The Enchanted Forest
Based on the novel by Wenceslao Fernández Florez
Adapted by Rafael Azcona
-Off to the train? -Yes, to the train
Frigging hell!
They'll fall down any minute...
But what time is it?
Seven thirty
-You wake up early
Not by choice
With the traps I set, if they fall then the birds fall
But some scum wakes up early and takes them
Give me the leg
What a result you're getting!
Of course, that's the point. Because it's iron
The worst part is that it gets shorter every day
Really?
How could iron shrink?
And leave the fire be, we're going to smoke the place out
It's your fault! Make a chimney and it won't happen
I can't believe...how foolish you are
That's also true
Just like your daughter-in-law
I'm sure that if you go to La Coruña
With the company, I mean. They'll change it for the right size
Because yours... How long since you lost it?
Do the maths
I was...17 years old. I'm going to turn 32
That's why. It's gotten too small for you
But if that cable didn't cut your leg, you would have stayed at sea
I didn’t like the sea
I respected the sea at first but then I missed the land
Yes but whalers make a good living
When you find whales, yes
Are whales scary?
What can I tell you? They're impressive
But once they're dead, you even feel sorry for them
If it weren't for the sea sickness, I would embark tomorrow
Because I won't continue like this...
I'm sick of not even being able to buy tobacco.
And when you least expect it...
I get to work and start thieving... frigging hell!
I've thought of a war name
Fendetestas
Have you seen Ermelinda?
She went by here not long ago
-Did she tell you something? -What would she tell me!
The bandit...
Fendetestas
It sounds good!
Let's see...metonymy
Metonymy...
Ah, metonymy, yes...
Come on, put that book away
Metonymy is a trope
So...
Metonymy consists in the translation of literal meaning
to figurative meaning
In virtue of the relation by antecedent...
Look who's here, Javier
Come in
This is your cousin Rosina
Aren't you going to give me a kiss?
Do you remember Mr Sidro?
Hail Mary...
conceived without sin
So you got married?
They get old
-It's like yesterday when she arrived... -The well digger is outside
Just a moment
-Enjoy your meal father -Thank you
They told me that you wanted to see me so here we are, at your service
I don't smoke
Who's he?
They call him Malvís and he's from Armental
He doesn't have a job so he's come to lend me a hand
Very well
I want to put a fountain out there. Come with me
Since there is water half a meter deep, it's better to dig a well
than put pipes in and...
Yes, yes
I want the well here
Let's see
Come on, don't be silly. If I say there's water then there is
So...
Sir, sorry but I can't feel it
Wouldn't I know what is in my house?
Nothing
Water, no
Here it is
But it's 30...or 40 meters deep
I said here!
Dig there...I won't dig there
I won't trick the master
If I dig there knowing there's no water, it would be a trick
Neither a fool nor a dead boy!
I'm going to pay, aren’t I?
So what?
Are you listening to him?
If I pay and there's no water until hell, what does it matter to him?
I think the master is right
Stop it! I'll tell your father
Wouldn't the fountain be better here?
I want the fountain here, here and here!
Here we find water just digging with our hands!
Get out! Get out of my home!
You're an idiot. Watch you don't fall
Let me come down by myself
Are you crazy? Didn’t he say he'd pay, water or no water?
That's what they all say because of self-love
But if you don't find water where they say
They're all reasons not to pay you
Come on, let's go. I have another visit
The truth is, I don't see much business in wells.
They call you out at Easter and then you don't do what they ask...
How...
It's just one case
You'll see how with Noguerol, the other visit, we won't have any problems
No, no, no
Wells don't convince me
And just as I was carrying all the stuff, I felt my back crack...
So...off to see Noguerol...you go
But what are you going to do without work?
Stop! Frigging hell!
Give me the money!
Shit! The bandit Fendetestas
How did you recognise me?
And the gun?
Can you see my face?
You took it from El Pazo
You'll find out when they start to miss it...
Since you're here, give me a hand
-Are you going to a wedding? -No
There is a dance in Lema
I'm sure Ermelinda will be there
Good chance you've got of dancing with...
A pasodoble, better than anyone
Especially the rights flips
Do you want to come?
Are you crazy?
If the cops see me
Wait...
So you robbed someone?
Not so well
The worst is that there are only poor people in the forest
But you'll see when I hit the priest's house
I'll be rich when I hit the priest's house
What are you doing!
Washing, can't you see that?
Great, dancing! Can't you think about something else?
Look, aunt, I have already tidied the house
Do you want me to bore myself stupid?
There's always something to do
So do it!
Do you think I'm going slave here on a Sunday
Slave! She says. What are your complaints?
What would you have happened if I didn't take care of you when your parents died!
At least I wouldn't have to put up with you!
It'd do you good not to think about men so much
That's my business
If you get pregnant, you won't set foot here! This is a decent house!
If you kick me out, how will you find an idiot like me!
What a witch!
You can tell it's a holiday
You are beautiful Ermelinda
I heard your aunt yelling
I wish she'd wear herself out
She's got quite a temper
Are you going...
Are you going to Lema's dance?
Of course
Me too
They say the band from Purrielles are going to play
Much better than bagpipes
Much better
So...
Off to the dance...
Are you going alone?
You could oil your leg. It makes me cringe
One day I’ll go to La Coruña and replace it
That'll be better because with that creak...
Well, I'll leave you to it
But weren't you coming to Lema?
Yes but later
I have something to do first
Ok, good bye
Bloody thing...
Has anyone seen such a glow!
You haven't even told me where you're from
Orto
-What a body! -Pain in the neck!
Excuse me, could you give me some oil?
The oil isn't free
Well...I'll pay
Ermelinda!
There you are!
Did you see?
Now it doesn't make noise
Great
Another wine
I said no!
Don't be silly
Brute, you're a brute!
But it's what you like!
Ah! Not that
Come on!
Zuco!
