THE DIVINE NYMPH
Based on the novel "Divina Faciulla" by Luciano Zuccoli
When your lover starts to have feelings of loyalty
to your husband
you can be sure it's the beginning of the end.
Absolutely. Because he made me.
"This can not continue. It's vulgar.
"Such a old friend!"
Dirty hypocrite!
While my husband
this little cuckold
he knows.
He was just afraid of gossip
or of bad publicity
hurting his political career. Especially no scandal!
To become a Senator it was worth being cheated.
So we were driving.
I collapsed on the seat, furious, my husband ...
he doesn't even give me a look.
Could he maybe give me a caress? No, he talks politics
with the senator.
I do not exist to him.
If your wife can service the Duke of Bagnasco,
a potential influencial voter, then you bet!
Naked ... in the closet! It's funny, right?
"It is my duty to run for the senate," said my husband.
"The current parliament is a shame."
Then, to annoy me he goes on.
He speaks of struggle for the education of the masses.
What does he know of the masses?
At least the other cuckold is coherent.
"Bagnasco, the people are subservient. You have to decide for them.
"Take the initiative!"
It is I who have taken the initiative.
- I put a hand on the ... - Dolores!
My husband turned his head
Bagnasco had attempted a slap ...
But my poor Ping-Pong took everything!
The poor beast was in my lap!
She had done nothing.
He should have heard yelping.
The couple in the far left corner...
In the bottom left corner!
They come every night. Mr. Ghiondelli and his fiancee.
Good evening.
Good evening, thank you.
"He sleeps in the shade, the child of pleasure and luxury"
Pouchxine
"Waking up, ah, what an effort!"
What a terrible night, Mr. Duke.
The phone has not stopped ringing.
The Baroness sent twice her coachman
and once her driver
with these tickets.
She needs an immediate response.
No employees closed their eyes
I pay you for that too.
Perfectly. To protect my sleep.
Invitations for tonight.
I do not desire honors tonight.
I'll dine out.
At your orders, Your Excellency.
I'm sure it will be
an ideal country home.
You expect me to stay in a church?
But no, it is a rectory.
Excuse me.
What would you do if you
inherited such a rectory?
In fact, I inherited much worse.
A palatial vault
full of relics
of forgotten Saints.
You goofed.
It's not a gaffe, but a privilege.
Still, it is a blundering.
Anyway, it'll never do.
- You see? - I beg you, Manoela.
Mr. Duke, my grandmother
bequeathed his villa near the sea to the nuns
and to me a rectory in the mountains.
- What's needed other than a house? - Indeed.
- With a crucifix above the bed? - But no!
In a church, there obviously!
Redevelopment seems wise.
You said sir ...?
Sorry.
Martino Ghiondelli and my fiancee Manoela Roderighi.
Danielele Bagnasco.
We recognized you Mr. Duke.
It is big! Thank you.
Why do we use a pheasant with feathers?
The hen is also deserving.
- Don't you think? - Perhaps.
Let's see.
How to please your fianc�e?
Razing the church.
- Without having seen it? - I do not want to see it.
Churches converted to houses are fashionable.
Many french abbeys
became original homes. If this presbytery
has a vaulted ceiling,
it will make for a beautiful mezzanine lounge.
See? I told you so.
And if there is anything about this?
Miss is pessimistic.
And so, before you decide you'll visit the rectory?
Sure!
Or not?
A real dust nest!
What a mess, I tell you!
She resists.
Lord!
Do not enter, it's full of dust!
Do you want me?
What for?
You'vee dragged me so far.
There must be a good reason.
Would you like to become my mistress, Manoela?
Why not?
If my future husband agrees. I'll ask him.
You are mistaken.
The ardor of my fiance and you have deceived my indulgence.
I understand better. Who do you take me for?
Manoela was right.
As always, unfortunately.
Dear Duke, there is no rosette. Neither beams nor window.
I see only one thing to do. Raze everything.
"Man can live in the study and want pretty hands."
Pushkin
"He took great care to dress to forget what he endorsed."
Stendhal
It's been months they say...
resisting response to provocations.
All the while, nobody dared stand up to Mussolini.
Rescue was up to the people, for socialism to triumph.
Daniel!
Pull over.
Do you remember my name?
Where are you going?
- I'll walk. - Nobody expects you?
I am alone, I'm bored.
Will you come with me?
To do what?
Come and see.
- You want to spoil my walk? - Yes.
