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by Lew Waldman (lewwaldman@gmail.com)

Rated:

Genre: Drama User Review: NOT YET
RATED
2 brothers ages 7 & 9 are sent out of Italy by their father, the only Jewish member of Mussolini's government in August 1939, just before the start of WWII. They are sent on separate ships to Argentina. One of the ships is diverted to Brazil due to Germany attacking Poland. The brothers lose track of each other for 34 years. The story follows their lives and re-uniting.

FADE IN:

INT. ,PAOLO PARISI'S HOME 2008 - DAY

PAOLO PARISI, tall, erect, in his 70s, is shaving, and
talking to his wife KATERINA, who everyone calls KAT. She's
still in bed.

PAOLO
(irritated)
Shit! I need a new goddamned
razor.

KAT (OC)
(sleepily)
Do you have to curse so early in
the morning?

PAOLO
I nicked my face.

KAT (OC)
(laughing)
Don't be such a baby.

PAOLO
What are you going to do today,
shop?

KAT (OC)
Of course

PAOLO
I've got a busy day at the bank,
but I'll try to get home by 6, and
we can go out for
(yells)
KAT! KAT!

There's a thud, as Paolo falls to the floor unconscious. KAT
PARISI, in her 70s, and beautiful,rushes into the bathroom.

KAT
(screams)
PAOLO!

She kneels down, and almost passes out. It appears that
Paolo isn't breathing. She rushes to the phone and calls
991.

KAT
(distraught)
This is Mrs. Parisi. Hurry,
hurry, my husband has collapsed!
Our address is

991 OPERATOR (OC)
We have the address. We'll be
right there. Try to stay calm.

KAT
(screams)
STAY CALM! My husbands's not
breathing!

She slams the phone down and goes back into the bathroom.

She starts to cry and sits on the floor. She cradles
Paolo's head in her lap. Her tears are dropping on Paolo's
face.

KAT
(imploring)
Oh God, PLEASE let Paolo wake up,
please, please.

She continues sobbing and cradling Paolo.

The ambulance attendants come in, and start working to
revive Paolo.

EMT #1
(exasperated.)
Come on, wake up.

After a few minutes, he looks at EMT #2, and barely shakes
his head.

EMT #2
Let's take him to the hospital.

INT. ASCARELLI HOUSE, 2008 - DAY

A man in his 70s, ENZO ASCARELLI, hangs up the phone. A
woman, in her 70s, MARIA ASCARELLI, enters the room.

            ENZO
      (sadly, with tears
       in his eyes)
That was Kat, Paolo passed away
about an hour ago.

MARIA
Oh my God! What happened?

ENZO
He had a heart attack this
morning, and was gone before they
could get him to the hospital.

MARIA
I'll pack, and call Gina and
Mateo.

ENZO
I'm going to stay in here a
while.

MARIA
Do you want me to stay with you?

ENZO
No, Maria, it's OK.

Maria touches Enzo's arm, and kisses him on the cheek, then
leaves the room. Enzo sits in a recliner, and leans his
head back.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. FINANCE MINISTER'S OFFICE ROME, AUGUST, 1939 - DAY

MATEO'S OFFICE

MATEO ASCARELLI, tall, very good looking in his early 30s.
is sitting at his desk. A KNOCK ON THE DOOR.

MATEO
Come in.

A tall German officer in his early 30s, TOMAS von
FREISLEBEN, enters the room.

MATEO
Ah Tomas! Have a seat.

Tomas sits down.

TOMAS
(grinning)
and how is the only Jewish member
of the fascist grand council,

MATEO
(laughing)
and best looking, and youngest

TOMAS
doing today? Did you have a good
meeting with il duce?

MATEO
I'll answer that after you tell me
why the chief aide to the German
Ambassador to the vatican is here.

TOMAS
(still grinning)
Well minister, I want to know if
you're up for our Polo match?

MATEO
I sure am.

TOMAS
Seriously, how'd your meeting go?

MATEO
It was OK. We had the monthly
Grand Council meeting this
morning, and I found out that
despite the Duce's fascination
with Hitler, Ciano is no fan of
the Nazis.

TOMAS
Well, that's one thing we have in
common.(Beat) By the way, did you
ever get the history you were
waiting for on your family?

MATEO
Yeah, I did, but I don't know what
to make of it. It could just be a
bunch of crap. The researcher
came by yesterday. He said that
the papers I had given him, that I
found in my father's house, and
which I thought were Hebrew, are
Ladino. It's kind of a bastard
Spanish, Italian, with a little
Arabic and Hebrew thrown in. It's
written in Hebrew characters.

According to the researcher, my
family lived in the town of
Malaga, in Andalusia, where they
(MORE)

MATEO (cont'd)
were bankers. The family name was
Abravanel, supposedly descended
from King David.

TOMAS
Who's King David?

MATEO
Don't you know your bible? David
and Goliath.

TOMAS
(Surprised)
No shit?

MATEO
When they were forced to leave
Spain, they came to Italy, settled
in Siena, and opened a bank. One
of my ancestors married an Italian
lass, and took her name,
Ascarelli.

            TOMAS
      (Laughing)
What a lovely name, Mateo
Abravanel.
      (Seriously)
Why do you have doubts about it?

MATEO
I don't know, it's an interesting
story, but you know me. My
brother ALESSIO believes it
though. I think he's ordered a
crown.

TOMAS
(laughs)
On a serious note, Mateo, have you
spoken to Gina yet?

Mateo puts his left index finger to his mouth.

MATEO
Prying ears.

Mateo turns on a radio. The radio is blaring out
"Giovinezza". Mussolini is about to give a speech, which
Mateo and Tomas will attend. They speak English.

TOMAS
(Stands up)
You need to take your family and
get the hell out of Italy.