Evil boy. I thought you'd left
Come in! I have to talk to you
Come on my girl, you'll be late
What's wrong mother?
It's time you start using your head, working like a man
I saw Geraldo the well digger
He said he needs an assistant
What's my sister eating?
She's luckier than us
She's going to work at the Pazo today. They'll give her some breakfast
Forget it! I don't want to work for a wage
Of course! Then you won't have to justify the money you steal
Crook...
If your father wakes up
Keep on this way and you'll end up being Orca's meat
Miss Juanita!
Ermelinda!
They're calling
What a pain!
Tell your aunt that I'm here
Come in
Aunt
She steals from me, I'm sure she does
Aunt
Who is it?
Marica la Fame's boy
He's brought coal
Tell him to come in
-Good morning -Let's see
Let me see
-How much do you want for it? -There are 20 pounds
And it's a small coin per pound, so...one peseta
Do you think I'm an idiot?
Two reales will do it
In the city they sell it for 10 cents per pound
I've already discounted it by half
I have another skin
I said you if they're not dry and tanned, I don’t want them
Take two reales and bring the coal into the kitchen
No!
Or I'll go to the police and tell the corporal where you get it
You're always taking advantage
Tell Ermelinda to come here!
Sugar
Which gut have you broken now?
Still complaining!
Let's see...
What does it say here?
This again?
It says sugar, two kilos!
And there is only one and three quarter kilos!
But how can I open the cupboard if you don't even leave the key to shit!
Thief, you're a thief!
Don't call me thief! I'm much more honest than you
Thief?
Worse than a thief! Because you steal from a relative
Stealing from your aunt! God will never forgive you!
Do you know what? It's over. I'm sick of this
I'm leaving. Someone else will have to put up with you
Where are you going to go?
Ungrateful wretch!
Where they treat me like a person, not an animal
It's incredible treating someone of your own blood like this
Well, well
Dry your crocodile tears and...
Get back to your chores
Don't you believe me! You're going to do the chores!
Let's see if you believe me
What are you doing here?
Um...
They're bringing me a tool on the train
I see
But...
Where are you going?
I don't know
The important thing is that I'm leaving
Did you...
have a fight with your aunt?
I should have come before
All my life sucking my blood
Well
She is still your aunt
Working in a strange house, I don't know if...
Anywhere else is better. At least I'll get paid
But...going to the city like this, without a job or anything
Then...
You don't know anyone there
They aren't going to eat me
Others have left before me
Yes
Think about what happened to some of them
What?
Well, I don't know
But there are rumours
Someone saw Manolita from Landeiro in a house...
You know what I mean
Even one of those houses would be better than my aunt's
Don't say that
Well! Why would it matter to you?
Um...
You're not like Manolita from Landeiro
You never know Gerardo
-Do you know where... -Miss Juanita Ruallo lives?
Go up there and then...
Ermelinda!
Yes?
I...
I think you should think it over
If you stay here...
I...
What's wrong with you?
I'm saying that...if you stay here, you don't have to stay with your aunt
What do you mean?
If you want...
You and me...
I can't hear you!
I'm sorry but we didn't understand you
We were looking for Miss Juanita Ruallo
Up there and then when you arrive to the crossroads
The road to the right
How silly! Wasting money on an inn, especially when you're Antonio's friends
How are things going for him in Madrid?
Very good
With his job at the ministry
What a beautiful forest!
It seems so quiet, how peaceful!
That's true, it's not like Madrid with all the hustle and bustle
Surely you can both relax here
There's the house
I don't like to rent it but how could I say no to Antonio's friends!
Don't worry about the money! We'll make a deal
Thank you very much
One more thing: some friends from Madrid send their regards to the Albondo family
-Is your house far? -Not at all!
The Albondos' house is a stone's throw away
Excuse me Juanita, there aren't any pests in this forest?
Because the two of us alone, in the middle of nowhere...
Pests! As long as it's not the bandit...
Jesus Mary and Joseph!
Did you say bandit?
Don't worry. He won't leave the forest
Please come
Yes but since we are really on edge
Wouldn't we be more at ease at the "Fonda"?
The "Fonda"? Don't make me laugh. Didn't you say you wanted some peace?
What's more peaceful than this!
Stop! Frigging hell. Give me your bag or your life!
Give me the money!
You! Malvís!
Good afternoon!
Why do you have mud on your face? Did you fall over?
What do you mean?
It's true! I heard there was a bandit around here
Fendetestas!
Don't laugh! When people call you an "easy laughter", I don't laugh
And stop this talk! Give me the money... or else!
Malvís...we're from the same village. Are you going to steal from a friend?
Look Mr Freire, in business there are no friends
With that said, away from here, if I can ever do something for you...
But here! No!
The money or do you want me to search you?
No, it's not necessary. I'm not going to lie to you
I can't say I don't have any money...
It's not mine. I owe it to the carpenter for the cart
He really needs it, he's got plenty of kids
How much do you have?
I have no more than 40 pesos
I'm not going to say you're losing your soul...that's your business
But you could have stolen from the rich
Or stood up to the Castilian businessmen, that would be less of a sin
Take the 40 pesos
Let's do it this way, I'll give you two pesos and..
All of it!
Five?
I can't Mr Freire. What kind of bandit would I be if I offer discounts!
To make you feel appreciated, keep 20 pesos and no more talk
I don't want you to feel guilty, so let's do this:
Let's share
20 pesos for you...and 20 for me. That's fair!
If I didn't have a heart...
Hey Fendetestas!
What do you want now?
What would you say if I come back with some friends and big stakes?
Take my money! It's mine and nobody steals from me
Or say I go to the police...
Maybe they'll take me in
You get out of jail sooner or later
And the day I got out, the first thing I would do...is set fire to your house
Do you have any cigarettes?
Go to hell!
Geraldo, are you there?
