Date back to 1428 the first news on the Casanova family.
In that year, a certain Jacopo Casanova, born in Zaragoza, Spain,
fell madly in love with a nun, Anna Palafox,
who had just pronounced her vows.
Without hesitation, he abducted her and took her to Rome.
where, after a year in jail, the two lovers got, by Pope Martin V,
forgiveness, and the nuptial blessing.
Giovanni, son of Jacopo and Anna, sailed with Cristopher Columbus,
and died during the trip.
His son Marcantonio returned to Rome, where he died of plague in 1526.
Three months later was born his son, Giacomo,
who went to fight and die in France.
But it's not yet our Giacomo.
We need to arrive at 1715 to get news
of Gaetano Giuseppe, father of our hero.
At nineteen, he fell in love with an actress, called Fragoletta.
He lived in Parma, and Fragoletta was visiting.
He couldn't resign to see her go.
So for love, he too became an actor and dancer.
and they tread the boards of Europe.
Until, ditched by Fragoletta, he found comfort with Zanetta,
daughter of a cobbler with a shop in front of a theater in Venice.
He couldn't resign to leave without Zanetta,
and one night he kidnapped her, fleeing with her abroad.
Her mother cursed them,
and her father, seeing take away his daughter in that way,
died of grief.
A year later though, as Pope Martino V,
also Zanetta's mother forgave the fugitives,
who brought as a present a nice baby just born, baptised Giacomo.
But she made the couple swear
that they would never again set foot on a stage.
The spouses left for abroad, and the oath was not respected.
The baby grew up with his grandmother.
He was now eight years old. He was weak and sickly.
Come on!
CHILDHOOD, VOCATION AND FIRST EXPERIENCES
OF GIACOMO CASANOVA, VENETIAN
Witch!
Lady witch!
Who is it?
What a cute kid!
What's your name?
Giacomo Casanova.
My dear lady, forgive me for the nuisance,
but I beg you, I implore you, help me!
The boy is son to my daughter, who married a musician,
an impresario, a charlatan in short, who took her to London.
Despite promises and oaths, he turned her into a comedian.
My poor daughter! What a shame, what a shame!
But now, at last, after many years, my daughter
will return to Venice.
No more theatre! She comes back to her child.
I wouldn't want her to find him so pale,
and so sickly.
He has
stomach aches. And every day,
he bleeds from the nose.
I'm really desperate!
Giacomo.
Giacomo!
Poor me!
I recite the poultice of Piera, cat and sorceress:
color of hard bread dried in a shed,
sweat of matchmaker and fat of grasshopper,
teeth of a frog and hairs of a hog,
will soon make the chow that the blood will disallow.
Abracadabra!
Malamocco! Malamocco!
Everything off!
I recite the poultice of Piera,
cat and sorceress:
color of hard bread dried in a shed,
sweat of matchmaker and fat of grasshopper,
teeth of a frog
and hairs of a hog,
will soon make the chow
that the blood from the nose will disallow.
He's healed. Go away!
But don't tell anyone these mysteries.
Else he will start again to lose blood.
And won't stop until he's dead!
The little girl...
The little boy...
The bag...and the lady. - Thank you!
And so, we've arrived!
Move!
Good evening! - Lady...
Who's that one? - Which one?
Her!
Mrs. Marzia, your daughter is here!
Oh! Then it's Zanetta!
Where are you coming from?
From London! I crossed seas and mountains!
And now, for a last stretch of sea, I can't reach my home.
Mrs. Marzia! Your daughter arrived from London!
Mrs. Marzia! - Mrs. Marzia!
What's this fuss? - Mother!
Mother, it's me!
It's your daughter returning home!
Zanetta!
My daughter!
Come here. Come help me.
Come near with the boat.
Hurry, Giuseppe.
Watch out for the beams.
Mother! - My Zanetta!
And what's this? - It's Gervasio!
Let me see.
What's that dress? You seem masked. - London fashion!
Holy Mother! And how long it took you, from London?
Nothing! We made a run, barely two months!
Gaetano! Move!
Good evening, Mrs. Marzia. We're here. - I can see that!
Who is this kid?
It's Giacomo, your son!
How old is he?
He's eight! Come, Giacomo.
Let me introduce you your mother.
Say hi to your father.
Giacomo! So grown up I did not recognize you.
And who are those?
This is Agnese, Giovanni and Francesco.
But...they're all different, they don't even seem of the same family.
Well, they were born in different towns. One in London, one in Wien, one in Spain.
Different climates, different children, right?
Well...
Is this thing possible?
Giacomo! Make friends with your brothers. - Wait.
I must show you something.
During my stay in England,
I set aside some money.
Look what I bought.
Look here.
But it's glass? - No, they're lenses.
Get away!
Take, Giacomo.
Grind it!
You're going out?
Of course! Shouldn't I? It's carnival, I'm not asking much!
I have a recommendation letter for the noble Grimani. You know who he is?
Sure. It's a noble with the reputation of rich man and man of honor.
Well...
I hope he can help me starting a business.
The English lenses are the finest.
I'd like to go in the square,
to look at the puppets, the shops...
in short, to do something!
I feel sick!
Say, you like your mom? You'll see how I'll pretty up.
Come on, grind!
Never wash your face more than once each 10, or even 15 days.
Pass me the knickers.
What are the knickers?
Those there!
Water hurts the skin.
Your mom has traveled and learned lots.
Madam grandmother doesn't use knickers.
Of course!
I'm a lady!
Pass me the white lead.
White skin is a sign of distinction.
Believe me when I say that I would have never failed my solemn oath to you.
It was right your daughter to force me.
And if you won't help me, she'll go back to acting in the comedy.
Lock her at home, and lecture her.
The wife, dear you, cannot command!
I've done everything to convince her.
I even made vow in the church to not...
no longer go back on stage.
The bishop pardoned me,
and one day when I die, I'll be buried in consecrated ground.
Nice consolation!
And meanwhile, what will wife and children eat?
What's wrong?
Since some time I feel pain in the neck, or at the ear...I don't know.
Silence! Stop!
Get to work, you!
Ingenious. - Thanks.
I too would like one like it.
Our Casanova was recommended to me by our ambassador in London,
and I helped him gladly.
The ingenuity of this tool comforts me to believe that I was not wrong.
I can't see anything!
Not like that.
Put your hand here.
Turn this. - Yes, but I don't see anything.
Give it to me, please. So...
aim it at the alley. Look.
Excuse me!
