In 1928, women were essentially seen as accessories to be shown off...
objects unable to express an opinion or make a decision.
Life wasn't easy for anyone, but even less so for a woman.
If you were a woman in 1928,
freedom seemed impossible to achieve.
To society, we were just housewives and mothers.
We didn't have the right to have dreams or ambitions.
To seek a future, many women had to travel far and wide...
You're not going anywhere!
...and others had to confront the norms of a backward, chauvinist society.
-Leave her alone! -Stay out of this!
Stay out of this!
In the end, all of us, rich or poor, wanted the same thing:
to be free.
And if to be free, we had to break the law,
we were willing to do it, regardless of the consequences.
Only those who fight for their dreams can achieve them.
Or so we thought...
What we didn't know was that fate had many surprises in store for us.
-Let's go! -Quickly!
Argentina awaits.
Come on!
-You've never been on a ship. -You thought you'd get away?
Don't you dare move. This is between Gimena and me.
-She never wants to see you again. -Let her tell me that.
If you shout, I swear I'll kill you.
Calm down, I'm begging you.
I will when you tell your friend you're coming with me.
-She's not going with you. -She'll do as I say!
Otherwise, first I'll kill her, then you.
Fine. I'll do whatever you want, but put the gun down, okay?
Gimena, no, please...
Look at me.
You shouldn't be here.
I shouldn't have brought you. I'm sorry.
-It was our dream. -It is our dream.
-It still is. -Free women.
So you were in the street with two bodies,
but you had nothing to do with it.
-Why should I believe you? -Because I'm telling the truth.
Alba Romero, 25. Priors for theft and fraud...
and now murder.
Do you know what happens to murderers?
The garrote.
Unless they cooperate with us.
How?
By doing what you do best...
stealing.
But this time, for me. What do you say?
A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
The new skyscraper of the only telephone company in the country.
Thirteen floors, over 30 million meters of cable,
thousands of employees, executives, switchboard operators,
800 job openings...
and a safe full of money to steal.
Please, ladies...
Welcome to the Telephone Company's new head office.
Forgive the chaos. We're still finishing up the move.
As of today, many of the company's services
as well as the city's phone connections, will be centralized in this building.
So I ask you to pay attention.
CHAPTER 1: DREAMS
Candidates for switchboard operators, line up on the left and state your names.
Welcome to the Telephone Company. Can I help you?
-Yes, I'm here for the tests-- -For switchboard operator.
Tell me your name. I'll check the list.
-Lidia. -Lidia?
-Lidia Aguilar. -Aguilar.
I'm sorry, you're not on the short list.
-Short list? I thought we just came-- -You're not the only one.
They were inundated with applications, so they made a short list.
-I'm sorry, Lidia. Thanks for coming. -Oh, well.
Your name is?
Lidia Aguilar.
The tests begin at twelve o'clock.
Anyone not inside the hall by then won't be participating.
There are 390 applications for just 12 positions.
Twelve fortunate women will be getting the best job of their lives.
So look sharp.
Follow me, please.
You're in Madrid's most modern building.
Thirteen floors devoted to the Telephone Company.
On the first floor, reception and the sales department.
On the fourth and fifth floors, administrative services.
On the sixth and seventh floors, the switchboard rooms,
where chosen applicants will have the privilege of working.
Next, two floors with the machine rooms, maintenance and the engineering offices.
Above this are the floors for events and meetings.
And finally, management offices are on the 13th floor.
TELEPHONE COMPANY
MANAGEMENT OFFICE
-Thank you. -Thank you, Mr. Cifuentes.
Excuse me.
Miss, what are you doing here?
I'm here for the operator tests.
Someone said they were here, but I don't see anybody!
They're here if you're a man in a suit
looking to be an accounts executive, which you aren't.
Switchboard tests are on the sixth floor.
The doors close in two minutes. And a word of warning,
punctuality comes first here. Thank you.
All right. Ricardo Rodríguez?
Honey, you'd better take the stairs.
They shut the door. We've been left out.
The tests started at 12:00.
I got lost three times in the subway.
No, you can't...
Yes?
Excuse me, we're here for the switchboard operator tests.
-You're late. -I know.
I know punctuality comes first in this company.
Then why did you knock?
