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Where Angels Fear to Tread (1991)
Careful, mother.
Careful, if I may ask. Just look at her. Has she no sense of dignity? She's going to miss the train, that would be typical of Lilia. The truth is she has no respect for your brother's memory, and no respect for us. It was your idea of Italian travel that saved us, Philip. She agreed to going. That's to her credit. She could be quite transfigured by it. Nonsense, she could have gone anywhere. But I had the greatest difficulty dissuading her from the Riviera. See the little towns: Gubbio, Pienza, Cortona.. San Gimignano... And Lilia, do not believe that Italy is... ...just the tourist sights - such as art museums. No, of course not. - Mr. King Croft, could you get me some foot warmers? - Its going to be freezing. Thank You. Lilia, learn to understand about the Italian people. The people are more wonderful than the land. Oh. Philip I do wish you were coming with us,. Oh, Oh. What a whirl. Goodbye everyone. Goodbye, darling. You be a good girl and do what your Granny tells you. Which Granny? - Both of them. Goodbye, mother. Do not cry, it's only three months. Caroline. Come now. - Goodbye, father. Come on, Caroline, or your chaperone will go without you. Foot warmers, I need... Oh my God. Wave, Irma. Wave to your mother, Irma. Sit forward in the St Gotthard tunnel, you will see the most marvellous Campanile on the right. Look for Lake Maggiore on your left. Goodbye. - Enjoy yourself, Lilia. God bless you. She has been there a long time, must be really keen. The hotel's nice and confortable. There it is, Irma. Monteriano. There's no church there, I suppose. Santa Deodata is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. You know perfectly well I mean an English church. Irma, that is the postman. Run along and see if there are any letters. She promised me she would always be in a large town on Sunday. Really, it is something that she is contented. Although no one could live three months with Caroline Abbott, and not be the better for it. Is that from mother? No dear, its from your grandmother. Give it to Aunt Harriet, she can read it to us. - Yes, Ethel? The cook's upset, she says she had not broken the handle on purpose. Thank you Ethel, you can take Irma upstairs to wash her... ...hands. -Come on, Miss Irma. I have glue all over my fingers. I do not understand... It doesn't make sense... Her letters never do. - Except, this is much thinner than usual. Here, you read it. - Can't make head or tail of it. How intolerable this crested notepaper is -. What is the difficulty? What is it that puzzles you in this letter? The meaning is quite clear. Lilia is engaged to be married. Don't cry dear, please. Will you, I'm not crying. Don't you talk at all. It is more than I could bear. She's going to marry someone she has met in an hotel. Come on. They should be here soon. No, no. - Si, si Grazie. Don't be nervous. Philip loves Italy and Italians. Let me look at you? -Good, very good. Hello? Hello? Oh, God. Hello? Excuse me. Monteriano? - Si, Monteriano. I'm going into the city, Stella d'Italia. Where's the cab? - All has gone. Scusa. Excuse me. Here comes the cab. Have a good trip. Thank you. Sorry I'm late, Mr. Herriton. We only got the telegram this afternoon. Good afternoon, Miss Abbott. How long has Lilia been engaged? - Oh, quite a short time. Try to tell me exactly how long? - Exactly... Exactly eleven days. Did you know him before you arrived here? - No. -I see. So, who is he then? Well, he's a local. I mean he lives in the place. As I understand it they met at a hotel? - Yes, well that wasn't quite true. I was also given to understand from your telegram... ...that he is a member of the Italian nobility. Miss Abbott, I would like to know his name? Carella. - Carella? Thank you. Conte, Marchese or what? - Signor. Signor. He's very handsome. Signor... How old is he? - Oh, He's quite young. Exactly how young? - 21, I think. Good God. His father? - His father is a dentist. Stop.; for I'll tell you no more. Philip. There is Lilia. Welcome to Monteriano. You told me to come to Italy, and I'll never forget it. I want you to meet Signor Carella. A beautiful couple. Well, supper's nearly ready. You'r room's overlooking the piazza. You do not need to change. - I like to wash my hands. Caroline? You're such a dear to have told him. How did he take it? I suppose you must have had a bad moment or two. I told him nothing. - I leave it to you. It will only take a few moments, if you're lucky,. Oh look at the poor little fish. But the fish will die, they'll have no air. Fish live in water, not air. Gino is a wonder at Pallone, you know. - Yes, you are. There's no one in Monteriano to touch him. You play Pallone, don't you Philip? Maybe tomorrow you and Gino can... I think not. England is a good country. The Italians love England and the English. Italy is also a good country. Many famous men. Garibaldi, Dante... Dante's 'Inferno' 'Purgatory', 'Paradise'. 