Violette nei capelli (1942) - full transcript
Two sisters and their friend help each other overcome hardship as they struggle to make their dreams come true.
Violets in her Hair
How good he was
I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me;
Lend me thy handkerchief.
- Here, my lord.
- No, that which I gave you.
I have it not about me.
- Not?
- Is it lost?
- Heaven bless us
Fetch it, let me see it.
- Alas
- I want the handkerchief
- The handkerchief Where to find it?
- I want the handkerchief
The handkerchief
- Which handkerchief>
- I've... I've lost a handkerchief...
And what a way to burst in.
You frightened me
You're the one who frightened me.
Never mind about a hanky.
It's brains you've lost.
I welcomed you and taught you
a trade and here's the reward.
What am I doing wrong?
I'm slaving all day for you.
And in the evening you go and have fun.
Where, I'd like to know?
- That doesn't concern you.
- What? Doesn't concern me?
But what would you be without me?
To bed, immediately!
No. Don't touch them.
What harm have they done you?
Me, none. The harm's to you.
They've addled your brains.
Tomorrow we'll settle matters. Now I'm
tired. Because all day, I work... I do!
Get up early. You have to
go fix a dress from Miss Mattei.
And turn off the light.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four.
- May I?
- One, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four.
Come in, our castle is open.
Or would you rather wait for the butler?
I advise against it.
You'd have a very long wait.
Will you tell the chatelaines
what you want?
- I... - I understand, you first want to know
who you have the honour to talk to.
I am the nymph. This is a wood.
And the violin player
isn't our father, but Orpheus.
Orpheus was a well-known
and distinguished professional.
Don't listen to my sister. Once she
starts she never stops. What is it?
I'm the first floor seamstress.
The mistress sent me up...
Did you hear? Come on,
go get the dress to fix. Sit down.
No, not there.
It's broken. Here.
- One, two, three, four...
- Here's the dress.
We must shorten it and give grace to life.
That's the fashion now, isn't it?
Well done, you've brought everything.
Great idea. You'll never find
a needle and thread in our house.
- Let her work in peace, Oliva.
- Oliva?
My name has nothing to do with
anchovies and other appetizers.
It was a tribute from my father to
the protagonist of "Twelfth Night".
- It's a Shakespeare comedy.
- Ah, I know him.
I went to see Othello last night.
He wrote it, didn't he?
Bravo! Do you like Shakespeare too?
With us he is like one of the family.
Do you know him? He's so fine.
He must be really nice to talk to us.
- Very nice. - Yes, why don't you
tell her we've invited him to lunch?
- Do you like music?
- I love it.
It's something that does so much good here
in the heart and also so much evil. Right?
- Then you also like the theatre.
- It's my only passion.
- Do you like reading?
- Always, especially poems.
Maybe I don't really understand them,
but I repeat them over to myself.
It's just like music.
Come, let's go,
time is to bloom again.
You are too pale.
Your face is almost a lily.
Fantastic! You'll love my sister.
The meeting of two loonies.
Music, dream, poetry...
We're already in the stratosphere.
Don't listen to her.
She only thinks about sports.
I know real poetry
when I fly down the slopes.
Not like you twirling between a
cardboard tree and a painted bush.
Shut up, theatre isn't painted cardboard.
It is life, dream, fantasy.
Even when you twirl between
two drivers in shirt sleeves?
- What's going on? - Sorry, dad. We've
discovered Eleonora Duse, seamstress.
In fact, I still don't know if it's
Eleonora Duse or Adelina Patti.
- Come on, tell daddy who you are, he
always wants to know everything. - Carina.
It's a name that I invented.
The others call me Carlottina.
- Pretty And you act?
- Who would dare? I'm a poor seamstress.
But she's so good, you know. She
recited some verses to us really well.
Well, if she has talent, we can
try her out. At Tronchetti's.
- Great! - An excellent idea.
- She was a great actress who now teaches.
- Come, it's late, off to the theatre.
- To the theatre? - Yes, why?
- In the morning?
- They're going for rehearsals.
- What is it, an earthquake?
- No, dad, it's Giorgio.
Finally.
Here, I got them fixed.
Be careful, next time.
I can't waste time because of you.
- Thanks, you're a treasure
- I should think so, I spent 15 lire.
- Wait till I get it.
- No, it doesn't matter. I'm in a hurry.
- See you tomorrow at the stadium.
Bye, Mirella. - Giorgio! Alright!
- What did that wild boy want?
- He brought my ski poles.
Soon I'll begin training
for the 100 meters.
- Yes, but leave me my jacket.
Come on, Oliva. - Bye, Carina.
- What about me? - Want to come to
the rehearsal? - No, the dress fitting.
No, I must dash. I thought
you wanted to come to the rehearsal.
If only I could.
I'd love to go there.
- Would you like to?
- You bet. - Then let's go.
Dad, I'm bringing a spectator.
Do you mind?
- As you wish, but hurry up.
- Let's go.
- Is it the nymph's dress?
- Yes, we're all nymphs.
- Can you help me? - Right.
- Are you a colleague? - I am...
- She's a friend. She came to see
the rehearsal. - Delighted.
Girls, the maestro has arrived.
Come see the maestro.
He is the sweetest man in the world.
- He's come for the rehearsal.
- One moment.
- There he is, look.
- Where? I can't see him. - There.
- Is the orchestra ready?
- Yes, sir.
- We need to try the ballet again.
- Alright.
- He's in grey.
- He seems in a good mood.
- Whilst he's a bachelor, there's hope.
- Knowing you, he'll be so for life.
He is an extraordinary man and a
great artist known all over the world.
- Lucky him. What does he do?
- Conducts the orchestra.
When I dance I feel
tied like a thread to his baton.
And I see nothing
around me anymore, only him.
- And does he know? - Fat chance.
He doesn't even know I exist.
He doesn't know enough?
If I were you, I'd tell him...
- Dancers on stage.
- We have to go.
- No, don't come with us.
Go to the auditorium. - Oh thanks.
- I always went in the gallery.
- The gallery is closed now.
Take this door on the left,
but don't get caught or else.
- Will they make me pay for the ticket?
- No, they'll just throw you out.
Oh, if that's all.
Did you put that guy in his place?
Be careful, I'm warning you.
Who is that?
How many times must I repeat
I don't want anyone in rehearsals?
Hey, you, come here, stop.
Who are you?
- I'm the nymph's friend.
- What did you say?
I am the friend of
the nymph.
- Ssh... And who would this nymph be?
- She's one of the dancers.
- When she's not dancing,
her name's Oliva. She's the best of all.
And didn't she tell you
that you can't stay here?
Now go and wait for your nymph
at the theatre exit. Go... go!
Silence.
Ten minutes break.
- Oliva, I spoke to him.
- To whom? - Your maestro.
You did?
What did he tell you?
First he wanted to send me away
believing I was a nuisance.
As soon as I said the name of Oliva,
"Ah, the beautiful Oliva" he said.
- And I: "Yes, Oliva of 'Thirteenth Night'".
- Twelfth...
13th is better: Brings luck. And he said,
"That girl will make a fine career."
Would this be Oliva,
the famous nymph?
- What course are you doing?
- The penultimate, master.
Ah, good. So, next year,
the farewell show.
And then, hopefully,
prima ballerina.
Master...
I love you so much, master.
Fine! Now we go out during the
day too? The night is no longer enough!
- Where have you been?
- At Miss Mattei's, where you told me.
At Miss Mattei's? Liar!
I went upstairs to see and no one was
there. Where have you been? Speak up!
- At the theatre, with them. - The theatre?
- They invited me... like a friend.
Ah! But why don't they also invite
you to lunch and even to sleep?
- If I asked them, they wouldn't say no,
I'm sure. - Are you sure?
- They also told me, but I didn't want to.
- Then why don't you go there?
You will see what a nice
welcome your friends will give you!