To find out if understanding comes second.
Look at her.
Straight from the station with her suitcase.
-Six hundred kilometers to get here. Yes. -Five hundred and fifty.
And for being one minute late, she'll go home empty-handed.
It's my fault... Miss Millán.
I'm sorry.
I offered to accompany them since I was bringing you these documents,
and I got the floors mixed up.
-You got the floors mixed up? -Yes.
Your first mistake since you started working for me.
As you see, our workers are very understanding.
But, unfortunately, Ángeles doesn't decide if you get through this door.
I do.
-Thank you. -Yes, thank you.
If I went back home without taking the tests--
Ángeles, isn't it?
You must be our guardian angel then.
I wouldn't say that.
Sorry. Over here.
Excuse me.
Is there any way to pass without taking the tests?
No.
Good morning.
Ladies.
This is going to be a great day for the company.
Are you all here for the tests?
It's going to be very hard to choose.
If only we could buy more switchboards and give you all jobs.
Thank you.
I don't want to make you more nervous than you already are,
so good luck to all of you.
Remedios Fuentes, selected. Lucía Villar, not selected.
Marta Rodríguez, selected. Laura Sarmiento, selected.
Verónica Sánchez, selected. Ángeles Montes, not selected.
Carlota Rodríguez de Senillosa, selected.
María José Pando, selected.
María Inmaculada Suárez, selected.
Congratulations to all those chosen.
Excuse me.
Sorry, my name wasn't called.
-You didn't pass. -What? I'd like to see the list.
The results are not public, but they are fair.
-I am entitled to-- -You aren't entitled to anything!
You didn't pass, period.
Everything all right?
Miss Aguilar, which academy did you go to?
None. I'm self-taught.
-Self-taught? -Yes.
Haven't you ever studied anything on your own?
To be honest, I've never studied.
But don't tell my father.
I wouldn't want him to think he wasted his money on my boarding school.
I imagine that, after doing well on the tests,
you don't know why you weren't chosen.
It's your arms.
-What? -They're not long enough.
There are many subscribers, the switchboards are large,
and sometimes an operator has to handle two switchboards.
If I may say...
You're two centimeters under the minimum.
If I may be so bold, Don Carlos, this requirement is nonsense.
-Excuse me? -Trinidad Seijo,
the operator in my hometown,
did the whole county, almost 300 subscribers,
all with one hand.
She only had one hand.
So it's not the length, it's the skill.
Why do you want to be an operator?
You want me to say it's the greatest job in the world.
But we both know I'd be lying.
Your job is much better.
But, unfortunately, I'm told it isn't available.
A woman with character, the gift of the gab and a sense of humor.
Not the first one you've met, I'm sure.
I've met a few... but I don't know if any were like you.
No, they weren't.
Carolina, see the lady downstairs.
Tell Sara she's on the list.
-Welcome aboard, Miss Aguilar. -Thank you.
The next time you want to impress a manager,
don't tell him you want his job.
And the next time you want to impress a woman,
don't make her feel you're only interested in her measurements.
The wouldn't-hurt-a-fly act worked.
Excuse me? I don't know what you mean.
The goody-two-shoes act may work on Sara and Carlos, but not on me.
I'll be watching you.
Honey, you'd better take the stairs.
Good afternoon. Operator three. How may I help you?
One moment, please.
Central here. You have a call from 235.
Do you wish to take it?
Thank you.
Thanks, Ángeles. That's enough for now.
Ángeles knows the company and her job better than anyone else.
The operator who knows this company and her job better than anyone else.
If anyone could tell me all I needed to know to rob the safe,
it was Ángeles.
There are three shifts: morning, day and night.
I'd have to get close to her and get her to trust me enough
to tell me the secrets of the Telephone Company.
When you hear the gong, it's time to change positions, is that clear?
Good. Now, if you'll excuse me,
the company director wants to introduce himself.
Don Francisco, the new employees.
Marta Rodríguez...
-Isn't Carlos Cifuentes the director? -He's the owner's son.
-María Inmaculada Suárez. -Who's the director?
Laura Sarmiento.
Petra Silva.
Lourdes Trapero.
This is Raquel Levante.
Remedios Fuentes.
Carlota Rodríguez de Senillosa.
