Rare Breed (1984) - full transcript
A real-life story of a kidnapped horse in Italy, and a young girl's quest to retrieve it.
[bright music]
[soft music]
[indistinct chattering]
[bell rings]
[crowd cheering]
[hooves rumbling]
[soft music]
[indistinct chattering]
[auctioneer blabbering]
[gentle music]
- I found a horse.
[auctioneer blabbering]
Why'd you stop?
- Well, because we
agreed on a limit.
- But I could see
it in her eyes.
She wasn't goin' no higher.
- Honey, a limit is a limit.
Now, you can get carried away
with the excitement
of these auctions.
- My granddad used to tell me
the first money you make on
a horse is at an auction.
- Yeah.
- My stomach tells me
it's time for breakfast.
- [Announcer] All
right, thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
that concludes the
auction for today.
- I found a horse.
- Honey, the auction is over.
- But there's one left.
- Buckingham Farms here
are offering for sale
just a truly fine and
gracious young filly.
- I told you, that's her.
- Honey, we are hungry.
- You told me to
watch and learn.
Well, I watched and learned,
and that's a damn good filly.
A damn good filly.
- [Announcer] Research clinic
at the University
of Pennsylvania.
- Always wanted to
see a damn good filly.
- You wait. She's beautiful.
- The name of this
filly is Carnauba.
She is a great filly
and it's really too bad
we didn't get her
in the catalog.
She is sired by No Home II,
and she is out of
Carnival Queen.
- Hey, not bad, baby.
- And Carnival Queen-
- I told you, didn't I?
- [Man] Remember is the
high spirit of Margo.
- [Auctioneer] All right.
Lot number 59-
- She's learning.
[auctioneer blabbering]
- I'm not seeing
a lot of quality.
We regret that she's came
in out of the catalog
and as an extra lot,
but don't penalize
her that much, fellas.
And we'll have 25,000,
26,000 in honor.
[auctioneer blabbering]
- Sold to Nathan
Hill, Dallas, Texas.
- Well, he's not the only one
who knows how to signal a bid.
He may have his cigarettes,
but I've got my glasses.
- Oh, thank you.
- [Announcer] All
right. Thank you.
- Hey, don't forget.
She's your responsibility.
- [Announcer] And
ladies and gentlemen,
that concludes the
sale for today.
- You know, she don't hear
a damn thing I tell her.
God, I wish she'd grow up.
By the way,
thanks.
- For what?
I always wanted to
own a damn good filly.
[dramatic music]
[horse whinnying]
[Anne laughs]
- You know why God made
that horse's head so big?
- No. Why?
- Put all the dumb in.
- Are you sure your daddy
said for us to be doing this?
- I know this horse, Henry.
Trust me.
- But your daddy says
she don't take kind
to weight on the back.
Billy Bob been
trying for six weeks.
- Billy Bob never did
know how to treat a lady.
Trust me, Henry.
- I trust you, Ms. Anne.
I just don't want your
daddy puttin' old Henry
out the graves if you're wrong.
- Henry.
Isn't that Carnauba?
- The same.
- Well, didn't Jess
say she wouldn't...
- Mm-hmm.
Said Billy Bob don't know
how to handle a lady.
Can't wait till
that gets around.
[gentle music]
- Got it, girl.
Come on.
Easy, girl.
Easy.
Got it, girl.
Don't grab her.
That's a girl.
Come on.
Okay.
Come on, girl.
Easy.
Okay, Henry.
Let her get used to it now.
Got it, girl. Easy.
[horse whinnying]
Easy, girl. Don't hold her face.
Easy, girl.
- Mr. Hill?
- Uh-oh, Ms. Anne.
Father's coming.
- Mr. Hill.
- It'll be all right, Henry.
- Like hell it is, Ms. Anne.
Your daddy's gonna bust my butt.
- Easy, girl. Come on.
Oh, girl.
Easy.
Easy, girl.
There we go.
[horse whinnying]
[ominous music]
Okay. Let me have her,
I got her.
Oh, easy, girl.
Easy, girl.
Easy.
Easy, oh.
Easy, girl.
- I'll be damned.
- Easy, girl.
Oh.
Ho, ho.
Easy, girl.
That's it.
Easy.
Come on, ho.
That's it, girl.
That's a good girl.
Easy.
Okay, nice and slow.
Easy, girl.
Easy, girl.
Good girl.
See, that wasn't so
hard now, was it?
- You must be Luigi.
I'm Nathan Hill.
- Yes, sir.
- Glad to see you.
- Easy.
- What the hell do you
think you're doing?
[horse whinnying]
[dramatic music]
- Well, that was some ride.
- You know something?
You are still not too big
for me to tan your breaches.
- I just wanted to prove that-
- I know what you wanted.
I'll tell you something.
I got a lot of men on this farm
that I pay good money
to break horses.
It's not a job for my daughter.
- But did you see her?
- I saw her.
And I saw something else.
I saw a very foolish young
lady trying to break her neck.
And I don't ever
want to see you do
a damn foolish thing
like that again.
I'm gonna tell you
something else.
She can run like
a bat outta hell.
- I told you, didn't I?
Did you see her,
Nathan? Did you?
Oh, excuse me.
But anyway, she
needs a hot down.
I mean, a rub down.
Henry.
- We'll go back with you, baby.
[gentle music]
- [Nathan] Jess,
this is Luigi Nelson.
- Lou is just fine.
- Lou trains horses
for his father.
They got the Kalina stable
right outside of Milan.
- Ah!
- I promised them
five two-year-olds
for the coming season.
And the Kentucky Derby
winner over there
is Jess's daughter, Anne.
- Hi.
- I'm afraid I thought
you were a boy at first.
- Yeah, well, don't feel guilty.
I haven't seen her in a dress
since the day she was
christened. [laughs]
- Well, how about if I show
you around a little bit, huh?
- Good idea.
- I'll show you where
the bar is, huh?
[gentle music]
- Take your pick.
- That one over there.
The bay, what's her name?
- Bay...
- Carnauba? But you can't.
She's hardly broken yet.
- Well, I tell you
she's got possibilities,
but she looks like
she could be trouble.
- Trouble.
- I'm sure I can handle her.
- Anne, I promised his father,
he could have any
five horses he wants.
If he wants Carnauba,
I'm afraid he's got her.
- But it's not fair, daddy.
She's mine.
- Honey, honey, honey.
- But she's mine.
- She is not yours.
That's Nathan's horse.
And he's given his word.
- But I've been responsible.
- I know.
Yeah.
Get outta here. Let
me take care of this.
Get.
- I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to come between
you and your daughter.
- Believe me,
nobody can do that.
- Lou, are you sure you
won't change your mind?
- No, sir. I don't think so.
- Well, like I said, got the
makings of a good race horse.
- Come on, I'll buy you a drink?
[upbeat music]
I remember right after the war,
we bought up all of the
best bloodstock in Europe.
Things haven't been
the same since.
That's why I think it's
time for us to reinvest
some of our talents over there.
I told Luigi and his father,
they could race any five
two-year-olds I got.
Well, you talk about having
a good eye for horses,
he picked my five best
right off the top.
[upbeat music]
[all clapping]
- Hey, I was hoping to see
your daughter before I left.
- Oh, don't let it worry you.
- I just thought if
I get to talk to her,
she might understand.
- I know, but she's gotta
learn like everybody else.
You got to take your best shot.
I got one, look at
that. I got an empty.
- And I can always
come and see you.
[gentle music]
Oh, I know it won't
be as easy as here,
but Italy's not so far away.
Well, maybe it's not that
close, but dad's right.
This could be your big chance.
I mean, you'll have
the best of everything.
Oh, I know it won't be
the same, but just think,
you can be the hottest
thing in San Siro.
You just gotta
promise to be good.
No more stepping
on people's toes
or laying down after
they've cleaned you up.
Oh, you can step on that
old Luigi Nelson's toes
anytime you want.
- I wanna thank you for
being such an honorable man.
- You give your father
my best regards.
Tell him I want some winners.
- Will do.
