I'm very sorry to have to tell you this, but there
isn't much that medical science can do in these cases.
Unfortunately, all the tests we've done to find out
if his mind is functioning have proved negative.
Despite examination of brain tissue, which
shows there's been absolutely no damage caused,
either by accident or disease hereditary or contracted.
Well, what is the answer then? Surely it's not because he just refuses to speak.
Oh, no, of course not. He would never have
been able to keep up the deception so long.
It's more likely to be a traum caused by the sudden death
of his mother that has been causing a psychological block.
This would explain his behavior pattern, particularly
his inability to make contact with others around him.
Naturally, the most obvious means of communication
is the one to suffer, so he's unable to speak.
It's just a form of self-protection.
Well, I've done my best to replace his mother with all the patience I can muster.
It's been ten years that we've lived under the same roof.
We're very fond of each other. I'm scared this is the way he'll always remain.
The boy is very young and by no means a hopeless case.
You must keep every avenue open to him. I'm sure he will get better in his own time.
Something will happen and suddenly he will speak again, quite normally.
Who knows, he may even wind up in politics or become a great orator.
Meanwhile, I suggest he be given a change of scenery.
Take him somewhere peaceful where he can relax.
I agree, that's a good idea. I've been thinking of taking
him to stay with his aunt Marta at her country place.
You see, my sister-in-law lives alone in a huge old villa.
He used to enjoy going there when he was a kid. Remember that, Alessio?
That sounds an ideal solution and certainly won't do him any harm.
My dear, I think it's about time I had a few days vacation.
First time I ever met you was here, Marina.
You were with a crowd of close relatives.
Two years have flown as though we'd met only yesterday.
I have an idea.
You could take Alessio to Marta's tomorrow morning, couldn't you?
All right.
Marta's very fond of him.
He's almost as fond as we are.
You are fond of him.
Absolutely.
He'll get well soon.
Lots of love and attention.
You'll play an important part in helping him to get well.
Alessio needs your love too, Roberto.
Your reputation is secure.
You can afford a rest now.
You could find a little time for your son at last.
Stop being a lawyer for a bit.
Your role as a father is more important right now.
He needs your love as much as mine.
Are you all right, dear?
Sometimes, must I tell you, Marina, I cannot
allow personal matters to interfere with my work.
Oh, your work. Of course. Your family can go hang. All you care about is your career.
That's not true. But this case is important. It'll be in the
newspapers, on the radio, and if I don't win it, I'll be ruined.
But this concerns your son. He must have someone
to depend on, and that someone must be his father.
Don't you realize his whole future is at stake
and could be ruined by your neglect, Roberto?
It's a father's duty to help his son, when and if he needs it.
I'll help my son when I have time to help him. Right now,
I have to help myself. I've helped others quite enough.
I helped you once, Marina, or have you forgotten?
Marching onward to Abyssinia, where we'll be welcomed with open arms.
Have you seen what's going on, Roberto? Strikes. It's crazy.
I get mad whenever I hear there's going to be one.
What do these damn workers want?
They're not slaves, they're paid.
From now on, they'll have to manage without us fascists.
Now, if you recall, the party leaders decided to oppose any
further strike action plan that would disrupt the community.
It's time someone took a stand over this.
It's long overdue. If we allow these lazy peasants
to have their way, they'll wreck the economy.
We must make people wake up to their duty. Be more patriotic.
This is a great country. We should be proud of it.
Oh, by the way, your boy, better, is he?
Well, that's rather difficult to say. He's
staying in the country with his Aunt Martha.
That's my first wife's sister. According to the doctors, he'll recover.
Meanwhile, he's still unable to speak. I only hope
this stay with his Aunt Martha will help a bit.
I say, Franco, do you know who that is?
She must be new around here.
It's your turn.
Nothing I can do for you.
She came in the room the same time we did.
Chando even made one of his well-known remarks, but she pretended not to hear it.
I don't know how you have time to think
about women with all your problems, Roberto.
Oh, hi there, Marian. I haven't seen you for a little while.
Yeah, I was in the hospital.
I know. I almost did.
You know, and I don't have anybody to look after me.
My parents don't want me.
Well, looking better now.
Hello, Roberto. You haven't been around for an age.
How have you been?
Not bad. Thank you, dear.