Villa Bagnasco, please.
What are you doing here?
At your service, Mr. Duke.
I'll call you Pasqualino.
Excuse me.
What can you expect? He was born.
How beautiful you are!
"She already knows all the secrets of love ..."
Zuccoli
You are divine.
Your fianc?...
This is your lover, yes?
The first?
The only?
How many lovers have you had?
One?
Three?
Five?
Give me a cigarette.
Do you want to keep the mystery?
You can tell me.
I'm not jealous.
Miss Dolly Carol, The Baroness Dolores Frassinet.
Duchess of Flavis.
Good evening, Senator.
Come on, Dolly.
I organized a dance, not a safari.
It's beautiful here!
I'm thirsty.
- She's a gold digger girl. - I see.
She hates the drink he brought.
- You permit. - I want to drink this water.
The best of everything.
Come on!
Excellent!
Come to my place and I'll see if you can dance.
Give me a small number.
Daniel!
May God curse you.
Bring it.
You didn't see anything.
Nothing happened.
"Monotonous incidents of multicolored existence..."
Pushkin
I pass.
I am.
Same.
It seems that in Rome,
there is a shot fired,
or just waiting to fly.
I heard.
It sounds like nonsense.
I would not expect
that it will reach its target.
- What are you doing here? - Are you alone?
Not really, as you see.
My friends.
Gianriccardo Montieri
Ludovico Della Notte
Lanfranco Selpa, African Hunter
Not a woman?
Yes.
Elena.
The housekeeper.
Do you mind? I checked.
Gentlemen.
The king is dead, long live the king.
He was the head!
He lives a living hell.
It is nobody!
I missed my shot. My surprise visit falls into the water.
I am not you, dear.
I was told you had a mistress.
One other than who shot you.
You know it too...
Rome knows everything about you.
And why don't I have another friend?
I appreciate your frankness. Her name is Cecilia Folchi.
I do not have the imprudence to be receiving here.
So you can stay with your Cecilia, but she dresses a bit better.
Would you I entrust you with a key to my home?
You can come as you please ...
What would your key be to me? You see your mistresses elsewhere!
I do not ...
I will not be a facade screening your debauchery!
I do not like you.
I like you a lot.
But I do not love you.
I may never love you.
Why do you say that?
I did not do anything asked.
I do not like you.
I like you.
But I do not love you.
I may never love you.
Your ride can take me?
Yes, the carriage is ready.
You'll return tomorrow?
No, I cannot.
I live with my aunt, you know.
Tomorrow we'll offer excursions.
But then ...
When?
After tomorrow in 15 hours.
For Ghiondelli does not suspect anything.
Of course.
"Dear Daniel, my love ..."
A strange thing happened tonight.
You know those three friends that you saw ...
Usually, when they come, we play poker.
I always fight.
But tonight, it was a disaster.
I earned nothing.
And you came. It's weird, right?
Do you believe in the old proverb:
"Lucky with cards, unlucky in love"?
I've changed my mind. I will not come after tomorrow.
What is this?
Nothing. I will not come after tomorrow.
- So then when? - I do not know.
- Are you leaving me? - Perhaps.
What have I done?
I do not have to justify myself.
As you wish.
I'll wait. I'm always home by 3pm.
Farewell.
Good day, Mr. Duke.
- The teacher is there? - In the laboratory.
What are you doing here?
I wanted to see you.
So, take off your hat and get comfortable.
You'll stay for lunch. Rustic dishes, unfussy.
No city poisons.
- They follow fashion, too. - Who?
Poisons.
The modern man wants to kill with a poison that's in vogue.
Nowadays, the fashion is cocaine, morphine, and heroin.
That's it.
If you took them to kill yourself,
they would poison you with exceptional fashion.
Not one of the favorites of the aristocracy.
It would be something more ...
For example ...
Death by tetanus toxin.
A fabulous death, don't you think?
By locking of the neck
and back muscles,
The body is found positioned as a bridge, you see.
- On the heels and neck. - That's amusing.
Amusing? It's sensational!
Better than hemlock!
Your problem is the routine.
Lunches, dinners, theater,
clubs,
dances, holidays, women, whores!
It's monotonous.
Look at you, you breathe boredom.
- You liked my pasta, Mr. Duke? - Exquisite.
As I said,
I cannot forgive myself for staying locked in for three days.
- You? - Yes, me! Can you imagine?
