-
THE HOUSE OF WOMEN
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There's a very old tradition
in the south of Italy.
-
The preparation and preservation
of Italian tomato sauce.
-
Before the canning industry
took over this business,
-
it was done by families.
-
The preparation of the product
had several stages.
-
It coincided with the end of August
and lasted one week.
-
Women were in charge
of the procedure.
-
They gave men
the hardest tasks to do
-
and young children joined in too.
-
In the end, they dropped,
exhausted and triumphant,
-
like heroic soldiers
after a tough battle.
-
This long and complex procedure
-
allowed the women to prove
their mysterious abilities.
-
Nobody could interfere with
the preparation of the sauce.
-
Everyone anxiously gathered together
-
around the gigantic cauldron,
-
waiting for the scarlet steam
to rise
-
indicating a new beginning.
-
Even those who weren't directly
involved
-
became captivated by
this sacred celebration,
-
the celebration of
the power of women.
-
For better or worse...
-
AUGUST 1980
-
There are women only in this house.
-
It's my family.
-
There isn't even one man left.
-
Some died and some ran away.
-
You're getting some fresh air?
-
We could do with a storm.
-
Can't you feel it in your bones?
-
You got the attic key, Raffaella?
-
Life at Grandpa Rocco's farm
was more or less like this.
-
Grandpa Rocco!
He slept with anyone!
-
Our family actually began here
because of his passion for women.
-
Everyone who was related
by blood or affection,
-
came to live here.
-
In the capital, Bari.
-
RICCI PEELED TOMATOES
BRINGING TRADITION TO YOUR TABLE
-
AUGUST 1920
-
Great! Here's Roccuzzo!
-
Come on, let's go!
-
- Pasquale, where are you going?
- Fuck you!
-
You're a slut, Marietta!
-
He's our boss!
He's got plenty of women!
-
- He doesn't need you.
- Right!
-
Should I be like you, Checchina?
You just screw the seasonal workers!
-
Like that penniless
Pasquale Sciancalepore!
-
Shut up!
-
I'm going to tell dad. Or maybe not..
-
I'll give you a good hiding!
-
You'd better show me some respect!
-
Grandma Checchina was
Domenico's eldest daughter.
-
Domenico was a widowed farmer
dependant on Grandpa Rocco.
-
She argued constantly
with her sister, Aunt Marietta.
-
They fought for
grandpa's attention.
-
He had already conquered
the youngest
-
now he was ready to conquest
the eldest.
-
They held an eternal grudge
against one another.
-
This grudge grew with time,
capturing a third girl,
-
who was destined to have
an important role in our family.
-
Pasquina was an orphan
and grandpa's maid.
-
She wasn't exactly beautiful.
-
Nobody thought that grandpa
could be interested in her.
-
They were wrong.
-
Even Pasquina had entered
into grandpa's perversions.
-
Pasquina, come here!
-
What are you saying, Pasquale?
-
You're the only one I love!
-
I don't give a shit about Rocco.
-
You looked at him the other morning
when he arrived in his car!
-
I'm not blind.
Rocco's good-looking.
-
He's rich and always well-dressed.
-
- But he hasn't got what you've got!
- What have I got?
-
I'm just poor.
-
You're hot and passionate.
-
I'm wilting. Relight my fire!
You're so good at it!
-
Damn you, mister!
-
You want to scare me to death?
You shouldn't joke about death!
-
Who's joking?
Were you worried?
-
- So you do love me?
- What?
-
Didn't you know?
-
Go away.
-
You like breaking hearts.
-
Not those under a pair like these.
-
They're sweeter than kisses!
-
And they're tastier!
-
I'm stealing them from
that bastard Rocco!
-
They're delicious,
I'll take some to Pasquale too.
-
He can eat them with his bread.
-
Stuff you, Rocco!
-
He's always gawking and undressing
you with his eyes!
-
All those pervy looks
and weird behaviour.
-
He never acts like a real man.
-
Why doesn't he say it to my face?
"You're beautiful. I fancy you."
-
I'm a woman and it's nice
to hear things like that.
-
Then I could take Marietta's place!
-
If anyone's going to have him,
it's going to be me!
-
I'm the eldest,
it goes without saying!
-
What am I going to do with you?
-
Are you going to get down
on your own?
-
Or do you want me to help you?
So we can eat those grapes together.
-
I'm sorry, Mr. Rocco.
They looked so good.
-
I only wanted a bit of fruit.
It is Sunday!
-
I saw them from miles away!
-
- They'd only get eaten by birds.
- These grapes are really tasty!
-
But they're mine!
-
- Domenico!
- For fuck's sake, Rocco!
-
I was your dad's and your grandpa's
servant before being yours.
-
That's why I haven't knocked
your block off yet!
-
If anyone touches my daughters,
-
I'll give my life for them.
I'll make them pay for it!
-
- What's up?
- What the hell did you do?
-
I know... we're men.
-
I need to save my daughters' name.
-
- Get it now?
- Yes... no, explain what you mean.
-
Checchina is pregnant.
She's missed two periods.
-
The kid can only be yours.
-
Are we going to give this kid
a father?
-
OCTOBER 1920
-
Damn you, Checchina!
-
You stole my man!
-
By deceiving him!
-
I was his woman.