Look! And you said it was better to work
Ermelinda left
Freire is such a bastard
If I don't pay attention, he'll steal my gun
Who knows where she's going to sleep tonight!
Tomorrow you'll do me a favour. Take it!
Go to Pelona's shop and get me some tobacco, paper and a lighter
-Did you hear me? -Yes
-Ermelinda has gone to La Coruña...to work -Yes...and one more thing...What?
That's if she doesn't throw her life away
But who?
She's not like Manolita from Landeiro
-But what are you talking about? -Ermelinda!
She took the train and she's gone forever
What am I going to do now...
Why do you care? Even if she hadn't left, you wouldn't have got anywhere
Because you never risk telling her that you love her
Come on, don't be sad. Men have to be men
-Bloody women! They're all the same! -No
-Ermelinda is different... -I gave you a duro, ok!
Take it. Ask Pelona if she has some masks from Carnival
And if she does, buy some for me
And I say...
Why don't you go to La Coruña?
And when I get there...
Why would they want a well digger?
-In Madrid I don't eat anything -A bird
But here you can't even imagine. The fresh air has whet my appetite
The worst is at night
-What happens at night? -The noises. They scare us
-The animal noises -They don't stop!
-Since the house is in the forest... -You can't sleep a wink
You'll get used to it
Couldn't you get us a dog?
Ok, if you would like that...
Maybe the Esmorís' dog
We would be more at ease. Especially with the bandit
Do you know there is a bandit in the forest?
Don't worry about the bandit, he's just decoration
Where have you seen a forest without bandit?
If you've finished your dessert... off you go to study
Mum...
I'm going to take a rest. Good afternoon
And what about this dog? How could we get it?
Mum, I'm going to study
Wonderful my boy
I'll talk with the Esmorís, there won't be a problem
Ma’am, Don Codevos is here
I told him he couldn't come in and he went crazy
My god!
Oh my god...Let him come in
-If he's mad... -Shouldn't we lock ourselves in?
An unhappy man!
He got the idea that he's someone important
He's always giving presents
A pain because then you have to return the presents to the family
Calm down...where are you going?
-Good afternoon -Hi, how are you?
It's been so long since the last time you had the pleasure to see me
So I said to myself...
I'm going to pay a visit to the Albondos' house
And bring them a calf
Why did you go to all that trouble Manolo?
It's no trouble, I would've liked to bring you some bullocks
but there were some problems so I thought, "some other day"
We would like to give you the facade of the Santiago cathedral
No way, it wouldn't even fit in my house
And my brothers don't let me spread out much
Listen...
Would you like to have my goods from America?
Of course
But it would be require a notary... and that's always a mess
But I can arrange it all by telephone
Excuse me
Mr notary, write this down
My two houses in La Habana are for these two aristocratic women, ok?
And my cattle in Buenos Aires for the master
That's enough Manolo
No, no
Excuse me, are these two young ladies members of the family?
I say so because tomorrow I could bring you a pig
And I could also send 40 or 50 chickens.
But coloured chickens!
Yesterday I spoke with the king
Ma’am, Marica la fame, Pilara's mother, wants to speak with you
Tell her to come in
Yes?
You should go. The emperor is waiting you
I'll leave as I don't want to keep him waiting
I'll leave the calf here, ma’am
Stop doing that and let's go
What's up?
Ermelinda has left Juanita Ruallo so she needs a maid
She'll give you a duro per month and a dress a year
Have you told the mistress?
Yes, I have her permission. She said she understands that for Pilara...
it's better to have a job as a maid than come here when you need her
Where did Ermelinda go?
To La Coruña, they say
-Good afternoon -Good afternoon
How are the wells?
Good, good
I would like some tobacco and papers
How much?
I don't know, as much as I can with five pesetas...I don't smoke
Take it. And try this one
One more thing. Do you still have a mask from Carnival?
I wouldn't say no
I'm going to take a look
For someone who doesn't smoke, you buy a lot of tobacco
Um...um
Corporeal, what do you use to oil your gun?
because it would be very useful...
Forget guns and tell me where your assistant is
The one from Armental. Malvís I think they call him
Well...
-He has some kidney problems -The only ones I've got left. Choose!
This one. How much is it?
And the scum who gave you the errand,
if he wants to smoke, he should come and buy it!
He won't need the mask when I go and look for him
That's what he said
So bandits aren't allowed to smoke? Frigging hell!
Malvís, I've just a messenger
-See you -This idiot isn't going to forget me
One day I'll go down and hold up the tobacco store
And he screws with me, I'll set fire to the barracks and the whole village
They're going to find out exactly who the bandit Fendetestas is
-Good evening -Good evening
Stop! Frigging hell!
Give me your tobacco
I don't know if I have any
-Because...I did smoke -Lucky for me. And papers!
That's dirt
Yes
They didn't give me tobacco
When?
When they shrouded me
They didn't even have enough patience to put my jacket on as God orders
But...
Who are you?
I'm Fiz Cotobelo's soul
Punished to walk along this way... looking for a Christian...
Wait! I don't want to hurt you
Listen to me!
I only ask you...
What people!
What do you want from me?
Do you want me to say mass?
You said that...as if it was in your pocket
Do you want it or not?
Mass....
It can't hurt
But I need something else more
Tell me
While alive I promised to go to the San Andrés Teixido church
and I didn't do it
What I need...
is for a Christian to go barefoot
and a pilgrim with a candle to do it for me
Will you do me this favour?
I would go but...
I'm the bandit of this forest, as soon as I get out to the fields...
But if you want me to order the mass...
You don't want to help me either
It's not that I don't want to!
It's because the police would take me
Why didn't you go to San Andrés de Teixido?
And you even ask me for an explanation!
No...I was just curious
I'm really sorry because if I could, I would kindly go
Excuses
Always excuses
Good morning
Don't believe it, they could be better
Remove this grass!
You're going to have a good harvest
I don't think so
Well look! I have nothing to do!
