!
Bore!
The new motor!
- The new motor has arrived!
- Watch out! Look, Tonino!
Hav e you seen
how many crates?
Accountant Carlo Festucci.
Squarcio, Giovanni Balzano
- Pleased to meet you.
- He couldn't find his way here.
- Tonino?
- Yes, Papa.
Run and fetch my tools.
Bore...
- Sorry, Signor Balzano, first...
- Yes, money.
Go get cash from Mamma, now!
Here are the promissory notes.
- Where?
- Here.
You'll assemble it at once?
Sure.
- On your own?
- Sure.
You know how?
- Here it is, Papa.
- Put it there.
Here.
The old motor
is all yours.
Did you see?
We have to pay
all those notes?
With a motor like this...
I can sail no matter the weather.
Let's drink
to the motor!
I thought we'd stopped
dynamite fishing.
No, you hear?
He'll never stop.
No one will ever get him to stop.
That's for sure.
Isn't that Salvatore's son?
What does he want
with our sister?
H e y! What d'you want
with Diana?
Go on boys, to bed.
It's 10:00 p. m.
But I'm not
very sleepy.
He won't catch me!
Let him chase me now!
Let's drink to the motor!
Let's drink to Zerro!
Sooner or later,
we'll all end up the same way.
Me, I'm changing jobs.
Afraid?
Yes.
d When the moon is full d
d When the night is silent d
d Out into the fields d
d Come the rabbits in love... d
Look, my hands are shaking.
That's natural, Santamaria.
You're old.
Natural. Ev erything's
natural to you!
Even if a guy dies,
that's natural.
Even if it's your fault,
like with Domenico.
You shouldn't
have said that.
You oughtn't say that!
Leave me alone, I said!
Who's touching you?
Get lost!
Take me along, Squarcio.
I'm old.
Let's be partners.
Give me what you like.
I don't want a partner.
Go back to your son.
I can't.
It's too late.
He doesn't want me anymore.
Salvatore doesn't want me.
d I can nev er forget
that I'm in love... d
Look who's there.
Watch this!
Don't do anything rash,
Squarcio.
No, it's only for fun.
Accelerate!
Full speed ahead!
Nothing doing!
See, Rosetta? We're going
at least two knots faster.
The megaphone! Here!
H e y! Speranza! Stop!
Get alongside.
Easy now.
Don't worry.
Nothing'll happen.
Morning, First Officer.
May I?
I'd like to introduce my wife.
This is First Officer Riv a.
My wife Rosetta.
- Nice to meet you.
- My pleasure.
Congratulations.
You've bought a new motor?
How fast does it go?
You didn't see? At the very least
two knots faster than yours.
No one ev er dropped bombs
inland near the islands.
- On your orders?
- Sure.
Full speed ahead!
Signora!
We'll meet again, Balzano.
Grab hold of the rudder!
Turn away! Turn away, Rosetta,
for pity's sake! Don't look!
It's nothing.
It's just a wound.
Squarcio, my hand! Hurry!
- Grit your teeth.
You see? I told you.
I'm no good
for anything anymore.
Calm down, Santamaria.
My son will have me
at home now, right?
Certainly, certainly he will.
Easy now...
pull up alongside.
Take the boat in tow.
Get him on board.
Quick! Quick!
You made everything vanish, eh?
I didn't touch a thing.
Let's hear what happened
striking a match.
I wasn't here.
- Ready, Commander.
- Dire ctly into harbor.
Come now, don't cry.
Santamaria was old.
His hands trembled.
That'll never happen to me.
Squarcio, it's enough. I beg you,
I beg you... I swear.
Away, Rosetta, stop!
I tell you it's nothing serious.
He'll make a good recovery,
you'll see.
It's an old story.
Since he was a boy,
he'd leav e the house and...
once a dynamite fisherman, always...
even if he is my father.
But he's wounded now.
He's out of danger.
Didn't you hear
what they said at the hospital?
He'll manage to avoid prison.
