- "GIOVANNA'S FATHER" -
This is my family, in a photo taken when I was 17,
my fathertaught drawing at my school.
He was of Neapolitan descent
and was proud to be a graduate of the art college here in Bologna
with Giorgio Morandi, an internationally renowned painter.
Seeing me unhappy and ignored by all the boys
upset him so much that every morning,
he came up with a new way to boost my confidence.
Did you see the way he looked at you?
You didn't notice? Well, I certainly did...
- Someone voted twice. - Impossible.
There are 16 of us, but 17 ballots!
- I'm sure it was you. - Why me?
- It wouldn't be the first time. - No, it was me.
Twice? Why?
You want to permit those with low grades to sit the exam?
Kindly tell us whose side you're on...
Discovering I have the deciding vote is too much of a responsibility...
- So, I'd like to think it over. - Forhow long?
Just fortoday.
He never changes, I told you.
- Sir, what have you decided? - We'll be deciding tomorrow morning.
Is there any hope?
Goodbye.
- Dalmastri? - Me?
Yes, you.
I know this is an impropriety.
You're here to make up the school yearyou failed, aren't you?
You have low marks in two subjects.
We're deciding whetherto let pupils in your situation sit the exam.
Yes.
You may not believe it, but I have the deciding vote.
And I must decide tomorrow.
I've decided to vote in yourfavour as long as you promise to catch up.
- Of course. - Do you know why I'm telling you?
No.
You know my daughter, Giovanna?
- You talk to her? - Yes, I do.
I don't want to know why, I don't want to interfere.
She's very nice and really clever. Yesterday on Petrarch...
I'd like you to be aware that Giovanna is a singular girl.
Very different from the ones you usually associate with.
You could hurt her.
Without realizing it, you have this power.
- She isn't very worldly. - You needn't worry.
You could hurt her deeply.
Hello.
- What is it? - I'd like to talk to you.
Perhaps some othertime.
Come on, Giovanna, now's fine.
Well?
Come on, spit it out.
All the things you said to me and still say
about people and their destiny,
that stuff I don't want you to keep telling me...
- You understand, don't you? - Yes, well?
- You were right. - Meaning?
Nothing.
Just that ifyou want something with all yourheart, it will happen.
She's been trying on my clothes since yesterday.
Skirts, blouses, even my suit...
She should get a new dress, like all the other girls.
She's taken a liking to someone, and it's reciprocal.
- He's her date forthe Traxlerparty. - Who?
He came midyear and all the girls fell forhim right away.
- Even the cleaning lady. - And he's chosen Giovanna?
It seems odd, but yes.
What have you cooked up to delude that poor girl now?
I'm trying to make herhappy and if I'm succeeding, Delia,
well, I'm sorry foryou if I'm managing to make herhappy,
if my way's working...
- Your daughter... - Our daughter.
Our daughterhas problems.
Maybe with time, she'd have got overthem by herself,
but you've ruined her with your dreams.
What puts you in a position to give advice to others?
You're the last in line, we've been reduced to poverty!
We're talking about Giovanna.
Look, whatever happens to her...
Get this into your head...
Whatever happens to her...
May I help you?
- The manager, please. - And you are?
The police.
Just a moment, please.
- Come on, come inside. - No, you handle it.
They're very nice, they're letting hertry on everything.
And the discounts... it's as if they're giving it away.
Go on.
How do I look?
You're not obliged to say it suits me.
- You're obliged to tell the truth. - Come closer.
Doesn't she look lovely?
- You're wearing lipstick and mascara. - Should I take it off?
Are you crazy? All men like women in make-up.
I'd unfasten the second button too.
- Like this? - Yes, that's better.
- I'm going then. - Have fun.
- And don't argue, you two. - No such thing!
- You know what I'd like? - What?
To look at you all night.
Goodness...
- Do you know what time it is? - No.
It's already 11:00, she must be having fun then.
Let's hope so.
She's neverbeen this late before, it's a good sign.
I finally plucked up the courage to write to Morandi.
- Shall I read it to you? - All right.
"DearMorandi, the writer is your fellow student, Michele Casali."
"I hope that despite the fact you're now a world-famous painter,"
"you've not forgotten me orthe cutlets my mother used to cook foryou."
"I'd like to gather my recollections ofyou into a book..."
She's here!
You're wanted on the phone.
- Who is it at this time of night? - They didn't say.
You think something's happened to her?
- Sorry about this, Sergio. It's late. - Don't worry.
- Giovanna was so elegant! - All her own work.
- I'm sorry to be a nuisance. - Don't worry.
Hello? Yes, he's here. I'll put him on the line.
Yes, this is Mr. Casali, what's happened?
- I'll come up with you. - No, I'll go alone.
Heruncle is important during a time like this.
Yes, don't worry.
- Are you the father? - How is she?
Better.
Herfather! Thank goodness he came.
Sir, thanks to you we'll be able to sit the exam...
Poor soul, with a daughter like that...
Go ahead.
- Were we wrong to botheryou? - No, not at all.
Marcella hasn't left herfor a second, she's very fond of her.
- What happened? - It was just a childish prank.
She's betternow.
- Daddy... - We managed to make hervomit.
Let her get some rest.
If she feels betterin a while, you can take herhome.