If you want me to give you a hand...
For what's left...
Good morning
Do you know where a women called La Moucha lives?
The witch? Not this way. You have to go back or through the forest
So you don't want me to help you?
I already said, for what's left...
Come
I'll go with you, we'll go through the forest
-I got you! -I didn't do anything!
-Quiet, be quiet! -Let me go
So it was you
-No, it's the first time -Shut up, liar
From man to man...
-Do you want to be friends? -That depends...
Keep the bird and as of today we'll share the game
-What do I have to do in exchange? -Nothing
-You have to bring me some tobacco -And the money?
Yes
Take it
Bring the quarter pound type and papers and a lighter
One more thing, if the corporeal is there, go back when he's not in, ok?
Are you here to consult the witch...
What do you have? Food? Eggs? Fruit?
No, I don't have anything. The basket keeps me company
It's a habit
If I don't carry anything, I don't enjoy these long walks
It's my mother, I'm sure she doesn't have any money
I see, yes
But the other one? She's not from around here
No but look at the basket: empty
Does she charge? A lot?
She charges for sure and a lot
That's how she bought a field and part of the mountain last winter
I wonder what expenses she has to charge so much?
A witch's life is tremendous, as they say
They know everything that the bad spirits invent against the God's law
It's not strange that some witches are taken by the devil
May God protect us from him!
Why do you want to ask for advice?
When misfortune comes into a house...
We had two pigs and the fatter one died
And the other is going the same way, he doesn't eat or wake up
Hail Mary
We've got about ten arrobas of corpses
and now the calf is sick too
As if so much misfortune in one house were nothing
The only boy we have and he was like a roll of butter...
Now he's fading like a lamp without oil
That's why I said to my husband, there is a bad will here
I'm going to see the witch who always gets the remedy right
I see a woman
She's young
-And beautiful -That's her
What's she doing?
Do you think the cards are a telescope?
You said you could see her
It's a way of talking
The girl is sad
She remembers her land
And me?
I see a man
Me
I see a lot of men
Men from the city, of course...
Is Ermelinda going to come back?
The cards don't say that
But with Saint Cyprian’s book...
you can make her come back
How?
As the book prescribes
The return...
The return, return, ret...
Here!
Done
Here is Marica la Fame
She's brought a woman
How are you feeling?
Bad
Go on, wait outside
I've brought a woman from San Tirso de Mavedondo
and I think she has some chances
You don't even know what compassion is
I have a foot in the grave
and you all don't stop coming
One day you’ll find me here... rigid like a stick
She wants to know how much you're going to charge her
A duro for the session
And one more for the remedy... if she wants it
Two duros?
Two duros
Will you give me something for bringing her?
Ok, I'll give you something Marica
Something I'll give you!
Let's go
Can't you see she's ill? Leave her in peace
Take it
Don't open it
If you open it, it will lose its virtue
And...what is it?
A letter
All you have to do now is join it...
to something the woman you want to come back has touched
But
She...
took all her things
Not the bed, I'm sure
Of course!
How much do I owe you?
If I don't die beforehand,
one day I'll call you to dig a well
We'll arrange it then
Shit! The lost soul
Fiz! Come have a sip!
No, I don't drink anymore
Come up here!
Isn't there a single Christian who will do you the favour?
They only toss holy water at me
It messes me up
How are you going?
I can't complain, it's worse ploughing
Look what I took from a seminarian who was going to Betazo's
What a pity he had no tobacco left
If I had a smoke, I wouldn't change anything in the world
not even to be a school teacher
Well...
Do you know a boy called Fuco? The son of...Marica la Fame?
I don't know
What a pity, I would love you to give that rat a scare
I gave him a duro for tobacco and he's taken off with my money
Why didn't you fulfil your promise to go to San Andrés Teixido
There are so many things we don't do in life
I didn't go to America either
I would have been happy to make a fortune
Well...
America is everywhere...look at me!
You should have heard my grandfather talk about Cuba
Cuba and the Cuban women
Tell me, tell me
Sweet like honey, he said
Sweet like honey
-Would you like to go to Cuba? -Who wouldn't?
Mainly for the tobacco, what cigars they must smoke there!
And rum
Listen to what I say
I regret not having gone to Cuba more
than leaving my promise unfulfilled
Don't exaggerate!
Malvís
Are you at home?
It's a friend, it would be better if you left
so as not to scare him, since he's not used to it
You understand, right?
You have to do me a favour
Go to the village and when you can, go into Juanita's house
and put this in the bed where Ermelinda slept
What's this?
A note from the witch, to make Ermelinda come back
Why should I be the one to put it on her pillow
Aren't you the bandit?
The bandit knows how to get into other people's houses
You're crazy! And the corporeal?
I don't know
Do it when he's playing chess
No, the day I break into a house, it'll be the priest's, not Juanita's!
And...so how will I do it?
I didn't think you'd come
I had to escape from the mistress
Don't drink too much! If she realizes, she'll kill me
What an obsession! She's always hanging off the adult's talk
You have to pay me, it's Saturday!
How quickly the weeks go by!
The mistress told me to ask if anyone has seen Ermelinda?
Has anyone seen Juanita Ruallo's niece?
I saw her...and what good company she had!
I think she has gone to America
No, she's going to marry a very rich pharmacist
He's going to buy a house. Do you want the truth?
They say she's made friends with Manolita from Landeiro!
Good morning
Don't be afraid, I won't do anything
Are you Fuco's sister?
Take it
Do you know where your brother is?
I don't know, he's always around here
He was around here
Well, I'm in a hurry
I gave him a duro for tobacco and haven't seen him since
Wait...you have to do me a favour
You know who am I, right?
Yes sir, the bandit Fendetestas
That's right
So tell your brother to give me my duro back
or I'll find him and pull him by the ears, ok?
-Yes sir -Ok, carry on
So...
Let's see if it's true that God...