The boat will be auctioned.
- How's it going this year?
- Bad.
Natale still gets his price.
But I think there'll soon
be another fridge on the island.
- The Co-op?
- Certainly.
Need any help, I know
wholesalers on the mainland...
Genoa, La Spezia...
Thanks, First Officer.
But remember, there'll always
be dynamite fishermen.
Listen, why don't we give
each other a hand?
Each to his own, First Officer.
Would you come
drag in nets with us?
Fair enough.
Goodbye.
Let's go to Campana Point.
Yeah, to fish for stones.
How so?
Because it's September,
the fish are on the move.
Let's go to Saracen Cove then.
Sure, to gather clams.
Okay, let's go where you want.
There he is, Commander.
Good! This time
he won't get away!
Half speed.
Stay sheltered from the wind.
Stay as close to the coast
as possible.
Papa, how's it going?
Look!
Want me
to come down there?
No, go back
to your post!
Ahead, keep going ahead!
No depth, Commander.
Don't worry.
Stick to the coast.
The first officer, Papa.
The first officer!
How far away?
- Not quite a mile.
- Start the motor, Papa?
It's us eless. The y'll find us...
at the mouth of the inlet.
Quick. Tie everything down.
The oars, the nets, everything...
everything that floats.
You hear?
Quick!
Don't forget a thing!
It doesn't matter
about the knots. Quick!
Hurry! Hurry!
Quick! He's close.
He's almost here!
Remember the landmarks,
that rock down there,
the mouth of the bay,
that high crag with
yellow moss... okay?
Why don't you get
the motor running?
Remember, this is where Speranza
goes down. Now jump in!
What are you doing, Squarcio?
Why don't you start the motor?
Move it!
- And you?
- Go!
Jump, Papa!
What are you doing?
Easy now.
Slow down.
Did we miss them leaving?
Turn back. Full speed!
Got a cigarette, Squarcio?
It's clearing up.
Let's hope... it's time.
Nylon line is better.
No, dynamite is better.
Nylon costs too much.
Well?
Nothing doing.
I talked with that guy
from Montefalcone.
H e also won't go down 90 feet
without a diving suit.
If you find someone,
I'll lend you the boat whenever.
But it's difficult. Everyone
is busy saving their own skins.
Squarcio, take notice of what I say.
Quit now!
Know what I do now?
I sell cheese.
I'm in much better shape.
- Even the boat's up for auction.
- Poor Santamaria!
Balzano...
where's your boat?
I lent it out.
- Know what I regret?
- What?
I'm sorry there's no
deep-sea diver on the island.
Yes, Chief. A real shame!
We could do with a diver.
See you, Chief.
Hope so.
Ciao, I was looking for you.
Ciao, Salvatore.
- Have something to drink?
- Yes.
A bottle.
Listen up...
a laughing matter!
H e's got it bad
for your daughter.
- I will marry her!
- Hear that?
H e'll marry her.
What do you think?
Me? I say he's a fool.
I said the same.
H e's 20!
- You'll ruin yours elf, son.
- That's my business. Well?
I told you.
If she agrees...
I'll go and tell her.
Ever s een such a frenzy?
Let's giv e them a hand
and get them married at once.
At once? No, Salvatore.
No, not at once. I don't agree.
Let's wait a bit.
It's got to be a grand celebration.
All right. There's no hurry.
I'v e been meaning
to say this for a while...
if you agree, we could
be together like before,
50/50.
Poverty again, going 50/50.
You'll see.
Things will be better.
Soon we'll also have a fridge.
I'm not the Co-op type.
Unless you need
a dynamite fisherman.
As you wish.
I'll pick up the tab
for the wine.
Ciao!
Be seeing you...
I told you, I can't accept.
Thanks, Renato, but I can't.
Thanks so much.
You're in love
with someone else?
No, it's not for that reason.
Because...
I'm not who you think I am.
What do you mean?
You s ee, he wasn't like us.
H e was from the mainland.
He made it all sound so simple.