Some new girls have joined us recently, and some of them would make your eyes pop.
If you saw them in the street, you'd take them for respectable women.
I dare say I would.
I'm back. I'm scared.
At least you have parents who care what happens to you.
I have no one.
What is it, Roberto?
Oh, nothing.
Haven't I seen you someplace before?
Shall we go?
Tell me.
I just read such a romantic story.
It was serialized in a magazine I get every week.
It's about this girl.
You know, she was like a...
I know what you mean.
One of the gang.
She gets married to one of her clients.
She really does.
Hello there.
Hello, Roberto.
You know Marina?
Nice to see you again.
I said I'd be back.
Shall we go?
We have something to celebrate.
I won my first case today.
I lost all the others up to now.
Still, when you're just starting out, the only cases you get are the desperate ones.
The judge took me aside afterwards and he said,
you have done a fine job, my boy.
You have a brilliant career ahead of you.
I'm here to have fun and you appear to be down in the dumps.
I'm sorry. Only I'm fed up with this life.
I'm gonna end it. I wanna die.
There's no point in going on.
Oh, come on now.
It's not that bad. You know what they say.
Every dark cloud has a silver lining.
Besides, I'm here now. That must make a difference, surely.
You can count on me.
When my wife died two years ago, I felt the way you do now.
But Alessio...
My son gave me the courage to go on.
I'd like to do that for you.
Reena, I want to marry you.
It seemed impossible at the time. Some sort of dream come true.
Prince Charming had come and taken me away.
We were going to live happily ever after.
At least that's the way it looked then.
But I guess we'll never change, really.
It's only an illusion.
If I was not the whore I seemed to be, he was not Prince Charming.
We were real people.
I play the part of a lady, but deep down inside I'm the same.
Then there's this boy, poor Alessio.
I wonder if he'll ever change.
Will I ever hear him speak?
What makes him remain silent, staring?
What is he thinking?
What goes on inside that innocent head?
I'd give a lot to find out.
Sometimes I wonder if there ever can be an oasis for me.
A place where I can be at peace.
I was filled with hope the first time I visited the villa.
It seemed ideal, far away from the reminders of my past.
Where I could be...
How foolish I was to think such things.
We can't run away from ourselves.
But Roberto, with that youthful way of his,
had torn down all my defenses.
And for a while I believed I could change.
That everything would be different.
It's true I had little to lose,
and much to gain by filling the empty space in his life.
But sometimes we clutch at straws to keep afloat,
instead of sturdier things,
and find ourselves still swimming.
Then it's easy to let the current carry you along.
Reality has so many expressions.
There's the glowering acceptance of the inevitable,
living just to die.
And there's the smiling face of, oh well, who cares?
But you're stuck with the truth in the end,
a victim of whatever way of life you choose.
Whether you drift along,
or whether you take the trouble to mold your future.
Whether it's a respectable marriage,
or the squalid life of casual encounters.
In the end, it's you that matters,
not what you do.
Don't worry, my dear.
It's no trouble at all, I assure you.
It'll be a pleasure having someone to devote my time to.
I'm so in the habit of having him around.
It makes me feel guilty leaving him here.
Be reasonable, he really feels at home here.
The boy knows he can always get his own way
with his loving auntie.
He's been spoiled to death by me over the years,
and he trusts me, don't you Alessio?
Nicolina, we'll have lunch now.
Is he asleep now?
Only just.
He's obviously excited about the trip, fresh air.
He's not used to change.
It's been so long.
No.
No, no, Roberto, what's the matter with you?
Have you gone crazy? You're my sister's husband.
You mustn't, please. You've had too much to drink.
Stop it, you'll waken the boy.
Let go of him. Let go, Roberto.
Please go away.
I brought the car up, senora.
Thank you. Just coming.
I'll come and see you soon with your father.
Try to be good to your auntie, yeah?
Oh, he'll be good, I'm sure. I'll take care of Alessio.
You can go, Marina, and give that sloppy brother-in-law of mine a hug.
All right, be seeing you.
Good morning.
The contest is expecting me. I'm here to restore some painting.
Come in, I'll announce you.
What is it?
That girl is here.
The one who's going to restore the fresco.
Ah, yes. Show her in, will you, Nicolina?
Come in.
Good morning.
Morning. I'll be with you in just a second.
