THE LEOPARD
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord be with thee...
What is that disturbance?
What has happened?
Excuse me, Your Excellency. A dead soldier has been found in the garden
What?
There's rioting in the city, everywhere
This letter has arrived
It's urgent. From the Duke of Malvica
"Dear Fabrizio, read the terrible news in the paper
"The Piedmontese have landed. We are lost
"My family and I are taking refuge in the English ships anchored here
"I'm sure you'll do likewise
"God save our beloved king"
The coward!
An act of piracy was committed on 11th May...
...when armed men landed at Marsala
Reports say there were about 800, led by Garibaldi
The brigands carefully avoided any clash with royalist troops...
...and made for Castelvetrano...
...threatening peaceful inhabitants and causing pillage and devastation
Paolo, you'll go to the house in Palermo; empty houses are lost houses
No, please, Fabrizio. It's dangerous. This is war
Francesco Paolo, call Mimì
It's the revolution
Drink this, you'll feel better
He's just coming, father
Pardon, Excellency. In the garden we've found...
Mimì, tell Don Antonio to harness the horses to the carriage
I'll go to Palermo after our meal
Father Pirrone...
...you'll accompany me, won't you?
May the Lord protect us
But with the streets full of soldiers, bandits...
You'll spend two hours with your colleagues. We'll return at eleven
We eat in half an hour
All of you
What are we going to do?
Save us, Queen of Heaven, mother of mercies...
These swine stink even when they're dead
Salvatore, did you alert the barracks?
Excellency, we've told them to come and remove him
What terrible times, Excellency
Look at all the fires on the mountains
- They're the rebels' camps - I see them, Father
Perhaps Your Excellency is worried about Don Tancredi
Tancredi should guard against certain friendships...
...certain dangerous acquaintances
Father, the fault is not Tancredi's; the fault is the times
A young nobleman cannot even play cards without making dangerous friends
That's enough now
Still, a little prudence...
Halt! Villa Airoldi road-block
Good evening Your Excellency. Excuse us
Let the Prince of Salina through
What a beautiful country this would be if...
If there weren't so many Jesuits
I'll come back for you in two hours. Pray well, Father
- Where can we go? - To the tavern, by the port
Good evening, handsome
Melina, that's not for you
Mind your own business
My big prince
Good day, uncle
Tancredi. What were you up to last night?
Nothing at all, uncle
I was with friends; a virtuous night
Not like some I know, who went to amuse themselves...
...down in Palermo
And who would they be?
You yourself, uncle
I saw you talking to the sergeant at the road-block
A fine thing, at your age
And with a reverend father, too
Such libertines
Well, after all, it's true
Why are you dressed like that? For a masked ball in the morning?
I'm going soon, uncle. I came to say farewell
Why? Where are you going? Not a duel...
Yes. A great duel, uncle, with the king
I'm going to the mountains, to Ficuzza
Great things are beginning and I don't want to stay at home
They'd seize me here, anyway
You are mad to join them; they're Mafiosi, all swindlers
A Falconeri should be with us, for the king
Certainly, for the king
But which king? You've said it yourself, uncle
If King Ferdinando were still alive... But Franceschiello? No, uncle
You think the Piedmont man they call "The Gentleman" will be much better?
A Turin dialect instead of Neapolitan, that's all
Then what about the republic of Peppino Mazzini?
If we weren't here, that lot would soon foist the republic on you
If we want everything to remain as it is, everything has to change
Have I explained it?
Good-bye, uncle. I'll return with the tricolor
The tricolor! You soil your lips with that word
What is it compared with our golden lily banner?
What do you hope to gain from those colors?
Wait, uncle, you're deluding yourself
Good-bye, uncle
I'll see you soon
Tancredi! Wait!
What are you doing? Subsidizing the revolution now?
Thank you very much, uncle
Kiss my aunt for me
Concetta, I'll be back soon
Has Your Excellency come for confession?
Confession? It's not Saturday
Excellency, listen to me. Make confession
Father, there is no need; you know everything already
Confession is not the telling of facts, but the repentance of sins
I know!
What do you expect of me? I'm a vigorous man
Can I be content with a woman who in bed crosses herself before an embrace?
And who afterwards can only say: "Jesus Mary"
I've had seven children by her... seven
And, Father, I've never seen her navel
Is that fair?
Is it, Father? She is the sinner
I was too brusque
Do not lose your goodwill towards me
But listen to me: Confess
I haven't any intention of confessing
At least, not today
I've made some important political discoveries
Do you know what's happening in our country? Nothing
A barely noticeable substitution of ruling groups
The middle class doesn't want to destroy us, but to take our place...
...more politely, and even put thousands of ducats into our pockets
And then the rest can stay as it is
Father, ours is a country of compromises
In short, you nobles will come to an agreement with the liberals...
...even with the Masons...
...at our expense; yes, at the expense of the church...
...because it's clear that all our wealth...
...the patrimony of the poor, will be divided among the insolent ringleaders
Who then will feed the unhappy people whom the church still supports?
What will be done to placate that desperate horde?
They will be given one piece of your land, then another, finally all of it
Our Lord healed the physically blind, but what about the mentally blind?
We're not mentally blind, dear Father
Just human beings in a world of radical change
What must we do?
The church has been given an explicit promise of immortality
We, as a social class, have not
A palliative that promises us another hundred years is the same as eternity
Beyond what we can caress with our hands we have no obligations
The church must have obligations, because it is destined not to die
In its disappearance there might be some solace
Do you believe, Father, that if one day the church...
...could save itself by sacrificing us it would hesitate to do so?
It wouldn't hesitate, and it would do well
You'll have two sins to confess to me on Saturday
A carnal sin last night and a spiritual one today
Look, Father, how beautiful
It will take more than King Victor Emmanuel to change this magic view
Long live Garibaldi's men!
Help me!
- He's a policeman, a murderer! - We dealt with him ourselves!
The cavalry!
Hold your fire!
Platoons, forward march!
Hey, nurse, come here!