Pilara
Pilara...listen...I... would like to ask you a favour
This morning everyone is asking me for favours
What do you mean?
Nothing but tell me quickly because I'm very busy
Look
I...
I was...
I was...let's say...
...Ermelinda's boyfriend
And so...since I...
-You love her -That's right!
I need her to come back
They say someone saw her with a pharmacist
-Who said that? -The milk delivery woman
But if you're going to believe them... they're always joking
But why do you want her to come back?
Well...I don't know
I mean...
To... get married... because we would get married
But if she comes back, I would lose my job
No, that wouldn't happen
She would come to my house...
because a married woman lives with her husband
What favour do you want from me?
Oh yes...
You sleep on the bed where Ermelinda slept, right?
Where else?
Look...
I went to see the witch and she gave me this
-Is that you, Pilara? -Yes, ma’am
Finally!
Did you get paid for the week?
I'm leaving and I don't know what time I'll come back
Tidy up the house
Make my bed
Wash the breakfast dishes
Do the laundry
and once you've finished, go to the field for some grass
Pilara!
One duro is missing! Did you count the money?
-Yes, ma’am -And it was correct?
-It was -Well a duro is missing
-But I... -Did you see your mother?
You saw her and she asked you for it or she took it
No ma’am, I didn't see her. I only saw Fendetestas
You went through the forest! I told you to take the road
The bandit and the ghost are in the forest!
It's just that going through the forest is quicker...
that way I have more time to do housework
It's my fault for being good. Take this, you idiot!
You're going to finish me off! What was I thinking accepting you here
You'll be the end of me!
I want the truth
Did Fendetestas take the duro?
No ma’am, he didn't do anything, quite the opposite
Ok
In that case, you lost it or you're hiding it to keep it
I'm not hiding it
Good
If you have lost it, go get it and don't come back without it
and if not, you won't get paid this month!
Mr Fendetestas
Ah
There you are
-Did you give your brother my message? -No, I haven't seen him yet
I've lost a duro!
Ah
-We lose a lot of things -Have you seen it?
Why would I have seen it young woman?
A duro, my duro!
Well, yes I saw it
A magpie took it in its beak
It fell down when I took the apple. You found it!
What can I say? I haven't seen your duro
If you lost it then it'll be around here... look for it
You've got it
Don't run, where are you going? Come here!
Please, give it to me Mr Fendetestas, it's my month's salary
and if you don't give it to me, the mistress won't pay me
and my mother will kill me, you don't know what she's like
My duro! For whatever you want? Give me my duro Fendetestas!
You are so good
I'm not good, for god's sake, I'm a bandit
Didn't you say you knew that?
Yes but it doesn't matter, you can give me my duro back
How can I give it back? If I do...
everyone would lose respect for me!
You...give it back...I... I won't tell anyone
-No -Wait Mr Fendetestas
Shut up, they're going to hear you!
From the police barracks!
I'll be quiet if you give me my duro
Listen, I know what we're going to do
You keep the duro your brother took from me
-Problem solved, ok? -No, my brother doesn't owe me anything
My patience has run out, if you don't get out of here, the bandit Fendetestas...
(Squeals) To make sure that the police corporeal comes!
-I want my duro -Shut up, take it
Frigging hell, shut up for once!
What's going to happen! What!
Malvís
Fiz! It's very late
Excuse me, I was coming by here...
-But if I'm disturbing you... -No, now that you've woke me up
I wanted to talk with you
Sit down
And your family...nothing, no?
Nothing
Word must have gotten out that I'm going around sinning
and now they don't even let me explain
They barely see me and they cross themselves and run away
As if they'd seen the devil
That's my point
It's not like I show up with sheets and chains
It's doesn't matter, the point is that people are afraid of you
So, well....
Avoid going through the forest
Do you get me?
Of course I get you! I already see myself sinning all the way to the valley
Can't you see what I'm getting at?
It's very clear!!! Frigging hell
If no one comes through the forest, who can I steal from?
You can always break into the priest's house
That's easy to say but you need a lot of balls to do it
What?
Does he have a gun?
It's not that. It's more when I think about how the priest might catch me...
I don't know
It gives me the shivers
Shitty blade of grass!
You still don't have tobacco, right?
I'll say one thing!
If strangers won't help you, why don't you ask a relative?
A relative can't refuse to go even if it's a long way away
But we don't get along very well
So go sin somewhere else!
Anyone would say that I'm in the wrong place
Every forest has the right to a ghost, right?
Yeah and a bandit!
At this rate...If I don't steal your shroud...
If you're going to be like that, I should go
Sorry, it's not you
It's...
Not having tobacco pisses me off!
You're forgiven
And that music?
But which planet are you on?
Tomorrow is Saint Benito's day and they're preparing
She's come back!
Ma’am, Ermelinda has come back
She didn't take long
Now we're going to see who I am
Hello aunt
-But... -What? Don't you recognise me?
Well here I am, but don't worry, I'm only visiting
But...
Did you win the lottery?
I'm a housekeeper...not a nanny
And my boss is going to give me white globes
to serve the table
By the way, she treats me like a daughter, not like some people
Are you stupid? Can't you hear that someone is calling?
You don't how happy it makes me...
Tell her that I've brought the leather
When you leave, look for Geraldo the digger, the one with the iron leg
and tell him that Ermelinda has arrived, will you do it?
If you give me something
My stockings? They didn't cost me a thing
My mistress' son has a shop
You could have thought of me and bought me something!
My brother is here
The tanned leather
-Do you want more? -I don't think so
They're for the coat I'm going to make this winter
My lady has a beautiful coat, she calls it bison
It's much better than moleskin
What a difference!
She's come back!
Pull me up!
Pull me up!!!
What's up?
I don't know, Juanita Ruallo's niece has come back
She's come back!
