Across the River and Into the Trees (2022) Movie Script
1
(SOFT MELODIOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(WATER BLOOPING)
(SOFT MELODIOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(ALARM CLOCK RINGING, STOPS)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MELLOW MUSIC CONTINUES)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
(MIRROR SQUEAKS)
(PILLS CLACKING)
(PILL BOTTLE THUDS)
(MACHINE PRINTING)
RICHARD:
We done?
You mind if we go again
on this, Colonel?
I got barracks in 15, Wes.
Those pills you're taking...
do they help with the nausea
or is it the pain?
What pills?
WES:
Mannitol hexanitrate.
Mannitol hexa what now?
WES:
Pumping yourself
full of nitroglycerine
is not the answer
to your problem.
I don't have a problem, Wes.
I can't let you
do this anymore.
Do you know what
a cardiac thrombosis is?
Can't say that I do.
It will drop you
like a sack of dirt.
You need to be in a hospital.
You know what they'll do
if you tell them that.
WES:
Yeah, I do.
They'll retire you.
Something they should have done
a long time ago.
Your heart is beating
on borrowed time, Richard.
That's a debt you are not
going to enjoy paying.
Okay.
Maybe I'll, uh, take it easy
for the weekend.
Drive down to Venice,
do some duck shootin'.
WES:
You're not driving anywhere.
-Says who?
-I do!
You need to be in a hospital.
Now! Today!
You need to stop smoking.
You need to give up the drink.
Okay. I'll make a deal with you.
You lose that report
till after the weekend
I get back from Venice,
I'll let you prolong my life
as long as you like.
See you Monday, Wes.
-(DOOR OPENS)
-(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Have a good weekend, sir.
Thank you.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
What the hell
are you doing in my car?
Sorry, Col. Cantwell, sir.
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
Well?
Uh, sir, Capt. O'Neil--
Nobody teach you
to salute, son?
Oh, sorry, sir. Yes, sir.
Capt. O'Neil told me that I--
I will be driving you, sir.
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(DISTANT CHATTER)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(RICHARD CLEARS THROAT)
(KEYS JINGLE)
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
(DISTANT CHATTER)
(GROANS)
(CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
RICHARD:
Let's roll, son.
(CAR ENGINE REVS)
JACKSON:
Where we going, sir?
RICHARD:
Venice.
( THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY
FROM ME PLAYING)
The way your smile
just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No no they can't
take that away
You, uh, you looking for
somethin' special, Colonel?
In Venice, I mean.
Where you from, son?
Union, Kentucky.
Sir.
Sir. Sir. Sorry, sir.
They shoot duck in Union?
(LAUGHS) Hell, sir, we--
we shoot just about damn
near everything in Kentucky.
What's your name, anyway?
I'm-- I'm Jackson, sir.
RICHARD:
Where's Burnham?
Burnham's, uh,
he's going home, sir.
Why the hell he do that?
Well, take it the army
was through with him.
Soon enough, they'll be
through with all of us.
I'd sure like to go home, sir.
I'm sure Uncle Joe Stalin'd
be happy to hear you
say that, soldier.
At this point,
I don't really care
if the Russians come in.
I just want to go home.
Nothing wrong with a man
wanting to go home, I guess.
Where exactly would
home be for you, sir?
I asked your name, Jackson.
I didn't ask you
to be my fucking date.
(PEPPY MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
(MUSIC ON RADIO STOPS)
(BELLS DINGING)
(CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
RICHARD:
Why on earth would
they destroy a place like this?
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
What lessons can mankind
possibly learn from it?
Mm. Don't pick a fight
with the US Air Force.
Don't build your church
near your bridge?
Sir, Bur-- Burnham told me
they fought alongside you
in France, sir.
When you took that town
by assault.
Yeah? What else he tell you?
Well, how you saw combat
in two world wars.
He called you a hero.
Truth, sir, he didn't
need to tell me anything.
Whole army knows about you.
You believe in heroes, Sergeant?
Well, sir, my brother
lost both his legs
in the Pacific.
Most of his company
didn't make it,
and to me,
my brother's a hero.
Your brother happy to be alive,
or he sometimes wish
he died with his buddies?
Sir, I-- I never--
You like frescoes, Sergeant?
Presco?
RICHARD:
Frescoes.
Been there 600 years.
Attributed to Giotto
in all the books.
That's what you call
this kind of painting, sir?
Well, the reason I ask is
'cause I got a kinda theory
about Italian painters.
See, I went to that
big painting gallery
when we came through Florence.
Sir, I tell you, I looked at
the Madonna and the baby Jesus
until they was
comin' out of my ears.
You know my theory?
You know how Italians,
they-- they're all so crazy
about bambinis?
You know, the less
they have to eat,
the more bambinis they got?
Your point being?
I think all those
old Italian painters,
well, they felt the same
way about bambinis
as these here Italians do
to this very day,
and that is why
they always painted
the baby Jesus and his mama.
Uh-huh.
Is that your entire theory,
or is there more to it?
Sir,
what I'm trying to say is--
is it made me think you--
you got to have a love of life
itself to be a painter.
Sure. And a box of paints.
Any more theories on
Renaissance art, Jackson?
JACKSON:
No, sir.
That's a comfort.
(FAINT BOMB EXPLOSIONS)
You okay, sir?
Sir?
What?
You okay, sir?
Yeah, I'm fine.
(FOOTSTEPS)
JACKSON:
Do you believe
in heroes, sir?
I believe in human courage.
But I've seen it made pointless
all too often in war.
(FOOTSTEPS)
-(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
-(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
Sir, I was told
to not let you do that.
By who?
By Dr. O'Neil, sir.
He say why?
Well, no, but he was
pretty clear about it.
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
You coming or not?
(RUNNING FOOTSTEPS)
(CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(CAR ENGINE REVS)
Mind how you go, Sergeant.
I'll call you
when I need you back here.
Oh. Uh, sir, I--
I was told to stay with you
at all times
and bring you back safe
when you're through
with the ducks, sir.
Thank you kindly, Nurse Jackson,
but there's been
a change of plan.
You ride home safe now
and tell the captain
I'll see him on Monday.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
(SPEAKING IN ITALIAN)
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
RENATA:
Yes?
You speak English?
I do.
You for hire?
For hire?
Yeah, for hire.
You speak English or not?
(CHUCKLES)
(FISHERMEN CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
RICHARD:
Gritti Palace.
-Step on it.
-JACKSON: Colonel.
Colonel, wait.
(LAUGHS)
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(DISTANT CHATTER)
What's your name?
Renata.
You don't look much like
a taxi driver, Renata.
I never said I was.
Oh.
Well, who are you then?
My name is Renata Contarini.
But I'm a taxi driver
for the time being.
You are the famous
Colonnello Cantwell.
Yeah!
For the time being.
I saw you once.
I was a volunteer
up at the transit camp.
Were you?
RICHARD:
Must have missed you.
(CHUCKLES) Of course.
Why should you notice me?
(RICHARD COUGHS)
(PILL CONTAINER UNLOCKS)
Are you okay?
Am I going too fast?
Oh, I'm fine.
How much am I gonna owe you,
Renata?
I haven't decided yet.
(RICHARD LAUGHS)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
So, what are you doing here,
Colonnello?
Well, that's
a long story, Renata.
Ducks.
I'm here to shoot ducks.
And where are your guns?
Somewhere in Germany.
But I know a guy who knows
where I can get some.
Good ones.
Belong to one of those families
that needs money more than
guns at the moment.
There are a lot of people
like that in Venice.
Yeah.
And do you know
the city well?
Not as well as I'd like.
Do you know the poet Byron?
Not personally.
(LAUGHS)
Well, he was a soldier too.
A war hero like you.
He had a bed
in that house there for a while.
If my memory serves,
he had two.
The second one
was on the bottom floor.
He shared that one
with a gondolier's wife.
RENATA:
Right.
A poet, a soldier...
and a womanizer.
"If I had been
an unconnected man,
I from this moment
should have formed some plan,
never to leave sweet Venice."
That's not Byron.
What?
What you just said is Shelley.
Not Byron.
(LAUGHING)
Okay...
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
MARCO:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
MARCO:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
Well, sure was nice
meeting you, Renata Contarini.
What do I owe you?
(CHUCKLES)
On the house, Colonnello.
Happy hunting. Ciao.
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
GIULIANO:
Renata...
(FOOTSTEPS)
(CHUCKLES)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(ELEVATOR PINGS)
And what can I do for you?
Oh, you could have
a drink on it, Cantwell.
What would I like?
A very dry martini.
Mmm. Certainly, sir.
Shall I make it a double?
Hmm. If you wish.
Who's the toy soldier?
That guy?
He's from Milan.
That explains it.
Looks like he did well
in the war.
Uh-oh.
Send in the cavalry
if I don't come back.
Will do.
GUIDO:
Colonel Cantwell.
We would be honored
if you join us.
My name is Guido Dalmasio.
Agostina.
The colonel is a war hero.
We have a lot to thank you for
in this country.
You have saved us.
Well...
Again.
(CHUCKLES)
We didn't do it
all alone, Guido.
Mm. Please sit.
Unfortunately, I can't.
I, uh, got some things
I need to take care of.
Like shooting ducks,
I believe.
(LAUGHS)
News travels fast
in the Gritti Palace.