-
I was a virgin
when Rocco touched me!
-
I was immaculate.
-
Not like you,
who'd already been with Pasquale!
-
You made that idiot believe
you were a virgin!
-
Men are so gullible!
-
But I swear...
-
I swear on my poor mother
who's watching me from above!
-
She can see how much I'm suffering!
I swear!
-
An eye for an eye,
a tooth for a tooth!
-
Rocco'll never be yours!
-
Never!
-
Hoorah for the bride and groom!
-
Hoorah for the bride and groom!
-
Domenico!
-
SEPTEMBER 1921
You don't get it, do you?
-
You're married and a father!
-
You still go round
knocking up women?
-
I was your dad's and your grandpa's
servant before being yours.
-
That's why I haven't chopped
your head off... the one down there!
-
- Get it now?
- Yes.
-
- Marietta.
- She's pregnant.
-
She's already missed two periods
and the kid can only be yours.
-
So, are we going to give
this kid a father?
-
What am I supposed to do?
I can't now.
-
You can.
-
You supply the dowry,
-
the house
and cover the wedding costs.
-
We'll find her a husband.
-
Dad, what about Pasquale?
-
He's poor, he could do
with some money.
-
Then we'd all be happy!
-
We'll make a great family.
Isn't that right, Marietta?
-
We know you're listening
behind the door!
-
Pasquale!
-
Congratulations!
-
Here we are again, Pasquale!
-
I'm yours!
-
Rocco's mine, you bitch!
-
But I'm in charge, you slut!
-
AUGUST 1922
-
- Well, doctor?
- It's a beautiful girl.
-
- A girl, again?
- What can I do?
-
- You should be happy anyway!
- Yeah.. right!
-
- How's Checchina?
- Fine, she could have another ten.
-
Daughters? No, thanks, doctor.
-
Take the baby.
-
Listen, doctor.
-
Marietta told me that you found
her kid a bit skinny.
-
You think I should take him to see
a specialist in Bari?
-
No, it's just the heat.
He doesn't like Marietta's milk.
-
He's got diarrhoea
and he's losing weight.
-
You really care about your nephew!
-
Guido's like a son to me.
-
Right! A son!
-
And Fedora? And this other one?
-
What are you thinking of?
-
You got yourself into this mess!
-
But these poor kids...
-
all need to be loved equally,
all of them!
-
Is that clear?
-
SEPTEMBER 1922
-
He took all the money.
-
Then he left without saying a word!
-
Of course, with a wife like you!
What do you expect?
-
- He's done his duty.
- You can say that! Checchina!
-
Stop stirring, you witch!
-
We're all God fearing respectable
Christians here!
-
Yeah... sure, "Madame" Checchina!
-
That's enough!
-
My two daughters are like a pair
of angry dogs!
-
Always at each others throats!
-
Why would a man stay here with you?
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For the money?
For the land?
-
No!
-
You can't buy peace and quiet!
-
And you, my dear husband,
you're saying nothing?
-
How will your sister-in-law
cope without her husband?
-
I'm such an idiot!
-
You're so generous and affectionate,
you can comfort her!
-
But now... who's going to
comfort you?
-
You think it's funny?
-
You know what?
-
From now on, my husband
isn't going to comfort anyone!
-
No one!
-
Got that?
-
Why don't you say something?
-
Fucking money!
-
It keeps me chained up here!
-
If I was a poor
and unemployed nobody...
-
Where's Pasquale now?
Is he already in America?
-
I should be in Australia now,
instead of here with you two!
-
My God, help me!
-
OCTOBER 1922
What's happening to me?
-
Help me!
-
I want to vomit, but I can't.
-
I know it's punishment for...
My God, I know I was wrong!
-
Don't let me say anything else!
-
I know, certain things are wrong.
-
I swear on my life
that I didn't want to do it.
-
But the boss is strong and powerful.
-
He was pissed off with his wife
and sister-in-law!
-
You can't say no
because he's the boss.
-
But he hurt me when he was
on top of me.
-
I was thinking of you,
the Virgin Mary!
-
You're a woman, just like me,
vulnerable.
-
You can understand
better than anyone.
-
Please help me!
-
Please help me to get over this!
-
I'm scared I'm going to die.
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NOVEMBER 1922
-
You'll be in my double bed with me.
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Your clothes can go in the trunk.
-
You're not going anywhere.
You'll stay here with me.
-
We'll bring you food
and things to wash with.
-
You can continue working
but closed in here.
-
Nobody can see you.
-
Everyone knows you have a strange
illness. We'll look after you.
-
We'll help you when the baby's born.
-
Me and Rocco will
acknowledge the kid, as if it's ours.
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That's how will it be for everyone.
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Even when he grows up
and is an adult,
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for ever and ever... amen!
-
Is that clear?
-
Yes, Madame Checchina. Thanks.
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Now get some rest.
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You can work in the afternoon.
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If things were as I said,
-
it meant that my grandpa Rocco,
tireless breeder...
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AUGUST 1923
..hadn't had one legitimate child.
-
But he had four
illegitimate children.
-
Fedora and Palma with Checchina,
Guido with Marietta
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and Giacinta with Pasquina.
-
If we're to listen to the rumours,
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there would be seven children.