Where have they gone?
By now they'll be at the port
What do you say, Father?
Will these glorious new times give us better roads?
Well, the government...
Clear the road!
Nobody can pass. It's blocked
The road to Bisaquino is closed
I'm sorry, it's forbidden to pass. You can't go any further
Evidently our permit is no good
I'm not saying that. We've been told all civilian permits are suspended
If I tell you to turn back, you have to turn back!
Clear the road so the carriages can proceed
Nobody gets through here!
I'm Captain Prince Tancredi Falconari. I fought at Palermo with you
Captain, I have my orders
This is an order, too. Clear the way!
You live among the nobility
What do they say about this huge conflagration?
What does our fierce, proud Prince of Salina say?
The nobility, as you call them, aren't easy to understand
They live in a world apart, not created by God...
...but by themselves, during centuries of very special experiences...
...of troubles and joys - their joys
They get upset or are fascinated by things that to you and me...
...don't matter at all, but which for them are vital
I don't mean the nobles are bad, on the contrary
They're different
They don't care about certain things which are very important to us...
...and maybe they have fears we're ignorant of
The Prince of Salina, for example
He couldn't give up his holiday in Donnafugata; that's where we're going
But if you ask him what he thinks, of the revolution...
...he says there's no revolution, everything will go on as before
That's the last straw
Let's read the breviary; it's better
Let's see...
Psalm 45
My heart overfloweth, I speak of the things I have made touching the king
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer
Thou art fairer than the children of men
Grace is poured into thy lips, God hath blessed thee for ever
Quickly, lads
Spread it neatly. You fetch the bottles, and you the glasses
We hope that everything is just as you want it
I'm delighted to see you again, Excellency
Now we'll just rest a little
You can eat beneath the trees
We'll leave for Donnafugata in an hour. Tell me about the soldiers...
It's worse than in Algeria
It's different from Algeria, my dear
Wouldn't you like to refresh yourself?
Try bathing your temples
Let's join the others, or we'll find nothing left to eat
Aren't you hungry?
I told everyone: "His Excellency won't leave Palermo this year
"How do you expect them to travel in times like these?
"Who knows what will happen to His Excellency? May God protect him!"
But you're all safe and sound
I thank God
What did you expect to happen to us? It was all very simple
In fact, a few days after Garibaldi's entry into Palermo...
...Tancredi brought home a nice Tuscan general...
...who wanted to admire the frescos at the villa...
...and he proved useful in obtaining permits for Donnafugata
We are most happy to receive you in our home, General
Thank you, Excellency
He called you "Excellency"; he's never broken Garibaldi's orders before
General, my nephew has told me that you would like to see the frescos
- Very much, Excellency - Let's do it at once
In the centre, Jupiter and Juno, Mars, Venus and Mercury
On the other side, Tethys preceded by a group of tritons and dryads
Apollo surrounded by clouds, and all exalting the house of Salina's glory
Would you like another mint caramel?
Thank you, they're just the sort I like
I brought them especially for you
How pale you are. Was your wound really not serious?
Pardon?
It's worth being wounded to become promoted on the battlefield
The carriages are coming!
I am happy to welcome your excellencies
Don Onofrio! How are we?
Excellency, I hand you back the palace...
...in the exact state in which it was left
I am proud to shake the hand of the hero wounded fighting at Palermo
Wounded? They made me a captain because I got a gnat in my eye
You've done much for the cause, Don Calogero
Crispi speaks very highly of you
Dear Teresina, what a pleasure to see you again
And you, of course, Don Ciccio. What news?
News? I haven't any, Excellency
Will you excuse me now?
Remember to invite them to dinner tonight, with their wives
- Why the wives? - It's better
Invite Don Calogero and tell him to bring his wife
The lawyer with his wife
Don Ciccio, who thank God hasn't a wife
All the others to come after dinner
- What is it? - It's Mimì, Excellency
Father Pirrone asks to see you at once
All right. Show him in
I beg your pardon, Excellency. I didn't know
Don't be shocked, Father
You're used to souls being bared; bare bodies are much more innocent
Just give me the towel
Go on, be brave, Father
Brisker, Father
Take my advice: Take a bath yourself now and then
Take a seat, then
Tell me why you wanted to talk to me so urgently
I have been entrusted with a very delicate mission
A person very dear to you wanted to open her heart to me, to tell you...
She has faith, perhaps mistaken, in the esteem with which you honor me
Can't you be more concise?
Who are you referring to? The Princess?
No, Excellency. The Princess is very tired and she is resting now
It concerns signorina Concetta
She is in love
Signorina Concetta? But how...
Oh, such foolishness
I regret having disturbed you
I did not think...
At forty-five a man may still think he's young...
...until he realizes his children are old enough to fall in love
Then old age suddenly comes crashing down on him
You haven't asked me who the young man is, whom Concetta...
There's no need
Why didn't that stupid girl come to tell me?
Well, in your opinion, what should I say?
The desire to found a Christian family is most welcome to the church
The presence of Our Lord at the wedding in Cana...
Let us not digress, Father. I intend to speak about this marriage...
...not the wedding in Cana, nor marriage in general
Has Don Tancredi made a definite proposal? When?
Well, Excellency, not actually a proposal
But Concetta has no doubts. His attentions, his looks...
...certain words... she is sure he loves her...
...and feels he will propose at any moment
Don't worry, Father, there's no immediate danger
These are the fantasies of a romantic schoolgirl
But why "danger", Excellency?
Can you imagine her as an ambassador's wife in Vienna, or St. Petersburg?
I love Concetta. I like her
So placid, so submissive
But Tancredi has a great future before him
How can Concetta, so passively virtuous, so shy and reserved...
...help an ambitious husband ascend the slippery steps of a new society?
Tancredi will find money useful
Concetta has her dowry, of course
But the Salina fortune will have to be divided into seven parts
I repeat, seven parts. Tancredi needs something else entirely
One of the Sutera girls, perhaps?
Yes, I know. They're so ugly, poor things, but so rich
But what? Love?