Please, Colonel.
Join us for a moment.
GUIDO:
I'm told you fought for Italy
in the first war as well.
Second only to our brave
armed forces for a while.
Yeah, for about a year.
How about you, Guido? That's...
uh, some uniform you got there.
I was given an honorary rank.
Oh.
Unfortunately,
I wasn't able to fight.
Medically unfit.
To the hunting.
And to Agostina.
Like to know how he did it?
It was so clever.
He paid the doctor to inject
paraffin into his knees.
I had a business to run.
'Course.
To paraffin.
(AGOSTINA CHUCKLES)
Pleasure meeting you both.
(CLEARS THROAT)
My Colonel.
(LAUGHS)
(FOOTFALLS)
(EXHALES)
How are ya?
I am awful.
I have low blood pressure,
I have ulcers and I owe money.
-Happy?
-(DRINK POURING)
All the time.
I meet extraordinary
and interesting characters.
Oh, yeah.
Also, many Belgians.
-Belgians?
-Belgians.
They are what we have
instead of locusts this year.
(LAUGHS)
-To Belgians.
-To Belgians.
(GLASSES CLINK)
I have news.
-Yeah?
-Mm.
The moment
you got off the phone,
I started my research.
It's um, the friend
of a friend?
You find some guns?
The guns?
They definitely exist,
and he believes
they are for sale.
I have his address for you.
Decoys?
Yes, of course, decoys.
Gran Maestro,
you are a magician.
Alfonso, two more.
Oh, no,
you must allow me to refuse.
-No.
-Yes.
-No.
-But the ulcers.
(BAG THUDS)
What the hell
are you doing here?
Like I said, sir, I was told--
I don't give a shit
what you were told.
It's a time honored
principle, Sergeant.
Men like me give orders
and men like you carry them out.
Damn well worked for centuries.
Nobody explained
the goddamn rules to you?
Sir, if--
if I may, I must apologize--
I don't want
your fucking apology.
What I want is for you to get
your ass back on that boat
to (INDISTINCT)
and stop following me around
like some goddamn bird dog.
(SIGHS)
All right, you might as well
have a drink while you're here.
Alfonso.
Uh, sir,
I don't consume alcohol.
I find that it makes me behave
in an undignified way.
(DISTANT PING)
Was it your intention,
Sergeant,
to imply that your
commanding officer
is behaving himself
in an undignified manner?
No, sir, it was not.
Well, that's too bad.
For a minute there,
I thought you had some lead
in your pencil.
You got any empty rooms,
Gran Maestro?
-Too many.
-Give him your worst one.
Sign for chow at the hotel,
but I don't wanna see you here
for me before Sunday.
Are we clear, Jackson?
Yes, sir.
GRAN MAESTRO:
Follow me, please, Sergeant.
Jackson?
Try and have some fun.
You're in Venice,
for Christ's sake.
(DOOR OPENS)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(FOOTSTEPS)
(DISTANT CHURCH CHOIR SINGING)
(RICHARD BREATHING
WITH DIFFICULTY)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DIFFICULTY BREATHING)
(HEART POUNDING,
CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
(HEART POUNDING,
CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(GROANS)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
Colonel?
Colonel, are you okay?
What are you doing?
(GROANS) Get off of me.
(COUGHING)
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
The hell are you doing here,
Jackson?
Captain O'Neil told me--
Told you what?
He said you could collapse.
And, um...
at any moment, your--
your heart can just
explode.
(LAUGHS)
Listen, son.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
This is the last time
I'm gonna say this.
Your shadow falls across me
one more time this weekend,
I'm gonna put you on a charge.
You got that?
Sir, I have orders.
Yeah, well,
now you got new ones.
Sir...
(DISTANT PIGEON COOING)
I hope you don't mind
my asking but...
you didn't come to Venice
just to hunt ducks, did you?
(SOFT, EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(GROANS)
RICHARD:
Come on, Jackson.
(WINGS FLAPPING)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
Yes.
He told me to expect you.
(CLOTH SPLATS)
Come, please.
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
May I?
VANNI:
Of course.
(CHUCKLES)
You've been to Italy
before, Colonnello?
Yeah, twice.
(VANNI CHUCKLES)
They don't make them anymore.
No one was spending money
on gondolas
so I started making the ducks.
Keep it. It's a gift.
Oh, no. I couldn't accept that.
(THUDS ON SURFACE)
(CLATTERING)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(GATE OPENS)
(BOX OPENS)
(GUN LOCKS)
(PHONE RINGING)
(FOOTFALLS)
(GUN THUDS)
You speak
very good Italian, Colonel.
Why?
Well, I spent some time here
when I was younger.
Contessa, I would very much
like to own these guns.
Own the guns?
If you're willing, of course.
(CHUCKLES)
They're not for sale.
Not for sale?
No. What a strange idea.
Why should I sell my guns?
I'm sorry.
Must be my mistake.
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(LIGHTER FLICKS)
(BOAT ENGINE APPROACHING)
You again.
Me again.
Did you like the guns?
Oh, I sure did, Contessa.
(CHUCKLES)
But she wouldn't sell them,
right?
Yeah, maybe I should have
warned you.
I could try talking to her.
Oh, she seemed
pretty definite.
Mm.
Listen, I still owe you a fare.
Sure. You can buy me a coffee.
-RICHARD: Now?
-Si.
All right.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(BOAT ENGINE STARTS, REVS)
(FORMAL CHATTER)
WAITER:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
RENATA: [in Italian]
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
WAITER: [in Italian]
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
I thought
we were drinking coffee.
Do you mind?
Contessa,
I couldn't be any happier.
We can toast my wedding.
RICHARD:
Congratulations.
Who's the lucky man?
RENATA:
It was my father's wish
that my family and Antonio's
should be joined.
Ah.
My family is broke.
Antonio's family
still has money, so.
(CHUCKLES)
In America,
I don't think you do like that.
RICHARD:
Do like what?
Marry for money.
Well, some do.
Mostly, they still marry
for love over there.
That's good.
-RICHARD: Cheers.
-(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
(WOMAN SPEAKS IN ITALIAN)
-(RENATA CLEARS THROAT)
-Ah.
RENATA:
And you?
And me, what?
Did you marry for love?
(LAUGHS)
Three times.
-RENATA: Wow.
-Yeah.
RENATA:
Three times.
I guess
maybe your way's best.
Letting the family sort it out.
(LAUGHS)
I didn't say
I don't love Antonio.
Of course not.
I meant no offense.
I do love him.
Well, then...
he is truly a lucky man.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
RICHARD:
Renata, are you hungry?
RENATA:
Mmhm.
RICHARD:
Let's do something about that.
-(GLASS SHATTERS)
-(CUSTOMERS GASPING)
(CHAIR SLIDES)
I'm so very sorry, old chap.
(SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING IN BACKGROUND)
This grub is tops.
(LAUGHS)
Couldn't have said it
better myself, Contessa.
(LAUGHS)
You get married,
you gonna live in Venice?
Uh, no. America.
Really?
No. But it's my dream.
So, do you have children?
Just one. A son.
What is he like?
Do you have a picture?
(GLASS THUDS)
(SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES)
He likes to shoot ducks, too?
Yeah.
Used to.
You have the same eyes.
(SNIFFLES)
RENATA:
Where's his mother?
Gone. Like the other two.
Maybe our paths
will cross one day in America.
Maybe.
What on earth
would a contessa be doing
way out in the Wild West?
Driving.
Driving, driving, driving.
On solid ground.
For miles and miles and miles,
in one direction.
Not round in circles on water.
Hm.
To miles and miles and miles.
(GLASSES CLINK)
RENATA:
What is your dream?
-My dream?
-RENATA: Si.
Your dream for the future.
Hm.
(CHUCKLES)
You've done everything
you ever wanted to do?
Okay.
So maybe the world
has nothing new to give you.
Maybe not.
Ricardo.
Yes, Renata?
Tell me your dream.
Please tell me.
Perfect duck shoot.
Dawn on the lagoon.
The still air.
Gun's perfectly balanced.
Wings whispering.
Infinite possibilities.
That's what I dream about.
To infinite possibilities.
(GLASSES CLINK)
(GLASSES THUD)
(SIGHS)
Well, I guess
I should be going now.
Okay. Um, I'll run you home.
Oh, that's all right.
I think the walk
will do me good.
Colonnello.
I have a suggestion to make.
Why don't I show you
my beautiful town?
Isn't there someplace
you should be?
No, there isn't.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(SINGING OPERA IN ITALIAN)
Can you sing?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Like an angel.
(CHUCKLES)
I want to hear it.
Oh, thank you.
I should warn you,
that's purely medicinal.
(GROANS)
Ooh, you have a good doctor.
-(CANTWELL LAUGHS)
-(RENATA CHUCKLES)
RICHARD:
I'll tell him you said so.
(DOOR RUMBLES OPEN)
(CHOIR SINGING)
-PRIEST: (SPEAKS ITALIAN)
-RICHARD: Grazie.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
(CHOIR SINGING GETS LOUDER)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
RENATA:
What do you think?
Yeah, it's nice.
A little racy
for a convent though.
Well, it's our private
collection.
They're just watching it for us.
RICHARD:
Must be nice
being a Contarini.
RENATA:
Um, what do you mean?
