Hotel Portofino

[Crow cawing] [Birds singing] [Men shouting] [Gunshot] [Bird flutters] [Dog barking] [Laughs] Marco: Bella.

He startled me.

Then, on Renzo's behalf, I apologize.

Ciao.

No, no.

Marco-- Mm.

Mm.

Constance, stop moving.

I'm only going on a walk, Paola.

Remember what I said.

You must not tell Vito about Tommy.

I'm not ashamed of him.

No one's saying you are, love.

But you think I should lie.

Not lie, exactly.

Just omit a fact or two.

For now.

There'll be plenty of time for full disclosure if it gets that far.

Uh... [Gunshot echoes] Don't worry.

Hunters.

Yeah.

These men, Bella, they are nothing to do with Danioni.

Oh, come.

Everyone in Portofino has something to do with Danioni.

Not everyone.

Well, not you, perhaps.

But most people.

He gives money and power to men who had neither.

And terrorises the rest.

The sun still rises.

Bread is cheap.

The trains run on time.

People learn to live with these little things.

Yes, but... it's not the same country that I fell in love with.

Yes, but...

I'm still the same man you fell in love with.

I said it's not safe.

[Kissing] Grazie.

Until your divorce comes through.

Cecil wants me to take the blame in court for the breakdown of our marriage, to admit that I've been intimate with someone other than him.

But we have been intimate.

Yes, but to say so publicly, to name names, state times and places, I mean, it's all so tawdry.

But I don't care what anyone else thinks.

But I have to care.

A divorced woman in Italy, well, darling, it isn't even worth thinking about.

Then we should go to England.

Well, I don't think it'd be very different there.

Besides... this is where my life is now.

Uh, then divorce him but keep it secret.

If I could, I would, but can you imagine all those thousands back home reading about my disgrace in the newspaper over their toast and marmalade in the morning and then deciding that they're not quite so sure if they want to go and stay in that woman's hotel?

[Chuckles] [Renzo barks] I wonder what he's found.

Let me see.

Renzo.

What is it?

A dead rabbit.

[Gulls squawking] It's a beautiful day.

Yes, very sunny for October.

I like your dress.

Thank you.

I'm sorry, Vito, I-- I don't think I can go any further.

Are you tired?

No.

No.

I could walk to Genoa and back if I had to.

It's just, I'm not sure continuing is a good idea.

I was persuaded to come walking with you against my better judgment.

Ah.

You feel I have put pressure on you.

No.

No.

It's just... the likes of this, it isn't for the likes of...me.

You object to walking.

You know that's not what I meant.

Then tell me what you do mean.

Well, you don't know anything about me.

What's there to know?

Well, I'm not much one for posies.

I ask you to come walking because I want to know you better.

At least let me get you a granita.

Come on.

Go on, then, if you insist.

[Speaking Italian] [Vito speaking Italian] [Coins ratting] Boy: Per favore.

Oh, hello.

[Coins rattle] Scusi, I'm sorry.

I don't ha-- I don't have anything for you.

Um, I'm sorry.

Vito: I hope you like lemon.

[Coins rattle] You can share mine.

Thanks.

And?

Mm.

Lovely.

Very cooling, very sweet.

Cool like you, sweet like me.

[Laughs] You look flushed.

Yes, well... picking mushrooms is hot work.

I'm glad to see you're focused on what's important at this critical juncture in our lives.

They're for my father, Cecil.

I don't think you fully understand the jam I'm in, or perhaps you don't care.

I won't be browbeaten by you.

I stand to lose everything.

I have to make a payment on this ghastly tax bill, at least 50%, by the start of January, and if I don't, well, I can wave good-bye to Knaresbrook, for sure.

May as well hand back the title while I'm at it.

I don't give a fig for your estate or your silly title.

They're your son's inheritance.

[Bell ringing] Well, thank you again.

I enjoyed myself.

I enjoyed myself, too.

Then can I call on you again?

[Children laughing] I don't think that's a good idea.

Why do you say that?

He's mine.

The boy?

Constance: Tommy.

So you have a child.

I've never been married.

Constance, I-- You don't have to say anything.

I've heard it all before.

I imagine it's 10 times worse in a Catholic country like this, and with the fascists in charge, but while you and everyone else are judging me, you should know this.

He is everything to me.

Constance: Tommy... come on, then.

Tea.

Go inside.

It's [indistinct] today.

[Church bell ringing] [Horse neighs] [Horse neighs] [Laughs] Ah... Mm.

[Pen scratches] [Birds singing] [Indistinct conversation] Unlike you, Betty, not to be slaving away at the stove.

Betty: Ah, got Salvatore's mother to thank for that.