Of course, love. Fire and flame for one year, ashes for thirty
I also know what love is
Excellency, which clothes will you wear for dinner?
Father, you'll tell Concetta I'm not at all annoyed...
...but we'll discuss it when we are sure it's not romantic fantasy
What suit? One for evening wear
Papa! Don Calogero's coming up the stairs - in tails!
This news has impressed you more than the landing at Marsala
Don Calogero in white tie; the sign of the revolution on the march
Yes, it's true, in tails. But look at them
And the shoes
- My wife is unwell; a slight cold - I'm very sorry
I hope you will excuse me if my daughter Angelica comes in her place
But certainly. Come in
For a month she's talked of the pleasure it would give her to come
I remember her well as a very pretty little girl
We shall be happy to see her again
She will be here in a moment; she wasn't quite ready
Our house is just over the road, as you know
Yes, Don Calogero. We'll wait for her
As I told you, the church is really in a sorry state
Lovely
My Angelica
I haven't seen you for so long; you have changed... and not for the worse
We are very fortunate, signorina Angelica...
...to welcome such a lovely flower into our home
I hope we shall have the pleasure of seeing you very often
Thank you, Prince. You are as kind to me as you have always been to Papa
How do you do, signorina Concetta?
Angelica, as children we were never so formal
Your Grace, allow me to present my daughter Angelica
Dinner is served
Several layers, as tradition demands
- Was the journey very tiring? - Not unduly
They haven't served you yet, I'm sorry
- A beautiful daughter - Yes, Concetta
The villa I'm having built outside the village will be modest, but...
...very comfortable
How hungry we are; a good thing we didn't start with soup
Unforgettable days, I tell you
Only one word of command, from mouth to mouth: Arms and soldiers
The General realized that when Sicilians get going, they do it well
Why did you join Garibaldi?
"If Garibaldi is your brother-in-arms he wants only to fight at your side"
Those are his own words. I did not think it would be so strenuous
I've never walked so much. Oh, the night march to Gibilrossa...
Did you meet Bixio?
What a determined man
All of them determined and extraordinary
The scene between Bixio and La Masa, at which I just happened to be present
And I was briefly at the taking of Termini
I enjoyed myself enormously, believe me
We had the biggest laugh on 28th May
The General needed a lookout post in the Origlione monastery
We knocked, we swore - nobody answered the door
It was a convent for a closed order of nuns
By the way, Reverend...
...tomorrow we'll pray at the tomb of the reverend mother Corbera
Excellent. Those good nuns...
...have already been informed to expect your excellencies
They're in a flurry of preparation for your visit
We've never missed going there the day after our arrival
And then? What happened?
I'll tell you
Tassoni, Aldrighetti and I and someone else...
...tried to break down the door, to no avail
So we ran to get a beam from a shelled house nearby
Finally, with an infernal din, the door gave way
We entered. Everywhere was deserted
Suddenly we heard desperate twitterings...
...from around the corner of a corridor
Taking refuge in the chapel, the nuns were piled up against the altar
Who knows what they feared from those ten fed-up young lads
It was comic to see them, old and ugly as they were...
...with their black habits, startled eyes, all ready and willing...
...for martyrdom...
...whining like bitches
Our handsome Tassoni yelled:
"We've no time, sisters. We'll return when you've got us some young novices"
All the boys fell about laughing
We left the disappointed nuns and went to fire on the king's troops
Ten minutes later I was wounded
How I wish I'd been there with you all
If you'd been there, there would have been no need to wait for novices
Tancredi. Such crude stories should be told to your confessor
You do not tell them to young ladies at table
At least, not when I am present
He's right, I agree, and I'll help him, too
But it can't be denied he's a little ignoble
Oh, the lovely Gigogin
At fifteen she made love
Take a step forward, darling of my heart
At sixteen she got married
Take a step forward, darling of my heart
At seventeen I left
Take a step forward, darling of my heart
Long live Italy! Long live Garibaldi!
Don't be so sad, Father. We aren't following a funeral
The wind... this dreadful wind
Thank the Lord. Without wind the air would be fetid
You must vote in an orderly fashion. The first to arrive vote first
The Cavour of Donnafugata
Excellency, this is a great honor for me
No. Father Pirrone is not resident here
Voting is suspended for a few minutes
May I have the honor...
...of inviting you for modest refreshment?
I think the white will be lighter
A late homage to the Bourbon flag
I really cannot drink today; I have a most aggravating stomach upset
That's of secondary importance on such a day
Thank you, I never drink
Don Calogero, for my part I accept with pleasure
I'd like to say a few words...
...but great joys, Prince, are silent
It is with great emotion that I perform this task
I have the very great honor...
...to announce the result of the plebiscite of our community
In the year 1860, 22nd October, in Donnafugata...
...at six p. M...
...the municipal electoral committee met...
...to examine the votes given in the plebiscite...
...by the population of this community
The Sicilian people want Italy to be one and indivisible...
...with Victor Emmanuel...
...as constitutional monarch, and his legitimate descendants
All the votes having been taken and due...
All the votes having been taken and due scrutiny made...
...the following results have been obtained
Electors registered: 515
Votes cast: 512
Voting YES: 512
Voting NO: Zero
And you, Don Ciccio, how did you vote on the 21st?
What are you afraid of? There's only us, the wind and the dogs
Excuse me, but your question is pointless
You know very well everyone in Donnafugata votes YES
It's even said that you advised waverers to vote that way
That's very true
So you voted YES?
No, Excellency. I voted NO
No, a hundred times no
All right, I know what you told me
For necessity, unity and opportunity. Perhaps you were right
I don't understand politics and I leave these things to others
But Ciccio Tumeo is a gentleman
A failed artist, poor and miserable, with worn-out trousers...
...but I hadn't forgotten benefits received, you know that, Excellency
It was Queen Isabella, the Spanish one...
...who then was Duchess of Calabria - she made me study...
...and allowed me to be where I am today...