Giacomo, come here!
Come!
Your mom didn't say you two had to go to the parson's?
She didn't say anything.
She must have been looking for you.
But I just talked to her!
Go with her, don't ever leave her alone! - Why? - Go, and that's it!
I'm going, I'm going!
Look, she went down there. Run!
I beg your pardon. I had to go to the parson with my son,
but I have great pain to my ear,
so will go my wife.
Mother! - What, Giacomo?
Dad said to go with you to the parson.
Oh, I'll go, I'll talk, to the parson, there's no hurry!
Mother!
What do you want now?
My father said that I must never leave you alone.
Your father's a bear, and won't let us have fun either.
He wasn't like that, once.
No way!
Okay, come with me.
Your dad once knew how to do everything.
He played, he sang, he danced!
Oh, what I would pay to see him yet do the scene of the swindler!
Then, overnight, no more theater, no comedy, all over!
So what now? Since he's sick, should we all be locked in convent? No sir!
They forced me to be an actress, and an actress I remain!
I like, I love acting on stage!
I'll talk to the impresario, I'll sign the contract! It's fun to know that,
if I have my needs, I can get hold of 100 sequins.
Come on, Giacomo, let's go!
What's with you?
Is something wrong? - Nothing.
You have a fever?
Poor baby! It's Carnival, so I'll bring you too. - Where?
To the theater! We'll have fun!
With a new suit.
Not today, you're tired.
Then, dressed like that, you look like a beggar. Tomorrow we'll see, huh?
Look, look!
Wait here till I'm back.
For long, mother?
You wait, look, and have fun.
Get your tickets! Get your tickets!
Come on, masks!
Mr. Filipetto!
Mother!
You again!
What else must you tell me? Come on, speak!
What is it? Have you become mute?
You want to go home? Go home then!
What shall I tell dad?
Tell him what you want!
Mister Filipetto!
Where do you want to go? Help!
I did tell you to stay with your mother, didn't I?
What're you doing there? Come on, move!
Answer, speak!
Where did you go? By here, or by there?
Come on, move! What're you doing there?
Father, now that I think of it, mother did not go by there.
What?
Where did she go, then?
By there.
By here? - Yes.
Through the 1st or the 2nd bridge? - The second.
Then to the Cassiano theater? - I don't know.
Father, may I go back home?
Help!
Father!
Where is the Cassiano theater?
It's there.
Here is the lantern, gentlemen.
Mother, my father has drowned.
What?!
He fell in a canal and drowned.
Oh, poor thing, she feels bad!
Let's lay her here.
Take heart, you'll see it's not true.
Son! My son!
Go to mom. - Let's go see the drowned one.
Leave me alone with my son.
Actually, there is a dead drowned.
Oh, poor me! What kind of world we live in!
My blood runs cold in my veins!
Please, go see if it's my husband.
I'll go, if you wish, but I didn't know him not even alive.
Do go, Mr. Filippetto, do me this kindness.
I'd go gladly, but I didn't know him either.
Who'll go, then?
You go, you're a little man. Look if it's your father.
Thank you, Giacomo. Do it for your mom. - Take the lantern.
You know him?
No, it's not my father.
The illustrious friend has saved you from waters.
I will save you from the evil that torments you. The urine.
The frothy and reddish urine
means there is pain on the right side,
consumption, and progression of the infirmity.
"Ubi pus, ibi evacua!"
Where there is pus, needs to be rid.
We must operate now!
The surgery is painful, I don't hide it, but the result is certain.
I brought the instruments. - Quick, come on!
The tools! He'll operate now!
Who's sick? - Zanetta's husband!
Hey, girls, are you mad? Come back to work!
By the window! We can see better!
What's up? - They're making an operation!
There comes also illustrious Grimani.
Trestles ready! - Door ready too!
Out, out, women. This is no theater!
Is everything fine, doctor?
Excuse me!
Excellency!
Quick, a chair for His Excellency!
What about our Gaetano Casanova?
I'll highly recommend him!
He was presented by our ambassador in London.
Same case as our poor Zanchin.
He wants to do me a surgery! - Very well!
I've had the honor of assisting earlier,
as amateur of science, our valiant Dr. Zambelli.
Alvise. - Yes? - Warn our cousin Valerio..
He so regretted not to have watched when we operated poor Zanchin.
Nice operation! And this will be even better. I feel it.
Oh, sure!
Our friend is younger, he will make it just fine. No doubt.
Excellency, please sit down.
Today we'll use the instruments sent by my colleague from Frankfurt.
I don't like that! It's all nonsense!
Let's go to the witch, rather! She will heal you, as she healed Giacomo!
I can't hear anything!
Blessed you! See how lucky you are!
You'll get an operation that nobody else's had in the country.
What are you afraid of?
Oilskins also for His Excellency.
Two water buckets, a cloth and two strong ropes.
Who is? - The husband of my daughter.
Is he dead? - No, but almost.
Poor soul!
Clear the table for the sick person.
Two robust men!
Quick! Let's lift the patient.
Valerio is coming.
He recommends you to wait.
The illustrious Mr. Baffo the poet, who saved my husband from the waters.
Very well! He's useful to hold still the sick man.
An apron for the illustrious! - Here are the ropes!
Out, out you others.
Turn him on the belly.
Let's start with a good bloodletting, so, if not else, we get soiled less.
One moment!
Wait!
If I truly am destined to die,
I ask for, in front of these witnesses,
the protection for my whole family by the illustrious nobleman Grimani.
Sure, sure...
If not else out of regard for my friend the ambassador.
But you won't die, don't worry. The poor Zanchin was an unfortunate case.
A beautiful operation, moreover.
However, as you wish.
At the presence of my brother Alvise, illustrious abbot,
I confirm that in case of death of Gaetano Giuseppe Casanova from Parma,
here present, his family will stay under my protection.
Satisfied?
I ask solemn oath
that none of my children
will climb ever on stage.
Excuse me.
Excuse me!
Give way!
Still on time?
Let's not repeat the errors we made with Zanchin. Bring him to the light!
Here, by the door. - Excellency, please sit down.
Tighten the ropes. - In first row you see better.
Giovanni, I'm here too!
My cousin Valerio has arrived. We can start!
Bloodletting!
My God! What a thrill! What a thrill!
Four are the key elements of the body. The blood, which represents heat,
black bile, representing moisture, yellow bile, dryness.
The phlegm,
deriving from the brain, flows in the blood, and is cold.