'Inferno' most beautiful. 'Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita ' 'mi ritrovai per una selva oscura, dove la diritta via era smaritta.' Well, Philip, perhaps you are ready for bed? Shall we meet for lunch, if we don't meet sooner? They serve cafe latte in our rooms. I would like to see you now, please Ilia, in my room, as I've come all this way on business. Oh, God.... Lillia, we won't have a scene, I know everything. Miss Abbott told me a certain amount, and the rest I can see for myself. See for yourself? - Lillia, Lillia. Are you aware of the social position of an Italian... ...who pulls out teeth in a minute provincial town? What an interesting question. I thought Signor Carello was of the Italian nobility. I only put that in so as not to shock your poor mother. Anyway, he has a cousin who is a lawyer in Rome. Really, a Lawyer. What kind of Lawyer? A lawyer just like you are. Except he has lots to do and can never get away. I'm not blaming you. I blame... ..... the glamour of Italy, I felt it myself, you know. And I greatly blame Miss Abbot. Caroline? Why blame her? It has nothing to do with her. I know this may be painful for you, but I'm here to rescue you. You may not think much of me, but I'm not frightened to stand up to a bully. He's merely an insolent boy... ...who thinks he can keep you here with threats. He'll be different when he sees he has a man to deal with, For once in my life I would thank you to leave me alone. For twelve years, you have trained me and tortured me, and I can stand it no more. I came to your mother's house a bride with no money and... ...you all looked me up and down disgustingly and thought I might do. Your mother corrected me, your sister snubbed me... ...and you said funny remarks about me, to show how clever you were. And when your brother died, I was to stay cooped up... ...in Sawston with you all? No thank you. Thank goodness now I can stand up for myself. I've found Gino, and this time I am I marrying for love. Well, I forbid you to do it. You are ungrateful. There is going to be such a row in this town that you and he... ...will be sorry you ever came to it. It is unwise of you to laugh. I forbid you to marry Carella, and I shall tell him so now. Do. Let's have it out with him. I'll tell him right now. Gino. Avanti. Philip forbids the marriage. Watch out, or he might hurt you. Mrs. Herrington is agitated, but... ...there is no reason why we shouldn't be calm. Please sit down. Might I offer you a cigarette? - No. I'm going to be frank with you, Signor Carella. I'm here to prevent you marrying Mrs Herriton, because I see... ...that you will both be unhappy together. Capito? - Si. She is English, you're Italian, she's used to one thing... ...and you to another. She is - you'll have to pardon me for saying this - she's rich and you are poor. I do not marry her because she is rich. - No, I am sure you are honourable. But are you wise? You must understand that we want her with us, at home. Her daughter will be motherless and our home will be broken up. If you grant my request you'll earn our thanks. Of course you won't be without a reward, for your disappointment. What reward? How about 1000 lire? 1500? - No, no. all right 2000 you can get it tonight. No, it's too late. Because... Perch ci siamo sposati. We're married. We did it as we were told that you were coming. You've traveled all this way for nothing. With all of your generosity. I'm rude. I am no better than a peasant. Miss Abbott? Miss Abbott? Miss Abbott. He assaulted me. Can you believe it - in my own room? I am not staying here, I can't. Its too late to leave now, but I'll leave first thing in the morning. Its lucky for him I'm English. I can't stay here. I daren't. You must take me with you. So you knew they were married? I could prosecute him, but I won't. 'As you can guess, my life is very active with much to do' 'My time is mostly taken up with the little house we've bought,' 'just outside the Volterra Gate, where Gino and I first met.' 'Philip probably knows it well.' ' I can't thank him enough. If it hadn't been for Philip none of this... ...could possibly have happened.' Well done, Philip. - Shut up Harriet. - It was your bright idea to send her to Italy. She's been seduced by a country, not by a peasant... ...but that's not something I'd expect you to understand. You mean like you were? She proved herself completely incapable of running... ...a house in England, in spite of all my help. I hardly feel she'll fare much better in Italy. Harriet, we must reply at once. Tell Signora Carella, That all future communications should be addressed to the Solicitors. And I'll ask for the return of my inlaid box which I lent to her, for her collars and handkerchiefs....lent, not gave. Signora. A letter to the English lady. Wait. Thank you. What I have to sacrifice for a life with you. - the inlaid box, don't send it back. Your Fool. Life, I mean. The Herritons are very well connected; they are the leaders of Sawston society. But what do I care, I just have my wonderful, lovely, lovely boy. Very beautiful. Go and play Pallone. I'm a married man. I'm not playing games anymore. Go and visit your friends, then. I have no friends now. - You can't stop indoors all day. I want to see no one but you. Silly thing, silly thing. Go and see your friends and bring them to me. I want to see people, I love society. You did not want to receive my relatives. - I am not talking about your relatives. I said I did not want to live with them, you would have... ...your mother and all your sisters living right here in the house with us. You are right. They are not for you. I want to see different people, you know important people. Who are the most important people in Monteriano? The prison governor and his officers, perhaps. And the mayor. - Are