MATEO
I know, but I don't want to alarm
Gina. (Beat) My friend Enrico is
coming to Rome next week. He's
selling beef . I'm going to send
the boys to Buenos Aires with him
on a holiday.

TOMAS
I forget, what's Enrico doing in
Argentina?

MATEO
He, emigrated there in 1933 with
his wife and baby daughter. He
got into cattle, and is doing
quite well for himself. I think
they have a ranch a few kilometers
from Buenos Aires.

TOMAS
Make it a long holiday. Don't be
surprised if we're soon at war.
That goddamned paper hanger is
nuts.

MATEO
You shouldn't talk about your
fuhrer that way.

TOMAS
I'm not kidding Mateo, what the
Nazi's did to the Jews in Germany
was not only about racial purity,
it was about seizing money and
property. They used Hitler's
hatred of Jews as the main reason,
but the Nazi's took houses,
businesses, cars, everything they
could lay their greedy hands on,
all for the glory of the Third
Reich.

MATEO
What do you mean, how much worse
can it get

TOMAS
Hitler hates Jews, although it has
been rumored for years that he had
a half Jewish grandfather. But
seriously, you should take Gina
and go to Argentina with the kids.
Ernst thinks things are going to
go very badly for Jews everywhere
the Nazi's have influence,
including Italy, and the Pope's
just going to sit on his ass and
keep his mouth shut.

MATEO
Christ, Tomas, how did anti-Nazis
like you and the ambassador get
posted to the Vatican?

TOMAS
Frankly, by keeping low profiles.

There is a knock on the door, and a stern looking woman in
her 40's enters. She is Mateo's SECRETARY, mid 40s, stern
looking. Her hair is pulled back in a bun, and she's
wearing a fascist uniform

SECRETARY
Excuse me Mr. Minister, Il Duce is
about to speak.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. PIAZZA VENEZIA, AUGUST, 1939 - DAY

Mateo and Tomas leave the office together. They're walking
towards a stand. They nod to others on the stand, and take
seats.

BENITO MUSSOLINI begins speaking to a throng of more than
500,000 people.

MUSSOLINI
My fellow Italians, This is a
great day for Italy.

INTERCUT WITH ENZO, PRESENT DAY.

Maria has come back into the room.

MARIA
When should we leave for Rio?

ENZO
Tonight.

MARIA
I'll make the arrangements.

She leaves the room again.

CUT BACK TO
MUSSOLINI

MUSSOLINI
....and finally my fellow
Italians, Italy will stand with
our German friends against the
imperialist English. Long live
Italy, Long live Germany, Long
live Hitler, and God bless
Italy............

Mussolini waves towards the crowd. The crowd is going wild.
He leaves the balcony, and comes to the stand where Mateo
and Tomas are. He spots Mateo, standing with Tomas, and
stops to say a few words.

MUSSOLINI
That's what I like to see, my
Finance Minister with a German
officer. Tomas, give my best to
Ambassador von Weizsacker.

TOMAS
(Saluting)
Thank you Duce.

MUSSOLINI
How did you like my speech, Mateo?

MATEO
(smiling)
Duce, I know you have the best
interests of Italy in your heart

MUSSOLINI
Thank you Mateo, you're a good
boy. Give my regards to your
lovely wife and boys.

Mussolini continues on his way.

MATEO
(Whispers)
Unbelievable.

He turns to Tomas.

MATEO
It's a long drive home, I should
get going.

TOMAS
O.K., Mateo, but think seriously
about what we talked about.

MATEO
I will, I will. (Beat) Ciao!

The two men hug, and walk off separately.

CUT TO

EXT. HIGHWAY NORTH OF ROME, AUGUST, 1939 - DAY

FOLLOWING AUTO.

ANTONIO RUGGERIO, middle 20s, Mateo's driver, who prefers
to be called TONIO, is driving Mateo home.

TONIO (os)
Excellency, I brought some pears.
Is it alright to give some to your
sons?

INT. AUTO.

MATEO
(From back seat.)
It's fine, Tonio, but be careful,
you don't want them to expect a
treat every time you come to the
house.You're probably the reason
they're always outside when we
arrive.

EXT. CAMPAGNANO DI ROMA, ASCARELLI HOME.

MATEO (os)
See, I told you they would be
outside.

Tonio opens Mateo's door. two young boys rush up to Mateo
and he picks both of up in his arms.

10.

PAOLO age nine and ENZO age seven are Mateo's sons. Enzo the
seven year old is taller than Paolo.

MATEO'S SONS
(Excitedly)
Papa, Papa

MATEO
(Happily)
You boys are getting heavier every
day. Guess what? Tonio has a
surprise for you.

He puts the boys down

Tonio approaches the boys, and hands them each a pear.

The boys YELL, grab the pears, thank Tonio and sit on the
ground, eating.

INT. ASCARELLI HOME, AUGUST, 1939 - DAY

ENTRANCE HALL

GINA FERMI ASCARELLI, Mateo's wife, beautiful and elegant,
approaches Mateo, and gives him a big kiss.

MATEO
(Grinning)
What did I do to deserve such a
greeting?

GINA
(Coyly)
It's not what you did, it's what
you are going to do.

            MATEO
      (Still grinning)
Uh oh.
      (Seriously)
Gina, I've got to talk to you
about something. Lets go to the
library.

They walk to the library

GINA
(Pensively)
What's wrong Mateo?

11.

MATEO
I don't want to worry you, but we
have to talk about what's
happening in Europe.

GINA
What do you mean?

MATEO
Mussolini is getting closer to
Hitler every day. I fear there
could be problems for Jews in
Italy, and that includes us.

GINA
I don't think Il Duce would let
anything happen to us.