She's banned me from cooking so much as a sausage for the party.

[Chuckles] So?

So what?

How was it with Vito?

I told him.

Told him what, love?

About Tommy.

What did you do that for, sweetheart?

Because!

Because he needed to know.

The less men know about most things, the better, in my experience.

What did he say?

Doesn't matter.

He's not coming back, and that's an end to it.

[Sighs] [Crickets chirping] [Tap] [Tap] [Tap] Hey, andiamo.

Come on.

Shh.

I'll come.

Come on.

[Keys jangling] Cecil: No one likes a quitter, George.

I need to investigate the wine cellar.

I won't go up just yet.

Hey!

Bella: What?

What are you doing here?

I came to tell you that Danioni probably knows about us.

Well, how can he?

I don't know, but I've thought of a way to stop his threats.

What are you doing?

My dear Bella Ainsworth-- No, no, no, no.

Marco, get up.

I'm asking you to marry me.

No.

I'm already married.

I know, but one day soon, you may not be.

If we marry as soon as you're free to do so, then I can protect you from that fascist scum, and it will protect your reputation and the prospects of the hotel.

[Owl hooting] You'd rather stay married to him?

No.

No, no, no, no, of course not.

Then what?

This is our chance to be together.

I'm just not sure about marriage.

What do you mean?

I don't know.

Marco, I can't think about this now.

Please understand.

No.

I can't understand.

No.

Listen, listen, Marco.

Marco, it doesn't-- [Distant dogs barking] [Engine running] Oh... [Engine revs] [Laughs] George: Isabella, there's something I'd like to talk to you about.

Oh, Papa, can it wait?

I've got someone arriving.

I'd rather get it off my chest.

[Indistinct conversation] It's a memorandum of understanding between the two of us.

An understanding about what?

My intention to hand over ownership and the running of my business to Amelia and your intention not to take legal action to prevent me.

But I can't believe you'd think such a thing necessary.

Then you won't mind signing.

Papa, uh...

I would never go against your wishes.

I'd rather have it written down in black and white, if you don't mind.

[Sighs] Isabella...

I'm getting old.

My health isn't the best.

Papa, I'm sure you know what you're doing.

Amelia's very creative, and she'll bring new energy, ideas.

I sense a "but" coming.

She's barely run a bath, let alone a business.

But what am I supposed to do?

I was meant to hand it on to Ralph after she married him, but, what with him having died, that's rather put paid to that.

[Sighs] Look, I can show her the ropes, assuming my heart holds out for a year or two.

You're going to live a lot longer than that.

Besides, what option do I have if I want to keep it all in the family?

You are so high and mighty these days, you can't be-- Oh, please, Papa.

You cannot be shaking hands with a duchess one minute and then getting your hands dirty with making money the next.

I get my hands dirty every day making money.

Look around you.

I'm talking about a real business, sweetheart, not a rich woman's plaything.

Alice: Mother?

Mother?

Will you excuse me?

[Door opens] Mother!

Darling, there's no need to raise your voice.

It's from the Contessa di Mazzi.

Oh, yes.

It's an invitation for us to call on her.

When?

Today at 1: 00.

Well, then we must get going if we want to have sufficient time.

Alice I can't.

I can't.

But you must.

I can't speak Italian.

But I have Claudine Pascal arriving imminently.

You can see her at any time.

No.

She's paying a fortune to hire the hotel for a party to launch her new perfume.

Daddy.

Don't look at me, poppet.

This is important to me.

I need to get settled and quickly, before news gets round of your divorce.

No, no, darling.

We can talk about that another time.

Claudine is our most loyal customer, and, well, she's my friend.

I am your daughter.

[Beep beep] Say hello to the new love of my life, Bella Ainsworth.

Did you drive yourself?

All the way from Cannes.

Oh, it is lovely.

Mm.

I've christened her Lulu.

Is she yours?

How splendid.

Well, the bank's, technically, but it's my name on the ownership papers.

Come on.

I'll take you for a spin.

Oh, no.

Really, I better not.

Oh, troubles, honey?

Like you wouldn't believe.

[Sighs] Go on.

Hop in.

I'll help you find a way to forget about them.

There's no point in having the keys to freedom if you can't make use of them.

[Engine starts] Come on.

Uh, Mother-- [Car engine revs] Useless.

Ah, so you found it, then.

What is this place?

This is mother's lab, or as I like to call it, her new obsession.

But what does she do here?

Well, have you tried any of the beauty products in your room?

A little of the body lotion, yes.

Well, this is where it comes from.

I was wondering if you would join me for lunch.

No solids in the hours of daylight, darling, but if you open a bottle of something, then I don't mind watching.