RICHARD:
Well, you get to see these
any time you want.
RENATA:
True.
But most of the time,
it just feels very, very old.
Old?
Si.
Six hundred years old,
to be precise.
My name is 600 years old.
My house is 600 years old.
My dog is 600 years old.
(LAUGHS)
RENATA:
Everything in my life
is 600 years old.
I couldn't even tell you
my grandmother's maiden name.
(CHUCKLES)
Well, three of my ancestors
were Doges of Venice
and I was baptized by a Pope.
Wait till I tell
the folks back home.
RENATA:
Who is there back home?
Who waits for the Colonnello
to come home?
None of the wives?
All gone.
Are you one of those men
who likes to fall in love
and then move on?
No, I'm--
I'm one of those men
who has to move on,
whether he likes to or not.
It's called being a soldier.
Or a womanizer.
RICHARD:
Am I being interrogated?
Have you broken hearts?
Maybe a few.
And had yours broken?
Well, I don't think
you're such a beast.
-No.
-RENATA: No.
I feel very safe with you.
-Oh, you are, Contessa.
-RENATA: I am?
Very safe.
How can I be sure of that?
Well well, for one thing,
there's a priest
right behind you.
Father Damaso.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY)
-Let's get out of here.
-RENATA: Si.
(LAUGHS HEARTILY)
( VADO A SPASSO PLAYING)
()
Vado a spasso col mio amor
(GROANS)
In campagna
in mezzo ai fior
Dove l'unico clamor
quel dei nostri baci
Che non fan rumor
Prati verdi e cielo blu
Da scenario fan laggi
So, what are your plans,
cowboy?
Plans?
You don't have any, do you?
(CHUCKLES) Do you even
think about the future?
Till recently, I never
thought about anything
but being a soldier.
Why did you become a soldier?
You don't want
to talk about that.
-Why not?
-It would bore you.
(CHUCKLES)
No, it wouldn't.
It would bore me.
No, it wouldn't.
All right.
What would you like to know?
Why are you so lonely?
Is it the army?
WAITER:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
Please.
-Grazie.
-RENATA: Grazie.
In our army,
the men at the very top
never see combat.
They don't care much
for those of us who have.
RENATA:
Why?
Well, I guess they figure
it's undignified to fight.
Pastime better left to boys...
and old grunts like me.
Grunts? (CHUCKLES)
Lowest of the low.
Bottom of the totem pole.
Ones no one cares about.
Have you killed
a lot of men?
Yes, I have.
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
You should write.
(CHORTLES) About what?
RENATA: (CHUCKLES)
About war.
-Oh.
-RENATA: What it's like.
-No.
-RENATA: No? You don't think
-it's important to tell?
-No, I don't.
RENATA:
Why not?
Because too many books
have already been written
by men who had no right.
Most of them written by men
who weren't even there.
I don't know what category
of sin that falls under.
Okay.
Besides, I don't have time
to write a book.
(CHUCKLES)
Why? You're not that old.
Well, you can't live forever.
Why not?
Dance with me.
( VADO A SPASSO
CONTINUES PLAYING)
()
In campagna un'altra cosa
You may have to lead,
because I'm as blind as a bat
right now.
RENATA:
It's okay.
Per mio conto
sempre quella
Ma bella di pi
So you want to know
about your future?
All right.
You will live forever.
You will marry again.
And you will have
five more sons.
And they will go to
the five corners of the world.
-Five corners, huh?
-RENATA: Si.
(ALL CLAPPING)
You have to stop talking
about death, Richard.
You have to stay alive.
Promise me.
-People are staring, Renata.
-RENATA: Promise me.
All right. I promise...
I'm not gonna die.
At least not today.
-I think they're closing.
-Yeah, looks that way.
Yeah. I know a place...
If you have time.
Well, guess
since I'm living forever...
You said it.
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
RENATA:
So, more than
a hundred years ago,
one of my ancestors
built this garden.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
He was a terrible man.
He was one of the 10
who sent all Venice's enemies
to the torture chambers.
Ah.
Later, he was one of the
three who sent them to die.
That's a ponderosa pine.
He was, as you might say,
a tough customer.
-Bad hombre, huh?
-Evil.
Okay.
Now close your eyes.
Why?
Trust me.
Nobody ever thought he had
a heart beating inside him.
But one day,
he fell in love
with an American beauty
from Carolina.
She came to Venice
with her parents
to finish her education
in music.
( L'AMANTE SECRETO PLAYING)
RENATA:
She was 19 years old.
Of course, it was impossible.
People said it was obscene
for someone like him
to be seen with her...
an old man
with blood on his hands.
So, he followed her
back to Carolina
and wooed her in her father's
plantation garden.
That's it?
How did it end?
How do you think
it should end, Ricardo?
Well, happy is always good.
No, he came home
empty handed.
She had to do her duty
to her family.
What happened to him?
Well, after he gave
his heart away,
nobody ever feared him again.
He spent his last days
sitting here,
listening to this aria
over and over and over again...
and thinking about the one
chance that slipped away...
wondering what that happiness
what have tasted like.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
Renata,
there's something that--
(SHUSHES)
We're just telling stories.
Look.
The first peep of the sun.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
What?
(CHUCKLES)
You won't like it.
Try me.
I'm hungry again.
(BOTH LAUGH)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
(OYSTER CRACKS)
RENATA:
Mm.
Tell me some more
about Lord Byron.
Well, they called that thing
a coffin in a canoe.
(GONDOLIER SINGING)
I told you,
no more talking about death.
That's an order, soldier.
Well...
it was nice meeting you
again, Renata Contarini.
Are you leaving today?
Can't shoot ducks
without guns.
Besides, there's some things
I have to do.
Remember your promise.
Oh, I will.
-(SOFT, EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
-(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(SOFT, EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(PAPER RUSTLES)
Renata!
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(CHUCKLES)
(SCOFFS)
(FOOTFALLS RECEDING)
(SIGHS)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(EXHALES)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
GRAN MAESTRO:
Si, si, si.
(GLASS CLANKS)
You ever hear about a...
mass execution back in '43?
SS killed a bunch
of partisans and civilians
on the road to Trieste.
Yeah, I heard about it.
Some people say
it happened here.
Some people say
it happened there.
Some say it never
happened at all.
Oh, it happened, all right.
I just need to find out where.
Is there a reason?
You married, Gran Maestro?
(LAUGHS)
I was.
-Children?
-No.
No, this-- this is--
this is my family.
This is my home.
Like the army for you,
I imagine.
Yeah.
Table for dinner tonight, huh?
No, thank you.
No ducks?
No guns.
Ah.
You have to understand
the rules of the game.
What rules are those?
Well, you leave it one day,
then you go again tomorrow.
But this time,
you must plead with her.
She wants to sell or not?
She is desperate to sell.
That is why she cannot sell.
Colonel...
About Trieste.
I can give you some names,
but please be careful.
For these people, Venice
isn't as safe as it seems,
and they have suffered enough.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(CHUCKLES)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(GROANS)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
()
(FOOTFALLS)
(FOOTFALLS RECEDING)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(SIGHS)
(FOOTSTEPS)
JACKSON:
Everything all right, Colonel?
(FOOTSTEPS)
(WINGS FLAPPING)
(SPITS)
You all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
How far did you get?
About four clicks
outside Trestina.
Did you hear anything?
No. Nothing definitive.
I mean, there's
a lot of mass graves,
but folks just don't really
want to talk about it.
Sorry, sir.
Where's my prime, Jackson?
Sir?
Fifty-one years old.
They promise you these years
as your prime.
That's the deal;
in exchange for your youth,
you have your prime.
Survived two world wars,
30 years in the infantry.
Where the hell's my prime?
The Lord is not slack
concerning his promise,
but is long suffering toward us.
Not willing
that any should perish
but that all shall come
to repentance.
(LAUGHS)
What the hell
are you talking about?
You were talking about God,
sir, and promises,
and that's--
that's the only one I know of.
God send you
all the way from Kentucky
just to tell me that?
Well, sir, I said my piece.
It's really none of my business.
Most intelligent thing
I've heard you say.
(APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS)
Oh, my.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
You again.
Me again.
How are you
this evening, Renata?
Thank you, Richard.
Uh, this is Sergeant Jackson.
God sent him
all the way from Kentucky to
tell me not to expect
too much from my life.
(CHUCKLES)
Okay.
He has the eyes of an angel.
How are you?
I'm-- I'm very fine, ma'am.
Thank you.
And the voice, too.
Is Jackson joining us?
Joining us?
Yeah, we're going
to have a walk, aren't we?
Yes, we are.
And no, he damn well isn't.
You have to speak
nicely to angels.
JACKSON:
Don't worry, ma'am.
It's quite all right.
I was actually just doing
some sightseeing,
so I'm gonna...
I'm gonna go and have a look
at that big church
over-- crossing the Grand Canal.
Sir. Ma'am.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Um, Sergeant.
Santa Maria della Salute
is that way.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
I hoped I might run into you.
What are you doing here, Renata?
Talking to you.
I'm glad you came.
Well, can I tell you something
which may not surprise you?
You're hungry?
I'm starving. (CHUCKLES)
-How'd I guess?
-(CHUCKLES)
()
GRAN MAESTRO:
Good evening, Colonel.
So you are having dinner
after all?