MATEO
I just want to be prepared for
anything. Don't think we're
going to be safe because I'm the
Finance Minister, I don't know
what happened to Benito. When I
joined the Fascist party fifteen
years ago, Mussolini had dragged
this country kicking and screaming
into the twentieth century.
Prosperity was on the rise, people
were happy, and the exodus of
Italians to America had dropped to
a trickle. He made us a proud
nation again.

Christ, Hitler modeled his own
government after ours except for
the hatred of Jews. That was his
own idea. Il Duce has always
treated me well, and asked me to
serve on the Grand Council, and
become Finance Minister. He knows
that we're Jewish. Personally, I
done think Benito is prejudiced at
all.

GINA
What do you think we should do?

MATEO
Enrico is coming to Rome next
week, and I think we should send
Paolo and Enzo back to Argentina
with him, at least until the
situation stabilizes.
(MORE)

12.

MATEO (cont'd)

GINA
I don't know, I really want my
boys here with me.

MATEO
I do too, Gina, but we have to be
realistic.

GINA
I know you're right, I just
think.......

Just then, Paolo age 9 and Enzo age 7 come running into the
room, both talking at the same time and blaming each other
for a broken vase. Mateo and Gina sit the boys down.

MATEO
How would you boys like to visit
Uncle Rico in Argentina, where you
can stay on his ranch, and maybe,
just maybe learn to ride horses?

MATEO'S SONS
(Excitedly)
Can we?

The boys are thrilled and begin jumping up and down.

GINA
First we'll see how clean your
rooms are

The boys look at their mother in astonishment, then each
other. They let out yells, and race out of the room headed
for their rooms.

The doorbell rings. It's Mateo's brother ALESSIO
ASCARELLI, Twenty nine, blond like Mateo medium height. Very
good looking.. A servant ushers him into the room.

GINA
Alessio, what a nice surprise

13.

she goes up and they kiss each other on their
cheeks.)

MATEO
Why didn't you let us know you
were coming?

He stands and embraces Alessio.

ALESSIO
I'm sorry, but it was a spur of
the moment thing. I have a
meeting in the morning at the
Banca di Roma, so I thought I'd
impose on you for a bed and meals.

MATEO
No problem, I'm glad you're here,
I want to talk to you about
something.

Paolo and Enzo run into the room and their eyes light up
when they see Alessio.

MATEO
Uncle Alessio, What did you bring
us?

GINA
(Sternly)
PAOLO! ENZO!

ALESSIO
(LAUGHING)
Here.

he reaches in his coat pocket and takes out two large
chocolate bars

ALESSIO
These are Hershey bars, from
America. If you boys are good, I
have more of them in my car.

The boys grab the bars and run out of the room.

14.

MATEO
That's the way to a kid's heart.

GINA
I'm going to go tell the cook that
there's one more for dinner.

ALESSIO
And breakfast.

They laugh, and Gina starts to leave.

MATEO
(To Gina)
Honey, you said you wanted me to
do something, what is it?

GINA
It's not important, we can talk
about it later.

She leaves.

LATER

            MATEO
      (Seriously, to
       Alessio)
We've decided to send Paolo and
Enzo to Argentina with Rico
Garabaldi, he'll be here next
week.

ALESSIO
Why, do you expect trouble?

MATEO
I want to be prepared. Christ
knows what's going to happen, but
I want the boys safe, and in
about a month or two, if things
don't settle down, Gina and I are
going too. Why don't you join us?

            ALESSIO
      (Rising from his
       chair.)
What? Give up the bank, and my
life in Siena? No, I'm staying.
You do what you want to, but I
think you're an alarmist. You
            (MORE)

15.

ALESSIO (cont'd)
always did see the dark side of
things, even when we were kids.

MATEO
At least think about it.

ALESSIO
O. K. I'll think about it.

INT. ASCARELLI DINING ROOM, AUGUST, 1939 - DAY

Gina, Mateo and Alessio are having breakfast.

ALESSIO
You know Gina, I slept like a
baby.

GINA
Good, now eat some panettone.

MATEO
When are you going back to Siena?

ALESSIO
Later today.

GINA
Alessio, I'm happy you came by.
Don't be such a stranger.

Mateo, I'm going to get the boys
and take them out for a while.
I'll see you when you come home
tonight.

Gina leaves the room

MATEO
Have you thought about what I said
yesterday?

ALESSIO
Not really, and I'm not going to.
I'm staying in Italy.

16.

MATEO
Stupido!

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. PORT OF NAPLES, AUGUST 23RD, 1939 - DAY

Mateo and Gina are standing and talking. ENRICO
GARABALDI,40s, Mateo's friend, walks up to them.

ENRICO
There's a problem. There is only
one space available, the ship's
booked to the rafters. Several
Jews too

GINA
(Upset)
Forget it. I wasn't thrilled
about them going at all. There's
no way I'm going to just send one.

MATEO
Take it easy. I think......

ENRICO
Listen, there's a solution. I know
the captain of the Galilea, an
Italian ship leaves at about the
same time for Rio de Janeiro. I've
already spoken to him, he's
Italian. and he'd be happy to have
one of the boys on his ship, and
then see that he gets to Buenos
Aires.

GINA
(Firmly)
No, no, no I won't allow.....

ENRICO
Why don't we at least talk to him.
I asked him to meet us at that
cafe.
(He points.)
We should go there now.

Gina calls to Enzo and Paolo who are playing a few feet
away.

17.

GINA
Paolo, Enzo, we are going to that
cafe.
(She points.)
Come, you can play near there.
We'll sit at an outside table.

They walk to the cafe, and sit at an outside table.

A few minutes later, a man of medium height, late 40s,
wearing a ship captain's uniform approaches them. He is
CAPTAIN DELUCA. Enrico breaks into a broad smile.

