Hotel Portofino

[Waves crashing] [Seagulls crying] Sir.

Thank you.

[Carlo laughs] Andiamo.

[Horses neigh] [Hooves clopping] I'm sorry, ma'am.

I thought you'd left.

We couldn't all fit in the carriage.

Can I get you something while you're waiting?

Glass of water, maybe.

[Waves crashing] [Dog barking] [Church bell ringing] [Jazz music playing] [Indistinct chatter] [Cecil laughs] What did I tell you?

Ah.

Looks like paradise, eh?

If you say so.

For heaven's sake, lighten up a little.

[Laughs] Here.

Go and gamble with someone else's money.

It's liberating when you have nothing to lose.

No.

Oh!

[Jazz band playing] [Indistinct chatter, laughter] [Cheering] [Roulette ball rattling] [Loud chatter] Bella: It's not an imposition.

No, not at all.

Cecil's here.

-[Whispers] -Alright.

What the hell is he doing here?

Well, I imagine the same as everyone else.

The man's like a bad penny.

He was keeping me company, Cecil.

You haven't been tempted to gamble, then?

No.

You know how I feel about gambling.

Oh, good grief.

What a puritan you are.

Oh, that's Farrino up there.

Cecil, he looks like a gangster.

He is a gangster, which is why it would be politic to say hello.

Oh.

[Jazz band continues] I think I'm going to leave that up to you.

-What?

-I need to speak to Rose.

Oh, for God's sake, woman.

Rose, darling.

Hey.

[Applause] Come have a drink with me.

Yes, please.

Yes, yes.

Crowd: Oh!

[Laughs] Crowd: Ohh!

[Cheering] [Glasses clinking] 14.

[Roulette ball rattling] You having a good time?

I'm having a great time.

That's why I'm all dressed in black.

[Roulette ball rattles] [Shrieks, laughs] Huh?!

Excuse me!

[Crowd cheering] Let's go.

[Waves lapping gently] [Indistinct chatter] I brought something to show you.

So, the hotel belongs to you now?

-100%.

-[Laughs] Thanks to your rather helpful suggestion.

Let the laundering begin.

Hey, what are you doing up here, huh?

Get down there, spend some money.

[Laughs] Ah, here you two are, eh, hiding away.

[Laughs] Looks like you two could use a refill.

I see you kept the good stuff back.

Yeah.

Well, you don't supply me with enough to do anything else, so... Not for very much longer.

Confirmation... of a fivefold increase in our monthly shipment.

[Laughs] Not bad, Cecil.

Not bad.

[Laughs] We, uh, are gonna need more.

Oh, uh, of course.

Of course, yes.

Although I'm a great believer in quality over quantity.

Except quantity matters most when it comes to making money, right?

You got that right, Danioni.

[Laughs] Hey, why don't you go down there, huh?

Go, go have some fun.

Thank you.

I intend to.

But before I do, I have a small favor to ask.

Oh, yeah?

Name it.

This architect, Johnny, Bonacini, for reasons I prefer not to go into, I'm rather keen to teach him a lesson.

Really?

[Laughs] And what kind of lesson did you have in mind?

Let him win a hand or 3.

Lull him into overconfidence and then, um... Stack the deck to give you a handful of kings, right?

Yes.

Heh.

[Laughter] Take the arrogant so-and-so to the cleaners.

To the cleaners.

[Laughs] -You're very kind.

-Yeah.

No one likes an arrogant so-and-so, do they, Cecil?

[Laughter] [Indistinct chatter, laughter] [Boat rumbles] There's dancing back there.

-Oh.

-I want you to dance with me.

Not now, Rose, please.

It's always not now with you.

Well, I have some things on my mind.

Or someone, more like.

You don't want to dance with me.

Talk to me.

Touch me.

You can barely look at me.

Is there anything you do want to do with me, Lucian?

Rose, you're drunk.

Well done.

You noticed.

I'm not doing this right now.

What's wrong with me, Lucian?

-Now is not the time for that.

-What's wrong with me?

There's nothing wrong with-- No, tell me.

What's wrong with me?