Again, I'm sorry
about your daughter.
- Hey, don't worry about it.
We just figured it'd
be a little better
if she made herself
a little scarce.
She's at that awkward
age, you know?
- [Luigi] Well, tell her I'll
take good care of her horse.
- Well, I know, she knows that.
- These trailers will load
directly on the airplane,
so that shouldn't be
much of a problem.
With any luck at all, you'll
be out of this cold weather
and back in Milan in 12 hours.
- Well, thanks for all your
help with the arrangements.
I'm sure we'll make out fine.
- [Nathan] Okay, Lou.
- When you come to Milan,
you know where to stay.
Jess.
- Good trip.
[gentle music]
- [Luigi] Yes, we found her.
She claims she was kidnapped
by Bolshevik revolutionaries.
No, she's fine.
- I just wanted to
be with my horse.
- That's enough.
Your father and
Mr. Hill both agree
you've caused quite enough
trouble for the time being.
Your dad suggested
a good tanning.
I think getting skinned
alive would be more like it.
Your little adventure
has cost me 16 hours
and filling out police forms
and answering questions,
not to mention the fact
I haven't had any sleep
the last two and a half days.
- Would it help
to say I'm sorry?
- [Luigi] No, it would not.
- I didn't think so.
- Then there's the
question of a passport.
You, my dear are an
illegal alien, a wetback.
This country has very strong
feelings against wetbacks.
I had to do some
very fancy talking
to get us all out
of a lot of trouble.
You are no longer a wetback.
This is a work visa.
- A work visa?
- [Luigi] That's
right, for work.
You ever heard of that?
You're grooming my stables.
- You mean I can stay?
- You love the horse that much,
your dad said it would be okay.
But there are conditions.
- Anything.
- You work hard.
- I promise.
- Finish your schooling.
- Promise.
- And your dad says,
you wear a dress.
- What?
Wait a minute. He says what?
- You object?
- No, it just sort
of slipped out.
I always did look good in pink.
[gentle music]
[horse whinnying]
One more crack like that
and I'm gonna cut
your oats in half.
- [Luigi] Morning.
- Morning.
- That's very nice.
- It's not too good for
cleaning out stables.
- I do tend to see your point.
I'll tell you what, let's
make a deal between us.
For your father's sake,
you wear dresses at
meals and at school.
And for Carnauba's sake,
well, we don't wanna make
her adjustments any harder.
- I'll be right back.
- And now, let's see if
you can move as fast.
Huh, baby?
- How's she doing Romano?
- It'll be harder to
lose with this one.
- You mean we
finally got a horse
you'd be willing to bet on?
- My bookie, he's
gonna love this horse.
- Did I hear you say kilometer?
Isn't that pushing
a little too much.
- She's strong.
I wanna find out how strong.
- Don't forget, she's
just a two-year-old.
[dramatic music]
- Wasn't she wonderful?
Wasn't she?
- She was every bit that,
young lady and more so.
So, a father has a
hard time letting go.
[both laugh]
- Come on.
[gentle music]
- Did you get your bets down?
- All we could afford.
It means the book maker
called our kitchen
sink non-negotiable.
- That's funny. He took mine.
- Well, it looks
like our only problem
is number five, Regatta.
She's run second to
the last two times out.
- [Frank] She's an
even money favorite.
- It just means
better odds for us.
- Provided we win.
- We're gonna win, all right.
I never pick a loser.
- They're at the post.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer speaking
in foreign language]
- Come on!
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[upbeat music]
[crowd cheering]
- Beautiful, baby.
Well, what's next?
- Nathan, that's we
wanna talk to you about?
- All right.
- She's very strong.
I wanna give her a
couple of more races,
and enter her in the
Criterium di Roma.
- Isn't that against colts?
- Mr. Hill, you wanted winners.
It's my intention
to have Carnauba
ready to win the Fred
Darling Stakes in England
at the end of her
three-year-old season.
- Fred Darling's
open to all ages.
No filly has ever won it.
- I won't race her
unless she's healthy.
- Two things my daddy told me.
One was you don't change horses
in the middle of a stream
and you never quit a winner.
You keep her in the money,
I've got no call to
question you, have I?
- No.
You haven't.
[soft music]
- Hello.
Hello, Anne. Listen to this.
Congratulations on
recent victory. Stop.
Fred Darling entry
fee paid. Stop.
Ship Carnauba quickest
way to England. Stop.
We'll join you there. Stop.
Jess sends best to Anne. Stop.
Regards, Nathan Hill.
- That's it. That's great.
That's wonderful.
Let me see that.
Papa, you'll come with me?
- Too cold. You go.
Of course, take Anne here
and her father will be there.
But you only got two weeks.
You gotta think about shipping
her off as soon as you can.
She'll need time to adjust.
- It's all set for tomorrow.
[upbeat music]
- Hi.
- Hi, honey.
[upbeat band music]
[crowd applauding]
- You know what
your dad told me?
Told me you graduated
with top honors.
- You know how dad lies.
- Not all the time.
Anyway, here's a belated
graduation present.
- Oh, thank you.
I got the best two
dads in the world.
[gentle bugle music]
[crowd cheering]
- [Announcer] And still
Home Maker by three parts
of a length, followed closely
by Monsieur Beaucoup
and Irish Glad.
And now Insensible
is along the outside,
turning to the back stretch
to lead first quarter
in a brisk fight
between two and four.
It's Insensible on the lead
with Monsieur Beaucoup
still running second.
Irish Glad and Home
Maker matches one.
This one is the long rails
as Carnauba pulls up to six.
Still brisk down to the foil
as they button to the far turn.
It's Insensible now holding
up a two-length lead.
And Monsieur Beaucoup,
Irish Glad and Home Maker.
[upbeat music]
Carnauba now [indistinct]
heads for home.
Insensible, Monsieur
Beaucoup and the men apart.
Here comes Carnauba.
Can Carnauba close the lead.
[announcer speaking
indistinctly]
[crowd applauding]
[indistinct chattering]
- Hi.
- Oh, hi.
- You plan on celebrating?
- Yeah, sort of.
What you got planned?
- I don't know. What
do you have planned?
- Oh, nothing much.
I was gonna meet an old friend,
maybe have some dinner.
Sort of unwind, you know?
- Oh, that sounds like fun.
- You're welcome to
join us if you like.
- Sure. Sounds fantastic.
But I really do need to spend
some time with my father.
- Well, I'll tell you what.
I made reservations
at the Jockey Club.
Why don't you join us there
at say, eight o'clock.
- Okay. Eight o'clock.
- Fine. I'll see you then.
- Did you hear that?
I'm gonna put on the sexiest
stress he's ever seen.
It's gonna take him a week to
get his eyes back in place.
[bell tolling]
[soft music]
Mr. Nelson's table, please.
- Yes, ma'am. Right this way.
- Give her a workout for about
20 minutes and then walk her.
- Okay.
[soft music]
Help me up.
- Put that back up
where it belongs.
[soft music]
- Go on, girl.
[upbeat music]
[ominous music]
[owl hooting]
[man speaking in
foreign language]
[horse whinnying]
[speaking in foreign language]
- [Frank] What's happening?
- Somebody's taken Carnauba.
Take care of him.
- Yeah, I'll send
Jess this afternoon.
All right.
Sure, I'll call you later today.
- Hey. Morning, mate.
Hey, got problems?
- Carnauba's been stolen.
Right out of Frank
Nelson's stable.
There were no witnesses.
Just a note asking
for two million lira.
That's about $350,000.
- Heavy.
- Well, she's insured
for more than that.
Not that it matters.
- Well, now what?
- I don't know, Jess.
If I pay them, there's
not a resource anywhere
that's gonna be safe.
If I don't, I'm afraid
they're gonna kill Carnauba.
- Well, when do I leave?
- You're booked on the
4:30 out of Dallas.
Just buy me some time, Jess.
Just some time.
I really don't know
what I'm gonna do.
Keep it quiet, no
police, no press.
I've already told Frank Nelson.
Carnauba's safety comes first.