ENRICO
Mateo, Gina, this is Captain De
Luca, his ship is the Galilea.

Gina and Mateo greet him.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
(Graciously)
Call me Umberto, A pleasure, Mr.
Minister, Madame.

He nods and bows as he kisses Gina's hand

Captian DeLuca sits at the table with them.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Enrico told me you need passage
for one of your sons. It would be
my honor to do this for you. He
would stay in my cabin, and I'd
look after him as though he were
my own son.

Gina and Mateo look at each other.

GINA
(In a low voice)
OK, I guess..........

Mateo grabs and hugs her. He then turns to the captain.

MATEO
Thank you so much. We will be in
your debt forever

18.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
It's my pleasure.

A WAITER comes to the table with a bottle of wine and four
glasses.

WAITER
Excuse me, would you like some
cheese and bread too?

ENRICO
Yes, that will be nice.

The waiter leaves and returns a minute later with a basket
of bread, and a plate of cheese.

Paolo and Enzo come up to the table and talk to their
mother.

PAOLO
Can we have a gelato, Mama?

GINA
Of course, and drink some water
too. She motions to the waiter,
who brings the boys glasses of
water.

GINA
(To waiter)
Please bring two gelato for my
sons.

WAITER
Certainly, Madame.

He leaves and returns shortly with two cups of gelato, which
he sets on the table.

            GINA
Paolo, Enzo, take your gelato and
go sit over there.
      (She points to a
       bench)
When we finish talking, I'll come
get you.

The boys walk over to the bench, sit down and eat their
gelato.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Your sons seem well behaved.

19.

MATEO
(Grinning)
Hah! They are on good behavior
under penalty of death.

            CAPTAIN DELUCA
      (rising from his
       chair.)
I need to get back to my ship.
Make your decision, and come to
the ship. We sail in two hours,
so you should come as soon as you
have decided which boy will sail
with me.

He salutes, and leaves, after shaking hands all around.

GINA
What do you think Mateo?

MATEO
Well, Paolo is older, and I think
he should be the one to go to Rio

ENRICO
I agree with you, Mateo.

GINA
Let's tell them. (beat) Paolo,
Enzo, come here.

The boys who were playing, come up to their mother.

GINA
Your father has something to tell
you.

MATEO
(Hugs boys)
We need to split you two up for
the trip. Enzo, you're going to
go with Uncle Rico on one ship,
and you Paolo will have an
adventure. (beat) you'll travel on
a ship to Rio de Janeiro, under
the care and in the cabin of
Captain De Luca. Then, he'll put
you on a ship to Buenos Aires.
Uncle Rico will meet you there.

20.

PAOLO
(Happy)
An adventure!

He sticks his tongue out at Enzo.

ENZO
(Sad)
Why can't I have an adventure too?

He starts to cry. Gina hugs him.

GINA
(Tenderly)
Bambino, don't cry, Uncle Rico
needs someone to keep him company.
That's a very important job.

Enzo stops crying, looks at Paolo, and sticks his tongue
out.

MATEO
Settle down boys. Keep your
mother company for a few minutes,
Uncle Rico and I have to talk.

While Gina is fussing and talking with the boys, Mateo and
Enrico walk a few feet away

ENRICO
Have you told Gina yet that you're
going to leave, and come to
Argentina?

MATEO
No, I have to handle this with
care. After the boys are gone
about a month, maybe the end of
September, I'll suggest we visit
them, in Buenos Aires. Once we're
there, I'm sure I'll be able to
convince her that we should stay.

21.

ENRICO
Good luck, I know how close Gina
is to her family.

MATEO
I know, if I can, I'm going to
try to get both of our families
out.

Gina and the boys come up to them.

GINA
Let's get this over with, I don't
know how much longer I can keep a
happy face.

MATEO
O.K. (beat) Rico, do you need
anything? Here take this.

He stuffs a fat envelope into Enrico's pocket.

ENRICO
Don't insult me. What kind of
friend do you think I am?

With an angry look, Rico takes the envelope and jams it in
Mateo's pocket

MATEO
I'm sorry Rico, I just want you to
know how much it means to us,
(beat) what you are doing.

ENRICO
That's what friends are for.

Gina and Mateo hug Enrico, and they both kiss him on his
cheek.

MATEO
Let's go

The five of them walk to the Galilea.

22.

EXT. THE GALILEA - DAY

MATEO
Now listen to me Paolo. Pay
attention to what Captain De Luca
tells you. Everything will be
fine. After you land in Rio,
Captain De Luca will see that you
are put on a ship that sails to
Argentina. It’s a short trip,
less than a day.

ENRICO
Enzo, Aunt Amelia, Sofia and I
will be waiting at the dock for
you. You’ll have a wonderful trip
with Captain De Luca. Everything
will be fine.

GINA
Oh Paolo, give me a big hug.

She grabs him and squeezes him so hard, that he YELLS.

GINA
(Tearfully)
I’m sorry i got carried away. You
will have a wonderful trip.

INT. CAPTAIN'S CABIN - DAY

The group is ushered to the Captain’s cabin, where Captain
De Luca greets them. Goodbyes are said, and they leave
Paolo with Captain De Luca. As they leave, Paolo looks at
them wistfully. His eyes fill with tears.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Come Paolo, let’s go to the
Bridge. I’ll let you help me
steer the ship away from the dock.

PAOLO
(Amazed look)
REALLY!

23.

His eyes open wide, he wipes his eyes, and goes off holding
Captain De Luca’s hand all excited.

EXT. DOCK, NAPLES - DAY

Enrico takes Enzo by the hand.

ENRICO
We have about an hour before we
can board. We'll be fine, won't
we Enzo?

Enzo nods, yes.