...organist at the Holy Church, paid by the kindness of Your Excellency
In the years when our need was great, my mother sent an entreaty to Court...
...and financial assistance arrived, as sure as death
If those kings and queens looked down from heaven, what would they say?
That the son of Leonardo Tomeo betrayed them? No!
No, Excellency
Thank goodness, the truth is known in paradise
I admire your loyalty and devotion
But understand that people are over- excited by this Garibaldi's victory
The plebiscite was the only and urgent remedy against anarchy. Believe me
For us it's only a lesser evil
The Savoyards, basically...
...are a monarchy
The interests of the people you love, to whom you are devoted...
...emerge from these events thwarted, I agree...
...but still alive, still valid
Something had to change...
...so that everything might remain as it was before
The revolution's work is done. Let's hope new Italy can live and prosper
But I voted NO
The town hall pigs swallowed my opinion and shat it out as they chose
I said "black" and they've made me say "white"
I was a "loyal subject" and I've become a "foul Bourbon"
Now, they're all Savoyards
Savoyards! I eat them for breakfast!
Tell me something. You see so many in the district
What do you really think of Don Calogero?
I thought I'd shown my opinion clearly enough
I'd be quite interested to know the truth about him and his family
The truth, Excellency, is that Don Calogero is very rich...
...and also very influential
Avaricious, and fiendishly intelligent, too
You should have seen him in April and May, swooping about like a bat
In a carriage, riding a mule, or on foot, rain or shine
Wherever he went, secret groups were formed...
...preparing the way for those who were to come
A scourge of God, Excellency
We've only seen the start of Don Calogero's career
In a few months, he'll be a member of the parliament in Turin
In a few years, when the church's property is auctioned off...
...for a handful of coins...
...he'll pick up their land at Fondacello...
...and become the biggest landowner in the province
There, that's who Don Calogero is...
...an example of the new man
It's a pity he has to be like that
And the rest of the family? What are the others like?
Nobody has seen Calogero's wife for years
Except myself, perhaps
She comes out only to go to first Mass, at five, when no one's about
Once I got up early specially, just to see her
Word of honor, she's as beautiful as the sun
You can't blame him, cockroach though he is, for keeping her from other men
But even from the best-guarded houses...
...word trickles out, servants talk
It seems that Donna Bastiana is a kind of animal
Illiterate, can't tell the time, she hardly knows how to speak
She's incapable, too, of loving her daughter
Good for bed, and that's all
Besides, it can't be otherwise. Do you know whose daughter she was?
One of your share-croppers at Runci
Peppe Giunta his name was
He was so foul-smelling and uncouth, everyone called him Peppe Shit
Excuse the word, Excellency
Two years after Don Calogero ran off with Bastiana...
...Peppe was found dead with twelve shotgun pellets in his back
And I hoped that Tancredi would marry Concetta
He's a traitor, like all such liberals
First he betrayed the king, and now us
He with his false face...
...with his words dripping honey and his actions dripping poison
This is what happens...
...when you take into your house people not of your own blood
I always said so, but nobody listens to me
I never could stand that dandy; you alone were enamored of him
And now he has the effrontery to ask you, his uncle, Prince of Salina...
...father of the girl he's deceived, to take his proposal to that rogue...
...the father of that trollop... Fabrizio, you shall not do it!
You don't know what you're saying. Angelica is not a trollop
She may become one, but now she's like any other girl, only more beautiful...
...who simply wants to make a good marriage
Maybe she's a little in love with our Tancredi, as they all are, after all
And she has a lot of money, Stella
Our money, largely, administered well, too well even, by Don Calogero
Tancredi needs that money
He's a nobleman, ambitious, spendthrift. He needs a lot of money
As for Concetta, he's never said anything to her, so he's no traitor
He moves with his times, that's all; both in politics and in private life
Besides, he's the dearest young man I know. Even you know that
I want no whimpering in my house, either in my room or in my bed
No more "You shall not do it." I make the decisions
I decided this long ago. And now no more about it
Now let us sleep
Tomorrow I am getting up early to go hunting
You've told me about them all: Wild mothers and faecal grandfathers...
...but nothing about what interests me, about Angelica
There's nothing to say; she speaks for herself
Her mother's beauty without her grandfather's stench. A real lady
When she returned from college she played me the old mazurka I wrote
She played badly, but to see her was a delight...
...with her black hair, those eyes, that skin, that bosom
Some difference from the stink of goats
Her sheets must have the fragrance of paradise
Calm down, Don Ciccio
From now on you'll have to speak of Angelica with all due respect
This very day I'm asking Calogero for her hand for my nephew Tancredi
You're the first to know, but you'll pay for this privilege
You'll be locked up in the gun-room with the dogs...
...until after Calogero's visit; I want nothing to leak out in advance
This is disgraceful, obscene
He can't marry the daughter of your enemies. They've always opposed you
If he seduced her, that would be a conquest, but this is pure surrender
It's the end of the Falconeri family and the Salinas
The marriage is not the end of anything, but the start
And it's in our best traditions
These are things you can't understand
Let's go home. And we're agreed, aren't we?
Let there be no misunderstanding, or a big fuss over a little kiss
Remember, it was I who asked you to come here
I wish to tell you about a letter written by my nephew...
...received this very night, in fact
In it he declares his love for your daughter...
...and asks me to ask you...
...officially, for Angelica's hand
Now it's your turn to declare your intentions
Excuse me, Prince
This lovely surprise has robbed me of speech
I know well what Angelica feels in her heart and mind...
...and I think that Tancredi's feelings, which honor us all...
...are sincerely reciprocated
We ask for God's protection for this wedding
Your joy is mine, Excellency
It's turning stormy
No need for me to tell you how illustrious the Falconeri family is
It came to Sicily with Charles of Anjou, flourished under the Aragons...
...the Spanish kings and the Bourbons, if you'll allow me to mention them
They were peers of the realm, grandees of Spain, Knights of St. James
But if there's no need to tell you of the history of the house of Falconeri...