-Well, I guess so.
-Excellent.
I have one very fine lobster.
It was still alive
the last time I looked.
Dark green and very hostile.
Possibly Russian.
(LAUGHS) In that case,
cold with mayonnaise.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
Put your hand on the table.
-My hand is on the table.
-The other one.
Please.
(CLEARS THROAT)
May I?
-(CROWD CLAPPING)
-Sure.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
-Renata...
-I missed you.
(CORK POPS)
(WINE POURS)
ALFONSO:
Voila.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
I missed you too.
What that means,
I have no idea.
-(GLASSES CLINK)
-You get some sleep?
Like a log.
I had a dream about you.
Sounds like a nightmare.
No, it was good.
We were in America,
in a garden, planting trees.
Mm.
RENATA:
Cypresses, chestnuts,
ponderosa pines.
You always dream about trees?
No. Never.
In fact, I almost always have
the same dream every night.
What's that?
I go skiing in the dark.
( TUCA TUCA PLAYING)
()
RENATA:
Let's dance.
(BAND PLAYING TUCA TUCA )
()
(SINGING IN ITALIAN)
(SINGING IN ITALIAN)
(SINGING IN ITALIAN)
(CROWD CLAPPING)
Now, can you dance with me?
(CHUCKLES)
Not tonight, Renata.
Maybe I only have tonight.
(BAND PLAYING SOFT MUSIC)
()
Fifty years old,
and you don't know what it means
when a girl says she misses you.
Fifty-one.
And the only thing I do know
is that I don't know anything.
(CHUCKLES)
(GENTLE TRUMPET NOTES)
Let's go.
Yeah. Something
I got to take care of.
Why don't I meet you out
on the dock in five?
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I'll see you on the dock.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(CROWD CLAPPING)
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
What's that?
I found a survivor.
Trieste?
Yeah, he was a partisan
and he's willing to talk to you
but it has to be tonight.
Where?
It's all in there.
How will I know him?
Trust me, you will know him.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(SIGHS)
(GROANS)
(GROANS)
(PILL CONTAINER CLOSES)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(LAMP THUDS)
(DRAWER OPENS)
(CLATTERS, DRAWER CLOSES)
(BAG THUDS)
(GROANING)
(DRAWER OPENS)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(PUNCH THROWN)
Oh, fuck.
-(GRUNTS AND GROANING)
-(EYEGLASSES SMASH)
-(KICK THROWN)
-(RICHARD GRUNTS)
-(KICK THROWN)
-(RICHARD GRUNTS)
-(KICK THROWN)
-(RICHARD GRUNTS)
RENATA:
Richard!
Richard.
(PANTING)
Richard.
(TELEPHONE THUDS)
(SIGH ECHOES)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(DISTANT BOOMING)
(GROANS)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
Where's my clothes, Jackson?
Oh, we already
packed them up, sir.
There is an ambulance on its way
from Mestre right now.
Should be here
in about 20 minutes.
I'm not going
to any goddamn hospital.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(EXHALES)
Pass me my shirt, Jackson.
Sir...
Remember the rules, Sergeant.
(DOOR OPENS)
You need to rest.
-(DOOR CLOSES)
-Thank you, Contessa.
I have every intention
of resting.
In fact, that's what
I came here for.
Gran Maestro, if you could
find me some guns and a dog
by tomorrow morning first line,
I'd appreciate it.
No, that's insane.
You can't go hunting like this.
Yeah, she's right, Colonel.
It's not--
Shut up, Jackson.
I appreciate your concern,
Contessa,
but I think I'm old enough
to look after myself.
Don't be stubborn.
You're sick.
You need to be
in a hospital right now.
That's the last thing I need.
What I need is a boat,
some guns, and a dog
so I can go get out
on that lagoon
and do what I came here for.
(CORK POPS)
(WHISKEY POURS)
Why didn't you tell me...
last night?
Last night was a...
truly enjoyable distraction,
and I appreciate
your hospitality, Renata,
but I think
you should probably be going.
Antonio will be worried
about you.
You want me to go?
Yeah. I think it'd be best.
(FOOTFALLS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(DISTANT CHURCH BELL RINGING)
Where's my goddamn tie, Jackson?
It's in your bag.
Sir.
She's just a little girl.
Little girl with a bad case
of wedding nerves, that's all.
Well, sir,
that may be the case. Um...
But it's--
it's 12:30 right now,
so that little girl just
sat by your side for 14 hours.
She doesn't understand,
Jackson.
She thinks she does,
but she doesn't.
I have death sewn into
the lining of my clothes, son.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(PACK OF CIGARETTES THUDS)
(FOOTSTEPS)
(BED CREAKS)
RICHARD:
You think he'll come?
I will talk to him.
(CLEARS THROAT)
(GRUNTS)
But please, Colonel...
once you have met him, go home.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
Here. Stop here.
(CAR ENGINE STOPS)
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(GROANING)
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
What exactly are you
waiting for, Colonel?
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
I was given an order
by a politician
in a uniform who...
never killed anyone
in his life without a telephone.
And I obeyed it.
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
(WATER BLOOPING)
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
Go! Go!
Retreat! Retreat!
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
(WATER BLOOPING)
RICHARD:
I lost an entire company
in that river.
338 souls.
What was I supposed to do,
Jackson?
Sir?
I had an order,
and I obeyed it.
What else was I supposed to do?
But we got into that town.
(LAUGHS)
Cost the business
$10,000 apiece
in insurance payouts,
so work that out.
What business, sir?
War is business, son.
And the US Army's the biggest
business in the world.
Only ours.
Clerks and stock boys
in the company business.
Colonel, what do you say
we head back, sir?
You can be with Dr. O'Neil
in under two hours, sir.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
VANNI:
Colonel.
It was your son.
Yeah.
When you came
to see me, I knew.
You knew him?
Oh, yes.
We all knew him,
and who he really was.
He told us the army had sent him
to work with logistics...
but we knew.
Yeah.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
VANNI:
The SS came to my house
and they took us and your son.
They brought us here.
They wanted information...
so they divided us
in two groups.
The first group had to dig
while we watched.
They told us we could leave
if we said something.
No one said anything.
What happened?
They started shooting.
I thought
they would never stop...
and then they did.
They threw dirt on us
and went away.
Nobody (INDISTINCT)
more than me.
I couldn't move.
I had two dead men over me.
()
Thank you.
Why do you thank me?
It could have been your son
who lived, but it was me.
I'm sorry.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
()
()
RICHARD:
I failed them, Jackson.
Sir?
(SIGHS)
I failed them all.
No, sir.
No, you--
you didn't fail anybody, sir.
That's not the way I see it.
You did what had to be done.
That's it.
Like you said, sir,
clerks and stock boys.
At the end of the day,
if you hadn't done it...
then who would?
Someone like you, Jackson.
(GROANS)
RICHARD:
Someone like you.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(DISTANT CAR APPROACHING)
What on God's earth
are you doing here?
RENATA:
Gran Maestro sends his love.
No secrets
at the Gritti, huh?
(CHUCKLES)
I thought you wanted
to go duck hunting.
I sure do, Contessa.
Look, Jackson,
there may be a court martial
in all this for you, but--
Sir, as far as I'm concerned,
they can all go fornicate
themselves... sir.
Thank you, Sergeant.
JACKSON:
It was an honor, sir.
(CAR DOORS OPENING)
(CAR DOORS CLOSING)
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
(CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(ITALIAN SONG PLAYING)
(ITALIAN SONG CONTINUES PLAYING)
(ITALIAN SONG CONTINUES PLAYING)
(DOG WHIMPERING)
Looks like he's gonna
need that dog more than I do.
Thank you.
For what?
Everything.
(WATER LAPPING GENTLY)
It's time for you to go ski
in the dark, Renata.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(DISTANT CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(SIGHS)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(ALL RESPOND IN ITALIAN)
(SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING)
(WATER BLOOPING)
(SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC
CONTINUES)
()
(DISTANT DUCKS QUACKING)
(GUN UNLOCKS)
(GUN LOCKS)
(DISTANT DUCK QUACKING)
(SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC
CONTINUES)
()
()
()
(ECHOING GUNSHOT)
(CHOIR SINGING IN ITALIAN)
()
(CHOIR CONTINUES SINGING)
()
(CHOIR CONTINUES SINGING)
( VADO A SPASSO MUSIC PLAYING)
()
()
Vado a spasso col mio amor
In campagna in mezzo
ai fior
Dove l'unico clamor
quel dei nostri baci
Che non fan rumor
Prati verdi e cielo blu
Da scenario fan laggi
D una nota di color
La bocca tua vermiglia
Che ha pi buon sapor
In campagna un'altra cosa
Mia bimba preziosa
Per mio conto
sempre quella
Ma bella di pi
Vado a spasso col mio amor
In campagna in mezzo
ai fior
Sull'erbetta, in libert
Sognare ad occhi aperti
Che felicit!
( VADO A SPASSO MUSIC PLAYING)
()
In campagna un'altra cosa
Mia bimba preziosa
Per mio conto
sempre quella
Ma bella di pi
Vado a spasso col mio amor
In campagna in mezzo
ai fior
Sull'erbetta, in libert
Sognare ad occhi aperti
Che felicit!
