INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
KNOCK ON DOOR
- Inspector, your shift is over.
- Thank you, Maione.
You? Not taking your hat?
Aren't you leaving?
No, I've got the night shift.
The less I'm at home, the better.
I've tried, Inspector.
I've been trying for 2 years.
But it's pointless.
Without my son Luca,
home will never be the same.
I'm better off here.
At least I'll earn some overtime.
NAPLES POLICE STATION
The pork chop's cold now.
I'll heat it up for you.
Eat the vegetable stew,
I know you like it.
Huh?
Rosa, I've told you before,
I make do myself.
You can make do? You'd go to bed
without dinner! Come on.
Let me get changed.
Ah.
SHE SIGHS
ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYS
Good evening, my love.
Mum, please, go in there.
You know I prefer
to wash up by myself.
- OK. Good night.
- Good night.
Take your time.
I'll be back soon.
ROUSING CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
VENGEANCE WILL BE MINE
WOMAN SHOUTS
SHE SCREAMS
They have m*rder*d Master Turiddu!
APPLAUSE
WOMAN SCREAMS
This way.
- Inspector.
- Good evening.
Make way, please.
This way, please.
Let them through.
We've taken the names of everyone
who's left the theatre so far.
Good.
- Who's that?
- The theatre's manager.
He's putting pressure on us..
Are you the inspector?
Finally. What a tragedy!
Luckily,
His Majesty the King cancelled.
- Imagine what would have happened!
- And you are?
Sorry?
I'm Duke Francesco Maria Spinelli,
superintendent of the San Carlo Theatre.
I'm Inspector Ricciardi.
The man behind me is Sergeant Maione.
- Show me where it happened.
- Follow me.
No, no, wait.
First we have to let people leave.
The constabulary wants everyone's ID,
even the prefect and Party officials!
- I demand respect for their roles!
- My role is to find a m*rder*r.
Yours is to help me
in this endeavour.
Not helping would be a crime.
So control yourself.
If that's
how you want to put it, fine.
Cesarano, continue.
Good evening.
A little patience, please.
None of you can leave
the theatre yet.
Orchestra members and staff
on my left, please.
Actors on my right.
What are you doing there?
Go with the other actors.
No, Inspector. Excuse me,
but this is not a costume.
I'm Father Pietro Fava.
I'm a priest for real.
LAUGHTER
Silence!
Why are you here?
Who called you?
Actually, Inspector,
I snuck in, let's say.
Father Pierino loves opera,
Inspector.
So we let him in
and he watches from the wings.
All right, Father.
For now, stay where you are.
- Where is he?
- In his dressing room. Follow me.
Come on,
everyone onto the stage.
Let us continue our work.
Come on.
Gentlemen, let us through, please.
Make space, please.
This way, please.
This is Giuseppe Lasio,
the stage manager. He found him.
- Did you break down the door?
- Yes, sir.
Miss Lilia, the head
seamstress, called me
because Vezzi wasn't answering.
We knocked,
we shouted, but nothing!
- We?
- Yes.
We had to make
some final touches to his costume.
- Did you call Dr Modo?
- Asked for him specifically.
Camarda, escort
all these people onto the stage.
No one leaves the theatre.
Cesarano will help you.
- Yes, sir.
- Do you think it was us?
We're serious people,
we come here to work.
Madam, please.
No one here is contradicting that.
Now please,
all of you get onto the stage.
- Follow my colleague. Go on.
- Come on, everyone onto the stage.
Come on, people,
there's nothing to see.
Onto the stage, come on.
There's nothing to see.
EERIE WHISPERINGS
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
I will have vengeance.
My rage shall know...
ARIA ON RADIO
You'll become a hunchback,
embroidering every evening.
If only all that embroidery
were useful...
I’ll go to bed
in a few minutes, Mum.
Enrica, I'm telling you
for your own good.
You need to find a fiance.
Don't worry, Mum, I will.
Right, he'll fall from the sky.
My darling,
it's time to start looking.
You're 23 years old.
Look at your sister.
She's younger than you,
already married with a child.
All right.
- Good night.
- Good night.
EERIE WHISPERINGS
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
His carotid artery was slashed.
He bled to death.
An ecchymosis on his left cheekbone.
No other signs of trauma.
The blow seems to have been inflicted
by someone left-handed, right?
It's hard to hit a piece of glass
so hard without injuring yourself,
even if he’s wearing, gloves.
There are no signs of blood on them.
I think he hit the mirror
after receiving a blow, maybe a punch-
I'll be more precise
after performing the post-mortem.
- Will you do it immediately?
- Always in a hurry, Ricciardi!
I'm willing to work overtime,
but only if it's justified.
And the fact that the tenor here
was a friend of the Duce's...
He's even got a badge!
That's not justification.
Well, have you finished
taking photos?.This way, please.
You need to be careful
what you say in front of people.
Jesus, why? I'm an Italian citizen,
I'm 50 years old, I'm a w*r veteran,
but I can't speak my mind?
So that's freedom?
You and your friend here
called me in at the end of my shift.
You should be happy
we think you're the best.
Is that a smile I see?
Isn't that a bit much?
You can't bribe me
like that, Ricciardi.
The post-mortem will be done
within normal timeframes.
- Take care.
- You too.
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
all my love shall end in hate.
CHATTER
Please, people, quiet down.
Cesarano, have you got
everyone’s-details?
- Yes, Inspector.
- Good.
Inspector, with all due respect,
these people work hard.
We need to send them home.
We also have a dead man, and
he deserves respect more than anyone.
WOMAN SOBS
- What time did you find him?
- It was around 10pm.
During the final scene
of Cavalleria.
Cavalleria Rusticana, the first of
the two operas on the bill this evening.
The second was Pagliacci, where
Maestro Vezzi was supposed to sing.
And when was the last time
you saw him alive?
This evening, when he got
to the theatre, around 8.