There's nothing wrong with you.

I'm just not in love with you.

[Scoffs] Oh, Rose.

-I'm sorry, Rose.

-Leave me alone.

I shouldn't have said that.

You didn't need to propose if you weren't sure.

I practically begged you not to.

[Waves crashing] [Panicked breathing] Gian!

Gian, Gian!

[Crying] I thought I'd never see you again.

You said, "We belong together."

Yeah.

[Groaning] [Crying] Bella: Rose?

There you are.

Oh, my dear girl.

What is it?

What is it?

[Sobbing] What's happened?

Is it to do with Lucian?

Yes.

I--I've been meaning to find you ever since you arrived.

But what with the inspection and Alice's engagement, lodgers' arrangements, and the hotel extension, I just keep getting interrupted.

And--and also, I... well, I--I didn't want to be presumptuous... um, and jump in, put my foot in it just to make myself feel better.

I imagine the sensitivities around... well, the difficulties that you've been having.

I spoke to Julia.

[Laughs] You spoke to my mother?

I thought it best, a-and to Lucian.

He told you?

Well, only by way of seeking advice.

It--it was for you.

Everything?

I--I--I think so.

Did he tell you that he still screams at night?

I thought not.

Rose?

[Rose sobbing] [Jazz music playing] [Speaking Italian] [Car door closes] [Car starts] [Policemen speaking Italian] [Tires squeal] Well, I don't like the looks of that.

Yep.

I only wish we could get a message to them somehow.

Well, perhaps we can, sir.

You know where Nish is being taken ashore?

I do.

And when.

Oh, come on then, take me to them.

But your mother told me to be ready to take anyone back... To hell with my mother.

Nish is in danger.

Go on, then.

I'll drop you as close as I can.

But you'll have to make your own way back.

[Horse snorts] Fine.

[Indistinct chatter] [Jazz music playing] Bella.

Have you seen Lucian?

Not for some time now.

What about his wife?

No.

You are worried about something?

[Laughs] Is it that obvious?

To me your feelings are always obvious.

Well, then you'll understand the other day.

How you cannot.

Not now.

Not in the current circumstances.

-Good evening.

-Not so fast.

I'd like a word with you.

Say what you have to say.

I know what you're up to.

Then you know more than I do.

I warned you to stay away from my wife.

I'm employed by her.

Not for much longer.

There are going to be changes at my hotel.

If Bella tells me to go, I will go.

But I will not take orders from you.

I've been told you were a gentleman.

And I will make him pay who denies it.

Then why don't we settle this like gentlemen should?

Italians do not fight duels anymore, Mr. Ainsworth.

Bless you.

I meant a game of cards.

I bow out first, I scarper back to London.

You bow out before me, you never see my wife again.

[Applause] [Jazz band starts up again] [Spotlights click on] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Casino Santa Margherita.

In the normal run of things, I'd take a hammer to the head of anyone who got in the way of your gambling.

But I'll make an exception for our very special guest this evening.

This dame, she's like the casino itself-- beautiful to look at, fabulously dressed, and always ready to take your money.

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for Miss Claudine Pascal!

[Laughs] You say that you're gonna fix me You say that a man is all I need I say, honey, just leave me be You know I don't like to be told All I need is me... And a glass of gin, babe Let's swing You say that I'm gonna pay the price You say that I'd better step aside I say, honey, you're out of line You know I'll be fine on my own Welcome to the leading ladies' night People say that a girl should be polite, be ladylike I told you, I make the rules tonight So, welcome to the leading ladies' night [Cheering and applause] [Pop] Ladies and gentlemen, let the good times roll!

[Jazz music playing] Hubert?

Oh, oh, honey.

[Laughs] What are you doing here?

I wouldn't miss it for the world, baby.

Aw, baby.

Oh, darling, where is everyone?

Hmm.

Daddy and Victor are playing cards.

Gosh, that sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Hmm.

I did try to intervene, but... What's the matter?

Oh, I...I said something to Rose.

I, I think I've hurt her feelings, and now I can't find her.

Billy's probably driven them both home.

-Oh, there's a thought.

-Hmm.