(SOFT MELODIOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(WATER BLOOPING)
(SOFT MELODIOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(ALARM CLOCK RINGING, STOPS)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MELLOW MUSIC CONTINUES)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
(MIRROR SQUEAKS)
(PILLS CLACKING)
(PILL BOTTLE THUDS)
(MACHINE PRINTING)
RICHARD:
We done?
You mind if we go again
on this, Colonel?
I got barracks in 15, Wes.
Those pills you're taking...
do they help with the nausea
or is it the pain?
What pills?
WES:
Mannitol hexanitrate.
Mannitol hexa what now?
WES:
Pumping yourself
full of nitroglycerine
is not the answer
to your problem.
I don't have a problem, Wes.
I can't let you
do this anymore.
Do you know what
a cardiac thrombosis is?
Can't say that I do.
It will drop you
like a sack of dirt.
You need to be in a hospital.
You know what they'll do
if you tell them that.
WES:
Yeah, I do.
They'll retire you.
Something they should have done
a long time ago.
Your heart is beating
on borrowed time, Richard.
That's a debt you are not
going to enjoy paying.
Okay.
Maybe I'll, uh, take it easy
for the weekend.
Drive down to Venice,
do some duck shootin'.
WES:
You're not driving anywhere.
-Says who?
-I do!
You need to be in a hospital.
Now! Today!
You need to stop smoking.
You need to give up the drink.
Okay. I'll make a deal with you.
You lose that report
till after the weekend
I get back from Venice,
I'll let you prolong my life
as long as you like.
See you Monday, Wes.
-(DOOR OPENS)
-(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Have a good weekend, sir.
Thank you.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
What the hell
are you doing in my car?
Sorry, Col. Cantwell, sir.
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
Well?
Uh, sir, Capt. O'Neil--
Nobody teach you
to salute, son?
Oh, sorry, sir. Yes, sir.
Capt. O'Neil told me that I--
I will be driving you, sir.
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(DISTANT CHATTER)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(RICHARD CLEARS THROAT)
(KEYS JINGLE)
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
(DISTANT CHATTER)
(GROANS)
(CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
RICHARD:
Let's roll, son.
(CAR ENGINE REVS)
JACKSON:
Where we going, sir?
RICHARD:
Venice.
( THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY
FROM ME PLAYING)
The way your smile
just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No no they can't
take that away
You, uh, you looking for
somethin' special, Colonel?
In Venice, I mean.
Where you from, son?
Union, Kentucky.
Sir.
Sir. Sir. Sorry, sir.
They shoot duck in Union?
(LAUGHS) Hell, sir, we--
we shoot just about damn
near everything in Kentucky.
What's your name, anyway?
I'm-- I'm Jackson, sir.
RICHARD:
Where's Burnham?
Burnham's, uh,
he's going home, sir.
Why the hell he do that?
Well, take it the army
was through with him.
Soon enough, they'll be
through with all of us.
I'd sure like to go home, sir.
I'm sure Uncle Joe Stalin'd
be happy to hear you
say that, soldier.
At this point,
I don't really care
if the Russians come in.
I just want to go home.
Nothing wrong with a man
wanting to go home, I guess.
Where exactly would
home be for you, sir?
I asked your name, Jackson.
I didn't ask you
to be my fucking date.
(PEPPY MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
(MUSIC ON RADIO STOPS)
(BELLS DINGING)
(CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
RICHARD:
Why on earth would
they destroy a place like this?
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
What lessons can mankind
possibly learn from it?
Mm. Don't pick a fight
with the US Air Force.
Don't build your church
near your bridge?
Sir, Bur-- Burnham told me
they fought alongside you
in France, sir.
When you took that town
by assault.
Yeah? What else he tell you?
Well, how you saw combat
in two world wars.
He called you a hero.
Truth, sir, he didn't
need to tell me anything.
Whole army knows about you.
You believe in heroes, Sergeant?
Well, sir, my brother
lost both his legs
in the Pacific.
Most of his company
didn't make it,
and to me,
my brother's a hero.
Your brother happy to be alive,
or he sometimes wish
he died with his buddies?
Sir, I-- I never--
You like frescoes, Sergeant?
Presco?
RICHARD:
Frescoes.
Been there 600 years.
Attributed to Giotto
in all the books.
That's what you call
this kind of painting, sir?
Well, the reason I ask is
'cause I got a kinda theory
about Italian painters.
See, I went to that
big painting gallery
when we came through Florence.
Sir, I tell you, I looked at
the Madonna and the baby Jesus
until they was
comin' out of my ears.
You know my theory?
You know how Italians,
they-- they're all so crazy
about bambinis?
You know, the less
they have to eat,
the more bambinis they got?
Your point being?
I think all those
old Italian painters,
well, they felt the same
way about bambinis
as these here Italians do
to this very day,
and that is why
they always painted
the baby Jesus and his mama.
Uh-huh.
Is that your entire theory,
or is there more to it?
Sir,
what I'm trying to say is--
is it made me think you--
you got to have a love of life
itself to be a painter.
Sure. And a box of paints.
Any more theories on
Renaissance art, Jackson?
JACKSON:
No, sir.
That's a comfort.
(FAINT BOMB EXPLOSIONS)
You okay, sir?
Sir?
What?
You okay, sir?
Yeah, I'm fine.
(FOOTSTEPS)
JACKSON:
Do you believe
in heroes, sir?
I believe in human courage.
But I've seen it made pointless
all too often in war.
(FOOTSTEPS)
-(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
-(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
Sir, I was told
to not let you do that.
By who?
By Dr. O'Neil, sir.
He say why?
Well, no, but he was
pretty clear about it.
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
You coming or not?
(RUNNING FOOTSTEPS)
(CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(CAR ENGINE REVS)
Mind how you go, Sergeant.
I'll call you
when I need you back here.
Oh. Uh, sir, I--
I was told to stay with you
at all times
and bring you back safe
when you're through
with the ducks, sir.
Thank you kindly, Nurse Jackson,
but there's been
a change of plan.
You ride home safe now
and tell the captain
I'll see him on Monday.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
(SPEAKING IN ITALIAN)
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
RENATA:
Yes?
You speak English?
I do.
You for hire?
For hire?
Yeah, for hire.
You speak English or not?
(CHUCKLES)
(FISHERMEN CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
RICHARD:
Gritti Palace.
-Step on it.
-JACKSON: Colonel.
Colonel, wait.
(LAUGHS)
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(DISTANT CHATTER)
What's your name?
Renata.
You don't look much like
a taxi driver, Renata.
I never said I was.
Oh.
Well, who are you then?
My name is Renata Contarini.
But I'm a taxi driver
for the time being.
You are the famous
Colonnello Cantwell.
Yeah!
For the time being.
I saw you once.
I was a volunteer
up at the transit camp.
Were you?
RICHARD:
Must have missed you.
(CHUCKLES) Of course.
Why should you notice me?
(RICHARD COUGHS)
(PILL CONTAINER UNLOCKS)
Are you okay?
Am I going too fast?
Oh, I'm fine.
How much am I gonna owe you,
Renata?
I haven't decided yet.
(RICHARD LAUGHS)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
So, what are you doing here,
Colonnello?
Well, that's
a long story, Renata.
Ducks.
I'm here to shoot ducks.
And where are your guns?
Somewhere in Germany.
But I know a guy who knows
where I can get some.
Good ones.
Belong to one of those families
that needs money more than
guns at the moment.
There are a lot of people
like that in Venice.
Yeah.
And do you know
the city well?
Not as well as I'd like.
Do you know the poet Byron?
Not personally.
(LAUGHS)
Well, he was a soldier too.
A war hero like you.
He had a bed
in that house there for a while.
If my memory serves,
he had two.
The second one
was on the bottom floor.
He shared that one
with a gondolier's wife.
RENATA:
Right.
A poet, a soldier...
and a womanizer.
"If I had been
an unconnected man,
I from this moment
should have formed some plan,
never to leave sweet Venice."
That's not Byron.
What?
What you just said is Shelley.
Not Byron.
(LAUGHING)
Okay...
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
MARCO:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
MARCO:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
Well, sure was nice
meeting you, Renata Contarini.
What do I owe you?
(CHUCKLES)
On the house, Colonnello.
Happy hunting. Ciao.
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
GIULIANO:
Renata...
(FOOTSTEPS)
(CHUCKLES)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(ELEVATOR PINGS)
And what can I do for you?
Oh, you could have
a drink on it, Cantwell.
What would I like?
A very dry martini.
Mmm. Certainly, sir.
Shall I make it a double?
Hmm. If you wish.
Who's the toy soldier?
That guy?
He's from Milan.
That explains it.
Looks like he did well
in the war.
Uh-oh.
Send in the cavalry
if I don't come back.
Will do.
GUIDO:
Colonel Cantwell.
We would be honored
if you join us.
My name is Guido Dalmasio.
Agostina.
The colonel is a war hero.
We have a lot to thank you for
in this country.
You have saved us.
Well...
Again.
(CHUCKLES)
We didn't do it
all alone, Guido.
Mm. Please sit.
Unfortunately, I can't.
I, uh, got some things
I need to take care of.
Like shooting ducks,
I believe.
(LAUGHS)
News travels fast
in the Gritti Palace.
Please, Colonel.
Join us for a moment.
GUIDO:
I'm told you fought for Italy
in the first war as well.