...I need not tell you, alas, because you already know...
...that my nephew's fortune does not match the grandeur of his name
My brother-in-law was not what one calls a provident father
The sumptuousness of his life impaired my nephew's inheritance
But, Don Calogero, the result of all these troubles...
...of these heartbreaks, is Tancredi
The two of us know these things
Perhaps it is impossible to be as distinguished...
...sensitive and charming as Tancredi...
...unless ancestors have squandered fortunes. That's how it is in Sicily
I know all this, and more besides
But love, Excellency, love is all...
...as I know well
Now listen
I'm a man of the world and I'll put my cards on the table, too
These young people must know what they can count on
In the marriage contract, I'll assign to my daughter...
...the deeds to Settesoli
One thousand and ten hectares
All wheat fields, first-class land...
...cool and airy...
...and five hundred hectares of vineyards and olive groves...
...at Gibildolce
On the wedding day I'll give the bridegroom...
...twenty bags, each with 10,000 uncias
My family means everything to me
Nobody has seen Calogero's wife for years
Except myself, perhaps. She comes out only to go to first Mass...
...at five, when no one's about
Once I got up early specially, just to see her
Word of honor, she's as beautiful as the sun
You can't blame him, cockroach though he is...
...for keeping her from other men
Of course, it leaves me a beggar, but a daughter is a daughter
And after all, Prince, I know what I'm telling you...
...won't impress you, a descendant of Emperor Titus and Queen Berenice...
...but the Sedara family, by a title granted by Ferdinand the Fourth...
...is also nobility
I've all the papers in order. One day it will be known that your nephew...
...has married a baroness, the Baroness Sedara del Biscotto
Don Pirrone, I've all the papers in order; just one seal to get
I'm sorry, Don Ciccio, but I had no choice
I hope at least that all went well
Yes, perfectly. It couldn't have gone better
We'll meet again soon. And forgive me
It was a cold January day
The atmosphere seemed even heavier when the biting north wind dropped
For many hours it had been snowing great white flakes
On that deserted road, a poor old horse, a rough blanket on its back...
...wearily dragged a two-wheeled cart
"Oh, you damned beast", cried the peasant...
...who habitually talked to his horse
Excellency, Don Tancredi has arrived
He is in the courtyard having his luggage unloaded
Not too close, uncle; I'm as wet as a sponge
How pleased I am to see you again
Tancredi, think how happy Angelica will be
Forgive me, but my emotion caused me to forget
My friend, Count Cavriaghi; he came to the villa with the General
And there is my orderly, Lancer Moroni
We were expecting you, but in this weather...
They arrived in this storm
I'd heard it never rains here
For two days it was like being in the sea. Really
Aunt, here's Count Cavriaghi from Milan. You met him in Palermo
You thought it never rains in Sicily. As you've seen, it pours
And don't think there's no pneumonia here, or you'll end up in bed
Light fires in Tancredi's room and in the visitor's room
Get the next room ready for the soldier. Hurry!
I don't understand, boys
Last time you were lobster-red
What do you mean?
Don't you Garibaldi fellows wear the red shirt any more?
Garibaldi fellows be blowed!
We were, but now that's over
Cavriaghi and I, thank heaven...
...are officers of the regular army of His Majesty the King of Italy
When Garibaldi's army was disbanded we had the choice:
Either return home, or stay in the royal army
We and many others decided to join the proper army
We couldn't stay with that lot, could we, Cavriaghi?
What rabble!
Assault troops, good for firing guns, that's all
Now we're proper officers
People no longer fear we'll steal their chickens
When we came here from Palermo...
...we had only to say: "Urgent orders for His Majesty" to get fresh horses
Tell me everything later. Now go and change and have a bath
First I want to show you the ring for Angelica
I'm no judge, but it looks valuable
Beautiful, isn't it? Do you like it?
Did you pay a lot for it?
I used your money well; I confess I haven't used all you gave me
- There was even enough to buy... - Some parting gifts? I understand
Our lieutenant is back. What is that?
A small present for signorina Concetta
"The Poems of Aleardi". I hope she likes it
They are poems by Aleardi, my favorite poet
I brought it as a gift; I've had your monogram inscribed here
"Always deaf"? What does it mean? I hear perfectly
Deaf to my sighs
Excuse me, but I was told...
A gift for you from your Tancredi
You can thank my uncle, too
Angelica! Tancredi! Where are you?
It's mouse-ridden
Come along
Angelica, where are you?
Tancredi, where are you?
How frightening. Do you know there are mice here?
I'm sure, in this house. But where is Tancredi?
I can't find him
Tancredi! Angelica! Where are you?
I frightened you, didn't I?
There she is again. Let's run away
No. Where are we going? I'm dead tired
How big the place is; how many rooms are there?
No one knows, not even my uncle
He says a palace where you know all the rooms isn't worth living in
- Come on, the poor thing is alone - What about the others?
Concetta has gone back to the garden
Francesco Paolo was sent by your uncle...
...to welcome a guest
- Who is he? - I don't know; he's from Turin
Then let's go
No, I don't want to see anything else
I'm leaving. What am I doing here? Concetta doesn't love me
Have you spoken to her?
It's useless. I feel that for her...
...I'm just a worm; so I must find a lady worm who'll be happy with me
Talk to her; there'll be time later to decide. Maybe it's all for the best
I'll explain: Concetta's a pure Sicilian, she's never left the island
How would she cope in Milan, where it takes a month to find real macaroni?
I'd have got her crates of your macaroni, bigger than this
We'll make our way separately, then?
Poor Count, it's useless; Concetta does not want to know him
She's foolish. After all, what does she want?
Cavriaghi is handsome, has a good name, owns land in Brianza
He's what's known as a good catch
Concetta is still in love with you
That's why you brought him here
Yes, that's what I think
No, I'll tell you
Then listen carefully. Concetta's right
Marrying someone like him after loving you would be like water after...
- After what? - Let's say Marsala wine
Strange rooms. How could anyone have lived in such apartments?