Had anything strange happened?
An argument with anyone?
Maestro Vezzi argued
with everyone.
But he never locked the door
to his dressing room,
because no one would ever
come in without knocking.
That's why, Inspector,
when I saw the door was locked,
I decided to break it down.
Maybe he'd had a disagreement
in the past few days.
You don't remember anything,
perhaps from rehearsal?
No, he only came
to the dress rehearsal.
Hold on, I remember.
That day, he exchanged words with me,
then with the orchestra director.
He wanted to rehearse Pagliacci first.
Then with the baritone, because
he was a step in front of him on stage.
- Finally, with his assistant.
- And the key?
Did you take it?
Because it wasn't in the door.
No, I never saw the key.
I don't know where it is.
Who can tell me
anything more about him?
His assistant, Bassi.
Stefano Bassi,
at your service, Inspector.
I need to speak with you about Vezzi.
Come down to the station tomorrow.
The investigation is open.
This means that
you cannot-leave the city.
If anyone does so without permission,
an arrest warrant will be issued.
Clear?
- Now you can go home.
- Thank you, Inspector.
STAFF MURMUR
Father.
Are you familiar
with operas and singers?
Yes.
Would you mind explaining it to me?
Perhaps tomorrow morning.
At 8am I finish mass, then
I can be at your-disposal, Inspector.
Good. I'll come and see you
tomorrow-at 8am.
Who could have wanted to
extinguish such a sublime voice?
Gift from our Father in Heaven
to all of us.
Want to see that I know
how to come down from the balcony?
EERIE WHISPERING
Want to see that I know
how to come down from the balcony?
Want to see that I know
how to come down from the balcony?
Want to see that I know
how to come down from the balcony?
Want to see that I know
how to come down from the balcony?
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
Lucia.
CHATTER OUTSIDE
Hey, that's enough.
Give it to me, Antonio.
Maria, be quiet.
Antonio!
{\an8}SHE SIGHS
Antonio!
BASKET THUDS
ARGUMENT STOPS
SHE SNEEZES
What do we have here?
Don't wipe your nose like that.
Here, blow. Come on.
Again.
There you go.
It's cold outside.
Spring doesn't seem
to want to come this year.
Dad, what time
did you get home last night?
- Did something happen?
- No.
We went to the theatre,
to the San Carlo Theatre.
There were singers, actors,
clown costumes. You should have seen.
Weren't you working, Dad?
Of course I was working.
But my job is not
a good breakfast topic.
And when is it good? If you never talk
to me about it, how can I learn?
COFFEE POT BANGS
Boy, you need to concentrate
on school, that's all.
Here.
- Lucia.
- Wffat is it?
Have a nice day.
Do you think you'll be home
for dinner tonight?
I don't know.
You know the Inspector.
There's an investigation open,
anything can happen.
HEELS CLACK
HE PRAYS IN LATIN
In nomine Patris, et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti...
WORSHIPPERS: Amen.
Enrica.
- Father Pierino.
- My dear!
Is something wrong?
Normally only see you
on Sundays.
DOOR CLOSES
No, Father Pierino,
everything's fine.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Good morning, Inspector.
From your place backstage,
did you see anyone come in or out
of the dressing room area?
Not just anyone.
I saw Vezzi himself come in.
Vezzi?
Sorry, Father Pierino,
when did you arrive at the San Carlo?
At 8:55pm.
You see, the. guard lets me in
through the garden at the last moment.
I go through the stage door,
and go directly backstage.
- Excuse me, Father.
- Go ahead.
HE SINGS IN ITALIAN
- Excuse me.
- Excuse me.
Did you understand
where he'd been just before?
- Outside, imagine.
- Are you sure it was him?
Everyone recognises his scarf.
The way he was wearing it, his gait,
his size. It could only be Vezzi.
He was going to
to get ready-for Pagliacci.
Is it normal to perform two operas
on the same evening?
Forgive me, I know nothing
about opera. I’m like a blind man.
They're two short operas.
They're usually performed together.
And during the first part
of the performance,
- did you notice anything strange?
- No, nothing strange.
They were good, a young company.
I wasn't expecting that.
Although I'd mainly come
to see Pagliacci, to listen to Vezzi.
Is anything I say useful to you?
- I'm the blind man now.
- It could be useful.
That's all for now, but I'm afraid
I'll be back to bother you again.
You'll find me here.
And if you ever want
to go to the opera,
I'd be happy to accompany you.
It'd do you good to see how enchanting
an expressed feeling can be.
I know feelings well, Father.
They can even get to be
too much.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Inspector. Inspector!
Ponte, good morning.
Deputy Chief of Police Garzo wants
to see you immediately.
This early?
It must be something important.
Sir, I'm not kidding. He’s been
in the office since 7:30. Please.
- OK. Can I have a coffee first?
- I'll go and get you one.
- Has Maione arrived?
- Not yet.
Don't get me in trouble, please.
I promised...
- What are you looking at?
- What am I looking at?
You have to look me
in the eye, Ponte.
Please, why?
Don't get me in trouble.
Help me out here.
- Go on.
- Can I buy you a coffee?
- Go on.
- Thank you.
- Go on, go on.
- Please, I'm buying.
I heard about
what you did last night.
There were complaints.
What if His Majesty the King
had been there?
What would you have done,
held him too?
Ricciardi.
Are you listening to me?
As I was saying,
it appears that Duke Spinelli,
superintendent of the San Carlo,
is asking that you be reprimanded.
I believe I work
according to procedure,
but you're welcome
to give the case to someone else.
Listen, Ricciardi,
I know no one else would be able
to solve this case quickly.
And it's pointless me telling you
how important it is,
because of the illustrious name
of the victim and...
his acquaintances.
His widow is arriving from Rome,
a very virtuous woman,
and I'd ask you
not to bother her, all right?