- How did it happen? - She was so happy, excited...
Until some boys from the final year showed up.
So?
- She started drinking. - She's never drunk in herlife.
Well, she drank a great deal.
- Why? - She insisted one boy dance with her.
- The new boy. - Dalmastri.
Yes, him.
She was yelling, we thought she was joking, but she was sobbing.
He left.
It's herbirthday, we can't hold up the celebration.
Of course not.
- Ready? - Coming.
- You come too, Mr. Casali. - No, I'll wait here.
Happy Birthday!
Feeling better?
Has the nausea worn off?
- Maybe. - What happened?
Don't you want to tell me?
- Everything's all right now. - Yes.
- Take this one... - Thank you.
No, this one...
He behaved like a pig with my daughter!
- Giovanna's a bit hard to please. - Meaning?
- Emilio. - Emilio who?
Emilio Reatti, the dentist's son from Piazza Aldrovandi.
He owns the whole building.
He's a nice boy and a bachelor. His parents thought Giovanna...
You're talking about an idiot.
A 40-year-old moron who spends all day in the park
watching the fountain piss out water.
- That's your opinion of my daughter? - What?
You think a 17-year-old should be happy with a man like that...
- Don't get mad at me. - What's your opinion?
- Are you going to tell me? - The same as everyone else...
- Meaning? - Just as you said, a 17-year-old...
- With problems. - What problems?
You tell me, you want to marry her offto an idiot!
Pretend I nevermentioned it!
Call her, orwe'll miss the start of the film.
You've got to tell me.
- Delia, are you coming down? - Giovanna, I'm going.
- Delia! - I'm coming!
Here I am!
- We've got to celebrate. - What?
That idiot, the dentist's son, has shown an interest in Giovanna.
His parents have spoken up, can you believe it?
Ticket?
- Police. There are three of us. - Go ahead.
We're back.
Are you sleeping?
- Giovanna, what's the matter? - Nothing.
We saw a wonderful film, shall I tell you about it?
No, tomorrow.
- Don't you feel well? - Leave her alone!
- Lfyou feel ill, tell me. - No...
All right.
Goodnight.
She's neverlocked the doorbefore.
There's something on the shelf underthe bathroom mirror.
It looks like blood.
- It's on the towels too. - I'm trying to sleep.
Do you understand what I said?
It's hertime of the month, she'll have washed herself.
That's why she didn't want to talk to you.
Can we get some sleep now?
All right, sorry. Goodnight.
- Where's Giovanna? - She's already left.
- How come? - She had some class work...
- We have to pay the electric bill. - So we'll pay it.
When? If they come again today, I won't open the door.
- She said she was at a cousin's? - Yes.
- The usual excuse she gave hermother. - Are you sure?
They're looking forher all overBologna.
- What's going on? - Traxler...
- That girl in your daughter's class. - Well?
Sir, you're wanted urgently in the headmaster's office.
- Have you been informed? - About what?
A pupil has been missing since last night: SenatorTraxler's niece.
That's why Mr. Belletti of the Police is here.
With regards to the teaching staff,
could some disagreement have prompted herto run away?
No, Marcella has always been well-liked by everyone.
How did she get on with fellow pupils?
She was very attached to the Fascist Youth group girls.
Especially your daughter, Mr. Casali.
They've studied together overthe last few months.
So she could be considered a confidante of Miss Traxler's?
I don't know to what extent... They study together.
Giovanna went to a party at her house, but it was the first time.
Let's start with her.
Last time we discussed how Raphael's admission
into Perugino's studio
definitely gave a strong push...
They've found her, in the gym. There's blood everywhere.
Stop! Keep back!
Stay back!
- Yes, sir... - Let him through.
Let go of me!
Marcella!
Let go of me!
I want to see her!
Marcella...
I want to see her! Let me see her!
Is there a doctorhere?
Ourlittle Marcella's left us, Giovanna.
She's gone.
She was very fond ofyou, she talked about you all the time.
Come along...
- What did the police ask you? - Nothing.
- I see, but what did you tell them? - The truth.
And what is the truth?
Giovanna!
Two weeks ago, Marcella received a sort of threat.
Meaning?
Coming home late one afternoon, someone was waiting for her
in the entrance hall.
According to a statement by a pupil at the school...
Silvano Bisato, his schoolmates call him "Cippo".
Bisato claims your daughter had already been threatened.
Ever since my brother assured the Duce he'd rid Bologna
of that riffraff boycotting all government initiatives,
we've received constant threats.
- Mussolini knows that only Andrea... - So there could be a link...
The beast that attacked Marcella knew she was Andrea's favourite.
The great void left by the death of D'Annunzio
and the solemn funeral celebrations at Gardone
have not impeded the Head of the Government
from receiving Senator Traxler in private
to express his grief overthis barbarous crime.
Shut it off!
I wonder if Giovanna...
She's cooped up in herroom, crying.
Marcella was her only friend, they were deskmates fortwo years.
He's here.
Michele...
- How did it go? - I'll fill you in.
- Hello. - Hello.
- How are you? - Fine.
- Omelette orreheated pasta? - Whatever's ready first.
Well?
A knife with a very sharp blade.
Two cuts to the throat, one very deep, maybe attacked from behind.