-
AUGUST 1940
-
My life will be like this
from now on
-
I'll always have a glass of wine
and you'll party around me...
-
always!
-
He's so handsome.
His eyes are like spring meadows!
-
He's the man for me.
He'll love me.
-
I'd like to be in their shoes...
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to go back in time!
-
I got myself into real trouble
with these three witches!
-
It's so great to be
young and free...
-
I got you, Rocco!
-
Sciancalepore's daughters
have settled down now.
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Yes, Checchina.
You're a bitch!
-
I've given Rocco
the son he wanted!
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They're so beautiful
and they've been good to me.
-
Look at my daughter.
My little princess.
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How unfortunate for us!
-
Mother and daughter,
boss and servant!
-
This party may be better than ours,
-
but no one can drive me away!
-
It's the same old story!
Daughters and stepdaughters!
-
So one husband's as good
as another!
-
My father, Raffaele, the accountant
at Bari's Land Office,
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married Fedora.
-
My mother wanted the wedding
to take place quickly
-
to get away from a house
where she never felt loved.
-
SEPTEMBER 1940
Once settled in the new flat,
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the building where we live now,
-
my parents, Fedora and Raffaele,
were followed by Aunt Marietta.
-
She didn't want to leave
her son Guido,
-
who was doing his last year
at high school.
-
Grandpa Rocco often visited
the young newlyweds.
-
In actual fact, he came to express
his desire for his sister-in-law.
-
Aunt Clotilde lived
on the first floor.
-
She was my father's sister,
and very fond of him.
-
She had married Romolo,
the wannabe count,
-
who always boasted about
the 100 castles he'd once owned!
-
He couldn't cope with the humble
place where he lived now.
-
Opposite my parents' flat
-
was Romolo's sister, Aunt Viola.
-
She had just married Giovanni,
-
who was anti-fascist and dreamt of
joining the political refugees.
-
War had just broken out
-
which proved that the country
was heading for disaster,
-
even to those who were more
conscientiously aware.
-
JUNE 1941
-
During that period the building
was put on the market.
-
Grandpa Rocco had
a prostrate problem
-
and wanted to go Bari to be cured,
so he bought it.
-
He sold the farm and moved in
to the empty flats
-
with his women.
-
He took over the first floor
in the main part of house,
-
along with Checchina
and Giacinta.
-
Aunt Marietta and her son Guido
were put on the second floor,
-
at the centre of his
sexual fantasies.
-
Aunt Palma had the flat next-door
with her husband Damiano,
-
the old accountant from the farm.
-
In the end, Pasquina got the flat
between the first and ground floor,
-
so she could act as porter,
as well as wait on everyone.
-
JULY 1941
-
Giovanni!
-
Giovanni!
-
What's happened?
-
- Viola!
- Giovanni!
-
What's happened?
-
Viola, tell me what happened!
-
She's not well, make her sit down!
-
What's this racket?
-
You always have
to stick your nose in!
-
Half naked
and in Raffaele's arms!
-
- Has he really gone?
- Yes, he left me!
-
He wants to join the Resistance!
-
As if he can scare Mussolini!
-
Serious consequences followed.
-
SEPTEMBER 1941
-
Raffaele, it hurts!
-
- What's the matter, Fedora?
- My tummy.
-
- Your tummy?
- I could do with some camomile tea.
-
Camomile.
-
- Have we got some?
- No.
-
No?
-
I'll try to find some.
-
Camomile tea?
-
What are you doing?
-
Don't take advantage
of a lonely woman!
-
You're so sexy!
I haven't done it in ages!
-
Fedora's off-limits
with that big tummy!
-
Raffaele!
-
To hell with it, let's do it.
I've got to go to war!
-
Give me this treat!
-
Giovanni, forgive me!
-
- But you left me!
- You like it?
-
Yes, but Fedora might hear us!
-
My God, these walls have ears!
-
What do you care?
-
Let them fucking talk,
they're all idiots!
-
What's happened?
-
Fedora!
-
She's going into labour!
-
Get some towels for Fedora!
-
Rocco is born, my first grandson!
-
Fedora gave birth
to a beautiful baby boy.
-
Grandpa Rocco was really proud
-
and didn't consider whether it was
his legitimate grandson or not.
-
Raffaele was the boy's
legitimate father,
-
but he was at war so he wasn't
there to celebrate the birth.
-
He's beautiful!
-
- Don Rocco's grandson!
- He's handsome, look at him.
-
He's really handsome!
-
SUMMER 1946
After my brother Rocco,
-
we were born in this order.
-
Clotilde had Giulia,
Romolo's favourite.
-
She was retarded.
This confirmed she had blue blood.
-
Teresa, Amelia and Vittoria
were Damiano's daughters,
-
he was the only one
who hadn't gone to war.
-
Giovanni was born healthy,
even though he was Romolo's son.
-
My father conceived me
while on leave,
-
which he was given because
of an illness he'd got in Libya.
-
He returned so frail
that he only managed to see me
-
and leave me his surname.
-
My mother Fedora was left
with the duty of bringing up me
-
and little Rocco.
-
Aunt Viola had lost
Giovanni forever.
-
His death was announced by
a telegram from the authorities.
-
A funeral took place,
even though the coffin was empty.