But remember one thing... If you
leave here, there's no coming back.
- Go, go, why wait?
- Sure. Sure I'll go.
Carina!
Now go to bed and
don't worry about a thing.
- Yes, it's okay for tonight, but after?
- We'll see. Now think about sleeping.
So are you really going to
take me to that acting teacher?
Oh, of course. Didn't
you hear what dad said?
Anyway, I wanted to take you.
Get ready to meet the greatest
artist of the century. Good night.
- And what about you? Not sleepy?
- I'm so happy here.
Today is the best day of
my life and I owe it to you.
I could die right now,
I'm so happy.
I am happy too and
that's why I'd hate to die.
- All winter I've waited for him
to notice me and talk to me. - Who?
To you it seems an ordinary man,
but, no: He's a genius.
The whole world knows
his name. His hands are magical.
When he brushed against me
today... what a thrill.
I'm surprised I didn't faint.
On the stairs? Faint on
the stairs? But it's dangerous.
His eyes, aren't they wonderful?
- His smile, his voice...
- I thought he talked through his nose.
That voice said my name.
My name... on his lips...
- Have you never been in love?
- Been in love? - Yes, in love.
Really, me...
Yes, I too have been in love.
Tell me, who were you in love with?
I saw him pass every morning, at
the same time, with his milk bottles.
He was a milkman. I really like milk,
so I immediately became fond of him.
- That's not love. - Pack it in?
What have you got to say at this hour?
Aren't you sleepy?
And in the morning
you stay in bed. Lazybones!
It's useless: some things
you'll never understand.
I'd spend all night
watching the stars.
Instead of looking at stars,
let the sleepy one sleep.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Ah, now I understand why
the Mattei's keep you with them.
- What do you mean? - You know I saw.
Show what you're hiding.
One of the models
of your great tailoring.
- Who do you think you are? You're
nothing but a poor servant. - Servant?
I'm the mistress, indeed, more than
the mistress. I'm the only one in charge.
Carina!
Do you know where you put
my tie? I can't find it anymore.
I put it in the tie drawer.
I'll go get it.
That's why I couldn't find it.
I looked everywhere but there.
- With all this order, I can't
make head nor tail of it. - Here.
Bravo, dear. Since you've been here,
this house doesn't know itself.
- I appreciate it. - What are you saying?
You don't know what you've done for me.
I felt like I was suffocating in
that closet where I lived before.
I felt there was something
beautiful in life,
but it all seemed
a forbidden world for me.
You've put hope in my heart that
I'll succeed and that I'm not alone.
- Now you also have two little sisters
who love you. - Two little sisters?
- Carina.
- Mirella.
- Mirella, what's up?
- There's a surprise for you.
Can't you guess?
A great actress sends it for you.
- Bye, Mirella
- Bye Giorgio. It's the script.
Oh, let's go!
The script.
- Open it up, let's see your part.
- I don't dare, you open it.
- What would you like to do?
- A tragic part. To cry, to make you cry.
- Here it is...
- My part. Here it is.
Act II, scene VIII. Giustina, the
maid, opening the window wide:
"Oh, ma'am,
there's a moon tonight."
Well, my part isn't too big.
We hope you can
keep it all in mind.
For a debut you
can't expect anything more.
The important thing is to cross
the sacred threshold of the stage.
After all, many things can
be expressed in one sentence.
Especially inspired by a beautiful
cardboard moon hanging by a thread.
"Oh, ma'am,
there's a moon tonight."
"Oh, ma'am,
there's a moon tonight."
"Oh, ma'am
There's a moon tonight."
Leave that moon alone
and think of hungry me.
You're lucky: There's tons of stuff.
Oliva left without wanting to eat.
- Why didn't Oliva eat?
- I think it's because... er...
Mirella, do you know something?
Why has Oliva changed lately?
She's sad, melancholy, she no
longer eats. Is she feeling unwell?
- Ask Carina. She knows everything.
- What do you know?
- I don't know anything. Perhaps
some small displeasure. - Displeasure?
Displeasure at leaving her
companions. The season is over.
- The orchestra breaking up.
- Orchestra? I was talking about friends.
- But aren't you going?
It's late. - Yes, but...
- Well, alright... I'm going. Goodbye.
- Good evening. - Bye, Dad.
Let's hope Oliva comes back soon,
or we'll have to wait for her.
- Not me. I'm eating and off to bed.
- I'll wait for her... studying the part.
Quiet, girls Let's not make a mountain
out of a molehill. It's quite simple.
One of us says: "We wanted to say
goodbye" and gives him the flowers.
Girls, we don't have anymore time.
He's greeted the orchestra.
Any more arguing and he'll be gone.
- But who gives him flowers?
- The flowers - Oliva Mattei.
- Oliva, give it to the master for us.
- Yes, come on.
- No I can't. - On behalf of us all.
- No... - Tell him we love him.
- No I can't.
- Why not?
May I?
I've said goodbye to everyone.
I'd have been sorry to leave without
saying goodbye... that is, see you soon
to all my charming collaborators.
- The flowers, Oliva, the flowers.
- For me?
Thank you, dear.
Thank you so much.
That kiss is meant for you all.
And thank you. Farewell.
Then Giorgio said,
"You're an exceptional girl."
"You're not the kind
one meets every day."
It's nice to hear it from
such a nice person, isn't it?
- Hey, what's wrong?
- Oh, sorry, I was thinking.
- You're also thinking of someone?
- Yes, Oliva, she's not back yet.
- It's late. - She must have
been delayed at the theatre.
- I'm dead tired. I'm going to bed.
Are you waiting for Oliva? - Sure.
I'm waiting for her too,
but sleeping. Good night.
Hey, I said goodnight.
It's her, I heard the door close.
I'll go and meet her.
I had to witness it. Oh, poor thing.
She's quite possessed.
- Carina, where are you going?
- To meet you. Where have you been?
- Oliva - It's over. I'll never
see him again. - The conductor.
- I'll never hear his voice again,
never see him again. - He's dead?
- Worse. He left. - Don't be silly
If he left, he'll return.
- When? - It's not difficult to know.
I'll take care of it.
And when he does,
he won't remember me.
We'll refresh his memory.
I'll take care of that too.
Now let's go. Upstairs.
What's this funeral air?
Let some light in.
Leave me alone.
This music's good for me.
You must go for a walk, get out.
Don't stay cooped up listening
to the same record all day.
I don't want to move. I'm tired.
Ah, here's your illness.
Now I've discovered it.
And to think that your father
wanted to call the doctor.
Don't worry.
You'll see that he'll return.
You will see his magical
hands and his heavenly eyes.
You will hear his sweet voice again.
"I don't want anyone anymore"
What is it,
are you studying a new part?
I am studying a very difficult part,
that of the "martinet".
You tell her now, dad?
Yes, but leave it to me.
My authority is needed with her.
Dear romantic lady, your
ills will pass in the open air.
- So get your suitcase, ready to go.
- I won't move from here.
I'm fine. It's nothing. Stop pestering me.
I can't stand it anymore.
Oliva, stop it.
Listen to what Dad says.
Not only must she listen,
she must also obey.
It's about your health.
You need a little countryside.
I've rented a small house.
You'll leave immediately.
I'll join you when I've finished
my tour of the provinces.
Listen to dad. I too am sorry to be
separated from you, but you need it.
- Think I'd let them leave without you?
- I'm coming too? - Of course.
I've always dreamed of seeing
a meadow, a cow, a sheep close up.
- Will I see some sheep?
- You'll have a flock all to yourself.
- I can't go. - Why not?
- My part, Sunday's performance.
Oh, if it's for that part...
I understand, dear, but Oliva
would lose a precious week.
- I don't care.
- I've dreamed so much about this play.
I've more than five minutes
on stage to put the room in order.
- It's not to be sneezed at.
- You've decided to ruin my vacation.
No, Mirella, listen.
I've changed my mind.