-And how does the dog work? -We've never had a dog
During the day I'll leave him tied up here
and at night I'll set him free to stretch his legs
In any case, you shouldn't worry about the bandit because if he comes...
this dog is so hungry that he won't even leave the bones
On the other hand, if the ghost comes...
anything that isn't holy water, no...
-For the love of god, Mr Albondo -Don't scare us more
You're a crack pot, he's always joking
Joke or not, everyone knows that Fiz didn't fulfil his promise
Well, we're off now
Javier, Rosina, come
-But if the ghost comes... -What can he do to us?
Depends on his mood
Spin in the air, move around...
Throw the pots and pans on the floor, move the furniture, shake the chains
It would be even worse if the Holy Company appears
There's nothing special about that... because it seems the weather is changing
Well, that's that
I'm at your disposal
-Holy god...aren't they just superstitions? -And what's the Holy Company?
You'll know if it comes
Don't pay attention to him
The ghost is around here
He lives in the forest
The crazy man giving out bullocks!
And the Holy Company!
-We're deluded! -We always had such a nice time in S. Sebastian!
-Mr Dabondo could be more formal -Do you think he was joking?
It wouldn't be funny
Have you brought our clothes?
-Holy water, where can we find some? -And how do we use it?
Come in, sweetie
Do you know if they sell holy water at the church?
You don't need to go there
I think there should be some...yes
Thank goodness!
Will it be enough? If we have to sprinkle...
With just a little drop, you can fill a bucket
Look, done!
-How comfortable! -In the villages...
And the Holy Company?
Do you know what it is?
Of course! I saw it a year ago
-Tell us! Tell us! -Come on, we'll give you some chocolate
Let's go to the kitchen!
-Well, I shouldn't say anything... -Is it not allowed?
The souls don't want me to
Which souls? Don't scare me!
-The souls in purgatory? -...What a crazy idea!
Jesus Mary and Joseph
Talk, girl, talk
It's the dead souls from the church
They leave the cemetery at midnight and walk through the fields in procession
A mortal goes first with the cross raised, the vessel with holy water and the sprinkler
If they find a living person, they give him the cross and he is set free
But whoever receives it has to go out every night with the Holy Company
He turns yellow and loses the will to eat and drink and smells like wax
-And...why do they leave the cemetery? -Exactly!
To announce death to people a year in advance
-But...you... -Are you alive?
Of course because when I saw the Holy Company...
I did the Salomon movement. And my mother took me to the witch
-The witch? -God bless you!
She's called the Moucha and she has a lot of powers
Today she made a woman who had fought with her boyfriend
come back from La Coruña
But 10 duros is a lot!
I'll give it back. I swear on these crosses
Let me say one thing...
Isn't it a better idea to talk to her before spending your money?
No, the first thing is to change my leg for another one my size
Don't make noise, look...
But don't you need 10 duros for the ticket train?
Yes but what if the insurance company doesn't let me, what'll I do?
I'll take the 10 duros in advance and pay the leg in instalments
Come on, give it to me, what are friends for damn it!
It's easy to ask for money but you don't know what it took to get it
And besides that...
Maybe I'm doing the wrong thing lending it to you
Look: the ox let loose licks himself and he who loses a woman...
doesn't know what he's gaining -That's enough with the proverbs
No but if you insist...but
Look
Loves come laughing and leave crying
and beautiful women, girls and fig trees aren't good to keep
Give it to me!
And a bad marriage is conspired against...
Thank you!
Get married? With who?
Geraldo the digger, the one with the iron leg
Aren't you together?
Geraldo and I? Don't talk nonsense!
So...
What's that?
The witch gave it to Geraldo so that you would come back
But if you haven't come to marry him, why then?
So that my aunt dies of a tantrum
seeing that she can't have me under foot like a door mat anymore
How has she treated you?
Ahhh...
But it doesn't affect me because when I'm older
I'll go to La Coruña as well but not like you
The idea of leaving the village forever would make me sad
You get used to it
You know what I would like? To be a milk delivery woman
I would go with them everyday and walk around the streets
then we would eat fish stew together at an inn
where a lot of mule drivers go in a square called Santa Catalina
So the cripple...
Goodnight, I have to wake up early
Ermelinda
What?
Are you going to take my job?
Of course not
I'm happy you've come back
Hey you, liar! Didn't you say you were Ermelinda's boyfriend?
Well...no...not exactly....
What did she say?
That why would she come to marry you if you're not even together!
She's come because she wanted to
To make her aunt envious
and tomorrow she's going back to La Coruña forever
She can dress like a young lady there
because her mistress's son has a store and he gives her clothes
Don't worry! You'll find someone else
Don't tell me off, today is payday
What she needs is a job
Is it true that your mistress' niece has come back?
Yes
And does she look like a cabaret dancer?
What would I know?
I don't have enough change to give it all to you
People think I'm the Bank of Spain
Take it, I'll give you the rest tomorrow
And what job did Ermelinda find in La Coruña?
What will Mrs Juanita say? No, give it all to me now!
What are you afraid of? She won't think you've kept the money
Yes, that's what she'll think. Please give it to me now
If not, she'll hit me
How can I? I told you I don't have change
Ask her, I won't leave without the change
Does anyone have 55 cents?
You didn't answer me. Where is she working?
She's a housekeeper...with a lady... hurry up! The train is leaving!
-A housekeeper huh -Give it to me!
Oh my god! What am I going to do!?
Stop, be calm!
Be careful!
Don't jump!
I loved her so much...
She was like a daughter to me
I was going to buy her a dress
What happened?
Pilara fell from the train and was killed while buying the milk
What did that money matter to me!
My heart will hurt for the rest of my life
To think that the wicked spoke of Satan
This disgrace is my fault
Don't say that
How could it be your fault!
She was godlike
Poor little girl, she was a saint
She worked like a women
and she never complained
Now the poor girl has stopped sinning
Shit, look who's coming!
Let's see what Geraldo does since it's his only chance...