I rather meant out for lunch.

Mm.

That sounds more promising.

Do you remember the Contessa di Mazzi?

Well, she's invited us for 1:00.

"Us," darling?

Well, Mother and I, but she's rather lost her senses.

Hmm, you've only just noticed?

I was hoping you might stand in.

I made a rule at an early age never to play second fiddle to my sister.

Will Count Carlo be there with his manly demeanor and his soulful eyes?

I imagine he might.

Then you'd better get ready, darling, and wear that dress we bought.

Show poor Carlo every single inch of what he's been missing.

[Laughs] Whoo hoo hoo!

Whoo hoo!

Whoo!

Ah, ha ha!

It's so lovely to see you again.

Thank you for collecting me.

[Salvatore singing in Italian] [Singing continues] Ooh!

[Laughs] Salvatore.

Oh, dear me, get off me!

What have I told you?

Not in my kitchen.

Now skedaddle.

Mm.

Go on.

Hop it.

Elizabetta.

No.

Don't open the door.

You'll ruin them.

You promised me!

I know.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't help meself.

Just a couple of cakes, love.

She can still say she cooked all the food for the party herself.

[Chuckles] Do you want to marry me or not, Salvatore Canipo?

Right.

Well, you can start by taking my side and stop being such a... [Footsteps receding] [Clears throat] Uh...uh, Count Albani... [Speaking Italian] You'd better speak English.

I wasn't aware that you did.

Then it was bold of you to come without your mother and with so little Italian.

Yes.

Well...

I was hoping that Carl--that, um... Count Albani would be here to translate.

Uh, um...

This is a lovely home that you have.

I'm a guest here, child, like you.

I don't live on a farm.

Oh, so who owns it?

The Count was left it by his uncle.

They shared a passion for horses.

Horses?

Carlo?

You see the worldly man of means that he's become, but I see only the simple country boy he's always been.

You've known him since he was a boy.

My whole life.

Yes.

I know him... better than he knows himself.

Come.

I will play for you.

[Horse neighs] [Hooves clopping] [Door closes] [Piano playing] [Chuckles] [Piano music stops] [Light kiss] Carlo: I see my sister has been intimidating you with her many talents.

Your...sister has certainly been trying to.

Speak English for our guest, Giovanna.

And, yes, I think he'll buy the horse.

Will you be joining us for lunch?

Sadly, I can't.

I only came here to check my sister wasn't taking advantage of my absence to embarrass me.

Giovanna: I've told Mrs. Mays-Smith the truth.

Well, then I'm in no position to disabuse her, for I must go back to the stables.

Ladies.

[Footsteps receding] Perhaps...

I can show them to you after you've eaten if you are prepared to risk getting a little muddy.

I'll take the chance.

Poor Carlo.

I truly believe he prefers the company of horses to humans.

Then why did you invite me?

To see you with my own eyes.

The proud and foolish young woman who thinks herself too good for an Albani.

I don't think that now, nor that I ever did.

Ask him yourself.

I have given him plenty of encouragement.

Then it's your turn to suffer, child.

Carlo: If I had spent as much time on my books at Oxford as I did the racing form, I might not have missed out on a first class honors degree.

Hmm.

Would you like to try?

Oh, no.

No.

I don't think so.

Please.

They are social animals like us.

It's important to reassure them.

Really, I'm not good with horses.

Then I'll show you how.

[Horse nickering] [Latch clicks] [Brushing] Now you try.

[Horse grunts] Shh shh shh.

You must show him that you love him.

[Horse whinnies] Oh, oh.

I think... this is not a good idea.

Please.

We're not safe in here.

You weren't so coy the last time.

I'm trying to preserve my sanity.

At the expense of mine.

Where have you been all this time?

I told you.

We suffered a bereavement.

Yes.

Your sister's husband.

I know.

Giovanna, she needed me.

I needed you, too.

I thought I made my feelings clear.

You did.

You have, but I have to be sure about my own feelings, too.

So do you?

Do I what?

Have... feelings for me?

It doesn't matter.

I've come to believe we're not right for each other.

You see, this is... where I'm happiest, here... in this simple place, living this simple life... and nothing about you is simple.

[Stable door unbolts] [Stable door bolts shut] [Horse snorts] [Sighs] [Gasps] Claudine: A rich woman's plaything?

Yes!

I want to take that stupid memorandum of understanding, tear it up, put it in the mushroom risotto and feed it to him piece by little piece.

You can shove that affidavit down Cecil's gullet while you're at it.

I could force-feed him my adultery... Mm, and I hope he chokes on it.

and his liver would burst.