-
Viola's husband's name was given
to Romolo's second son,
-
who had returned from the war
healthy,
-
just like Uncle Guido.
-
JULY 1950
-
What are you doing?
-
You've flooded the place!
-
Rocco! Raffaella!
-
Who was it?
-
You've really made me angry!
-
It's been ten years. I'm tired!
-
When Romolo comes, we have to talk.
-
It's so hot!
-
What an exhausting day!
-
I've got a terrible headache.
-
What are you doing here?
-
I'll slap all of you!
-
Come here!
-
Raffaella! Rocco!
-
You really made me angry today!
-
Really.
-
Give me a little kiss!
-
My lovely little Giulia!
-
My little darling!
-
My darling!
-
Raffaella!
-
Rocco!
-
Come to auntie.
-
Let's play horsies!
-
Give auntie a little kiss!
-
More!
-
Giovanni!
-
Please, you have to keep still.
-
- You got that, Giovanni?
- Yes, mom.
-
Keep still.
-
Auntie's little pet!
-
What did you do?
-
Your auntie's little treasure.
Come here, my darling!
-
Auntie's little treasure!
-
Clotilde, where are you?
-
You be good now.
-
- I'm coming, Romolo!
- Wife...
-
There is no work for me
in this city!
-
But you refuse to try anything.
-
You think a count can accept
any job?
-
How long do you want to depend on
your sister?
-
It's been ten years!
-
This situation is humiliating for me!
Viola reminds me every day!
-
I'm not like you.
You accept to do anything!
-
Even serve Fedora!
-
I don't serve anyone!
-
Fedora pays me well to look after
her children.
-
Your kids eat with the money I get!
You'd let them starve!
-
What harm do I do?
-
I have a kindergarten in my house.
-
That's a job too, isn't it?
-
Will you stop it?
-
Cut it out!
-
We've got enough
for the rest of the year!
-
It's yours by right,
you're his daughter!
-
If it wasn't for me,
how could Rocco buy this house?
-
Who'd have done the accounts?
-
Who'd have seen to the estates?
-
Who'd have argued with
the labourers?
-
With everybody?
-
Who'd have risked to pay
when they came to check?
-
- Yours truly!
- That's right.
-
Everyone else sticks to their duties!
-
Get out of here!
-
Now!
-
My God!
-
My God!
-
- Viola.
- Yes?
-
- You coming to Clotilde's to eat?
- No, I'm eating alone today.
-
Lucky her, she doesn't
work in the afternoon!
-
These shops are a nightmare.
-
There's just one hour break,
then it's back to work.
-
I never see the kids.
-
Who'd have thought it?
-
- Dad hasn't eaten anything.
- He's not well.
-
It's that damn prostate!
-
- What shall we do with all this?
- Give it to Palma.
-
At least the kids will eat it.
-
Dad.
-
Don't you feel well?
-
- Let's get the doctor.
- Forget it.
-
Maybe you need to change treatment.
-
I'm going out now, I'll call him.
-
Leave me alone.
-
I've got nothing left,
what do you want?
-
Leave me alone,
I've got nothing left!
-
Leave me alone,
I've got nothing left.
-
What do you want from me?
-
Stop it!
-
I can't breathe! Help!
-
Stop it, I can't breathe!
-
Help!
-
Help!
-
Help!
-
Stop it, I can't breathe!
-
Help!
-
- What is it?
- Get some water!
-
Get away!
-
Help me!
-
- He's sleeping!
- Dad, wake up.
-
- What happened?
- We're here with you.
-
Were you dreaming?
-
Calm down, you're fine.
-
It's all over. Calm down.
-
Everything's all right.
-
Get some rest, Don Rocco.
-
Rocco felt ill.
-
- Was it his prostate again?
- Yes. The doctor came.
-
- How's your prostate?
- I'm thirty years old!
-
- That's an old man's problem!
- Yeah, right.
-
You work too hard for that lawyer.
He exploits you.
-
How many times do I have to tell you?
-
I'm getting experience
-
so I can become a lawyer.
-
What are we going to do
if Rocco dies?
-
Don't worry. I'll look after you.
-
Guido, my dear son...
-
why don't you get an office here,
now that you've got experience?
-
- It's still too soon, mom.
- Too soon?
-
- Well?
- Don Rocco's not well.
-
The doctor gave him some medicine.
-
Rocco!
-
Doesn't time fly?
-
I'm off to clean the hall.
The wind brought so much dirt in.
-
SUMMER 1950
-
SUMMER 1960
-
The tragedies announced over
the past decades
-
reached an astonishing level
over the next few years.
-
We were the involuntary characters,
the youngest ones.
-
Giovanni, look after your sister.
-
Let's show her the pictures.
-
Here's your stick.
-
Clotilde, I'm going out.
-
You slut!
-
- Close the door, you idiot!
- I saw your husband leaving.
-
I was hiding in the bathroom.
-
My shoulder!
-
- You've hurt yourself, help!
- My shoulder.
-
He's hurt himself!
-
- It hurts!
- What happened?
-
Don't touch him!
You mustn't move him.
-
Go away, you slut!
-
Call an ambulance.
-
The gossiping started
at Aunt Palma's house.
-
Poor Romolo!
-
- He's hurt his shoulder.
- He's got too many problems!
-
- He didn't deserve it!