To think that we were talking just yesterday
She loved you a lot!
I'm going to see her
God gives us and god takes us, that's the absolute truth
Yes but...having children for that...
And working like she was with the times as they are
I keep remembering poor Olalla
-Which Olalla? -A woman from my husband's village
She lost the only son she had
The poor women lived many more years, always thinking of him
When she died a very old woman... you won't believe what she did!
She looked for him among the angles and the cherubs
But how did they know that?
They just did!
If you don't want me to tell you...
Come on, keep going, and don’t be silly
Since she didn't find her son, she asked for the exit from heaven
And Saint Peter asked where else would she be better off
She said, if my son isn't here, this isn't heaven and she left
Where are you going? Wait!
What's wrong? Are you angry with me?
Why would I be?
I don't know...since you won't talk to me
The prayer for Pilara has started but I can't stand funeral parlous
I wouldn't dare go alone but if you come with me, I'll go home
Ok
I...
I forgot to oil it. If it makes you cringe...
You're silly
Oh my God
It seems...summer is over
-Do you want to go back? -No, it's just a light sprinkle
I don't know...we should walk quickly
Run, we'll take shelter at my aunt's house
But we're a long way away
No, I mean the one she has at the exit to the forest
Gloria
Yes
You didn't close the shutters!
I forgot
Is he barking because of the storm?
There's no one outside...
What was that?
It wasn't thunder!
The dog has stopped barking
Why is the Esmorís' dog doing here?
I don't know, maybe my aunt took it to look after the house
-Let's see if we can get in here -Where?
Give me a moment
Now...now
They're here
But who?
Get the holy water
You get it
Be careful...me with my leg...
Up there
How was it in La Coruña?
Fine
Oh
I've already got a run in my stocking!
There must be some dances!
In La Coruña, I mean...
Well, yes
But not like the ones here
Really?
There's nothing like the dances here!
Come here
Holy Mary come to us
When I left...
at the station...
what did you say to me?
I don't remember
Anyway...
since you have boyfriend
- A boyfriend? - Yes
Your mistress' son, the one with the store
He's not exactly a boyfriend...
I do like him, yes
He says he wants to give me a flat
And...
And you?
And me?
What do you want me to do?
Come on, come here
Stop asking questions
Glory to the father, the son and the holy ghost, amen
-I can't hear anything -Could they have left?
They want to tear the roof down
May god take us confessed
(praying)
Good morning. Why are you such early birds?
-To say goodbye -And to say thank you for your hospitality
- But we're leaving- -So...
-Thank you very much -If you ever come to Madrid...
this is our address
But didn't you rent the house for two months?
Good morning
Good morning... Yes but we're leaving
We're not even going to wait for the train, we'll take the taxi to La Coruña
-What's wrong? -Did something happen?
-Something terrible -We didn't sleep a wink
-All night praying -People jumping over our heads
-Awful banging -Chains dragging
And the patio door pulled off the hinges
What are talking about?
And I didn't see a dog anywhere!
And the holy water was totally useless!
Well, there was a storm but...
A storm? Ha!
Storms don't moan!
Who was moaning?
-The tormented soul -The Holy Company
-Ah, ah -A scream to make your hair stand on end
What a pair of neurasthenics!
Poor Pilar
Frigging hell!
Gerardo
I have to take the train
I would like to stay here but...
Goodbye
Goodbye my child...the one who never brought me grief
May god cherish the bread you ate and the day you lived
Goodbye and pray to our Lord for those of us still here
Pilara, when you see my deceased...
tell him that I am raising our children well
Tell my father that we divided the land as he wished
Give this message to my brother: the cow died
and the hailstorm left us without corn
Pilara, tell my mother that my youngest daughter fell pregnant...
but she's married now -That's enough!
Be on your way, the Lord already thinks of everyone
Strength, my dear. The army and I offer our sincere condolences
And you Marica, resignation! A lot of resignation
Don't be sad for this saint, she's already in heaven
But you...let's see if you ever show up to church
Marica...
The ladies made it with their own hands
Should we put it on top?
Let's go mother
Marica
You know who I am, right?
Mr Manolito, from the telephone
That's right...take it...
and don't let my brothers find out!
Look, it did a shit
What should we do? The best thing would be to kill it for dinner
Because if we let her live and she gives us nothing-
I know what we're going to do
-I'm taking the chicken to the witch -To the witch!
But then...nothing can be done?
I'll come back tomorrow but it would be best to call the priest
She's ill...
very ill
You've wasted a journey
You heard the doctor
I didn't come for advice, I've brought this chicken for the stock
Her body won't even take holy glory
but she is still very grateful
-No, I want to give it to her myself -As you wish
If you keep her company, I'll feed the animals
No worries, do what you need to do
Visiting sick people is a charitable act, I said to myself...
"Why don't you visit the witch and bring her a chicken for the stock?"
Touch it, look at the fat on it
Just what I needed, chicken talk
I have a dog in my stomach... he won't let me live
I know you're very ill, the rumour got around the village
and I heard what the doctor said... that there isn't a cure
When our time comes, we can't do anything to put it off
Like with my poor little girl
I'm really sorry because you know I appreciate you
and...
I don't know what to think about your business closing
since your sister, being half a nun, can't take over
And what a business!
One duro for the consultation and another for the remedy
That's why I thought that since you're going to die...
why don't you let me be the village witch?
Look...
You just have to tell me how to do it...
the words you say from the book of Saint Cyprian
You can't take all of that to the other world
And for me...it would solve all my problems
because with Pilara dead, she was the one who helped me
If not, how am I going to live?
Come on witch...
If you have qualms about telling me that you have to talk to the devil...
don't worry, I'm not afraid of the devil
What I'm afraid of is hunger. Can you hear me?
-Leave me alone! -Witch!
Look at me, for the love of god
Teach me the trade, I can no longer work
And I don't know what will happen to me this winter
Do what you want but you won't take your science with you
But me...I'll take my chicken
If it doesn't rain soon...