- Right, well, I guess
I better get to it,
price is right, later.
- Jess?
- Huh?
- Have I said thank you
to you often enough?
- Yeah, what the hell.
Too many times, baby.
- You feel all right, Frank?
- That damn jet lag.
I thought we were gonna
keep the police out of this.
- Nothing we could do.
One of our stable boys'
brother is a policemen.
- Oh!
- Jess, this is Lieutenant Oppo.
Mr. Cutler here represents
Nathan Hill, the owner.
- Huh? Signor.
- Howdy.
- They sent this.
It says two million lira
or they'll butcher her.
It arrived this afternoon.
- Got any idea where
that was taken?
- Nope.
But Lieutenant Oppo here
says he can have it enlarged.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Wait a minute.
Just so I can keep
track of things,
could you keep it in English?
- Ah, si.
We have sent out a
description of the horse
both locally and
through Interpol.
Perhaps she will turn up.
That is assuming they
haven't already sold her
using forged papers.
- Possible.
The registration number's
tattooed to her upper lip.
- Is this true?
- Uh-huh.
Any legitimate holder or
breeder would have to check
with the racing board
before they could buy her?
- Then they must come to us.
- Well, if they want the
kinda they're talking about.
- No, no. You must pay no money.
[speaking in foreign language]
- That's up to Mr. Hill.
- No, you must instruct Mr. Hill
not to deal with
these kidnappers.
- Well, I'll pass
that word along,
but you might as
well know right now
that that horse comes first.
- No, not for ransom.
Don't worry. The horse,
he's a perfect victim.
High priced and dumb.
I made no offense.
I simply mean the
horse, she no talk.
You tell Mr. Hill they
know key to the horse.
- You're positive of that, huh?
- Well, maybe yes, maybe no.
I will to the
enlargement myself.
In the meantime, we will monitor
all incoming telephone calls.
[speaking in foreign language]
[soft music]
Hey.
[speaking in foreign language]
Ah, signor Cutler.
[speaking in foreign language]
- I thought we were gonna
keep this in English.
- English.
English. All right.
There is no reward.
- Look, call it a finder's fee,
any damn thing you want.
The safety of the horse
is the main thing.
Now, it's as simple as that.
- Jess, you spoke to Hill?
- Yeah, just now.
A few minutes ago.
He wired the money this morning
and we can pick it
up this afternoon.
- I'll take care of it.
- Now, he'll be over in
the next plane himself.
- No.
- Well, he can do any
damn thing he wants.
- Not Mr. Hill money.
He is not to deal
with his kidnappers.
- Look, Mr. Hill feels the
same way exactly about it.
The $25,000 is only for
the return of the horse.
No questions asked.
- Why should they take $25,000
when they're asking for 350,000?
- We've been
through all of that.
We are the only deal in town.
[phone ringing]
[speaking in foreign language]
- Frank Nelson.
[man speaking in
foreign language]
They wanna talk to you.
- Yeah, this is Jess Cutler.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Welcome to Milano.
You have a very fine horse.
We like her very much.
- Oh yeah. Well, the horse
belongs to Mr. Nathan Hill.
I represent Mr. Hill.
- Ah, Mr. Hill.
The rich Americano who has
polluted Italian racing
with his money?
He loves this horse?
- Well, he ain't
gonna marry her,
so cut the crap.
And how do we know
you got Carnauba?
- She has her number tattooed
inside her mouth, no?
84796?
- Yeah, well, Mr.
Hill has authorized me
to pay you a $25,000
finder's fee.
And we just want Carnauba
back. No questions asked.
- Find her?
We did not find
her. We took her.
You want her back?
The ransom is two million lira.
- You don't understand.
We do not deal with kidnappers.
Now, the price is $25,000 flat.
We just want the horse back.
- No, signor. It is you
who do not understand.
The price is two million lira.
You tell the rich Americano,
there are worse things
than poverty, signor.
Like death.
- If you touch that horse,
if any harm comes to her...
[speaking in foreign language]
Bastards!
- Jess. Jess.
- Daddy.
- Get on that chair.
- Oh my God!
- Get some brandy.
[speaking in foreign language]
[soft music]
- And it's not that
I don't understand.
He's been around the track
as many times as most.
He's carried a little
more weight, I think.
He's carried me lots of times.
He's the best I've ever seen.
He's the best.
[plane engine roaring]
So if you don't need
Jess, too bad, I do.
I appreciate it.
- [Oppo] Ah, signorina,
your father, he's better?
- We still don't know.
Romano's gonna take me
back to the hospital
and then go on and
pick up Nathan.
- Ah, at last.
The elusive Mr. Hill.
[speaking in foreign language]
- He says it arrived
by messenger.
They opened it outside
because they're afraid
it might be a bomb.
- A bomb?
- The police think they might
be dealing with terrorists.
- Oh my God!
[ominous music]
[speaking in foreign language]
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- [Man] So you see
what $25,000 buys?
But do not worry, this
is not your horse.
- What kind of a
monster are you?
- The Americano.
- He can't come on the phone.
- He won't?
Do not play the games?
I will ask once more.
- He can't come to the
phone. He's in the hospital.
- [Man] The Americano and I
were discussing a business deal.
- Yes, yes. I know.
- Oh, then signor,
you will understand
that two million
lira is a fair price
for such a fine
horse, is he not?
- I can't offer more than
Mr. Hill is willing to pay.
Hello?
Hello? Are you there?
- If you cannot pay,
you must listen.
I am certain your Mr. Hill
will want to know
how his horse died.
[whip lashing]
[horse whinnying]
- No!
Please, Lou.
[speaking in foreign language]
- A corpse buys you nothing.
The Americano is crazy.
25,000 is all he will pay.
If you kill the horse, you
would've worked for nothing.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Do you have the money?
- The 25,000?
SI. In small bills.
I'll bring it wherever
you want tonight.
- Perhaps you are correct.
Place the money in a bag
and go at precisely midnight
to the Piazza
Agrippa in Morivione,
in the road to Genoa.
You will find a phone booth.
Wait for further instructions.
And no police or the horse dies.
Capisce?
- At Piazza Agrippa,
at midnight.
- Thank God they're
finally being reasonable.
- There is nothing
reasonable in a rabid dog.
Come, we must make ready.
- No, I've got to go alone.
- But of course, this is
why we must make ready.
- Your father will be taken
to surgery very shortly.
You may see him only
for a few minutes.
[soft music]
- Daddy.
You're gonna be fine.
You've just got to get well.
Nathan's on his way.
He should be here
in a little while,
and he's got you a good doctor.
I love you.
I hope you know that.
I know with me over
here and you over there,
it hasn't always been
easy to tell, but I do.
It's always been just me
and you since mama died.
And I've loved you.
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- You are prompt.
Listen carefully and do
only what you are told.
You're being watched
at all times.
If you try to signal the police,
the horse will be killed.
Capisce?
- Si.
- Now, hang up the phone
and look under the booth
for a box of players.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Terrorists.
Why always at night.
They must never make love.
[speaking in foreign language]
[soft music]
[ominous music]
[sirens wailing]
[speaking in foreign language]
- You all right?
You got the money?
- I'm still alive.
What took you so long?
- Too much pasta, huh?
- Yeah.
[somber music]
[ominous music]
- No. What are you doing?
[speaking in foreign language]
- So, the signorina
wishes to pay us a visit?
It's nice.
- Why are you doing this?
[speaking in foreign language]
- Big money?
You're rich
Americano, we're poor.
Why else?
- Carnauba? Where is she?
- Oh yes, Carnauba.
A champion thoroughbred,
and they do not pay.
I wonder what they
pay for you, huh?
- I wanna see her.
[speaking in foreign language]
[horse whinnying]
- Carnauba, what have
they done to you?
- Lou, are you all right?
- Yeah, I think so.
- No deal?
- No horse.
I think they just wanted
to take off with the money.
- But where's Oppo?
- He said he had to
stop by his office
and pick up a blow up of
that picture they sent.
Where's Anne?
- She's at the hospital.
Jess is still in recovery.