ENRICO
You have a long drive back to
Rome. Go, go.

Gina hugs Enzo tightly. She then kisses him all over his
face. Enzo grimaces.

GINA
Be a good little soldier, we'll
see you in a few weeks.

Enzo grimaces and pulls away.

Mateo has tears in his eyes

MATEO
Ciao Enzo.

He hugs him and gives him one kiss on the cheek.

Mateo and Gina, crying, hug and say their goodbyes to
Enrico. They turn and walk towards their car. They get in
and drive away.

EXT. TRIP BACK TO ROME - NIGHT

GINA IS SOBBING SOFTLY

INT. AUTO.

24.

MATEO
(Tenderly)
Gina, it will be fine. They're on
a wonderful trip. They will learn
horseback riding, and who knows
what else.

GINA
(Tearfully)
I know, you're right, but I just
think that we're never going to
see our sons again.

MATEO
Don't talk crazy. In fact, I was
saving this as a surprise, Rico
has invited us to visit them. My
work load will be less after
September, so we could go for two
or three weeks.

Gina reaches over to hug him, almost making the car go off
the road.

MATEO
Gina, be careful. I almost drove
off the road.

GINA
Let's listen to some music.

She turns the car radio on.

INT. ASCARELLI DINING ROOM. MORNING - DAY

Gina and Mateo are finishing breakfast. Mateo's driver,
Tonio, arrives to take him to his office.

MATEO
Gina, I'm going to see Henri this
morning. I'll telephone later.

He kisses Gina

GINA
Say hello to Henri for me.

Mateo leaves with his driver.

25.

INT. AUTOMOBILE - DAY

MATEO
Tonio, I need to stop at the
French Embassy.

Mateo has a concerned look on his face.

TONIO
Yes Minister, shall I wait, or
come back?

MATEO
You can wait, I'll only be a few
minutes.

The car pulls up to the French Embassy. Mateo goes inside.

INT. FRENCH EMBASSY - DAY

HENRI DUCLOS,athletic, in his 30s, greets him.

HENRI
Mateo! What a nice surprise.

MATEO
Hello Henri, I didn't want to
phone, but I wanted to tell you,
we sent Paolo and Enzo to
Argentina with my friend, Rico
Garabaldi. Gina and I plan on
leaving ourselves in about a
month, but Gina thinks it's only
going to be a holiday.

HENRI
I'm glad you're doing this Mateo.

Henri touches Mateo's arm.

MATEO
ready for Polo tomorrow?

HENRI
As ready as I'll ever be.

They hug, and Mateo leaves.

26.

INT. ASCARELLI HOME - NIGHT

BEDROOM

Mateo and Gina are in bed, talking.

GINA
Are you playing Polo tomorrow?

MATEO
Of course, we have a match.
Afterwards, I'd like to invite the
team here for lunch, is that OK
with you?

GINA
That will be fine. I'll have cook
prepare some food. How many, six?

MATEO
Six or seven. We'll get here by 2
PM. (beat) You mentioned something
about a week ago that you wanted
me to do something, but you never
said what it was.

GINA
Nothing really, I just wanted you
to take some time off so we could
go away for a few days. But with
the boys gone, it's not important.

Mateo reaches over and pulls Gina towards him.

GINA
(playfully)
Sir! What are you doing?

MATEO
(Laughing)
Why nothing, my dear.

GINA
(Playfully)
This seems a lot more than
nothing.

They embrace and begin making love.

EXT. POLO FIELD - DAY

27.

A BANNER READS, POLO DIPLOMATICA VS. AMROSIANO POLO CLUB

A Polo match is in progress. Mateo, Tomas and their friends
are on Team "Polo Diplomatica" Mateo scores.

After the match, Mateo, Henri and Tomas stand together. They
are joined by WILHELM (WILLI) SCHNEIDER, late 20s, PETER
SCHMIDT, late 20s, and LUIGI GARAMENDI, early 30s.

MATEO
O.K. team mates , you're all
invited to my house for lunch.

WILLI
(Laughing)
I accept.

PETER
We all accept.

TOMAS
Mateo, you were terrific. I
thought you were going to knock
that Englishman off his horse with
your stick.

WILLI
Oh, I don't know, I'm the one who
saved the day.

MATEO
(Laughing)
Yes Willi, and with your usual
modesty, we'll never be able to
forget it.

PETER
What about me, I scored the
winning goal.

TOMAS
Another Mr. modesty from the Third
Reich.

LUIGI
Mateo, you'd think these Germans
won this game without any help
from us

28.

WILLI
Not at all, every team needs horse
groomers.

The men are all laughing and joking around.

HENRI
Pardon, but the French player had
something to do with our victory.

Henri then raises both of his arms in a victory salute.

LUIGI
Yeah, very little.

TOMAS
Children, children, play nice

HENRI
O.K., lets go eat lunch.

Parking area. Everyone is getting into their cars for the
drive to Mateo's house

INT. ASCARELLI HOME - DAY

DINING ROOM

When they arrive, Gina has everything ready.

GINA
(Smiling)
Hello everyone. Did you win?

TOMAS
(Proudly)
Of course, Gina.

He kisses her cheek and introduces the men to her that she
doesn't already know.

GINA
Mateo, go eat, your food will get
cold.

MATEO
(Laughing)
Of course my dear, come on fellas.

29.

The men all go into the Dining Room. Gina leaves them.

The men sit down and begin eating.

TOMAS
This Pasta Fagioli and Braccioli
is the best I've eaten in Rome. My
compliments to the chef.

MATEO
I'll pass that along. Eat, eat,
here, Willi, have some more
Valpolicelli.

HENRI
I'll have some of that cheap
Italian wine too.