When these four elements are properly combined, health is full.
If one of the fluids is in excess or deficiency, you have the dyscrasia,
or disease.
In this patient,
the phlegm, stopped in its outflow,
constricts the brain,
and cools the nerves.
That's why we operate.
Away the basin, here the knife.
What are you doing me?
Ave Maria...
What have we forgotten?
The rags? - Exactly! - Here they are.
Tampon.
Say it louder, we can't hear anything!
Please!
"Closed for the death of the owner"
We could send him to Padua, since he's the first-born.
But him only, though.
Oh, just you!
Come kiss the hand of your benefactor.
Me?
Come, Giacomo, come on.
In accordance with the solemn commitment made to our beloved deceased
to protect his family, myself, Giovanni Grimani,
also advised by my brother Alvise,
I pledge to fund the education of his eldest son.
We thought of the city of Padua,
where the youth will be able to find the best masters,
and physicians better able to cure his ailments.
Excellency, some mulled wine.
Sir...
Please. The biscuits!
The children may remain in the custody of Mrs. Zanetta,
to whom goes, for their keep,
the property of the deceased, and what we can get from the sale of his trade.
To my mother!
Give it all to my mother, for me I don't want anything.
I beg your pardon.
I can not say anything but... thank you for your goodness.
That I'll do everything to deserve it.
I think however that I'm still young, and that, by the grace of God,
I am used to working.
My children are better off with my mother.
I will return... to the theater.
Comedian?
I'm at my word for a contract!
Long as I live, I'll have a right to speak out my opinion!
We just swore before that poor soul!
We swore for the kids! - Exactly!
The oath concerned only the kids, and not the mother.
I do not feel in the right to abuse the prerogatives
that my title of protector entails.
I'll do anything to deserve.
Look, look! You like?
What's that face? You feel well? - So so.
I love it, I like it a lot! I'm like that, I'm all on fire!
Being at home I seem to be in jail!
Mr. abbot, the sir and the kid can stay here. The lady has a separate room.
Better place the kid over there. - Sure, he'll be quieter there.
Come on, Giacomo, go to bed, you're tired.
I feel bad. - Go to bed, it will pass.
Stop with your hands...
Giacomo, go to sleep.
Mother! The trees are walking!
Mother, look!
What's up? - The trees are walking!
Oh, poor me! My son is really a fool!
No, no. He's not a fool.
See? Even the sun seems to be moving.
But it's the earth that turns around it. - Really? - Sure.
And who said this nonsense? - Galileo.
In our case,
it's us, namely the boat, that's moving, not the trees.
However, they seem to move.
I got it!
Me, not!
Watch it!
Nice! Here in Padua they don't know where else to put St. Antony.
Of course! He's our saint!
Why paint him in the corner below, rather than on the door?
Because, out of devotion to St. Antony,
people go piss elsewhere, and the house remains clean.
Come on!
We were told it was agreed one sequin per month all inclusive, tuition too.
And this we will pay.
Anyway, it's not me to decide. The boy is under my brother's protection,
the noble Giovanni Grimani, whose orders I execute.
But that he should bring his own bed, mattress and sheets, you were told?
No!
We agreed on one year in advance. - 6 months, not one more.
The kid has poor health.
We hope they're well spent. - And I want him to work, and toil.
Let's hurry, or we won't visit town.
Yes, you're right, but I don't have the heart.
My child! Behave yourself, as a little man.
Make me look good! Give a kiss to your mom.
Let's go, let's go! Or else I'll feel bad!
Come, cute! Come play in the yard with your mates.
Let's go.
He'll be just fine!
And what's this? - P as in plant. - Good.
And what is this? - A, as in Arlecchino. - Good!
Wake him up!
Why aren't you writing?
I don't know how to write.
Can you read at least?
No.
So why do you sleep? - I'm sleepy.
What's that?
Smallpox!
Hush, you! These are bedbugs.
Stand up!
But...your shirt is stained with blood! Why didn't you change it?
Mrs Mida only gives me one change on Sunday.
Oh! Mrs Mida...
Go with the little ones.
Quick!
Well?
Silence!
What's this?
D.
How can you know it if you can not read?
It's a woman.
Bravo!
I see you're intelligent!
Why you meddling?
The pact is simple: you take care of teaching, and I care of maintenance.
And this you call it maintenance?
Taste it! This stuff is unfit for a pig!
I must check how my pupils are kept!
Because this affects their studies!
And what's this? Poison?
A decoction of grape stalks, good for the stomach.
While you drink excellent wine, and you eat...
an exquisite stew.
What's so bad? - Shame!
That's none of your concern!
Now show me where they sleep, or I'll report you! - So report me!
Go find in all Padua who gives to children what I give for one sequin!
Come, do come, reverend.
Where to? - To show him the beds.
Giacomo, come along!
Which is your bed?
This one.
What a filth! All dirty with blood!
Mrs. Mida...What a witch, what a harpy!
Thinking of what I've seen in that house, I feel a chill from head to toe!
For the good soul of your dead? - Go!
Poor child!
Look how he's starving! - Go, go!
I'm glad the illustrious Grimani
asked you to personally come to realize the state of things, so you can report on.
What should I report? Grimani is a man of merit, honorable, and is not wicked.
But he said he won't give a penny more, not one, understand?
Pity, because the boy deserves, and how!
In six months he learned to read and write perfectly.
I may be wrong, but I'm sure this kid can become a great scholar.
Really? - Yes.
Grandmother! But don't you eat? - No.
I'm not used to eat out of home.
My dear son,
I am poor, very poor.
But I've never been stingy.
Ten ducats more, ten ducats less, I don't mind the expense, if necessary.
The trouble is...Do I make myself clear?
It takes far more than ten ducats. Also because,
no civil house would accept to keep a boy in such a state.
He doesn't even have a decent suit!
This is a unique chance.
I had made it for a good youth who passed away last week.
God rest his soul.
Look. Look how they run.
It's true, it's true...
And the egg, see? Like bunches in September!
Actually...
You may call the apothecary, but for me, there's no lead that's enough.
We'll show him also these stains.
For me, it's mange. - Well, nowadays... - I see no other remedy than what I said.
Look, the kid will be always clean. I can hardly make them and they're sold.
But how much is it?
We also have a cheaper type.
But, this color?
A color as another. - If it's cheaper..!
You've done a bargain! You get used to the color.
Shave it all! Bugs in the head hamper studying!
He'll feel better with his head shaved.