Although the doctor said
that the operation went okay.
- Oh, that's super.
That's just great.
Well, I'll get cleaned
up and take you over.
- All right, thanks.
[speaking in foreign language]
[men laughing]
- Do you realize
what you're doing?
I'm an American citizen.
You're about to create an
international incident.
- Oh, really?
And what will your
government do?
Cut off our foreign aid?
- It's only a matter of
time before they catch you.
- And when they get
here, we will be gone.
Come on.
You will tell them
to bring the money
before you and the
horse get hurt.
Capisce?
- Okay, let's go.
- Yeah.
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- We warned you not to
bring in the police.
Now the price goes up.
10 million lira.
- 10 million?
Look, I can't
control the police.
They followed me.
- An expensive mistake.
- The Americano will never pay.
I told you, no horse
is worth that much.
- There's more than the horse.
- Lou?
- Anne?
- I was at the hospital
and they grabbed me.
- So you see, 10 million
for the horse and the girl.
A bargain, no?
Tell the Americano, 10
million or they both die.
You have until I call again.
- Now, listen to me...
Get Oppo.
[speaking in foreign language]
- We've gotta get
to the hospital.
I don't want Jess to
find out about this.
- Oh.
Nathan.
I'm sorry, I guess I must
have just dozed off there.
- You take it easy, Jess.
Everything is just fine.
- Anne?
- She's just outside.
I had her skedaddle for a little
while to get a little rest.
I told her I was
gonna take over.
We didn't expect you to
wake up so soon, you know?
You want me to get her?
- No. No.
Let her have some rest.
She's been here all the time.
- All the time.
Easy, Jess.
Take it easy.
- Oh!
She is such a good kid.
- She's the very best.
She is the best.
- Who's holding my hand?
- I am, Jess.
- Oh! [chuckles]
We better not let
that get around.
- Easy, Jess.
Easy.
You're almost there.
[soft music]
Ride 'em, cowboy.
- No!
No!
[speaking in foreign language]
- My apologies.
Some appetites are more
easily satisfied than others.
I hope the Americano pays soon.
Next time I might be too late.
[Anne cries]
- Oh, Nathan.
This is Lieutenant Oppo
from the Milan police.
Nathan Hill.
- My pleasure.
I am sorry to hear
about your friend.
Of course, my department
is at your disposal
to help with any arrangements.
Now for the call, we
have made a voice print.
It is Signora Cutler.
- When did that arrive?
Oh, well, while you
were at the hospital.
Now, of course, I understand
that you have agreed
to paying the ransom.
- I want no screw-ups this time.
That girl must be returned.
- Unfortunately,
that is the problem.
I do not believe to the
best of my intuition
that even with the ransom,
they will return Signora Cutler.
- Well then we've gotta
fix it so that they do.
- I've been there.
It's a long time ago, but
something's different.
- What?
- The tracks.
- What tracks?
- Yeah, the train tracks.
You see 'em?
I didn't see 'em at first
because of the weeds.
- You are certain?
- Remember dad, the picnics
on Sunday with mama?
The trains?
- My God, he's absolutely right.
They went right by
the stable, Lake Como.
Menaggio.
- Menaggio.
That is near the Swiss border.
They intend to take the money
and disappear across the border.
Call the Menaggio police.
Tell them I need
the squad police
and someone who knows the area.
With luck, it will
all be over by dawn.
- Well, I'm coming with you.
- No, no. This is
police business.
- But I've been there.
- If they have not
moved the horse,
it will all be over
before breakfast.
- Easy, Lou.
I know how you feel.
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- The money.
Either you have it or you
start searching for bodies.
- We have it.
- You do?
10 million lira?
- Si.
The Americano agreed
this afternoon.
The money was
delivered by courier.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Then listen carefully.
We know the police listen.
And we know that everyone
goes to Menaggio.
So I will make it plain
enough even for them.
You are to come alone.
We will be watching the road.
The first sign of police
and both the girl and
the horse are dead.
Capisce?
- Capisce.
Now, where do I bring the money?
- You will take the
road to Venezia.
just before you
reach Lake Lugano,
you will come to an old bridge.
The stable is on the right.
Bring the money there.
We will wait till
seven tomorrow morning.
Come later and you'll
find only blood.
- I'll reach Oppo.
- No, this time I'm going alone.
- They're not going
to accept 25,000
when they're
expecting a million.
- It's better than nothing.
- I can get you the money.
- We don't have time.
We've gotta move now.
- I go with you.
- No, I've gotta go alone.
- What if you need help?
Besides, I know the area.
I hide in the back.
- [Nathan] Yes. For God's
sake, take somebody.
- Okay, Romano. Come on.
[soft music]
Stay here.
If I'm not back in half
an hour, go to the police.
Hola!
[speaking in foreign language]
- So, you have come?
Brought the money?
Let me look.
This is nothing.
Where's the rest?
- Where's Carnauba and the girl?
- Very cautious.
Very smart.
[speaking in foreign language]
Where is the rest?
- Now, you don't expect me to
walk in here with all of it.
When you release the
girl and the horse,
I'll take you to the rest.
- He's a liar.
[speaking in foreign language]
There isn't no more money.
It's a bluff.
- Bluffing?
- Si.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Lou.
Romano, you creep.
If my father gets
his hands on you.
- He will do not.
Your father, he's dead.
[horse whinnying]
- Anne!
[speaking in foreign language]
Why, Romano.
- 'cause I am the greatest
horse trainer in Italy.
In all of Europe.
But, who am I?
Who will take a chance on me?
I tell you the answer is a no.
Not you, not your father,
not the great Mr. Hill.
So, I must do it myself, huh?
But that takes money.
More than this pocket
[speaking in foreign language]
you brought us here today.
A great deal more money.
- That's all there is.
- The horse, si.
But what about the girl, huh?
How much more would
they pay for the girl?
Take the horse out and kill it.
- But the horse is worth money.
- More dead than alive.
Kill the horse.
How much more would they
pay to keep the girl alive?
You're gonna get more money.
They bring us this [speaking
in foreign language] today
because they do not believe us.
We must make them believe.
[speaking in foreign language]
Sure.
It's only a matter of
time before they find you.
By the time they arrive,
we'll be long gone,
But we leave them work where
to find great Carnauba.
In pieces.
Take the horse to Damio's.
Now, where to pin the note.
- Never trust a mad dog.
He can get you killed.
[speaking in foreign language]
Besides, I don't like to share.
- What are you gonna do with us?
- If they will pay for her,
surely, they will pay for you.
Get the girl.
Move.
[soft music]
[ominous music]
[gun fires]
[sirens wailing]
[speaking in foreign language]
[dramatic music]
[speaking in foreign language]
[Anne screams]
- [Anne] Help!
- Okay, we'll just
have to move real slow.
- I can't. It's going over.
- Very slow.
- Oh, no. Hurry.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Lou!
Carnauba!
- Take my car.
My new car.
Would you prefer I drive?
[soft music]
[man speaking in
foreign language]
[gun firing]
- Watch out!
- Don't tell me, tell him.
[man speaking in
foreign language]
[horse whinnying]
[speaking in foreign language]
[gunshots blaring]
[speaking in foreign language]
- Okay, [speaking in
foreign language].
[soft music]
- Come here, sweetheart.
I'm here.
That's my girl.
[Oppo sobs]
[soft music]
- I can't tell you
how sorry we all are.
- Thank you. I'm gonna miss you.
[horse whinnying]
- Okay. Okay, it's coming.
- We'll be back with
some other winners.
- I'm leaving.
- I know.
- But I'm coming back.
Hey, are you listening to me?
Or are you deaf
as well as blind.
I said, I'm coming back.
- No, little princess.
I'm not deaf and I'm not blind.
I'm 12 years older than you.
You've got a whole
world out there.
You don't even know yet.
You've gotta live a little
before you make that
kind of decision.
- I'm old enough
to know how I feel.
And I'm damn well coming back
to see how the story ends.
And if you think that mule
out there is stubborn,
you don't know nothing.
[soft music]
Bye.