Oh, at least you'll get some decent foie gras out of him.

Oh, perish the thought.

It's not even as if I mind him gifting the company to Amelia.

That's fine.

I just-- You just want him to see you...

Yes.

for who you are and for what you've achieved.

Well, maybe this is your cue.

Stop worrying about how he'll react to the divorce.

You're right.

That's it, but-- Look, every girl wants her daddy's approval.

You don't have to tell me.

I would have tap-danced till my feet bled for a kindly look from Papa Earl Dobbs.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Despite his ways, I do love my father.

Mm, and I loved mine.

That doesn't mean they get to control us.

I'm just having a silly wobble.

That's all.

And what is there to wobble about?

Your sweet ass is about to be cushioned by a hundred thousand pounds.

Do you think this means it's time to leave?

Oh.

Do you have to rush off?

Well, I suppose not.

How about I take you dancing?

Dancing?

No, no, no.

I've forgotten how to do that.

Ah.

[Creaking] It's the best I can do by way of an apology.

Don't make me beg.

[Sniff sniff] [Sniff] It's lemon drizzle, Salvatore.

Mm-hmm.

It's what brought us together, and, you know, making it, it was like an act of love.

English cake, Italian lemon.

[Laughing] If you say so, love.

Mm.

[Kiss] I just want your mother to like me.

She will love you... as much as...

I love your cake.

Argh!

Ooh!

[Laughs] Silly.

Mm!

[Hot jazz music playing] [Loud chatter] Claudine: Oh!

This will do nicely.

Bella: Are you sure?

Yeah.

It's got a bar.

It's got a band.

It's got a dance floor.

What more could we want?

Well, a bodyguard and perhaps a large stick.

Ah, no, no, no.

Maybe they need protecting from us.

You know, we are modern, independent women.

Yes.

You're right.

Yes.

Let's go.

Come on.

All right.

This is it.

Bella: Oh.

[Laughing] Whoo!

[Giggling] Shall we get a drink?

Ha!

[Laughing] Ooh.

Two Scotch on the rocks.

You're going to be the end of me.

Well, look at you, Bella Ainsworth.

I haven't danced like that in about 30 years.

[Laughs] Hoo.

Ready?

Cheers.

OK. Mm.

Uh-uh.

Ah.

[Laughing] Ah!

It's good.

Two more.

"Two more"?

Two more.

Cheers.

Mm.

Ready for more?

All right.

Ha ha!

Ah, oh... Whew!

Whoo!

[Laughing] [Applause] Bravo!

Ah... Hey, buddy... Si?

can we get two more?

Buzz off, buddy.

She's not interested.

I'm so, so sorry.

Mm, that?

I usually get worse.

What do you mean?

Do men often talk to you like that?

You have no idea.

Well, then why do you go out?

What have I got to stay in for?

Well, what about that leading man of yours last year?

You both looked so...glamorous and happy together last summer.

Hubert?

Yes.

That was it.

Hubert.

Hubert went back to his fiance.

He said I was too much or-- "Too much"?

That's impossible.

I know, right?

[Sniffles] Oh, listen.

Don't feel too sorry for me, honey.

Poor, old Hubert can't even get a bit part in the talkies, so-- Whereas you-- you are about to put your name on a bottle of perfume that will be sold across the continent.

Making a heap of money while I'm at it.

[Chuckles] And should you ever want a man, you can get one like that.

Mm.

I might just need a tip or two about how to hold one down, though.

[Chuckles] Want another drink, honey?

I--I think I've have had enough freedom for one night.

If you wouldn't mind, I would love you to drop me somewhere on the way back.

Come on.

[Laughing] Bella: You do know you're completely wonderful, don't you?

[Distant dog barking] [Woman shouting in Italian] [Man speaking Italian] [Doorbell rings] Are you crazy?

Perhaps a little.

Come on.

[Speaks Italian] You said we should be careful, and then you come at my place after midnight.

I needed to speak to you.

You've already made yourself clear.

Marco...

I do.

I want to be with you.

I want to see how it could be between us, but not before I've-- I've resolved the business with Cecil.

Then you do plan to divorce him?

Maybe.

I don't know.

I-- [Scoffs] I'm-- I'm confused.

So am I. I just know I don't want to lose you.

So what happens now?

I think we could still see each other.

What do you mean, as friends?

[Laughs] If you think that's possible.

For 3 months or 6 or however long it takes for you to decide?

No.

I-- I just need time.

Fine, but don't take too long because while you're making up your mind about what you want, I'll be making mine up, too.

Of course.

Shh, close the door.

One more.

Mm.

What are you doing here?

I waited up for you.

Well, that was unnecessary.