There's a dead man
and a m*rder*r running free.
That's what matters to me.
So we'll do whatever needs to be done.
Listen, Ricciardi,
I won't put my career in jeopardy
because of your errors.
But your career, yes.
So...
do a good job,
and everyone will be happy.
Do a bad job,
and you will pay.
Then I'd better get to work
without wasting any time.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in.
Inspector, good morning.
Deputy Garzo.
Inspector,
just wanted to tell you
that Vezzi's assistant
is waiting for you in your office,
and Mrs Vezzi, his wife,
just arrived.
OK, Ricciardi.
You talk to the assistant.
I'll speak to the widow.
- May I go?
- Go ahead.
HEELS CLACK
Sir.
In theory, he could have
gone out and come back in.
Yes. There's a little door
for the artists that's always open.
But I can't tell you anything else.
I went down into the audience.
Was Vezzi rude towards everyone
or just his subordinates?
Vezzi considered everyone
his subordinate.
So he'd made some enemies?
Many, Inspector.
But to want him dead...
Too many people
make their living off talent like his.
Talk to me, Bassi.
Get it off your chest.
Was just thinking...
maybe there was someone.
- A jealous husband.
- Who are you referring to, exactly?
Vezzi was a womaniser.
Married or engaged,
it made no difference to him.
Actually, if he could take her away
from someone, all the better.
- But he was married.
- What can I tell you?
Clearly, a man in his position
can do whatever he wants.
And was there a particular lady
he'd been entertaining recently,
as far as you know?
I don't know, Inspector.
We just got here 3 days ago.
The dress rehearsal, right?
But the last time we came was
to sign the contract, at Christmas.
We spent a few days
in Naples then.
At Christmas?
And you don't know
who the lucky lady was?
No, Inspector.
You can't think of anything
that could help us understand who...?
A detail out of the ordinary?
Well, now that I think about it,
something strange did happen.
But I don't know
if it's pertinent.
Vezzi asked me if I knew
where to catch tram number 2.
Why is that so strange?
Inspector, the Maestro didn't go
anywhere without his driver.
He didn't even open
the car door himself.
I don't think Vezzi's ever
taken a tram in his life.
All right, that's all for now.
Keep yourself at our disposal.
Thank you, Inspector.
Do you know
where this tram number 2 goes?
- They call it the lovers' carriage.
- Why?
Because couples take it
to go to this place along the sea,
where there are
these hotels and...
they go there to get
some fresh sea air, let's say.
- Take a nice little trip down there.
- Why, Inspector?
Travel the same route as Vezzi.
See if you notice anything,
ask a few questions.
Standard procedure.
- We'll meet at the San Carlo.
- Where are you going?
To Garzo, I want
to run into Vezzi's widow.
Speaking of which, Inspector...
What a woman she is!
Madam, I'm sorry
to subject you to this agony,
but it's standard procedure.
I'll have someone see you out.
Ricciardi, what manners!
I'm sorry, Deputy Garzo, but...
I absolutely have to ask
Mrs Vezzi some questions.
That's not necessary.
Are you in charge
of this investigation?
Yes, madam.
Inspector Luigi Alfredo Ricciardi.
I'm sorry for your loss.
This lady is not to be
bothered for any reason.
Right now, she needs
to identify the body,
which is already
an onerous task.
Do you understand?
Let's go, madam. The car is ready
to take us to the hospital.
To be honest, Deputy Chief,
I'd prefer to go alone.
Of course. Absolutely.
Bear in mind that I'm at your disposal
if you need anything.
- Ponte!
- Yes, sir.
See the lady to the car.
- This way.
- Thank you, Deputy Chief.
Inspector Ricciardi, take care.
Ricciardi.
I warned you.
The lady is a close friend..
A friend! Understand?
Especially of his daughter.
I demand you leave her in peace.
Clear?
Have a nice day, sir.
Madam, if I may have a minute...
Forgive my insolence,
but I have some questions
with regards to the investigation.
If you want something,
there's nothing that can stop you.
Isn’t that right, Inspector?
Why did you say
you'd just arrived from Rome?
You were already here
in Naples last night.
Why didn't you tell
Deputy Garzo?
I did, but he told me
to keep it quiet to avoid gossip.
Especially considering the fact
that my arrival here was unplanned.
And that the reason for my trip
no longer existed.
What was the reason?
I'd decided to leave my husband.
I would have told him
after the performance,
but I didn't make it in time.
You were at the theatre.
I'd just arrived.
I wanted to hear him
sing Pagliacci one last time.
But when I saw
all that commotion,
I could never have guessed the reason,
but I changed my mind and left.
I didn't want to be recognised.
I used to be a singer too,
you know?
I performed in the most important
theatres in the world.
New York, Paris, London,
even here in Naples.
Then I met him, the genius.
I gave up my career
to be the great Vezzi’s wife.
I should have left him
a long time ago.
But fear of a scandal
held me back for a long time.
Then why now?
Do you believe
in destiny, Ricciardi?
No, madam.
What do you believe in?
I believe in the two reasons
I see people die:
hunger and love.
You don’t die from love,
but from lack of it.
With Arnaldo, I died
a little bit every day, for years.
Especially after
the loss of our son.
I live with my son's ghost.
I see him, I speak to him.
Do you believe in ghosts?
You think I'm mad.
I see dead people
every day, Mrs Vezzi.
I'm not Mrs Vezzi anymore.
From today, I can go back to being
Livia Lucani. The show is over.
Who can confirm you stayed
outside the theatre, without going in?
Do you really think
I k*lled my husband?
His death liberated you,
you said so yourself,
without the need for scandals.
You've just provided a motive.
I'm speaking to you
honestly, Inspector.
So am I, madam. I don't intend to hide
any of my thoughts from you.
And what I think is that
a woman who lives for so long
with a man
who doesn't respect her
can really end up hating him.
It wasn't me, Inspector.