Second only to our brave
armed forces for a while.
Yeah, for about a year.
How about you, Guido? That's...
uh, some uniform you got there.
I was given an honorary rank.
Oh.
Unfortunately,
I wasn't able to fight.
Medically unfit.
To the hunting.
And to Agostina.
Like to know how he did it?
It was so clever.
He paid the doctor to inject
paraffin into his knees.
I had a business to run.
'Course.
To paraffin.
(AGOSTINA CHUCKLES)
Pleasure meeting you both.
(CLEARS THROAT)
My Colonel.
(LAUGHS)
(FOOTFALLS)
(EXHALES)
How are ya?
I am awful.
I have low blood pressure,
I have ulcers and I owe money.
-Happy?
-(DRINK POURING)
All the time.
I meet extraordinary
and interesting characters.
Oh, yeah.
Also, many Belgians.
-Belgians?
-Belgians.
They are what we have
instead of locusts this year.
(LAUGHS)
-To Belgians.
-To Belgians.
(GLASSES CLINK)
I have news.
-Yeah?
-Mm.
The moment
you got off the phone,
I started my research.
It's um, the friend
of a friend?
You find some guns?
The guns?
They definitely exist,
and he believes
they are for sale.
I have his address for you.
Decoys?
Yes, of course, decoys.
Gran Maestro,
you are a magician.
Alfonso, two more.
Oh, no,
you must allow me to refuse.
-No.
-Yes.
-No.
-But the ulcers.
(BAG THUDS)
What the hell
are you doing here?
Like I said, sir, I was told--
I don't give a shit
what you were told.
It's a time honored
principle, Sergeant.
Men like me give orders
and men like you carry them out.
Damn well worked for centuries.
Nobody explained
the goddamn rules to you?
Sir, if--
if I may, I must apologize--
I don't want
your fucking apology.
What I want is for you to get
your ass back on that boat
to (INDISTINCT)
and stop following me around
like some goddamn bird dog.
(SIGHS)
All right, you might as well
have a drink while you're here.
Alfonso.
Uh, sir,
I don't consume alcohol.
I find that it makes me behave
in an undignified way.
(DISTANT PING)
Was it your intention,
Sergeant,
to imply that your
commanding officer
is behaving himself
in an undignified manner?
No, sir, it was not.
Well, that's too bad.
For a minute there,
I thought you had some lead
in your pencil.
You got any empty rooms,
Gran Maestro?
-Too many.
-Give him your worst one.
Sign for chow at the hotel,
but I don't wanna see you here
for me before Sunday.
Are we clear, Jackson?
Yes, sir.
GRAN MAESTRO:
Follow me, please, Sergeant.
Jackson?
Try and have some fun.
You're in Venice,
for Christ's sake.
(DOOR OPENS)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(FOOTSTEPS)
(DISTANT CHURCH CHOIR SINGING)
(RICHARD BREATHING
WITH DIFFICULTY)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DIFFICULTY BREATHING)
(HEART POUNDING,
CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
(HEART POUNDING,
CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(GROANS)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
Colonel?
Colonel, are you okay?
What are you doing?
(GROANS) Get off of me.
(COUGHING)
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
The hell are you doing here,
Jackson?
Captain O'Neil told me--
Told you what?
He said you could collapse.
And, um...
at any moment, your--
your heart can just
explode.
(LAUGHS)
Listen, son.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
This is the last time
I'm gonna say this.
Your shadow falls across me
one more time this weekend,
I'm gonna put you on a charge.
You got that?
Sir, I have orders.
Yeah, well,
now you got new ones.
Sir...
(DISTANT PIGEON COOING)
I hope you don't mind
my asking but...
you didn't come to Venice
just to hunt ducks, did you?
(SOFT, EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(GROANS)
RICHARD:
Come on, Jackson.
(WINGS FLAPPING)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
Yes.
He told me to expect you.
(CLOTH SPLATS)
Come, please.
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
May I?
VANNI:
Of course.
(CHUCKLES)
You've been to Italy
before, Colonnello?
Yeah, twice.
(VANNI CHUCKLES)
They don't make them anymore.
No one was spending money
on gondolas
so I started making the ducks.
Keep it. It's a gift.
Oh, no. I couldn't accept that.
(THUDS ON SURFACE)
(CLATTERING)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(GATE OPENS)
(BOX OPENS)
(GUN LOCKS)
(PHONE RINGING)
(FOOTFALLS)
(GUN THUDS)
You speak
very good Italian, Colonel.
Why?
Well, I spent some time here
when I was younger.
Contessa, I would very much
like to own these guns.
Own the guns?
If you're willing, of course.
(CHUCKLES)
They're not for sale.
Not for sale?
No. What a strange idea.
Why should I sell my guns?
I'm sorry.
Must be my mistake.
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(LIGHTER FLICKS)
(BOAT ENGINE APPROACHING)
You again.
Me again.
Did you like the guns?
Oh, I sure did, Contessa.
(CHUCKLES)
But she wouldn't sell them,
right?
Yeah, maybe I should have
warned you.
I could try talking to her.
Oh, she seemed
pretty definite.
Mm.
Listen, I still owe you a fare.
Sure. You can buy me a coffee.
-RICHARD: Now?
-Si.
All right.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(BOAT ENGINE STARTS, REVS)
(FORMAL CHATTER)
WAITER:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
RENATA: [in Italian]
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
WAITER: [in Italian]
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
I thought
we were drinking coffee.
Do you mind?
Contessa,
I couldn't be any happier.
We can toast my wedding.
RICHARD:
Congratulations.
Who's the lucky man?
RENATA:
It was my father's wish
that my family and Antonio's
should be joined.
Ah.
My family is broke.
Antonio's family
still has money, so.
(CHUCKLES)
In America,
I don't think you do like that.
RICHARD:
Do like what?
Marry for money.
Well, some do.
Mostly, they still marry
for love over there.
That's good.
-RICHARD: Cheers.
-(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
(WOMAN SPEAKS IN ITALIAN)
-(RENATA CLEARS THROAT)
-Ah.
RENATA:
And you?
And me, what?
Did you marry for love?
(LAUGHS)
Three times.
-RENATA: Wow.
-Yeah.
RENATA:
Three times.
I guess
maybe your way's best.
Letting the family sort it out.
(LAUGHS)
I didn't say
I don't love Antonio.
Of course not.
I meant no offense.
I do love him.
Well, then...
he is truly a lucky man.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
RICHARD:
Renata, are you hungry?
RENATA:
Mmhm.
RICHARD:
Let's do something about that.
-(GLASS SHATTERS)
-(CUSTOMERS GASPING)
(CHAIR SLIDES)
I'm so very sorry, old chap.
(SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING IN BACKGROUND)
This grub is tops.
(LAUGHS)
Couldn't have said it
better myself, Contessa.
(LAUGHS)
You get married,
you gonna live in Venice?
Uh, no. America.
Really?
No. But it's my dream.
So, do you have children?
Just one. A son.
What is he like?
Do you have a picture?
(GLASS THUDS)
(SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES)
He likes to shoot ducks, too?
Yeah.
Used to.
You have the same eyes.
(SNIFFLES)
RENATA:
Where's his mother?
Gone. Like the other two.
Maybe our paths
will cross one day in America.
Maybe.
What on earth
would a contessa be doing
way out in the Wild West?
Driving.
Driving, driving, driving.
On solid ground.
For miles and miles and miles,
in one direction.
Not round in circles on water.
Hm.
To miles and miles and miles.
(GLASSES CLINK)
RENATA:
What is your dream?
-My dream?
-RENATA: Si.
Your dream for the future.
Hm.
(CHUCKLES)
You've done everything
you ever wanted to do?
Okay.
So maybe the world
has nothing new to give you.
Maybe not.
Ricardo.
Yes, Renata?
Tell me your dream.
Please tell me.
Perfect duck shoot.
Dawn on the lagoon.
The still air.
Gun's perfectly balanced.
Wings whispering.
Infinite possibilities.
That's what I dream about.
To infinite possibilities.
(GLASSES CLINK)
(GLASSES THUD)
(SIGHS)
Well, I guess
I should be going now.
Okay. Um, I'll run you home.
Oh, that's all right.
I think the walk
will do me good.
Colonnello.
I have a suggestion to make.
Why don't I show you
my beautiful town?
Isn't there someplace
you should be?
No, there isn't.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(SINGING OPERA IN ITALIAN)
Can you sing?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Like an angel.
(CHUCKLES)
I want to hear it.
Oh, thank you.
I should warn you,
that's purely medicinal.
(GROANS)
Ooh, you have a good doctor.
-(CANTWELL LAUGHS)
-(RENATA CHUCKLES)
RICHARD:
I'll tell him you said so.
(DOOR RUMBLES OPEN)
(CHOIR SINGING)
-PRIEST: (SPEAKS ITALIAN)
-RICHARD: Grazie.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
(CHOIR SINGING GETS LOUDER)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
RENATA:
What do you think?
Yeah, it's nice.
A little racy
for a convent though.
Well, it's our private
collection.
They're just watching it for us.
RICHARD:
Must be nice
being a Contarini.
RENATA:
Um, what do you mean?
RICHARD:
Well, you get to see these
any time you want.
RENATA:
True.
But most of the time,
it just feels very, very old.
Old?
Si.