And he'll grow faster! The strength won't go up in the hair,
but stays in the body and bolsters the muscles. Hold still.
You've read the rules, he need his own bed,
you know we can't host people who don't bring their own bed.
But I'm not in a position to buy it! The expense that maybe I can afford...
With two mattresses of my bed in Venice
I can make a makeshift bed, so to serve as pallet and mattress.
Seems the best solution.
You can not, you can not, and you can not!
I know what we'll do! He will sleep in my bed.
There's enough room. Come upstairs.
Three times the knight took hold of her, with his strong arms...
That's my father. After a drink, he declaims Tasso. But only on Sundays.
There! The bed is large.
There's room for both. Come on in, Giacomo!
And don't you worry about cleanliness.
Cleaning the linen and the boy will be care of my sister Bettina.
Bettina, come here!
There! This is Bettina, my sister. - Good morning.
Good morning! It's Sunday, special service!
Hey, wake up!
Wake up!
Slept well, sir?
It's mine, leave it!
Candiani, go away! Let's see.
"Three times the knight took hold of her, with his strong arms..."
You know your hair grew back?
So we no longer need the wig.
How dirty you are! I pity my brother who sleeps with you.
No, don't wash my legs! - Hey, be no fool!
You're tickling me.
What's to laugh! Here it takes the currycomb!
You do that to Candiani too?
To no one! Just to you, because you're little and my brother told me so.
But now you've grown up, you can do by yourself.
Bettina...
Will you give me a kiss?
Come on, you fool!
Fool! I'm gonna tell my brother! Now get dressed on your own!
Bettina!
I love you.
I want to marry you. For this I'm studying so much.
Alright, study. Then we'll get married.
Then you must kiss me.
I must go out early with my father,
an old and sick uncle wants to see us before dying.
We'll return after tomorrow.
I left you the translations to be done in my absence.
Pay attention, you!
I saw you!
What's up, why don't you play?
Go on, three more times, and faster! Then, go to bed.
Candiani, let's look at your theme.
Giacomo, let me see if it's long enough.
Is it for me? - Of course! For who else?
So you love me? - Of course!
If you truly love me, come and sleep in my bed tomorrow night.
He's leaving, you heard him.
Go away! - Yes, instead!
You understand?
Bettina, open up! Bettina!
Who is it?
What do you want? I'm sleeping!
No! I saw Candiani get in!
You're nuts, go back to bed! And stop waking up the whole house!
No, I'll stay here until you open.
Do as you wish.
Bettina, Bettina, open up.
There's the fool.
He's sleeping.
Go.
If you tell, I'll kill you!
Before dying, I'll tell it to Don Gozzi!
Hey! Get to work, you! Soon Don Gotti will be here.
If you tell, I'll kill you!
There he is, Don Gozzi! At last!
Help! Bettina!
Help!
Kids! - Bettina! Dear sister!
What happened? No, no! Let's bring her inside!
Come inside!
She hit her head! I saw her! Bettina!
She's got the worms! We need to call Dr. Olivo.
She speaks Latin! A language she never knew!
It's the devil!
I can't exorcise her! I'm her brother! Hurry, call somebody!
It takes father Prospero Bovolenta! Call him, in the name of God!
Yes, undoubtedly she's possessed.
But we need to find someone else to try an exorcism.
Sadly the Lord didn't want it to be me to save her, poor thing.
Try again, father, do it for me.
I cannot, I feel it!
All together the Hail Mary.
"Three times the knight took hold..." - Hush, dad!
You are the Evil One, tell me your name. - Bettina!
No. Bettina is a good girl, baptized and raised in the fear of God!
Say your name, evil spirit!
She's dead!
The devil has won! The devil has won!
Lord, save her, and I vow to waive my revenge
and not tell anyone on what I saw last night.
The possessed girl is here?
Yes. It's my sister.
I am Don Mancia.
We were expecting you. She's sleeping.
We brought her here to keep her warm. But perhaps it's all solved.
Yes, she was freed, I'm sure. Don't hit her anymore.
At your place, you! No one hit her. Brother Prospero...
Bettina!
Who is?
Where am I? - But you're here, among us!
How are you?
Fine! I'm fine.
She's saved!
I wish to be alone.
Out! All out!
No, no! Away that cross! - What are you saying, my sister?
I've said alone.
The Evil One is still here.
Let me fight him alone.
Wait outside.
And pray.
Come on. Out, out!
Away, away, you!
Don't be afraid.
Hey! Listen...
What do you think? - I wonder what they're doing in there.
Listen...
Let's go look through the window.
Yes, yes!
The devil is gone! - Praise the Lord!
Come on, Bettina, come on.
Now we can actually say that she's freed.
Embrace your parents, who suffered so much.
Reverend, your hat. - Thank you!
Cover her.
She may get cold.
I made a vow today.
That is what healed Bettina.
It wasn't Don Mancia, I told you to send him away, because she was sane already.
Anyone has the merit, we thank God!
And we pray to be preserved from other misfortunes.
Get to bed now. Come on!
Put out the candle.
But, are you crying?
No. I only regret
not being able to tell you the vow I made.
But I tell you that Bettina, I won't marry her!
Is this, your vow?
No.
But I always believed that you wanted an ecclesiastical career.
You never told me, not even in confession,
that you had other thoughts.
Well, now I no longer have them!
I'll become a priest, I'll be a priest!
And if I want to meet a girl,
I'll go and exorcise her, as does Don Mancia.
What, what, what, Don Mancia? What?
Hey Giacomo, look at me!
It's something serious, you know?
Now I can talk to you as to an adult.
God granted you an outstanding intelligence,
and a learning capability as I never happened to meet.
And then, you like studying, don't you? - Yes, I like.
Would you like to become a scientist, an illustrious scholar,
a philosopher estimated by everyone, a cardinal? - Yes, yes...
Then you have no choice.
God gave you the intellect, but not a noble birth.
If you want to become someone, for you only remains the priesthood.
Your cassock will enable you to enter the world of the powerful.
Where you'd be otherwise excluded.
But entering is not enough. You must be able to stay!
And you mustn't enter to revere, but to be revered!
A priest of noble lineage will make a career even if he's a bad priest.
But a priest of humble birth will have to be outstanding, under all viewpoints,
if he wants to stand out among the powerful,
and be venerated for his wisdom, and for his purity.
I never had much luck in life, because I had to do everything alone,
since the first steps.
