THE LEOPARD
What is that noise?
What's going on? Speak!
Excellency, a dead soldier has been found in the garden.
What?
There are disturbances all over the city.
This letter arrived from Duke Malvica.
It's very urgent.
"Dear Fabrizio, read the dreadful news in the paper.
The Piedmontese have landed. We are all lost.
My family and I will take refuge on a British warship tonight.
You will surely wish to do the same.
May God save our king. Yours..."
What a rabbit!
"On May 1 1th, an act of flagrant piracy culminated
in the landing of armed men at Marsala.
The band numbers about 800 and is led by Garibaldi.
They managed to avoid an encounter with royal troops
and headed for Castelvetrano,
threatening, pillaging and laying waste."
Paolo, you'll move to our palace in Palermo tonight.
Right now, a house empty is a house lost.
No, Fabrizio, it's too dangerous!
It's war!
- Francesco Paolo, call Mimi. - Right away, Papa.
The revolution.
I can't breathe!
Domenico!
Mimi's coming, Papa.
- Excuse me, Your Excellency, but - - I know!
Go tell Don Antonio to harness the bays to the carriage. Go!
I'm going down to Palermo after dinner.
- Father Pirrone. - Yes?
- You'll come with me. - Me?
May the Lord protect us.
With the streets full of soldiers -
Calm down.
You can spend a couple of hours with your Jesuit friends.
Very well, Excellency.
To dinner... in half an hour.
Everyone.
What are we to do?
Those swine stink even when they're dead.
Salvatore, did you report it? - Yes.
Excellency, they've been told at the barracks to come remove him.
Bad times, Excellency.
Look at all the fires on the mountains!
The rebel encampments. - I can see them, Father.
Are you anxious about Don Tancredi?
He should beware of such
dangerous friendships.
He's not to blame. It's the times!
Of course.
These days, a wellborn young man can't enjoy a game of cards
without getting involved in dangerous friendships.
- Yes, I know. - Enough, then!
Even so, a bit of caution -
I said enough.
Stop!
Sergeant!
Villa Airoldi block post.
- Good evening, Excellency. - Good evening, Sergeant.
Forgive me.
Let them pass.
It's His Excellency, the Prince of Salina.
Good evening, Excellency.
What a lovely country this would be if -
If there weren't so many Jesuits.
I'll come for you at 1 0:00.
And Father... pray well.
Let's go.
Where could we go?
- The tavern down at the harbor. - I know the place.
Good evening, handsome.
- Melina, he's not for you. - Mind your own business.
My prince!
Good morning, Uncle.
Tancredi.
What were you up to last night?
Last night? Nothing.
Just out with friends for an innocent evening.
Not like some people I know who went down to Palermo
for some fun.
Who might that be?
You, Uncle.
I saw you with my own eyes at Villa Airoldi,
talking to the sergeant at the block post.
A fine thing, at your age - and a priest with you too.
You old libertine. - I guess it's true.
Why are you dressed like that?
Some fancy ball at this hour?
I'm leaving in an hour.
I came to say good-bye.
Why? Where are you going?
Not a duel?
Yes, a huge duel - with the king.
Little King Francis.
I'm off to the hills of Figuzza.
Great things are brewing, and I won't stay at home.
Anyway, I'd be arrested if I did.
You're mad!
Those people are mafiosi and troublemakers!
A Falconeri should stand with us, behind the king!
Behind the king. Right.
But which king?
You've said so yourself many times.
If Ferdinand were still alive - but little Francis?
God bless him, but no.
You think the Piedmontese will be better?
You trade the dialect of Turin for that of Naples - that's all.
How would you like Mazzini's republic, then?
Unless we take a hand, they'll foist a republic on us.
For things to remain the same,
everything must change.
Do you understand?
Good-bye. I'll be back with the tricolor.
The tricolor!
Your mouths are full of the word.
What is it compared to our white flag with the golden lily?
What hope can you have in that ugly clash of colors?
- Just you wait! You'll see I'm right. - Dreamers!
Good-bye, Uncle.
Good-bye.
See you soon.
Wait!
Yes, Uncle?
What's this?
Subsidizing the revolution?
Thank you.
See you soon. Respects to my aunt.
Concetta, don't. I'll be back soon.
Good-bye for now, Concettina.
Good morning, Excellency.
Good morning, Father.
Is Your Excellency here for confession?
Confession? It's not Saturday.
Listen to me. Come to confession.
There's no need. You know it all already.
The power of confession lies not only in telling our sins, but in repentance.
I know!
What would you have of me? I'm a vigorous man.
I can't find satisfaction with a woman who crosses herself in bed
before every embrace
and can only say "Gesummaria" afterwards.
I've had seven children with her
and I've never seen her navel!
Is that right?
I ask you. She's the sinner!
Excellency, I was too blunt.
I wish only to remain in your good graces.
But take my advice and come to confession.
I have no intention of doing so.
Not today, anyway.
I've made some important political discoveries.
You know what is happening in our country?
Nothing.
Simply an imperceptible replacement of one class for another.
The middle class doesn't want to destroy us.
It simply wants to take our place, and very gently,
giving us a few thousand ducats in the process.
Then everything can go on as it is.
Understand, Father? Ours is a country of arrangements.
You nobles will come to an agreement with the liberals
and even with the Masons
at the expense of the Church.
Then our property, which is the patrimony of the poor,
will be seized and carved up by the ringleaders.
Then who will feed all the destitute
who are sustained and guided by the Church?
How will those desperate masses be placated? I'll tell you.
By conceding them first a portion of your estates,
then another, until they have it all!
Our Lord healed the blind in body,
but what will happen to the blind in spirit?
We're not blind in spirit, Father.
We're just human beings in a changing world.
What should we do?
The church has been promised immortality.
We, as a social class, have not.
Any sop that promises us another 1 00 years of life is like eternity to us.
Beyond what we can touch with our own hands,
we have no obligations.
But the Church has, because she is destined not to die.
Solace is implicit in her desperation.
Do you think that if the Church
could ever save herself by sacrificing us,
she wouldn't do so?
Of course she would, and rightly so.
You have two sins to confess on Saturday.
One of the flesh last night, one of the spirit today.
Remember that.
Look, Father.
What beauty!
It'll take any number of Victor Emmanuels
to change this magic potion poured out for us every day.
Line up!
Aim! Fire!
Away, traitors!
Hang him!