they married? - Yes. There we are then. Do you know them? Yes, in a way. I see. They look down on you, do they, you poor boy. That's going to change, just you wait. I want to wake you all up, just as I woke up Sawston. I'm having real, English tea parties. So sorry.. Mr. Herriton. I hardly recognized you. - Are you going up to London for the day? Yes, I travel up on this every month now. - Can I help you with this? - Thank you. Are you visiting friends? No, charity work for the poor. Well, we can travel up together. - Yes, I'd like that. You considered me sentimental and wicked at the time, but you never knew how much I was to blame. Really I haven't thought about it now. I hated Sawston, you see. The idleness, stupidity, respectability-... The petty unselfishness. I have an idea that everyone there made small sacrifices... ...of objects they did not care for... To please people they do not... ...like. Just as bad, they didn't learn how to enjoy themselves. I thought Gino was splendid, young. If they wanted to get married, why shouldn't they. So I called her to my bedroom one night and... ...asked her 'Do you love this man, yes or no'. She said yes, and I said... 'Why don't you marry him if you think you would be happy?'. So she had you that made her happy. - It may not have been so wrong. He was only a boy. Just starting to turn into something fine. Is that you, Spiridone? - Did you go and get married? Have you heard it? - From England, blond. Is she rich? Incredibly rich. But there is a problem. - Just one? Lucky dog. That was lovely. You have such a beautiful voice, Signor Tesi. I am sorry, I cannot stay. Well? But... I'm so glad that you like music. - Yes, passionately. I have not studied scientific music, only music of the heart. Well you must come again. We must have many lovely evenings just like this. Goodbye. And thank you. I won't be long. You're probably right. I will not invite more. Why should she be treated differently? Wisely. You should monitor what is valuable. But she needs something to do. Is she Catholic? No. - It was a shame. You have to persuade her. It will be a solace in her loneliness. What are you doing? - Go out. Perfetta must clear away lunch. I can walk by myself. I forbid you. - I always do in England. This is Italy. Married women do not go around alone. I'm older than you and do what I want. I'm your man. And I have the money. Think about how you behave, otherwise I will stop... What happened? What was it that broke? Perfetta. What happened? What did you say to him? - I said nothing. Nothing... Wait a moment... Do you want a ride? - No. Yes, I want to post. I will. Stay.... Are you blind and deaf, stupid woman? I know nothing. Do not blame me. Jumped her from the loggia? The roof? - Let me be. So you look. Quite dusty. You are a crazy English woman. As your hair looks. As your husband I forbid you to go out. The woman must obey. There is no marriage if the man is permanently gone. If you wanted an obedient woman sitting at home you would have chosen it. But you married me... ...Because I'm rich. As they laugh at me when you are with your other woman? What do you say? You're not particularly crafty, Gino, not even clever enough to deceive me. Are you laughing? - I can't help it, I thought you knew nothing. I give in. Let's neverspeak of this again. I am as miserable now as I have ever been in my life. ' Irma, darling Irma. this letter is for you.' 'It will make you unhappy, but I want you to know everything. And you cannot learn things too soon ' 'God bless you, my dear, and God bless your miserable mother.' How terrible. - It was inevitableit would end like this. A lack of resources has always been Lilia's shortcoming. She did'nt like music, she didn't like reading... ...and she certainly did'nt like work. What can she do but be miserable. Poor Lilia. - There's one consolation, that I seized the letter when I did. Another moment and Irma's childhood could have been destroyed forever. My love, my dearest Lilia. Be calm. I have never loved anyone but you. We light candles every day to Santa Deodata. With my family, that is many candles. I have prayed all night for a boy. You're a boy yourself, Gino. - Then we shall be brothers. Wake up. Wake up and join us. He was born. It's a beautiful boy. Grazie. Thank you. Congratulations. What a handsome father. What a wonderful family. He is wonderful. No.... Are we to go into mourning? - Yes. After all she suffered. And we must tell Irma. Of course, we must tell Irma. But I think we can still not tell her about Lilias marriage. Little girls of nine don't reason very clearly, and she looks on it as a long visit. It is important, very important, that she should not receive a shock. A child's life depends on the ideas it has of its parents. Destroy that and everything goes - morals, behaviour, everything. I must say it's rather hard luck. - On Irma? Why? No, on us. We have the morals and behaviour also... ...and I don't think this continual secrecy improves them. There's no need to twist thins round, Philip. - Of course there isn't. But you're forgetting the baby. The solicitor is right, there's a baby. Let's keep to the main issue. The baby is quite beside the point. It will make a difference to your money, surely? Only a little. Your brother provided for every contingency in his will. The money will come to you and Harriet as Irma's guardians. Good -Does the Italian get anything? He'll get all hers. -But you know what that is. Good. So those are our tactics, to tell no one about the baby, not even Miss Abbott. Most certainly that is the proper course - Harriet? Here beginneth the new life then. Do you remember Mother? That's what we said when we saw Lilia off. Yes, Dear, but now it really is a new life, because we are all in accord. Then you were still infatuated with Italy. It may be full of beautiful churches and pictures... ...but you can only judge a country by its men. Irma, what's that,? - From Italy. Give it to me. 