01x01 - Chapter 1: Dreams

[bunniefuu]

[Alba] In 1928, women were essentially
seen as accessories to be shown off...

objects unable to express an opinion
or make a decision.

Life wasn't easy for anyone,
but it was even harder for women.

If you were a woman in 1928,

freedom seemed impossible to achieve.

To society,
we were just housewives and mothers.

We didn't have the right
to have dreams or ambitions.

To seek a future,
many women had to travel far and wide...

You're not going anywhere!

...and others had to confront the norms
of a backward, chauvinist society.

-Leave her alone!
-You stay out of this!

Stay out of this!

In the end, all of us, rich or poor,
wanted the same thing:

to be free.

And if, to be free,
we had to break the law,

we were willing to do it,
regardless of the consequences.

Only those who fight for their dreams
can achieve them.

Or so we thought...

What we didn't know was that fate
had many surprises in store for us.

-Let's go!
-Quickly!

Argentina awaits.

-[both laughing]
Come on!

You've never been on a ship.

-[Pedro] You thought you'd get away?
-[Gimena gasps]

Don't you dare move.
This is between Gimena and me.

-She never wants to see you again.
-Let her tell me that.

If you shout, I swear I'll k*ll you.

Calm down, I'm begging you.

[Pedro] I will when you tell your friend
you're coming with me.

-She's not going with you.
-She'll do as I say!

Otherwise, first I'll k*ll her, then you.

Fine, I'll do whatever you want,
but put the g*n down, okay?

[yells]

[both grunt]

[Alba grunting]

[breathing heavily]

Gimena, no, please...

[softly] Look at me.

[Alba] You shouldn't have been here.

I shouldn't have brought you.
I'm sorry.

-Shh... It was our dream.
-It is our dream.

-It still is. Yes.
-Free women.

[sobbing]

[thunder rumbling]

[Beltrán] So you were in the street
with two bodies,

but you had nothing to do with it.

[clears throat]

-Why should I believe you?
-Because I'm telling the truth.

Alba Romero, 25.
Priors for theft and fraud...

and now m*rder.

Do you know what happens to murderers?

-The garrote.
-[sobbing]

Unless they cooperate with us.

How?

By doing what you do best...

stealing.

But this time, for me. What do you say?

♪ I wanted love the most ♪

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

♪ But it never stays long ♪

♪ A notch to my bedpost
Pretend they're mine ♪

♪ Sundress wrinkled on the floor
I'm naked, you're not here no more ♪

♪ To keep me warm
Keep me warm ♪

♪ cr*ck the door with a trash bin
Maybe you will come back in ♪

♪ And keep me warm
Keep me warm ♪

♪ My love, my love, my love ♪

♪ Pour salt in the wound ♪

♪ My love, my love, my love ♪

♪ Pour salt in the wound ♪

[Alba] The new skyscraper of the only
telephone company in the country.

Thirteen floors,
over 30 million meters of cable,

thousands of employees, executives,
switchboard operators,

800 job openings...

and a safe full of money to steal.

[Sara] Please, ladies...

Welcome to the Telephone Company's
new head office.

Forgive the chaos.
We're still finishing up the move.

As of today,
many of the company's services

as well as the city's phone connections,
will be centralized in this building.

So I ask you to pay attention.

CHAPTER 1: DREAMS

Candidates for switchboard operators,
line up on the left and state your names.

Welcome to the Telephone Company.
Can I help you?

-Yes, I'm here for the tests.
-For switchboard operator.

Tell me your name. I'll check the list.

-Lidia.
-Lidia?

-Lidia Aguilar.
-Aguilar.

I'm sorry, you're not on the short list.

-Short list? I thought we just came--
-You're not the only one.

They were inundated with applications,
so they made a short list.

-I'm sorry, Lidia. Thanks for coming.
-Oh, well.

Your name is?

Lidia Aguilar.

The tests begin at twelve o'clock.

Anyone not inside the hall by then
won't be participating.

There are 390 applications
for just 12 positions.