There he is!
Let's hang him!
Forward!
All clear! Come on!
Stick close to the wall. You, follow me.
Help me!
He was a police spy! A murderer! He deserved it!
Come on, follow me!
The cavalry! Hold your fire! Wait!
Fire!
Hey, good woman! Yes, you! Come here!
Which way did they go?
They're advancing. They've reached the port by now.
Forward, men!
What do you think, Father?
Will these glorious new times bring us better roads?
The government...
Clear the way! We can't pass!
Stop!
You can't go on. The road's closed
- We have a permit. - It's no good. The road's closed.
Stop! Stop the carriages!
I'm sorry, but no one may pass.
Stop! You can't go any further.
Your permit, please.
Is it not valid?
I didn't say that.
But all permits issued to civilians have been suspended.
Do you think we're here for fun?
If I say turn back, you turn back!
I'll make them clear the road so the carriages can go on.
- Where do you think you're going? - No one may pass!
I'm Captain Prince Tancredi Falconeri. I fought with you in Palermo!
I have my orders.
This is an order too!
Clear the road!
You live among the nobles.
What do they say about all these great doings?
What does the Prince of Salina say,
so quick-tempered and proud?
The nobles, as you call them, are not easy to understand.
They live in a world of their own
not created by God but by themselves,
through centuries of experience, troubles and joys.
They're upset or pleased
about things that matter little to you and me
but are vital to them.
I don't mean they're bad people. Far from it.
They're... different.
They take no notice of things that we hold important,
and they have fears of which we're ignorant.
For example, for the Prince of Salina it would be a tragedy
to give up his holiday at Donnafugata, where we're headed.
But if you ask him what he thinks of the revolution,
he will say there is no revolution
and that everything will go on as before. - I should hope so too.
You should hope so too, eh?
We'd best just read from the prayer book.
Psalm 44.
Quickly, boys!
Spread it properly.
You get the bottles, and you get the glasses.
Hurry! Their Excellencies are coming!
Let's hope it all goes well. I'm so glad to see you again.
We'll have a little rest now.
You can eat under the trees.
We'll go on to Donnafugata in an hour.
Did the soldiers pass through here too? Any damage?
Algeria is very different, my dear!
Nice and cool! Don't you want to freshen up?
Moisten your temples and forehead.
How refreshing.
Delightful!
That's better, isn't it?
Let's hurry or there won't be any lunch left.
May I have it back?
Come on.
Are you hungry?
Everybody was saying His Excellency wouldn't be able to leave Palermo this year.
How could he travel in times like these?
Who knows what's happened to His Excellency and his family?
But you're all safe and sound.
Thanks be to God.
What did you think would happen to us?
It was all quite simple.
In fact, soon after Garibaldi's entry into Palermo,
Tancredi brought home a Tuscan general
who wished to admire the frescoes in the villa
and who helped obtain the permits for Donnafugata.
We are happy to welcome you to our home, General.
Thank you, Excellency.
He called you Excellency,
violating Garibaldi's first rule.
My nephew tells me you wish to see the frescoes.
I'd be delighted.
Let's take a look while it's light.
In the center, Jove and Juno,
Mars, Venus and Mercury.
On that side is Thetis, preceded by tritons and dryads.
Apollo, surrounded by clouds.
All of them glorifying the House of Salina.
Would you like a mint?
Thank you. My favorites.
I brought them specially for you.
How pale he is.
Is it true it's not a serious wound?
What?
A promotion on the field is well worth a wound.
The carriages are coming!
I am happy to welcome Your Excellencies.
Don Onofrio, how are you?
Fine. I return the palace to you in the state in which it was left.
Well done.
I'm proud to shake hands with the wounded hero of Palermo.
Wounded! I was made captain because a gnat flew in my eye.
I know you did a lot for the cause, Don Calogero.
Crispi spoke very highly of you.
Welcome back, Excellency.
Dear Teresina, how nice to see you again.
And you too, of course. What news do you have, Don Ciccio?
News? I wouldn't know.
Will you excuse me? - By all means.
Remember the dinner invitations for tonight.
We must ask the wives too.
- Why? - It's best that way.
Invite Don Calogero, and tell him to bring his wife.
The notary and his wife.
And Don Ciccio Tumeo, who thankfully has none.
Invite the rest to come by after dinner.
What is it?
It's Mimi, Excellency.
Father Pirrone - - Father Pirrone what?
Father Pirrone asks to see you at once.
Very well. Show him in.
Excellency, excuse me -
Oh, I beg your pardon.
Don't be silly, Father.
You're used to naked souls. Naked bodies are far more innocent.
Hand me that towel. - What?
- The towel. - Yes. Right away.
Come on, Father.
Harder, Father.
And take my advice - have a bath yourself occasionally.
Sit down.
Why are you in such a hurry to speak to me?
It's like this, Excellency.
I've been given a most delicate mission.
A person dear to you has opened her heart to me
and charged me to tell you, trusting, perhaps wrongly,
that your consideration for me -
Get to the point!
Of course. It's just -
Who is it? The princess?
Oh, no.
The princess is very tired and is resting.
It's Miss Concetta.
She's in love.
Miss Concetta? What on earth?
Nonsense!
I'm sorry I upset you.
I didn't think - - Look here, Father.
A man of 45 can still consider himself young
until he realizes he has children old enough for love.
Then old age comes over him in one blow.
You haven't asked who the man is.
The young man she - - There's no need.
Silly girl! Why didn't she come tell me?
In your opinion, what should I say?
The wish to found a Christian family
is agreeable to the Church.
Our Lord's presence at the marriage -
Let's keep to the point.
I want to talk about this marriage, not the one at Cana,
much less about marriage in general.
Has Don Tancredi made any definite proposal?
Not a real proposal, exactly.
But Miss Concetta is quite certain.
His attentions, his glances,
his remarks.
She is sure that she is loved
and feels a proposal is imminent.
Don't worry.
The danger is not even close.
These are just a romantic schoolgirl's fantasies.
Why do you say "danger"?
Can you see Concetta as ambassadress in Vienna or Petersburg?
I'm fond of Concetta,
so placid and submissive,
but Tancredi has a great future ahead of him.
How can she, with her passive virtues and shyness,
help an ambitious husband to climb the slippery steps of the new society?
Tancredi needs money.
Concetta will have a dowry, of course.
But our fortune will have to be divided into seven parts,
and Tancredi needs far more.