Locked up waiting for this idiot.
This "idiot" used your boredom as a remedy against his.
You don't understand? You need me to explain?
I might serve her to remedy the boredom, too.
Who knows?
Who knows, who knows ...
How useless lives burrow under the phrase "who knows"?
I have an idea. Send your driver to Rome.
Bring your luggage
and stay with me in the country.
You look like a corpse. Look at me!
Yes, a separation would do you well.
Welcome back. Did you enjoy your stay in the country?
The campaign stupefies you, my dear.
You sleep, you yawn.
You get bored to death.
No travel.
Never an invitation.
No balls.
Yes, my dear, it is a life completely absurd. It's immoral.
The early days, it was horror.
The other six, I slept through.
And all those sheep!
No, not here!
I prefer the bustle of the city.
If I must be annoyed, let it be in the comfort of home.
Mr. Duke,
Miss Roderighi came twice.
"I adore you, wrath of virgins, O fierce delight ..."
Mallarm?
You were in it!
You see Cecilia Folchi,
this faded blonde, this kept woman
who dresses any which way!
How can you love
a woman so frumpy?
- I was at my friend Pisani's place. - I do not know it.
- You met him. - You bet! A pimp!
You were in the country, I think, but with your mistress!
This ridiculous Cecilia Folchi!
Will you listen to me for a moment?
It is over with Cecilia.
And the letter?
"Forgive me for not coming.
"I'm exhausted. I think of your kisses."
It makes you laugh?
Let's go look in your room.
I burned like others before leaving.
As luck would have it...
Tell me more ... and did you forget your boyfriend?
Leave him alone!
I was already his fiancee when you tried to seduce me!
I do not know these mistresses.
You stick it to me in the nose!
Men are insatiable children!
I knew that at age 15!
At 15?
"She was talking. She betrayed."
Zuccoli
I was stupid at that age, I believed everything I was told.
This man seemed to be a good friend of the family
as my aunt said.
You know, I've always lived with it.
My mother suffers from nerves. She lives in Milan, I see her a little.
One day,
we left all three in Milan.
Along the way my aunt had a crisis with her liver.
The "good family friend" offers immediately
to host us at his villa in Reggio Emilia.
"We will leave tomorrow," he said.
That night
he comes to my room and rapes me.
When we returned to Rome, I was his mistress!
From there, he harassed me relentlessly.
Our relationship was built on blackmail.
He was married
but his wife spent most of her time in Paris and Rome.
Who is this cad?
What?
You do not know.
I even shot him once.
What is his name? Tell it to me.
What for?
Could it be that I know him?
I will know eventually.
Without even looking.
What secrets in this front ...
We are like fireflies
We shine in darkness
We live in a deadly world
We are the flowers of evil
Mr. Duke!
Stop! This is the Duke of Bagnasco!
Turn back, quickly!
You did not see?
Go, stop there.
Want a hand?
A failure? How are you?
If you please, I'm named Gaspare. Gaspare!
I was testing, it is for sale.
Lelio will fend for himself.
Manoela, come see the duke.
What is the problem?
Nice to see you again.
How are you, Mr. Duke?
It will take half an hour.
Come have lunch with us at the Blue Rota.
Your driver can join us later.
Here is Augusto Roari,
Giuseppe Longarola,
Dico Fau...
Dico Faustini. Ride with us.
- There's no room. - Yes, next to Manoela.
Dico, go ahead. I beg you, Mr. Duke.
You, Augusto, put yourself there. Giuseppe behind.
Everyone ready? Driver!
Go to the Blue Rota!
Make three rights, then ... Then just ask. Let's go!
Small fish, my good friend, come on!
Nice one! Congratulations, ladies.
Congratulations to you as well!
What a beautiful trout you caught!
I am telling you the facts.
We had barely begun to eat,
under the arbor
when near another table,
we saw a man
covered in blood.
Shouts!
Cries! The killer had escaped!
We called immediately. Yes, without delay.
Then we saw a policeman arrive,
with a captured suspect.
And he said to him:
"Damn it!
"Where is your knife!"
They found him in the oven!
At least have coffee with us!
He must go to assist. Poor Daniel.
After that, no feasting.
We'll choke on The roast chicken!
You're funnier than Petrolini!
Excuse me.
Who are they? Explain to us the mystery.
What mystery? "Women will be women."
Who is she?
I hardly know her. Her name is... Roderighi, I think.