Twelve fortunate women will be getting
the best job of their lives.

So look sharp.

Follow me, please.

You're in Madrid's most modern building.

Thirteen floors devoted
to the Telephone Company.

On the first floor,
reception and the sales department.

On the fourth and fifth floors,
administrative services.

On the sixth and seventh floors,
the switchboard rooms,

where chosen applicants
will have the privilege of working.

Next, two floors with the machine rooms,
maintenance and the engineering offices.

Above this are the floors
for events and meetings.

And finally,
management offices are on the 13th floor

TELEPHONE COMPANY

MANAGEMENT OFFICE

-Thank you.
-Thank you, Mr. Cifuentes.

Excuse me.

Miss, what are you doing here?

I'm here for the operator tests.

Someone said they were here,
but I don't see anybody!

[chuckles] They're here
if you're a man in a suit

looking to be an accounts executive,
which you aren't.

Switchboard tests are on the sixth floor.

The doors close in two minutes.
And a word of warning...

Punctuality comes first here.

-Thank you.
-[chuckles]

All right. Ricardo Rodríguez?

Uh, honey, you'd better take the stairs.

[chuckles]

[both yelp]

They shut the door. We've been left out.

The tests started at 12:00.

I got lost three times in the subway.

[Ángeles] No, you can't...

Yes?

Excuse me, we're here
for the switchboard operator tests.

-You're late.
-I know.

I know punctuality comes first
in this company.

Then why did you knock?

To find out if understanding comes second.

Look at her.

Straight from the station
with her suitcase.

-Six hundred kilometers to get here.
-Five hundred and fifty.

Yeah.

And because she was one minute late,
she'll go home empty-handed.

It's my fault... Miss Millán.

[stammers] I'm sorry.

I offered to accompany them
since I was bringing you these papers,

and I got the floors mixed up.

-You got the floors mixed up?
-Yes.

Your first mistake
since you started working for me.

As you see,
our workers are very understanding.

But, unfortunately for you,

Ángeles doesn't decide
if you get through this door.

I do.

-Thank you.
-Yes, thank you.

If I went back to the village
without doing the tests--

-Ángeles, isn't it?
-Mm-hmm.

With a name like that,
you must be our guardian angel.

I wouldn't say that. [chuckles]

Sorry. Over here.

Excuse me.

Would there be a way to pass the tests
without taking them?

No.

Good morning.

Ladies.

I see this is going to be
a great day for the company.

Are you all here for the tests?

It's going to be very hard to choose.

If only we could buy more switchboards
and give you all jobs.

-[Ángeles chuckles]
-[pencil clatters]

Thank you.

I don't want to make you
more nervous than you already are,

so good luck to all of you.

[inaudible]

♪ Don't wanna be mistaken
Don't wanna feel my heart breaking ♪

♪ But I can't get enough, oh!
Of your sweet love, oh! ♪

♪ Feel my heart racing, anticipating ♪

♪ Counting every minute, oh!
And I want you in it, oh! ♪

♪ Don't tell me, baby
What I'm feeling ain't right ♪

♪ Let's get down on the floor
And do it tonight ♪

♪ Right now keep it sexy ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Keep it sexy ♪

Remedios Fuentes, selected.
Lucía Villar, not selected.

Marta Rodríguez, selected.
Laura Sarmiento, selected.

Verónica Sánchez, selected.
Ángeles Montes, not selected.

Carlota Rodríguez de Senillosa, selected.

María José Pando, selected.

María Inmaculada Suárez, selected.

Congratulations to all those chosen.

Excuse me.

Sorry, my name wasn't called.

-You didn't pass.
-What? I'd like to see the list.

The results are not public,
but they are fair.

-I am entitled to--
-You aren't entitled to anything!

You didn't pass, period.

[Carlos] Is there a problem?

[inhales deeply]

Miss Aguilar, which academy did you go to?

-None. I'm self-taught.
-Self-taught?

-Yes.
-[chuckles]

Haven't you ever studied anything
on your own?

To be honest, I've never studied.