[dramatic music]
[gentle music]
[soft music]
[indistinct chattering]
[bell rings]
[crowd cheering]
[hooves rumbling]
[soft music]
[indistinct chattering]
[auctioneer blabbering]
[gentle music]
- I found a horse.
[auctioneer blabbering]
Why'd you stop?
- Well, because we
agreed on a limit.
- But I could see
it in her eyes.
She wasn't goin' no higher.
- Honey, a limit is a limit.
Now, you can get carried away
with the excitement
of these auctions.
- My granddad used to tell me
the first money you make on
a horse is at an auction.
- Yeah.
- My stomach tells me
it's time for breakfast.
- [Announcer] All
right, thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
that concludes the
auction for today.
- I found a horse.
- Honey, the auction is over.
- But there's one left.
- Buckingham Farms here
are offering for sale
just a truly fine and
gracious young filly.
- I told you, that's her.
- Honey, we are hungry.
- You told me to
watch and learn.
Well, I watched and learned,
and that's a damn good filly.
A damn good filly.
- [Announcer] Research clinic
at the University
of Pennsylvania.
- Always wanted to
see a damn good filly.
- You wait. She's beautiful.
- The name of this
filly is Carnauba.
She is a great filly
and it's really too bad
we didn't get her
in the catalog.
She is sired by No Home II,
and she is out of
Carnival Queen.
- Hey, not bad, baby.
- And Carnival Queen-
- I told you, didn't I?
- [Man] Remember is the
high spirit of Margo.
- [Auctioneer] All right.
Lot number 59-
- She's learning.
[auctioneer blabbering]
- I'm not seeing
a lot of quality.
We regret that she's came
in out of the catalog
and as an extra lot,
but don't penalize
her that much, fellas.
And we'll have 25,000,
26,000 in honor.
[auctioneer blabbering]
- Sold to Nathan
Hill, Dallas, Texas.
- Well, he's not the only one
who knows how to signal a bid.
He may have his cigarettes,
but I've got my glasses.
- Oh, thank you.
- [Announcer] All
right. Thank you.
- Hey, don't forget.
She's your responsibility.
- [Announcer] And
ladies and gentlemen,
that concludes the
sale for today.
- You know, she don't hear
a damn thing I tell her.
God, I wish she'd grow up.
By the way,
thanks.
- For what?
I always wanted to
own a damn good filly.
[dramatic music]
[horse whinnying]
[Anne laughs]
- You know why God made
that horse's head so big?
- No. Why?
- Put all the dumb in.
- Are you sure your daddy
said for us to be doing this?
- I know this horse, Henry.
Trust me.
- But your daddy says
she don't take kind
to weight on the back.
Billy Bob been
trying for six weeks.
- Billy Bob never did
know how to treat a lady.
Trust me, Henry.
- I trust you, Ms. Anne.
I just don't want your
daddy puttin' old Henry
out the graves if you're wrong.
- Henry.
Isn't that Carnauba?
- The same.
- Well, didn't Jess
say she wouldn't...
- Mm-hmm.
Said Billy Bob don't know
how to handle a lady.
Can't wait till
that gets around.
[gentle music]
- Got it, girl.
Come on.
Easy, girl.
Easy.
Got it, girl.
Don't grab her.
That's a girl.
Come on.
Okay.
Come on, girl.
Easy.
Okay, Henry.
Let her get used to it now.
Got it, girl. Easy.
[horse whinnying]
Easy, girl. Don't hold her face.
Easy, girl.
- Mr. Hill?
- Uh-oh, Ms. Anne.
Father's coming.
- Mr. Hill.
- It'll be all right, Henry.
- Like hell it is, Ms. Anne.
Your daddy's gonna bust my butt.
- Easy, girl. Come on.
Oh, girl.
Easy.
Easy, girl.
There we go.
[horse whinnying]
[ominous music]
Okay. Let me have her,
I got her.
Oh, easy, girl.
Easy, girl.
Easy.
Easy, oh.
Easy, girl.
- I'll be damned.
- Easy, girl.
Oh.
Ho, ho.
Easy, girl.
That's it.
Easy.
Come on, ho.
That's it, girl.
That's a good girl.
Easy.
Okay, nice and slow.
Easy, girl.
Easy, girl.
Good girl.
See, that wasn't so
hard now, was it?
- You must be Luigi.
I'm Nathan Hill.
- Yes, sir.
- Glad to see you.
- Easy.
- What the hell do you
think you're doing?
[horse whinnying]
[dramatic music]
- Well, that was some ride.
- You know something?
You are still not too big
for me to tan your breaches.
- I just wanted to prove that-
- I know what you wanted.
I'll tell you something.
I got a lot of men on this farm
that I pay good money
to break horses.
It's not a job for my daughter.
- But did you see her?
- I saw her.
And I saw something else.
I saw a very foolish young
lady trying to break her neck.
And I don't ever
want to see you do
a damn foolish thing
like that again.
I'm gonna tell you
something else.
She can run like
a bat outta hell.
- I told you, didn't I?
Did you see her,
Nathan? Did you?
Oh, excuse me.
But anyway, she
needs a hot down.
I mean, a rub down.
Henry.
- We'll go back with you, baby.
[gentle music]
- [Nathan] Jess,
this is Luigi Nelson.
- Lou is just fine.
- Lou trains horses
for his father.
They got the Kalina stable
right outside of Milan.
- Ah!
- I promised them
five two-year-olds
for the coming season.
And the Kentucky Derby
winner over there
is Jess's daughter, Anne.
- Hi.
- I'm afraid I thought
you were a boy at first.
- Yeah, well, don't feel guilty.
I haven't seen her in a dress
since the day she was
christened. [laughs]
- Well, how about if I show
you around a little bit, huh?
- Good idea.
- I'll show you where
the bar is, huh?
[gentle music]
- Take your pick.
- That one over there.
The bay, what's her name?
- Bay...
- Carnauba? But you can't.
She's hardly broken yet.
- Well, I tell you
she's got possibilities,
but she looks like
she could be trouble.
- Trouble.
- I'm sure I can handle her.
- Anne, I promised his father,
he could have any
five horses he wants.
If he wants Carnauba,
I'm afraid he's got her.
- But it's not fair, daddy.
She's mine.
- Honey, honey, honey.
- But she's mine.
- She is not yours.
That's Nathan's horse.
And he's given his word.
- But I've been responsible.
- I know.
Yeah.
Get outta here. Let
me take care of this.
Get.
- I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to come between
you and your daughter.
- Believe me,
nobody can do that.
- Lou, are you sure you
won't change your mind?
- No, sir. I don't think so.
- Well, like I said, got the
makings of a good race horse.
- Come on, I'll buy you a drink?
[upbeat music]
I remember right after the war,
we bought up all of the
best bloodstock in Europe.
Things haven't been
the same since.
That's why I think it's
time for us to reinvest
some of our talents over there.
I told Luigi and his father,
they could race any five
two-year-olds I got.
Well, you talk about having
a good eye for horses,
he picked my five best
right off the top.
[upbeat music]
[all clapping]
- Hey, I was hoping to see
your daughter before I left.
- Oh, don't let it worry you.
- I just thought if
I get to talk to her,
she might understand.
- I know, but she's gotta
learn like everybody else.
You got to take your best shot.
I got one, look at
that. I got an empty.
- And I can always
come and see you.
[gentle music]
Oh, I know it won't
be as easy as here,
but Italy's not so far away.
Well, maybe it's not that
close, but dad's right.
This could be your big chance.
I mean, you'll have
the best of everything.
Oh, I know it won't be
the same, but just think,
you can be the hottest
thing in San Siro.
You just gotta
promise to be good.
No more stepping
on people's toes
or laying down after
they've cleaned you up.
Oh, you can step on that
old Luigi Nelson's toes
anytime you want.
- I wanna thank you for
being such an honorable man.
- You give your father
my best regards.
Tell him I want some winners.
- Will do.
Again, I'm sorry
about your daughter.
- Hey, don't worry about it.
We just figured it'd
be a little better
if she made herself
a little scarce.