I'll sneeze at it.
And then, an actress like me
gets the lead role or nothing.
So, when do we leave?
Quick, we have to get to the
forest before the sun is too high.
- The nymphs are waiting. - First we
must prepare for the sacred rite of fire.
Hey, wait a minute,
what about tidying up?
As usual, I'll have to take care
of our jade and porphyry dishes.
A cow.
I'm sorry, dear, not to invite you
to lunch, but we've only enough for us.
You'll always find
the table set. Look over there.
- Hey, Carina Who are you talking to?
- To our neighbour.
- Don't make too many friends,
or goodbye peace. - Don't worry.
- Come on, girls, are you ready?
- What are you wearing?
The dress of the sacred rite. It's the new
moon. We don't keep the nymphs waiting.
- Come on, let's go
- Come on, girls - Let's run
An oak.
- Carina!
- I'm here.
Here, you are the fairy Titania.
And you will be Rosalinda. And I...
- You are Terpsichore, the muse of dance.
- It's "Terpsichore". - Doesn't matter.
- And now let's go perform
the sacred rite. - Let's go.
Here, it's lit.
No, no, that's enough.
All three of us
must gather by the fire.
- I'll start.
- No, I'll start.
I want to live in a house in
the mountains with my life partner.
I desire the love of the man I love.
- I want to become a great actress.
- Jump!
- Come on, jump.
- One moment.
Damn it! You're the ones
who let all my partridges escape?
I'll sort you out! What are
you doing? Scaring all the partridges!
- Have you no where else to light a fire?
- No sir.
It's you who frightened us.
Got up just like a scarecrow.
Wicked girl.
I'll give you "scarecrow".
- Here we are, girls.
- How beautiful. There's even an oak.
- But it's not an oak
- And where's the fantasy?
It's a beech tree that we, with our
magical power, will transform into an oak.
So, here we drip three
drops of our blood into a cup.
And now we drink, swearing
never to break our friendship.
I swear to consider our friendship
as the most beautiful thing in my life...
and to be ready to
make any sacrifice for...
- What's wrong?
- Nothing, I'm so happy.
It's nice to be so united
and to love each other so much.
Come on, no tears.
Fairies never cry.
To me, Rosalinda, Titania!
Play and sing!
Terpsichore invites you to dance!
Violets in your hair,
hedge flowers, dreams of love
Fragments of glimmering stars
descended from the sky over my heart.
Alone, with the thrill in my heart,
I still want your perfume
I would like to undress you,
I would like to kiss you...
my sweet little flower
Violets in your hair,
gentle nymph, sunbeam.
I want to dance, always to dream...
violets in my heart...
I want to dance, always to dream...
violets in my heart...
A really nice show
Bravo, congratulations
We're sorry to have interrupted you.
May I ask who you are?
- Three fairies.
- Oh, look. Three authentic fairies?
We came down from the sky
last night, sliding on a moon beam.
And are you going to stop long
among us poor mortals?
Now that you've disturbed us, we'll
be forced to stay at least a fortnight.
We've caused a lot of trouble.
How can we atone?
Poor fairies. Forced to live
two weeks among us.
- And will we be allowed to see you
sometime? - Oh, it's very difficult.
Now we are girls, now butterflies,
now bushes and now... trout.
So you were the cloud that
peeked into my room this morning.
I don't peek into boys' rooms
- Come on, Giuliano, it's getting late.
- Let's go.
If you're going to turn into
a lizard or a stone, make me a sign.
- I wouldn't want to hurt you. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, lady fairies.
- Goodbye.
- What have you broken? - What a
question. Don't you recognize the noise?
It seems that's a noise that
makes itself heard a little too often.
When Giorgio arrives, he'll have to drink
his soup from the palm of his hand.
- By the way, when is he arriving?
- I don't know.
He promised to come and
then he didn't show up anymore.
He's probably busy. But you'll see,
we see him up here someday.
- May I come in? - Come on.
There's always room for everyone.
- Did you happen to see the engineer?
- The one who built this villa?
- We're looking for him too. - No, Giuliano,
the man who was with me yesterday.
We were supposed to met here,
but I've not seen him since.
- I really thought he'd come here.
- Do you want to search the drawers?
No, thanks. But if you don't
mind, I'd like to wait for him.
I've an idea he'll be around.
Please, make yourself at home.
Take a seat.
Oliva, see if there's something
to offer the young lady in the pantry.
Usually we feed on rose petals, but
a sandwich for a guest can be found.
- Very kind of you.
- You're welcome.
Have I by chance interrupted
some other dance, some other show?
- No, they weren't worthy of you anyway.
- Miss dances very well.
- I also danced at a few charity nights.
- Really?
I was so successful, marriage proposals
rained on me every evening.
- Did you accept them all? - I'll only marry
a man who offers me a position.
At long last! I thought it was
the gnomes washing the laundry.
- No, gnomes are partying today.
- Or who knows when I'd see you again.
- But what need was there to meet again?
- None, you're right.
- Yet you knew how pleased I'd be.
- Thank you.
A self-respecting fairy mustn't thank.
The tributes are due to her.
Then help me carry the basket.
You can see that
Giuliano got lost in the woods.
- Thank you for your hospitality.
- Don't mention it.
- Tomorrow I'm having a party.
If you'd like to come... - Us?
My villa is the one in the Novecento
style, the most beautiful in the country.
I'd send the car to pick you up,
but I don't think it can get this far.
- Don't bother. With our wings
we'll fly down to you. - Very kind.
There'll be some music and
a nice dinner if you're interested.
- Thanks for everything and goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Myrrh, frankincense! Burn the
perfumes. We must purify the air.
Did you smell that bourgeois odour?
Ah, here you are.
Is this a new sport?
Sorry, Alda.
I met miss and so...
We must get back. Or did you promise
the young lady to wash the floors too?
- Good morning.
- Don't mind, it's just her character.
It's gone to the bad, acidic.
Goodbye.
- Air, air - You can't breathe in here.
It's suffocating. - What are you doing?
Silence, hold your breath.
There's impure air. Wait.
At last it's breathable.
Now we can talk.
- We had the honour...
- The great honour...
We had the excellent privilege
of being invited to a ball.
- Yes, from the "Queen of millions".
- A dance?
- Not a dance. A huge ball.
- Full of snooty types like her.
- And was I invited too?
- Naturally. - Great!
- What will we wear?
- But... we can go dressed like this.
No, I'll wear my beautiful fairy dress.
No. We'll have to go
all three dressed alike.
And I, with four pennies, will make
you a dress you've never dreamed of!
Hurry, the music
we've chosen for their arrival.
Stop!
The fairies are coming.
Here are supernatural beings
who feed on rose petals.
- Watch out, they've got some nerve.
- Oh, good, you came.
Here are my friends. If you want to
perform miracles, we are at your disposal.
Real fairies!
But here we have heaps of fun.
- Is it true that fairies marry pixies?
- What? Fauns, you mean?
- Do fauns have goat's feet?
- Fauns are centaurs - What a horror.
Do you want to see a faun?
- Want to dance with a faun of honest
intentions? - Thanks, I can't dance.
Liar!
Fairies mustn't tell lies. But if you
don't want to dance, I don't mind a "zic".
- I thought they were serious people.
- That's exactly why they talk like that.
- Let's do the apple dance?
- Apple?
Yes, the "Big Apple". Translation:
the apple. I'm an ace, look.
Dad wanted me to graduate in agriculture,
instead I graduated in the apple.
Have you devoured chicory? Have
you eaten the leaf? Come on, dance.
Who have we here? But how come?
Are you friends with my daughter?
- The mistress invited me.
- I'm the master of the house.
- Well, how are the partridges?
- Great, but I can't catch one.
But now I got you.
Shall we do a little dance together?
Listen, babe, you're really hot. You're
dynamic, I'd say almost dynamite.
- Do you like apple dancing? - Yeah, but
I know an even more beautiful one.