But don't tell my father.

I wouldn't want him to think
he wasted his money on my boarding school.

I imagine that,
after doing well on the tests,

you don't know why you weren't chosen.

It's your arms.

-What?
-They're not long enough.

There are many subscribers,
the switchboards are big,

and sometimes an operator has
to handle two switchboards.

If I may say...

You're two centimeters under the minimum.

If I may be so bold, Don Carlos,
this requirement is nonsense.

-Excuse me?
-Trinidad Seijo,

the operator in my hometown,

did the whole county,
almost 300 subscribers,

all with one hand.

She only had one hand.

So it's not the length, it's the skill.

Why do you want to be an operator?

You want me to say
it's the greatest job in the world.

But we both know I'd be lying.

Your job is much better.

But, unfortunately,
I'm told it isn't available.

A woman with character,
the gift of the gab and a sense of humor.

Not the first one you've met, I'm sure.

I've met a few...

but I don't know if any were like you.

No, they weren't.

Carolina, see the lady downstairs.

Tell Sara she's on the list.

-Welcome aboard, Miss Aguilar.
-Thank you.

The next time
you want to impress a manager,

don't tell him you want to take his job.

And the next time
you want to impress a woman,

don't make her feel you're only interested
in her measurements.

The wouldn't-hurt-a-fly act worked.

Excuse me? I don't know what you mean.

The goody-two-shoes act may work
on Sara and Carlos, but not on me.

I'll be watching you.

Honey, you'd better take the stairs.

[chuckles softly]

-[lines ringing]
-[indistinct chatter]

[Ángeles] Good afternoon.
Operator three. How may I help you?

One moment, please.

Central here. You have a call from 235.

Do you wish to take it?

Thank you.

[Sara] Thanks, Ángeles.
That's enough for now.

Ángeles knows the company
and her job better than anyone else.

[Alba] The operator who knows this company
and her job better than anyone else.

If anyone could tell me
all I needed to know to rob the safe,

it was Ángeles.

There are three shifts:
morning, day, and night.

I'd have to get close to her
and get her to trust me enough

to tell me the secrets
of the Telephone Company.

[Sara] When you hear the gong, it's time
to change positions, is that clear?

Good. Now, if you'll excuse me,

the company director
wants to introduce himself.

Don Francisco, the new employees.

Marta Rodríguez...

-Isn't Carlos Cifuentes the director?
-He's the owner's son.

-[Sara] María Inmaculada Suárez.
-Who's the director?

[Sara] Laura Sarmiento.

Petra Silva.

Lourdes Trapero.

This is Raquel Levante.

Remedios Fuentes.

Carlota Rodríguez de Senillosa.

Lidia Aguilar.

Alba.

I'm sorry, but you've mistaken me
for someone else.

My name's Lidia Aguilar.
Pleased to meet you.

I'm sorry, Miss Aguilar.

You reminded me of an old friend.

Don't worry.

[Sara] María José Pando.

[young Francisco] Come on, Alba!

Run!

Pass me the suitcase!

TEN YEARS EARLIER

[young Alba] I can't believe
we're going to Madrid.

-Do you regret it?
-Are you crazy?

[Francisco chuckles]

I'm thinking of all
I'll do when I get there,

like finding a job.

Then I'll save a lot of money.
I'll buy a beautiful dress

and go to an open-air dance
and order a White Lady.

-A White Lady?
-Of course. It's what city girls drink.

[chuckles]

-What are you going to do?
-Me?

I'm going to kiss that lovely birthmark
on your neck.

[train whistle sounding]

Hey! My suitcase! Hey!

-Hey! Hey, you thief! That's my suitcase!
-No, it's mine!

Listen, I...

Let go of me! Francisco!

Francisco!

[phone ringing]

-I told you not to call me here.
-[Alba] It's an emergency, Beltrán.

A problem's come up.

I can't do the heist I planned.
I need another place... and more time.

Don't give me your life story.

You know the penalty for m*rder? Death.

You have one day to avoid it.

Tomorrow at 1:00, in the park.