She's at that awkward
age, you know?
- [Luigi] Well, tell her I'll
take good care of her horse.
- Well, I know, she knows that.
- These trailers will load
directly on the airplane,
so that shouldn't be
much of a problem.
With any luck at all, you'll
be out of this cold weather
and back in Milan in 12 hours.
- Well, thanks for all your
help with the arrangements.
I'm sure we'll make out fine.
- [Nathan] Okay, Lou.
- When you come to Milan,
you know where to stay.
Jess.
- Good trip.
[gentle music]
- [Luigi] Yes, we found her.
She claims she was kidnapped
by Bolshevik revolutionaries.
No, she's fine.
- I just wanted to
be with my horse.
- That's enough.
Your father and
Mr. Hill both agree
you've caused quite enough
trouble for the time being.
Your dad suggested
a good tanning.
I think getting skinned
alive would be more like it.
Your little adventure
has cost me 16 hours
and filling out police forms
and answering questions,
not to mention the fact
I haven't had any sleep
the last two and a half days.
- Would it help
to say I'm sorry?
- [Luigi] No, it would not.
- I didn't think so.
- Then there's the
question of a passport.
You, my dear are an
illegal alien, a wetback.
This country has very strong
feelings against wetbacks.
I had to do some
very fancy talking
to get us all out
of a lot of trouble.
You are no longer a wetback.
This is a work visa.
- A work visa?
- [Luigi] That's
right, for work.
You ever heard of that?
You're grooming my stables.
- You mean I can stay?
- You love the horse that much,
your dad said it would be okay.
But there are conditions.
- Anything.
- You work hard.
- I promise.
- Finish your schooling.
- Promise.
- And your dad says,
you wear a dress.
- What?
Wait a minute. He says what?
- You object?
- No, it just sort
of slipped out.
I always did look good in pink.
[gentle music]
[horse whinnying]
One more crack like that
and I'm gonna cut
your oats in half.
- [Luigi] Morning.
- Morning.
- That's very nice.
- It's not too good for
cleaning out stables.
- I do tend to see your point.
I'll tell you what, let's
make a deal between us.
For your father's sake,
you wear dresses at
meals and at school.
And for Carnauba's sake,
well, we don't wanna make
her adjustments any harder.
- I'll be right back.
- And now, let's see if
you can move as fast.
Huh, baby?
- How's she doing Romano?
- It'll be harder to
lose with this one.
- You mean we
finally got a horse
you'd be willing to bet on?
- My bookie, he's
gonna love this horse.
- Did I hear you say kilometer?
Isn't that pushing
a little too much.
- She's strong.
I wanna find out how strong.
- Don't forget, she's
just a two-year-old.
[dramatic music]
- Wasn't she wonderful?
Wasn't she?
- She was every bit that,
young lady and more so.
So, a father has a
hard time letting go.
[both laugh]
- Come on.
[gentle music]
- Did you get your bets down?
- All we could afford.
It means the book maker
called our kitchen
sink non-negotiable.
- That's funny. He took mine.
- Well, it looks
like our only problem
is number five, Regatta.
She's run second to
the last two times out.
- [Frank] She's an
even money favorite.
- It just means
better odds for us.
- Provided we win.
- We're gonna win, all right.
I never pick a loser.
- They're at the post.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer speaking
in foreign language]
- Come on!
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[upbeat music]
[crowd cheering]
- Beautiful, baby.
Well, what's next?
- Nathan, that's we
wanna talk to you about?
- All right.
- She's very strong.
I wanna give her a
couple of more races,
and enter her in the
Criterium di Roma.
- Isn't that against colts?
- Mr. Hill, you wanted winners.
It's my intention
to have Carnauba
ready to win the Fred
Darling Stakes in England
at the end of her
three-year-old season.
- Fred Darling's
open to all ages.
No filly has ever won it.
- I won't race her
unless she's healthy.
- Two things my daddy told me.
One was you don't change horses
in the middle of a stream
and you never quit a winner.
You keep her in the money,
I've got no call to
question you, have I?
- No.
You haven't.
[soft music]
- Hello.
Hello, Anne. Listen to this.
Congratulations on
recent victory. Stop.
Fred Darling entry
fee paid. Stop.
Ship Carnauba quickest
way to England. Stop.
We'll join you there. Stop.
Jess sends best to Anne. Stop.
Regards, Nathan Hill.
- That's it. That's great.
That's wonderful.
Let me see that.
Papa, you'll come with me?
- Too cold. You go.
Of course, take Anne here
and her father will be there.
But you only got two weeks.
You gotta think about shipping
her off as soon as you can.
She'll need time to adjust.
- It's all set for tomorrow.
[upbeat music]
- Hi.
- Hi, honey.
[upbeat band music]
[crowd applauding]
- You know what
your dad told me?
Told me you graduated
with top honors.
- You know how dad lies.
- Not all the time.
Anyway, here's a belated
graduation present.
- Oh, thank you.
I got the best two
dads in the world.
[gentle bugle music]
[crowd cheering]
- [Announcer] And still
Home Maker by three parts
of a length, followed closely
by Monsieur Beaucoup
and Irish Glad.
And now Insensible
is along the outside,
turning to the back stretch
to lead first quarter
in a brisk fight
between two and four.
It's Insensible on the lead
with Monsieur Beaucoup
still running second.
Irish Glad and Home
Maker matches one.
This one is the long rails
as Carnauba pulls up to six.
Still brisk down to the foil
as they button to the far turn.
It's Insensible now holding
up a two-length lead.
And Monsieur Beaucoup,
Irish Glad and Home Maker.
[upbeat music]
Carnauba now [indistinct]
heads for home.
Insensible, Monsieur
Beaucoup and the men apart.
Here comes Carnauba.
Can Carnauba close the lead.
[announcer speaking
indistinctly]
[crowd applauding]
[indistinct chattering]
- Hi.
- Oh, hi.
- You plan on celebrating?
- Yeah, sort of.
What you got planned?
- I don't know. What
do you have planned?
- Oh, nothing much.
I was gonna meet an old friend,
maybe have some dinner.
Sort of unwind, you know?
- Oh, that sounds like fun.
- You're welcome to
join us if you like.
- Sure. Sounds fantastic.
But I really do need to spend
some time with my father.
- Well, I'll tell you what.
I made reservations
at the Jockey Club.
Why don't you join us there
at say, eight o'clock.
- Okay. Eight o'clock.
- Fine. I'll see you then.
- Did you hear that?
I'm gonna put on the sexiest
stress he's ever seen.
It's gonna take him a week to
get his eyes back in place.
[bell tolling]
[soft music]
Mr. Nelson's table, please.
- Yes, ma'am. Right this way.
- Give her a workout for about
20 minutes and then walk her.
- Okay.
[soft music]
Help me up.
- Put that back up
where it belongs.
[soft music]
- Go on, girl.
[upbeat music]
[ominous music]
[owl hooting]
[man speaking in
foreign language]
[horse whinnying]
[speaking in foreign language]
- [Frank] What's happening?
- Somebody's taken Carnauba.
Take care of him.
- Yeah, I'll send
Jess this afternoon.
All right.
Sure, I'll call you later today.
- Hey. Morning, mate.
Hey, got problems?
- Carnauba's been stolen.
Right out of Frank
Nelson's stable.
There were no witnesses.
Just a note asking
for two million lira.
That's about $350,000.
- Heavy.
- Well, she's insured
for more than that.
Not that it matters.
- Well, now what?
- I don't know, Jess.
If I pay them, there's
not a resource anywhere
that's gonna be safe.
If I don't, I'm afraid
they're gonna kill Carnauba.
- Well, when do I leave?
- You're booked on the
4:30 out of Dallas.
Just buy me some time, Jess.
Just some time.
I really don't know
what I'm gonna do.
Keep it quiet, no
police, no press.
I've already told Frank Nelson.
Carnauba's safety comes first.
- Right, well, I guess
I better get to it,
price is right, later.
- Jess?
- Huh?
- Have I said thank you
to you often enough?