But I'd feel rewarded for my sacrifices,
if I could say one day:
"There, you see, that great man?
He was my disciple!"
But Don Mancia is a good or a bad priest?
May God wish that I'm wrong!
That priest has a limited ambition, and can yield to temptation.
Only a great ambition, one that aims up high, very high,
can defeat the snares of the flesh, and the hideous vice of sex!
Hideous? - Hideous! Hideous!
Hideous...
The only vice capable of annihilating the shining forces of the mind!
In 1742, according to his own account, Giacomo Casanova returned to Venice.
He had already graduated in Padua, just 18.
He had received the minor orders, and was thus abbot.
Don Gozzi had given him a presentation letter for Don Tosello,
curate of the parish of St. Samuel, in the namesake district.
Move, come on!
Oh, yes! There's you too.
Fine day you picked to get here!
Ever since dawn I didn't stop one minute! I have a hundred things to attend to!
What is your name? - Giacomo Casanova.
Viens. Puisque tu es là, tu m'aideras.
Here it must be wholly vacant. Send back all those people,
and then don't let pass anyone more. You understand? No one!
Please, stand back!
It suits you just fine!
Archangel, help me!
Look after the dog.
Excuse me, but...
Illustrious...Excellency! I'm very honored!
There's no need to explain that my order doesn't apply to senator Malipiero!
We're almost ready, Excellency. - Do what you must, don't worry about me.
Thank you, illustrious senator, thanks!
Abbot Casanova is at your disposal for anything. - Yes?
The young abbot graduated in Padua
and protected by the Grimani brothers, By whom, however, sadly...
I need to tell you about him, but at some other time...sure.
Now, if you're so good as to excuse me... - Go, go!
Who's that girl?
St. Agatha virgin, lusted by Quintilian, consul of Catania,
she endured martyrdom in AD 75 under... Diocletian.
That one there?!
Try to enquire better!
And then tell me.
He was for 40 years in the governance of Venice.
Now he retired from affairs of state.
He never got married. Rich. Rich as Croesus!
He receives at his home all the high nobility.
A man like that may be valuable to you.
He chairs the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.
I tell you, a holy man!
Sorry, I may believe anything but this.
Why? What do you mean?
Firstly, he asked me to provide him name and address of
the young girl who portrayed St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, in the procession.
It is not true! - Of course!
You gave it to him? - Course not!
He may come and study here when he wants. And he can put some order in the books.
What is he studying? - Ecclesiastical law.
If the young man can converse adequately,
I can introduce him to a lot of people.
I can't do more.
It's enough, God forbid. And you'll see how smart he is.
I doubt it!
I never found anyone who understands at once what I want.
That's why I live always alone.
Here are plenty of books, if you want to study.
Senator Malipiero,
besides putting at my disposal his precious library,
lets me also share his table, which is very well stocked.
Look, now that you're through, you've no better to do than stare at me?
Indeed, if you allow, I'd like some more.
You do it because they told you to? - No!
It's all so delicious!
One more serving.
Except that, being completely toothless, it takes him a long time to chew.
But he hates the sight of diners waiting.
Neither is worth trying to eat slowly, because also this bothers him.
One must simply eat the double.
Although having an iron stomach, I myself have some difficulty.
I really think we found the dining companion that's fit for us.
In return, with a meal so heavy, I don't need to spend more to feed me.
My task for His Excellency would also be the care of his soul.
This seems like a more arduous task.
Lecher! I don't want! I don't want you to touch me!
A kiss. Just one kiss.
No, I don't want.
I'm not at all happy. Try to talk with those women.
I'm willing to take the girl under my protection,
and raise her dowry, but she must show more amiable with me!
I want her here every day.
But that she leaves her mother at home!
As for the girl who interests the Marquis,
you must do as your conscience says. Nothing to do with me.
I don't know anything and I don't want to know, OK?
I tell you just one thing.
At times I've reason to believe you can do good by pretending to pander evil.
The lords are what they are, what can you do?
Even lords have a soul to save, we need to be close to them.
You must act as monition, as example. But without annoying them, holy Mother!
Without annoying them!
Dear preceptor, Don Tosello gives me valuable advices.
I know I must heed them, because you entrusted me to him,
and certainly you did it with good reason.
Leave the door open. She's far more gentle when she sees you.
I really have to buy you a pair of new shoes. You deserve them!
My dearest, my respects!
Illustrious sir... - Excellency...
Did you see? They all greet your new shoes!
Isn't it so?
My dear ladies...!
Senator Malipiero, who is this handsome youth?
What beautiful eyes! - So young and already abbot!
He graduated in Padua cum laude, and I... I know how to appreciate culture!
He's your guest?
Yes, he keeps me company. He plays violin, he draws...
And his Latin is good as his Italian.
Then I'll take him to St. Zachary to converse with my young nuns,
who study Latin for a lifetime and never know with whom to speak it!
Family?
His mother had excellent connections, and a son with the Prince of Wales.
But he's irreparably son of his humblest father.
We want to go see the horrible monster, but nobody will escort us.
A monster?
That devil of the caravan!
I may go with you...
But I'd better not.
Two monsters in a caravan would be too many!
Poor thing, to see such a monster! - It will pass, it will pass...
It was that unbearable stink.
Quick, quick, let's take her home.
...first time in Venice!
From here we see the monster!
A very good likeness, please, for our young nuns who never go out, poor things!
No, stop, don't tease it, it's a dangerous animal!
What does it eat? - Grass and straw, like cows.
Then what sort of exotic beast is it?
How old?
22, I know for sure.
Uh, 22..!
Beautiful eyes, no doubt, but...
The neck too, let's be fair.
Nice neck!
I'd like to see the rest, the deportment, given the origins.
Giulietta Cavamacchia, said '1,000 ecus', since Count Bastiano paid a lot for her,
and 'stain-remover', being daughter of a dyer!
Let's not show we're talking about her.
Shall I buy it and put it on your bed?
Mr. Abbot, demeanor! Like it or not, you're in our company!
I've something better to put in my bed!
Let's go, here you can not breathe!
Come, abbot, we go to St Zachary convent.
Come, quick!
What fury! Don't be afraid, Mr. abbot!
What is it? - A rhinoceros.
Looks like an ox with just one horn.
Let's show it to the others!
Sister Gertrude!
Look! Do you like it?
Leave me alone, go away.
Let's see if your mother guessed right.
For sister Maria,
the puppets.
And for you... - Let's go, Angela.
Come on, Mr. Abbot, speak with Sister Lucia.