Carlota, do you know how to get here?

Dolores' Boardinghouse on Blancaró.

Yes, you can't miss it.

Go straight ahead,
take the third street on the left--

-[Miguel] It's the second on the left.
-Says who?

Miguel Pascual, communications engineer.

Madrid born and bred.
I know the city blindfolded.

[laughs] Did you hear, Marga?
A versatile man.

Not many of those around.

-I agree.
-[gasps]

[chuckles]

-This is Miguel.
-[stammers] Oh, he's your boyfriend.

Don't say that word in front of her.
She's allergic to it.

[chuckles] I'm going to the bar
across the street later. You coming?

I'll finish up and see you there.

Lidia, are you coming to the bar with us?

No, I've got things to do.

[Marga] Can I come?

It's to thank Ángeles
for what she did for us.

Ángeles is going?

Yes, she left her daughter
with a neighbor. Are you coming?

[Ángeles] Good evening.

The Cifuentes family made
a huge investment

in erecting this building.

Naturally, they want to increase security.

We only have access during our shift.

They have to be careful.

Everything goes through head office.

Company earnings, payroll...
Basically everything.

[Marga] Grandma,
you're going to make me deaf!

See? You're worth your weight in gold.

Just wait till I tell Rosario...

Grandma, before you say anything...

I've been thinking about it and...

I should turn down the job
and go back to the village.

What? Are you crazy?

We're not a rich family,

and you haven't got a husband
to support you.

I won't let you stay here
for the rest of your life

looking after an old lady.

You gave up enough for your mother.
God rest her soul.

Sure, Grandma...

but I was happy with you and my mother.

She was with you, too.
But you have to look out for yourself now.

For once in your life,
think just about yourself,

not everyone else.

I know. And I am, but...

-the capital's too big for me.
-Fear passes, Marga.

And so does life
if you don't make the most of it.

-Don't forget that.
-Thanks.

I have to go, Grandma.

Take care. [kisses] I love you.

[sighs]

-That's a lot of money.
-[Carlota] Hey...

Stop talking shop, and let's have a toast.

Vermouth.

But vermouth has alcohol in it.

[laughs] Yes, but you can order
something else if you like.

No, that's okay.

Maybe it's too strong for me, too.

I haven't had one since...
I can't remember.

I haven't been in a bar
since I got pregnant.

It'll prepare you for the champagne
at the party tonight.

[Marga] What party?

-[Carlota] The grand opening party.
-[Ángeles] Everyone's going.

I can't go. I need to watch my daughter.

But the operators are going,
the clerks, even the bosses...

The Cifuenteses are mingling
with the workers. Sure.

-It's about time!
-I can't go.

I don't like parties much.

[scoffs] To say you don't like parties,

you have to have gone
to at least one in your life.

[laughs] And you look
like you've never been to any!

Come on, let's toast. Come on, Lidia.

Let's toast to Marga
and her first vermouth.

To Ángeles, because she helped us
get this opportunity.

-And to the new cable girls.
-[Ángeles] Yes!

Ah! And because
we're now independent women.

[man] Carlota.

Get your things
and come with me right now.

No. I don't have to go anywhere.

I have a job
and I'm an independent woman.

Let go of me.
I'm not one of your soldiers!

Let go of me!

-[Miguel] Don Emilio--
-Stay out of it.

You're nothing to this family.

You'll have to force me.

[Emilio] You thought I wouldn't find out?
When did you become a liar?

[Carlota] Since you stopped caring
about what I want.

I don't want a husband.
I want a job and to be independent.

A girl of your class doesn't work.
Stop this nonsense and get in the car.

I said get in!

[all gasp]

Yes, sir, Colonel.

[stuttering] So that's...

Carlota's father, yes.

Well, I'd better go home.
My husband's waiting for me.

-Can you find the boardinghouse?
-Yes.

Carlota told me how to get
from here to Blancaró Street.

-Good. See you tomorrow.
-See you tomorrow.

Ángeles! Wait, I'll go with you.