- He called his wife a slut!
-
What? A slut?
-
Exactly.
-
She has no shame!
-
Fedora makes out she knows nothing.
What can she say?
-
Since when has anyone admitted
to knowing anything at your dad's?
-
Never!
-
Starting with your mother,
your aunt and the others!
-
- Shut up!
- They always kept everything quiet!
-
Shut up and think about your health!
-
Damn you!
-
I need an ambulance!
-
I need one.
-
How are you feeling, Rocco?
-
I know.
-
We've had it now!
-
- Where is he?
- He went to sleep.
-
- What did they say in Rome?
- Nothing else can be done!
-
A specialist like him
doesn't know what to do?
-
It's cancer!
-
It's spread everywhere.
-
Where's that slut?
-
Slut!
-
Me!
-
That slut!
-
Giovanni!
Where's that slutty mother of yours?
-
You're my darling.
-
You're the only one I want.
-
If it wasn't for you, Rocco,
-
I'd have killed myself
in all these years.
-
Aunt!
-
Don't even joke about it.
-
I'll love you forever.
-
Forever.
-
Let me go.
-
Let me go now.
-
It's late.
-
I have to cook.
-
Raffaella might come up.
-
No.
-
Raffaella's at grandpa's.
-
She's with Aunt Giacinta.
She won't come up.
-
Let me go.
-
Let me go now. It's late.
-
You know what your uncle
will be saying about me now?
-
It's hell at home now.
-
Palma!
-
- Dad, mom's not here.
- What's this stink?
-
- It's your turn today.
- No, I cleaned him yesterday.
-
- Then it Teresa's turn.
- I'm not the idiot here!
-
I'm waiting for mom!
-
The other day mom didn't give a shit.
-
Dad was all dirty
and we died from the stink!
-
- Let's take him to hospital.
- He hasn't got long left!
-
Dad's illness is all that we needed!
-
Aunt Giacinta,
why aren't you married?
-
Jesus wanted it this way.
-
Why are so different,
you, mom and aunt Palma?
-
- Different in what way?
- I don't know.
-
Your looks and character...
-
How do you think of these things?
-
I know.
-
- What do you know?
- I know.
-
One day I heard grandma
and Aunt Marietta arguing.
-
Go on...
-
They were talking about the will.
-
They didn't know I was in the loo.
-
Aunt Marietta said that mom
and Aunt Palma
-
weren't really
grandpa's daughters.
-
And that grandpa would leave
everything to Uncle Guido
-
who really is
Grandpa Rocco's son.
-
They were shouting
and I didn't catch everything.
-
They were talking about Pasquina
and you.
-
What do you mean?
-
That you're Pasquina's daughter.
-
I don't believe that, auntie.
-
I don't believe it.
-
Come on, it's not true!
-
Auntie, it's not true!
-
Why are you crying? It's not true.
-
It's doesn't matter.
-
Is it true, auntie?
-
Who knows, my dear!
-
It was then that I understood
-
that what Grandma Checchina and
Aunt Marietta had said was true.
-
Our family was a result of many
interpersonal relationships.
-
Uncle Damiano decided to leave
his four women,
-
since they were becoming more
intolerant to his bowel movements.
-
Cirrhosis of the liver took its toll
on him within the year.
-
SEPTEMBER 1961
-
Uncle Romolo's health continued
to get worse.
-
He collapsed again for no reason.
-
Aunt Viola consulted
the best doctors
-
but the outcome was terrible.
-
He had multiple sclerosis.
-
He would be completely
paralysed soon.
-
Pasquina paid the price for a while.
-
Aunt Viola asked her to have Romolo
stay in her apartment.
-
This was a ground floor apartment,
-
so it would be easier for him
to go out.
-
Get out of my sight!
-
You've finally managed
to get rid of me!
-
What are you saying?
-
Your sister wanted it.
For your own good.
-
So you don't have to go up
any stairs.
-
I doubt I'll ever go out again!
-
And you?
-
You'll continue being a slut
in my house!
-
Don Rocco was a great man.
-
OCTOBER 1961
-
Now it was grandpa's turn.
-
He was a king in the countryside,
but a nobody here!
-
You can begin.
All the relatives are here.
-
We're all here.
-
- Good...
- Please!
-
Firstly, I'd like to express
-
my deepest sympathy to all persons
present for Don Rocco's death.
-
I'm going to read his last wishes...
-
Don Rocco put a lot of thought into
-
how to distribute his assets.
-
He decided to divide everything
-
depending on the love shared
with each individual.
-
Consequently,
-
this first floor apartment will go
to Miss Giacinta.
-
So this apartment will go
to Giacinta!
-
Yes, she'll get this first floor flat.
-
But Madame Checchina will be made
life tenant.
-
What are you saying?
That's not possible!
-
One moment!
-
One moment, calm down!
-
Miss Giacinta shall also
-
become owner of two apartments.
-
A five-bedroom flat and a two-bedroom
one, both in Via Suppa, 18.
-
Via Suppa!
-
Mr. Guido will get
-
the apartment occupied by his mother,
Mrs. Marietta.
-
She will acquire life tenancy rights.
-
Mrs. Pasquina gets life tenancy
rights
-
for the one-bedroom flat.