It s eemed as if there
was nothing wrong.
He would'v e married me, however.
I'm sure of that!
I have to go home now.
What a pity.
I liked you
when you came by
to say hello.
Diana! Listen.
Stop, Diana.
I'll marry you all the same!
It's all the same to me!
I want to marry you!
Meanwhile, I'll start
taking inv entory.
And then I'll talk
to your husband.
No, wait!
Won't you take a drop?
No, thank you.
One table,
one radio,
one sideboard,
one night-fishing lamp,
one cast-iron stove.
- All in excellent condition.
- Wait, I beg you!
It's not my fault
if the notes weren't honored.
Notes s e cured
by property, ma'am.
- One sewing machine.
- No, please. Not this!
One sewing machine
in good condition.
What year?
- Didn't you hear my mother?
- Stop it, Tonino.
Please, signore! It was a gift
from my husband two years ago.
What's going on?
What do you want?
I don't enter into it.
Just following orders.
Scram, louse!
Get out! Get out!
- Okay. Calm down, let's see.
- Get out!
Listen, wait a moment.
Maybe we can cut a deal.
H e'll wait a fortnight.
Don't worry, Rosetta.
Don't worry!
They're right close by!
Who can it be?
Start the motor, Renato.
Let's go!
Quick, Tonino, quick!
H urry!
Out! Fast!
Stop, Squarcio.
It's useless!
Let's wait.
You go! Quickly!
Go away, I said!
Take these, they're yours!
Your bomb killed them.
Take them home!
Are you done?
Those're ours,
on the other hand.
We work here, Squarcio,
with nets.
Take them now.
You know you're doing wrong,
Squarcio. Why keep on doing it?
Come on! Are you afraid?
There're fiv e of you.
We also worked as
a five, Squarcio
- Let go!
- Watch out! H e might fight back!
We know you're in deep trouble
but you shouldn't be doing this.
- Shut up, you little snot!
- Enough already, Squarcio!
- Give us those bags!
- The sea's ruined.
Now you bomb us at home.
No fish will be caught
for six months,
and you know it. Thief!
Stop, Squarcio.
Stop, you!
You'll pay for this.
You're dead meat!
Cowards! Cowards!
You're dead meat!
Sorry, children,
but your father's
doing wrong.
Let's go.
Slowly...
that's the rock,
the mouth of the bay...
the crag with moss.
It's here for sure.
Halt! Let's take a look.
Why don't you let me try first?
I might make it.
Okay.
Now stay alert,
I'm warning you!
If any boat comes by,
cast your fishing lines.
If you hear
the Coast Guard's boat,
give me a signal,
pull on the rope, like this, okay?
There he is!
Did you make it, Papa?
How deep down is the motor?
You're tired?
Why don't you take a break?
The wrench?
There he is!
H e won't make it!
H e won't make it! H e'll get hurt!
Tell him, Tonino!
Make him stop!
Papa! Papa!
73, 74, 75, 76...
91, 92, 93, 94...
I did it, boys.
I did it, Tonino!
- What's up, Papa?
- Nothing, it'll pass.
- Do you want to drink?
- No.
Let me sleep now.
We have to wait till dark.
Attention, signori, please.
H e y, did you see that?
Your son's here!
H e came like all the others,
out of curiosity.
Just like me!
Who cares about the boat!
I looked for you everywhere.
I need an advance.
On what? No, I already
told you, Squarcio.
Listen! The Co-op's fridge
will be running in a few days.
No one's going to work
anymore to make you fat.
I know. So what?
You can't imagine
how much disgust I feel
but I'm the only one willing
to fill up your fridge.
And how will you go out fishing?
Going to swim out there, maybe?
I'v e got my motor back again.
Nobody bids 40,000 lire?
Tiny little boats cost more.
Any bids? 40,000?
H e can bring the price down,
as low as he wants.
But if Santamaria doesn't
buy his boat back,
there'll be no bids.
That's how we do things here.
- Who bids 30,000?