'The beautiful Monteriano...' Giveit to me. '... From your little brother.' - Give it to me, at once, do as I say. Ow. - Irma. Come with me, baby. Which team are you on this week? Now she wants to teach him The Ten Commandments. His 'little brother', its too tiresome. - Though she forgot Lilia fast enough. I suppose a 'living brother' is more to her than a 'dead mother'. She can give him socks for Christmas. She's bringing him in everywhere. The other night... ...she asked to include him in her prayers. What did you say? - I allowed it of course. She has the right to mention anyone she chooses. But I was mad at her this morning, though I say it. Why? She wants to pray for her new father - the Italian. Do you remember when I used to pray for the Devil? He is the Devil. -No, Harriet, he's too vulgar. I'll thank you not to scoff against religion. Think of that poor baby. -Irma is quite right to pray for him. What an entry to life for an English child. - Firstly, the baby is Italian. Secondly, it was promptly christened at Santa Deodata... ...with a powerful combination of saints to watch over it. Philip, don't. We must watch Irma carefully. She may not be able to resist the temptation... ...to talk about her 'new family'. Yes the baby is a little bit difficult, Mr. Abbott. Especially as we are so far away. It was thoughtful of Caroline to take such an interest. No it was Irma who mentioned it to me, last week at Sunday school. We said a prayer for the child. - How very kind of you. Irma. Button up your coat properly, or you'll catch cold. I'm sorry, but Mrs. Herriton, may I speak to you for a minute? Philip, bring Irma home, will you. - Harriet, tell... ...cook that I expect luncheon to be served at one o'clock precisely. I wonder what she wants? I don't suppose Mother will keep us in suspense. The impudence. The cursed impudence. Oh. I'm swearing - I don't care. That beastly girl, how dare she interfere? - Miss Abbott? Yes. She wants the child to live with her, if you please. To be brought up by her and her father, at our very gate, to go to school like a gentleman and she's going to pay for everything. Oh. You're a man. It doesn't matter to you You can laugh. Where is Harriet? - Let it go. Let her mess with this herself... ...let her meddle inthings she does not understand. She will come to grief. That man... ...will either marry her, or murder her, or do for her somehow. Philip, quiet. I am wondering whether I ought not... ...adopt the child myself. Just because a few idiotic remarks of Miss Abbott's? Ethel. Take my coat. And get Mr. Philip's Gladstone from the attic. Hurry up girl. You are goingl to Monteriano. - Don't be ridiculous. I'm fed up with that beastly baby. If you don't go she will. We must pay all we've got for it. And Harriet must go too. Harriet is unfailing. - Harriet? Single or return? - Single for me, I will not come back alive. Sweet creature, you will be very helpful when we get to Signor Carella's. You don't think I am going to enter that man's house, do you? What are you coming for? To see you do your duty. - Thank you, thank you. For goodness sake buy the tickets now. Foreigners are a filthy nation. Those coloured patches on your blouse, do they have any special significance? I was in such a hurry I poured ammonia all over my Bible. It will keep the flies away. - and I forgot my wash bag in Bologna. Its so hot. Open the window. I'm going to buy tickets. - Open the window. Oh....I'm blinded.... .. I can't see. Oh. It's hot, isn't it. I beg your pardon. No, excuse me I do not speak English. Quite. There is only one driver, but I have persuaded them to take us. We'll have to offer them a little more money. At least I think I did. - Good... Monteriano? Should I take your bags? - Yes please. Not at all. Complain, don't just stand there. - Shut up, Harriet. Well? What did he say? - That we could share. Do not be absurd. Then we'll have to wait until he comes back then. I'm not clever, Philip, I don't go in for it.. But I know what's rude, and I know what's wrong. You. What's the good of cleverness if a man has murdered a woman? Harriet, I'm hot. -If you don't watch out he will murder you. I wish he would. Tut, tut Harriet.. You would find a corpse extraordinarily inconvenient. That hardly describes the fellow. We know he didn't murder her. He murdered her, the things he did, which one can't even mention. Things we must mention if we are to talk at all about it. Because he is unfaithful to his wife, it doesn't follow that in every way he is absolutely vile. It is the supreme test a man's unchivalrousness to a woman. Don't be so ridiculous, Its no more a supreme test than anything else. The Italians never were very chivalrous from the first. You could condemn the English as well - I do condemn them. The French as well? The French as well. -It's not so jolly easy. Look