One of the Sutera girls?
Yes, I know.
So plain, poor things, but so rich!
- Yes, but - - But what?
Love?
Of course.
Flames for a year, followed by ashes for 30.
I know what love is.
What is it?
What suit will you wear for dinner?
Father, tell Concetta I'm not annoyed,
but that we'll discuss it later, when we're sure it's not all imagination.
An afternoon suit. - Very well, Excellency.
- Good day, Father. - But, Excellency -
Papa, Don Calogero is coming up the stairs! In tails!
This news has shaken you more than the landing at Marsala.
Don Calogero in white tie?
It's a sign of the revolution in action.
He's in evening dress, true, but just look at it.
And the shoes.
My wife isn't well. She has a cold.
- I'm sorry. - Thank you, Prince.
You'll excuse me for bringing my daughter Angelica instead.
But of course.
For the last month she's spoken of nothing
but her longing to be presented to you now that she's grown up.
I remember her well as a child. A delightful girl.
We'll be pleased to see her again.
My daughter will be here in a moment. She wasn't quite ready.
It's just a few steps from our house.
We'll wait for her.
My wife isn't feeling well.
The church is badly in need of repairs.
Pretty.
Excuse me, Princess.
It's been so long!
You've changed a lot, and not for the worse.
How fortunate we are, Miss Angelica,
to gather so lovely a flower into our home.
I hope we shall have the pleasure of seeing you here often.
Thank you, Prince.
You are as kind to me as you have always been to my dear father.
How are you, Miss Concetta?
Please. We weren't so formal as children.
Good evening, Father.
Count, may I present my daughter to you?
Dinner is served.
Different layers, in keeping with tradition.
It smells delicious.
- Was the journey tiring? - Not very.
You haven't been served yet. I'm sorry. He's coming.
- A pretty girl. - Yes, Concetta is.
The little house I'm having built out of town
will be modest...
but very comfortable.
We all have good appetites.
Just think if we had started with soup.
Unforgettable days!
Only one password: arms and armed men.
The general has realized the Sicilians mean business.
Why did you join Garibaldi?
"lf you don't disdain Garibaldi as a brother-in-arms,
he wishes only to fight at your side."
Garibaldi himself said that.
But it was exhausting.
I've never walked so much. That night march on Gibilrossa.
- Did you meet Bixio? - A mule!
Stubborn eccentrics, all of them.
If I told you about the scene between Bixio and La Masa!
And the taking of Porta Termini? I was there... briefly.
It was great fun. Our biggest laugh was on May 28th.
The general needed a lookout at the Origlione convent.
We knocked, banged, cursed - they wouldn't open up.
It was a cloistered convent!
By the way, tomorrow we go to the Convent of the Holy Spirit
to pray at the tomb of Blessed Mother Corbera.
Good, good.
The good nuns have already been informed of Your Excellencies' arrival
and are making preparations for your visit.
We always go the day after we arrive.
So, what happened?
I'll tell you.
Tassoni, Aldrighetti, I and a few others
tried to break down the door, but nothing doing.
So we got a beam from a shelled house nearby,
and finally the door gave way with a hellish din.
We went in. Not a soul in sight.
Then we heard screams from down the hallway.
The nuns had taken refuge in the chapel and were huddling around the altar.
Lord knows what they feared from those excited young men!
It was quite comical. They were old and ugly in their black habits,
eyes wide with fear, but all ready...
for martyrdom.
They were whining like dogs.
Tassoni shouted,
"We don't have time, sisters!
We'll be back when you've got some novices."
We all laughed till our sides burst.
Then we left them there, dumbfounded, to go and shoot at Royalists.
I was wounded 1 0 minutes later.
What fine soldiers! How I wish I'd been with you!
Had you been there, we'd have had no need to wait for novices.
Tancredi, one tells nasty tales like that to a confessor,
not to young ladies at the table -
or at least not when I'm there!
He's right, of course. And I'll help him.
Although you can't deny there's something ignoble about it.
Oh, my lovely Gigugin
At 15 she made love
Step forward, O my heart's delight
At 16 she took a husband
At 17 she left her husband
Don't look so miserable. We're not following a funeral.
It's this terrible wind.
You should thank the Lord.
Without this wind, the air would smell like a putrid pond.
Form a line, gentlemen. Whoever came first, votes first.
We'll have absolutely no -
The Cavour of Donnafugata.
This is a great honor.
Don Onofrio.
Have you voted?
No, Father Pirrone is not a resident here.
Voting is suspended for a few minutes.
Would you do me the honor
of accepting a modest sip?
Refreshments!
Please, Excellency.
I'll have the white. It's probably the lightest.
A last homage to the Bourbons.
I can't drink today. A tiresome stomachache.
Your aches are of secondary importance on a day like this!
Thank you, I never drink.
For my part, I accept with pleasure.
I would like to say a few words,
but great joys, Prince, must remain mute.
It is with great emotion that I -
I am honored to announce the results of the plebiscite
in our town of Donnafugata.
On October 22nd, 1 860, in Donnafugata,
at 6:00 p. m.,
the Municipal Election Committee met
to examine the votes cast by plebiscite
by the population of this town.
The Sicilian people want an ltaly united and indivisible,
with Victor Emmanuel
as its constitutional monarch,
and his legitimate heirs as successors to the throne.
What's the matter with him?
After collecting all the votes and duly -
After collecting all the votes -
After collecting all the votes and duly examining them,
the following results were obtained:
Registered voters: 51 5.
Votes cast: 51 2.
Yes: 51 2!
No: zero!
And you, Don Ciccio, how did you vote on the 21 st?
What are you afraid of?
There's no one here but us, the wind and the dogs.
Excuse me, but there's no point to your question.
You know that everyone in Donnafugata voted yes.
They even say you advised people to vote like that.
True.
You voted yes, then?
No, Excellency, I voted no.
A hundred times no!
Yes, I know what you told me:
necessity, unity, opportunity.
You may have been right. I know nothing of politics.
But Ciccio Tumeo is an honest man,
an obscure artist, poor and wretched, with holes in his trousers,
but I don't forget favors done to me.
And you know that it was Queen lsabella,
the Spanish Duchess of Calabria then, who had me study,
and let me be what I am now, organist of the Mother Church,
honored by Your Excellency's kindness.
In our years of greatest need,
when my mother sent off a petition to court,
back came five gold ounces, sure as death.