[Cheering and applause] Would you mind terribly going to check?

-Sure.

-Thank you.

[Waves crashing] [Speaking Italian] -No.

-Billy, uh, piccolo, boy, no?

Um... Oh, darling, any luck?

Uh, no, I'm trying to talk to the drivers, but my Italian is as bad as their English, it seems.

Do you really think it's likely that Billy's taken her home?

I'd put money on it.

I'm worried that Daddy and Victor are going to kill each other.

Do you mind if I go check?

-Of course.

-Thank you.

[Sighs] Julia: There's only one thing for it, Rose.

You have to lie back... think of England... and let Lucian have his way.

What if I can't?

Well, then you wave good-bye to your marriage and to society and don't come crawling back to Mummy because Mummy will have disowned you.

[Waves crashing] [Fireworks exploding] [Indistinct chatter, laughter] I missed you so much, baby.

Hey, honey.

Honey.

Come have a drink with us.

No, no.

I--I--I'm terribly tired, my dear.

I'd love to, but, um, I think I need to head off home.

You should take Cecil home with you.

He's playing cards with that handsome architect.

And if I know anything about men, I'd say you were the prize.

Well, well, thank you for the tip.

Er, good night, my dear.

Hubert.

[Giggles] [Waves crashing] Nish.

It's Lucian.

Thank you.

What are you doing here?

Well, they're out in force looking for you.

I came to warn you.

Then let's hope you haven't led them to us like last time.

Gian.

[Sighs] I'll check the truck.

You mustn't worry.

We've given them the slip once, we can do it again.

And how do you propose to do it this time?

Gian knows the back roads.

We'll head for the border.

Get a boat from Marseilles in a week or so.

I wish that I could come.

I wish you could.

[Sniffs] [Sniffs] It's alright.

We'll just have to meet up in London somewhere.

Someday soon.

I want to hear more about married life.

Oh.

Oh.

[Car brakes squeak] Uh, I really don't think you do.

We'll find a way, Lucian, to be happy.

Both of us.

I think I have to believe that we shall.

Hmm.

[Footsteps approaching] Truck's waiting.

We must go.

Yes, of course.

Well, um... Driver: Gianluca, andiamo.

Ooh.

Good-bye.

Would you, um... would you look after him for me, please?

I will.

Thank you.

[Indistinct chatter] [Sniffs] 130,000 lira.

Or the best part of �1,500... sterling.

What's going on?

[Scoffs] We're playing cards, sweetheart.

Winner takes all.

[Laughs] A gentleman would've given me a chance to win my money back, but have it your way.

Take it.

What?

[Laughs] Someone obviously can't stand the heat.

-[Laughs] -Victor, let's go.

What do you say, Victor?

Shall we call it a day, split the pot between us?

[Chips rattle] Finish the hand.

Cecil: Sorry?

I see your 130... and raise you... 50 more.

[Scoffs] Wha... Well, that's not a very sporting way to treat your future father-in-law, is it?

You know the rules.

Yeah.

What say we bend them a fraction and I use this... to cover your 50,000?

What are you wagering?

A 100% stake in the Hotel Portofino.

Oh, no, you're not!

[Crowd gasping] [Whispers] The game is rigged in my favor.

Don't do this, Ainsworth.

I think we've all had enough fun for tonight, don't you?

Victor, let's go.

Cecil: What do you say, Victor?

Cash bets only.

[Laughs] Oh, come on.

Luigi: Well, it's my house, so, my rules.

Ain't that right, Danioni?

Yeah.

As a licensing authority, I will say we can overlook that just this once.

[Cecil chuckles] Knock yourselves out, gentlemen.

Then let's get this over with.

[Crowd gasping] No.

That is impossible.

[Chips clinking] Oh, God.

You rigged the game against me.

You rigged the bloody game against me!

-Yeah.

-You dirty, double-cross... Don't you say anything that you might regret.

Get him out of here.

[Indistinct chatter] Alice: Hey.

Hey.

Excuse me.

Where is that beast?

[Horse neighs] [Hooves clopping] [Horses snorting] [Indistinct chatter] You were in on it.