Would you like me
to accompany you?
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
- Excuse me.
- How can I help?
Where's the entrance
to the Belvedere hotel?
There it is. Right there.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
HE SIGHS
Ricciardi.
Good morning, madam.
That's him.
Madam.
Excuse me.
- Thought I was ready, but...
- I'll bring you a chair.
That's kind of you, but I'd prefer
to go straight to the villa.
Shall I accompany you?
I'm sure we'll have other
opportunities to meet, Inspector.
I have to ask you
not to leave the city,
and to remain at our disposal.
I'll have his personal effects
sent to your house, all right?
You don't really
suspect her, do you
I hope you're wrong. She's a woman
of rare beauty and sensitivity.
Too bad I found out
she's a good friend of the Duce's.
Watch your mouth,
or the fascists will hurt you.
Me? That's not possible,
you know why?
I've got important friends
in the police who protect me.
I'll be waiting
for the post-mortem results.
Post-mortems are followed
by invitations to restaurants.
Bye.
Not far from the tram stop,
there's a little hotel.
It's called the Belvedere.
The owner remembers this Vezzi guy,
who rented a room with a woman
quite a few times
during the Christmas period.
Pointless asking if you know
who the woman was.
No, they never
even saw her face.
They told me she'd come running in
after him with her veil down.
- You think she's involved?
- Who knows.
{\an8}EERIE WHISPERING
Will have vengeance.
Maybe she's just one of many.
All my love shall end in hate.
Will have vengeance.
- What are you thinking, Inspector?
- I'm thinking...
that halfway through Cavalleria
Rusticana, Vezzi was still alive.
Here.
The priest ran into him
in the corridor.
But half an hour later,
- he was dead.
I think he met someone.
His m*rder*r?
The locked door,
the open window.
Blood everywhere, except on his hat,
his scarf and his coat.
I'm racking my brains
about it too.
I don't understand.
How is it possible?
The m*rder*r might have taken them
from the wardrobe,
after k*lling Vezzi.
Perhaps as a disguise.
But they changed their mind, took
the key and escaped out the window.
Well done, Inspector.
You've got quite a mind.
With all due respect.
It's just a theory, because
something doesn't add up.
Look at this cushion.
It's clean on both sides.
For it not to get dirty,
something must have been on tsp of it.
Something that was
then taken away. A coat, a shawl...
A shawl.
Do you think it was the wife?
- Have you already spoken to her?
- She has a motive.
She had the opportunity too.
- Would she have been strong enough?
- If she hit him with a heavy object,
he could have lost his balance
and hit the mirror.
But why take the key with her?
Maybe a habit,
without thinking about it.
Then she ran away.
You think a woman like that
would climb out of the window?
Why not?
A woman like her could be capable
of anything, if you ask me.
- So the lady's not here?
- No, she's not here.
Then you accompany us.
Well, perhaps
I should ask the manager.
I know how to do my job.
Start by answering a simple question:
last night or this morning, did the lady
send any clothing to get cleaned
- or order you to clean her shoes?
- No, she didn't.
Are you sure?
Inspector,
I've been a butler for 20 years.
You know how to do your job
and I know how to do mine.
Then I need to see her flat.
Fine. This way.
It's the flat Princess Pignatelli
keeps for Mrs Vezzi.
- Thank you.
- Inspector...
Don't worry. I told you I'll take
full responsibility for anything.
Do you want
to go in alone, Inspector?
You know that if Garzo finds out,
he'll ruin us both, right?
Precisely.
- Don't worry. Lead the way.
- This way.
I was hoping you'd visit,
but not quite so soon, Inspector.
As a man,
I ask forgiveness for intruding,
but as a policeman,
I had to do it.
I'll forgive the man if the policeman
tells me what he was looking for.
Traces of blood, perhaps?
I don't think you'd be
so naive as to leave any.
Then what?
Would you mind showing me the dress
and shoes you were wearing last night?
Do you still think
I k*lled my husband?
I'm obliged to believe
that anything's possible, madam.
But also to change my mind.
I'm sorry if I offended you.
If you're innocent,
you have nothing to fear from me.
Excuse me.
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
So, Inspector, now you think
the wife is innocent
because you didn't find mud
on her shoes.
What if she cleaned it up herself?
She had a reason
to k*ll her husband.
Yes, but I should have found a trace,
even a small one, Maione. Nothing.
So where are we going now?
We're going to look for that trace
somewhere else. I've got an idea.
These gloves are beautiful, Dad.
What is it, Inspector?
Don't tell me you've finally
decided to buy yourself a hat?
Nothing, let's go.
I'm so happy!
This leather is so much softer...
There she is! I knew it.
Enrica, darling,
look who's come to see you!
Umberto, Mrs Pizzullo's son,
db you remember him?
Enrica can't remember,
it's been so long.
I remember perfectly.
We spent a summer together
in Gaeta, many years ago.
What a memory!
We were children.
Why don't you two get a coffee
or something else?
I need to help my father.
But thanks for the visit.
Say hello to your parents for me.
- Maybe next time then.
- Maybe next time.
- Good day, madam. Mr Colombo.
- Good day.
Goodbye. Maybe next time.
Say hello
to your mother from us.
She'll end up a spinster,
and you're doing nothing.
You know what Enrica's like..
She's like me.
Quiet, but she's got character.
You can't force her to do anything.
All I know is
she's your favourite.
And I think if she stayed at home,
you wouldn't mind!
HE TUTS
Campieri.
He’s in charge
of the costume storeroom.
- Any way I can help, Inspector.
- Hey, get back to work!
There's nothing to look at.
Campieri, I'd like to ask you
if you found any muddy shoes
on the night of the premiere.
Yes, Inspector.
When I inspected the costumes,
there were some.
But I didn't think it was important,
or I would have said so straight away.
- What kind of shoes?
- They're all the same.