MATEO
(Laughing)
I'll give you cheap! The only
reason your wines cost more is
because your winemakers are crooks

HENRI
Our wine is more expensive and
tastes better because we use a
better quality of fertilizer.

Willi falls off his chair laughing.

WILLI
Shit is shit Henri. France now
grades classes of shit?

there's a lot of joking around, but then the conversation
turns serious.

LUIGI
Mateo, how long will your boys be
in Argentina?

MATEO
I'm not sure. Rico wants to turn
them into Argentine Gauchos, and
is determined to have them riding
horses like wild west cowboys.

30.

WILLI
That sounds like a wonderful
holiday. I wouldn't mind going on
that kind of holiday myself.

            HENRI
      (Rising from his
       chair.)
Well, it's getting late, and I
still have some work to do at the
embassy.

TOMAS
Me too. The ambassador has a
meeting with the Pope on Monday,
and wants me to go with him.

WILLI
Careful, mein herr, you could get
struck by lightning, going into
the Vatican.

PETER
Am I supposed to go with you?

TOMAS
Aren't you a Lutheran?

PETER
(Quizzically)
So?

TOMAS
(Joking)
I'll let you come, if you convert.

More laughing and joking.

The men all start leaving after thanking Mateo again for the
lunch.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. BUENOS AIRES HARBOR, AUGUST 31, 1939 - DAY

DOCK, THE SHIP HAS DOCKED

They are met by Enrico's wife, AMELIA, 40s, a little heavy,
and attractive and young daughter, SOFIA, nine, chubby and
plain looking..

31.

AMELIA
(Happily)
Enzo! Come give Aunt Amelia a hug.

She scoops Enzo up in her arms, and gives him a kiss.

AMELIA
Sofia, say hello to Enzo.

SOFIA
(Sullenly)
Hello.

ENRICO
How were things while I was gone?

AMELIA
Things ran well, but we can talk
about that later. How was your
trip?

ENRICO
The trip was good. I can sell all
the beef I want to in Italy. They
love Argentine beef.

AMELIA
(Exasperated)
I don't care about beef, I mean,
how are Gina and Mateo?

ENRICO
They could be better. Their
health is good, and Gina thinks
Mussolini will protect them, but
Mateo knows that Mussolini doesn't
give a crap about them.

AMELIA
Watch your language, Enrico. I
think we should go home now.

INT. AUTOMOBILE - DAY

Enrico sits in the passenger front seat, next to his driver,
ALEX, LATE 20S. Amelia, Sofia and Enzo, sit in the back
seat.

ENRICO
(To chauffeur)
How are you, ALEX?

32.

ALEX
I'm well, sir.

Enrico turns towards the back seat.

ENRICO
Now, how were things while I was
away?

AMELIA
Believe it or not, things run
pretty well when you're gone.

ENRICO
(Sarcastically)
That's my wife.

AMELIA
When will Paolo arrive?

ENRICO
Tomorrow. Umberto De Luca,
remember him?

AMELIA
Of course, I remember Umberto. You
don't forget the captain of the
ship that brought you to your new
country.

ENRICO
Well, he's the captain of the ship
that Paolo is on, and he's going
to put him on a ship tomorrow.
I'll meet the ship.

AMELIA
That's good. Paolo's the same age
as our Sofia isn't he?

SOFIA
(Angry)
I'm not sharing my room, or
anything else with these Italian
kids.

AMELIA
Be quiet Sofia. They'll be
staying together in the guest
wing.

33.

ENRICO
I see, nothing has changed, the
Garabaldi women still have big
mouths.

AMELIA
Quiet Rico, or no Gnocchi for you.

ENRICO
For gnocchi, I'll shut up. I'm
hungry now.

AMELIA
Sofia, when we get home, I want
you to take Enzo to his room, and
then show him around the ranch.

SOFIA
Do I have to?

ENRICO
(Irritated)
Yes, Sofia, you have to.

The car arrives at the Garabaldi ranch. Enzo is bug eyed,
he's impressed.

INT. GARABALDI RANCH, HOUSE, AUGUST 31, 1939 - DAY

Sofia takes Enzo to his room.

SOFIA
(Rudely)
How long are you going to stay
with us?

ENZO
I don't know.

SOFIA
I hope it's not long.

ENZO
Shut up. I don't understand your
language any way, you fat cow.

34.

Sofia sticks her tongue out at Enzo.

ENZO
Wait until Paolo gets here, we'll
beat you up.

SOFIA
(yelling)
MAMA, PAPA, Enzo wants to kill me.

ENRICO (os)
Shut up Sofia, or I'll kill you.
I'm sure your mouth started it.

GARABALDI LIVING ROOM

AMELIA
What do you think is going to
happen in Europe?

ENRICO
I don't know, but I guarantee you,
it won't be good for the Jews.

AMELIA
I'm glad we came to Argentina. I
love it here.

ENRICO
I'm glad too.

INT. GARABALDI RANCH, LIVING ROOM, SEPT.1, 1939 - DAY

Enrico and Amelia are quietly talking.

AMELIA
What are the names of the ships
that were sunk?

ENRICO
I'm trying to find out. (Beat)
Those Nazi bastards.

Enrico picks up the phone and dials.

ENRICO (on phone)
(Standing)
This is Enrico Garabaldi. Do you
have the names of the ships that
were torpedoed by the Germans?

35.

He listens, and goes pale. He drops the phone and collapses
into a chair.

AMELIA
(Screams)
WHAT IS IT?

ENRICO
(Tearfully)
They could only confirm one, the
Galilea. No survivors.

The reported sinking of the Galilea off Uruguay, was wrong,
but never corrected.

AMELIA
(Shreiking)
MY GOD!

Enrico goes to Amelia, and they both hug and cry. Enrico
wipes his tears.