That's the medical examiner's supposition,
but we must wait forthe autopsy.
They found stains on her skirt and underwear.
It looks like sperm.
But we must wait forthe test results on those too.
If it's sperm, that means it was a sexually motivated crime.
- Only a male could have... - Of course.
So it was a man, a youth... a male killer.
Headquarters thinks it was revenge against heruncle
because of his actions against antifascists here.
They called in Fascist Secret Police!
They'll catch him.
May I?
- Give him a clean glass! - No, this one's fine.
- Cheers. - What for?
Ourfriendship.
We're friends, aren't we?
- I was terrified. - Why?
I thought Giovanna might be mixed up in this.
- Why? Marcella was her only friend. - I know.
But she's been behaving oddly fortwo days.
- Then those things... - What things?
Nothing... the bloodstains in the bathroom.
Do you mind wearing the same shirt tomorrow?
All right.
I'm happy, you know?
- Can you feel how happy I am? - Come on, stop it!
- We'll be quick about it. - Come on!
How can you not think about that girl's poormother?
Come on...
It wouldn't have taken long.
Now we know Giovanna's got nothing to do with it.
It's all over.
All over...
Yes...
all over.
Right here, in our beloved Bologna,
which has always been a model of civilized society,
how can we not decry the brutality of those who, in trying to besmirch us,
have wanted to strike at our dearest loved ones?
And then hide away like poisonous snakes in the dark.
We will flush them out.
Therefore they should fear us, knowing we are implacable.
- Quitters are cowards! - Cowards!
It's a miracle! Yourfather promised to take me here ages ago.
- What kind of a name is Sultana? - We all used to poke fun at her.
- Delia! - Sultana!
- It's been so long! - Didn't think I'd come, did you?
This is my friend, Sultana.
- My daughter, Giovanna. - Nice to meet you.
- And my husband, Michele. - Nice to meet you.
- He teaches at the Galvani school. - Where the girl was murdered?
Unfortunately, yes.
Why don't we go inside? I've never seen what it looks like.
Come on.
Always on yourmind, isn't she? They'll find the pig who did it.
They'll find him and make him pay.
What is it?
- Nothing. - What do you mean, nothing?
- Do you want to talk? - We'd better go inside.
Why?
- What's happened? - None of your business.
- Yourwife wants to know. - Close that door!
You wait here.
- Well? - They want to question her again.
Giovanna?
A boy from your school said he hung around with Giovanna.
So what?
He said they were just friends, nothing serious.
But she didn't see it like that, she was jealous of him.
She was obsessed with him.
Since all he knows how to do is chase after girls,
he had to be secretive about his relationships,
including the one with the poor girl who was killed.
It was the second time they'd met in the gym storeroom
to do theirthing.
That explains the sperm on her skirt and underwear.
That night, when the boy was leaving the gym,
he's sure he spotted Giovanna hiding behind a locker.
How can he say that? She was studying at home that night.
When we came back from the cinema
she was in herroom. - I swearit.
Good, let her see my superior and we'll clearthis up.
Couldn't I explain it to him?
It's awful for a girl to be summonsed at night.
I'll take care of it, don't worry.
You know how fond I am of her. I am her godfather.
You'd betterfetch her.
- I'll go. - No, I'll go.
Giovanna, they want to question you again.
I'm certain it's nothing serious.
You know, they're paid to pester decent folk.
When?
Now.
- Now? - Come on, they're waiting foryou.
Giovanna...
I'll come with you.
We can't allow it, really. I'll bring her right back.
See you later.
How could you think a boy like that would fancy Giovanna?
You can't really think our daughter killed someone?
- You don't think Giovanna... - I don't think a thing.
But ifyou'd shown some sense instead of deluding her...
- You just took them offthe line! - I warned you.
You should've kept her away from them, forher own good.
But what did you do?
You wanted herto feel that she's the most clever,
you wanted herto considerme an idiot who only cares about beauty.
Isn't that so?
It's already 4:30.
- Who is it? - It's me, Michele.
- What's wrong? - Has Sergio come back?
- Who is it? - Sorry, Lella. It's me.
I wondered if Sergio was back, Giovanna was taken for questioning.
- What did she do? - Nothing, it's that school matter.
Sorry to botheryou, if there's any news, maybe...
- All right. - Goodnight.
- Well? - She confessed.
Who?
Half an hour ago, she admitted she did it.
You're kidding?
Stop joking around, she's out there. Where's she hiding?
She said herbest friend betrayed her,
she'd told her about herfeelings forthat boy.
That's impossible, I know my daughter.
The meekest, most defenceless human being...
My colleagues have to do theirjob.
The coal-hole and the bathroom, please.
The coal's in the kitchen, the bathroom's through the bedroom.
What are you doing?
You're not like them, you know Giovanna.
You watched her grow up, take herfirst steps.
She fell over and got back up in yourhallway.
Yourwife embroidered hername on her smock.
She loved eating at yourhome. Remember?
I know, Giovanna's a wonderful girl,
but she has her own way of seeing things, you know that.
She insists she's the victim, she doesn't understand
the seriousness of her actions.
They were hidden in the coal.
- Shall I expect you foryourperm? - I don't know, sorry...
- Where is she? - In the detention cell.
- Here? - Forthe moment, yes.