I am pleased, with the utmost respect, to be able to greet you.
And I ask your forgiveness for my unkempt apparel.
I thank you and I greet you.
You seem to have had the best of teachers, in this convent.
Not better, however, than your teachers.
He speaks Latin perfectly. Thanks, mother, bring him to me often.
Come, Maria. It's for you!
Look! - The puppets!
Good morning, madam, did you see my nice monkey?
Nice! Where is it from? - Oh, I don't know. Ask my valet.
Children. Look what a nice monkey!
Which books do you like to read?
And you?
The author I prefer the most is Horace.
Our monastic rule does not accept Horace in the library.
But I can't conceive it!
Would it be impolite if I gave you Horace's poems?
The gift is welcome,
if you allow me to return the gift.
Angela!
Yes?
Angela, since you're so good at needlework,
you should help me embroider a pair of cuffs to be given to Mr. Abbot Casanova.
Of course!
It is my great honor
to present in front of you Angela Rosalba, lay sister.
See how it's amazing?
Holy Mary! What's that?
An animal from Africa, or Asia.
A rhinoceros. Mr. Abbot portrayed it for us.
Handsome, and likable, too. - But you say? - It's a monster!
It's disgusting!
Please, Angela, keep the drawing if you like it.
Really?
Thank you.
This jasmine ointment is made by us young nuns. Try it on your hair.
You will thank me.
It has a delicious smell.
Believe me, I'm so busy that I can't even find time to sleep.
For the illustrious Malipiero, weak-sighted,
I must read out loud the classics,
declaiming with good diction.
It is a useful exercise both for me and for him.
Moreover, even the noblewoman Contarini took me into liking,
and wants me to go with her every day to St. Zachary convent,
to converse in Latin with her daughter Lucia, cloistered nun.
Thank you, Angela. They're very nice.
What? - I can't make it, father.
I do everything to forget him.
But I dream of him every night. I dream of stroking his hair. And of...
For penance, 3 Pater, 3 Hail, 3 Glory. And act of contrition!
What are you doing here? Go to study!
Mr. Abbot told us to be quiet.
Take off your hat and let me see.
No, I'm ashamed.
I order you to take off your hat.
I'll give you one of my old wigs that became too large.
Thank you, sir,
but my orders forbid the use of wigs, except papal dispensation.
Send someone to call Don Tosello. I want to talk to him.
I don't!
I don't intend to see him again!
Hush, you!
Monsieur Alexander.
As first thing today, we'll deal with this youth.
I did it for his own good.
On this earth, he must above all be liked by God for his spiritual gifts,
and not by men, and especially by women, for his attractiveness.
Come on, come on...
Venice is crammed with abbots with powdered hair,
and what's worse, anointed with ointments so smelly,
as to make die on the spot a pregnant woman.
At least Casanova uses a good one.
Excellency, I'm a priest since 40 years,
and never once I've put a drop of perfume in my hair,
and never, ever, a woman has dreamed to be interested in my person!
And never this did surprise me.
Let us speak frankly, my dear Don Tosello.
You brought that boy in my house for very precise reasons.
And so you'll be glad to know that he's done good and in your best interest.
Now he feels so offended that he wants to go away from Venice.
So, I decided to designate him
preacher for the first three sermons for Lent.
It isn't possible!
He received the minor orders,
and therefore he's allowed to preach, out of the Mass.
But he's too young!
I hope you won't force me to remind you
that is up to me any decision, as president of the confraternity.
My lord...
And voila!
To the young abbot, Giacomo Casanova,
of the University of Padua,
has been granted the honor to pronounce
the first ones of our afternoon sermons
for the Holy Lent!
Pro habere suis
non respondere favorem speratum meritis.
Are not, these, the words of an apostle.
They're the words...
of a poet,
who did not have the chance to know the doctrine of Christ.
Pro habere suis
But it's a boy!
The youngest preacher in history!
After Jesus Christ, my dear! He began at 11.
12! - "They bitterly complain
that the reward they hoped for
does not match their merits."
Forgive us, dear brothers,
if we translate the words of the poet in our language
And we equally beg your pardon if,
in the brief time that we'll spend before you, this afternoon,
we won't do any other citation in Latin.
I don't want any other consolation, than this holy grandson.
Madam! - The use of Latin citations
that makes the speech incomprehensible to great part of the listeners,
has always seemed like an easy exhibition of erudition,
without any other plausible purpose
than to gratify the vanity of the speaker.
But we're not here to indulge in exhibitions of this sort.
Our only purpose, in coming here,
is of proposing you a colloquy.
A colloquy on the vanity of human ambitions.
Seems an angel!
Only the wickedness and ingratitude of mankind
could frustrate the project that Divine Providence, with infinite wisdom...
Start for alms, will be
a good collection, you'll see.
The sincere goodness, and virtue, do not ask for any reward.
They do not pose any conditions.
We're in church!
Come on!
Don't wait for the end. Start for alms!
Man, in his infinite selfishness, more each day moves away
from the grace of the Lord.
Why, brethren, is faith that redeems us. Faith,
which does not make us hope no earthly reward
for our good deeds.
The first blessing must be for your grandmother!
Come on now, get up grandmother.
Look how many ducats!
All that loot could free some poor slaves of the murderous Turks!
This loot, as you call it, unfortunately goes all to your grandson!
The alms collected during the sermon, out of the Holy Mass,
belong to the preacher.
Naturally, it's up to the preacher, as to any good Christian,
to make an offering for the poor of the parish.
This is a button!
Firstly, though, let's ransom those poor slaves of the murderous Turks!
The slaves are dealt by the Discalced Trinitarian Fathers.
When I throw away something, you mustn't pick it!
"I sinned. I desired you."
I was saying that the slaves are dealt by the Trinitarians,
who make for them a collection in all the Masses of Venice churches.
Imagine!
But, money is never enough! Poor souls!
But you know that the Turks gouge out their eyes, they cut off nose, ears?
The balls! - Precisely!
They cut them soon after capturing.
I mean, when we pay their ransom,
they're already set up for the feast! - But,
even without balls, nose and ears, in the end they get their lives!
Holy words!
Look here what the Turks did to me.
Leave us at least life.
This is for the slaves.
Oh, bravo!
And now, see also to the poor of the parish.
We'll do some other time, father.
Today,
let's just see to this poor abbot, who's got lots of things to settle.
"Come tomorrow an hour after the bell, through the garden."