It's very beautiful, this statuette.
Ah, yes, very.
Now, uh...
Please, if you come with me...
It's in here.
Well, here it is.
And I'm most anxious to have it restored to its former splendor.
I realize there's a great deal of work to be done,
but as I told you on the phone, there's no hurry.
If you stay, you'll have all the time you need.
What matters to me is the final result, that's all.
That's good to hear.
I'll do my best.
Splendid. I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you.
Your medicine!
He was very insistent that I remember to give it
to you, so I'm sure it must be doing you good.
You only have to take a spoonful. That's not much.
Adolf
Oh, God, have you cut it badly?
Poor darling, don't be afraid. Your auntie will make it better.
I was just trying to stop the bleeding.
There, it's fine now, Alessio.
No need to worry, it'll soon heal up.
He's never been able to stand pain, even when he was a tiny baby.
And the sight of blood terrifies him.
Poor darling.
Yes.
I understand perfectly.
There you see? You'll soon have forgotten all about it.
Oh, hello, Alessio. You gave me quite a surprise.
I'm mad about roses.
Would you like one?
Well, I must go and work now.
See you later.
Hi, Theo. What are you standing there for? Come and help me.
You can, you know, if you like.
Pick up that brush for me, will you?
That's the one.
Go on, I'm waiting.
No, not that one. The other one. The one nearest you.
Yes, that's it. Thank you.
Now you can hold my pallet for me.
You could come in, couldn't you?
Instead of leaving me a stupid rose.
I didn't leave you any rose.
Oh, come on.
Don't be embarrassed.
I adore rough groups when they get romantic.
Stop that and come over here.
Whatever you say, ma'am.
Katerina, is there something you need?
I'm sorry. I heard the violin and was curious.
I didn't mean to disturb you.
Oh, you're not disturbing me.
I come here sometimes to practice.
I love music.
I'm very fond of music, too.
And I'm particularly drawn to the soft tone of the violin.
It touches you emotionally.
It penetrates you and makes you feel so feminine.
You're a smart girl.
I must go now.
Alessio, what is it?
Are you sick?
I heard you moaning.
What's wrong?
What is it, dear?
I understand. I know what you want, my poor darling.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning.
Good morning, Rocco.
Take our bags in, will you?
Yes, sir.
Hello. How was the trip down?
Hello, Martin. Nice to see you.
Ciao, Marta, my dear.
You're looking well.
How's Alessio?
He's fine.
I think that medicine is doing him good.
He's much less agitated.
By the time he leaves, he'll be much better.
I've organized a party for you tonight.
How gorgeous. Just what I need.
We've been leading such a dull life lately.
I've no doubt he'll feel better in the company of others.
Meeting old friends again will be good for him.
Look what I brought you, Alessio.
Doesn't it look good?
Go on, try it.
I never met a restorer before.
Could you do anything for me?
Yes.
You might not like it.
I'm sure I'd be delighted.
I could do with a little improvement.
Nonsense, I was only joking.
Oh, really?
Could you treat your own son?
Well, they've grown up now.
One's about to get married, so they're hardly children.
Let's drink to your success.
Thank you.
There's only one way I know of staying young.
Why don't you help me take off a few of these?
Good idea, don't you think?
Yes.
I could offer you a good job.
What do you say we skip off for a while?
Coming?
You'd go all the way?
Why not?
My, we are distracted this evening, aren't we?
No, dear, the castle.
Where'd you find the piece of ass?
She's no more than a teenager.
I didn't ask you how old she was, dear.
I put up with a lot.
I pretend I haven't even noticed.
But now you've gone too far.
Marta's your sister-in-law.
Listen here, Marina.
I'm not asking you to turn a blind eye.
I just want you to accept things the way they are.
I must say, you've got a nerve asking me that.
I wouldn't call this situation normal.
It's not even odd.
I'd call it incest.
Oh, come on, darling.
What if it is?
Incest has always existed, but remains a secret.
None of us had existed if it weren't for incest.
Marta and I have been doing it for years.
You're a beast with no morals.
Oh, don't be such a prude.
Life is to enjoy.
Oh, my dear.
You should never take it seriously.
That's what we agreed, don't you remember?
It has nothing to do with incest.
She happens to be my wife's sister, that's all.
No need to get jealous.
Alessio?