No one has ever lived here, my love
My ancestors came here to commit their little breaches of the rules...
...and obtain special memories so different from ordinary mortals
Breaches of the rules?
They were bored, my love
Are you the Chevalier Aymone Chevalley de Monterzuolo?
I am
I am the Prince of Salina's son
My father sent me to invite you to stay with us at the palace
That's very kind of you
Do replace your hat; our sun is strong
Thank you. You, too
I did intend to leave as soon as I had talked with the Prince
In any case, to talk to my father you'll have to come home
Is that the palace up there?
Where are Tancredi and Angelica?
Not upstairs; they must have returned to the garden
It's terrible. You know I must chaperone Angelica
Do you think I won't love you any more?
You're afraid
I desire you, but I won't possess you until you are my wife
My poor leg, I'm afraid
Here's the guest
What does he want from you?
I don't know. He's traveled round Sicily for a month; he must be forlorn
The oil in our cooking must have sorely tried his insides
He fears a brigand's knife in the stomach, which he still cherishes
I'd like to suggest we play whist
What do you say to a game of cards?
Excellency, if I could have the honor of a talk. I must leave tomorrow
Leave tomorrow? Are you not comfortable here?
Yes, certainly
My dear Chevalley, you are in my house...
...and I'll hold you hostage as long as I please
Beware of Father Pirrone, he's a terror. He always wins
Please be seated. I'll be your partner
I'll keep the score
Excuse me, are you really from Milan? However did you end up down here?
Although I abuse the Prince's hospitality, I feel much at home here
Let me be your guide in Donnafugata; I'll show you Baron Mutolo's house
Francesco Paulo, don't start that
It's empty; the family lives at Girgenti...
...since brigands held the Baron's son for ransom ten years ago
When I think what they must have paid to free him
They paid nothing. They had no ready cash, like everybody here
The son was returned, anyway, but in installments
In installments? What are you saying?
Yes, installments: Piece by piece
First came the index finger of his right hand
Then, a week later, his left foot
Finally, in a basket under a layer of figs...
...they sent his head
That's enough of those stories
I never saw it because I was a child, but my father told me
I'd say the Bourbon police were incompetent
Without doubt, Chevalley
We had incidents in our region. My father was an overseer...
...a risky job, at least until a while ago...
...for him and for his family
When our carabinieri come here, all this will end
So, contrary to certain propaganda...
...respect for the church will be restored and defended as it once was
Let us hope a little better...
...because five years ago a curate was murdered while he conducted Mass
How horrible. A shooting in the church?
Shooting, my dear Chevalley?
We're too good Catholics to do anything so sacrilegious
No, they simply put poison in the communion wine
More discreet, almost liturgical, I'd say
But who did it? The curate was an excellent person who had no enemies
Very interesting, Prince, really amusing
You should write novels; you tell these stories so well
Yes, they're all stories. Believe me, I'm from Milan
Sicily is a great country
After the happy annexation...
...that is, after the happy union of Sicily and the Kingdom of Sardinia...
...it's the intention of the Turin government...
...to nominate certain illustrious Sicilians as Senators of the Kingdom
Of course, your name was among the first
A name made illustrious by its long history...
...by the prestige of its bearer...
...his erudition and the dignified and liberal action taken in recent events
Before I send the list to Turin...
...my superiors thought it proper to inform you yourself...
...and ask if you find the proposal acceptable
The government hopes very much that you will agree
This is the object of my mission...
...which has given me the honor of knowing you and this fine palace
Explain to me, Chevalley...
...what does it mean to be a Senator?
What is it? An honorary title, like a decoration?
The Senate is the Upper House of our kingdom
In it they examine and debate...
...approve or reject laws proposed by government for the country's progress
When you are a Senator...
...you'll make heard the voice of your beautiful land...
...which now faces the panorama of the modern world...
...with so many wounds to heal, so many just desires to satisfy
Listen, Chevalley
I'm grateful to the government for thinking of me for the Senate
If it were a simple honorary title to put on my visiting card...
...I'd accept with pleasure
But as it is... no, I cannot accept
I am a spokesman of the old class...
...fatally compromised with the past régime...
...bound to it by bonds of decency, if not affection
My unhappy generation straddles two worlds and is uneasy in either
Moreover, I am completely without illusions
What would the Senate do with me, an inexperienced legislator...
...who lacks self-deception, which is essential when seeking to guide others?
No, I wouldn't put one finger into politics; they'd bite it off
Prince, I can't believe it
Are you seriously refusing to do whatever possible to alleviate...
...the material poverty and blind moral misery in which Sicilians lie?
We are old, Chevalley, very old
For twenty-five centuries we have borne magnificent civilizations...
...all from abroad, none made by us, none which started here
For 2,500 years we've been nothing but a colony
I don't say that to scourge myself. It's our fault
But we are very tired, empty, burnt-out
But all that is finished now
Sicily is no longer a land of conquest, but a free part of a free state
The intention is good, but it arrives late
A sleep, my dear Chevalley. A long sleep is what the Sicilians want...
...and they'll always hate those who want to wake them...
...even if it is to bring them marvelous gifts
Between ourselves, I doubt if the new kingdom will have many gifts for us
With us, every demonstration, even violent, is a longing for oblivion
Our sensuality is a desire for oblivion
Our shootings and our stabbings are the desire for death
Our laziness, the penetrating sweetness of our sorbets...
...are a desire for voluptuous immobility, which again is death
Prince, aren't you exaggerating?
I've met Sicilians in Turin; they seemed anything but sluggards
I haven't explained very well. I'm sorry
I said Sicilians, I meant Sicily
This environment, the violence of the landscape...
...the cruelty of the climate, the continuous tension in everything
But the climate can be mastered, the landscape can be modified...
...the record of bad governments erased
Of course, the Sicilians will want to improve
I don't deny that some, away from the island, can succeed in awakening
But they must leave very young. Even at twenty the shell has been formed
The man you need...