Lidia Aguilar.
Alba.
I'm sorry, but you've mistaken me for someone else.
My name's Lidia Aguilar. Pleased to meet you.
I'm sorry, Miss Aguilar.
You reminded me of an old friend.
Don't worry about it.
María José Pando.
Come on, Alba!
Run!
Pass me the suitcase!
TEN YEARS EARLIER
I can't believe we're going to Madrid.
-Do you regret it? -Are you crazy?
I'm thinking of all the things I'll do when I get there,
like finding a job.
Then I'll save a lot of money. I'll buy a beautiful dress
and go to an open-air dance and order a White Lady.
-A White Lady? -Of course. It's what city girls drink.
-What are you going to do? -Me?
I'm going to kiss that lovely birthmark on your neck.
Hey! My suitcase! Hey!
Hey!
-You thief! That's my suitcase! -No, it's mine!
Listen, I...
Let go of me! Francisco!
Francisco!
-I told you not to call me here. -It's an emergency, Beltrán.
A problem's come up.
I can't do the heist I planned. I need another place... and more time.
Don't give me your life story.
You know the penalty for murder? Death.
You have one day to avoid it.
Tomorrow at 1:00, in the park.
Carlota, do you know how to get here?
Dolores' Boardinghouse on Blancaró.
Yes, you can't miss it.
Go straight ahead, take the third street on the left--
-It's the second on the left. -Says who?
Miguel Pascual, communications engineer.
Madrid born and bred. I know the city blindfolded.
Did you hear, Marga? A versatile man.
-Not many of those around. -I agree.
-This is Miguel. -He's your boyfriend.
Don't say that word in front of her. She's allergic to it.
I'm going to the bar across the street later. Coming?
I'll finish up and see you there.
Lidia, are you coming to the bar to get a drink with us?
No, I've got things to do.
Can I come?
It's to thank Ángeles for what she did for us.
Ángeles is going?
Yes, she left her daughter with a neighbor. Are you coming?
Hello.
The Cifuentes family made a huge investment
in erecting this building.
Naturally, they want to increase security.
We only have access during our shift.
They have to be careful.
Everything goes through head office.
Company earnings, payroll... Basically everything.
Grandma, you're going to make me deaf!
See? You're worth your weight in gold.
Just wait till I tell Rosario...
Grandma, before you say anything...
I've been thinking about it and...
I should turn down the job and go back to the village.
What? Are you crazy?
We're not a rich family,
and you haven't got a husband to support you.
I won't let you stay here for the rest of your life
looking after an old lady.
You gave up enough for your mother. God rest her soul.
Sure, Grandma...
but I was happy with you and my mother.
She was with you, too. But you have to look out for yourself now.
For once in your life, think just about yourself,
not everyone else.
I know. And I am, but...
-The capital's too big for me. -Fear passes, Marga.
So does life if you don't make the most of it.
-Don't forget that. -Thanks.
I have to go, Grandma.
Take care. I love you.
-That's a lot of money. -Hey...
Stop talking shop, and let's have a toast.
Two vermouths.
But vermouth is alcoholic.
Yes, but you can order something else if you like.
No, that's okay.
Maybe it's too strong for me, too.
I haven't had one since... I can't remember.
I haven't been in a bar since I got pregnant.
It'll prepare you for the champagne at the party tonight.
What party?
-The party for the grand opening. -Everyone's going.
I can't go. I need to watch my daughter,
but operators, clerks, and even the bosses are going.
The Cifuenteses are mingling with the workers.
-It's about time! -I can't go.
I don't like parties much.
To say you don't like parties,
you have to have gone to at least one in your life.
And you look like you've never been to any!
Come on, let's toast. Come on, Lidia.
Let's toast to Marga and her first vermouth.
To Ángeles, because she helped us get this opportunity.
-And to the new cable girls. -Yes!
And because we're now independent women.
Carlota.
Get your things and come with me right now.
No. I don't have to go anywhere.
I have a job, and I'm an independent woman.
Let go. I'm not one of your soldiers! Let go of me!
-Don Emilio-- -Stay out of it.
You're nothing to this family.
You'll have to force me.
You thought I wouldn't find out? When did you become a liar?
Since you stopped caring about what I want.