Six hundred years old,
to be precise.
My name is 600 years old.
My house is 600 years old.
My dog is 600 years old.
(LAUGHS)
RENATA:
Everything in my life
is 600 years old.
I couldn't even tell you
my grandmother's maiden name.
(CHUCKLES)
Well, three of my ancestors
were Doges of Venice
and I was baptized by a Pope.
Wait till I tell
the folks back home.
RENATA:
Who is there back home?
Who waits for the Colonnello
to come home?
None of the wives?
All gone.
Are you one of those men
who likes to fall in love
and then move on?
No, I'm--
I'm one of those men
who has to move on,
whether he likes to or not.
It's called being a soldier.
Or a womanizer.
RICHARD:
Am I being interrogated?
Have you broken hearts?
Maybe a few.
And had yours broken?
Well, I don't think
you're such a beast.
-No.
-RENATA: No.
I feel very safe with you.
-Oh, you are, Contessa.
-RENATA: I am?
Very safe.
How can I be sure of that?
Well well, for one thing,
there's a priest
right behind you.
Father Damaso.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY)
-Let's get out of here.
-RENATA: Si.
(LAUGHS HEARTILY)
( VADO A SPASSO PLAYING)
()
Vado a spasso col mio amor
(GROANS)
In campagna
in mezzo ai fior
Dove l'unico clamor
quel dei nostri baci
Che non fan rumor
Prati verdi e cielo blu
Da scenario fan laggi
So, what are your plans,
cowboy?
Plans?
You don't have any, do you?
(CHUCKLES) Do you even
think about the future?
Till recently, I never
thought about anything
but being a soldier.
Why did you become a soldier?
You don't want
to talk about that.
-Why not?
-It would bore you.
(CHUCKLES)
No, it wouldn't.
It would bore me.
No, it wouldn't.
All right.
What would you like to know?
Why are you so lonely?
Is it the army?
WAITER:
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
Please.
-Grazie.
-RENATA: Grazie.
In our army,
the men at the very top
never see combat.
They don't care much
for those of us who have.
RENATA:
Why?
Well, I guess they figure
it's undignified to fight.
Pastime better left to boys...
and old grunts like me.
Grunts? (CHUCKLES)
Lowest of the low.
Bottom of the totem pole.
Ones no one cares about.
Have you killed
a lot of men?
Yes, I have.
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
You should write.
(CHORTLES) About what?
RENATA: (CHUCKLES)
About war.
-Oh.
-RENATA: What it's like.
-No.
-RENATA: No? You don't think
-it's important to tell?
-No, I don't.
RENATA:
Why not?
Because too many books
have already been written
by men who had no right.
Most of them written by men
who weren't even there.
I don't know what category
of sin that falls under.
Okay.
Besides, I don't have time
to write a book.
(CHUCKLES)
Why? You're not that old.
Well, you can't live forever.
Why not?
Dance with me.
( VADO A SPASSO
CONTINUES PLAYING)
()
In campagna un'altra cosa
You may have to lead,
because I'm as blind as a bat
right now.
RENATA:
It's okay.
Per mio conto
sempre quella
Ma bella di pi
So you want to know
about your future?
All right.
You will live forever.
You will marry again.
And you will have
five more sons.
And they will go to
the five corners of the world.
-Five corners, huh?
-RENATA: Si.
(ALL CLAPPING)
You have to stop talking
about death, Richard.
You have to stay alive.
Promise me.
-People are staring, Renata.
-RENATA: Promise me.
All right. I promise...
I'm not gonna die.
At least not today.
-I think they're closing.
-Yeah, looks that way.
Yeah. I know a place...
If you have time.
Well, guess
since I'm living forever...
You said it.
(BOAT ENGINE REVVING)
RENATA:
So, more than
a hundred years ago,
one of my ancestors
built this garden.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
He was a terrible man.
He was one of the 10
who sent all Venice's enemies
to the torture chambers.
Ah.
Later, he was one of the
three who sent them to die.
That's a ponderosa pine.
He was, as you might say,
a tough customer.
-Bad hombre, huh?
-Evil.
Okay.
Now close your eyes.
Why?
Trust me.
Nobody ever thought he had
a heart beating inside him.
But one day,
he fell in love
with an American beauty
from Carolina.
She came to Venice
with her parents
to finish her education
in music.
( L'AMANTE SECRETO PLAYING)
RENATA:
She was 19 years old.
Of course, it was impossible.
People said it was obscene
for someone like him
to be seen with her...
an old man
with blood on his hands.
So, he followed her
back to Carolina
and wooed her in her father's
plantation garden.
That's it?
How did it end?
How do you think
it should end, Ricardo?
Well, happy is always good.
No, he came home
empty handed.
She had to do her duty
to her family.
What happened to him?
Well, after he gave
his heart away,
nobody ever feared him again.
He spent his last days
sitting here,
listening to this aria
over and over and over again...
and thinking about the one
chance that slipped away...
wondering what that happiness
what have tasted like.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
Renata,
there's something that--
(SHUSHES)
We're just telling stories.
Look.
The first peep of the sun.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
What?
(CHUCKLES)
You won't like it.
Try me.
I'm hungry again.
(BOTH LAUGH)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
(OYSTER CRACKS)
RENATA:
Mm.
Tell me some more
about Lord Byron.
Well, they called that thing
a coffin in a canoe.
(GONDOLIER SINGING)
I told you,
no more talking about death.
That's an order, soldier.
Well...
it was nice meeting you
again, Renata Contarini.
Are you leaving today?
Can't shoot ducks
without guns.
Besides, there's some things
I have to do.
Remember your promise.
Oh, I will.
-(SOFT, EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
-(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(SOFT, EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(PAPER RUSTLES)
Renata!
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(CHUCKLES)
(SCOFFS)
(FOOTFALLS RECEDING)
(SIGHS)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(EXHALES)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
GRAN MAESTRO:
Si, si, si.
(GLASS CLANKS)
You ever hear about a...
mass execution back in '43?
SS killed a bunch
of partisans and civilians
on the road to Trieste.
Yeah, I heard about it.
Some people say
it happened here.
Some people say
it happened there.
Some say it never
happened at all.
Oh, it happened, all right.
I just need to find out where.
Is there a reason?
You married, Gran Maestro?
(LAUGHS)
I was.
-Children?
-No.
No, this-- this is--
this is my family.
This is my home.
Like the army for you,
I imagine.
Yeah.
Table for dinner tonight, huh?
No, thank you.
No ducks?
No guns.
Ah.
You have to understand
the rules of the game.
What rules are those?
Well, you leave it one day,
then you go again tomorrow.
But this time,
you must plead with her.
She wants to sell or not?
She is desperate to sell.
That is why she cannot sell.
Colonel...
About Trieste.
I can give you some names,
but please be careful.
For these people, Venice
isn't as safe as it seems,
and they have suffered enough.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(CHUCKLES)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(GROANS)
(DISTANT CHATTER IN ITALIAN)
()
(FOOTFALLS)
(FOOTFALLS RECEDING)
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(SIGHS)
(FOOTSTEPS)
JACKSON:
Everything all right, Colonel?
(FOOTSTEPS)
(WINGS FLAPPING)
(SPITS)
You all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
How far did you get?
About four clicks
outside Trestina.
Did you hear anything?
No. Nothing definitive.
I mean, there's
a lot of mass graves,
but folks just don't really
want to talk about it.
Sorry, sir.
Where's my prime, Jackson?
Sir?
Fifty-one years old.
They promise you these years
as your prime.
That's the deal;
in exchange for your youth,
you have your prime.
Survived two world wars,
30 years in the infantry.
Where the hell's my prime?
The Lord is not slack
concerning his promise,
but is long suffering toward us.
Not willing
that any should perish
but that all shall come
to repentance.
(LAUGHS)
What the hell
are you talking about?
You were talking about God,
sir, and promises,
and that's--
that's the only one I know of.
God send you
all the way from Kentucky
just to tell me that?
Well, sir, I said my piece.
It's really none of my business.
Most intelligent thing
I've heard you say.
(APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS)
Oh, my.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
You again.
Me again.
How are you
this evening, Renata?
Thank you, Richard.
Uh, this is Sergeant Jackson.
God sent him
all the way from Kentucky to
tell me not to expect
too much from my life.
(CHUCKLES)
Okay.
He has the eyes of an angel.
How are you?
I'm-- I'm very fine, ma'am.
Thank you.
And the voice, too.
Is Jackson joining us?
Joining us?
Yeah, we're going
to have a walk, aren't we?
Yes, we are.
And no, he damn well isn't.
You have to speak
nicely to angels.
JACKSON:
Don't worry, ma'am.
It's quite all right.
I was actually just doing
some sightseeing,
so I'm gonna...
I'm gonna go and have a look
at that big church
over-- crossing the Grand Canal.
Sir. Ma'am.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Um, Sergeant.
Santa Maria della Salute
is that way.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
I hoped I might run into you.
What are you doing here, Renata?
Talking to you.
I'm glad you came.
Well, can I tell you something
which may not surprise you?
You're hungry?
I'm starving. (CHUCKLES)
-How'd I guess?
-(CHUCKLES)
()
GRAN MAESTRO:
Good evening, Colonel.
So you are having dinner
after all?
-Well, I guess so.
-Excellent.