-
Guido also gets a three-bedroom
flat situated in Via Suppa, 18.
-
Mrs. Fedora...
-
becomes owner
-
of the remaining second floor
apartments.
-
And a legacy
-
to ensure nephew Rocco with
accommodation.
-
Mrs. Palma...
-
Mrs. Palma...
-
will get the two remaining flats
-
on the first floor.
-
Please, let me finish!
-
There are many other bequests
-
for non-family members.
-
When the will was read it was like
a bomb had exploded.
-
It shocked both the beneficiaries
-
as well as those who saw
their hopes vanish.
-
Grandpa Rocco had enjoyed
getting his revenge
-
by stating his last wishes.
-
AUGUST 1962
-
- Has Rocco written?
- No.
-
He hasn't been in touch anymore.
-
Life as a soldier must be tough.
-
Eighteen months of hard work,
for someone who was completely idle!
-
We're better off without him,
don't you think?
-
Right.
-
Giovanni, keep an eye on your sister!
-
Yes, mom.
We'll be down soon.
-
Hurry up and lay the table.
-
- Mom.
- What?
-
Do you love me?
-
What sort of question is that?
-
We have to tell her,
we can't go on like this.
-
We have to sort this out.
-
Let's talk.
-
Tell me.
-
Viola, why don't you
bring Romolo home?
-
I don't mean to be rude,
-
but he never goes out anyway.
-
Guido and Roberta
are getting married.
-
They have to do up the flat.
-
Try and understand.
-
All right.
We'll bring him upstairs today.
-
We can look after him properly.
My poor brother.
-
Poor Don Romolo.
Jesus wants to have him near.
-
There was nothing I could do.
It's a terrible disease!
-
Viola!
-
You see?
-
SEPTEMBER 1962
The walls aren't painted...
-
..the colour I chose, it should be
darker, but not too dark.
-
You understand?
Just a shade darker.
-
Come with me.
-
My poor son.
-
He chose a good one there!
-
She's a complete idiot!
-
RAI Television.
Good morning.
-
This is the 26th edition
-
of the Levante Town Fair
in the area of Bari...
-
Everyone knows.
-
She's no virgin.
-
It doesn't matter, auntie.
-
As long as they love each other.
-
Does Guido love her?
-
Yes, damn it!
-
I don't like her.
-
It's just evil gossip, Marietta.
-
Her abortion, Switzerland,
her lovers!
-
You're exaggerating!
-
She chose my son just to use him
as protector.
-
I bet she has other boyfriends!
-
That's what I said!
-
Maybe she wants to be serious
with Guido.
-
Sure! Guido will sort her out!
-
- He's twenty years older than her!
- And she wants...
-
a brand new house,
-
a thousand dollar white dress,
-
and one hundred and fifty guests.
-
My son has to foot the bill
for the little bitch!
-
That's enough. The film's on now.
-
Uncle Romolo left us too.
-
There was just one wreath
on his coffin which read,
-
"For Count Romolo, with devotion.
Your friends from the Sports Bar."
-
People were crying left,
right and centre on both floors...
-
- Come in.
- May I?
-
Come in.
-
Go through.
-
There, on the armchair.
-
Here we are.
-
- She's here!
- Madame Checchina!
-
I'm going to make a fantastic dress
-
for your nephew's wedding!
-
The material's beautiful.
-
You have to make dresses
for everyone!
-
That'll be hard work!
-
Hurry up, Lucia!
-
Or we'll have to go to the ceremony
in our underwear!
-
All right.
-
Madame Marietta,
-
I've made you an amazing dress
for your nephew's wedding.
-
- I hope so!
- It'll be a great wedding, won't it?
-
The daughter of Percuoco,
the solicitor? She's well-known.
-
All that glitters is not gold.
-
- Mom, the shoulder's hanging down.
- So it is.
-
Teresa, those flowers would
look better on the armchair!
-
- Shut up, you look like a barrel!
- Look who's talking!
-
Lucia, take it in here, at the waist.
-
But it won't hang right then.
-
My God!
I feel like I'm wearing a sack!
-
Pass me the pins.
-
OCTOBER 1962
-
Uncle Guido's wedding
was a memorable event.
-
When we got home,
we were completely exhausted.
-
All the effort
-
put into meeting the in-laws
proved to be useless,
-
and had destroyed us,
in body and mind.
-
AUGUST 1963
-
Giovanni,
your aunt has found you a great job.
-
Why are you being like this?
-
- Working will do you good.
- Leave me alone.
-
Why? We all love you here.
-
- Me and your mother.
- Yeah right... her!
-
I can't stand her.
-
Listen.
-
Tomorrow you must go to
the tax office staff department.
-
Ask for Mr. Lavermicocca.
-
He's a friend of mine,
he'll sort you out.
-
Well, Viola?
-
He got the job and left at two o'clock
with the others.
-
Eight hours have gone by
and he's not back!
-
In a couple of hours
I'll go to the police.
-
Maybe he met someone...
-
No, he never talks to anyone.
-
Let's keep calm. He'll be back soon.
-
Raffaella, ask grandma
if she's heard from him.
-
Giovanni!
-
Giovanni!
-
Open the door!
-
- Come and eat.
- I spoke to Mr. Lavermicocca.
-
He said he'll wait for a few days,
if you're not well.