- Oh yes? Which? - The melon.
- Great. How do you do it?
A little further apart, eyes closed,
right arm raised and turn. Rhythm!
- You - Me. - What are you doing here?
- I'm joining in the party.
- Miss Alda invited me.
- Ah, and you're in the anteroom?
- It's a lot more fun.
- Let's go to the salon.
No, the salon, no, really no.
Between the apple, melon
and faun dance, I prefer a walk.
Maybe you're right.
Let's go.
All alone, the nymph of the woods,
absorbed in romantic dreams?
- Know what I'd give to be a tree?
- I don't understand.
There'd be the hope
you'd dance around me.
Then at least you'd be useful
as firewood... no regrets.
But how? Would you have the courage
to chop up a good tree like me?
A heart lurks 'neath this young bark.
My branches stretch out strangely.
No leaf falls, without God's will.
- Hopefully this song will last forever.
- Why, do you like it so much?
No, but so I can stay
a little closer to you.
- Miss Alda is your fianc?e, isn't she?
- So she says.
If she says so, it means
there's an element of truth.
Stop. Stay like that for a moment
Look at me like a little while ago.
- A little more than three quarters.
Now I remember. - What?
Where I saw you.
One evening at the theatre.
- In the stalls and you were near me.
- Never in my entire life. - Yes.
Indeed, at the exit
I tried to find you. Nothing.
You'd disappeared, Vanished.
Now I understand why. You're
an almost supernatural being.
Oh, please Don't fantasize
too much about me.
- What are you? Lawyer? Doctor?
- What a violent interrogation.
- Graduating in Engineering.
- Then you shouldn't bother with me.
I'm not one of
those girls that you know.
Until recently I was
a seamstress' helper.
I tell you in case you mistake me
for a duchess or a princess.
Then a needle and thread
are your greatest ambitions.
Oh, you're very wrong there.
Now I understand that your
greatest ambition is candy.
That's nothing to laugh about.
It has been for years.
I suffered a lot from the "drops".
Do you know what candy they are?
Those without wrappers, with
flowers painted on them, so big.
I spent months in front of the grocer's
where they were in the window.
Suffering from
not being able to buy them.
And then, finally, when I had the
money, they didn't sell them anymore.
The candies have gone out of style
and I haven't seen them anymore.
Please, don't cry.
I've a friend who
has a candy shop and...
- If you laugh then you didn't understand.
- I understand many things instead.
Now I've told you the "drops" story,
I don't know what to tell you anymore.
It doesn't matter. It's enough for
me that you're silent here, near me.
- Why do you look at me like that?
- Can I see you again?
- I go to the trout stream every morning.
- Where is it? - Find it.
Sorry.
Ah, welcome. And I've
looked for you everywhere.
- Are you spending the party on
the balcony? - I was listening to you.
You've no idea how sweet
your trilling is heard from afar.
Continue this isolation cure and you'll
lose the dances I've reserved for you.
A fine pickle.
He'd never console himself.
Come on, this dance is rightfully yours.
Goodbye. See you later.
- You had fun behind her back?
- She was the one having fun.
- She's a girl full of spirit.
- I find all three stupid.
They don't know how one behaves in
society. Look at your fairies over there.
They appear to be
tired of rose petals.
Let's hope they left
something for us too.
It's easy to be charitable
with other people's stuff.
Ah, yes, it's true.
You owe everything to her.
Come on, good children,
say thank you to the young lady.
- Thank you - You want miracles?
The first one is done.
And now that you've fed the chicks,
will you return to the dance?
- We really meant to leave.
- Yes, we're so tired.
Yes, we would like to leave, but...
Thank you awfully for coming.
We had so much fun.
For us too. We've never
attended such a party.
And we have never had the honour
of having such accomplished guests.
- Well, come on.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Have you got a stiff neck?
I can't wait to be in bed.
I wanted to suggest going to the
stream. It must be delightful tonight.
- Dreamer, there is nothing more to do.
- What's this? - A telegram.
Dad taken by sudden illness.
Come now.
Come on, girls, it's late.
It's seven o'clock, get up.
Good morning, Mirella!
Good morning, Oliva!
Oliva, what are you doing?
Not getting up?
Oliva, what is it?
Listen, Carina, will you
promise you'll never leave us?
What are you saying? Have I
left you through all these months?
Since dad died, I feel so
alone and lost without him.
What are you saying?
Dad is always here with us.
- Don't get yourself down like this.
Come on, smile. - You really are a dear.
- Without you I don't know what
we'd have done. - Nonsense!
And now get up. It's late.
Mirella, hurry!
Look what Carina did.
She must have worked all night.
- They weren't there last night. Carina!
- What is it? I'm busy.
Don't tell me again.
they brought them while we slept.
You worked all night. Look,
Carina, it's time to put a stop to it.
Put that stuff right away
and mind your own business.
Get the cups.
Breakfast is almost ready.
OK, but we'll talk about it later.
It can't continue. It's so unfair
her sacrificing herself so much for us.
You're right.
Today I'll change track.
If I could get some good news...
Think I'll get the job?
It's essential, Mirella.
You must succeed at all cost.
Giorgio has encouraged me.
And you, when's your farewell show?
A few days, I think.
I'm so scared. Don't mention it.
But why? You'll see what will happen.
It'll be a real triumph.
- I don't care about anything anymore.
- What's that? - It's ready!
Come on, ladies, breakfast is ready.
The milk is delicious. Just like butter.
I have to go to the lab. And if all
goes well, I'll have good news.
- Will they pay you today?
- No, no. - Then what?
Mystery, secret, Carina
won't even say one syllable.
Mum's the word. Only one day,
when everyone applauds...
- The theatre - You've got a part.
- Damn! Goodbye secret.
I should keep
my mouth zipped.
You've sacrificed your daughter's
property. Don't dispose of her heart.
Oh, my God, how you suffer!
Ah. you cry!
What then happened?
And why look at me like that?
I search in your eyes
for the courage I lack.
- Hortensia, daughter, forgive me.
- Forgive you, me?
My luck, that of your mother,
the present... all is lost.
One moment, let me talk.
My birth is ignoble,
low is my condition.
Rejected by the fortunes
offered by caree...
Rejected by the careers that
offer fortunes and honours...
I asked the ocean that which
the earth has renounced me.
- It refused. - Renounced.
- Refused. - Re....
- Refused - It's refused.
- Oh, good, you came, huh?
You know we were
going over the part a bit.
Well done, accountant.
Well done, everyone.
- Did you bring the shorts?
- Will you find a part for me?
Yes, darling, there's a part, but
it's a bit difficult. Will you get by?
Our audience
certainly knows its stuff.
- Not to say, but we've spoiled them.
- Oh, but I feel absolutely certain.
I can play any part.
Young, old...
- Oh, but how pale you are tonight.
- Really? I work too hard.
Did you see
how well I gave the line?
- Of course, it takes confidence.
- The boss...
- One, two, three...
- Ten.
Ten pairs of shorts.
Alright, put them away.
- I'll wait for you tonight.
- Don't worry, I'll be on time.
- Don't present yourself without
knowing the part by heart. - No, no...
One moment. The money.
Art is a beautiful thing, but...
Hey, careful.
Is that the way to cross?
And you look where you're going!
- Oh, the fairy - You.
- I've been looking for you everywhere.
I've been several times where you lived,
but I haven't found you.
I thought you'd turned
into a flower, a tree...
I interrogated all the plants. And now
what have you transformed yourself into?
Into a person in a hurry, with an
appointment and doesn't want to delay.
In that case, my car and I
put ourselves at your disposal.
- No thanks, I can't.
I don't want to. - Why not?
There'll be someone waiting
for you... Miss Alda, for example.
No, don't say that name.
She might appear at any moment.
- Where do I accompany you to?
- The opera house. A friend is waiting.
- Ah, one of your famous friends.