- 30,000.
I have a bid of 30,000.
You see? You see?
No more?
Nobody bids more than 30,000?
30,000 going once,
30,000 going twice...
35,000.
37,000.
A 24-foot boat, signori.
No more bids?
40,000.
Can you lend me some money?
You got nothing to give me?
- Going... going...
- 42,000.
42,000, Signori.
It's worth a lot more.
Courage!
50,000.
No more bids? Attention!
Going to the highest bidder.
- Let's go.
- 50,000, signori.
H e's leaving.
Should I go?
Sure, go on!
Pleas e, Signori,
a moment more.
50,000 going once...
50,000 going twice...
gone!
Got it?
It's ov er with Diana too.
Salvatore!
Courage, man!
Go! Go!
Thanks, Salvatore.
I'm sorry,
but I had no more.
I'm sorry too, Grandpa.
Thanks... thanks...
The boat's not what counts.
Come on, let's go.
It's always his fault!
H e's ruined my life! Look at it!
Stop it, Diana!
No, that's it! First Domenico,
and now Renato.
I can't go out with him.
He forbids it!
And why not?
What has he done wrong?
Nothing! He just said
that he loves me.
He only wants to marry me.
Come on, Diana.
It'll all work out.
No! It's not fair. Tonight,
he was going to take me dancing.
For a month, he's been promising.
Everybody's going and I...
- Where to?
- To the Co-op party.
Get yours elf ready. I'll take you.
Move it! Get dressed!
- But... Papa?
- H urry up!
I told you,
I'll take care of it!
- No, Diana. Papa said no!
- Papa's wrong!
Let's drink to the Co-op!
Cheers! Good health!
Listen up! Tomorrow morning,
4:00 a. m., we set sail all together!
You're drunk, Tommaso.
You've already told us four times.
Right! Let them dance
so they'll fish better tomorrow.
Come down!
As I said, we'll take
the wholesalers' best offer
and then we'll see if we should
go direct to the market.
Even Natale did this.
Diana, would you dance
with such an old man?
Would you hold this?
Bravo, bravo, Salvatore.
H e y, Salvatore.
We're still going strong, eh?
H ere, you next. Dancing isn't
for me anymore, I'm out of breath.
- H e's holding her too tight.
- Shut up!
You shut up!
You'll see what Squarcio says.
I could care less.
Instead, I do! Don't say again
that Papa's in the wrong.
- What do you know?
- More than you.
As soon as we're alone,
you'll see.
- You want to hit me?
- Yes!
H e's dead meat, your father!
H e y guys, stop that!
I fight with father and son
and you let her go with them?
Diana's in love. Renato
is a good boy, you always said so.
- And Bore and Tonino?
- They went as chaperones.
H ere they are!
- Did you enjoy yourself?
- Yes, Mamma.
And you?
Don't you like dancing?
No. But we had to
chaperone Diana.
You can sleep well.
Mamma told me.
- All's agreed.
- Thanks, Papa.
H urry up, however,
becaus e we set sail at 4:00 a. m.
Great!
At 4:00 a. m., Squarcio.
You're going fishing?
Yes, you know.
Easterly wind,
tomorrow will be perfect.
An exceptional day!
H e couldn't do anything
with that boat,
don't you think?
What's important is that
Santamaria is back with his son.
Certainly, he'll be happy.
In any cas e, I'll give him back
his boat as soon as I can.
Just a few more trips done well
and we'll be on an even keel again.
How many more trips, Squarcio?
Oh... three, four.
We'll finish paying for the motor,
get Diana married.
And after that?
After what? We'll talk
about that afterwards!
It's 16 y ears, Squarcio,
since I married you.
For 16 y ears,
I'v e been afraid.
And you never said
anything about it to me?
You think it's easy
to tell you anything?
You know, no one gives
you something for nothing.
It's natural.
Yes, but we've got it all now.
A bit of land,
the house...
Meantime, you still haven't been
capable of giving me another son.