-
Come out. Don't be silly.
-
Get lost, you sluts!
All women are sluts!
-
What's the matter with you?
-
Let me in.
-
Let me in.
-
Only me, I promise.
Open the door.
-
Only you.
-
What's happened to you?
-
- What's happened to you?
- You're all sluts!
-
Why are you saying that?
You know it's not true.
-
Tell that slutty aunt of mine that
I don't want the job!
-
Why not?
-
- She knows why.
- Tell me!
-
They laughed.
-
They looked at me and laughed.
-
They said I'm the lover's nephew!
-
Me!
-
Mr. Lavermicocca
with his sweaty hands!
-
The employees said,
-
"He's the lover's nephew!"
-
Now do you understand?
-
Aunt Viola and Mr. Lavermicocca!
-
That's why I got the job.
-
I'm the lover's nephew!
-
You women are all sluts!
-
Why are you saying that?
-
You're a slut too!
-
Giovanni never came out of
that room. He refused to eat.
-
The people from the mental home
tried to help him.
-
But they couldn't.
-
He was found hanging in the toilet
at the psychiatric clinic.
-
SEPTEMBER 1963
Now you have to find a job...
-
and a nice girl.
-
You got that, Rocco?
-
My brother Rocco
had got back from military service.
-
A veil was drawn over the tragedies.
-
Isn't Aunt Clotilde here?
-
Leave me alone.
-
Forget about me.
-
I'm no good for you anymore.
Stop it!
-
Don't you think about me?
-
I've desired you
for all these months!
-
I feel bad for Giovanni too.
-
But it's not our fault
if he decided to do this!
-
Now you're suffering
-
but we'll get through it together.
-
Don't insist, Rocco.
-
It's over. I can't do it any longer...
-
Rocco, dinner's ready!
-
Come and have dinner, Rocco!
-
Are you coming? Hurry up!
-
Eat.
-
Eat!
-
Look at the state of you!
-
Have a shave!
-
Have a wash! You've been cooped up
in there for a month!
-
When are you going to get a job?
You're always in bed!
-
Rocco,
you've got to sort yourself out!
-
I've worked all my life,
I've had enough!
-
You're a man, you have to do
something, understood?
-
Why aren't you saying anything?
-
What did I say?
He's gone nuts!
-
And so Rocco resolved his problems
once and for all.
-
JULY 1964
-
Hi.
-
Will you watch the baby?
-
May I?
-
Is that you?
-
No, Serena's not sleeping.
-
Me? I'm not just here
to be milked like a cow!
-
What time will you be back tonight?
-
So late? Why?
-
Work! How will we manage
when I go back to work?
-
'Bye!
-
The beach? On Sunday?
-
I have to wait till Sunday
to see the sun?
-
Poor child, with a mother like that!
-
You see? The baby's
been here since this morning!
-
The mother is out having fun
and leaves her daughter with me!
-
- She works!
- Isn't your job enough?
-
You have your own office!
You can work!
-
- Don't start, mom.
- Come on, Guido!
-
You're too good!
You don't see what others see!
-
- Roberta, I must talk to you tonight.
- Don't nag me!
-
It's important.
Everybody knows already!
-
I need to clear things up. The baby
stays with my mom until 10 pm!
-
Why don't you come home early
instead of at 11?
-
- I work!
- So do I. I'm a lawyer like you.
-
- Are you kidding?
- Stop it!
-
You're old and boring!
You're worse than my father!
-
If I'd known,
I wouldn't have married you!
-
You want me to be your maid!
-
I'm Mr. Percuoco's daughter, the
solicitor who taught you your job!
-
You want to boss me about?
I've always been free as the wind.
-
Stop it, you old fool!
-
Guido, it's midnight.
-
She's not coming home.
-
Shut up, mom!
-
My dear son, think about it.
-
She's gone now!
-
You have to realize that!
-
Go to the police to report it.
-
No, she'll be back.
-
There's the baby.
-
So, be happy
with being a cuckold then!
-
Aunt Marietta commented on
her son's sad situation like this:
-
"My poor son!
He should've listened to me!
-
She's not right for you!
She's too young.
-
She expects too much,
she's not simple like us!
-
Who does she think she is?
-
She's turned this place into
a Hollywood mansion!"
-
The proceedings for Uncle Guido's
and Roberta's separation
-
started at the beginning
of the following year.
-
Uncle Guido admitted
in front of the court
-
and in front of all the family
and the whole town
-
that his wife had been
unfaithful to him!
-
OCTOBER 1964
-
Roberta!
-
What is it?
-
Don't even try!
-
You know that you have no rights
to the baby.
-
At least until the court case.
Then we'll see. You'll see!
-
Serena is absolutely fine.
-
My mother is more than a mother!
-
You can't say that!
How dare you?
-
You did nothing for the baby
when you were here!
-
Damn you!
-
Damn the day I fell in love
with you!
-
You don't deserve me!
-
I'm not old!
-
I worked like a dog
to make you feel like a queen!
-
And you offend me like this!
-
You embarrassed me
in front of all my family!
-
The whole town knows about me
being betrayed!
-
What will my daughter say
when she grows up?
-
What will they tell her about you?
-
This guilt will follow you
for the rest of your life!