Do you still live with them? - Sure.
We swore it in the mountains. They
were left alone. I couldn't leave them.
It was tough to start with,
but now we make ends meet.
- And you sacrifice your life for others?
- Who mentioned sacrifice?
- We're like sisters. We help each other.
- You're extraordinary. - Think so?
Once I knew a fairy and now you're
a little woman full of common sense.
- Who knows what you'll be next time.
- A witch who'll scare you.
And you will have to run to
your Alda for help and protection.
Let's not talk of Alda.
Let's talk about us.
Do you know it's been ages
since we met? All your fault, though.
- But from now on it won't happen again.
What's that? - The script. - What script?
For the play
I start rehearsing tonight.
- Are you also an actress?
- Naturally.
- Extraordinary - You've said that.
- Magnificent, then. Alright?
A little too much.
At least, now, before my debut.
- Come on, let's leave together.
- I'll change and then come. - Hurry.
- What's the rush Where do you
have to go? - It's almost noon.
- What are you doing, come on?
- I'm waiting for Carina. - Always excuses.
Leave her be.
She's getting above herself.
Now I've said what I do. Look me up.
You'll find me. Goodbye and thanks.
I believe we'll see each other soon.
- At last I thought you'd never come.
- Oliva, if you only knew what happened.
A wonderful thing.
Guess who I met.
- Tell me later. Let's go.
- Wait! He might still be outside. - Who?
- Him, the engineer, Giuliano!
- He remembered you. - Remembered?
He was six months on the banks
of a stream waiting for me.
- Poor guy. He'll have turned into
a mushroom. - Aren't you happy?
Feel how my heart beats.
Oh, I'm so happy.
- Happy you who still believe
in this nonsense. - Oliva, what is it?
Nothing, what should it be?
- So, Oliva, are you coming or not?
- Thanks, I can't.
I told you that Oliva
was becoming mysterious.
- Not at all mysterious She'll be in love.
- Come on, girls, don't torment her.
It must be serious not to have
accompanied the maestro to the station.
Won't you ever stop it?
Well, shall we go?
- Do you think it's good what
you've done? - What did I do?
Nothing. Why didn't you tell me
the maestro was back?
- Did you see him again?
- Yes. He was here. He directed Aida.
Is that all there is?
I always tell you everything.
I thought you knew.
And then why should I tell you?
There may also be something
I can keep to myself, for me alone.
- Oliva!
- Sorry, Carina. Let's go.
- Not changing? Aren't you playing?
- Thanks, I can't. I'm waiting for Giorgio.
- Know anything about the contest?
- Not yet. - Good luck. - Thanks.
- Giorgio! - Mirella, good news.
- Well, what did you find out?
Nothing official, but they
assured me you were chosen.
- Fantastic! Who did you hear it from?
- From Miss Branchia.
I'm so happy. Not so much for me,
but for the girls.
Carina can't continue slaving.
Oliva will soon be independent too.
- I can't spend my life doing ski races.
- Your head's screwed on pretty good.
I'll miss you so much. It's difficult
finding a good friend like you.
I'm not running away.
You always know where to find me.
- All men say the same, then forget.
- What are you talking about.
Let's go to the bar for an orangeade.
You've deserved it, teacher.
On stage guys,
are we slacking?
Oh, Pellizzoni You're there too.
Who sent me this scoundrel?
So here's the town,
here the sofa, here the armchair.
- You lie down and sob.
- Where, on the ground?
- No, in the armchair when it's there.
- Here we go again.
When I was in lacchi and Cotognola's
company there were armchairs.
- Can I cry and sob without lying down?
- A true artist also cries on their feet.
You go ahead and say...
What are you doing with that beard?
- What are you doing with that beard?
- No! What's with a beard at rehearsals?
I want to get used to it,
it goes in my mouth.
- Keep it there and spit it out
after the show. - And my hands?
I don't know where to put them.
I didn't think I had so many.
Put them in your pocket,
behind your back, wherever. - Behind.
Thank you, maestro.
- Sorry, where do I put my feet?
- In your pocket. Er, no.
- They annoy me.
- And your head doesn't? - No, that no.
- What made you think of acting?
- I've the sacred fire of art.
As a child, to be among artists, I'd sell
magazines in the theatre. It's true.
Do you want to rehearse
or are you tired?
I'm never tired I know everyone's
parts. Do you want me to try them all?
No, this one must learn his lines.
Come on, courage. You must
tell me the lines in a lively tone.
- So I can attack with mine.
- Here and you, meanwhile, sob.
I always believed...
- But I can't understand anything.
- They won't hear you in the front row.
- But if there is no one in the front row
- Yeah, but I have to understand you.
Come on. Liven up, huh?
I was always led to understood
that you left hope, that...
that you let it run, that you
ran hoping, that you hoped running...
- What a disaster - Don't worry, I'll attack
immediately. - It's badly written...
You knew that anxious life
has been mine these months.
I pressed my heart so that
no one would feel it beat.
But who could, in this alternative
of mistrust and despair...
who could tell me if my
work had value or had none.
- And tomorrow...
- Tomorrow. - Tomorrow.
No, tomorrow I can't, I'm busy.
I understand, you want to
know tomorrow what I will do.
It doesn't matter. The important
thing is that someone understands me.
Let anyone come now. I will suffer
again, but I will know how to wait.
No one can take from me
what I have conquered.
- Sorry, sir, what do you want?
- I just... - Giuliano!
Ah, I understand.
Rehearsal's over. See you tomorrow.
Thank God! And if there are no armchairs
tomorrow, you'll be the one sobbing.
Well... OK, but...
- How did you find me?
- I read 12 mystery books.
I followed your tracks, put my ear
to the ground to hear your footsteps.
No woman has ever made me
cover as much ground you do.
- And why do it?
- It's not so difficult to guess.
Oh, I've understood for ages,
but I put everything in a bottle.
- What's that? What bottle?
- You don't know? I have a magic bottle.
I take sorrows and dreams, put them in
and leave them as long as possible.
- You too have been months in that bottle.
- No wonder I ache all over.
Instead, I let you wander
in the world of my dreams.
- Do you dream a lot?
- Even daydreams.
And how did you see me?
Elegant? Do I change clothes often?
- Did you remember I liked candy?
- You're always joking.
- I believe you want to escape me.
- But I'm here with you.
Answer frankly:
Do you want to see me?
- Answer sincerely:
Why do you want to see me? - Why...
Hush... you better not say.
Presumptuous young miss,
what do you hope to hear?
I want to see you again because you're
different from the girls I've known.
- For better or worse I don't know yet...
- And will it take you ages to decide?
- That depends on you.
- I can't stay, I must go home.
I mustn't leave Oliva alone.
Her farewell show is tomorrow.
- It'll be a wonderful sight
- "Farewell show"? Farewell to whom?
- Farewell to school, to the show.
Will you come? - I'll be there.
But, for me, the best show
will be that of your enthusiasm.
Hey, have you finished
these blessed rehearsals?
Not yet. We're rehearsing the ending.
We don't know how it'll go. We hope well.
Let's hope so. But with these
romantic comedies you never can tell.
Oliva!
Oliva, what's happened to you?
Speak. What is it?
- It's nothing. I'm better, leave me.
- Yes, lie down here.
What is it?
Everything was spinning round
and then nothing.
Then you came...
Carina!
But what else is there? Do you
want to put the fear of God into me?
Come on, tell me.
No, Carina, I can't. I don't want to.
Leave me here alone.
Don't worry about me, it's not
worth it. It's no longer worth it.
Why not? Come on.
What have you done?
I can't tell you.
- Alright, as you wish. - No, Carina
Don't leave me. Don't go away.
I only have you. Stay with me.
I've such a fear of being alone...
If you want me to stay, you must tell me
everything that's happened to you. Well?
You know, it's true...
I saw the maestro again.
- I swore not to say anything to anyone,
but now... - Why?