An Italian? I can't believe it.
Of course you can!
But it is remarkable. You hardly know her, you say...
Do not lie!
What would you do with these people, otherwise?
I'd buy a car.
Well... This young man can sell you one.
We have already test driven.
And who is the owner?
It seems to me that the question does not arise.
It's she who wants it.
Are you talking about the woman or the car?
I think I'm in the market for both.
Come Manoela!
You like it?
Say!
You'll try your luck?
Just say anything.
You tried once, I know.
You saw?
Miss Roderighi, please.
At least we know his name.
It's been a long time, Daniel.
That is true.
You never come to see me.
I'll visit you.
He does not expect to see us here.
Your Excellency.
Bye.
Already? I beg you, stay with me.
My car is waiting.
Tomorrow at 3pm.
Cunning, the scope of hand-kissing!
And the Duke? Where'd he go?
He left?
- Bye. - Well, goodbye.
The perfect single car.
Ideal for romantic getaways.
You finally left your car!
You should make it a sport. This keeps things lively.
Did you buy it?
The car? Yes, I bought it.
You seemed to be in a bad mood yesterday.
I was uncomfortable.
I met these people only recently.
Are you staying at the club?
No, I have to work. When are you coming to see me?
Today, if you want.
Very well, but no sooner than five o'clock.
At five.
We saw a bit of the company you keep!
And your Ghiondelli, what a funny fiance!
He doesn't understand?
Is he a leader,
or just along for the ride?
What an idiot I am!
That I was going to ask you to choose.
Keep him if you like! You'll find him useful.
Only a fool like him would marry a whore like you!
I hope you know what you are.
Look at you!
You know your beauty.
And Faustini! If I see him behaving this way...
I can not live this way, I'm going crazy!
Mr. Duke, the Marquis Barra.
It is too late.
You're still here, Pasqualino! How old are you now?
Too old to count.
Why do you not come over, Marquis?
Is Rome too far?
Yes, for a provincial like me.
Why don't we see more of you, Marquis?
Pasqualino.
My cousin Michael Barra, Manoela Roderighi.
I noticed her yesterday at the Blue Rota.
Let us sit down. I welcome you.
Is Yvonne still in Paris?
His wife comes to Rome for funerals
or weddings.
Indeed, she is in Paris until the next funeral.
Or wedding.
It's been so long ... I have so many questions to ask you.
Aren't you worried about your land
what with the reforms threatening the state?
Let's discuss the Socialists -- their days are numbered.
The fascists have the vision.
The new order will get the nation on its feet.
However, my villa
near Reggio ...
I want to get away.
You're right.
These ancestral homes are only a burden.
Exactly.
And bad memories.
Not necessarily.
Some memories aren't bad.
It would be tragic to
miss a bargain due to a sentimental perspective.
With change comes opportunity.
- You would offer me a drink? - Excuse me.
Your usual champagne, or tea?
Champagne.
You reproach me for being used and abused?
I understood at the hostel yesterday!
I saw him look at you with an owner's jealousy!
And it continues!
You're still seeing him?
You're crazy. I think you're crazy.
Why did you invite me? I've avoided this place for years.
Now, he has the right to speak.
Why did you do this Daniel?
I love you, Manoela.
Are you going to include me in the end?
I love you.
I do not want to be broken!
Why would I do that?
Because I'm asking for it.
I do not want to hurt you,
especially not you.
But I will not!
I should give you back your freedom for a guy you say is crazy for you,
but there's no guarantee!
I know.
I know, but I'm in love.
That is the truth.
I'm in love.
It's my fault, it's true ...
I'm too stupid.
I don't understand anything.
If I had been paying attention, I could have forestalled this.
Probably.
Listen, let's forget everything and start over, come on!
I need someone like you
who can forgive my actions
and who wants to marry me.
But it would not be healthy.
It would be bad for you and I do not want that.
I do not want to hurt anyone.
So does anyone win? Some mess!
Tonight, we all dine together.
At Colonna. You'll come?
- Who will be there? - Selpa, Montieri, Raffaelli, Barra.
Invite Miss Roderighi.
- Miss Roderighi? - Yes, your ...
Armellino, you want me to bring her?
You do not have a crush, I hope?
Me?
You think me capable of that?
I may fancy Miss Roderighi, but as a whim, not a crush.
A passing fancy.
God be praised!
She was seen with you in your car, in your carriage ...
How is that proper?