- Yeah, what the hell.
Too many times, baby.
- You feel all right, Frank?
- That damn jet lag.
I thought we were gonna
keep the police out of this.
- Nothing we could do.
One of our stable boys'
brother is a policemen.
- Oh!
- Jess, this is Lieutenant Oppo.
Mr. Cutler here represents
Nathan Hill, the owner.
- Huh? Signor.
- Howdy.
- They sent this.
It says two million lira
or they'll butcher her.
It arrived this afternoon.
- Got any idea where
that was taken?
- Nope.
But Lieutenant Oppo here
says he can have it enlarged.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Wait a minute.
Just so I can keep
track of things,
could you keep it in English?
- Ah, si.
We have sent out a
description of the horse
both locally and
through Interpol.
Perhaps she will turn up.
That is assuming they
haven't already sold her
using forged papers.
- Possible.
The registration number's
tattooed to her upper lip.
- Is this true?
- Uh-huh.
Any legitimate holder or
breeder would have to check
with the racing board
before they could buy her?
- Then they must come to us.
- Well, if they want the
kinda they're talking about.
- No, no. You must pay no money.
[speaking in foreign language]
- That's up to Mr. Hill.
- No, you must instruct Mr. Hill
not to deal with
these kidnappers.
- Well, I'll pass
that word along,
but you might as
well know right now
that that horse comes first.
- No, not for ransom.
Don't worry. The horse,
he's a perfect victim.
High priced and dumb.
I made no offense.
I simply mean the
horse, she no talk.
You tell Mr. Hill they
know key to the horse.
- You're positive of that, huh?
- Well, maybe yes, maybe no.
I will to the
enlargement myself.
In the meantime, we will monitor
all incoming telephone calls.
[speaking in foreign language]
[soft music]
Hey.
[speaking in foreign language]
Ah, signor Cutler.
[speaking in foreign language]
- I thought we were gonna
keep this in English.
- English.
English. All right.
There is no reward.
- Look, call it a finder's fee,
any damn thing you want.
The safety of the horse
is the main thing.
Now, it's as simple as that.
- Jess, you spoke to Hill?
- Yeah, just now.
A few minutes ago.
He wired the money this morning
and we can pick it
up this afternoon.
- I'll take care of it.
- Now, he'll be over in
the next plane himself.
- No.
- Well, he can do any
damn thing he wants.
- Not Mr. Hill money.
He is not to deal
with his kidnappers.
- Look, Mr. Hill feels the
same way exactly about it.
The $25,000 is only for
the return of the horse.
No questions asked.
- Why should they take $25,000
when they're asking for 350,000?
- We've been
through all of that.
We are the only deal in town.
[phone ringing]
[speaking in foreign language]
- Frank Nelson.
[man speaking in
foreign language]
They wanna talk to you.
- Yeah, this is Jess Cutler.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Welcome to Milano.
You have a very fine horse.
We like her very much.
- Oh yeah. Well, the horse
belongs to Mr. Nathan Hill.
I represent Mr. Hill.
- Ah, Mr. Hill.
The rich Americano who has
polluted Italian racing
with his money?
He loves this horse?
- Well, he ain't
gonna marry her,
so cut the crap.
And how do we know
you got Carnauba?
- She has her number tattooed
inside her mouth, no?
84796?
- Yeah, well, Mr.
Hill has authorized me
to pay you a $25,000
finder's fee.
And we just want Carnauba
back. No questions asked.
- Find her?
We did not find
her. We took her.
You want her back?
The ransom is two million lira.
- You don't understand.
We do not deal with kidnappers.
Now, the price is $25,000 flat.
We just want the horse back.
- No, signor. It is you
who do not understand.
The price is two million lira.
You tell the rich Americano,
there are worse things
than poverty, signor.
Like death.
- If you touch that horse,
if any harm comes to her...
[speaking in foreign language]
Bastards!
- Jess. Jess.
- Daddy.
- Get on that chair.
- Oh my God!
- Get some brandy.
[speaking in foreign language]
[soft music]
- And it's not that
I don't understand.
He's been around the track
as many times as most.
He's carried a little
more weight, I think.
He's carried me lots of times.
He's the best I've ever seen.
He's the best.
[plane engine roaring]
So if you don't need
Jess, too bad, I do.
I appreciate it.
- [Oppo] Ah, signorina,
your father, he's better?
- We still don't know.
Romano's gonna take me
back to the hospital
and then go on and
pick up Nathan.
- Ah, at last.
The elusive Mr. Hill.
[speaking in foreign language]
- He says it arrived
by messenger.
They opened it outside
because they're afraid
it might be a bomb.
- A bomb?
- The police think they might
be dealing with terrorists.
- Oh my God!
[ominous music]
[speaking in foreign language]
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- [Man] So you see
what $25,000 buys?
But do not worry, this
is not your horse.
- What kind of a
monster are you?
- The Americano.
- He can't come on the phone.
- He won't?
Do not play the games?
I will ask once more.
- He can't come to the
phone. He's in the hospital.
- [Man] The Americano and I
were discussing a business deal.
- Yes, yes. I know.
- Oh, then signor,
you will understand
that two million
lira is a fair price
for such a fine
horse, is he not?
- I can't offer more than
Mr. Hill is willing to pay.
Hello?
Hello? Are you there?
- If you cannot pay,
you must listen.
I am certain your Mr. Hill
will want to know
how his horse died.
[whip lashing]
[horse whinnying]
- No!
Please, Lou.
[speaking in foreign language]
- A corpse buys you nothing.
The Americano is crazy.
25,000 is all he will pay.
If you kill the horse, you
would've worked for nothing.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Do you have the money?
- The 25,000?
SI. In small bills.
I'll bring it wherever
you want tonight.
- Perhaps you are correct.
Place the money in a bag
and go at precisely midnight
to the Piazza
Agrippa in Morivione,
in the road to Genoa.
You will find a phone booth.
Wait for further instructions.
And no police or the horse dies.
Capisce?
- At Piazza Agrippa,
at midnight.
- Thank God they're
finally being reasonable.
- There is nothing
reasonable in a rabid dog.
Come, we must make ready.
- No, I've got to go alone.
- But of course, this is
why we must make ready.
- Your father will be taken
to surgery very shortly.
You may see him only
for a few minutes.
[soft music]
- Daddy.
You're gonna be fine.
You've just got to get well.
Nathan's on his way.
He should be here
in a little while,
and he's got you a good doctor.
I love you.
I hope you know that.
I know with me over
here and you over there,
it hasn't always been
easy to tell, but I do.
It's always been just me
and you since mama died.
And I've loved you.
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- You are prompt.
Listen carefully and do
only what you are told.
You're being watched
at all times.
If you try to signal the police,
the horse will be killed.
Capisce?
- Si.
- Now, hang up the phone
and look under the booth
for a box of players.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Terrorists.
Why always at night.
They must never make love.
[speaking in foreign language]
[soft music]
[ominous music]
[sirens wailing]
[speaking in foreign language]
- You all right?
You got the money?
- I'm still alive.
What took you so long?
- Too much pasta, huh?
- Yeah.
[somber music]
[ominous music]
- No. What are you doing?
[speaking in foreign language]
- So, the signorina
wishes to pay us a visit?
It's nice.
- Why are you doing this?
[speaking in foreign language]
- Big money?
You're rich
Americano, we're poor.
Why else?
- Carnauba? Where is she?
- Oh yes, Carnauba.
A champion thoroughbred,
and they do not pay.
I wonder what they
pay for you, huh?
- I wanna see her.
[speaking in foreign language]
[horse whinnying]
- Carnauba, what have
they done to you?
- Lou, are you all right?
- Yeah, I think so.
- No deal?
- No horse.
I think they just wanted
to take off with the money.
- But where's Oppo?
- He said he had to
stop by his office
and pick up a blow up of
that picture they sent.
Where's Anne?
- She's at the hospital.
Jess is still in recovery.
Although the doctor said
that the operation went okay.
- Oh, that's super.
That's just great.