They basically all wear
the same shoes.
A man's size, they were big.
Do you know who had worn them?
No, Inspector.
Everyone takes the shoes that fit them
best, then they put them back.
- Thank you, you've been helpful.
- Pleasure to help.
- Excuse me.
- Certainly.
Inspector,
do you need any more help?
Because the girls
are easily distracted.
No, thank you, madam.
We need anything,
we'll be in touch.
All right.
Hey! Again?
Come on, get to work.
That's the trace we were looking for.
So Vezzi's wife is not the m*rder*r.
No. And Vezzi never left
his dressing room.
You told me the priest saw him.
He didn't see him.
I think he saw his m*rder*r.
Then it must have been
one of the Pagliacci artists,
because Cavalleria Rusticana
was still being performed.
Our man's weight and height
could be mistaken for Vezzi.
Then we need a complete list of
the artists who performed Pagliacci.
Well done, Maione.
How pretty! Look, look!
- So, how is this little girl?
- She's lovely!
She's as pretty as her mum.
- Some nights yes, some nights no.
- Then she's better than her mum.
- She hasn't let us sleep at all!
- Remember that.
Of course you remember,
because you helped your mum out.
Giulio, for you, a big portion.
Because meat brings sons.
Mum, we've just had one.
Give us some time!
She's right.
- Potatoes, Giulio?
- A small portion.
My dear granddaughter!
- She's calm though.
- You think?
Please accept my most sincere
consternation, madam,
and I promise that no one will dare
to disturb you ever again.
Hello?
Ricciardi, come in.
Do you know how lucky you are?
When I received the phone call
from Princess Pignatelli's manager,
I was ready to take
definitive action against you.
But now I'm forced
to keep you on,
thanks to the generosity
of Mrs Vezzi,
who intervened on your behalf.
Even if I don't understand why.
Simply because I trust
the Inspector will do a good job.
- Thank you, madam.
- No, Ricciardi.
I expect you
to apologise to the lady.
I think the best way to say
you're sorry is to accompany me home.
Certainly. I'd be happy
to accompany you.
I meant Inspector Ricciardi,
dear Garzo.
Certainly. Of course. He's the one
who needs you to forgive him.
Maione, what are you waiting for?
Get our best car ready.
It's already ready.
- Thank you, Deputy Chief.
- It's my pleasure.
If you need' anything,
I'm at your service.
Ricciardi,
you don't realise how much pressure
I'm under every day.
From the chief,
from His Excellency the mayor,
from Rome, Ricciardi.
Even from Rome!
All eyes are on us.
And you?
You wander about with ladies.
What do I tell the press?
Will you speak to them?
I think the lady is waiting.
With your permission, I'll get going.
Go on.
And find something.
Quickly.
- Please.
- Sorry to keep you waiting.
Mrs Lucani, I'm very sorry.
As you just heard, Deputy Garzo
just said he was sorry for you.
I wanted to say it myself.
Now I'm certain
you were telling me the truth.
Presume that you've made progress
in the investigation.
I don't know who's guilty yet,
but now I know where to look.
I'm very sorry
to have bothered you so much.
No, Inspector.
Don't be sorry.
Actually, I thank you.
I never felt patronised by you.
You don't know how important that is
to me, seeing the people around me.
And even if you suspected me,
was never afraid.
Actually,
with you I felt like I was...
protected from the storm.
GEARS CRUNCH
ENGINE STUTTERS
GEARS CRUNCH
CLANK
Stop. We were lucky
this time too.
It's other people who can't drive.
I have to swerve to avoid them.
Here you are, madam.
Thank you for accompanying me.
I'll be staying here
until the end of the investigation,
a guest of Princess Pignatelli.
I hope to close it quickly
and not to disturb you anymore.
Goodbye, Inspector.
Goodbye, and once again,
my condolences, madam.
Psst!
Inspector.
Forgive me, but without...
With all due respect,
maybe the lady wanted
to be invited to dinner.
A woman like that..
Raffaele, you concentrate
on getting me back to the station alive.
Alive..
GEARS CRUNCH
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
FOOTSTEPS
Inspector.
I didn't expect to find you here.
Neither did I, Father.
It's just that this seems like
such a nice place to relax.
Inspector,
do you believe in God?
Wouldn't want to, but I have to.
I have the sensation that it is God
who relentlessly believes in me.
Be happy, Ricciardi,
you're on the path to faith.
I haven't got much
to be happy about.
A m*rder victim who won't leave me
in peace, and his m*rder*r running free.
But you're tracking him down,
aren't you?
Inspector, I believe in God.
And I think if he makes some people
suffer more than others,
there's a reason for it.
And if these people
can help other people,
then all this suffering
is justified.
There’s a reason
for all this pain.
You told me that these two operas
are often performed together.
- Why do you think that is?
- The theme is the same: jealousy.
Although in my opinion,
Pagliacci portrays
this sentiment more strongly.
You see, Canio,
the clown played by Vezzi,
is forced to make people laugh,
but inside he's suffering for love,
until he takes off his costume
and stabs his wife.
And that's when he sings
"I am not Pagliaccio".
"I will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds."
Well done, Inspector. So you're
familiar with Cavalleria Rusticana.
That's precisely
the moment of jealousy.
What do you mean?
The aria you just cited
is from Cavalleria Rusticana.
- It's not from Pagliacci?
- Yes.
- And who performs it in Cavalleria?
- The character of Alfio, a baritone.
He's another husband
who's been betrayed.
And do you remember who played Alfio
in the performance the other night?
Of course. Michele Nespoli,
a very promising young baritone.
Could you describe him?
Dark hair, tall, young,
quite handsome. Why?
You've been very helpful
this time too.
Inspector,
don't forget your promise.
One of these evenings
we have to go to the opera together.
Let's go tonight.
Inspector.
Raffaele, cancel the meeting
with the Pagliacci actors.