- Can we talk? - I'm always open to dialogue.
Miss Roderighi's lovers!
So see it discreetly without viewing!
How so?
Waiter! Two tamarind juices, please.
People think it's serious between you.
The Duchess of Bagnasco!
When you know
that Manoela sells her charms at the house of Fernanda Fones ...
Our friends asked me to open my eyes.
I understand, Armellino.
It started with a good intention,
but it wasn't really helpful.
Just so, Mr. Le Comte.
It is not gossip.
As you see, Mr. Duke, I changed the place of mirrors,
and added flowers.
I installed these beautiful black curtains.
Apart from that, the room remained as you like it,
with just one novelty:
electric lighting above the bed.
It was not necessary.
How long have I been honoring you?
Can't you at least make me a bit unfaithful?
The competition is formidable.
Listen, Fernanda.
I need some information.
I would love to help you.
Recently, I noticed an extremely attractive girl.
I haven't approached her, as she's typically with a fellow.
Her name ...
Wait. What is her name? Perhaps you know?
Manoela, I think.
Roderighi! Of course!
I know her. You want an appointment with her?
Today is Thursday.
For safety, taking a few precautions,
I can aim for Saturday, If that suits you.
Saturday ...
You are evil!
Do you think so?
I will be frank.
It's as given to me.
- Marquis Barra! - Then you know it all.
And you had the idea of prostitution. You made an offer.
Then another! You're ... you're ...
I do not have the words.
I am the best.
That's an understatement. We should invent a word.
You arrive, you leave again,
you come back totally unexpectedly.
I'll warn you right now.
Do not try to appear in green.
I am not in agreement.
Do not worry, I will not rest.
I was worried. I had not heard from you.
Since when do you worry like this?
I asked myself if you were sick.
You're completely crazy.
It's well worth it to be nice.
I've never seen you so pale.
Would you give me a cigarette?
There's some in my room.
These?
You do not want to talk?
Must I interpret your silence?
If you have something to tell me, speak.
None of your words
should be negative.
- Is the Duke alive? - Is he happy?
- Is he suffering? - I do not think so, sir.
I have orders not to disturb him.
I want to see him anyway.
He sleeps ... with a lady.
You're crazy to allow such a thing!
Sorry, I can not open it.
I order you to go get it you understand ?
It's missing.
On the ground?
You would have stolen the poison to throw on the carpet?
That may be true.
The task is enormous. How did you break it down?
You're too curious.
I thought you were my friend.
Why did you steal?
You do not want to answer?
Swear on your honor you're not holding out.
Let's see ...
Shall I call Manoela? She is sitting next.
No way.
I beg your pardon, Manoela.
Sometimes I lose my head.
At such times, rumour can set me off.
And I can't be held responsible for my actions.
Excuse me.
We have done enough harm for today.
Tomorrow at 4pm, okay?
Yes, my love.
Is the maid locked out?
Of course Mr. Duke, since yesterday.
Is she okay with 4pm?
Absolutely, tomorrow at 4pm.
"O disturbing facts, possibilities and probabilities..."
Oxilia
Good evening, Mr. Duke.
That night, I went to the club.
I played
... and I won.
Mr. Duke,
Miss Roderighi is on the phone for you.
I have accompanied a cousin for shopping in Rome.
I will be with you at 6pm, okay?
No, Daniel!
Do not worry, I'm not armed.
I feel disgraced.
Please, let me go!
Why do you come here? For money?
In that case...
you deserve it.
Take off your clothes.
I said strip!
You could have asked me for money.
Sell my jewelry.
We do not put jewels in a brothel!
Liar!
On this bed, Michael Barra initiated me into prostitution!
You're in up to your neck!
You've hit bottom, damn!
Fuck!
I will kill you in time.
I do not deserve the honor.
If there is a culprit, and there is one,
he must pay.
The meal is served.
I read in the newspaper, the story of a lady
a respectable woman,
surprised in a brothel.
And I wondered why a woman like her,
married,
might have a crazy bond with her lover.
Is she a prostitute?
Maybe she hates men, despises them.
"How sweet, in love, to be in turn, victim and executioner."
Baudelaire
Write.
"Dear Michael, I am imprisoned! Daniel.
"He took me away from everything.
"I need your help.
"But be careful.
"I will contact you soon so that we may meet.
"Manoela."
I need there to be excitement
before humiliating him.
I need hopes inflamed
before they are quenched.