...must know how to temper his private interests with vague public idealism
Might I give you some advice to pass on to your superiors?
There's a name I'd like to suggest for the Senate
The name of Calogero Sedara
He deserves much more than I to be elected
The family name, I'm told, is very ancient - or will be soon
He has more than what you call prestige; he has power
He may not be learned, but he has almost exceptional practical merits
His activity was most useful during the May crisis...
...as far as illusions go
I don't think he has more than I have...
...but he's clever enough to create some himself; he's the man for you
I've heard tell about Sedara
But if honest men like you withdraw...
...the road will be open to people without scruples or perspective...
...like Sedara, and for centuries to come all will be as it was
Listen to your conscience, Prince, not to the proud truths you spoke
I beg you to collaborate
You're a gentleman and I consider it a privilege to have known you
You are right in everything
Except when you say the Sicilians will want to improve
They'll never want to improve because they think themselves perfect
Their vanity is stronger than their wretchedness
Sit down for a moment
I want to tell you something
A few days before Garibaldi entered Palermo...
...some English naval officers...
...asked me if they could go on the terrace of my house...
...where they could see the ring of mountains around the city
They were enthusiastic about the view...
...but confessed their amazement at the squalor and filth in the streets
I didn't explain, as I did with you, that the one derived from the other
One of the officers asked:
"What are Garibaldi's men coming to do here?"
I replied: "They're coming to teach us manners
"But they won't succeed, because we're gods"
They laughed, but I don't think they understood
It's late, almost time for dinner
We must go and change
If you wish, you can leave tomorrow at dawn
Even if you don't believe me, this state of affairs won't last
Our efficient, modern administration will change everything
This state of affairs ought not to last, but it always will
The human element, certainly; a century or two
Later, perhaps everything will be different, but it will be worse
We were the leopards, the lions
Those who replace us will be the jackals, the hyenas
And all of us, leopards, lions, jackals and sheep...
...will continue to think we're the salt of the earth
I don't quite understand. What did you say?
Nothing
What did you say? I didn't hear
You've arrived early. Don't worry, there's no sign of your guests yet
Tancredi's here. We're expecting Pallavicino, the hero of Aspromonte
Thank you again, aunt. It was essential to invite them
You understand. This will be Angelica's real début in society
What about Calogero's tail-suit?
It's not the one he wore at Donnafugata
I took him to the best tailor; it's Don Calogero who lacks style
- Mamma, may I go and dance? - Of course. Tidy yourself a little
You are very beautiful, like a flower
I don't care for these balls, but one had to come for the girls
Colonel, I am most honored to see you
I have the honor to present you to Colonel Pallavicino
I am proud and happy to receive the victor of Aspromonte in my house
How kind, Princess. It is I who am happy on this occasion
I hope you and your officers will spend a pleasant evening in our home
It really is an honor for us. All Palermo is at your feet, Colonel
The Princess of Lampedusa
Countess Sutera
The Princess of Salina
I'm going to see if Angelica has arrived
Colonel, but tell us, is it really true?
I was crying, Countess, like a child
How moving
But what was Garibaldi like?
He was handsome and serene as an archangel
Magnificent, a hero. A real hero. Isn't he extraordinary, my dear?
The Colonel is trying to reassure them after his men fired on Garibaldi's men
Those shots were really most opportune
You're late; I was waiting for you
You are very beautiful. Come and greet the Princess
Permit me to present my fiancée, Angelica Sedara
My dear, let me look at you
Yes, it's true. You are more beautiful than they say
- What's this? - Knight's Cross of the Italian Crown
It's out of place here
I've never doubted your good taste
My father-in-law, the Chevalier Don Calogero Sedara
- Nice here, isn't it, Princess? - You like it?
Tancredi, don't you want to present me to your fiancée?
Allow me to present a friend, Gioacchino Lanza
And this is Fulco...
Tancredi may protest, but may I have the honor of the next waltz?
All right, boys. Don't hurry, there'll be time later
I'm sorry, I'm not to blame. The lady has to choose her partners
It's a waltz. Shall we dance?
- I haven't greeted your uncle yet - Do it later. Come and dance
You are very beautiful, as always; it's the truth
Bored, Fabrizio?
All these marriages between cousins do not improve the beauty of the race
They look like monkeys, ready to climb up the chandeliers...
...where they'll swing by their tails, exhibiting their behinds
Eleonora Giardinelli...
...a white swan in a pond full of frogs
My compliments on your nephew's engagement
The girl's a beauty. Many will soon follow his example
What did you say?
I said it's hot, too hot here
Yes, it is hot. I should not have come
I'm somewhat tired, but now I'm here and I must stay
It would be discourteous to leave now
Good evening. Tina, I have four dances booked with Giovanni
Princess, I'd be most happy if you would do me the honor...
Colonel, it's years since I danced... so many lovely ladies are here...
Nice, Prince, really beautiful
Places like this aren't made nowadays, with the current price of gold
Yes, very nice, truly beautiful
But nothing equals our two young people
Angelica wanted to greet you. But why are you here alone?
Are you flirting with death?
You're really magnificent
Isn't it odd that Don Diego keeps this morbid picture?
If Don Diego enters this library once a year, it's a miracle
Yes, you're right
I wonder if my death will resemble this
The linen will not be so spotless
The sheets of the dying are always so soiled...
...and I hope that Concetta and the others will be more decently dressed
But I think all in all it will be the same
What are you saying, uncle? What are you thinking of?
I often think of death. The idea doesn't frighten me
You young people cannot understand such things
For you, death does not exist, it's something for other people
We must have repairs done to our family vault
Give me your handkerchief, please
We knew you were here and we came for a rest...
...but also to ask you something
I hope you won't refuse me
I wanted to ask you to dance the next mazurka with me
Don't be lazy; everyone knows you're a good dancer
I've never had such an attractive proposal, but I must refuse
Please, Prince
You make me feel young again. I accept, but not the mazurka
That would make me feel too young. Grant me the next waltz
See how good your uncle is. He doesn't have tantrums like you
He didn't want me to ask you. He's jealous
When one has a handsome uncle like him, it's natural to be jealous
But this time I'll make an exception
A waltz, without even having to ask the orchestra. Do you like it?