Farrino told me of his plans, yes.

Then he did rig the hand.

Mm-hmm.

And in Victor's favor, not yours.

Did Victor know?

He was told to go all-in on a full house, aces high.

I thought you were a friend.

Come on, Signor Ainsworth.

We're not friends.

We are accomplices.

What happened to "cane non mangia cane"?

Dogs don't eat other dogs, Danioni.

Hmm.

You're not a dog.

[Thunder rumbling] You know nothing about dogs, Signor Ainsworth.

You're an Englishman.

You had me marked from the start, didn't you?

Farrino will be in touch.

Tell him not to bother.

You still don't understand.

He knows everything.

He knows where you live, where you buy your suits, what club you dine at.

You know, in Italy we say, "You wanted a bicycle, now pedal."

If you ever play me again, I will kill you.

[Laughs] Good luck, Signor Ainsworth.

[Policemen shouting in Italian] Argh!

Oh!

Urgh.

[Owl hoots] [Waves lapping] [Door squeaks open] Betty: Mrs. Ainsworth.

Oh, Betty, I'm so sorry.

Did I wake you?

No, ma'am, I... couldn't sleep.

What's the matter?

Ma'am, I've been sick with worry.

Oh, gosh, yes, you said you wanted to talk to me.

What about?

It's Constance's mum.

She's had a stroke and, um, and since she wrote this... they reckon she's too poorly to carry on looking after little Tommy.

Ha-have you told Constance yet?

It's been on the tip of my tongue so many times, but I've never known how to broach it.

Poor love.

And, Mrs. Ainsworth, she'll be devastated if she's got to go back home.

Yes, and we-we-we would be devastated to lose her, but-- Betty, c-could you leave it with me?

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, there you are.

Are you coming to bed?

No, darling.

I still need to find Rose.

Might I have a word?

Don't you think you've done enough?

Will you let me explain?

What could you possibly have left to say?

After all your fine words about being with the people you loved, about becoming a better man, I so wanted to believe you.

How could you, how could you gamble away everything I've worked for on the turn of a card?

I did it for you and for the hotel.

Th-the game was supposed to be rigged in my favor.

Even now, you cannot bring yourself to say the truth!

You know how much this hotel means to me.

You know how much of myself I have poured into it.

And yet you thought nothing of conniving with Danioni to swindle it away from me for filthy money laundering?

I thought I could make us a fortune.

Is money the only language you understand?

What language would you prefer I use... after 9 months of bloody silence?

What was I supposed to say after what you did to me?

I have apologized for what I did, repeatedly, which is more than I can say for you.

There was no affair, Cecil.

[Scoffs] You went behind my back with him only yesterday.

I saw you in Genoa.

We wrote letters.

That's all.

So he told me.

Intimate letters, if the one I read is anything to go by.

And what about Bonacini?

I suppose that relationship's entirely innocent, too.

I may not be clean as a whistle, but I have never paraded a rival in front of you, Bella.

I needed someone to talk to.

I needed a friend.

You haven't wanted to talk to me for years.

Oh, so it's all my fault.

Not when Lucian was injured.

Not when Alice lost Alfred.

Not even when Lawrence was taken from us.

Don't.

We lost our boy.

And still, you can't talk about it.

You disappeared.

I didn't only lose him.

I lost a husband as well.

You'd rather I indulged in histrionics like Lucian.

Make my problem everyone else's.

That's not my way.

Never has been.

[Sniffs] Anyhow... it's too late to change now.

What do you suggest we do?

[Scoffs] Start packing for London, assuming Victor throws us out.

I meant you and me.

Our marriage is over.

There's no way back.

If you want to do something for your family, Cecil, I suggest that you find Victor and you buy back the deeds that you lost.

Yes, of course.

I accepted an offer from Carlo to buy my controlling share of the hotel.

Carlo?

What are you talking about?

Well, it had to be a man's name, according to your fascist friend.

And you've proved yourself to be a liability.

But--well, the deeds I signed, Claudine witnessed them.

They-they-they're legally binding.

Not strictly speaking.

Claudine Pascal is not her real name.