-
You've ruined us! You whore!
-
Guido!
-
Guido!
-
Uncle Guido thought that life
was about duty and sacrifice.
-
Sacrifice and duty.
-
The humiliation of being born
almost secretly,
-
had made him feel unworthy
and he struggled day by day.
-
But even his perseverance
came to an end.
-
Now that there were no men left
to be taken to the cemetery,
-
there was peace in the building.
-
And so came justice,
-
which put everyone onto
the same sad level.
-
What happened?
Is there an electrical problem?
-
Maybe a fuse has blown.
-
I'm going to get Giulia and Clotilde.
-
Raffaella, has your power
been cut off too?
-
Yes, the whole building's cut off.
-
It had to happen today,
on Grandma Checchina's birthday!
-
AUGUST 1970
-
Thank God we have enough candles
for all those that died!
-
- Did Giovanni die?
- No, Giovanni's in heaven.
-
- And Rocco too?
- Yes, don't worry!
-
Serena, go with grandma.
-
Don't be afraid.
We're going to grandma's.
-
I've got her a present.
-
- What is it?
- It's a surprise!
-
Let's hurry up.
-
Or it will be too dark
for the procession!
-
Come on! Come on!
-
It had to happen today of all days!
-
- Someone's put a curse on us!
- I know who it is!
-
There's a power cut
in the whole town!
-
You think God is punishing
everyone?
-
Why not? People from Bari
are no better than others!
-
Come on.
-
Is Serena here?
-
It looks like St. Nicola's
procession!
-
Shut up, will you?
-
Thanks.
-
It's a bit eerie!
-
No, mom.
-
A candlelit birthday,
it's poetic!
-
We all look red
as if we've been to the beach!
-
Grandma,
I've written a letter for you.
-
She's written a letter!
-
- Let's hear it.
- I'm a bit embarrassed.
-
Of course,
you're not Henry Shakespeare.
-
Shut up and let her read!
-
Read it to grandma, Serena.
-
"Dearest Grandma Checchina,
-
you're no chicken.
-
On the contrary,
your head is full of dust,
-
and you're mom to all of us.
-
I wish you
all the love in the world."
-
- That's it.
- Is that it?
-
Yes, because the lights went out.
-
AUGUST 1979
-
It's so nice here.
-
It's great.
How long have you lived here?
-
A few years.
-
Since I became
a History of Art teacher.
-
I bumped into Felice the other day.
-
- Remember him?
- Yes.
-
He was always taking part in
demonstrations,
-
protesting and clashing
with the police.
-
He distributed leaflets
to the industrial workers.
-
We really got on their nerves!
-
The legend of poverty and sacrifice!
-
You know what he does now?
-
He's the managing director
for the Abruzzo Workshops.
-
I asked him
"What happened to the revolution?"
-
He replied that it was a hard life!
-
Then he got into his
top of the range Mercedes!
-
What do you expect?
Many years have gone by.
-
Many things have happened!
-
Divorce, feminism, abortion...
-
Yes, I was talking about history
being changed.
-
But I knew that history had not
played a great role in this house.
-
Life had always been ruled
-
by the laws set by
our three matriarchs.
-
Raffaella,
can I use your Latin dictionary?
-
Sorry... it was open.
I didn't know...
-
It's all right.
-
I left it at school.
-
This is my cousin Serena.
-
Nice to meet you.
-
What does a nice girl like you do...
-
during these hot August days,
apart from go to the beach?
-
You study Latin? Unbelievable!
-
I like Catullo.
-
I like him too. "Odi et amo."
-
They spoke about Catullo, love,
jealousy and passion.
-
All feelings that I had experienced
but that had vanished.
-
I looked at Riccardo and thought
he could be the right man for me.
-
He was handsome, intelligent
and cultured.
-
But like all men,
as far as I was concerned,
-
he belonged to another dimension
of time and space.
-
- Are you eating with us?
- No, thanks. I have to go.
-
I'm allergic to tomatoes!
-
Right!
-
AUGUST 1980
-
Love! All of us here feel love.
-
I feel love for several things.
-
I love art, my work and my students.
-
My mother loves me,
-
my brother Rocco
and those hurt by brotherly love.
-
Viola loves whoever she wants to,
without being judged as a whore.
-
She loves her three dead loves,
Giovanni, Romolo and the nephew.
-
As well as the two women
who are almost dead!
-
Aunt Palma loves her three daughters.
-
She hopes that a husband will drop
out of the sky for each of them!
-
There's no one good enough for them
on earth.
-
My three cousins have what they love,
-
what they pine for.
-
Flans, pies and cakes!
-
Grandma Checchina loves
her three daughters,
-
but what she really loves
is giving orders.
-
Pasquina loves Giacinta and serving.
-
Without this, she would feel useless!
-
Giacinta loves God
and those she helps.
-
Aunt Marietta loves Serena above all.
-
Serena is still a young girl.
-
As well as her love for her grandma
and her mother,
-
her dead father, her aunts
and cousins,
-
she's been struck by Cupid's arrows
and she yearns for boys.
-
Serena is so young
-
and her greatest love of all
is most certainly for life itself.
-
Subtitles by: Laser S. Film s.r.I. - Roma
Corrections by: Vincenza Misceo (June 11, 2013)