"You will find open. No one will see you. No one must see you."
My Angela..!
Angela!
Put out the light.
Antonio!
I have no more doubts by now! I'm pregnant!
She fainted!
Who are you? - You can trust.
Help me to carry her inside.
What happened? - I don't know!
Away that light!
What's that abbot doing here?
I saw nothing!
What's he saying? He's crazy!
Don't let him run off! And you, disappear!
You understand? Get away!
Go away!
Take him in there.
Go away!
I'll deal with him! I know how to shut him up!
Lucia!
Oh, blessed Mother! Help me, Santa Rita!
Saint of the impossible, forgive me! I ask your forgiveness, I'm repented!
Saint Anthony, save me from this prison!
You!
How dare you coming here?
You made me come to this... kind of brothel, and now you wonder too?
I...
was in bed, and I was asleep.
Sister Lucia awoke me, ordering me to come here at once.
Out of obedience, I came.
I didn't know why.
And the note, that was in the alms bag?
I didn't write you any note. I would never dare doing it!
Who then? It stated clearly!
"The door open, by the garden, one hour after the bell..."
Maybe it was someone who wanted to make fun of me.
All the girls know... that I...
am... - It was only a joke, wasn't it?
Don't you know I risked my life?
Go away! Go away, I beg you, before someone comes and sees you!
There's people coming!
There they are!
What did I tell you?
You don't deserve any leniency.
We'll write to your relatives to take you away as soon as possible.
As for you, Mr. Abbot,
we think you will agree with our desire to save the noble Malipiero
a disappointment on account of his protege.
For this sole reason we commit ourselves to erase from our mind
what we happen to see tonight.
Mr. Abbot!
Mr. Abbot, listen! I have something important to tell you!
Three hours of wait, and I died of cold!
My mistress says that, as she wrote you,
she waited in the garden up to become a vegetable!
You must come tomorrow, because she has to tell you something
that she can't tell anyone else but you.
And now may I know exactly who is your mistress?
Such things do happen at St. Zachary?!
This, I really did not expect!
Of course, I knew about St. Chiara and St. Lorenzo.
The French ambassador has a nun mistress there,
who even came to a party at my home. In mask!
But St. Zachary!
Only the daughters of the lords may access St. Zachary.
But lords for real. Of the nobility.
If you can, abduct one, and you get settled for life, listen to me!
But you really intend to go on being a priest? As your mother told me?
But of course. Why do you ask?
You don't seem the kind.
Stand up.
I took the minor orders...
I have not yet taken the vow of chastity.
Well, then you can afford taking certain distractions.
I advise you to take them. And soon, dear.
Before your mother makes you become a bishop.
Come on.
Where have you met my mother?
In Vienna.
When that idiot of Empress Maria Theresa
made me kick away because she was madly jealous of me.
Would you like to undress me?
Undress you?
I know lots of men who would give a fortune for such privilege.
Come on, move!
Since you want to stay in the Church,
you must know more closely
the sinners.
And I can help you.
I'm frozen! I caught a cold waiting in that garden!
The shoes!
I know the noblewomen who were with you. They didn't want only a drawing from you!
Yet it's the truth.
You know, your mother... No, behind!
In Vienna, your mother and I worked in the same theater. I sang Metastasio,
and she recited.
We're the same age, you know?
You and my mother?
Me and you!
More or less.
I must offer the other cheek.
No, get undressed.
Would you tell me why your mother says you're a guy timid and sickly?
Who bleeds from the nose, and stays always sullen in a corner.
My mother last saw me when I was ten.
Since then I will have made some progress!
Do I look fine?
As a preacher, you'd convert even a Turk.
But I could never button up front here.
And my lord and master says I have a small bosom!
Do you like my mirror?
In here, I like everything.
Listen. I got an idea!
To play a trick to my lord and master.
I make myself find dressed as an abbot. Isn't it a fun idea?
Yes. But now get undressed.
No! My lord is about to arrive. - Now?
I'll dismiss him soon, then I'll be all yours.
If you please me, you won't regret it.
His Excellency is here!
Get dressed! Give him a robe, take him to the kitchen then go to open!
I want back my own clothes. I can't wear this stuff!
Move! Woe if he finds you in my bed! He's very jealous!
Margherita will take you to the kitchen, you'll get food and drink.
After he's gone, you'll have back your clothes.
Thanks, I was pleased to meet you, I'll tell your mother.
Music, music!
Who is this cute girl?
Something must have happened, it can't be otherwise!
He's coming! - He's here!
Don't shout! Don't shout!
What is it? Are you sick?
Brethren!
He...
who fears God...
I was saying, he who fears God will do the good on this earth.
He...
who fears the Lord...
will do...
will do many things...
And then...
He's sick!
Who does he think he's fooling, this idiot? Not me, that's for sure!
You may tell him.
I'll tell him now!
Shame!
Shame, yes!
On you and on me.
You've had all lucks! All!
Too many, maybe. Too many.
God wanted to test you.
And you have fallen so low, miserable!
So low!
I'll raise myself again, father.
Trust me still.
How? With this cassock soiled by a harlot?
Take it off now! Take it off!
Go back to the seminary.
And restart humbly your way among the honest.
Maybe you had too much confidence in me.
You were wrong.
It's a trust that I couldn't earn.
I'm not as strong as you. I'm weak.
Many priests are like me.
Next time I'll be more careful, promise! - No!
You lost sense of good and evil!
Shut yourself in seminary! And get out only when you'll be a true priest!
You know what happens to people like you?
Don Mancia, remember?
We declare you deprived of the right to offer sacrifice to God,
and to celebrate the Holy Mass, both for the living and for the dead.
It is with much reason that we strip you of the sacerdotal robe,
that stands for charity,
since you have stripped yourself not only of charity,
but also of all innocence.
Since you committed the infamy
of expelling from you the sign of the Lord,
represented by this stole,
we take it off you,
thus making you unfit to practice any sacerdotal ministry.
Stand up, my son.
The book.
We take away from you the authority to read the book in the house of the Lord.
By the authority of Almighty God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
and by our own authority, we strip you off of the clerical habit,
and we deprive you of the ornament of religion.
We strip you off of all order, benefit and privilege,
for having shown unworthy of the ecclesiastical profession,
and with ignominy we subordinate you to the secular state and clothing.
What did he do? - He had a lover.
Everyone knew, and it was a scandal.
She wanted to leave him.
But, driven mad by rage and by vice, he strangled her.