there. Don't you see any beauty in it at all? No, it's frightful. It is old, all too old. So many things have happened there. I can't explain it. I shouldn't think you could. It doesn't seem the best moment to start your Italy mania. Go. -Go where?. Good evening, signora. I'm back to Monteriano. Go. I mean it. - We're not going now. Go this instant. No. I can not stand this any longer. Go. Damn you Harriet, please.. Swear if you like. Blaspheme, abuse me but understand I'm in earnest. Harriet don't act or act better. Play the part Harriet. No, no. We have come for the baby, and nothing else. Let the signora come down and me go up and select rooms. The lady is not feeling well. - Ah, poor thing. Leave me alone. I don't care what you do I'm English. You'll go and get the baby. Please calm yourself. You're going to wake up the entire hotel. - I don't care. We can probably be arrested for brawling. How can you be so ridiculous. Caroline. Caroline, what are you doing here? Caroline. Carella-Signor live down there. Thank you. Hello. Is there anyone in? Hello. I'm looking Signor Carella. He's not home. Can I leave a... biglietto. Wait. How's the baby? - Beautiful. Just like an angel. This is my business card. Would you be kind and leave it to Signor Carella? Yes? He wasn't there. -I meet him tomorrow at 10:00. Good. Don't forget the blank cheque. Right. Iets say an hour for business. No, two. Italians are slow. It'll be twelve o'clock, and then lunch. There'll be no point leaving before the evening train. This is Italy, you can't buy a pair of gloves in two hours, let alone a baby. Three hours, then. Or four. It doesn't matter. We'll stop in Florence for a nurse. What if he refuses? -I have told the landlady... ...we only want rooms for one night, and we shall stick to it. You must try to get Lilias silver bangles. They are quite nice and will do for Irma. Andthere's an inlaid box I lent her, 'lent' not 'gave', to keep her handkerchiefs in. It is of no real value, but if you see it... Don't ask for it, but if you see it lying about.. No, no, I'll just try for the baby, nothing else. Mr. Herriton, May I speak to you for a moment? I'm just giving myself some tea, its rather weak. You see, Harriet knows nothing. - No more do I who is out. Mr. Herriton, do'nt be mysterious, there isn't time. In Sawston we had to keep up appearances, but here we must speak out and make ourselves clear. Let me begin by asking you a question. In which capacity have you come to Monteriano? Are you a spy or traitor? - Spy. Your mother has behaved dishonourably throughout. I can't trust her. Its natural I should take an interest. The child came into this world through my negligence. Let us not argue. I hope you get the child, but if you don't... ...get the child I'll get it myself. I don't expect you to believe me, but I can assure you you'll never get the child. Money is no object whatsoever. I am here to carry out my mother's instructions, I think you'll approve of them. She has practically dictated them; I myself do not agree, I think they're absurd. So Miss Abbott you had better take entire charge of the rescue party. I've asked for a meeting with Mr Carella tomorrow morning. Do you approve? -Yes. I understand you have already visited his house. If you gave me a few details it might be helpful. Mr Herriton, do you suppose that I would have entered that man's house. Knowing what I do about him? We met by accident, while I was walking. What did you talk about? Oh, the weather. He said there will be rain tomorrow evening. Other towns, England, myself and about you a little. Is he preparing a warm reception? - You can hardly expect a quiet time. Then he asked after you and wished he had not... ...been so rude to you when he met you. Did he really? How ones fear is made of little things. You didn't think it was such a little thing at... ...the time. You told me that he had assaulted you. Did I really? I suppose I must have lost my temper. Is not it beautiful? Is that an opera poster? 'Lucia di Lammermoor' by Donizetti.' 'Directed by Alfredo de Sanctis. This evening at. 20.15.' Is there an opera house here? Yes, opposite the church. I'll show you. People know how to live here. They would sooner... ...have a thing bad than not at all. Can we not go? - We're here to rescue a child. Yes I know. Sometimes I wish I were Harriet. Anyway we probably wouldn't get a seat. Did you like it at all? - I like it awfully. I wish I had got something better to wear though. You look splendid. Fine gowns pack as easily as ugly ones. There's no need to come to the theatre like guys. This is all wrong. Mother would be furious. It's the fat lady at the station. She's certainly very vulgar. Sit down. - Shush. Shush. Shut up, Harriet. Foreigners. We have to show them. We should have done right from the start. Shush. Shush. Ridiculous babies. I suppose she is meant to be going mad. Where is Walter Scott in this? Where is thye Walter Scott, I should like to know? Bravo. Oh. The agony of it. Take me away from here, Philip. Whose are these? Why didn't you meet me? To take me by surprise? I left a note for you this afternoon. My sister is waiting... No, you cannot leave me now. Filippo, my brother. See you at the cafe in the morning at ten o'clock. Where's my sister? She went to bed. That was him, wasn't it? Yes, I allow that. I suppose you didn't settle anything? No, how could I? Tjhe fact is I got