I don't know if I can bear seeing her.
I don't think you can see her until she's seen a magistrate.
I'm sorry to meet you under such circumstances,
but since she's a minor, we had to call you in.
In a situation like this, the first thing is to get a lawyer.
- Do you have one? - What?
A criminal lawyer?
The Secret Police have taken an interest in the investigation.
They don't mess around.
Are they going to leave her here locked up?
I'm sorry forwhat you're going through, you seem like nice people...
I'd like to help you, but the law won't allow it.
Now, you must excuse me...
- I'm sure it's her. - Yes, I heard about it too.
They even took her to Headquarters... Good morning.
- I'd better do the ironing. - I have to pick Dino up from school.
Good morning.
- Who told you? - The woman upstairs.
- She heard it from the milkman. - She's a child.
Giovanna, she's just a child.
Shut that door.
Why?
I don't know if I can continue living here.
I found him: I thought he'd retired, but he's still practicing.
- Who? - The lawyerwe need.
With all the favours I did him, he couldn't say no.
- Attorney Pradelli. - Nice to meet you.
The judge made it clear during questioning...
- We have to prove mental instability. - That she's crazy?
It's best if they regard her as slightly mentally unstable.
- And? - She'll avoid prison.
She'll be sent to a mental hospital, it's betterthan jail!
You'll be able to visit herthere easily.
But my daughterisn't crazy, they are.
As long as they keep her out of jail...
Even if it marks her as a madwoman? What makes them think so?
She murdered herbest friend,
the niece ofyou-know-who, but instead of being sorry
she tried to convince the judge it was necessary
to save her "love" with a boy she hardly knew.
If a psychiatric examination proves mental instability,
the Secret Police will back off and that's a big advantage.
Anyway, the arrest has been upheld.
Until the committal proceedings,
she's been moved to the San Giovanni prison in Monte,
you can visit hertomorrow.
You know, it scares me that she feels no remorse.
And her actions scare me even more.
Think of that poorwoman who's lost a daughter.
How can you be so keen to see her? To tell herwhat?
That we're proud of her? Orthat she's crazy?
Maybe she always was and I didn't realize it
because you nevertalked to me. If I came near, you'd both clam up.
- Is that not so? - Until I talk to her I won't know
if that boy told the truth. I know her betterthan anyone.
- Giovanna Casali? - Giovanna Casali.
Visiting room.
Sit down, she'll be right in.
- Momma? - Only one visitor at a time.
- Would you have preferred her? - No.
How are they treating you?
Fine.
What's the matter?
It wasn't you, right?
It wasn't you, was it?
Whateveryou've done, whatever...
You know that for me...
The fact that you're accused,
the things the newspapers say,
orwhat her relatives think doesn't matterto me.
I know you're the only one who knows the truth.
Forthe sake of ourrelationship, you can't shut me out.
Do you understand?
She spread rumours that he was going out with me,
that he'd taken up with me...
- He'd taken up with you? - Yes, in return
foryou assuring that he could sit the exams.
She told everyone.
You would've told me ifyou'd made a deal with him.
Besides, he isn't the type to let himself be blackmailed.
- How could you think... - Actually, I didn't believe it.
But she kept on saying it anyway.
When she found out that I was happy with him,
she tried to steal him from me, but she didn't care about him.
She took him into the gym twice.
I know that for a fact, but...
he only did it to please her, because he wanted to be with me.
But with all that's happened, he's too scared to tell me now.
Now it's just me and him again, and she won't come between us.
I'd like to speak to her, I'm Giovanna's father.
I know who you are.
How dare you set foot in this house?
How dare you? Isn't what your daughter did enough?
Isn't it enough that she ruined my life?
- That's why I came... - Get out, or I'll call the police!
Don't worry, my brother's checking up on you,
we'll uncover a few things,
like the fact that you were the one who egged on that foolish girl!
Call the police... Call the police!
Have them throw this blasted man out!
It wasn't a good idea to come here in person.
A letter of resignation would have been more appropriate.
- I wanted to explain my situation. - Your situation is more than clear.
You're the father of the murderess
of one of the school's best-loved pupils.
It's presumed you used your modest influence as a weapon
to force that boy into a sad relationship with your daughter.
Actually, I wanted to confirm my responsibility forwhat happened.
If my daughterwas driven to commit such a definitive act,
I know I must have a heavy responsibility.
I didn't fully assess...
hermental competence.
I neglected to consider herboundless naivety.
In an attempt to give her at least a bit of happiness in herlife,
I pushed herinto an abyss...
You'll be paid what was due to you
at the moment our working relationship was terminated.
Now, please excuse me.
- How may I help you? - What do you mean, Giordano?
- It's me, Michele. - What do you want?
Half a kilo of the usual bread.
- How much is it? - Nothing. Forget it.
- Who's next? - A kilo of flour.
- What do you mean, nothing? - Nothing, full stop.
You get this forfree and don't come back.
- It's him, I told you. - You're right.
When I was a boy I thought I'd be famous one day.
And now I am.
Come on, don't say that.
Check the contents.
Raise your arms.
It's the working-class duchess!
I'll fetch her, have a seat.
- No, listen. - What?
I can't do this, I'll come back anothertime.
- Sorry... - You don't want me to tell her?