And if those holy kings and lovely queens
are looking down on us now, what would they say?
That the son of Leonardo Tumeo betrayed them? No!
It's fortunate the truth is known in heaven!
Calm down.
I admire your loyalty and devotion,
but you have to understand that the people were overexcited
by this Garibaldi's victories.
The plebiscite was the only urgent cure for anarchy.
For us, it's only the lesser evil.
After all, the Savoys...
are still a monarchy.
The interests of the people you love have been frustrated by these events,
but they are still alive and valid.
Something had to change...
for everything to stay as it was.
The hour of revolution is past.
Let us hope the ltaly born today even here in Donnafugata may live and prosper.
I said no!
And those swine in the Town Hall swallowed my opinion,
chewed it up and spat it out as they wanted.
I said black, and they made me say white.
I used to be a "faithful subject,"
and now I've become "a filthy pro-Bourbon."
They're all Savoyards now.
But to me savoy is just a kind of cabbage!
Listen, you know the people around here well.
What do they really think of Don Calogero here?
I thought I'd expressed my opinion quite clearly.
I'm interested in knowing the truth about him and his family.
The truth, Excellency, is that Don Calogero is very rich,
and very influential too.
A miser, but clever as the devil.
You should have seen him last April or May.
He went up and down the whole district like a bat,
by carriage, horse, mule, foot, come rain or shine.
Wherever he passed, secret groups were formed
to prepare the way for those who were to come.
He's a scourge from God!
And this is only the beginning of his career.
In a few months he'll be deputy in the Turin parliament.
In a few years, when church property is put up for sale,
he'll pay next to nothing for the estates of Marca, Fondachello -
He'll end up the largest landowner in the province.
That's Don Calogero.
The "man of the future."
A pity it has to be like that.
What is the rest of the family like?
No one has laid eyes on his wife for years, except me.
She only leaves the house to go to mass. The one at 5:00, when it's empty.
Once I got up early just to see her.
Word of honor, she was lovely as the sun!
You can't blame Don Calogero, who's a beetle of a man,
for wanting to keep her away from others.
But even in the best-kept houses secrets come out.
Servants talk.
It seems Donna Bastiana is a kind of animal.
She can't read, write or tell time. She can barely talk.
She's even incapable of loving her own daughter.
Good for... bed, and that's all.
But what can you expect? You know whose daughter she is?
She's the daughter of one of your peasants from Runci.
His name was Peppe Giunta.
He was so filthy and savage
that everyone called him Peppe Cowshit.
Pardon my language.
Two years after Don Calogero had eloped with Bastiana,
they found him dead with twelve bullets in his back.
It's outrageous! And I'd so hoped he would marry Concetta!
He's a traitor, like all liberals of his kind!
First he betrays his king, and now us.
He, with that lying face of his,
those honeyed words and poisoned actions!
That's what happens when one lets people into one's home
who aren't of our own blood.
Come now. Drink.
Drink this.
I always said so, but no one would listen to me!
I never could endure that fop!
You lost your head over him!
And he has the impertinence to ask you, his uncle,
father of the girl he has deceived, to carry his proposal to that rascal,
the father of that slut! You mustn't do it!
Enough!
You don't know what you're saying.
Angelica is not a slut.
She may become one, but for now she's a girl like any other,
prettier than others, who wants to make a good marriage.
She may even be in love with Tancredi, like all the others.
She has a lot of money, Stella.
Our money mostly, but well administered by Don Calogero,
and Tancredi needs that.
He's a gentleman. He's ambitious. A sieve when it comes to money.
He never said a word to Concetta, so he's not a traitor.
He follows the times, that's all,
as much in his politics as in his private life.
Besides, he's a very likeable young man, and you know it too.
I'll have no more shouting in my house!
In my own room, in my own bed!
Stop this! I decide!
I'd already decided before you even knew of it!
That's enough!
Let's sleep now.
I'm going shooting tomorrow. I have to get up early.
Good night, Stella dear.
You've mentioned everything -
savage mothers, filthy grandfathers - but not what interests me:
Miss Angelica.
There's nothing to say. She speaks for herself.
She has her mother's beauty without her grandfather's stink.
She's intelligent too. A real lady.
When she returned from school,
she invited me home and played my old mazurka.
Badly, but it was a delight to watch her.
Those black locks, those eyes, that skin,
those breasts!
No stink of manure there!
Her sheets must smell like paradise.
Calm down, now.
From now on you will speak of her with due respect.
Today I will ask Don Calogero for her hand on behalf of Tancredi.
You are the first to know, but you will pay for the privilege.
You'll be locked up in the gun room with the dogs
until after Don Calogero's visit. I want nothing to leak out.
Let's go.
What a foul blow!
Your nephew ought not to marry the daughter of enemies
who've always tried to harm you!
To try to seduce her would be an act of conquest,
but this is unconditional surrender.
It's the end of the Falconeris!
And of the Salinas!
This isn't the end of anything. It's the beginning of everything!
This marriage is in the best of traditions.
There are some things you can't understand.
Let's go home. You'll remember what we agreed?
Don't turn the tables on me. What a fuss over a mere kiss!
Remember, it was I who called you.
Yes, of course, but -
I wanted to tell you about a letter from my nephew.
It arrived yesterday evening.
Or, rather, last night.
In it he declares his passion for your daughter,
and he charges me to ask you...
officially for Miss Angelica's hand.
Now it's up to you to declare your intentions.
Forgive me, Prince.
This wonderful surprise took my breath away.
I know all that goes on in Angelica's heart and mind,
and I believe I can say that Don Tancredi's affection,
which honors us all, is sincerely returned.
We invoke the protection of God on this marriage.
Your joy is mine. - Thank you, Father.
There's a storm brewing.
Don Calogero,
I needn't tell you how illustrious the Falconeris are.
They came to Sicily with Charles D'Anjou
and flourished under Aragonese, Spanish and Bourbon kings,
if I may name them in your presence.
They were Peers of the Realm, Grandees of Spain,
Knights of Santiago...
but just as there is no point in telling you
of the antiquity of the house of Falconeri,
it is unfortunately just as pointless, since you already know,
to tell you that my nephew's circumstances
are not equal to the greatness of his name.
My brother-in-law was not a provident parent.
His magnificent lifestyle undermined my nephew's inheritance.
The result of all those troubles is Tancredi.
We know about these things.