Come on. Come with me.
No need to be afraid.
Come on.
Here. Look.
Quite a charade, little boy.
I've got you figured out.
Forget about this role you're playing. I'm nobody's fool.
I was taking notice.
Natural
It's your secret.
I hope you don't mind. I was just exploring the place.
I heard footsteps and wondered who it was.
We don't often come up here, but I used to play here as a child, I remember.
I spent hours playing in here with my dolls.
I used to talk to them because they were the only friends I had.
I told them everything.
When I was miserable, when I was excited or happy,
I pretended that one day a handsome prince would come and take me away on a horse.
We still believed in fairy tales in those days.
My life was simpler then. We had it easy as children.
It wasn't until we grew up it got difficult.
I found out fate often plays cruel, stupid tricks.
Sometimes I ask myself if certain things actually happen.
I'm your wife now, Roberto.
Do you realize what you're asking me to do?
You're suggesting that I become your sister-in-law's lover.
I just seem to be a replacement for your first wife, and not much more than that.
You expect us to be your slaves.
Come on, Marina. I have no wish to get into an argument now.
You could find a better time to start getting moralistic.
It's boring, to say the least.
I'm sure I have no need to remind you that I found you in a house of ill repute.
That's hitting below the belt. I thought you were more of a gentleman.
Good morning, young lady.
Good morning.
That sound is really a joy to my ear.
Uh, to the family.
Good health.
And yours.
What's going on around here, Marta?
Nothing, dear. Nothing unusual. It's all quite normal, I assure you.
That's not very honest. With that new girl here, you're acting differently, dear.
Why, you're jealous. The sooner you get used to it, the better.
It's obvious, or at least inevitable, what the next step will be. Don't you think?
I don't believe it.
You must have noticed how Roberto devours her with a glance.
One just has to accept it.
I do, and so will you, my Liebchen.
Well, we're off to town, dear.
Ah. Don't forget the paper.
Aren't you taking Alessio along?
No, he'd only be bored.
Come on.
He's listening to some music.
So long.
Enjoy yourselves.
It's more like it. Take your clothes off.
Get down on your knees.
You know what to do.
What are we waiting for? I'm starving.
We're not all here yet.
Oh, aren't we? I hadn't noticed.
Who's missing?
Someone we've all grown very fond of.
Ah, the restorer. She does such a good job. Here she comes now.
Sit down.
Go ahead, join us.
Serve her first. She's our guest.
What are you waiting for, Katerina? Help yourself.
Thank you. This looks delicious.
I've worked up quite an appetite.
I just lost mine.
Sit around there.
Shit.
Why make fun of me, you bitch?
What a nasty little delinquent you are.
I'm amazed that anyone could think up the things you do.
But it would make a very good book, though.
On the Gothic side, it's not everybody's taste.
I knew you were acting the moment I saw you.
Hamlet's a bad choice. It's been played better.
You're more suited to playing the clown.
Aren't we all just playing the fool?
How about you? You're really the biggest.
That's because you imagine that you're not one at all.
How could you?
That offends you, does it?
You have far too much pride for a working girl.
Come here.
At least let me feel I can make someone obey me.
My only strength is my weakness.
Don't use me like the others.
Let me use you.
Why don't you shoot?
She's a bright little thing, Nicolina.
Poor thing, it's a huge house to run.
She's up at dawn, you know. That's tiring.
Yeah, it's quite.
I'd like to know why Caterina and Alessio aren't with us.
Somebody should find them and tell them it's time for dinner.
I hate unpunctuality, you know that.
Don't complain to me. He's your son.
If you had shown more understanding,
instead of treating him like a disobedient servant,
he'd have found his voice a long time ago and been quite normal.
You have only yourself to blame for his condition.
That'll do, thank you.
I didn't marry you to become a nurse to you or to your son.
How was I to know how he would turn out?
It's a pity people don't consider the problems before they have children.
Perhaps they ought to have exams to ensure that they're equal to it.
Some parents never grow up,
so how can they be expected to set a good example to their offspring?
There's one I know who needs spanking at regular intervals every day.
They're both at such an unreliable age.
I believe I heard footsteps in the salon earlier.
Oh, God, what was that?
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I'll miss you.
He spoke to me.
What did he say?
He cursed you all because none of you knows the meaning of love.