Let's see...how will we sow?
The other night there was a big storm
But not much water
Bad
Things aren't going well
That's what I said
Bad...
Things aren't going well
They look worse to me
What does it matter to you if it rains or not?
You don't have to sow
If when there weren't any dead people, nobody dared cross the forest alone...
imagine it now
I heard they gave the sacraments to the witch
Did you hear that she blamed you?
-Me? -Yes
They say that you were hanging around Juanita's and the witch's house
No
That's the Holy Company
The Holy Company, you say?
Don't you believe me?
The only thing I know is with you around here...
-I'm going to ruin -Come
Look
God save me. It's the Holy Company!
It is
-They're coming over here -No
To the sea
There are no obstacles for them
They could go around the world if they wanted
But if they go to the sea, straight ahead like the mist...
they'll reach America
Right now it's the sugar harvest in Cuba. A good chance to see it, right?
They'll work in the cane fields
They'll earn salaries
They'll drink good rum
and maybe the Cuban women will shake their butts
Sweet like honey...
dancing the danzón
I would like to see it...
-Me too, Malvís. -Of course!
-Me too -Of course!
I didn't tell you
-I died with the regret of not seeing Cuba -Of course!
-My grandfather said -Forget about your grandfather
If I were you, since you don't have to pay for the trip
I would join them
Since you didn't go to San Andrés...
I'm not saying that it's alright...
but never having gone to America and being able to go now!
That's an outrage, Fiz
It's true!
And not having to pay for the ticket
It would be best if you hurry so you don't lose them
Good bye Malvís!
Good luck Fiz!
Then you say the Rosary, you pray even if you don't go to church!
And when you finish, lock the door and take the key to the mistress
Not to worry
What happened? You seem like a scared rabbit!
I don't know why we didn't do what the lady said
The train goes along the road!
It's tempting the devil
Holy father, he who loves danger will perish in it
Don't be an ass, the pope didn't say that
Don't be afraid of that idiot Malvís
Hey Malvís!
If you can hear me, why don't you come out?
Let's talk man to man! Bloody Fendetestas!
Don't provoke him!
Come out and you'll see how I'll break his back
Back to what we were saying...
tomorrow you and the mistress will do a thorough cleaning for me
Altar, images, pulpit, gate, lamps, pews
I want everything to be sparkling clean, and the confessional...
take it onto the street to air it out, it stinks!
If someone comes to confess, tell them to be patient...
He's leaving
The priest is leaving and the mistress will be alone
Come on
Come on!
But...I became a sacristan because I'm not good at this stuff
Come on!
Of course you'll be useful, since the priest isn't here...
Drink a glass of wine and let's see-
Wine at this hour of the night, I don't know if...
At least you know what you have to do, right?
Yes but not very well
I'm telling you, I've never had passion-
Some things aren't a question of passion
If you don't see the need..
Do you understand?
Come on, let's go to the stable
Don't push me!
Come closer...don't give me that scornful look!
I'm useless, I'm breaking out into an awful cold sweat
Come off it with the cold sweats!
I don't want to... I don't want to see it
Come on, are you a man or a mouse?
A mouse? A mouse!
The priest could have put off his visit to the bishop
Knowing that she was going to give birth any day. Hurry!
If not, the bull calf will pop out
We should...
we should help her
Come on man, come on!
Listen! And if we let nature do her work?
- No, no... - No.
That might spoil the animal and her offspring
and then Mr Sirio will spoil me!
God help me
No, stop right there and hands still!
Not like that, you'll kill the animal and its mother, you idiot
-Holy virgin! -Don't be scared, let me do it
Be calm, beautiful
What a good breed you are!
You'll see! Your calf is going to be the talk of all the fairs
I'm sure that you'll rear him very well
Yes, yes, because I'm sure that you give a sea of milk
Right?
If you were mine, I would keep you like a queen
Well...
Let's take a look
Wake up and learn!
Push
Almost done
Come on pussycat
Just a little bit more
A little push
Devil of a man!
Praise the lord!
Well...well....
Heaven...
Now you have won over the heavens Mr Fendetestas
That's right!
And now you're going to sit down here
and have a cup of orujo made especially for the priest
Thank you very much
We have to make a bag to hang from the cow's neck
and put nine grains of salt and nine cloves of garlic inside
and nine torvisco leaves
-What for?
-To free her from the bad spirits -Exactly!
-Milk is very sticky for the evil eye -But that's just witchcraft
If it works...
-Do you have a cigarette? -No, I don't smoke
Bloody hell!
Does it matter if it's a cigar?
Cigar? Did you say cigar?
"Farias"...
Take it, take it
-This is the life -Do you like it?
-Man...man! -So they're all for you
All of them?
You...
you're my mother, ma'am
Hands up, frigging hell
You're kidding?
What's up? Are you still thinking about a certain young lady?
I wish it were that... it's the operol well
I charged a fixed price thinking I was going to find water at two meters
and now I've dug 34
Come down! I won't do anything to you, today I'm in a good mood
What's done is done. I'll forgive the duro you owe me!
-Really? -I swear!
I told you working doesn't pay off, look at me
But...did you dare to rob the tobacconist?
That's nothing...cigars, moonshine, pork, I won't be in need of anything
Because when everyone finds out that the ghost is gone
Where did he go?
He ruining my business... and I sent him to America
Alright, don't waste our time any more, let's go
-Mr Fendetestas -Tell me son
Do you need an apprentice?
It's not a bad idea since I'm going to have so much work
Geraldo
Geraldo, look, this well digging business...
I mean, I'm staying with Mr Fendetestas because I like his trade more
By force
What will your mother say?
-Good morning -Good morning
Come on
This took place during the years when a hen cost two pesetas
and the Cecebre forest was larger and denser
Wenceslao Fernández Florez