No, it doesn't matter. I'll come back.
- You know I will. - As you wish...
Anyway, it's difficult to love a daughter
who does all she can to show how little you mean to her.
A daughterwho thinks all you care about is your looks,
without making the slightest effort to understand you.
That's the kind of daughter she is.
Were there any occasions when she behaved irrationally?
Something that could help us form a psychiatric profile?
Well, yes, more than one.
- Last summer, forinstance. - What happened?
It was July 29th, the Duce's birthday.
The police hold a dance to celebrate it every year.
A friend of ours on the force invited us.
It was the first time we'd taken Giovanna, she seemed happy.
Michele never learned to dance, but he knew I liked to.
And he's happy when I'm happy.
Maybe I should've kept an eye on her since it was herfirst time.
But occasions like that are so rare in my life.
It's so hard for me to feel young again.
I don't know if you understand...
Here I come!
We took herto the hospital right away.
They examined herthoroughly but couldn't explain the cause.
The doctors said it was nothing to worry about.
She'd already started breathing normally in the car.
We never mentioned what happened that night again.
Not a word, no explanation.
Nothing.
That's my relationship with my daughter.
- Well? - They're waiting foryou.
Come in!
- I'm going. - I'll take you home.
No, stay here, he needs you more than I do.
As you wish.
Bye.
Our daughtermurdered a girl with a razorblade.
She wounded her and then slashed her until she was sure she was dead.
My daughter Giovanna,
the girl I used to take to the pond in the park,
the one I taught to read before she started school.
I can't believe it, she's a child, she's not what she seems.
She's a child at heart, she's got a child's eyes.
You can't help but be moved by hernaivety.
Here, in the shops nearwhere you work...
ifyou can put them up in view.
- You wrote ourphone number clearly? - Yes, of course.
If anyone calls, I give lessons in mathematics, geometry and science.
Everything except Latin and Greek.
- The shopping's in the hall. - Yes, I saw it. How much do I owe?
Reckon up with Sergio, he doesn't want us to discuss money with you.
We wouldn't have managed without yourhelp.
- Giovanna can't understand. - What?
Why hermother hasn't visited heryet.
It's getting more difficult forDelia to talk about it.
She doesn't even ask about Giovanna anymore.
Herbedroom door's been shut since they took her away.
Woe to anyone who mentions that night.
May I have a word?
The trial starts tomorrow
and I know the Senator engaged a legal team from the capital
because he's worried Giovanna won't be punished enough.
Any sentence, even the most severe you could obtain,
will not bring back your daughter. - But it could bring back yours.
Those quacks could get herback home as if nothing had happened.
No, Giovanna died that evening too.
She didn't just kill your daughter in the gym, but herself as well.
We lost both of them, for good.
- Momma won't come, will she? - Of course she will.
- She'll keep a low profile. - That bitch's motherwill be there.
- Don't call herthat. - What should I call her?
- My friend? - I think it's important that...
The lawyer said they'll be forced to question him too.
- So we'll see each other again. - That's not the point.
Yes it is. It is for me, and forhim too.
- You've got to help me. - How?
- Where are you? - Here.
She doesn't seem to be worried about the trial.
You can pay the rent.
You took yourfur coat to the pawn shop?
- I'm sorry, I know you loved it. - When would I have worn it?
- Shall we eat? - I already did, your dinneris ready.
Giovanna wants to wear herparty dress forthe trial.
I don't want to know a thing.
Don't lose the policy.
Come in.
- Are you eating? - No, come on in.
We don't need the rent money, we sorted it out.
I'm pleased, but you can always rely on me.
- Michele's here! - You are eating.
It's German tripe. He got some tins of it.
It's got a very funny taste, neither sweet nor salty.
We have to get used to their palate. These are foryou.
I wanted to ask you something, Lia.
- Me? - Yes, a favour.
Go ahead.
- Maybe in private. - All right.
- What is it? - I don't want Delia to know.
It's for Giovanna at the trial...
It sounds silly, but it seems desperately important to her.
What?
Her mother let her wear make up at the Traxler party...
mascara, lipstick, blusher.
- You wearit too, don't you? - Yes.
They're the witnesses.
Good morning.
Good morning, sir.
- No journalists? - No public, she's a minor!
All rise!
- When did their association begin? - In the first year of high school.
They were in the same class.
Marcella always behaved like a good Samaritan.
Her generosity was always directed towards the disadvantaged,
the pariahs.
You mean to say the accused found socializing difficult?
She resented the entire universe.
She never had a friend or a boyfriend.
She always spoke badly of others, as if her predicament was theirfault.
Boys kept well clear of her.
When Marcella invited her to our house out of pity,
I saw her get drunk and attack a poor boy
whose only fault was dancing with other girls.
If the situation hadn't been dealt with by Marcella,
the only one who deemed her normal,
no one else would've looked after a girl like that.
And how did she repay her?
By murdering her.
Not even a dog deserves to be killed like that.
- Antonio Dalmastri. - Present.
Attorney Rossetti tells me that Dalmastri has requested to testify
without the accused being present. Granted. Remove her.
- Come on, let's go. - No! You can't!
You can't! No!
- Come on. - Where? - Come with me.
I requested Casali's removal because she would have influenced me.