Why?
I was concentrating
on that opera, but I was wrong.
Are you familiar
with Cavalleria Rusticana?
Has something new come up?
You’ll see tonight.
We're going to the San Carlo.
- Where are you going?
- To get ready.
Luca, let's do a dictation.
You write all the words
with the apostrophe in the right place.
Fora moment, I thought
you’d come to the opera
out of curiosity
and the pleasure of seeing an opera.
But deep down I knew.
You’re not a man
who allows himself any pleasures.
On the contrary,
you make sacrifices.
Even though I can't understand why
you're so hard on yourself.
Here's the stage door.
Redder than cherries glow
thy lips in brightness
- Is that Nespoli?
- No, Inspector.
Nespoli plays Alfio,
the baritone.
This is Turiddu, the tenor,
the main character.
He's married too, but he loves
another woman: Alfio's wife.
Though at thy door
Dark blood be warningly lying
That's Nespoli, who plays Alfio,
the husband who's been betrayed.
He's married too,
but he'll find out
that Turiddu has taken Lola from him.
HE SINGS IN ITALIAN
HE PANTS
OTHERS SING
So, I went around the building
more than once to be sure.
It takes around 4 minutes.
Now Alfio finds out
that Lola is unfaithful.
And so now he'll sing
the verse you cited.
Perfect.
Unfit for living!
And blood I'll have
before the close of day
And blood I'll have
And blood I'll have
And blood I’ll have
Now.
Darling, is everything all right?
Yes, Dad, everything's fine.
- All right.
If I can do anything for you,
let me know.
Dad.
Yes?
When you met Mum,
did you like her straight away?
At first sight.
And how long
did you wait to tell her?
I just looked at her a couple of times,
before her brothers came to my house.
They dictated the agenda.
Enrica, do I need to do
the same thing?
Do what?
Go to someone's house
and make him decide to make a move?
Dad, come on!
I was just wondering, that's all.
- Well, good night.
- Good night.
SHE SIGHS
NESPOLI SINGS
There.
going offstage and coming back.
He had all the time he needed.
But now you have to
make him confess, Inspector.
That won't be easy.
We have no evidence.
But we've got a witness.
Your cup of wine is not accepted
In me it would be poison
My heart's blood chilling
WOMAN SCREAMS
They have m*rder*d Master Turiddu!
Mr Nespoli?
We need to have a word with you.
This way.
We found your muddy shoes.
And someone recognised you.
When you were coming back in,
with Cavalleria Rusticana still on.
The priest!
Damn, I knew it.
It's best if you tell us
everything, trust me.
He was an impossible person.
Everyone hated him.
Including me.
- But I didn't want to k*ll him.
- Then why did you?
I met him in the corridor,
when I was returning to my dressing
room, after my first scene.
He said I'm just a kid. Me?
- Threatened him.
- And then?
He said
my career was already over.
After years of sacrifice.
I lost it.
I pushed him into this dressing room,
I punched him in the face and...
he hit his head
against the mirror.
He was hurt.
There was blood everywhere.
And then what did you do?
Nothing.
It was clear
there was nothing to be done.
But if I'd left the dressing room,
I might have been recognised.
So I took his hat,
his scarf and his coat,
I put them on and I went out.
From there.
And this?
- The cushion?
- Yes, the cushion,
the only thing that's not bloody
on this sofa. How do you explain that?
I don't know, I don't remember.
Maybe I flipped it over to sit down.
I didn't have much time!
So I ran from the garden
to the stage door and came back in.
And you were seen by the priest.
I was hoping
he wouldn't recognise me.
I got to the corridor here
and it was empty,
so I threw down the coat
and locked the door.
You put on some clean shoes
and you went on stage just in time.
Yes.
- And what did you do with the key?
- Threw it away as soon as I could.
That's the truth, Inspector.
And I'd do it again a hundred times.
He was a terrible man!
He deserved it.
EERIE WHISPERINGS
I will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
You're still ironing?
I have to wait for you,
at least I pass the time this way.
By the way, you have to pay
the bachelor's tax this year too.
- Aren't you going to iron anymore?
- I'm telling you for your own good.
A waste of money. I know
you don't care about money, but...
Get some rest, Rosa.
There's plenty of time to iron.
Good night.
Good night. He doesn't listen!
Even the government says it:
get married,
otherwise you have to pay a tax.
Good night, my love.
HE SOBS
EERIE WHISPERINGS
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
Will have vengeance.
Will have vengeance.
EERIE WHISPERINGS
All my love shall end in hate.
Will have vengeance.
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
If Nespoli confessed,
why are you still here?
My rage shall know no bounds,
and all my love shall end in hate.
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
Here you are, sir.
Well? Any news?
I really need some.
We already spend every day
among dead people,
we can't take on their pain too.
Then why are you so keen to share
the results with me in person,
instead of just leaving
the report at the station?
It's an excuse to get you
to buy me a coffee and a pastry.
BRUNO CHUCKLES
If I ever have grandchildren,
I'll be able to tell them:
saw Luigi Alfredo Ricciardi smile
twice in just a few days!
Well?
Remember the ecchymosis
on Vezzi's cheekbone?
I can confirm it came from a punch.
He was hit very violently.
But the person who did it,
the one who attacked the tenor
our dear Duce is so fond of...
Just that makes him
deserve his awful death...
- Bruno.
- OK.
He punched him
when he was already dead.
Or while he was taking
his last breath.
So it wasn't the punch
that made him hit the mirror?
- He was punched when it was all over?
You're not going to eat that?
It’s a shame to leave it.
Come in.
Ricciardi, come on in.
I've just told Mrs Vezzi
about our successful investigation.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
But I don't believe
the investigation is over yet.
What do you mean, Inspector?
We've got a confession,
and the perpetrator has been arrested,
thanks to our diligence.
Everyone in Rome is happy.