ENRICO
I have to phone Mateo and Gina.

AMELIA
Yes, yes. Do it now. How can we
tell Enzo?

ENRICO
We have to tell him, but let's
wait until tomorrow. Let him at
least have this day to be happy.

Enrico picks up the phone again.

ENRICO (on phone)
Operator, I would like to place a
call to Rome Italy.

He listens, then puts the phone back in it's cradle.

ENRICO
The government has forbidden all
telephone calls out of the
country, until further notice.

AMELIA
What will we do?

ENRICO
There's nothing we can do.

36.

Amelia and Enrico sit together on a sofa, consoling each
other.

EXT. GALILEA, DOCKSIDE, RIO, AUGUST 31, 1939 - NIGHT

A man is running to the captain's cabin. He's the RADIO
OPERATOR, ERNESTO.

ERNESTO
CAPTAIN, CAPTAIN! WAR! WAR!
Germany has attacked Poland.

INT. CAPTAIN'S CABIN.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
(Opens door)
What did you say?

ERNESTO
Germany has attacked Poland.
There's Nazi U boats patrolling
off the coast of Brazil. What are
we going to do?

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Are you sure?

ERNESTO
Yes, Captain, it just came over
the radio.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Thank you Ernesto.

He closes the cabin door.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
(To himself)
Oh my God!

He puts his head in his hands.

INT. GALILEA, MORNING, SHIP'S BRIDGE - DAY

Captain DeLuca is talking on the phone.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Are you sure Rochina?

ROCHINA (OC)
Of course I'm sure. Antonio and I
will be happy to look after a
young boy. Especially an Italian
(MORE)

37.

ROCHINA (cont'd)
boy. Just a moment.
(speaks again)
Antonio says we will right down to
see you. Ciao.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Ciao, Rochina.

Captian DeLuca gives a big sigh of relief.

INT. CAPTAIN'S CABIN - NIGHT

ANTONIO AND ROCHINA PARISI, both in their 50s, arrive, and
meet Paolo.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Paolo, why don't you go out on the
deck.

Paolo is happy to go on the deck, and leaves the cabin.

ROCHINA
Umberto, he's a beautiful child.
We'd be happy to watch him for a
while, he can come home with us
now. Right? Antonio?

ANTONIO
Of course, it'll be nice to have a
child in the house.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
That is very generous of you, but
before you say yes, I have to tell
you, he's Jewish, and I......

            ROCHINA & ANTONIO
      (Speaking over
       each other)
So What? We're taking him home.

Captain De Luca goes to his cabin door and calls to Paolo.
Paolo enters the cabin.

38.

CAPTAIN DELUCA
Paolo, war has started in Europe.
I told your parents that I'd take
care of you and see that you got
to Buenos Aires, but it's not safe
to travel now. I'm sure things
will settle down in a few days,
and in the meantime, Mr. and Mrs.
Parisi would like you to stay with
them, just until things calm down.

Paolo begins to cry. Rochina grabs and hugs him, comforting
him in Italian. Paolo calms down, packs his suitcase, and
hugs Captain De Luca good bye. Captain De Luca has tears
in his eyes, which he tries to hide.

ROCHINA
So, Umberto, you're not so hard
after all.

They all laugh, and Captain De Luca pats Paolo on his head.
Paolo leaves with Rochina and Antonio.

INT. PARISI HOME, RIO DE JANEIRO,SEPT.1,1939 - DAY

ALTO LEBLON.

ROCHINA
My God, this is horrible.

They have just heard on the radio that three ships were sunk
by a German U-Boat off the coast of Argentina and Uruguay
and they assume Enzo and Enrico were on one of the ships and
killed.

ANTONIO
Rochina, we've done all we could.
Now I know why we couldn't reach
the Garabaldi's in Buenos Aires.
We have to tell him.

ROCHINA
(Sobbing)
I know, but what can you say?

ANTONIO
You can say we love him, and want
him to live with us.

39.

ROCHINA
I know that, but how do you tell a
nine year old that his seven year
old brother is dead.

INT. PARISI HOME, AUGUST 22, 1942 - DAY

Brazil has declared war on Germany and Italy.

The Parisi's have done all that they could to make Paolo
feel loved and at home with them. Now, they want to adopt
him.

ROCHINA
(Loudly)
Paolo will you come here?

Paolo comes into the living room where Rochina and Antonio
are sitting on a sofa together.

ROCHINA
Ah, Paolo, come sit here.

Paolo sits between them.

ROCHINA
You know that we love you very
much.

PAOLO
I love you and Uncle Antonio very
much too.

ROCHINA
We want you to be our son, Paolo.
To be a real part of our family.

Paolo jumps up and hugs both of them.

PAOLO
(excitedly)
I would like that very much. Would
I have your name?

ROCHINA
You can keep your name if you want
to.

PAOLO
If you're going to be my Mama and
Papa, I want your name.

40.

Rochina's and Antonio's eyes fill with teats.

PAOLO
Mama.

Rochina begins to cry.

PAOLO (cont.)
Can I go to mass with you on
Sundays?

Both Parisi's are crying with happiness. The three of them
hug for several seconds. Paolo leaves to go outside and
play.

ROCHINA
So, Antonio, we're at war with
Italy. Will we have trouble?

ANTONIO
No, no. We may be from Italy, but
We're Brazilians now. We'll be
fine.

They hug.

INT. MATEO'S OFFICE, ROME, SEPT.1, 1939 - DAY

Mateo is speaking with COUNT GALEAZZO CIANO,
Mussolini's son in law.

MATEO
Galeazzo, do you think Italy will
go to war?