By means of this act,
we uproot your power to consecrate, sacrifice and bless,
that you received through the anointment of hands and fingers.
We pronounce that this man, stripped and degraded
of all clerical order and privilege,
be received in its forum by the secular curia.
We implore God's mercy on this man.
Let's pray for him, beloved children.
I go to the seminary.
Go to hell, you and your carriage! You've soiled all my fritters!
Eat a fritter, Mr. Abbot.
These are made with muscatel grape.
They're better than the convent's food.
Take advantage, otherwise later you'll regret it!
You want?
In there, cabbage soup every day!
Mr. Abbot!
Listen, Mr. Abbot!
You are abbot Casanova? - Yes.
Then come with me. - Where?
Come! I'll tell you later! It's important!
Then this villa is of Angela? - Yes.
I mean, no, it's of the uncle of countess Angela.
Look, Mr. Abbot, Countess Angela was very shaken.
She said: "Run, take him to the nymphaeum!"
In her haste, though, she didn't give exact directions.
But she spoke in secret, so maybe we'd better not take the main alley.
What say you? - Well, I...
Come, come! Across the lawn you'll find the fountain.
On its left, a passage in the wall. - But...
Run, hurry up! She's waiting!
I'll deal with the dogs!
There's no time, tomorrow would be too late! Save me, save me!
In... in what way?
I don't want to become one of those nuns!
You saw it with your own eyes that it's a scandal.
They too, poor things,
as it will be for me,
are forced against their will and vocation,
to shut themselves in a convent!
Save me.
Help me to escape.
I talked to my relatives, I begged them to spare me.
But this has only served to precipitate the catastrophe.
Tomorrow at dawn I will go to the convent.
But how can I help you, I,
a poor abbot?
If your religious vocation is true, is profound,
show me that you will be an enlightened priest,
by helping this poor creature to escape from damnation.
If, instead...
Angela...
Are you sure you'll be a good priest?
No. Not any more, not when I see you!
You love me? Say, you love me?
Yes.
Not yet! Not like that!
I want to escape so to live in the fear of God.
I want to be a good wife, and a mother.
Listen to me, and think before answering.
Will you marry me?
Marry you?
Where are they? - There!
Danger in sight!
Go away!
You're too conspicuous dressed like that!
Put these on!
We're aware of Angela's plans. You can trust us, we're her cousins.
Salvatore, the servant you met, will bring you some clothes,
so later you can mingle with the guests.
We have a party tonight.
Angela told us a lot about you. I realize she was right.
Wait here now.
Mariolina!
Here is our guest of honor!
Give me a kiss, darling!
Blessed are you that tomorrow you'll be in joy!
Far from the world I'll pray for you all.
I'm so happy to have met here the son of my cousin!
Gentleman Sengalt.
Take me to the gaming table, dear. Then I'll let you free!
Excuse me.
But, is he really the son of Sengalt?
I don't know, I'm at a loss!
Angela!
Angela, don't run away, we need to organize everything!
Let me!
Angela, where are you off to? - Still up? - It's time for you to retire.
Who is the young man? - I don't know.
I don't think I ever saw him.
Who invited him? - He's with Mme Serpieri.
It's the son of her cousin, Sengalt.
Aunt said to go pray in the chapel.
I haven't talked to him yet! What shall I do?
Let him play, you see he's winning?
Some money will come in handy, if you are to elope with him.
But I don't know yet if he'll marry me!
What? - We're still at this point?
Go to the chapel. We'll send him over.
Bravo! - Enough now, fine young man. Collect your winnings.
Thank you! Thank you, dear aunt.
I will write it to my cousin!
This one... does not belong to me!
My brother's suit fits you just well.
We feared for you. We couldn't find you!
Angela feared that you had even run away!
I was just about to do it! I was terrified. All those people!
At some point I met that airhead, who said:
"Young man, surely I know you! What's your name?"
I don't know why, I said: "My name is De Sengalt."
My father always hinted at a far kinship, and she:
"Oh, dear, dearest, I was sure of that! We are related.
Indeed, we're cousins!"
He's nice, that young man. Who is he?
A relative of the Serpieri.
Giacomo!
Salvatore said that you were praying in the chapel.
I prayed until now, and I'm quieter.
So, listen...
The coach that should take me to the convent of St. Agatha
will depart at dawn, before everyone wakes up.
You will take place on it, as second lackey.
My cousins will think of everything.
And where will we go?
Where you want, but the farthest possible.
Not to Venice. They know us, they would arrest us.
Do you know any priest in Padua, willing to marry us immediately?
We need to create a fait accompli!
In Padua?
Maybe there is someone.
Don't worry.
Then let's go there!
We'll choose later where to live.
Where it's easier to make a living.
I embroider very well.
You can teach Latin.
We could do housekeeping!
Housekeeping?
My love, we shall be terribly poor.
I will go away with just the dress I'll wear.
My dowry is for the convent.
But we shall be happy.
We will live in the grace of God!
Poor...
but with many children!
Tell me that you're happy!
Sure... I'm so happy.
Where are you going?
To ask Angela if our nice young abbot will marry her or not. - Yes?
Wait, I'll go with you!
Why?
For the same reason!
Indeed, I'll give her the souvenir that we promised her.
You don't think it's a waste, for that bore?
What, this? - No, him!
Come on, tie me! Do something!
Shut me in the stable... in the attic, where you want!
Giacomo! What happened?
There is nothing to do, I know myself.
I know I'll never be able to control myself.
She's in her room, but within hours a carriage,
and the sinister complicity of a servant, could take us away, together.
You two have ever been in love?
I told you to tie me, because now...
I can still reason.
Yes, I can still reason.
But soon, when I will see my Angela,
beside me,
when I will feel her body...
next to mine...
that...
body...
virginal...
and pure...
What did she say?
I had no courage. I slipped the note under the door.
Oh, Angela, my poor adored love!
If she suffers only a hundredth part of what I suffer for her!
Why don't you go and comfort her?
And you, why not come and comfort me?
Let's go, Salvatore, there is nothing to wait for.
She's already gone?
No. She climbed into the coach.
Now she's leaving!
You saved her!
They found your habit!
What is it, Cesare?
We found an abbot's gown!
Tell him to throw it away. I will no longer wear it, from now on.
Throw it away!
Yes, yes! No longer needed!
It was thus that,
at the dawn of September 12, 1742,
Giacomo Casanova renounced
the ecclesiastical career
to embrace that of libertine.