I don't want a husband. I want a job and to be independent.
A girl of your class doesn't work. Stop this nonsense and get in the car.
I said get in!
Yes, sir, Colonel.
So that's...
Carlota's father, yes.
Well, I'd better go home. My husband's waiting for me.
-Can you find the boardinghouse? -Yes.
Carlota told me how to get from here to Blancaró Street.
-Good. See you tomorrow. -See you tomorrow.
Ángeles! Wait, I'll go with you.
Let the champagne flow and get whatever the gentlemen need!
I assume you're here because you did it.
I got the job, and I know where the safe is.
But there's a problem. I saw Francisco.
-Which Francisco? -My Francisco.
-What? -He's the company director.
-Did he see you? -Yes.
You have to get out of there right away.
I can't. If I don't pay what I owe, I'll be convicted.
You know, if I had that money...
You know me.
Victoria, I'm doing it tonight.
One of the girls said that there's security, but I can do it.
I'll go to the party, get the keys, take the money,
and tomorrow I'll be far away from here.
And from Francisco.
-Alba, I think-- -I just have to be quick.
If I see him, I'll give him the slip.
Alba, rushing things is never wise.
It's crazy.
It's either that or the garrote.
Room 27.
Come here.
Alba, honey, I've already lost Gimena. I wouldn't want to lose you, too.
Dinner is at 8:30, and the door is locked at 11:00.
I know I needn't worry about your behavior.
Your grandmother assured me that you're a responsible girl.
This is a decent boardinghouse, and now it's your home.
Come.
There. Sheets are on the bed,
and there's a set of towels you can use until you buy your own.
-Good night. -Doña Lola...
Tonight is the company's opening party. They've invited the new operators.
I promise I'll be back before you lock the door.
Very well. Be careful.
There's always some swine waiting to take advantage of a decent girl.
You know, "open mind, closed legs."
-Good night. -Good night.
-What? -Come here!
You're talking to the new chief technician
for the headquarters of the country's largest telephone company.
-When did this happen? -Francisco told me this afternoon.
I almost hugged that stuffed shirt!
-Mario! -What, honey?
I'm just saying what everyone thinks.
-That's great! -We'll pay off the house.
You'll stop working. Our problems are over.
You understand?
I love you. Let's celebrate.
I'm so happy!
Yes.
-Mario, you want me to stop working? -That's what we talked about.
Yes, we did, but...
that was before, and...
Mario, I love my job.
More than being at home with your husband and daughter?
No, you two are my priority. Always.
If we're your priority, what are you doing drinking vermouth while we're at home?
God, it's the first time in three years.
Mario...
Aren't you coming down for supper?
We're doing this for your own good.
Have you stopped to think that it might not be what's best for me?
My goodness, there are so many people here.
Eight hundred workers. If even a quarter came...
I knew I couldn't miss this!
I still can't believe you're here.
When your father came into the bar, I almost got in the car, I was so scared.
Do you know what a woman's worst enemy is?
Submission.
-I was always taught to obey. -Sure. Me, too.
"A woman needs to be proper and obedient, Carlota."
But one day I thought,
"You're not a woman. How do you know what I need?"
So he can lock all the doors he wants.
"There is no gate, no lock, no bolt
that you can set upon the freedom of my mind."
Virginia Woolf said that.
Is she a friend of yours?
It's not as if we're royalty.
Since when do you mind being the center of attention?
Who said I minded?
Will anything ever be good enough for you?
I thought marrying you was good enough. At first.
I'm going to mingle. See you soon.
Good evening.
-Excuse me. -Miss... What was it?
-Aguilar. -Aguilar, that's it.
What a pleasant surprise.
So I see. You were having a terrible time until I arrived.
I haven't had time. And one must be nice to the staff.
Is that what you're doing with me? Being nice?
Some things you do out of duty, others for pleasure.
Clearly, this is the latter.
I see the party is turning out to be fun.
Miss Aguilar, Francisco Gómez.
-We met earlier. -Yes.
-A drink? -No, thank you.
A White Lady? A city girl's drink.
This night deserves a toast.
Thanks, but I don't like White Ladies.
Now that's what I call honesty! Not a common quality.
Miss Aguilar has more than enough for both of us.