The Ministry of the Interior
congratulated me this morning.
The case is closed.
I think if Inspector Ricciardi doesn't
consider the investigation over,
we should trust him.
And let him verify everything.
Even the Ministry of the Interior
would be pleased
with such meticulousness.
Don't you think?
Completely agree with you,
my dear friend,
but we've got a confession.
And in cases like this,
there's nothing more to investigate.
Indeed, sir,
with your permission,
I'd first like to interrogate
the man who confessed again.
Is he still locked up here?
Thank you. Madam.
KEY TURNS IN LOCK
You told me you met Vezzi
in the corridor.
- Did he have his makeup on?
Yes, of course he was made up.
Does that seem likely?
Vezzi with makeup on in the corridor?
Then maybe I was wrong.
Maybe he wasn't made up, it was...
But when he died,
he was made up.
Nespoli, I know everything.
I worked it out.
I don't know if you fully
understand what you're., doing.
You'll be in here 30 years, you'll be old
when you get out, if you get out.
You didn't k*ll Vezzi.
You're covering for a woman.
I can't believe you don't have a reason
to live, even if it's just to sing.
Your relationship with her
that strong?
What did she do for you
to give her your life like this?
I cannot keep working on this case,
unless you retract your confession.
Nespoli, let me try.
Don't let me put
an innocent man in jail.
You’re mistaken.
As you wish.
That's what I thought.
Thank you Inspector.
If you've ever loved,
you'll understand.
Are you happy now?
I had to explain things
to the chief of police.
I looked like an idiot.
And for what? Nothing!
But as of now
this case is closed. Definitively.
Otherwise I'll begin very strict
disciplinary proceedings.
And don't say I didn't warn you.
May I go back to work?
Go.
I'll teach you a game.
- Look.
- A secret one?
How do you play?
- It's easy.
- It's easy?
You have to take
these two corners.
- These ones?
- Yes.
- Then?
- Then it goes underneath.
- Like this?
- Yes.
- Good.
- Lovely!
Now I have to take
these two corners.
Daddy's little girl is so pretty!
Will you sing Daddy a song?
Mummy doesn't want me to.
What do you mean?
Well, it doesn't matter.
When she's feeling better.
Daddy, it's not Sunday today,
why are you at home?
We solved a case,
so we got a day off.
- All right.
- Now I have to take these two.
A day off...
Wait for Daddy, OK?
Look.
Can I help you?
As I’m home all day,
maybe I can help out.
No, I'll do it.
How about a smile?
When will you show your kids
your beautiful smile?
You smile, it's so easy for you.
You really think
you're the only one suffering?
I was his mother.
Can you really not understand that?
- And I was his father.
- It’s not the same thing!
Maione! Maione!
There, that's the end
of your day off.
Inspector, good morning.
Come on in.
- Come on in.
- Forgive me, but I need your help.
- We haven't finished yet.
- No problem.
Let me just get changed
and I'll be right there.
- Lucia, a coffee, please.
- Have a seat, Inspector.
- Say hello to the Inspector.
- Good morning, Inspector.
Good morning, Lucia.
Good morning.
Is it about
that dead singer's case?
Go to your room right now.
All of you, go on.
Forgive me,
I've ruined your day off.
Day off?
Inspector, days off don't exist
around here, you know that.
Lucia, if I may,
you're still a young,
beautiful woman.
Your husband is a good man
who loves you more than life itself.
And you've got these
four other children, who are angels.
You need to think about them.
And you, Inspector?
When do you plan
to have a family?
Giovanni's growing up, isn't he?
He looks more and more
like his mother, luckily.
Like Luca.
He's the spitting image of him.
He keeps saying
he wants to be a cop.
When his mum heard that,
she almost fainted.
I had to smack him
to make him shut up.
With an example like you, it's natural
he wants to join the police.
So?
You're not convinced
about Nespoli, are you?
- He confessed too fast.
- Spoke with Modo.
Nespoli lied to us. He punched Vezzi
when he was already dead.
Why?
To make it seem like there had been
a fight, to cover for someone.
- Who?
- That's what we have to find out.
We already know one thing.
Vezzi was a womaniser,
and he preferred other people's women.
- Like the Belvedere woman?
- Or someone else.
If Nespoli's confessing to cover
for someone, it's for a woman.
Wouldn't you sacrifice
yourself for love?
Right, Inspector,
but what can we do?
- The case is closed.
- Yes.
But no one's stopping us from visiting
your trusted informant, right?
- Good morning, Sergeant.
- Good morning.
Good morning, Sergeant.
Good morning.
Look at that handsome man!
Going to have some fun, Sergeant?
- Why don't you ever come to me?
- Just wait.
I'm waiting.
Sergeant, what a nice surprise.
I was hoping
for a big man like you with this cold.
Bambinella,
don't have all day. Let me in.
I love you too, Sergeant.
Come in.
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
You haven't come
to see me for a while.
You want me
to miss you, don't you?
Here you go.
A coffee for my favourite sergeant.
Is this real coffee?
It's not the powdered stuff.
What can I say? I've got a new client
who knows where to get the good stuff.
- In all senses.
- Bambinella, please!
That's your business. Do me
a favour and keep it to yourself.
Are you jealous, Sergeant?
- Do you think you're funny?
- Do my best.
You know I can't resist
a man in uniform.
No?
Then I'll take you down to the station,
like I should have done ages ago.
Plenty of uniforms there!
Wow!
Will you handcuff me too?
- I'll put a rope round your neck!
- All right, fine.
How can I help you?
- Know you solved the tenor case.
- Yeah, well...
Handsome man.
I saw his picture in the papers.
The m*rder*r, Nespoli, is too.
But not as handsome as you.
Do you want to know how you can
help me or do you just want to talk?
- Did you eat gramophone needles?
- Ask me anything. Anything.
- Nespoli.
- Fine.
There.
What do you know about him?