taken by surprise. But it doesn't matter? He was perfectly charming person... ...and his friends are very nice too. I'm his friend - now. And I'm his long lost brother. In England we get up on our high horses, Here we see what asses we are are. Things go perfectly easily all by themselves. God, what a wonderful night. So Lilia once said. What do you mean? Nothing. I had a wonderful night too. Thank you. Forgive me. Is Signor Carella at home? - Come up, come up. Sit yourself down. Gino Carella. Gino Carella. Where is Perfetta? You know, but you wouldn't tell me. It is exactly like you. Why don't you tell me another number in the lottery, and we will be rich. I dreamed of a red hen. It means '25'. But I want to try the dice this week. So tell me another number. Oh, you don't care, As long as you can get the profits. You do not even say ' thank you Gino'. Say it. Or I drop red hot ashes on you. 'Thank you, Gino' - Thank you, Gino. A message from the signora. Thank you. Who is it from? Miss Abbott to wish me luck with my interview. Nice to see that someone has started thinking about it all. After last night. I mean... Can I ask to have tea with cold milk? Not boiled. What is 'cold'? - Freddo. Latte freddo. . I don't know what she thought you were doing? Something, dear Harriet. I know exactly what I'm doing. What is it? What frightened you? Business. - With me? Yes. It is most important. - Before business, you must feel better. Will you have some wine?. -No. - Please. You are surely very busy. And yes, I'm not very well. You are not well enough, and I'm not busy. I see what frightened you. Come. What a wonderful child, Signor Carella. So sweet of you to talk to it in English. I'm trying to teach him. Six months? No, five. I suppose five. Still, a remarkably fine child for his age. You mustn't stand. We'll go and sit in the loggia, its cooler. and this room is so untidy. Mr Herriton called on you yesterday. - I was sorry to miss him. I had to go to Poggibonsi, it was important. Can you guess why? No idea, sorry. - Guess. Signor Carella, I'm here on business, - Please try. I can't. -I hardly know you. - But we are old friends. Your approval means so much to me. You gave it to me once before, do you remember? Yes, but I haven't come as a friend this time. So I am not likely to approve of anything you do. Surely you approve of marriage? Marriage? You shouldn't expect me to think of marriage. Yes. -I forbid you. I absolutely forbid you. - Why? You have ruined one woman. I refuse to let you ruin another. You pretended to me the other day that you loved Lilia, but that was a lie, you wanted her money. Has this woman got money too? -Yes, a little. And I suppose that you say you love her? No, that's not true. - Then God help her. What do you want, Signorina. Why do you suppose she won't be content, she will be... ...very happy to have me, and she will do her duty well. Her duty. -She knows why I am marrying her. To succeed where Lilia failed. Be your slave, your housekeeper, you... - To look after the baby. -The baby. Its an English marriage. I do not care about the money. I am happy having her for my son. Marriage, Signor Carella, is a very serious step. Can't you manage it more simply? Your relatives, for example? -In Empoli? - I would as soon have him in England. No. It is difficult, but I must have him with me. I won't even let my mother and father stay here. Why not? Because they would separate us. They would separate our thoughts. He feels that I'm here. Hey. He is not much longer than my boot. Can you believe that one day, his own boots will be as large. Please. Do take care. Father - son. Is he all right? Yes, its nothing. If he cries in silence, that will be frightening. He thinks that I'm going to wash him, and he's quite right. Wash him? There we go. Is not he nice? And he's mine. Mine forever. Even if he hates me, he's mine. For he's a part of me. I'm his father. Can I help you? Of course. It is very kind of you. Especially in yourbeautiful dress. Perfetta washes him like she washes clothes. Then he screams for hours. I take all morning. Can you hand me a towel? - Yes. Is there any powder? - Yes. Hello. I got you're note and I'm not offended. - Signorina? Signorina. - I need you here. Miss Abbott. Miss Abbott.... She's gone. Our Business? - Yes, business. Miss Abbott, tell you what we want? - No. But surely she spoke to you? Yes, she came for business but she forgot about it. -So did I. What is she doing in Monteriano in October? I tell you what. She has cometo deceive us. No, that's not true. She may be exasperating but she's not here to betray us. What is she doing here? Where is the baby? Of course you haven't got it. Dear sweet, sweet Caroline does not let you get it. And we'll run away and... ...trouble the father no more. And those are her commands. Miss Abbott has behaved very oddly... She was crying - it was disgusting. You must listen, my dear Harriet. Stop crying. This is important. I will not stop crying. - Please, stop. She has done us no harm. He assumes she is working with us. But she's not. Iif you want the baby you must make your peace with her. She has mad quite an impression on him. She's so good with the baby, she can bathe it for him. How disgusting. Anyway... I can have no appeasement with an enemy. - Did you......? It was not what I wanted. She left while I was... ...Still talking to her. Like all cowardly people. She