Perhaps it is impossible to be...
as distinguished, sensitive and charming as Tancredi
unless your ancestors have squandered fortunes.
At least, so it is in Sicily.
I know all that and more,
but love... is everything,
as I myself know.
Look...
I'm a man of the world. I wish to be frank too.
Our young people should know what they can count on.
In the marriage contract I will assign to my daughter,
the estate of Settesoli.
1,010 hectares, all wheat.
First-class land,
airy and cool.
And 500 hectares of vineyards and olive groves at Gibildolce.
On the wedding day,
I'll give the bridegroom 200,000 gold ounces.
My family is everything to me.
"No one has laid eyes on Don Calogero's wife for years.
Except me. She only leaves the house to go to early mass,
the one at 5:00 a.m., when it's empty.
But once I got up early just to see her.
Word of honor, she was lovely as the sun.
You can 't blame Don Calogero, who's a beetle of a man,
for wanting to keep her away from others. "
I'll be left with a pittance, but a daughter's a daughter.
I know that what I 'm about to say
will have no effect on you, who descend from the loves
of the Emperor Titus and Queen Berenice,
but the Sedaras are noble too,
a title granted by Ferdinand lV.
Good for you, Don Calogero. Good-bye.
The documents are all in order. They just need to be filed.
One day it will be known that your nephew
has married the Baronessina Sedara del Biscotto.
Congratulations.
The papers are in order. There's only one link missing.
I'm sorry, Don Ciccio, but I had to do it.
I understand. Did everything go all right?
Perfectly. Couldn't be better.
Good-bye, Don Ciccio.
Forgive me for everything.
"lt was a cold day in the middle of January.
The air, frozen by the icy gusts of the north wind,
seemed leaden in its deathly silence.
It had been snowing heavily for many hours,
yet on that deserted road
a poor horse, its back covered with a rough blanket...
was wearily pulling a two-wheeled cart.
'Giddyap! Curse you!' shouted the peasant,
who was accustomed to talking to his horse."
Excellency, Master Tancredi's arrived!
He's waiting in the yard while his luggage is unloaded.
Uncle!
Careful, I'm dripping wet!
- How glad I am to see you again! - As am l.
Forgive me - all this excitement made me forget.
I've brought Count Cavriaghi.
You've met him before. He came to the villa with the general.
And that's my orderly, Lancer Moroni.
We were expecting you, but with this weather -
They told me it never rained down here.
The last two days were like being at sea!
- Really? - Really!
How are you? Forgive me, Aunt. I'm soaking wet.
What a nice fire.
Aunt, I've brought Count Cavriaghi, from Milan.
You met him in Palermo when he came with our general.
So, Count,
you thought it never rained here, but as you see, it pours!
Don't think we have no pneumonia here, or you'll find yourself in bed with a fever.
Light the fire in Master Tancredi's room
and in the guest wing.
Prepare the small room next door for the soldier.
Run!
I don't understand you fellows. Weren't you in red last time?
What do you mean?
Don't you Garibaldini wear red shirts anymore?
What Garibaldini!
That's all in the past.
Cavriaghi and l, thank God,
are officers in the army of His Majesty the King of ltaly.
When Garibaldi's army broke up,
we had a choice: Go home or join the king's army.
He and I and a lot of others went into the real army.
We couldn't stay with that rabble, could we, Cavriaghi?
A dreadful lot.
Good only for ambushes and looting.
Now we're real officers.
People aren't afraid we'll steal their chickens!
You should have seen it.
We got fresh horses on the way as if by magic
just by saying, "His Majesty's orders."
You can tell us about it later. Go and change now.
Excuse me, Aunt.
Wait!
First I'd like to show you the ring for Angelica.
How pretty!
Very beautiful.
I'm not an expert, but it looks valuable.
- Do you like it? - Very much.
Was it very expensive?
I made good use of your money.
There was enough left over from the 200 gold ounces you sent me...
For some good-bye presents!
Our lieutenant has returned. What's that?
- A gift for Miss Concetta. - What a kind thought.
The Poems of Aleard?
I hope she likes it.
Let's hope.
Miss Concetta,
it's The Poems of Aleardi, my favorite poet.
A present for you, if I may.
I had it engraved with your initials.
"Forever deaf."
Why deaf? I can hear just fine.
Deaf to my sighs.
Forgive me, but I heard that -
Here, darling.
A present for you, from your Tancredi.
You should thank Uncle, too.
Come.
Angelica, where are you?
Angelica, come on!
You know it's full of rats in there?
Let's go, then.
Angelica, where are you?
Tancredi, where are you?
You scared me. It's full of rats in there.
I'd be surprised if it weren't. Where's Tancredi?
I can't find him.
Come, let's go.
I scared you, didn't l?
Here she comes. Let's slip away.
No, enough of this exploring! I'm exhausted!
How big is this palace anyway? How many rooms are there?
Nobody knows, not even Uncle.
He says a palace in which you know every room isn't worth living in.
- Let's join her. Poor girl's alone. - What about the others?
Concetta went back to the garden.
Francesco Paolo had to go and meet a guest at the post station.
- Who is it? - I don't know. Someone from Turin.
Let's go. Come on.
No, I don't want to see any more.
In fact, I'm leaving.
What am I doing here anyway? Concetta doesn't love me.
Did you speak to her?
There's no point.
I feel like I'm just a worm to her, and she's right.
I must find a she-worm who'll put up with me.
Speak to her. You'll have plenty of time to decide later.
Or maybe it's better like this.
You see, Concetta is Sicilian to the bone.
She might never feel at home in Milan,
where you have to plan a month in advance to eat macaroni.
I'd have laid in cases of macaroni for her, bigger than this.
We're going to slip away.
Poor Count. Concetta will have nothing to do with him.
Silly girl. What more does she want?
Cavriaghi is handsome, with a good name and estates.
He's what you'd call a good match.
Concetta is still in love with you.
That's why you brought him here. - Not at all.
Yes, I think it is.
It isn't, I tell you.
Listen to me. Concetta is right.
To marry him after loving you
would be like drinking water after tasting -
Tasting what?
Marsala.
What strange rooms. How could anyone have lived here?
Actually, no one ever has.
My ancestors would come here to break the rules a bit
and make some unusual memories, unlike those of common mortals.
Break the rules?
They were bored, my love.
Are you the Cavaliere Aimone Chevalley di Monterzuolo?