Let the champagne flow
and get whatever the gentlemen need!

I assume you're here because you did it.

I got the job,
and I know where the safe is.

But there's a problem. I saw Francisco.

-[Victoria] Francisco?
-[Alba] My Francisco.

-[Victoria] What?
-He's the company director.

-[Victoria] Did he see you?
-Yes.

[Victoria] You have to get out of there
right away.

[Alba] I can't. If I don't pay what I owe,
I'll be convicted.

[Victoria] If I had that money...

You know me.

Victoria, I'm doing it tonight.

One of the girls said
that there's security, but I can do it.

I'll go to the party, get the keys,
take the money,

and tomorrow I'll be far away from here.

And from Francisco.

-Alba, I think--
-I just have to be quick.

If I see him, I'll give him the slip.

Alba, rushing things is never wise.

It's crazy.

It's either that or the garrote.

Ah!

Room 27.

Come here.

Alba, honey, I've already lost Gimena.
I wouldn't want to lose you, too.

Dinner is at 8:30,
and the door is locked at 11:00.

I know I needn't worry
about your behavior.

Your grandmother assured me
that you're a responsible girl.

This is a decent boardinghouse,
and now it's your home.

Come.

Here. There are sheets on the bed,

and there's a set of towels
you can use until you buy your own.

-Good night.
-Doña Lola...

tonight is the company's opening party.
They've invited the new operators.

I promise I'll be back
before you lock the door.

Very well. Be careful.

There's always some swine waiting
to take advantage of a decent girl.

You know, "open mind, closed legs."

-Good night.
-Good night.

-[laughing] What?
-Come here!

You're talking
to the new chief technician

for the head office of the country's
largest telephone company.

-When did it happen?
-Francisco told me this afternoon.

I almost hugged that stuffed shirt!

-Mario!
-What, honey?

I'm just saying what everyone thinks.

-Wonderful!
-We'll pay off the house.

You'll stop working.
Our problems are over.

You understand? You understand, honey?

I love you. Let's celebrate.

I'm so happy!

Yes.

-Mario, you want me to stop working?
-That's what we talked about.

Well, yeah.

Yes, we did, but...

that was before, and...

Mario, I love my job.

More than being at home
with your husband and daughter?

No, you two are my priority. Always.

If we're your priority, what are you doing
drinking vermouth while we're at home?

God, it was the first time in three years.

Mario...

[door slams]

[sighs]

Aren't you coming down for supper?

We're doing this for your own good.

Have you stopped to think
that it might not be what's best for me?

[upbeat music playing]

♪ Shut up, let us have fun ♪

♪ Rock up like we're so punk ♪

♪ We're living the good life ♪

♪ Good life ♪

♪ Good nights become good times ♪

♪ We'll stay up the whole night ♪

♪ We're living the good life ♪

♪ Good life ♪

[Marga] My goodness,
there are so many people here.

Eight hundred workers.
If even a quarter came...

I knew I couldn't miss this! [chuckling]

[Marga] I still can't believe you're here.

When your father came into the bar,
I almost got in the car, I was so scared.

Do you know
what a woman's worst enemy is?

Submission.

-I was always taught to obey.
-Sure. Me, too.

"A woman needs to always be proper
and obedient, Carlota."

But one day I thought,

"You're not a woman.
How do you know what I need?"

So he can lock all the doors he wants.

"There is no gate, no lock, no bolt

that you can set upon
the freedom of my mind."

Virginia Woolf said that.

Is she a friend of yours?

[crowd applauding]

[Carmen] It's not as if we're royalty.

Since when do you mind
being the center of attention?

Who said I minded?

Will anything ever be good enough for you?

I thought marrying you was good enough.
At first.

I'm going to mingle. See you soon.