I know I was wrong, maybe I made herthink I was attracted to her.
But from then on, she became increasingly obsessive.
She followed me everywhere in secret.
- He's herfather. - I know, but it's not allowed.
But you saw how upset the girl is, come on!
She bit me!
- Cozzolino mentioned the apartment? - Which one?
The one in Via Grada that overlooks the towers.
It was vacated...
Giovanna... Giovanna!
Don't get upset.
If he decided that it's because...
He's scared of the mother, that bitch.
She and her brother must have threatened him
and who knows what they've forced him to say about me.
Now he'll make everything up out of fear.
He's ashamed to lie in front of you, but he's forced to.
Out of fear.
And now we won't see each other again.
Do you understand?
It's absurd to ask whether this attack was aimed at me.
However, it is public knowledge that our Head of Government
has asked for an exemplary punishment to detervillainous youths
who, in this very city, have recently
stood in the way of ourwork.
I fail to see how one can doubt malice aforethought,
when the accused has admitted she went to the gym
with a razor misappropriated from home that morning.
That weapon had been in her hands for at least 8 hours.
A person in a fit of madness, as the defence has claimed,
does not organize themselves hours before.
Apart from what the examining psychiatrists have said,
I think the reasons Miss Casali gave to justify herterrible actions,
reasons that she corroborated during questioning,
cannot help but convince you
of the deep and, I fear, irreversible mental disturbance she suffers from.
Considering her age and the report from Professors Orsini and Palazzoli,
which describes the accused
as being of unsound mind when she committed the crime
and socially dangerous,
this court declares her not chargeable.
However, as a security measure,
she'll be committed to the criminal asylum in Reggio Emilia.
We'll appeal against this verdict. Let's go.
We've given all those politicos the boot.
We're in powernow.
And those who don't like it can go jerk off.
Good evening.
Giovanna Casali.
Sorry, but she's under observation
so can't receive visits from relatives or anyone else.
Thank you.
A sister, fetch a sister!
Excuse me... I have a question.
- Which window is hers? - I'm sorry, I really don't know.
During today's meeting,
the Grand Council of Fascism ruled to abolish the Chamber of Deputies,
replacing it with that of the Fascists and Corporations.
This body will have complete legislative power.
Also today, at the Fascist Student Competitions,
the Duce received a delegation of highly-decorated athletes.
I'm up here!
- How are you? - You mustn't let him come here.
- I don't want him to see me like this. - How are they treating you?
- Promise to tell him? - All right.
- Swear. - I swear.
Momma?
She wanted to come, but train travel's dangerous now.
When she comes, tell herto wear gloves.
Those lovely black ones, so everyone will see them.
Do you like it when momma wears gloves?
I'll tell her, she'll be pleased.
...a notice to all public offices, it was bound to happen.
Basically, no Jews can work in public offices.
RememberFerrara, that short chap who taught you to make meringues?
Dismissed this morning.
At Headquarters, 15 were dismissed in one week.
- How's Giovanna? - So so...
It's as if she doesn't realize the hell she's living in.
- You're not eating? - Maybe later...
I'll take my plate home, ifyou don't mind.
She asked about you again.
When you visit, she wants you to wearthose black gloves.
She says you look very elegant with them.
I'm in a hurry, I have to get a ration card.
- Coffee's ready. - All right.
- From Momma. - She sent them?
Yes.
- Yourhands are a bit bigger. - Yes, they are.
I'm the tallest, the most elegant one here.
The most beautiful!
Sisters, look!
Gloves!
Again?
Behave yourself.
- You've got to calm down. - Stop it!
In an solemn ceremony in Berlin
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Von Ribbentrop and Galeazzo Ciano,
signed an alliance between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy,
which Mussolini called the "Pact of Steel"
to emphasise its solidity.
They took them from me, they won't let me have them.
- Why not? - They just don't want me to.
What will I do without gloves? Where can I go?
Everyone makes fun of me here, understand?
- Excuse me. - Yes?
I'm Mr. Casali, Giovanna's father.
She's here, in block 2.
Yes?
She had some gloves... they were hermother's, they meant a lot to her.
Someone confiscated them.
- What's been confiscated? - Gloves.
From my daughter. They really meant a lot to her.
The only thing she has here.
We must find them and give them back.
Come on!
Good girl.
Push! Come on!
Keep going, here he comes!
Come on!
There's a new girl in my cell.
Know what she's called? Guess.
I don't know.
Giovanna! Hertoo!
She comes up with great nicknames.
The nurses are "piss-pots".
The sisters are "frog-farts".
The doctor's a "bottom-biter".
Momma will come next time.
You know she will.
I'm pleased to know she's coming.
Bottom-biter!
- Oh, God, help me! - It's an airraid!
Close the door!
Don't worry, it'll be over soon.
Don't worry.
Lord, help us!
Quick, there's someone here!
Quick!
Underneath.
Quick!
I can't feel my legs.
Underhere!
Come on, quick!
Since you're out of a job and poor Lia's dead,
the owner ofthe barwhere she worked is a dearfriend...
- He's a very decent chap. - Well?
I don't know ifyou'd like to, ifyou want to...
I mentioned you to him, to see what he thought.
It'd be eight hours a day.
It's a safe place, they've got an airraid shelterin the basement.