Along with other virtues.
Such as?
I think we'll have to wait to find out.
Darling...
My father asked me to tell you you're expected onstage.
Stay there, miss. You owe me a dance.
I want to thank all of you who have come here tonight
to join with us in celebrating the opening of Europe's largest telephone exchange.
You all know that this hasn't been an easy road, nor a short one.
And that all these gray hairs are due to that road.
But we're finally here.
And we wouldn't be if it weren't for the person
who was the driving force behind this project.
He's loyal, hardworking and honest.
And it gives me great peace of mind
to leave this company's future in my son-in-law's hands.
Someone I consider my son,
Francisco Gómez. Francisco.
Thank you. Thank you.
Ten years ago, I couldn't have imagined being here today.
I would've settled for a good job
and a place to share with the love of my life.
Today, I have almost everything I dreamt of.
Almost, because one could always want something more.
Today is the beginning of a new era for the company,
one that will span the oceans.
I am pleased to announce that tomorrow,
this company is to make its first intercontinental call.
President Coolidge and His Majesty Alfonso XIII
will establish the first connection between Spain and the United States.
I'd tried for years to convince myself that Francisco meant nothing to me.
If I wanted to be free, I couldn't be led by my heart.
That night, I'd steal the money from the company
and run far away from any ghost from the past.
Good or bad, just to be myself.
Excuse me, miss. Your identification?
That says "day shift."
Only night shift employees are allowed in.
I know, but I'll just be a minute. I left my purse in my locker.
I'm sorry. You can get it tomorrow.
But my house keys are in it.
And there's no one I can call.
Please do me this favor.
I'll have to spend the night on the street.
I'll just be a moment.
GENERAL DIRECTOR
We must be the only ones not invited.
Even the stockroom workers went.
I love this song. Do you know it?
No.
On a bad day, you can put it on and forget all your problems. Listen.
There are better songs.
But if it helps you forget your troubles...
-How did you escape from the barracks? -Out the window.
A soldier's life is tough.
It's a good thing that the nights are much more fun.
Let's dance.
Hey!
Stop!
Are you all right?
I couldn't catch him, but I got your purse. I think it's all there.
I wonder what excuse I'll make up to get to my shift on time tomorrow.
You can't keep doing this for the rest of your life.
I've got no choice.
-Yes, you do. -Really?
-Marry me. -You're crazy.
I didn't think I'd ask you either, but it's the solution.
It's the solution, yes.
You wouldn't depend on your father.
No, I'd depend on you, my husband. The perfect definition of independence.
You think I'd tell you what to do?
You're drunk. I'm going.
Yes, I'm drunk. But I'm right. Think it over!
Let's go, Miguel!
Good night! Wait up, guys.
-Don't make any noise. -Thanks.
-I don't know where Miguel is. -Don't worry.
Both beds are for you. I'm going home tomorrow.
-Why? -This isn't for me.
I got lost on the subway, broke my bag and got robbed.
-Robbed? -It doesn't matter.
-I'm not staying. -Marga!
Do you know how long I faked going to a sewing circle?
One year. All that time, I was really learning to type.
I didn't want my parents to know I wanted to work.
I was afraid they'd throw me out.
Gee. I'm sorry.
Sorry? Why?
I'm not sorry.
Want to know the good part? I'm not afraid anymore.
I don't know how you can take it so well.
What else can I do?
Cry because my parents prefer their ideas to who I am?
No. There are two ways to look at life...
You can look on the negative side, and cry and complain.
Or look on the fun side, enjoy it, laugh, and move forward.
That's what I've chosen to do.
Everything in life has its good side, even Madrid.
Even if you don't see it.
Unless I rob that safe during the call...
you'll have to find another home.
Beltrán won't give me any more time.
I either hand over the money tomorrow at one o'clock or...
This is my last chance.
Extra! Extra! First call to America today!
Extra! Extra! The king calls America today!
-Mario, can I talk to you? -I'm working, Ángeles. Not now.
I was up all night worried about you.
-Where were you? -Walking.
All night?
All night. I had a lot to think about.
-Mario-- -I won't argue about it here.
I don't want to argue, just talk. Please.
You want to talk?
Talk.