You shall prepare
to torture him.
You'll have to feign a love that because of me,
you will be able to show him.
And the next day
you must feign love for me that will make you forget Michael.
You think I'll need to pretend?
Give him a rendezvous which you will not go to.
You have to make Michael mad with despair.
- You want your revenge? - And I will have it with you.
You should not have come, Daniel is here.
The hotel's imprint was on your envelope.
An envelope letterhead?
I see you have not done it on purpose, as usual.
I can stay at a hotel if I like.
You should not have come.
- You need help. - Do not pester me.
Nobody hears and you are mine.
Go away!
I will contact you.
Our love has ended on a false note.
I was a coward, but I still love you.
Come back to me!
Your letter made Michael Barra rush!
And now? Our vacations are ruined!
It has happened ...
You used a letterhead envelope.
You were looking for trouble, Daniel.
What about me? Can't you see that I suffer?
I cannot anymore!
- Did he speak to you? - He lectured.
I hate men!
If I am with one, the other burns. What can I do?
Write him a note.
Tell him you mentioned to me his presence at the hotel
and that I've invited him to breakfast with us tomorrow.
That's for you.
Open it.
There is an inscription.
Read it.
"You're the lamb ...
"among wolves."
What are you doing, Daniel?
You admire the sea?
I would like to go inside. The sun bothers me.
Excuse us, will you?
He rented an apartment in town. He wants to see me tomorrow.
He asked me to lie to you and to meet him secretly.
He even found a brothel. - What did you tell him?
I agreed, of course.
But so as to let you know, I postponed the meeting.
Perfect. We leave tomorrow night. We will return to Rome.
Daniel, what am I made of?
This comedy is unsustainable.
The idea of fooling you with him disgusts me.
I'm sorry, but the pretense must be continued to Rome.
Stop!
Miss, the Marquis Barra beckons.
You've ruined me!
No scandal!
- Where do we meet? - I do not know.
At the Greco Cafe, okay?
Okay, tomorrow.
At 1pm, for desert.
Tomorrow, then. Now go!
Me first?
Go for it!
I would therefore have committed a crime.
Even without being arrogant ...
Others
have had me as their mistress.
But only because I was young
and innocent.
You're drunk!...
A coffee!
What is that old saying
about handling only a single man in your life?
Who are you talking about?
Hear me out.
Why have you changed your mind?
You had accepted the appointment.
Because I knew I was leaving.
You asked for my help.
Why?
A weakness on my part.
I was afraid
that Daniel's exclusive love was suffocating me.
But I love him and I will never betray you.
It was an error. I beg your pardon.
Oh my brain. You must enjoy seeing me in this state.
In which state?
You will see.
You have not forgotten me.
Indeed.
Do you still remember my kisses?
Yes I do. Take me back, Daniel. I'm waiting.
You told me you loved making love.
I beg you...
Did he caress you as I did?
Of course, he loves me.
I love you too.
I'll not ferry you to Daniel's.
You are rude, vulgar and insane!
Have you seen him?
At the Greco Cafe.
What has he said to you?
Words of love, lots of them.
- He loves me, he suffers. - Perfect.
This is what we wanted.
Tomorrow you will return there.
I will not go.
- Why is that? - I've had enough.
Why?
I've had enough!
You think that's enough for all that I've given?
I never want to see you!
Daniel has invited me for dinner tomorrow. I'll see you then!
Very well, you will see me, but with him.
You want that, then?
You expect me to assist your marital bliss.
Just don't come. You needn't assist anything.
No, tomorrow night I dine with you.
But after tomorrow, you will be with me.
You're crazy! Do you think to win me with a dinner?
I am not joking!
After tomorrow at 1pm, you'll be here or I'll kill myself!
I'll wait only fifteen minutes. I swear on my dead mother.
If you're speaking truthfully...
You've lost weight, Michael. You look unwell.
How is it possible?
- I'm in love. - You, in love?
How cute, he's in love!
This is Miss Pampaloni, the nocturnal ornithologist!
Will he tell us who?
It's a platonic love.
White as a sheet.
- What do you know about it? - You mean about love or sheets?
About platonic love and being white as snow.
Is it passion that keeps me from drinking?
That will perk you up, Michael, you'll see!
Now I would like to toast our divine hostess!
My love affair was a fiasco.
Beauty rejects me, even in dreams.
- Not even in a nightmare? - Neither!