It's a waltz. Or perhaps you have already changed your mind
No, of course not
They're all so kind and I'm so happy, uncle
Tancredi is a darling, and so are you
It's as well Tancredi can't hear you
I know I owe everything to you
So does Tancredi. Because if you had not wanted...
He'd have married you, anyway
You owe everything to yourself
No, it's not true
It is true, Angelica
No man like Tancredi would ever have resisted your beauty
I'd heard that you were a good dancer, Prince
I'm sorry to have disappointed you again
You're much more than a good dancer, you're a really delightful dancer
Yes, it's my father
- The next dance - A mazurka, then
They're all looking at us, Prince
What a beautiful girl that is, dancing with your father
The applause was muted, because a lion commands respect...
...but you deserved an ovation
And now come to our table
No, my memories of my youth are still vivid and I know very well...
...how boring it would be for you to dine with an old uncle
That's not true
It is. Lovers wish to be alone. Anyway, I am not very hungry
Go with Tancredi and don't think of me
Fabrizio, you're still a good dancer
Fabrizio, how are you?
Fabrizio, aren't you eating? You seem a little uncertain
The choice is too great. Donna Margherita knows how to do things
All this calls for stomachs other than mine
How marvelous these candelabra are
From Madrid. A gift to Don Diego's grandfather when he was ambassador
How much land would they be worth, eh?
The utmost emotion of my life
What a great bore
Prince Salina. Will you do us the honor of sitting at our table?
Now the left wants to crucify me, because...
...in August I ordered my lads to open fire on Garibaldi
But, Prince, what else could I do, with the written orders I had?
I must confess, though...
...when at Aspromonte I faced those hundreds of Garibaldi's men...
...some hardened veterans...
...others who looked like professional rebels...
I was happy those orders were so close to my own sentiments
Then, I'll tell you in confidence...
...my short burst of shooting helped Garibaldi above all
I liberated him from the gang that had attached itself to him...
...who were using him for ends desired perhaps by Paris or Rome
Yes, it's true
Individuals very different from those who landed at Marsala two years ago
People who thought Italy could be created with revolutions like in 1848
He... I mean General Garibaldi, as you know...
...at the moment of my now famous genuflection, he shook my hand
Do you know what he said to me quietly?
"Thank you, Colonel"
"For what?" I asked. "For laming you for the rest of your life?"
No, but for making him understand, to see with his own eyes the swaggering...
...the vile behavior and perhaps worse of his dubious adherents
Please excuse me, dear Colonel
Don't you think your bows and compliments overdid things a bit?
No. Certainly no
You should have seen him, that poor, great man...
...lying under a chestnut tree, suffering in his body...
...but even more in his spirit. Pitiful
Didn't he say himself, when landing again in Sicily:
"We are going towards the unknown"
It was difficult to resist emotion
Besides, why should I have resisted?
I kiss the hand of ladies only
But then, Prince, I also kissed the hand of the salvation of the kingdom...
...which is also a lady to whom we military men must pay homage
I ask your pardon. Diego, excuse me
Three balls in one week, it's too much
I can't wait for it to end. I can't think why everybody is so merry
Give me a hairpin
How boring
Until we've finished with all these invitations, we must stay in the city
I can't wait to return to our villa at San Lorenzo, to our quiet life
What are you saying? I'd like this ball to go on for ever, it's lovely
What will the Trabias' ball be like?
I've ordered a green dress. Bright green
How about you?
I'm so happy. Tancredi is so sweet. You are all so sweet to me
I wish you were happier
What can I do about it? I've never liked being among people
I don't even like dancing; I've never been able to dance well
It depends on your partner; find a partner you like
No, I'm not interested
Do you know how many young men would be happy to court you?
You discourage them all
Like poor Cavriaghi, remember?
How you treated him, poor man
There you are. I couldn't find you anywhere
We're tidying ourselves. Anyway, I couldn't find you, you had vanished
I went to hear what the Colonel was saying
He's no genius, but he says many very sensible things
It's true, the new kingdom needs order, legality, laws
It needs to stifle, first of all...
...any attempts at anarchy; no more adventures or disorders
Even if that entails severe or painful methods...
...like shooting those hotheads who deserted to go back with Garibaldi
Do you think they'll shoot them?
Didn't you know? This morning at dawn. And it's right; they were deserters
You would not have spoken like that once
My dear, you are mistaken
I've always spoken like this
Therefore, these are things you cannot understand
Concetta, wait
Let me go!
I think I understand very well
I said you wouldn't have spoken like that once. That's enough for me
She's so sweet, especially when she becomes angry
Poor Concetta. The truth is, she's still in love with you
- And are you still in love with me? - Yes
Have you seen the Prince of Salina?
Don Calogero, it's time to go. Pull yourself together
Coffee, please. Hot coffee
Thank you for this unforgettable evening
Must you go already?
We're going straight to the barracks, as tradition demands of us soldiers
Our duty obliges us
Moreover, our tasks for this night are not yet over
Tidy up a little and extinguish the candles
Dear Margherita, thank you so much for the wonderful evening. Magnificent
There you are. Aunt is looking for you everywhere
Angelica, Concetta and Carolina are ready to leave
Can you do me a favor, my boy? I've already said my farewells
Will you call the carriage for your aunt? I'm walking back
- Walking? At this hour? - I need some air
Don't you feel well?
A slight headache; fresh air will help
Everything went very well, don't you think?
Marvelously, uncle. You know, I'll soon have some good news for you
I just spoke to Finzori. It seems that at the next elections...
You'll be the candidate
You knew about it?
Excuse me for a moment
O star, O faithful star!
When will you decide to give me a less fleeting appointment...
...far from everything, in your realm of perennial certainty?
An excellent army. They do things properly
Just what we needed...
...for Sicily
Now...
...we can take it easy