No You mustn't know.
Or you won't love me anymore.
Stop talking nonsense
and tell me what happened.
When I heard he was back,
I went to him...
at his house.
Don't look at me like that, please.
You...
- You did?
- Yes, Carina. I wanted to die...
A fine thing to do!
Don't let it get you down.
Go to him and tell him...
No! I don't want to see him anymore.
I don't want to hear about him.
I hate him! I hate him!
I want to go away forever.
Open up! Open the door!
- Please, she mustn't know anything.
- No, dear, don't worry.
What's the hurry!
What's wrong with you today?
- Haven't you heard? Victory!
- You got the job? - Yes!
- Oliva!
- I won! Why the face?
- It's nothing. - You want us to
jump for joy because you're leaving?
- No, but no long faces.
- When are you leaving?
It should be right now,
but not before your farewell show.
Sure, we must all be together
for her success.
Now we need a toast.
Here, for lack of anything better.
Happiness, girls!
Long live our dancer. A toast!
- To you, Mirella, my young athlete.
- To your farewell show, Oliva.
- Where's my powder puff?
- It was on the table. Where did it go?
- It's a right mystery.
- As long as you're hanging onto it...
- I don't know what I'm doing anymore.
- You put the powder on. - In your honour.
- Good evening Girls. - Hi, Mirella.
- How beautiful - Thanks.
- I was telling Oliva, not you.
- Here are two gallery tickets. - Thank you.
Giorgio's outside. Can he come in?
He'd like to wish you well.
No, please, it's not allowed?
Go thank him.
- All right. Good luck. Bye, Carina.
- Bye, Mirella.
- Quickly, girls They are waiting
to take the photograph. - Oh, go.
Come on, dear, go. Goodbye, Oliva.
Pass me the binoculars, please.
Oh, dear Baron, how are you?
What a magnificent theatre,
isn't it? A real feast for the eyes.
- And you're a real feast for the eyes too.
- I'm ready.
- Give me that handkerchief.
- Why, got a cold?
- What are you doing? Are you crazy?
- You're becoming like all the others...
- All the ladies wear face powder.
- You're different. - Oh, tonight...
Come on, leave your face alone and
listen. I have to talk to you seriously.
- We'd better go or we'll be late. - No...
- It's not allowed to stay here.
Carina, they offered me a place
in Sardinia, at the Carbonia mine.
- Are you going?
- It's very important for my future.
I'll be there a year, maybe two,
so I thought, since mum will be alone...
you could be with her for a few
days this summer in the countryside.
You'd keep her company. I told
her about you. She wants to meet you.
- Giuliano...
- She'll certainly love you.
- So, do you accept?
- Yes.
- Did you say this summer?
- Yes why?
- Oh, this summer...
This summer's not possible. - But why?
- I've made some very important
commitments. - With whom? - With me.
Be frank with me.
You hiding something from me.
No, Giuliano, I'm not hiding anything.
It will be better to go away.
- Think of us.
- Don't insist, please.
Still here?
The show is about to begin.
- Yes, come on, Giuliano.
- Hurry. - Bye, Oliva.
- Don't worry, everything will be fine.
- Good luck.
- Applaud like mad.
- You bet. Bye.
I can't wait for the farewell show
to begin. My legs are shaking.
Fortunately, you're not dancing.
You should have said you were coming.
I'd have invited you to my box.
- But I... - It doesn't matter,
we'll see you tomorrow as usual.
- Oh, you're here too.
- I was invited.
As a season ticket holder
it's almost an obligation to come.
- How dull to always see the same things.
- Sometimes one sees the unexpected.
Quite true. Even the gallery patrons
in the boxes.
- Bye, Alda. The show's starting.
- Bye, Giuliano.
We'll go to Gisella's later.
Are you coming too?
- Miss Alda can thank you that...
- Quiet.
The show's starting.
Let's admire your friend.
- Where's Oliva? I can't see anything
- She's not there yet. It's the recital.
Here, let's see what you've written.
- Want to bet he'll come right away?
- You're deluded. Look at them twirling.
Giuliano has good taste.
Not bad, the little girl.
What nonsense. Tell the usherette
to take this to Giuliano's box.
Here, now it's her turn
Delightful!
She looks just like a feather.
- You'll hurt your hands.
- I've got thick skin.
- I bet it was from Alda.
- It doesn't matter.
- Confess you regret not being in her box.
- What's that?
- That's what I think.
- No, listen...
- No need to sulk. I'll accompany you.
- Don't bother. - No trouble.
- Go to your friends.
- Don't make me lose my patience.
- Don't let's start an argument.
- I won't make you look bad.
- Thanks for a lovely evening.
I'm going to Oliva. - Carina, listen...
If Giorgio hadn't held me,
I'd have fallen from the gallery.
It went well?
It made no sense at all.
It felt like
I was dancing in a dream.
- Give her some air, girls.
- Bravo, you were wonderful.
- I even wanted to cry.
- I owe everything to you, Carina.
But you seem
more moved than me tonight.
You know, I think
I had my farewell show too.
- May I?
- Come in.
Are you sorry I've come to visit you?
- You!
- I was just passing and so...
Please make yourself at home.
Sit down.
It won't be as good as at home.
This little house is so pretty.
A bit high though.
- 315 steps. - Is that all?
I thought there were more.
- Well, I came to apologize.
- Apologize? You to me?
- Yes. Does that seem strange to you?
- Somewhat.
No matter. It means
you've judged me worse than I am.
I'm not that bad
and I want to give you proof.
Here. I hope you won't be offended.
I know you're going through hard times.
- What? - Nobody will know.
And I do it wholeheartedly.
Look, I appreciate your gesture,
but I don't need anything. Got it?
I'm sorry. Especially since
I came to ask you for a favour.
- In that case, I'm at your disposal.
- Really?
But I don't understand what kind
of favour little old me can do you.
Anyway, here I am.
It's about Giuliano.
- That is, you and Giuliano.
- Don't worry, there's nothing between us.
I know, if there had been something
serious, Giuliano would have told me.
- Better that way. - But, you see,
what hasn't happened can always happen.
I know Giuliano's family and I know
how they think about certain things.
So I came to warn you.
Illusions are quick to form, but
it's more difficult to shake them off.
And, because I like you, I've come
to offer you a trip at my expense.
- A remedy taken in time can
always avoid sorrow. - Enough!
If you continue, I'll send you on a trip
down my flight of stairs.
You said I didn't know you well,
but now I know you too well.
Keep your money and go!
Go!
- A child?
- One? Why one? Hopefully twins.
- The wonders of the fairies.
- That's right.
And now that you have made this
beautiful discovery, vanish! Clear off!
I should have expected it!
The affairs of Miss Carina
don't interest me at all.
I don't know why you
came to tell me all her troubles.
- With the baby...
- Enough of that stupid story.
A fine fool you made of me
with your conversation.
- Giuliano... - To hell
with women and their feather brains.
Don't be angry with me, Giuliano.
will you dine with us tonight?
Thanks, I can't. I've decided to
bring forward my departure for Sardinia.
- Wasn't that in August?
- I've changed my mind.
- When will you leave? - As soon as
possible. Bye. - And leave me like that?
Should I kiss you're forehead
and thank you for the narrow escape?
Luckily it is you who's leaving.
Buses always flummox me.
- I'm always afraid of being late.
Here, see how it's done? - Yes.
- What are you doing, are you crazy?
Let me, I'm more practical. - May I?
- He comes once everything's ready.
- I've brought you a new pair.
- Oh, thanks, you didn't have to bother.
- The representative gave them to me.
- Tell me how they go,
if you feel like writing. - Of course.
We missed these too.
Come on, the bus won't wait.
Giorgio, take the suitcase.
I'll take care of the timber.
- Come on, girls, let's go.
- Mirella!
- Giorgio, watch out: there's jam in there.