went into the church. Don't know why she needs it. Anything more unchristian... I have nothing to tell you. Only I've come right round. If he had found the whole thing out, I couldn't have kissed you. I haven't come here to scold you. What has happened, is what might have happened to me, He has led you to believe that he loves the child. Yes, he has. He'll nevergive it up. - Its not settled yet. -It'll never be settled. Perhaps not, but I must ask you to stay out of the matter for the moment. Harriet is furious. You must promise not to prejudice our cause by... ...speaking to Signor Carella. I shan't ever see him again. - He was charming, wasn't he? Quite. - I will go and tell Harriet your promise. I thing things will quieten down now.. - Why aren't you angry with me? Because I understand you. All of you, Harriet, Lilia, Signor Carella and even my mother. Yes, you understand them. You're the only... ...one of us who has a general view of the whole muddle. But what are you going to do? Do? I have another meeting with him this afternoon. But that will come to nothing. - Then we'll have another. If that fails I shall wire home for instructions. We may fail altogether, but we shall fail honourably. That's not doing anything. Come out of the thing as well as you can, is that all you're after? Yes. What else is there? Miss Abbott you can't expect... ...me to follow you through every turn. I don't. But I do expect you to suffer what is right and to follow it. Do you want the child to stop with... ...its father, who loves him, but who'll bring him up badly? Or do you want him to come to Sawston, where no one loves him, to be brought up well? There. That is the question put dispassionately enough, even for you. Settle it, settle which side you'll fight on. But don't go on talking about an 'honourable failure', which simply means not thinking and not acting at all.. You're wonderful. - When you appreciate me I wish you didn't. You see the good in all of us, and all the time you are dead. Dead, dead, dead. Why aren't you angry? I can't stand by to see you wasted. Do not worry about me, Miss Abbott. Some people are born not to do things, and I am one of them. Youl'd be surprised to know what my great events are. Going to the theater yesterday, talking with you now. I don't think I shall ever meet anything greater. I seem fated to pass through this life life.. without collidiing with it or moving it. I don't die. Don't fall in love. And if other people die or fall in love they always do it when I am not there. I wish something would happen to you. I do so wish something important would happen to you. Traitor, coward. - Harriet, I... Stop it now, it's too hot. We have been... ...talking and interrogating each other all morning. I have another meeting this afternoon at the Caffe Garibaldi, so please, If you can't be civil, let's have silence. I will retire and prepare myself for the journey. Please remind Signor Carella that... ...the baby is to be here by half past eight this evening. Certainly, Harriet, I'll make a point of reminding him.. And order a carriage to take us to the evening train. Would you order a carriage for me too. - Are you going as well? Yes, of course. -I'll order two carriages then. Harriet, do hurry, Otherwise, we will never be ready. What's the matter? - You ought never to see him again. You should bundle Harriet into the carriage now and drive straight away. What difference does it make? It will all turn out the same in the end. Gino will keep his baby, and we will descend empty handed onto the plains. Perhaps it would be finer if I made up my mind now, but I'm not a fine person. I think you know what I mean. You're absolutely right. This whole thing is being managed by the ladies. Ladies.... Yes, yes. Thank you. Caffe Garibaldi? Quiet. One. I did my best. I can face my motherwith a good conscience. Can you confirm I did my best? All three of you are leaving in the evening? - Yes. Are you coming back? Of course. I can't find Harriet anywhere. It's raining, so I delayed having your luggage loaded. Farewell. - Grazie. You ought to go on ahead, I think. - Yes, of course. It's finished at last. Another scene in my pageant is over. Yes, goodbye. It has been a great pleasure seeing you. I hope it isn't over. Are you despondent, you return victorious. Yeah, I suppose I do. Harriet? 'Blessed be the Lord, my God, He teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.' Baggage. - Mr. Herriton? A message to you. 'Start at once. Meet me outside the gate. Harriet.' 'Pay the bearer.' Who brought this? - Outside. Who gave signora message? Who gave you the letter and where? He's a poor fool. I need to know where my sister is. How he met her? Signora waiting at Siena wall. - Siena wall? Then I head there. Thanks for everything, signora. - See you next year. Good trip. You give too much. - Oh God.... Andiamo avanti. Harriet? Harriet. Harriet. Why didn't you answer? What is it? - Shut up. Move, quickly, so we do not miss the train. What is that. Good God. How did you... - Be quiet, he's sleeping. - Oh my God. How did you manage it? What did you pay for it? Be quiet. Philip, move. Andiamo. He's awake. - Hello, little boy. You go to sleep now. Look at his face. Is his face too long? Don't be silly, you can't see him in this light. He's crying. - Nonsense. You'ld hear if he was crying. He's crying harder, I'm sure now. You did not hold him the