I followed her everywhere, theater, club, the races ...
I offered chocolates.
- She rejected them? - No, she swallowed them.
Not like that, come on!
One, two, three, four.
You see? Why do you slouch, Daniel!
I offered her a bracelet and a ring. A nice one.
A pearl bracelet, a pearl necklace!
A nice one.
- She took everything! - Everything, everything, everything!
It was an irresistible vice.
I even wanted to gift a villa.
My father vetoed that. It was his.
And how did she respond?
I know what name is on your check.
Coffee, Mr. Marquis?
Yes, no sugar.
- Mr. Le Comte? - No, thank you.
It is destroyed now.
That's it.
I wrote three times a day.
Those letters.
The letters were all returned unopened.
What do I understand?
Would you be remorseful?
Daniel...
At 12 Via Cavour, tomorrow.
You know how it ended?
I killed myself.
But like most suicides, staged
and futile.
I had confused the veronal with a laxative.
Stop at number 12.
Here we are, ma'am.
Wait for me, please.
Do not approach.
Do not make me regret it.
No, you will not go from here.
One of insanity and ...
Stay away.
I want to kiss you.
Stay where you are.
I wrote to my brother. I told him everything.
So is it true?
You'd kill yourself for me, who does not love you?
Does it matter?
Me, I love you.
- Farewell, Michael. - See you again?
And if I hold back?
You won't, farewell.
I wish to end my way.
An unhappy love story, though wonderful
does not deserve this shameful end.
What do you expect?
Nothing, not even your visit.
You won't be stupid?
No, you ruined me now.
You still love me.
Would I obey, otherwise?
You'll let me leave?
Come on, that's enough.
Come here.
Here.
For me
you will always remain the special girl.
You do not look normal.
You are all disheveled.
Where have you been?
I got up late.
- And Michael? - I saw him.
Always at the Greco Cafe?
Where do you want me to see him?
Yesterday too?
Yes, my dear.
You've seen him before yesterday too?
- I told you so. - That's not true.
The day before yesterday I was at the Greco Cafe from 1 to 2pm.
You were not there.
What are you hiding?
Why are you lying, Manoela?
I'm not lying.
Why do we hide?
You make me mixed up.
Day before yesterday, I didn't see.
My God, what torture! This life has become hell!
Sorry, I have a headache.
I am going mad!
So? Have you talked to him?
He would kill me.
I cannot anymore!
Let us in!
Let's go outside! Both disappear.
I want you entirely to myself!
He would commit suicide.
So that's two hours with me and all that remains with him?
Don't yell at me. I must think! Give me some time.
Quick! We must act quickly!
Otherwise I'll tell Daniel myself!
If you do that, I'll leave you.
- Miss Roderighi? - Who are you?
You don't know me by name. Marco Pisani.
What do you want?
What is going on?
Pardon, but you have spoken with Michael Barra.
We do not know the time and address hence my coming.
Let's not talk in the street. Ride with me.
This Armellino can cause tragedy?
He wants Daniel's eyes opened and for you to leave.
That's why he shouts from the rooftops.
The rumors of scandal can ruin my campaign.
I do not understand you, Manoela. You say you love Daniel.
But you remain the mistress of Michael Barra.
He forced me!
But of course...
He threatens suicide!
When I went home, he wrote to his brother, the weapon ready.
You should not have to go!
You should have seen what he is capable of.
Do not go over to Cavour Street.
The rumors will stop and everything will be as before.
Think of Daniel, our friend.
I confess your love seems ...
monstrous.
You cradle illusions, dear Daniel. Besides, you know ...
I am less opposed to them than before.
They have the necessary grip.
It will end well by starting with the fascists.
And the Italians in need.
Too bad they are so boorish,
vulgar, gentrified,
rude and so ...
Your conduct is unforgivable!
But I'm not a fascist.
That means little!
You are a scoundrel, a troublemaker, a spy!
You're joking, I hope?
Absolutely not.
Anyone who will listen can hear that I see Michael Barra
every day between noon and two, on Cavour Street.
He shouts from the rooftops!
I hear of it from doormen and when shopping!
Coward!
- Who answers her? - Me, of course.
So he plays the hero, and more!
Go away, scoundrel!
Look what a mess you've put me into.
You overtake the terminals.
Will you be fighting this scoundrel?
Let the witnesses decide.
I consider this Roderighi not worth the sword
and you worth even less.