Well, you just vanished in a puff of exhaust smoke.

I was worried about you.

It's a little late for that.

Ah, I was wondering when you'd pipe up.

You don't like it when the boot's on the other foot, do you, when your wife has a little fun, enjoys a little freedom.

"Freedom"?

[Chuckles] [Sighs] You're wrong about that.

I just don't like you.

I think it's time for bed.

I'm just upstairs if you need me.

No idea why you seek out that woman's company.

I think she feels exactly the same way about you.

She's a bad influence on you.

Actually, she spent the entire evening trying to persuade me that divorcing you would be a good idea.

And did she succeed?

I know why you don't like her.

Why?

Because she can see straight through you.

[Scoffs] Is that so?

[Footsteps receding] [Inhales] [Church bell ringing] [Exhales] Constance: It's only 1:00, Betty.

I know.

I need plenty of time for last-minute alterations, love.

How many times did we measure you?

About a hundred.

So relax and be grateful.

I am grateful, and I will relax just as soon as I know it fits me.

It will fit.

I'll settle for not looking like mutton dressed as lamb.

Bella: Probably wasn't the most responsible thing to do.

It's just... [Gulls squawking] Well, look at you.

Aren't you the regular clothes horse, honey?

This is my sister Amelia Jackson.

This is my dear friend Claudine Pascal.

Well, we can see who got the fashion gene in the family.

Mm?

Do you like it?

Like it?

I want to have babies with it.

It has to be Paris.

Bien sur, darling.

A little boutique de vetements on the Rue des Armoires.

Claudine: Eighth arrondissement, right?

You know the city?

It's mapped on my heart.

I'm going to leave you both to it.

You don't want to stay and discuss hemlines with us, Bella Ainsworth?

Uh, to pleat or not to pleat.

I have a risotto al fungi I need to make.

[Footsteps approaching] Amelia: Well, she's a hoot.

Yes.

She's great fun, isn't she?

Not the sort of friend I imagine you having.

Well, she was just a guest at the hotel to begin with.

and then we became very mutually supportive.

and, um...yes.

Shame you can't be more supportive of me.

Why did you refuse to sign it?

Oh, I haven't.

I was just blindsided, that's all.

By him picking me over you?

By his refusal to see me as a businesswoman.

You said I couldn't even run a bath.

I said you'd never run a business before.

Amelia, I am delighted for you.

Truly I am.

You're getting to do something in your own right.

Maybe I could help.

I could share my experience with you.

It could be a chance for us to be more supportive of one another, better sisters.

I think it's a little late for that.

[Sizzling] [People chattering] Salvatore: Oh, ha ha ha!

I didn't expect there to be so many.

Everyone wants to see you.

Salvatore.

Pietro.

Ciao.

What's he doing here?

Pietro, my cousin.

Well, he's a Black Shirt.

They're all over the place.

It's the same in every family.

Are you a Black Shirt?

But many people in the village are.

Oh.

Come on, let's get this over with.

[Accordion and bass playing] [Applause] Mama Maria, Elisabeth.

Give her the cake, sweetheart.

Tell her what I said.

Oh... Salvatore... Ah, si.

Oh.

Mm.

[Applause] [Guests laugh and cheer] She says... [Clears throat] What?

What did she say?

She said, uh... that it tasted, uh, fantastico.

Oh.

[Laughs] [Applause] Constance.

Please, Vito, leave me be.

I only want to talk to you.

What more is there to talk about?

I don't believe that women must be saints.

Well, there are things I haven't told you, things I'm working through from my past.

I don't care about the past.

I don't worry too much about the future.

I only trust what I'm feeling now, and that is how much I like you.

I like you, too, Vito.

[Giggles] [Cart rumbling] Man: Whoa, whoa.

Eh?

Heh.

Eh... [Glass clinks] [Music stops] [Laughter] [Applause] the happiest man alive.

Oh.

[Applause] Ma?

Billy.

Ah, ah, ah.

Bella.... if you don't mind.

Oh, Papa, surely that can wait till later.

Oh, well, now seems as good a time as any.

Hmm.

You don't think I'm being fair to you.

I never said that.

Ah, but you believe it.

Well, let me disabuse you of that notion.

I have been more than evenhanded with you, positively liberal, I would say.

No one doubts it, George.

You've been extremely generous.

You have everything you could possibly dream of, hmm--a title, a fancy castle back in England, this place-- and yet you seem to begrudge poor, little Amelia her fair share.

Honestly... [Sighs] George: There, wasn't so difficult.

Papa... Hmm?

Cecil and I are getting a divorce.

You're what?

We're getting divorced.

Over my dead body!

[Whir] [Whir whir]