wrong way or anything? Why don't you get Perfetta to bring him back to the station? Quiet. The baby's trying to sleep. Do you have matches? We can look at the babies' head. Why don't we borrow the lantern from the driver. No. I don't want all that trouble. Try again. Stop. Stop.... The baby, the baby.... I dropped it. It fell out of my arms. I stole it, I stole it.... I'm sorry. It slipped out of my arms. - Do not step around. We'll find it. There was nobody there. We'll find it. The baby. The baby. - We will find it. Oh my God. The baby. The baby... Oh, for the love of God.... - Where are you? Where are you?. I'm here. Come in, come in. Sit down. What terrible weather. I'm going to fetch milk for the baby. - Gino... I'll look for him. Filippo. Filippo.... So you're back. That's so nice. We're all waiting for you at the caffe. My sister is ill. Miss Abbott's not to blame, so I... ...Would be happy if you do not disturb them. It was through me it happened. I was cowardly and idle. Calm down. He is not here. Gino. You can do what you like with me, it doesn't matter.. He's dead. He died in my arms. No excuse no, but he died in my arms. You can do what you like, but think first. Your son is dead, Gino. He's dead. Your son is dead. What is the good of another death? What is the good of more pain? Go to him. Pick him up. Be gentle with him. Please, no. I cannot forgive him. - This thing stops here. There's to be no revenge. You're not to fight with each other any more. Fresh milk, white as snow. - Set it on the table. It is not needed any more. The milk needn't be wasted. Take it, Signor Carella. And tell Mr. Herriton to drink it. Is there any left? - A little. Well, finish it. Would you have some? - Finish it all. Have you had enough? - Yes, thank you, yes. It does nothing. It will never be wanted again. Scusa. Ask someone to collect the bags. - Of course, signor. Signorina Abbott's bags too. - Yes. -Excellent. It's from Gino. He says he has to marry her, the fiance. Its gone too far to back out now would be expensive. I do not know how much he minds. Not as much as we suppose, I think. I do not think he even feels angry anymore. I've never been so completely forgiven. He nursed me, He lied for me at the inquest and at the funeral... When will you see him again? - I hope next spring,. Perhaps we shall paint the town red with his wife's money. He has no heart. He does not really mind about the child at all. What is this? - I don't know. You're wrong about Gino. He's as unhappy as we are, but he just doesn't try to keep up appearances as we do. He knows that things which made him happy once will probably... ...make him happy again. -He said he'd never be happy again. Yes, in his passion. But not when he was calm. The English... ...when they are calm, they don't really believe it any longer. He is not ashamed of his inconsistencies; that's one of the many things I like him for. Yes, so do I. I believe that too. He is much more honest with himself than I am. He is honest without effort, without pride. When will you come back, do you think? - To Italy? Never. Why ever not? - because I understand the place. Understand Italy? - Perfectly. I don't. And I don't understand you. Where is Harriet? -I don't know. Perhaps you'ld better go and fetch her? - Yes. We'll wait for them here; they won't be here for a bit. Would you like something warm to drink? -No, thank you. You should have something. - No, thank you. How long have we got? - They should be here any moment. So, are your plans decided, then? - Mine? Yes, I can't stay here. Have you told your mother? I have written from Monteriano, and tried to explain things... ...But I don't think she'll understand me. Here, take this. -No, I won't. Please, just take it. What about you? -Home and work. - No. - Why not? You've seen too much. More even than I have. My life's here. -Silly nonsense, you cannot live in this hole. Too much has happened. -I know that. Wonderful things, the opera, all those things you... ...said to me in the church. Our times with Gino. All the wonderful things are over. - You see, I don't believe that, not for me. The most wonderful things may be to come. They're over... Do you remember what you once said to me? Don't be mysterious, there isn't time. It is tempting. -What is? - Not to be mysterious. I could never tell anyone else. I can never tell you. There's no one I could. Perhaps I do. Perhaps I should speak first. Just say the word plainly, you'll never be sorry for... ...it and I'll thank you for it for the rest of my life. I love him, Gino. I love Gino. I love him too....apart from that evening. -Don't try and pass it off. I'm in love with Gino. Stop thinking that I'm refined. That's what puzzles you, isn't it? If he asked me, I would give him myself, body and soul. Do you understand what I mean? Yes, I understand what you mean. - Then laugh at me. -At love? How ridiculous it is. I'm not ashamed of it. I love him. If I come back to Sawston, and I can't speak... ...about it sometimes, to someone, I should die. Whatever have you got in common? -Nothing. Except the times we saw each other. Isn't it funny. The son of a dentist with a pretty face. Tell me I'm a fool. Tell me I'm mad. That's the help I want. Perhaps it will pass. If it does pass, let me know. You'll know at the time. Thank you. Thank you for everything. Philip. |
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