I am he.
I am the Prince of Salina's son.
What a pleasure.
My father would like you to come stay at the palace.
That's very kind of him.
You should put your hat on. The sun is hot down here.
And you do the same.
I was planning to leave right after speaking to the prince.
You'll have to come home to do that.
- Of course. - This way.
Please let me, Cavaliere.
I couldn't allow -
It's not heavy, is it? Is that the palace up there?
They're not upstairs. They must be in the garden.
Shall we go into the garden too?
Do you think I don't love you anymore?
Don't be afraid.
I want you, but I won't take you now.
Not until you're my wife.
Oh, my!
Look, there's your guest.
What does he want from you exactly?
I don't know.
He's been in Sicily for a month, and he must be very miserable.
I expect the oil in the cooking has upset his insides.
He's afraid of some bandit's knife in his guts,
which are still dear to him, however upset they may be.
I want to suggest a hand of whist to him.
How about a game of cards?
Excellency, if I might have a private interview,
because I wish to be leaving tomorrow.
Tomorrow? Don't you feel at home here?
Certainly.
My dear Chevalley, you're in my home now,
and I'll hold you hostage for as long as I like.
Come.
Beware of Father Pirrone. He always wins.
Please sit down. I'll be your partner.
I'll keep score.
- Are you really from Milan? - Yes.
What brings you down here?
I'm imposing on the prince and enjoying it immensely.
If you'd like to visit Donnafugata,
I could be your guide and show you Baron Mutolo's house.
Francesco Paolo, don't start with that.
It's closed now. The family live in Girgenti
since the baron's son was abducted by bandits 1 0 years ago.
Poor things. I wonder how much they paid to free him.
They paid nothing. They were in financial straits already
with no ready money, like everybody here.
But they got the boy back anyway... in installments.
In installments? What do you mean?
In installments. Bit by bit.
First the index finger of his right hand.
A week later, his left foot.
Finally, in a basket under a layer of figs,
his head.
Francesco Paolo, stop it!
I didn't see it. I was only a child then. Papa told me.
What inept police those Bourbons had.
No doubt.
Some regrettable incidents occurred in my village too.
My father was an overseer,
a rather perilous job
for himself and his family, until a short time ago.
When our carabinieri come, they'll put an end to all this.
Contrary to certain propaganda,
respect for the church will be restored and upheld as before.
Even more, I hope.
Because the parish priest of Santa Ninfa was killed five years ago
while saying mass.
Horrors! They shot him in church?
Oh, no.
No, we are good Catholics here and would never sink so low.
No, they just put poison in the communion wine.
It's more discreet. More liturgical, even.
No one ever found out who did it.
The priest was an excellent person. He had no enemies.
Very amusing. Really entertaining.
You should write novels. You tell these stories well.
Yes, they are stories. Believe me, a Milanese.
Sicily is a great country.
After the happy annexation -
I mean
the glorious union of Sicily and the kingdom of Sardinia,
the government in Turin intends to nominate
some illustrious Sicilians as senators of the kingdom.
Your name was mentioned at once.
A name renowned for its antiquity,
for the prestige of its bearer,
for scientific merit,
and for the dignified and liberal attitude assumed during recent events.
Before sending the list to Turin,
my superiors thought it proper to inform you
and see if this proposal met with your approval.
The government is eager for your assent.
That is my mission,
which has accorded me the honor of coming to know you and your family
and this magnificent palace.
Tell me, Chevalley...
what does being a senator mean?
What is it really?
A title of honor, like a decoration or -
The senate is the highest chamber of our kingdom.
It examines, discusses, approves or rejects the laws
proposed by the government for the country's progress.
When you become a senator,
you will help us hear the voice of this lovely country of yours
that is now coming into view of the modern world,
with wounds to heal, desires to be granted.
Listen...
I'm grateful to the government for thinking of me.
If it were a mere title of honor to put on a visiting card,
I should be pleased to accept.
But no, I cannot accept.
Hear me out.
I am a member of the old ruling class,
hopelessly linked to the past regime
and tied to it by chains of decency, if not affection.
I belong to an unfortunate generation
straddling two worlds, and ill at ease in both.
And what is more, I am utterly without illusions.
What would the senate do with an inexperienced legislator
who lacks the faculty of self-deception,
essential requisite for those who wish to guide others?
No, I cannot lift a finger in politics. It would get bitten off.
I can't believe this.
Would you seriously refuse to do all you can
to alleviate the state of physical squalor
and blind moral misery
in which your own people lie?
We are old, Chevalley. Very old.
For more than 25 centuries, we have borne the weight
of superb civilizations that have come from outside,
never of our own creation, none we could call our own.
For 2,500 years we've been nothing but a colony.
I'm not complaining. It's our fault.
But we're worn out and exhausted.
But all that's over now.
Sicily is no longer a conquered land, but a free member of a free state.
Your intention is good, but it comes too late.
Sleep, my dear Chevalley, a long sleep -
that is what Sicilians want.
They will always hate anyone who tries to wake them,
even to bring them the most wonderful gifts.
And between ourselves, I doubt whether the new kingdom
will have many gifts for us in its luggage.
Here, all expression, even the most violent, is a desire for oblivion.
Our sensuality is a longing for oblivion.
Our knifings and shootings are a longing for death.
Our laziness,
the penetrating sweetness of our sherbets,
a longing for voluptuous immobility, that is...
death once again.
Prince, aren't you exaggerating?
I myself have met Sicilians in Turin who seemed anything but asleep.
I haven't explained myself well. I'm sorry.
I said Sicilians. I should have said Sicily.
This atmosphere, the violence of the landscape,
the cruelty of the climate, the constant tension in everything -
Climate can be overcome,
Iandscape improved,
the memory of evil governments canceled.
Surely the Sicilians want to improve.
I don't deny that a few, once off the island, may wake up,
but they must leave very young.
By 20, it's too late. The crust has already formed.
What you need, Chevalley,
is a man who is good at blending his personal interests
with vague public ideals.
May I offer some advice for your superiors?
With pleasure.
There is a name I'd like to suggest for the senate.
No, thank you. I don't smoke.
That of...
Calogero Sedara.
He has far more qualities than l that merit election.
His family, I am told, is an old one, or soon will be.
He has more than what you call prestige. He has power.
In lieu of scientific merits, he has practical ones,
and quite outstanding too.
His work was most useful during the May crisis.