-♪ I'm Dr. Jekyll and I'm Mr. Hyde ♪
-♪ Mr. Hyde ♪

-♪ I wanna speak, but I'm tongue-tied ♪
-♪ Tongue-tied ♪

♪ I'm wide awake
In this dream that I can't... ♪

[women laughing]

♪ No, I can't escape ♪

♪ Wanna feel you on the inside
Come and make me wide-eyed ♪

-♪ And you tell me it's okay ♪
-♪ That you do what you do ♪

♪ Make me feel like I'm so high
I think I'm losing my mind ♪

-♪ And you tell me it's okay ♪
-♪ That you do what you do ♪

Good evening.

-Excuse me.
-Miss... What was it?

-Aguilar. [chuckles]
-Aguilar, that's it.

[Carlos] What a pleasant surprise.

So I see. You were having
a terrible time until I arrived.

Ah! I haven't had time.
And one must be nice to the staff.

Is that what you're doing?
Being nice?

Some things you do out of obligation,
others you do for pleasure.

Clearly, this is the latter.

I see the party is turning out to be fun.

Miss Aguilar, Francisco Gómez.

-We met earlier.
-Yes.

-A drink?
-No, thank you.

A White Lady? A city girl's drink.

This night deserves a toast.

Thanks, but I don't like White Ladies.

Now that's what I call honesty!
Not a common quality.

Luckily, Miss Aguilar has
more than enough for both of us.

Along with other virtues.

-Such as?
-[music stops]

-I think we'll have to wait to find out.
-Mm.

[chuckling] Darling!

My father asked me to tell you
you're expected on stage.

[Carlos] Stay there, miss.
You owe me a dance.

[Ricardo] I want to thank all of you
who have come here tonight

to join with us in celebrating the opening
of Europe's largest telephone exchange.

You all know that this hasn't been
an easy road, nor a short one.

And that all these gray hairs
are due to that road.

But we're finally here.

And we wouldn't be
if it weren't for the person

who was the driving force
behind this project.

He's loyal, hardworking and honest.

And it gives me great peace of mind

to leave this company's future
in my son-in-law's hands,

someone I consider my son,

Francisco Gómez. Francisco.

[crowd applauding]

[Francisco] Thank you. Thank you.

Ten years ago, I couldn't have imagined
being here today.

I would've settled for a good job

and a place to share
with the love of my life.

Today, I have almost everything
I dreamt of.

Almost, because one could always want
something more.

Today is the beginning
of a new era for the company,

one that will span the oceans.

I am pleased to announce that tomorrow,

this company is to make
its first intercontinental call.

President Coolidge
and His Majesty Alfonso XIII

will establish the first connection
between Spain and the United States.

[Alba] I'd tried to convince myself
that Francisco meant nothing to me.

If I wanted to be free,
I couldn't be led by my heart.

That night, I'd steal the money
from the company

and run far away
from any ghost from the past.

Good or bad, just to be myself.

Excuse me, miss. Your identification?

That says "day shift."

Only night shift employees
are allowed in.

I know, but I'll just be a minute.
I left my purse in my locker.

I'm sorry. You can get it tomorrow.

But my house keys are in it.

And there's no one I can call.

Please do me this favor.

Otherwise, I'll have to spend
the night on the street.

I'll just be a moment.

GENERAL DIRECTOR

We must be the only two not invited
to the party.

Julian says
even the stockroom workers went.

-[upbeat song playing]
-I love this song. Do you know it?

No.

On a bad day, you can put it on
and forget everything. Listen.

There are better songs.

But if it helps you
forget your troubles...

-How did you get out of the barracks?
-Through the window.

A soldier's life is tough.

It's a good thing
that the nights are much more fun.

Let's dance.

[both panting]

♪ And I can feel my heart skip ♪

♪ Every time that I slip ♪

♪ I wanna run away ♪

-[yells]
-Hey!

Stop!

[grunting]

[grunts] Are you all right?

[panting]

I couldn't catch him, but I got
your purse. I think it's all there.

[Carlota exclaims]

[chuckling] I wonder what excuse I'll use
to get to my shift on time tomorrow.

You can't keep doing this
for the rest of your life.

I've got no choice.

-Yes, you do.
-Really?

-Marry me.
-[laughs] You're crazy.