I know he did the right thing,
k*lling the tenor.
Otherwise what is honour,
right, Sergeant?
Some people think they can do anything
just because they're rich and famous.
Let me get this straight.
You're saying that
Vezzi went after Nespoli's woman?
I don't know that.
I know what people say.
The voice of the people
is the voice of God.
- Inspector.
- Raffaele.
So, what did Bambinella say?
Bambinella said that
Nespoli's got a lady friend,
- and people even say she's pregnant.
- Is it Nespoli's?
Apparently, people don't know.
- You want to know who it is?
- One of the San Carlo seamstresses.
- How do you know?
- Go home.
- You've already done too much.
- For you, it's never too much.
SCISSORS SNIP
Good evening, miss.
Good evening.
Are you alone?
Yes.
Could I have a word?
Of course.
I know everything. I know
what happened, I can assure you.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
The wound on Vezzi's neck
was on the right side.
That means that the person who dealt
the mortal blow is left-handed.
Like you.
I don't know.
I thought about it a lot.
I think you attacked him
with scissors.
At work, seamstresses always
carry them around their necks.
But on the night of the m*rder,
you didn't have yours.
I also know you're pregnant.
It's Vezzi's child, isn't it?
I know everything.
I also know Nespoli is covering
for you because he loves you.
I'm ready to accept his story.
I don't want to accuse you.
But I want to know the truth.
Inspector, I grew up
an orphan in the streets.
I fought for my life
among dogs and rats.
Sewing is all I know how to do.
And that's why I work at the most
beautiful theatre in the world.
I can't leave my child in the streets
to live the life that I lived.
And I don't want your child
to be born in jail.
I told you, don't worry.
I just want to know the truth.
Michele Nespoli
used to sing in restaurants.
He tried to make ends meet.
One evening, he got stabbed.
I helped him.
I brought him home.
And everything
was going so well.
Until he came along... Vezzi.
It was before Christmas.
{\an8}KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in!
Miss Lilia asked me to take
his measurements for the costumes.
My measurements?
Well, aren't you cute?
You're very pretty.
Since we lost our son,
my wife won't even talk to me.
I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry.
I'd like another child.
And also another life.
What's your name?
Maddalena.
He was an important man.
He knew
how to make you feel
as important as him.
Actually, more than him.
Like you were
the only thing that mattered.
I've made up my mind.
I’m going to leave my wife.
I'm only doing it for you.
Soon afterwards,
I realised I was pregnant.
And a few days later,
Michele asked me to marry him.
Michele, I can't marry you.
Maddalena, what are you saying?
Michele, leave.
So I started waiting for Vezzi...
to come back to Naples
for the performance.
But when he came back,
he didn't even come to see me.
And on the day
of the costume fitting,
Miss Lilia sent another seamstress
to make the adjustments.
So the first time I managed
to be alone with him
was the opening night,
in his dressing room.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in.
- Your gorget.
- Put it down here.
- Couldn't wait to tell you.
- What?
I'm pregnant.
Your child, you know?
Ours!
- My child?
- Yes.
You?
HE CHUCKLES
What were you thinking?
Did you really think
someone like you... with me?
Lords with lords,
and beggars with beggars.
Raise the child
with your Nespoli.
He was laughing so hard
he was crying.
I swear.
You could hear Michele singing from
the stage, and he was mocking him.
That's when I realised
that Michele was a real man,
and that he was just a clown.
I don't know how it happened.
It was all so fast.
Unfit for living!
Unfit for living!
And blood I'll have
HE GROANS
I stabbed him in the throat,
then I sat down on the sofa
to watch him die.
HE SPLUTTERS
That explains why
the cushion was clean.
Then I left,
but as soon as I opened
the dressing room door,
I found Michele
right in front of me.
VEZZI SPLUTTERS
He came in,
broke the mirror,
took a piece of glass
and pierced Vezzi's throat with it,
right where the wound was.
Then he punched him in the face
to make it seem like that was why
he fell into the mirror.
He took his clothes.
Wait for me here, don't move.
Understand?
- The scissors?
- In here.
Promise me.
- Wait for me here.
- Yes.
He came back a few minutes later,
without the gown and scissors.
He put Vezzi's hat,
scarf and coat on the sofa,
and then he still had
to get rid of his muddy shoes.
I did that.
I exchanged his dirty shoes
with a clean pair in the storeroom.
And you also took
a clean gown for yourself,
which was, in truth,
a bit big for you.
So...
Vezzi died
for hunger and love too.
What's going to happen now?
I'll keep my promise, miss.
I'm not going to charge you.
I don't want your child
to grow up in jail.
If you want, there is a way
to help Michele.
What's that?
The law punishes honour killings
with a maximum sentence
of 3 years.
You'll say that
Michele Nespoli acted to save you,
because Vezzi was going
to r*pe you, so you called for help,
and that you didn't
confess right away
because you're pregnant
with Nespoli's child.
But it's not true, I know that.
Miss,
do you want to
save this child or not?
But who will believe me?
Vezzi was an important man,
we're just poor people.
What hope do we have?
INSPECTOR RICCIARDI
Livia, try to understand.
If there's no one in court who says
who Arnaldo Vezzi really was,
they'll throw that poor boy in jail
for the rest of his life.
And the girl will remain alone,
because in this city,
no one will take a defiled woman.
As for the child,
he'll become prey for criminals.
I'm supposed to testify
against my husband?
An ingrate who dishonours
a man who can't defend himself.
The child, Livia.
Think about the child!
Any hope for a future for this child
is in your hands.
And what's in your future?
Is there hope?
Why don't you give me your hope
and make it become mine too?
Because you have
a right to be happy.
You're so young and beautiful.
You have a right to all the good things
you haven't had so far.
It's not my time yet.
Fine, I’ll come to the trial.
I'll do it for the child.
An innocent child like mine.
And for you.
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