- Yes, okay, don't worry.
- Blast...
- Wait...
Oh, sorry, Carina, I forgot.
The concierge gave me a letter.
She told me that
a gentleman handed it over.
You could have told me the truth.
I am like a brother to you
and would even have helped you.
Instead you've played a dirty trick.
You are just an ordinary woman
to whom I gave a great soul. Giuliano.
Carina, are you coming down?
Coming. Coming right now.
Dear brother,
I am returning the great soul
which generously you gifted me.
With many thanks
Carina
- Here, Carina. - Are you sure
this is your bus? - Don't worry.
- You've already asked a dozen people.
- You know, these buses are all the same.
- Suitcases? - They're on board, don't fret.
There's a quarter of an hour still to go.
I'm all on edge!
- We'll buy you some magazines now.
- Don't waste money on me.
- Let's go buy you a bottle of water.
- Thanks, I'm not thirsty.
Okay, if you really don't understand,
let's go buy you a romance.
Okay, but come straight back.
Let's hope that Giorgio
decides to speak to her.
Let's hope so.
I'd be so happy for Mirella.
- Giorgio seems like a good boy.
- Bravo, he's a man now.
- Got everything.
- Everything, thanks.
- Mirella, I must tell you something.
- What?
Those books I lent you, if you don't
need them, will you return them to me?
Yes, sure. If you want,
they are in the suitcase.
No, I don't need them now.
Send them when convenient.
I'm sorry you're leaving.
I'll miss you very much.
- Especially when it snows.
The two of us were fine, right? - Yes.
- You'll find a hundred
better than me. - I don't think so.
- Also, I've an idea I won't be making so
many trips this winter either. - Why not?
- If you promise not to laugh,
I'll tell you. - Yes.
- I've got engaged.
- Engaged? You? And to whom?
Do you remember that Miss Branchia
employed in the stadium admin?
- Congratulations.
- Gentlemen, all aboard. - You're off.
Where did those two get to?
- Gentlemen, we're leaving.
- Quick, give me the rest. It's leaving.
Ah, here they are.
- Here, Mirella. Instead of the book
we got grapes. - Thanks. Bye.
- Bye, Mirella.
- Remember us and write. - Bye.
- Have a good trip!
- Bye!
Sorry, I can't accompany you.
I'm late and have an appointment.
- Bye!
- See you soon. Goodbye.
Poor Mirella.
She'll be a prisoner in that college.
She who loved freedom so.
The time for dreams is over.
Yeah, that's right.
The time for dreams is over.
And to think that I
should have gone too.
I had to refuse an offer
for the Bologna city council.
- I don't understand.
- The baby will already be born.
I can't keep it with me.
- Who offered you the contract?
- My teacher.
- I'll phone your teacher.
- No, Carina, it's not possible.
You don't want your little girl
to have her mum unemployed.
- Why does it have to be a girl?
- Oh, enough of men.
Look, Oliva, I'll take care of the baby.
You and Mirella will be away
and I won't have anyone.
You've already sacrificed so much for us.
You can't always go on like this.
- I understand that Giuliano...
- Oh, Giuliano, nonsense!
- But if all these days...
- I was wrong. I've dumped him.
We weren't made for each other.
Where's a letterbox?
- Why? - I have to mail a letter.
Personal business.
Take no notice when she cries.
"No notice". Just words
Now I'll sing the lullaby, come.
Lullaby, lullaby
Go to sleep my little one.
No chance.
Now I'll pull a face. Look.
No, this won't work either.
Look, look what mummy does, look.
- What are you doing there?
- Sorry, I was trying to amuse the boy.
- How's this illustrious character doing?
- Well, he only had the hiccups.
- Did you give him the lime water?
- Yes, two teaspoons as you said.
- Tell him it will do him good.
- Yes, dear.
- Here's the stuff for the new job.
- Thank you. Here's the other finished.
- Already done? You work too hard.
- For me, work is fun.
- How did the play go?
- Don't talk to me about it.
Bertelli has no sensitivity. When
I play with her I can't get excited.
It's a pity
you don't want to act.
Don't want to? I can't! How can I?
I should go out every night.
And if the baby gets a cold,
I'd lose my head.
I came to talk to you about just that.
The accountant wants to enter the
company in the Am-Dram competition.
You must join us. We'll come
and rehearse here in your house.
And since I won't act, as there's
no part for me, I'll look after the child.
- I'll give up art and be a wet-nurse.
- I don't want you to sacrifice...
For heaven's sake Think, acting in a
real theatre with posters on the street.
- With your name this big.
- My name on the poster? - Yes.
All the papers will talk about you.
By the way, I forgot. The accountant
sends you this Resto del Carlino.
- Read what he says about Oliva.
- Ah, here, let's see.
Much applauded
the dances of the last Act
in which the sweet vision appeared
of the prima ballerina Oliva Mattei.
At the Comunale of Bologna. I said
that Oliva had to follow her vocation.
- Yes, but if you weren't there to help her.
- But that boy is partly mine too.
- Aren't I your little mummy too?
- But whoever thinks of everything is you.
Don't say that. With Oliva
and Mirella we're tied in a pact.
We'd be ready for anything
to help each other.
We swore all three
under the oak tree. Look.
How cute all three of you are.
And what a beautiful place.
It was such a beautiful day.
We told the forest nymphs
all our wishes.
- Then he appeared on the path.
- Him who?
It doesn't matter. He too is buried
under the oak tree along with the wishes.
Wake up, Giuliano, the car is ready.
The plane won't wait for us.
Coming, what's the hurry.
I'm still packing, aren't I?
- What's the rush.
- You slacker.
Think, in six hours we'll be in Rome.
Going back home.
You're as black as thunder.
With being in the middle of all that coal.
Say, there'll be some blonde
waiting for you, right?
No, you're wrong. Only octogenarian
grandparents and old aunts await me.
- Are these the old aunts? Will you
introduce me to a couple? - Cut it out.
I mean it and
I'll can leave one for you.
- Think I can guess which is the beloved?
- Stop it. The car won't wait.
This, the blonde. No.
Then this other one. Eh, not bad.
Ah, the little one.
Little one?
She comes up to here.
- Say, do you like "drops"?
- "Drops"?
Yes, those unwrapped candies,
with flowers painted on them.
Well, she was crazy about them.
Eh, but yeah, you can't understand.
You know, she's a really strange girl.
The more I know the others, the
more I realize how different she is.
With that air of teasing...
Poor Carina,
who knows what happened to her.
- You didn't write? - No, it's been
18 months since I heard anything.
- Well, let's go. - Don't get angry.
One lost, another hundred found.
- Leave it, I'll take it.
- Thank you.
Oh engine driver, load up the coal
let that big engine fly
Since you're all heart, you be
nursemaid today. He's good with you.
- Go on, dear.
- Yes, give him to me. Lovely.
Come on, now, all these excuses
are only good for interrupting us.
"What did Massimo want?".
To you, Carina.
"He made me read
his friend's letter."
- "You were only one day, right?"
- "Yeah, that's right." - "Stay here".
- "Let's talk a little..."
- "Well, what's the use?".
- "And mum knew?" - Listen, I can't act
with the baby in my arms.
The evening of the play I will
have to hug a pillow to be natural.
- I can't act like this. - Give him to me.
- How you do it? - Here we are.
- And those never wrote.
- No, there's no such line.
What line? I spent a fortune
telegramming Mirella and Oliva.
- I'm waiting for their reply.
- Who knows if they can come.
They're bound to come.
Without them I don't feel I could act.
- Here we are, I brought it with me. The
whole city's talking about it - What's up?
- And now you see it.
One, two and three! - The poster!
- The day of glory has come!
- The poster!
Look, darling, see?
Carina Poncevera. It's me. Beautiful!
You see, he understands everything?
Let's see if we can see. Done.
- Yes, but you have stand close.
- No, you can see it from here too.
- Even from here.