I didn't think I'd ask you either,
but it's the solution.

-Oh, it's the solution, yes.
-[both chuckle]

You wouldn't depend on your father.

No, I'd depend on you, my husband.
The perfect definition of independence.

You think I'd tell you what to do?

You're drunk. I'm going.

Yes, I'm drunk.
But I'm right. Think it over!

[man] Let's go, Miguel!

[Miguel] Good night! Wait up, guys.

[faint clanging]

[sighs]

-[whispering] Don't make noise.
-Thanks.

-I don't know where Miguel is.
-Don't worry.

Both beds are for you.
I'm going home tomorrow.

-Why?
-This isn't for me.

I got lost on the subway,
broke my bag and got robbed.

-Robbed?
-It doesn't matter.

-I'm not staying.
-Marga!

Do you know how long I faked
going to a sewing circle?

One year. All that time,
I was really learning to type.

I didn't want my parents
to know I wanted to work.

I was afraid
they'd throw me out of the house.

Gee. I'm sorry.

Sorry? Why?

I'm not sorry.

Want to know the good part?
I'm not afraid anymore.

I don't know how you can take it so well.

What else can I do?

Cry because my parents
prefer their ideas to who I am?

No. There are two ways
to look at life...

You can look on the negative side,
and cry and complain.

Or look on the fun side,
enjoy it, laugh, and move forward.

That's what I've chosen to do.

Everything in life has its good side,
even Madrid.

Even if you don't see it.

Unless I rob that safe during the call...

you'll have to find another home.

[cat meows]

Beltrán won't give me any more time.

I either hand over the money tomorrow
at one o'clock or...

This is my last chance.

[newsboy] Extra! Extra!
First call to America today!

Extra! Extra!
The king calls America today!

-Mario, can I talk to you?
-I'm working, Ángeles. Not now.

I was up all night worried about you.

-Where were you?
-Walking.

All night?

All night. I had a lot to think about.

-Mario--
-I won't argue about it here.

I don't want to argue, just talk. Please.

You want to talk?

Talk.

Mario, can't you understand

that it bothers me
when you ask me to stop working?

I can't believe this! What do you think?

-That I don't know that you like your job?
-[shushes]

And how hard it is
for you to leave all this?

But we have a daughter,

and I don't want a stranger
taking care of her.

I want her mother to do it.

Have you thought about how it torments me

to not give my family what they deserve?

I promised you everything,
that you'd live like a queen.

And what did I get?
You're here all day, taking calls.

You've convinced yourself
that it's right, and it's not.

Let me make you happy.

Please.

Let's be the family we dreamt of being.

STAFF FILE

[door opens and closes]

[Carlos] Good morning.

-What are you looking for?
-The keys to the safe.

Either I left them behind here,
or I lost them wherever I was last night.

You should try drinking
two fewer glasses of brandy.

-It'd be good for your memory.
-But terrible for my soul.

My soul is free. It can't be chained.

Right.

You should try smiling sometime.

Are you all right?

-Do you remember Alba?
-Alba?

[chuckles]

[sighs]

The love of your youth who vanished
without a word? Who ran away from you?

Her? No.

Yesterday, I thought I saw her.

-Again?
-There was a strong resemblance.

Francisco, people change in ten years.

A lot. Look at you.

[chuckles]

Yes, you're right.
Forget it. It was stupid.

Besides, there's things to be done.

Elegant enough to be immortalized
next to His Majesty?

Without those bags under your eyes,
I'd say you look quite respectable.

There's a lot to do.

-[stomps foot]
-What's on the agenda?

First, inform Sara
about who's making the call.

I've taken care of that already.

Personally.

-So?
-I'm sorry I'm late.

-Changed your mind?
-What's going on?

They're announcing which operator
will make the call.

They'll give it to Ángeles.
She has the most experience.

Ladies, we won't draw this out.

Today, the transoceanic call
will be made between the king

and the president of the United States.

We're designating an operator
to make the call.

It's a great responsibility,

and I hope the chosen person
takes it as such.