It doesn't pay very much, you know what it's like.
But these days, it's betterthan nothing, right?
- I don't know, if she wants... - All right, if I'm capable.
Of course you will be.
These are foryou, they're sardines. Well, they should be.
Last time I opened a tin, it was full of sticking plasters.
Aperitifs cost 25 cents.
Handle.
The money goes here.
You try.
A beer.
Handle...
The money.
Well done.
The usual?
Cordial.
- Maybe it's betterif I go. - Yes.
Bye!
Bye! 30 cents.
Her desperation forthose gloves put me on the right track.
I was able to determine one of the causes...
I know that the responsibility is chiefly mine.
No, it's hermother's.
She still unconsciously compares herselfto hermother.
What?
Most likely it's just herimagination...
What?
Unbeknownst to you, yourwife was in love with a neighbour.
This is what caused her the most anguish in herteenage years.
It's pure fantasy, of course.
And our marriage, mine and momma's,
how is it?
Lfyou've been together so long, it means that it's all right.
It's all right foryou and forhertoo.
- So it means we love each other. - There's a test.
- What test? - To find out ifyou're in love.
What is it?
Parents who love each other have beautiful children.
What about ugly children?
You figured it out yourself.
- So soon? - Tomorrow.
They bombed the railway line,
and buses don't run on Via Emilia anymore.
If I want to keep on visiting her, I've got no choice.
- Where will you go? - I'll find a room.
You'll need cash, won't you?
You know I'm accustomed to getting by on very little.
- Take this forthe first few days. - No, thanks.
You found Delia a job, it can't have been easy.
The bar owner's very pleased.
We need to talk.
- What about? - Her.
I know...
What?
I thought I was the only one who noticed, but it's not so.
- What's not so? - That you both like each other.
You're crazy!
We were right to never mention it, to play act all this time.
All of us.
I know nothing happened between the two of you,
you'd never do it because we're friends.
I'm sure of this, and I also think that forDelia,
it gave herthe opportunity to resent me even more,
maybe that's why...
But this doesn't mean that you two aren't right for each other.
- Do you realize what you're saying? - We needed to discuss this.
- I think it's the right time. - To do what?
To get together. Don't think it'd upset me.
She shouldn't think that either. It's all different now.
If someone's not been through what I have, it's difficult to understand.
If it had happened to someone else, I wouldn't have understood it.
You're just saying this because ofwhat happened...
I know what I'm doing and don't think it's easy.
But right now, I need to know that at least Delia...
She'll certainly be happierhere than who knows where with me,
waiting to find the courage to visit Giovanna in that hell.
Delia is a much betterperson than what she seems.
She does everything to appear worse than she really is.
She did it with me, with her daughtertoo.
Maybe it'll be different with you.
When she married me she was just looking for a home
and someone who could provide forher.
In exchange, she just had to give me...
a night every now and then.
She didn't know that I expected more.
That there was a clause in the contract:
The obligation to fall in love with me.
She didn't know her presence wouldn't be enough,
that I'd have worn her out expecting herto fall in love with me.
I waited 18 years forher to fall in love with me.
But you can't force a woman to love you.
Why a letter?
Explaining in person would be harderthan you think.
I had a few days to think it over.
I think what I wrote explains our situation exactly.
Plus, it's only right that you stay here forthe job,
it keeps our heads above water, just one of us can look after her.
At least for now.
When I've got an address, I'll let you know.
My dear Morandi, I wrote you many letters overthe years,
but you still haven't replied.
In orderto be near my daughter, who has serious health problems,
I've moved to Reggio Emilia.
I'm going through a very difficult time,
and having yourpermission to write a book on ourteenage years
would cheerme up.
Go on, read it.
"Vulpes" means?
It's an ant, an ant with poo-poo pants.
Come on, concentrate. "Vulpes" means "fox",
so...
They tied Giovanna to the bed last night.
When everyone's asleep, the bed wetter comes and touches her.
- The same one as before? - No, a new bed wetter.
- No one touches you, right? - I bite and spit.
Not like her...
Hello, Delia.
- Hello, Michele. - Hello, Sergio.
What a surprise, I didn't expect you.
- This is Piera, my landlady. - Nice to meet you.
- It's a pleasure. - My son, Edgardo.
The poorthing's a deaf-mute.
Hello, Edgardo. This is Delia.
Nice to meet you.
It's nice here!
Things have become very bad in Bologna now.
There are lots of airraids and food's very scarce.
The police corps have disbanded and we've had to choose sides.
I chose not to be a traitor like so many others.
Luckily, plenty of men are rallying round to support the Duce.
We came to tell you we're going to join them up North.
I occasionally tutor the local farmers' children...
I teach geometry and history to another child to pay the rent
and to be able to take her some presents,
in hopes that it makes herhappy.
Then there's the book on Morandi,
who, incidentally, still hasn't replied.
I've written the dedication.
"From one who paints that which is seen,"
"to one who paints that which is unseen."
- What do you think? - Very nice.
You didn't ask about Giovanna.
Were you scared to?
You were the one that mattered to her, for better orworse.
That's not true, she always asks about you.
Delia, it's coming!
She's improving in her own way. She's growing physically,
but mentally she's regressed to being a child, a good one.
Rememberhow astonished we were by how well behaved she was?