- Even from here too, look.
Tommy: son from first marriage.
Evaristo Pelliccioni.
- Sounds like a stage name. - "Nennele:
Carina Poncevera". I am Poncevera.
Poncevera,
it's not a very nice name.
- But very important. - Pelliccioni.
- Poncevera. How beautiful.
Remember, accountant,
the first time we met?
"The lady of the Camellias". Margherita
Gautier, me, Amalia Giubilo. What times!
- Thirty years have passed
- Come on, it's 8 o'clock. - 8 o'clock?
- 8:05! Mercy, my wife...
See you tomorrow. - Goodbye.
- I recommend: Sleeping, camomile
and gargling. - Have no doubt.
- I'll be here at six to look after the boy.
- Don't forget: Gargle.
- Have no doubt. - Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Evaristo.
- Ah, Carina I forgot. Know who I saw
in front of the warehouse yesterday? - Who?
- So... what's his name?
- Who? - That...
That young man who always came
to rehearsals... The engineer...
- Giuliano!
- Yes, Giuliano. You see he's back.
Yeah, if it's here
it means he's back, right?
Well... sorry, I...
I thought you liked him.
- Why should I care about him?
- Well, goodbye. - Goodbye.
- Evaristo!
- Coming. What do you want?
- Look...
- What's wrong?
No, nothing, I wanted...
I wanted to tell you...
Here, I wanted to tell you that
the accountant left his umbrella.
- OK... goodbye.
- Bye.
"... get on my knees before
him and see the love I bring him."
"But there are times when...
- Come in - Bravo. Inspired actors
are recognized by their discipline.
- You're the first to be ready. - I should
think so, I've been here since six.
Let me see.
Turn. Perfect.
- But I'm so flustered - Have you got
the "track"? - "Track"? No, sir.
Nobody told me anything.
Otherwise I'd have bought one.
No. It's the emotion that takes hold
of actors before they go stage.
I understand. A tremble
in the knees, isn't it? Then I have it.
What an audience!
- Mirella and Oliva won't come
- Yes. They'll want to surprise you.
- Will the baby be alright?
- Of course. Amalia's looking at him.
Think about the play, now.
The first signal.
- Miss, a telegram.
- A telegram? For me?
It's Mirella "Holding training camp.
Hugs and best wishes."
- Then she won't come. - No, she's
not coming. You know, the training.
- Then Oliva won't come either.
- Yes, you'll see, I'm ready to bet on it.
- And another person will come too.
- Another person? Who?
Him, Giuliano, because... for now
he is still here. He hasn't left.
- Who told you that?
- I spoke to his concierge.
- Come on, get ready to go on stage.
- The play! - Yes, coming. - Hurry up.
- How many?
- Six downstairs and three here... Nine.
- Lucia - Miss?
- How many suitcases are left?
Three for the lady
and two for the young master.
I met her on the trolleybus yesterday,
after leaving you. She's really nice.
- She's a little plump, but...
- Imagine, you finding her plump.
And she has a friend. A youngster. You'd
like her. We'll phone them tomorrow.
- OK, tomorrow...
- Of course there are some girls around...
Yes, woman have liked me for some time.
- Do you think 5 lira will be enough?
- Do as you wish. - Shall we go?
Are we going to Florida tonight?
They have some wonderful numbers.
- With all the adventures you have?
- What do you want, man is a hunter.
- Good luck.
- Aren't you coming?
- No I'm tired. I'm going home.
- Worse for you.
- Do you think 4 will be enough?
- Yes.
- Do you want to be my wife?
- I don't accept charity.
- You don't want to be?
- No.
- Can't you love me?
- It's not that...
I don't think you want me...
like that.
- You're leaving?
- Yes.
I have to go out... and walk.
- Do you want me to come with you?
- No...
I need... to be alone.
- Are you offended?
- No.
I'll go downstairs...
for a walk.
I didn't understand.
- Oliva
- Carina!
I knew you'd come at least.
When did you arrive?
Quarter past nine. I saw the end of
the second act. You were wonderful.
The baby is doing so well. He's a flower.
He's grown two pounds this month.
Yes I saw him. I went home
and talked to Mrs Amalia.
She told me everything
you've done for him. Thank you.
For heaven's sake, we won't
mention it. Will you stay a few days?
Maybe Tomorrow evening there's "La
Gioconda". I must take the midnight train.
- I just want to apologize if I can't
stay until the end. - It doesn't matter.
Instead of coming you could have stayed
with baby. You've not seen him in ages.
I was in residence at Bologna:
Prima Ballerina at the Teatro Comunale.
Really? I'm so happy.
I've taken a small flat, so you no longer
have to sacrifice yourself for the baby.
Sacrifice? What are you saying?
For me it's my life.
I know, but, see, it's my baby and
it's only fair that I keep him with me.
- So... you'd like to take him
away from me? - Yes, Carina. - When?
- Well, tonight. - Tonight?
But I'll never see him again!
What? You can come to Bologna
and spend a few weeks with us.
- Yes... yes... - And besides,
you need to be free, for the theatre.
You can't continue
sewing all your life.
But I was fond of him.
He was everything to me.
- I'm so alone...
- Sorry, I'm so stupid.
- I shouldn't have told you now.
- No, it doesn't matter.
- We had imagined everything
so differently... - I know, Carina.
Life is so different.
Ours were the dreams of youth.
And I believed them.
You're on stage.
Think of your success. You've ruined all
your make-up. Come on, I'll take care of it.
Don't forget... to give him
lime water for his hiccups.
It's on the dresser.
In the third drawer of the dresser...
there's a pink paper package.
In there are the sweaters that
I'd prepared for his name day.
- One stalls, please.
- There's one here in the front row.
- No, too far forward. One at the back.
- Back stalls. - It doesn't matter.
Eleven twenty.
What's wrong? It's the second time
you've stopped. What are you watching?
I thought I saw a man
there under the trees.
I must be mistaken:
Between the moon and the branches...
- There is someone.
- Ah, you see him.
Now he's standing still,
he's in the shadows. No... no...
You say it so sadly. Are you sorry no
one's there? Who did you think it was?
- Well... think who you like.
- Ah, Tommy you thought - No, nobody.
- You will no longer have bad thoughts.
- Never.
No longer think of leaving me.
You must leave me one day...
- We must hope so. I had hoped...
- There! There he is.
- He's approaching the hedge's shade,
to hear us... Do you see him? - Where?
There, behind the bush. Look at the
shadow the moon casts. You see?
He stayed. He was keeping watch.
He stayed for me. He understood.
- What are you saying? Who is it?
- Do you want me to call him?
Massimo! Come...
- Carina!
- Giuliano!
I was waiting for you here.
I wanted to go on stage, but then...
- You could have done.
- I didn't dare.
We parted so badly the last time...
Many times in Sardinia I started writing
to you but then tore the letters up.
I was almost afraid to hear
from you, but when I saw you...
- Saw me? - Yes, in the theatre.
- In the theatre? But if I...
I was at the back. I heard the last scenes.
You were really good. - Too good.
Will you give other performances?
- I don't know, I don't think so.
We do this every now and then
to pass the time. We're just amateurs.
- And... how's the child?
- They took him from me.
- Took him away? Who?
- Oliva. - Oliva? Why?
She wants to keep now.
It's only right: she's the mother.
- What? She's the mother? But then...
- It's raining. But I've a brolly.
Listen... now that you've no more
commitments with your am-drams...
I'd like to offer you an important
part that's very close to my heart.
- A part? For me?
- Yes, Carina.
Only you can play it in my life.
And I need an answer immediately.
I've suffered so much these last months
and I couldn't suffer a minute more.
I need to know...
if it is not too difficult a part
and if I'll be able to carry it through...
I'm sure you will. It's such
a beautiful and simple part.
Listen. In Act I a slightly foolish
young man and a plucky girl meet...
Subtitles: corvusalbus