That person is... Lidia Aguilar.

Me?

I can't do it.

Excuse me, Miss Aguilar?

I'm new here at the company.
It's too much responsibility.

-It should be Ángeles.
-I agree.

It wasn't my decision to make.
It was management's.

So I hope you can carry out your task.

The operator protocol.

Learn it as if your life depended on it.

I can assure you, it does.

The other switchboards
will be disconnected for ten minutes.

So all you need to do
is witness this moment.

-I won't do it.
-The protocol is simple.

You managed the jacks well yesterday.

-I don't mean--
-If anything goes wrong,

other girls will cover you.

This is a crucial moment
for the company, Carlos.

You're jeopardizing it
to seduce an operator.

You sound like my father.

You think I'm doing this to seduce her?

-Carlos--
-I like her image for the company.

She's an ambitious girl.
I think she'll do it well.

-Why didn't you ask me?
-I have to ask you about everything?

Staff selection is my job.

Trust me, please.

Expectations are high among the media

here on the tenth floor
of the Telephone Company.

Today, at exactly noon,
an event will take place

that will mark
a before and after in history...

The first intercontinental call
made from our country,

involving two major figures
on either side of the Atlantic.

[crowd applauding]

His Majesty Alfonso XIII,

whose arrival at the Telephone Company
we are about to witness,

will speak to President Coolidge
in an exchange

that will affirm the strong relationship
between our countries.

[Alba] I wasn't afraid of the challenge.

But it would make my objective
harder to achieve.

While the whole world was wrapped up
in that great historical event...

I'd rob the safe.

I'd put an end to Beltrán's blackmail
and flee in search of a new life...

far from my past,

and far from the man
who was once the love of my life.

-It's time, Father.
-Very well.

When you wish, Your Majesty.
The world awaits.

Good morning. Telephone Company.
How may I help you?

Yes, operator?

Could you please connect me
with Washington, United States?

Number 0002, with the president.

Of course, Your Majesty.

I'm connecting you now.
One moment, please.

I've lost the line.

[Francisco] We checked the circuits.
There must be a signal.

[Sara] You're doing something wrong.

[Alba] There's no signal.

Jack one to jack two... It's off.

[panting]

[in English] Hello?

Washington, DC?

[Alba] An historic day.
A triumph for communications.

The world in the hands of a woman,
a switchboard operator.

[Alfonso XIII in English]
Thank you very much, Mr. President.

[Alba] Everyone was celebrating
this incredible event

and felt they were part
of a new world...

But some women began to understand
that the new world

wasn't as idyllic or as simple
as they would have liked...

It would involve family sacrifices
and loneliness...

for independence always comes at a price.

For Gimena, it was her life.

For me, it was being condemned
to break the rules.

♪ But I know
Once in a while we will find ♪

♪ The sound of your heart beats
With mine ♪

♪ And when it's time
I'll leave the ocean behind ♪

♪ So I'll look ♪

♪ Out for a lighthouse ♪

♪ See through the fog ♪

♪ Search the horizon ♪

Stop.

♪ Once in a while we will find ♪

♪ The sound of your heart beats
With mine ♪

I know who you are.

Ten years isn't long enough
to forget you...

Alba.

♪ You've seen the light
How it's shining bright, shining down ♪

♪ Through the clouds
Making everything come alive ♪

♪ Making everything wrong feel right
Making everything loose feel tight ♪

♪ Like the stars in the heavens
Lined up ♪

♪ Like I'm the only one on the set
There's no more feeling like it's over ♪

♪ But the only thing that's over
I'm no longer standing over ♪

♪ I don't know what's the use, the use
They no longer can refuse me ♪

♪ 'Cause now I'm taking control ♪

♪ And now, tonight
I'm getting out, out, out of this place ♪

♪ And I'm not falling behind
I'll hold the winning trophy ♪

♪ At the end of this race ♪

♪ I'll be dancing in the rain
I'll be drinking champagne! ♪

♪ This is my night ♪

♪ And I own it ♪

♪ Say yeah ♪