Anyway, it'll be a long time before they release her.
- What does she say? - About what?
- The fact that I nevervisit. - She knows you have a good job
and that you always ask after her.
All right.
Go, they won't wait foryou.
- All right, bye. - All right.
We're free!
Free!
They've freed us! Free at last!
We're free!
- We found him in Locano cemetery. - This trial's a farce.
Then ask the Duce to defend you.
- Details? - I know him!
- Head of the Black Brigade in Bose. - Just shoot us, ifyou must!
Take him away!
He was one of the last ones to surrender.
If there's anyone from Bologna, they can tell you I'm innocent.
I was never a Fascist Party member.
I nevertook sides, I swear. Ask around.
- Was he with the others? - Yes, hiding up at Bavaro.
- Without any ammo. - He was with the Bose Brigade too.
- Take him away! - I've got nothing to do with this.
I came here to get a passport, I don't even know who they are!
I don't give a shit about Fascism orthe Duce!
I know you want to kill us all.
Ready!
Oh God, no!
Aim!
Fire!
Shoot!
Help him!
Give him a seat!
He's injured!
- Give him a seat! - Stop!
Listen...
The ambulance is not coming!
- Doesn't matter, he's dead. - Come on, let's get going.
At least coverhim up!
- SUMMER 1946 -
- Isn't momma here? - I told you, she's away.
- She's ashamed of me. - No, she has to support us.
If she didn't, I couldn't bring you peppermints, new stockings...
You're lucky the house is still standing.
Lucky, yes.
Here.
Thank you.
Come on.
Refugees occupied this place for a year, but they evicted them.
Come in, this is yourroom.
Do you rememberit?
- Yes? - Excuse me...
Afriend, Sergio Ghia, used to live here with his family.
- You probably have no news of him. - No.
He'll be settled down somewhere, he's on the ball.
He'll be doing all right forhimself.
- Lucky him! - He always lands on his feet!
Thank you.
I've got some pasta in my bag, we'll cook it.
I want to see hermother.
Whose?
- Hers. - It's out of the question.
They did all they could to keep me unemployed.
We nearly lost ourhome too.
I must see her.
I must see her!
I bet you neverhad spaghetti like this there!
- Come on, it's ready. - I want to see her.
We'll discuss it tomorrow, all right?
I promise we'll handle this calmly.
And you know that I always keep my promises.
- Let's go. - But I must see her.
All right, tomorrow.
I must see her.
Come on.
Wait here.
- Amabile. - Hello.
It's forher. Giovanna, come here.
- Lfyou could... - Yes, but not right away.
I've got two customers.
Come when I close at lunch time.
I'll fix herup when nobody's here.
All right, see you later.
Let's go.
Was that really her?
Wait here, I'll be right back.
Yes?
Good morning.
Excuse me, there used to be a cashierhere called Delia.
I've been away a long time and we've had no word of her.
I've not seen her since, I'm sorry.
Thanks all the same.
Isn't that Giovanna Casali outside?
Yes, it is. She's my daughter.
You realize this is very foolish, don't you?
I'll tell her, but I'm sure she won't see you.
- I'd like to be left alone. - What do you mean?
Wait forme downstairs.
- You again? - I'm here forMarcella.
Aftermurdering my daughter, you wanted to see the state I'm in?
- No listen, I wanted... - Well...
- Forgiveness. - Are you proud ofyourself now?
- That poor cuckold father of yours sent you, didn't he? - No...
To feign the tear-jerking act again.
Don't fool yourself, you'll neverbe forgiven.
I'll damn you forever, and don't you forget it!
I wanted to tell her, but she wouldn't let me.
She wouldn't let me say it.
- SEVEN YEARS LATER -
These medicines are wonderful, that slobbering doctorwas right.
- What did you call him? - "Bottom-squirter".
No, "Poop-squirter".
No, "Squitter-squasher".
Squiddle-squasher!
Tonight: Television and then the pictures... in colour!
Why do you keep closing earlier?
Lfyou like it that much, you should buy one.
Two in the stalls.
- You're sure it's in colour? - It's wonderful, you'll see.
Momma's here.
Come on, it's not her. It's already packed, hurry,
orwe'll have to stand.
Come on.
- PART 1 -
Piddle-piping, isn't it?
It was her.
Look at those colours!
Where are you going?
Excuse me...
Excuse me, what do you want?
- Her. - Who? - Her.
- Can you move? - We can't see a thing.
- The screen! - We can't see!
You can't stand here. Come away, please.
- Come away. - Giovanna, come away.
We were right to leave, it's an awful film.
A "plopulent" film.
"Snotulent".
- What'll we call it? - It was her.
- "Pongy Puker"? - It was her.
Or "Poopness Plop"?
Giovanna...
We didn't like this film.
We thought it was... "slobberjobber".
Right, Giovanna?
Absolutely "piddle-plop".
So we're very sorry, but we're leaving.
Yes, we're very sorry, momma, but we're leaving.
Lfyou don't like it, you can leave too.
There's no law against it.
A month later, momma came back to live at home in Via San Vitale.
But we'd spent too many years apart
for everything to suddenly become fine.
Only fatherwas sure we'd make it.
He knew all along.
- "GIOVANNA'S FATHER" -