So, you've only ever owned your minority share.

Ohh.

That was a rotten trick.

I learnt from the best.

[Crying] [Gears grind] [Gun cocks] [Policemen speaking Italian] [Gun cocks] [Indistinct chatter] A good night's work, huh?

I would not call it work.

Then what?

Deception?

I have deceived no one.

Except a woman desiring to be loved.

[Scoffs] You are a joke to her, Albani.

You will not have her from me.

But I can take the deeds.

The deeds?

And why would I give you those?

Because I can gift you freedom.

That is my friend Enzo Colonna, who works for the Interior Ministry.

He tells me that you're a wanted man in 3 jurisdictions and that you're--heh heh-- you're no Farnese.

And no Victor Michel, for that matter.

Your name is Alfonse Roland and you're a fraudster and a charlatan who left a trail of debt, unpaid bills on both sides of the border.

You have made a wise decision.

[Chips clink] Leave them.

I can cover the cost of your unpaid jeweler's bill... for Alice's engagement ring.

[Laughs] [Speaks French] [Owl hoots] Oh, Carlo.

I've told Cecil everything.

And I've been talking to Victor.

Do you think he'll see sense?

He's leaving town in the morning, I'm afraid.

But what about Alice?

She needs to speak to him.

What about the deeds?

[Sighs] [Laughs] But how?

I just wanted to protect you and your family.

Victor could claim that Cecil made the bet in good faith.

Is there anything you don't think of?

[Laughs] Mio amico.

[Birds singing] [Cockerel crows] [Knocking on door] [Repeated knocking] Luce.

What's happened?

He was out by the gates, ma'am.

-But what...?

-Argh.

-I don't understand.

-His ankle.

-Just help me, please.

-What have you done, darling?

-I don't understand.

-I think it's sprained, or... Where have you been?

I just went to go and make sure that Nish was alright, but the whole area was crawling with police.

But I thought you'd come back home when Billy brought Rose.

I didn't bring Rose home, ma'am.

-Well, then who did?

-Search me.

Would you--would you go and check on her, please, Billy?

-Yes.

-Ah, Constance, could you grab some ice, two towels, and a bandage?

Thank you.

Mrs. Ainsworth?

[Lucian winces] Constance: Sorry.

-Argh, ah.

-I know, darling.

There's no sign of her.

Well, could she have risen early?

I doubt it, ma'am.

That bed doesn't look slept in.

Bella: Billy.

Perhaps I ought to send you and Paola into town to ask some of the friendlier locals if they'd mind helping search for Rose.

Right away.

Actually, Constance, I wondered if you'd sit down, my dear.

I have some news for you.

Your mother's not terribly well.

My--my mother?

Betty received a letter.

She's suffered a stroke, Connie, love, but--but she is on the mend.

I think you ought to go back.

-Home?

-Yes, to England, to see how she is, to--to-- to make arrangements for Tommy.

Tommy?

Who's looking...where...?

-No.

-You knew.

-He's safe.

-Well, who's...but... but who's looking after Tommy, Betty?

Because I have to go... -He's safe.

He's being looked after.

Betty, I have to go home.

Don't worry.

Don't worry.

-[Crying] -[Whispers] Don't worry.

[Seagulls crying] [Waves lapping] [Church bell rings] Leaving without saying good-bye?

Oh, Alice, uh, well, I--I have planned to-- to write to you.

Oh, a letter.

How thoughtful.

Well, I--I--I have been unavoidably called away on--on urgent business.

I imagine it is quite urgent business, avoiding arrest.

Oh, don't get into a flap.

I'm not here to cause a scene or cause any trouble.

That's very decent of you.

I'm actually here to thank you.

-To thank me?

-Hmm.

For letting me escape from myself for the last few weeks.

I really needed it.

But I realize that is all I ever needed from you.

That and my bracelet.

Good-bye, Victor.

[Sighs] [Crows cawing] Attentzione.

Get up.

He needs medical assistance.

Oh.

He will get later when we arrive in Turin.

Now get up!

Get up!

Argh, argh!

You're taking us to Turin?