I have one very fine lobster.
It was still alive
the last time I looked.
Dark green and very hostile.
Possibly Russian.
(LAUGHS) In that case,
cold with mayonnaise.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
Put your hand on the table.
-My hand is on the table.
-The other one.
Please.
(CLEARS THROAT)
May I?
-(CROWD CLAPPING)
-Sure.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
-Renata...
-I missed you.
(CORK POPS)
(WINE POURS)
ALFONSO:
Voila.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN)
I missed you too.
What that means,
I have no idea.
-(GLASSES CLINK)
-You get some sleep?
Like a log.
I had a dream about you.
Sounds like a nightmare.
No, it was good.
We were in America,
in a garden, planting trees.
Mm.
RENATA:
Cypresses, chestnuts,
ponderosa pines.
You always dream about trees?
No. Never.
In fact, I almost always have
the same dream every night.
What's that?
I go skiing in the dark.
( TUCA TUCA PLAYING)
()
RENATA:
Let's dance.
(BAND PLAYING TUCA TUCA )
()
(SINGING IN ITALIAN)
(SINGING IN ITALIAN)
(SINGING IN ITALIAN)
(CROWD CLAPPING)
Now, can you dance with me?
(CHUCKLES)
Not tonight, Renata.
Maybe I only have tonight.
(BAND PLAYING SOFT MUSIC)
()
Fifty years old,
and you don't know what it means
when a girl says she misses you.
Fifty-one.
And the only thing I do know
is that I don't know anything.
(CHUCKLES)
(GENTLE TRUMPET NOTES)
Let's go.
Yeah. Something
I got to take care of.
Why don't I meet you out
on the dock in five?
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I'll see you on the dock.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(CROWD CLAPPING)
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
What's that?
I found a survivor.
Trieste?
Yeah, he was a partisan
and he's willing to talk to you
but it has to be tonight.
Where?
It's all in there.
How will I know him?
Trust me, you will know him.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(SIGHS)
(GROANS)
(GROANS)
(PILL CONTAINER CLOSES)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(LAMP THUDS)
(DRAWER OPENS)
(CLATTERS, DRAWER CLOSES)
(BAG THUDS)
(GROANING)
(DRAWER OPENS)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(PUNCH THROWN)
Oh, fuck.
-(GRUNTS AND GROANING)
-(EYEGLASSES SMASH)
-(KICK THROWN)
-(RICHARD GRUNTS)
-(KICK THROWN)
-(RICHARD GRUNTS)
-(KICK THROWN)
-(RICHARD GRUNTS)
RENATA:
Richard!
Richard.
(PANTING)
Richard.
(TELEPHONE THUDS)
(SIGH ECHOES)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
(DISTANT BOOMING)
(GROANS)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
Where's my clothes, Jackson?
Oh, we already
packed them up, sir.
There is an ambulance on its way
from Mestre right now.
Should be here
in about 20 minutes.
I'm not going
to any goddamn hospital.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(EXHALES)
Pass me my shirt, Jackson.
Sir...
Remember the rules, Sergeant.
(DOOR OPENS)
You need to rest.
-(DOOR CLOSES)
-Thank you, Contessa.
I have every intention
of resting.
In fact, that's what
I came here for.
Gran Maestro, if you could
find me some guns and a dog
by tomorrow morning first line,
I'd appreciate it.
No, that's insane.
You can't go hunting like this.
Yeah, she's right, Colonel.
It's not--
Shut up, Jackson.
I appreciate your concern,
Contessa,
but I think I'm old enough
to look after myself.
Don't be stubborn.
You're sick.
You need to be
in a hospital right now.
That's the last thing I need.
What I need is a boat,
some guns, and a dog
so I can go get out
on that lagoon
and do what I came here for.
(CORK POPS)
(WHISKEY POURS)
Why didn't you tell me...
last night?
Last night was a...
truly enjoyable distraction,
and I appreciate
your hospitality, Renata,
but I think
you should probably be going.
Antonio will be worried
about you.
You want me to go?
Yeah. I think it'd be best.
(FOOTFALLS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(DISTANT CHURCH BELL RINGING)
Where's my goddamn tie, Jackson?
It's in your bag.
Sir.
She's just a little girl.
Little girl with a bad case
of wedding nerves, that's all.
Well, sir,
that may be the case. Um...
But it's--
it's 12:30 right now,
so that little girl just
sat by your side for 14 hours.
She doesn't understand,
Jackson.
She thinks she does,
but she doesn't.
I have death sewn into
the lining of my clothes, son.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(PACK OF CIGARETTES THUDS)
(FOOTSTEPS)
(BED CREAKS)
RICHARD:
You think he'll come?
I will talk to him.
(CLEARS THROAT)
(GRUNTS)
But please, Colonel...
once you have met him, go home.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
Here. Stop here.
(CAR ENGINE STOPS)
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(GROANING)
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
(DISTANT DOG BARKING)
What exactly are you
waiting for, Colonel?
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
I was given an order
by a politician
in a uniform who...
never killed anyone
in his life without a telephone.
And I obeyed it.
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
(WATER BLOOPING)
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
Go! Go!
Retreat! Retreat!
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
(WATER BLOOPING)
RICHARD:
I lost an entire company
in that river.
338 souls.
What was I supposed to do,
Jackson?
Sir?
I had an order,
and I obeyed it.
What else was I supposed to do?
But we got into that town.
(LAUGHS)
Cost the business
$10,000 apiece
in insurance payouts,
so work that out.
What business, sir?
War is business, son.
And the US Army's the biggest
business in the world.
Only ours.
Clerks and stock boys
in the company business.
Colonel, what do you say
we head back, sir?
You can be with Dr. O'Neil
in under two hours, sir.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
()
VANNI:
Colonel.
It was your son.
Yeah.
When you came
to see me, I knew.
You knew him?
Oh, yes.
We all knew him,
and who he really was.
He told us the army had sent him
to work with logistics...
but we knew.
Yeah.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
VANNI:
The SS came to my house
and they took us and your son.
They brought us here.
They wanted information...
so they divided us
in two groups.
The first group had to dig
while we watched.
They told us we could leave
if we said something.
No one said anything.
What happened?
They started shooting.
I thought
they would never stop...
and then they did.
They threw dirt on us
and went away.
Nobody (INDISTINCT)
more than me.
I couldn't move.
I had two dead men over me.
()
Thank you.
Why do you thank me?
It could have been your son
who lived, but it was me.
I'm sorry.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
()
()
RICHARD:
I failed them, Jackson.
Sir?
(SIGHS)
I failed them all.
No, sir.
No, you--
you didn't fail anybody, sir.
That's not the way I see it.
You did what had to be done.
That's it.
Like you said, sir,
clerks and stock boys.
At the end of the day,
if you hadn't done it...
then who would?
Someone like you, Jackson.
(GROANS)
RICHARD:
Someone like you.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(DISTANT CAR APPROACHING)
What on God's earth
are you doing here?
RENATA:
Gran Maestro sends his love.
No secrets
at the Gritti, huh?
(CHUCKLES)
I thought you wanted
to go duck hunting.
I sure do, Contessa.
Look, Jackson,
there may be a court martial
in all this for you, but--
Sir, as far as I'm concerned,
they can all go fornicate
themselves... sir.
Thank you, Sergeant.
JACKSON:
It was an honor, sir.
(CAR DOORS OPENING)
(CAR DOORS CLOSING)
(CAR ENGINE REVVING)
(CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(ITALIAN SONG PLAYING)
(ITALIAN SONG CONTINUES PLAYING)
(ITALIAN SONG CONTINUES PLAYING)
(DOG WHIMPERING)
Looks like he's gonna
need that dog more than I do.
Thank you.
For what?
Everything.
(WATER LAPPING GENTLY)
It's time for you to go ski
in the dark, Renata.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(DISTANT CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(SIGHS)
(CHURCH BELL RINGING)
(ALL RESPOND IN ITALIAN)
(SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING)
(WATER BLOOPING)
(SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC
CONTINUES)
()
(DISTANT DUCKS QUACKING)
(GUN UNLOCKS)
(GUN LOCKS)
(DISTANT DUCK QUACKING)
(SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC
CONTINUES)
()
()
()
(ECHOING GUNSHOT)
(CHOIR SINGING IN ITALIAN)
()
(CHOIR CONTINUES SINGING)
()
(CHOIR CONTINUES SINGING)
( VADO A SPASSO MUSIC PLAYING)
()
()
Vado a spasso col mio amor
In campagna in mezzo
ai fior
Dove l'unico clamor
quel dei nostri baci
Che non fan rumor
Prati verdi e cielo blu
Da scenario fan laggi
D una nota di color
La bocca tua vermiglia
Che ha pi buon sapor
In campagna un'altra cosa
Mia bimba preziosa
Per mio conto
sempre quella
Ma bella di pi
Vado a spasso col mio amor
In campagna in mezzo
ai fior
Sull'erbetta, in libert
Sognare ad occhi aperti
Che felicit!
( VADO A SPASSO MUSIC PLAYING)
()
In campagna un'altra cosa
Mia bimba preziosa
Per mio conto
sempre quella
Ma bella di pi
Vado a spasso col mio amor
In campagna in mezzo
ai fior
Sull'erbetta, in libert
Sognare ad occhi aperti
Che felicit!