Still three more trips,
you said so yourself.
- Fine, we'll discuss it later.
- No, I beg you, Squarcio.
You must tell me right now.
Because it's not true
that I haven't been capable.
We will have another child...
A boy!
A boy! Rosetta!
Another boy!
What can you fear,
with four men in the family?
Listen, we could
even man a trawler.
There's no one
who can fish like me!
And my three sons on board!
The finest crew
in the Mediterranean.
And we'll have
huge gear, all new.
We could even install a fridge
and go far out...
far out on the open seas,
and reach the coast of Africa.
Great things, you'll see!
You'll see what
I'm telling you, Rosetta.
Rosetta?
Squarcio...
is there really no other way
to get all this?
Stop!
Everybody, stop!
Let's start here, facing west.
Now then...
Good luck.
See you tonight!
Nice boat, Squarcio!
Where'd you get it?
H e got it
from his fairy godmother.
Give it back to Santamaria!
Greetings to Natale
for us, Squarcio.
You made it, Salvatore.
Each one adapts as he can.
Good luck.
Speak, Salvatore.
- Speech, we want a speech.
- Strength and courage, Salvatore.
Speeches I don't know how.
We're doing this
for our families,
for our children
you all know.
Louder! Come on, Salvatore!
Continue! Speak!
Listen up!
By uniting our nets,
we could enclose
10 miles of s ea.
We've got our own fridge
in the village,
and strong arms!
Now it all depends on us.
Good luck, fishermen.
Let's begin!
Strength to the Co-op!
Long live the Co-op!
An extraordinary day.
Eh, sons?
A great day for fishing.
Yes, Papa.
And the admiral knows nothing.
The admiral is sleeping.
Even as we are back at sea,
why don't the y speak?
What hav e they got against me?
What are the y short of?
Bore, rev up the motor a bit.
Afraid of burning
too much dies el oil?
Tonino,
on Sunday, the three of us
will go fishing with nets.
Happy?
From now on,
I'm Natale's only supplier,
and Tonino is ashamed of me.
I need to talk to him.
I need to talk to him, immediately.
Papa! Papa!
Bore, take a look at Tonino!
Is he alive?
Bring him here.
He's alive! He's alive!
You're alive, alive, big boy.
Alive!
Try, Bore, try and help me.
Tonino needs to be
taken to the village.
Let's try together,
for mercy's sake. My legs!
Again... again...
don't worry.
We can't make it, Squarcio.
We won't be able to make it.
Papa... Papa...
Listen. Your brother's
losing too much blood.
You two'll make it.
Take him to the village, Bore.
Straight to the hospital.
Then come back with someone.
Go on, hurry!
Grab him by the arms.
That way you can keep
his chest raised.
Papa!
Be strong, Bore!
Be strong!
Be brave, Tonino!
Gently... gently, Bore...
Come, Bore.
Come quick.
Write down what I say.
It's best this way,
you never know.
Courage.
Write!
I'm not able to.
Ah, Bore, you told me
you'd learnt how.
It doesn't matter.
Then listen,
and repeat it all well to Rosetta.
She'll take care of everything.
The boat must be given back
to Santamaria because it's his.
The motor, I'm leaving it
to you and Tonino.
And all three of you must help
Diana when she marries Renato.
Wait, one more thing.
Salvatore, the Co-op...
it'll solve everything,
you know, Bore...
like bombs...
perhaps better.
Tell Salvatore from me
that the Co-op...
will do good business,
because within a few years
no one on the islands
will know how to fish
better than Squarcio's sons.
Don't cry, Bore...
men don't cry.
You'll see, I'll make it.
Go now, my little one.
You've never run
the boat on your own...
but I'm sure you'll make it.
You've got to hurry...
Tonino's in your hands
and perhaps me too.
Be strong, Papa!
Strong, so I can make it in time.
The air valv e, Bore!
The wind's blowing,
the northwesterly.
Pity...
It was a great day
for fishing...
like I used to fish!
THE END