As for illusions...
I don't think he has any more than l,
but he's clever enough to create them when needed.
He's the man for you.
Yes, I have heard talk of Sedara.
But if honest men like you withdraw,
the way will be open for those with no scruples and no vision,
for Sedara and his like,
and everything will be as before for centuries to come.
Listen to your conscience
and not to the proud truths you've spoken.
I beg you, try to collaborate.
You are a gentleman, Chevalley.
I consider it a privilege to have met you.
You are right about everything...
except when you say, "Surely the Sicilians want to improve."
They never want to improve. They think themselves perfect.
Their vanity is greater than their misery.
Sit down.
Let me tell you an anecdote.
Shortly before Garibaldi entered Palermo,
some British officers from the warships in the harbor
asked if they could go up onto the terrace of my house,
from where one can see the hills around the city.
They were ecstatic about the view,
but they confessed they were shocked at the squalor
and filth of the street.
I didn't explain, as I have tried with you,
that the one derived from the other.
One of the officers asked,
"What are those Garibaldini really coming to do in Sicily?"
I replied, "They are coming to teach us good manners,
but they won't succeed, because we are gods."
They laughed, but I don't think they understood.
It's late. Almost time for dinner.
We must go and change.
If you wish, you may leave tomorrow at dawn.
You may not believe it, but this state of things won't last.
Our efficient, modern administration will change everything.
All this shouldn't last, but it always will.
The human "always," that is - a century or two.
After that it may be different... but it will be worse.
Good-bye.
Thank you for everything, Prince.
We were the leopards, the lions.
Those who will take our place will be jackals, hyenas.
And all of us -
Ieopards, lions, jackals and sheep -
we'll go on thinking ourselves the salt of the earth.
I don't quite understand. What did you say?
Nothing.
What did you say? I didn't hear.
You've come early. Your guests haven't arrived yet.
My dear Stella, you look wonderful!
Tancredi's already here too.
We're expecting Pallavicino, who did so well at Aspromonte.
Thank you, Aunt. I know it's a sacrifice for you,
but they had to be invited.
This will be Angelica's debut in society.
What about Don Calogero's tailcoat?
It's not the one you saw. I took him to the best tailor.
The coat is fine. It's Don Calogero who lacks style.
How are you?
You look wonderful!
- May I go and dance, Mama? - Certainly, dear.
You're lovely as a flower!
Really pretty, isn't she?
I don't enjoy these balls, but we must come for the girls.
Colonel! I'm most honored to see you.
The honor is mine.
Margherita, come. I am honored to present Colonel Pallavicino.
I am proud to receive the victor of Aspromonte in my home.
You are very kind. I am happy to have this opportunity.
I hope you and your officers will have a pleasant evening.
Princess of Lampedusa.
Countess Sutera.
Delighted to meet you.
Princess Corbera of Salina.
Pleased to meet you, Princess.
Excuse me, Uncle. I'll see if Angelica has arrived.
Of course. Go ahead.
Colonel, do tell us -
I was sobbing, Countess. Sobbing like a child.
- How moving! - But what was he like?
As handsome and serene as an archangel.
Magnificent! A real hero!
Isn't he extraordinary?
How are you, Aunt?
The colonel's trying to reassure them,
but it's unnecessary after his men's musket shots.
Those musket shots came at a most opportune moment.
You're late. I was waiting for you.
You look wonderful. Come and meet the princess.
Princess...
may I present my fiancee? Angelica Sedara.
Let me look at you, my dear.
Yes, it's quite true.
You're even prettier than they say. - Thank you.
What's that?
The cross of the Order of the Crown of ltaly.
Precisely. Here you need better than that.
I never doubted your good taste.
My future father-in-law, the Cavaliere Don Calogero Sedara.
- Nice here, eh? - Do you like it?
Easy now, boys, easy!
Tancredi, won't you introduce me to your fiancee?
Angelica, this is a friend of mine, Gioacchino Lanza.
And this is Fulco.
I don't know if Tancredi would mind,
but if you would reserve me a waltz on your card...
Don't be in such a rush, fellows. There will be time later.
Tancredi, how selfish of you!
Sorry, but it's not my fault. The lady chooses her partners.
This is my waltz. Shall we dance?
- I must say hello to Uncle. - You can do that later.
You're as beautiful as ever.
My dear Fabrizio, you're looking well.
Are you bored, Fabrizio?
I was thinking that these frequent marriages between cousins
do not improve the stock. Look at them.
They look like monkeys, ready to clamber up the chandeliers
and swing by their tails, showing their behinds.
Eleanora Giardinelli...
a white swan in a pool of frogs.
That reminds me: congratulations on your nephew's engagement.
The girl's a beauty. Their example will be followed by many.
- What did you say? - I was saying...
It's too hot in here.
Yes, it's hot.
I was wrong to come.
I'm tired.
But I'm here now, so I have to stay.
It would be rude to leave.
You're right.
See you.
Good evening. How are you?
I'm already engaged for four dances.
Princess, I would be happy to have the honor.
Please don't refuse.
But I haven't danced for years!
With so many lovely women...
and at my age...
Fine place here.
They don't make houses like this nowadays,
what with gold leaf at its present price.
Yes, Don Calogero, it's very nice.
But nothing can equal our young couple.
Good evening, Prince.
Angelica wanted to say hello. Why are you in here all alone?
What are you looking at? Are you courting death?
You look wonderful.
What a melancholy scene for Don Diego to contemplate.
It's a miracle if he comes in here once a year.
You're right.
I wonder if my own death will be like that.
The linen will be less impeccable.
The sheets of the dying are always so filthy.
It's to be hoped the girls will be more decently dressed.
But I think
it will be more or less the same.
Uncle, what are you talking about? What's on your mind?
I often think about death. The idea doesn't frighten me.
You young people can't understand.
To you, death doesn't exist.
It's something that happens to others.
We must make some repairs to the family tomb.
May I have your handkerchief, please?
Prince, we heard you were here, and we came to catch our breath,
but we also came to ask you something.
I hope you won't refuse.
Tell me.
I wanted to ask you to dance the next mazurka with me.
Do say yes. Don't be naughty.
We know you used to be a great dancer.
I have never had a more tempting proposal,
which is why I must refuse.
Please. I'm begging you.
Thank you for making me feel young again.
I accept, but not the mazurka. I would feel too young.
Grant me the first waltz.
You see how good Uncle is?