Well, I'll get cleaned
up and take you over.
- All right, thanks.
[speaking in foreign language]
[men laughing]
- Do you realize
what you're doing?
I'm an American citizen.
You're about to create an
international incident.
- Oh, really?
And what will your
government do?
Cut off our foreign aid?
- It's only a matter of
time before they catch you.
- And when they get
here, we will be gone.
Come on.
You will tell them
to bring the money
before you and the
horse get hurt.
Capisce?
- Okay, let's go.
- Yeah.
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- We warned you not to
bring in the police.
Now the price goes up.
10 million lira.
- 10 million?
Look, I can't
control the police.
They followed me.
- An expensive mistake.
- The Americano will never pay.
I told you, no horse
is worth that much.
- There's more than the horse.
- Lou?
- Anne?
- I was at the hospital
and they grabbed me.
- So you see, 10 million
for the horse and the girl.
A bargain, no?
Tell the Americano, 10
million or they both die.
You have until I call again.
- Now, listen to me...
Get Oppo.
[speaking in foreign language]
- We've gotta get
to the hospital.
I don't want Jess to
find out about this.
- Oh.
Nathan.
I'm sorry, I guess I must
have just dozed off there.
- You take it easy, Jess.
Everything is just fine.
- Anne?
- She's just outside.
I had her skedaddle for a little
while to get a little rest.
I told her I was
gonna take over.
We didn't expect you to
wake up so soon, you know?
You want me to get her?
- No. No.
Let her have some rest.
She's been here all the time.
- All the time.
Easy, Jess.
Take it easy.
- Oh!
She is such a good kid.
- She's the very best.
She is the best.
- Who's holding my hand?
- I am, Jess.
- Oh! [chuckles]
We better not let
that get around.
- Easy, Jess.
Easy.
You're almost there.
[soft music]
Ride 'em, cowboy.
- No!
No!
[speaking in foreign language]
- My apologies.
Some appetites are more
easily satisfied than others.
I hope the Americano pays soon.
Next time I might be too late.
[Anne cries]
- Oh, Nathan.
This is Lieutenant Oppo
from the Milan police.
Nathan Hill.
- My pleasure.
I am sorry to hear
about your friend.
Of course, my department
is at your disposal
to help with any arrangements.
Now for the call, we
have made a voice print.
It is Signora Cutler.
- When did that arrive?
Oh, well, while you
were at the hospital.
Now, of course, I understand
that you have agreed
to paying the ransom.
- I want no screw-ups this time.
That girl must be returned.
- Unfortunately,
that is the problem.
I do not believe to the
best of my intuition
that even with the ransom,
they will return Signora Cutler.
- Well then we've gotta
fix it so that they do.
- I've been there.
It's a long time ago, but
something's different.
- What?
- The tracks.
- What tracks?
- Yeah, the train tracks.
You see 'em?
I didn't see 'em at first
because of the weeds.
- You are certain?
- Remember dad, the picnics
on Sunday with mama?
The trains?
- My God, he's absolutely right.
They went right by
the stable, Lake Como.
Menaggio.
- Menaggio.
That is near the Swiss border.
They intend to take the money
and disappear across the border.
Call the Menaggio police.
Tell them I need
the squad police
and someone who knows the area.
With luck, it will
all be over by dawn.
- Well, I'm coming with you.
- No, no. This is
police business.
- But I've been there.
- If they have not
moved the horse,
it will all be over
before breakfast.
- Easy, Lou.
I know how you feel.
[phone ringing]
- Pronto.
- The money.
Either you have it or you
start searching for bodies.
- We have it.
- You do?
10 million lira?
- Si.
The Americano agreed
this afternoon.
The money was
delivered by courier.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Then listen carefully.
We know the police listen.
And we know that everyone
goes to Menaggio.
So I will make it plain
enough even for them.
You are to come alone.
We will be watching the road.
The first sign of police
and both the girl and
the horse are dead.
Capisce?
- Capisce.
Now, where do I bring the money?
- You will take the
road to Venezia.
just before you
reach Lake Lugano,
you will come to an old bridge.
The stable is on the right.
Bring the money there.
We will wait till
seven tomorrow morning.
Come later and you'll
find only blood.
- I'll reach Oppo.
- No, this time I'm going alone.
- They're not going
to accept 25,000
when they're
expecting a million.
- It's better than nothing.
- I can get you the money.
- We don't have time.
We've gotta move now.
- I go with you.
- No, I've gotta go alone.
- What if you need help?
Besides, I know the area.
I hide in the back.
- [Nathan] Yes. For God's
sake, take somebody.
- Okay, Romano. Come on.
[soft music]
Stay here.
If I'm not back in half
an hour, go to the police.
Hola!
[speaking in foreign language]
- So, you have come?
Brought the money?
Let me look.
This is nothing.
Where's the rest?
- Where's Carnauba and the girl?
- Very cautious.
Very smart.
[speaking in foreign language]
Where is the rest?
- Now, you don't expect me to
walk in here with all of it.
When you release the
girl and the horse,
I'll take you to the rest.
- He's a liar.
[speaking in foreign language]
There isn't no more money.
It's a bluff.
- Bluffing?
- Si.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Lou.
Romano, you creep.
If my father gets
his hands on you.
- He will do not.
Your father, he's dead.
[horse whinnying]
- Anne!
[speaking in foreign language]
Why, Romano.
- 'cause I am the greatest
horse trainer in Italy.
In all of Europe.
But, who am I?
Who will take a chance on me?
I tell you the answer is a no.
Not you, not your father,
not the great Mr. Hill.
So, I must do it myself, huh?
But that takes money.
More than this pocket
[speaking in foreign language]
you brought us here today.
A great deal more money.
- That's all there is.
- The horse, si.
But what about the girl, huh?
How much more would
they pay for the girl?
Take the horse out and kill it.
- But the horse is worth money.
- More dead than alive.
Kill the horse.
How much more would they
pay to keep the girl alive?
You're gonna get more money.
They bring us this [speaking
in foreign language] today
because they do not believe us.
We must make them believe.
[speaking in foreign language]
Sure.
It's only a matter of
time before they find you.
By the time they arrive,
we'll be long gone,
But we leave them work where
to find great Carnauba.
In pieces.
Take the horse to Damio's.
Now, where to pin the note.
- Never trust a mad dog.
He can get you killed.
[speaking in foreign language]
Besides, I don't like to share.
- What are you gonna do with us?
- If they will pay for her,
surely, they will pay for you.
Get the girl.
Move.
[soft music]
[ominous music]
[gun fires]
[sirens wailing]
[speaking in foreign language]
[dramatic music]
[speaking in foreign language]
[Anne screams]
- [Anne] Help!
- Okay, we'll just
have to move real slow.
- I can't. It's going over.
- Very slow.
- Oh, no. Hurry.
[speaking in foreign language]
- Lou!
Carnauba!
- Take my car.
My new car.
Would you prefer I drive?
[soft music]
[man speaking in
foreign language]
[gun firing]
- Watch out!
- Don't tell me, tell him.
[man speaking in
foreign language]
[horse whinnying]
[speaking in foreign language]
[gunshots blaring]
[speaking in foreign language]
- Okay, [speaking in
foreign language].
[soft music]
- Come here, sweetheart.
I'm here.
That's my girl.
[Oppo sobs]
[soft music]
- I can't tell you
how sorry we all are.
- Thank you. I'm gonna miss you.
[horse whinnying]
- Okay. Okay, it's coming.
- We'll be back with
some other winners.
- I'm leaving.
- I know.
- But I'm coming back.
Hey, are you listening to me?
Or are you deaf
as well as blind.
I said, I'm coming back.
- No, little princess.
I'm not deaf and I'm not blind.
I'm 12 years older than you.
You've got a whole
world out there.
You don't even know yet.
You've gotta live a little
before you make that
kind of decision.
- I'm old enough
to know how I feel.
And I'm damn well coming back
to see how the story ends.
And if you think that mule
out there is stubborn,
you don't know nothing.
[soft music]
Bye.
[dramatic music]
[gentle music]