Mario, can't you understand
that it bothers me when you ask me to stop working?
I can't believe this! What do you think?
That I don't know that you like your job?
And how hard it is for you to leave all this?
But we have a daughter,
and I don't want a stranger taking care of her.
I want her mother to.
Have you thought about how much it pains me
to not give my family what they deserve?
I promised you everything, that you'd live like a queen.
And what did I get? You're here all day, taking calls.
You've convinced yourself that it's right, and it's not.
Let me make you happy.
Please.
Let's be the family we dreamt of being.
STAFF FILE
Good morning.
-What are you looking for? -The keys to the safe.
Either I left them behind here, or I lost them wherever I was last night.
You should try drinking two fewer glasses of brandy.
-It'd be good for your memory. -But terrible for my soul.
My soul is free. It can't be chained.
Right.
You should try smiling sometime.
Are you all right?
-Do you remember Alba? -Alba?
Your first love who vanished without a word? Who ran away from you?
Her? No.
Yesterday, I thought I saw her.
-Again? -There was a strong resemblance.
Francisco, people change in ten years.
A lot. Look at you.
Yes, you're right. Forget it. It was stupid.
Besides, there's things to be done.
Elegant enough to be immortalized next to His Majesty?
Without the bags under your eyes, I'd say you look quite respectable.
There's a lot to do.
What's on the agenda?
First, inform Sara about who's making the call.
I've taken care of that.
Personally.
-So? -I'm sorry I'm late.
-Changed your mind? -What's going on?
They're announcing the operator who'll make the call.
They'll give it to Ángeles. She has the most experience.
Ladies, we won't draw this out.
Today, the transoceanic call will be made between the king
and the president of the United States.
We're designating an operator to make the call.
It's a great responsibility,
and I hope the person chosen takes it as such.
That operator is... Lidia Aguilar.
Me?
I can't do it.
Excuse me, Miss Aguilar?
I'm new here at the company. It's too much responsibility.
-It should be Ángeles. -I agree.
It wasn't my decision, it was management's.
So I hope you can carry out your task.
The operator protocol.
Learn it as if your life depends on it.
I can assure you, it does.
The other switchboards will be disconnected for ten minutes.
So all you need to do is witness this moment.
-I won't do it. -The protocol is simple.
You managed the jacks well yesterday.
-I don't mean-- -If anything goes wrong,
other girls will cover you.
This is a crucial moment for the company, Carlos.
You're risking it to seduce an operator.
You sound like my father.
You think I'm doing this to seduce her?
-Carlos-- -I like her image for the company.
She's an ambitious girl. I think she'll do it well.
-Why didn't you ask me? -I have to ask you about everything?
Staff selection is my job.
Trust me, please.
Expectations are high among the media
here on the tenth floor of the Telephone Company.
Today, at exactly noon, an event will take place
that will mark a turning point in history:
the first intercontinental call made from our country,
involving two major figures on either side of the Atlantic.
His Majesty Alfonso XIII,
whose arrival at the Telephone Company we are about to witness,
will speak to President Coolidge in an exchange
that will affirm the strong relationship between our countries.
I wasn't afraid of the challenge.
But it would make my objective harder to achieve.
While the whole world was wrapped up in the great historical event...
I'd rob the safe.
I'd put an end to Beltrán's blackmail and flee in search of a new life...
far from my past,
and far from the man who was once the love of my life.
-It's time, Father. -Very well.
When you wish, Your Majesty. The world awaits.
Good morning. How may I help you?
Yes, operator?
Could you please connect me with Washington, United States?
Number 0002, with the president.
Of course, Your Majesty.
I'm connecting you now. One moment, please.
I've lost the line.
We checked the circuits. There has to be a signal.
You're doing something wrong.
There's no signal.
Jack one to jack two... It's off.
An historic day. A triumph for communications.
The world in the hands of a woman, a switchboard operator.
Everyone celebrated the event,
and felt they were part of a new world...
But some women had already started to understand that this new world
wasn't as idyllic or as simple as they would have liked...
that it would involve family sacrifices and loneliness...
for independence always comes at a price.
For Gimena, it was her life.
For me, it was being condemned to break the rules.
Stop.
I know who you are.
Ten years isn't long enough to forget you...
Alba.