No nonsense about him, unlike you.
He didn't want me to ask you. He's jealous.
It's only natural, with such a smart, good-looking uncle.
But I'll make an exception this once.
Shall we go?
A waltz!
As if I'd been in league with the orchestra.
Don't you think? - What?
It's a waltz. Or are you having second thoughts?
No, of course not. Please forgive me.
Everyone's so kind to me, and I'm so happy, Uncle.
Tancredi's an angel, and so are you.
It's lucky Tancredi can't hear you.
I mean it.
I owe all this to you - even Tancredi.
Because if you hadn't agreed -
He would have married you just the same.
The merit is yours alone.
That's not true.
It is true.
No Tancredi could ever have resisted your beauty.
I had heard you were a good dancer.
Forgive me for disappointing you again.
But you're far more than good.
You're a delightful dancer.
Yes, that's my father.
- The next one. - The mazurka, then.
Everyone is looking at us.
How splendid that girl is who's dancing with your father.
She's very pretty.
If there wasn't a burst of applause,
it's only because a lion like you calls for respect,
though you deserved an ovation.
Come and have supper at our table.
No, my memories of youth are still too vivid,
and I know how tiresome supper with an old uncle would be.
That's not true.
Lovers want to be alone. Besides, I'm not hungry.
Now go with Tancredi. Don't worry about me.
Thank you, Uncle.
- You're still a great dancer. - You were splendid.
Hello, Fabrizio. How are you?
Aren't you having anything? Can't make up your mind?
There's too much choice.
Donna Margherita knows how to do things well.
But all this is too much for my stomach.
What wonderful candelabras!
They're from Madrid. One was given to Diego's grandfather
at the end of his diplomatic mission in Spain.
I wonder how much land they're worth.
The most moving moment of my life.
What a bore the man is!
Prince Salina, will you do us the honor of sitting at our table?
Now the left wants to crucify me
because I ordered my men to open fire on Garibaldi.
But tell me, Prince, what else could I do?
I was carrying written orders.
But I must confess that at Aspromonte,
when I found myself facing that mob of hundreds,
some looking like fanatics,
others like professional agitators,
I was pleased to find my instructions coincided with my own feelings.
And in confidence, our few musket shots
mostly benefited Garibaldi himself.
They freed him from that rabble hanging around him
who were using him for goodness knows what ends,
perhaps instigated by the Tuileries or Palazzo Farnese.
True.
They were nothing like those who landed with him at Marsala,
who believed that ltaly could be created by repeating 1 848.
And the general knows that,
for when I bowed low to him in my now famous genuflection,
he shook my hand
and said to me in a low voice,
"Thank you, Colonel."
Thank you for what? I ask you. For crippling him for life?
No, for having brought home to him the cowardice,
and perhaps even worse, of those dubious followers of his.
Forgive me, Colonel,
but don't you think you went too far
with all that hand kissing and cap doffing?
Certainly not.
You should have seen him, that poor great man,
stretched out under a chestnut tree,
suffering in body
but even more in mind.
A sad sight.
Didn't he say so himself when he landed again in Sicily?
"We march towards the unknown."
It was difficult not to feel moved,
and why shouldn't I feel moved, anyway?
I kiss only ladies' hands.
Even then, Prince,
I was kissing a hand for the salvation of the kingdom,
a lady to whom we soldiers owe homage too.
Please excuse me.
Three balls in a week are too much.
I can't wait for it to end.
I wonder what everyone's so happy about.
Would you pass me some pins?
What a bore.
As long as these invitations continue, we must stay in the city.
I can't wait to get back to our house in San Lorenzo,
back to our quiet life once again.
Nonsense. I wish this ball would never end.
It's so lovely.
I wonder what the Trabias' ball will be like.
I've ordered a green gown. Pale green.
And you?
I'm so happy. Tancredi is such an angel.
You're all so good to me.
I wish you were happier.
What can I do about it? I've never enjoyed social occasions.
I don't even like dancing. I've never been very good at it.
It depends on who you dance with.
Look for a partner you like.
I'm not interested.
So you say.
Do you know how many men would be glad to court you?
You put them all off.
Like poor Cavriaghi.
Remember?
How you treated him!
Here you are! I couldn't find you.
We took refuge here to tidy up.
And you? I turned around and you had vanished.
I went to listen to Colonel Pallavicino.
He's not a genius, but he talks sense.
It's true, the new kingdom needs law and order.
Any attempt at anarchy must be put down.
No more adventures or disturbances,
even if that implies harsh, distressing methods,
Iike shooting those fanatics who deserted to go back with Garibaldi.
Do you think they will shoot them?
Didn't you know? This very dawn, and rightly so.
They're deserters.
You wouldn't have spoken like that once.
You're wrong, my dear.
I've always spoken like that.
Anyway, you can't understand these things.
Concetta, wait. Listen.
Let me go!
I think I understand perfectly well.
Come now.
I still say you wouldn't have spoken like that once.
Let me go!
She's such a dear, particularly when she's angry.
Poor Concetta. She's still in love with you.
And are you still in love with me?
- Have you seen the Prince of Salina? - No, I haven't.
Have you seen the Prince of Salina?
Don Calogero. Come, it's time to leave.
Tidy yourself up.
A hot coffee, please.
Sugar?
Thank you for an unforgettable evening.
You're too kind. Leaving already?
Yes, straight to the barracks, in the best military tradition.
Our duty demands it.
Besides, our work for the night is not yet over.
Tidy up a bit and put out the candles.
Thank you for a wonderful evening.
I'm sorry you're leaving so soon.
Are you leaving so soon too?
Ah, here you are! Aunt is looking for you.
The girls are all ready to leave.
Would you do me a favor? I've already said good-bye.
You call the carriage for your aunt. I'll walk home.
At this time of night?
I need some fresh air.
Uncle.
Don't you feel well? - A slight headache. Fresh air will help.
It went off very well, don't you think?
Wonderfully, thank you.
I'll soon have some good news.
I spoke to Pinzoni. In the next elections -
- You'll be a candidate. - You already know?
Excuse me.
- Good-bye, Tancredi. - You're still the prettiest.
So good to see you again. Regards to Annibo.
O faithful star...
when will you give me an appointment less ephemeral,
far from all this,
in your own region of perennial certitude?
A fine army.
It means business.
Just what was needed...
for Sicily.
We can rest easy now.
THE END