But, since you have declared me a coward and scoundrel,
I have no choice.
Daniel, I have not lied.
It is true. Miss Roderighi sees Michael Barra.
They meet between noon and two.
In an apartment.
At 12 Cavour Street.
If you want, you can check.
You only have to go there.
Manoela is a girl
who catches the eye, you know.
Witnesses who remember her are easily found.
I did not invent the activities at the house of Mrs. Fontes.
I do not lie today.
- Would you put all this in writing? - In front of witnesses and lawyers.
Your Excellence...
You will not get me in trouble, at least?
Someone could come at any moment.
These are delicate matters.
Thank you. Come, follow me.
You have a white flower in your buttonhole.
A gift from Michael.
Michael does not have this refinement.
You accuse me falsely.
Do not joke.
It is better that you confess everything.
What should I confess?
That you have deceived me most shabbily.
That you're the mistress of Michael Barra.
But why did you create it?
How did you transition from hate to love?
These are just the slanders of a villain!
Armellino does not lie.
He was right about your visiting the house of Mrs. Fontes.
Instead of believing gossip, you should have gone to Cavour Street.
Why don't you go?
It is an idea...
But no, I will not go.
Too bad. You would have had the proof of my innocence.
Are you quite sure of being innocent?
If this rogue Ilino is so sure of himself
he should record in writing his calumnies!
If he can speak lies, surely he can write them!
I want to go home, I'm dead tired.
Meeting tomorrow would be better.
Tomorrow is another day.
We can spend the day together.
Do you remember a time when I slapped you?
I'd put poison in your tea.
You wanted to kill me?
You could do it.
A man questioned you about me and the Marquis Barra?
I said nothing.
You should have shown the apartment.
Yes, I showed him. I even accompanied.
Everything was there? The white carnations too?
Yes, the usual white carnations. Everything was ready.
I even had to open the window.
There were advantages to having Bagnasco as a lover.
My aunt, understand me well.
The jewelry is for you, but not the money.
I won it. Do not ask me how.
You cannot run away like that.
I lived according to Barra, Ghidelli, Bagnasco and you.
Now I want to live my own life.
- I, who wanted to make you ... - A duchess?
Stop, you'll tire yourself.
Insolent!
You can no longer pretend to see nothing, know nothing.
It's easy to look the other way.
"Women know the roads, the only escape is the fields."
Proust
No, in my opinion
he will not find her.
But he has hired detectives.
She alone
knows where she is located.
Cocaine!
It's not just him who needs to be comforted.
She lost a good pension, dear auntie.
And Michael Barra, who will console him?
Cocaine isn't required in order to forget.
I'm sure he has already found an outlet for his bestiality.
Excuse me.
They registered at the hotel
under the names Theodora Langdon and Regina Hargrave.
The brunette that looks like the portrait we have,
calls herself Miss Hargrave.
Miss Manuela, Daniel is desperately searching for you.
Excuse me?
What did you say?
I do not understand.
Pay no attention.
It's okay
because, after two hours, they had left Paris.
Morphine!
Long live wine that is sincere
One that can see more clearly
Who drowns dark thoughts
in intoxication and tenderness
Champagne!
Look at that!
Cheers!
A beautiful toast!
Swallow, slut.
You have already taken a bath of champagne?
They are not these two!
I must say, with all the strawberries they guzzle.
About us?
He won't eat the strawberries?
Where are you going ?
Leave that!
Give!
Loose! You're going to let go, yeah!
You've rinsed the eyes? Back to work!
You realize? He is trying to see ...
What?
You should be a model.
Especially for us, naturalists of the old school
you should display yourself!
Look! A real woman, with real curves!
Alas, today, with modernity
you would be obliged to change jobs.
Come back here!
You'll give him a stroke, this poor old man!
You do not smile.
Manoela Roderighi.
She was a good friend of mine.
You found her at the house of Fernanda?
- The photograph? - The girl.
It's not complicated.
Shut up!
You're still in love?
You can not forget?
How do you know?
Neither can I forget.
Looking after stuff
and I cannot find it.
Looking after stuff, but I cannot find it.
Here it is, my Titine!
Now tickle me!
Go!
Mr. Duke!
Pasqualino, you're not lying?
Go to bed.
Good night, Mr. Duke.
Try again, sweetie.
Youth
is the Spring
of beauty.
Fascism
is the guarantor
of liberty.
Superb. Again.
Of our liberty.