Of course.

To await trial, no?

[Speaking Italian] No, Gian.

Gian!

What are you doing?

No!

No!

[Speaking Italian] [Nish and Gian groaning] [Indistinct chatter, laughter] All those people to look for one silly girl.

-I'm going to look this way.

-Bella, wait, wait.

-We will find her.

-I need to keep looking.

I... -Please, please.

-I have to keep looking.

What?

I can only apologize for my behavior last night.

I want to explain why I did what I did.

Marco, I don't care.

I don't care about anything.

I'm just glad you are here.

I will always be here for you... if you need me.

Oh, Mother.

I intercepted the post boy.

Oh, thank you, darling.

There's no sign of Rose?

No.

And I'm starting to get very worried.

No, maybe it's just a cry for attention.

Well, I wouldn't blame her.

What can I do?

Oh, darling, would you... would you mind looking after the guests?

I--I'm feeling so distracted.

Of course, of course.

-Alice.

-Yes?

How was it with Victor?

Was it dreadful?

Oh, [laughs]...

I lost an honest, kind man in the trenches.

I'm not gonna get cut up over some fraud.

[Laughs] Darling.

Would you excuse me?

Boy: Come on, Elliot, race you to the hotel room.

Last one there's a slow coach.

[Boys laughing] -Morning.

-Good morning.

Oh, please don't be such a stickler.

-[Laughs] -We all work for you now.

No...that's not true.

Let's say that, as an Italian citizen, I just can offer Bella a measure of protection against men like Danioni, that's all.

What about men like my father?

I fear he will never forgive me.

It should be him that's asking for forgiveness.

It's a beautiful thing.

It is.

And I think I'm starting to realize how much it means to me.

[Laughs] [Birds singing] [Brakes squeak] [Engine turns off] Here we are.

[Whispering in Italian] Uhh.

How much further... to Turin?

We won't make it that far.

[Gun cocks] Get out.

[Shouting] Get out!

Now.

Get out.

Get out!

Out.

-[Groans] Out!

And walk.

Just walk.

Walk.

Keep walking.

[Crow cawing] Keep walking.

Get on your knees.

Get on your knees!

Get on your knees.

On your knees.

Get on your knees.

[Breathing heavily] Why are you doing this?

Why am I doing this?

Why am I doing this?

Because I do not like to be made a fool.

That's why.

Because people like you do not deserve to live.

And because I can.

[Men chattering] [Gunshot] [Gunshot] Si.

[Crows cawing] [Birds chirping] Rose knows.

Well, what makes you say that?

She's been acting funny.

-That doesn't prove anything.

-Trust me.

She knows.

She knows that I'm not in love with her.

-You told her that?

-I had to say it.

I'm in love with you, Constance.

She's...she's giving us her blessing.

It's more like a curse.

I'm going home, Lucian.

Woman, voice-over: My dear Mrs. Ainsworth.

I am sending this from Genoa, where my mother and I have journeyed after Portofino.

Jonathan, voice-over: The Hotel Leonardo is well appointed, but it cannot hold a candle to your own establishment.

I'm writing to apologize for an oversight on my part.

Before we left, I had meant to inform you that I would be writing a review of the Hotel Portofino for the Green Guide.

I enclose a copy in the hope it will make up for this rudeness on my part.

P.S.

Please note I will be submitting my review for publication under my pen name The Intrepid Lady Tourist.

"If your plans to visit Italy do not include Portofino, "then you must revise them.

"Nestled along the coast from its colorful harbor "is the Hotel Portofino, "a family-run guest house "that offers a slice of English heaven "under blue Italian skies.

"The views are breathtaking.

"The rooms exquisitely comfortable.

"The staff as welcoming as the beds.

"The food delicious and made with love.

"Whilst every taste is catered for, "your stay will be relaxing, invigorating, possibly surprising."

[Betty laughing] [Jonathan and Billy chatting] "Maybe even life-affirming.

"In a dark and dangerous world, "when an unknown fate awaits us all, "to encounter honest, decent people "who take pride and show care is the most that we can ask for."

[Seagulls crying] [Water rippling]