I Vitelloni (I vitelloni)

This film was restored by

Restored by

Music by

Directed by

Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival

This is our town pier.

And what you see here is the last party of the season.

The Miss Mermaid contest, 1953.

Nice crowd, right?

Outsiders, tourists, and there's even an actress who's come from Rome...

to be part of the jury.

Everybody's here.

And, of course, we're here too... the young bucks.

This is Alberto.

This is Leopoldo, the intellectual.

And here's Moraldo, the youngest member of our group.

Look at the lightning, it's beautiful.

The tenor who's singing is Riccardo. As always, this is really his night.

And here's Fausto, our leader and spiritual guide.

Do you believe me now?

Do you think I'm stupid? Give me my shoe.

I will, but give me a kiss.

- Let go. - Give me a kiss.

I said let go.

- Don't be so... - Let go, you stupid idiot!

The nerve!

But you promised.

- Promised you what? - That before you left...

Yes, we all make promises, how many times have you promised Sandra?

- Who cares about Sandra? - What? Who cares?

With four of five votes, Sandra Rubini is Miss Mermaid, 1953.

My little girl!

You won and you didn't even want to enter!

Your little sister won!

Well done!

Go, my darling! Go!

Miss Mermaid 1953!

She's thrilled!

Ladies and Gentlemen may I have your attention.

...a famous actress who's come all the way from Rome, Lilia Landi.

She places the sash of Miss Mermaid 1953 on our very own beauty queen.

Here it comes!

A few words for your admirers.

- I... - Wonderful! She said "I"!

Could you fetch my cape?

Claudia!

Look, lightning!

I didn't mean to...

It's just a passing shower, stay in your seats, the party isn't over!

Your bill, Alberto.

- Everyone's leaving. - Don't mind them.

It's really windy!

- Introduce me to Landi. - Now?

Please, introduce me.

- Thank you Madam. - Not at all!

Allow me to introduce one of our most esteemed citizens.

The playwright Leopoldo Vannucci.

How do you do?

I've followed your career closely.

He's written a play.

He's also our resident poet.

It's great out here, it feels like the end of the world!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Well done!

You'll be in the movies now!

Thank you!

I want you to meet my little girl.

My god!

Moraldo!

- What's wrong, mum? - Come here! Your sister's sick!

- Excuse me, please. - Get a doctor, quickly!

A doctor! A doctor!

Calm down, it's nothing. Is there a doctor here?

Mancinelli!

Calm down Mummy! It's nothing to worry about!

What's going on?

Let me through.

My little girl!

Make Way!

Let them through!

Make Way!

It's nothing, she just needs some air.

Poor Sandra!

It's nothing to worry about, Mum!

Leopoldo, call Fausto, tell him to come here!

Fausto!

Calm down!

- It's nothing. - Look at her!

May I?

Let me through.

Make Way!

Please Miss, make way!

- What happened? - Sandra fainted, she's not well.

Is she better?

-Mum? -Darling!

Oh my goodness Sandra!

I want to die!

What are you talking about?

You want to die tonight when they voted you Miss Mermaid?

No, dear, that isn't funny.

Doctor, what's wrong with her?

Please answer!

Come on, everyone out!

Stand back!

I need to go through!

It's you. Back already?

Because it's raining.

What are you up to?

I have to go away, I'm leaving now, it's business.

Remember that guy I mentioned in Milan who might have found me a job?

Well, I've thought about it, I'm going to take the job.

At this hour? What have you done?

Nothing, I got a job, aren't you happy?

- What sort of job? - It's some business he set up.

It's a serious offer.

Can you lend me 5,000 lira for the ticket?

I'll pay you back when I get there.

What have you done this time, you scoundrel?

- What have you done? - Nothing, I got a job.

Don't you believe me? I'm taking the one o'clock train.

Fausto!

Stay here, I'll go.

Fausto!

Hello, Mr. Francesco. How are you?

Hi, Moraldo. Come in.

Come in, come in.

Come in.

Excuse me, dad, you know...

You see the rain? Summer's over.

- Want a smoke? - You've only got one.

It doesn't matter, I don't smoke.

This will go on for three days at least.

Smooth, isn't it?

- So you're leaving? - Yes, I'm going away.

- Will you be gone long? - I don't know, it depends.

- And Sandra? - She was elected Miss Mermaid.

She'll be fine. I bet she's happy now.

Sandra's expecting.

Yes, I know.

That's why I'm leaving.

I'd like to do the right thing, but how can I?

I'm broke, like you. That's why I'm going to Milan.

I want to do something with my life.

Of course I'll come straight back once I get things together.

Don't you believe me?

- I didn't say anything. - You know what I mean.

I do love Sandra, I swear. I'll swear on anything you want.

You want me to swear on my mother? I really do love her.

It was fate.

Now be honest, wouldn't you try to get a job first?

- I don't know. - Well then?

Why don't you come with me?

What will you do here this winter?

If we don't find work in Milan we'll look somewhere else.

- Didn't we always say we'd leave? - Now?

I'm telling you, this is the right time.

Sandra will be thrilled, you'll see.

Let's talk outside.

Quiet.

- Fausto? - Let's go.

Turn off the light.

Dad?

Excuse me, Moraldo.

Can I get that 5000 lira?

Why do you want 5000 lira? To do what?

To leave?

First you get into trouble then... I'll strangle you!

Please...

Shut up!

What are you doing?

I swear I'll... Out of my way!

Coward!

I swear on your poor mother's grave this is the last time.

That girl's father is an honourable man, like me.

He's worked all his life, like me.

Like the fool I am, to support his family honestly.

I'll take you to church myself even if I have to drag you there.

Scoundrel.

What's happening, daddy?

Nothing.

Go back to bed.

You'll marry her. Mark my words, you'll marry her.

Hi, Fausto.

Yes, go ahead and laugh while my dad's crying.

So they got married, and it was a lovely wedding, even if a bit hastily arranged.

Riccardo sang Ave Maria and made everyone cry.

And the parish priest who had known us since we were children...

gave a very moving speech.

My dear couple...

You've no idea what a joy it is for me to join you in holy matrimony.

And you, dear Fausto, and you, dear Sandra...

- You see? It didn't take a second. - Thanks.

Thanks. Thanks.

- Congratulations. - Thanks.

Dad!

I told you I'd marry her.

My little girl.

My little girl.

Ciao!