COUNT CIANO
I don't think so, but you never
know. According to the Germans,
Poland attacked them. That's like
saying a man punched me in my fist
with his nose
(thoughtfully)
Mateo, I know you're concerned
about the Jewish situation, but
you shouldn't be. Il Duce thinks
highly of you, and has lots of
Jewish friends. Also, unlike that
goose stepping son of a bitch,
he's not crazy.

They both laugh.

41.

MATEO
That's kind of you to say. Thank
you.

COUNT CIANO
This could be a very short war.
Poland is collapsing. Hitler and
Stalin are carving it up like a
pie.

MATEO
I can't believe that Nazi Germany,
and the Soviet Union are allies.

COUNT CIANO
I know,it's hard to believe.

MATEO
England and France can't save
Poland. There's not enough time.
You can't stop tanks with horses.

COUNT CIANO
You never know how these things
will go, but I don't think Hitler
will be satisfied with just half
of Poland.
(He smiles)
Anyway, Mateo, I've got to go. I
just wanted to stop by and visit
with you for a few minutes.

Mateo and Count Ciano both stand and shake hands.

MATEO
Thank you for coming by, you have
no idea how much I appreciate your
friendship and concern.

COUNT CIANO
You're welcome, Mateo, Ciao.

Count Ciano leaves.

INT. ASCARELLI HOME - NIGHT

Mateo tries to place a call to Enrico in Buenos Aires, but
can't get through.

42.

MATEO
(Irritated)
The goddamned telephone service in
this country stinks. Besides
getting the trains to run on time,
Il Duce should have fixed the
telephone system.

GINA
(Calmly)
You'll just have to keep trying,
Mateo. Have you heard any news?

MATEO
Everything will be fine. Galeazzo
stopped by my office today. He
really doesn't like the Nazis.
Also, he assured me that Il Duce
isn't going to go along with
Hitler on Jews.

GINA
That's wonderful Mateo, we can
bring the boys back home, right?

MATEO
(Pensively)
We'll see.

INT. ASCARELLI HOME, JUNE 10, 1940 - NIGHT

Alessio has just arrived. He and Mateo hug.

ALESSIO
I know (beat) you can say "I told
you so".

MATEO
I've got more to worry about than
that. What's the matter?

ALESSIO
I think the government is going to
take over the bank. Do you know
anything about it?

43.

MATEO
Of course not! Don't you think I
would have told you if I had heard
something. What happened?

ALESSIO
This morning, three men from
Internal Security came, and said
they wanted to speak to the staff
about an investigation. They
interviewed all but me and the
other two Jews. After about an
hour, they left without saying
anything to me. When I asked
Julia, my secretary, what they
wanted, she burst into tears and
ran out of the bank. A few
minutes later, we heard on the
radio that Mussolini had declared
war on Britain and France. I
jumped in my car, and here I am.

MATEO
(Irritated)
Those sons of bitches! It must
have been Rispoli's goons. He's a
home grown Nazi. I'll take care
of this.

Gina walks into the room.

GINA
I thought I heard voices. ALESSIO!
When did you arrive? Were we
expecting you? You're spending the
night. Are you hungry?

Alessio jumps up and hugs Gina.

ALESSIO
So many questions. Some banking
business came up, so I drove down.

GINA
It's this war craziness. I'll get
your room ready, and fix you a
meal.

Gina leaves the room.

MATEO
I'll find out what's going on.

44.

He picks up a phone and dials.

MATEO
Hello, Galeazzo. How are you? It's
Mateo.

COUNT CIANO (OC)
Mateo (beat) How are you? Is
anything wrong?

MATEO
I don't know. Rispoli sent three
of his goons to my family's bank
in Siena this morning, and talked
to everyone except my brother
Alessio, and the two Jewish
employees we have.

COUNT CIANO (OC)
Rispoli! I'll fix that Nazi
bastard.

MATEO
Thank you Galeazzo.

COUNT CIANO (OC)
Don't mention it Mateo. He won't
bother your family, or you
anymore.
Ciao.

Mateo hangs up the phone

ALESSIO
Well, what did he say?

MATEO
He'll take care of it. He has no
love for Rispoli either. I've got
an idea. (beat) How would you like
to go to America?

ALESSIO
What do you mean?

MATEO
A group of bankers from Rome are
going to New York next week. I
can appoint you as my deputy to
accompany them. When the meetings
are finished, I want you to go see
Mayor LaGuardia. I met him on my
trip to New York three years ago.
I'll give you a letter for him.
(MORE)

45.

MATEO (cont'd)
He's a nice man. Italian father,
and Jewish mother from Trieste.
He's a real firebrand, and I know
he'll help you.

ALESSIO
No! You and Gina go, I can take
care of myself.

MATEO
(Angrily)
GODDAMMIT! You're going! With my
position in the government, Gina
and I will be fine.

ALESSIO
OK, OK. Christ, I never saw you
so mad. Do you think.....

MATEO
What I think is that my brother,
who I love very much can act so
stupid at times. Also, I still
haven't been able to get in touch
with the boys, or Rico. No calls
can be made to Argentina, or
anywhere else for that matter.

ALESSIO
Don't worry Mateo, I'm sure
they're fine and having a great
time in Argentina.

The brothers stand up and hug.

CUT TO

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE, OUTSIDE OF ROME, JUNE 11, 1940 - DAY

Tonio is driving Mateo into Rome. A car passes them, with
two men in it. One of the men motion for them to stop.

MATEO
What the hell is this?

TONIO
I don't know, Excellency.

MATEO
It's OK Tonio, I'm just thinking
out loud.

46.

Mateo sees a man get out of the car ahead, and walk towards
them. It's the Internal Security chief, RISPOLI, 40s,
skinny, with a pock marked face. Mateo clenches his fists.

MATEO
That son of a bitch.

INT. AUTO.

Rispoli gets in the car and sits next to Mateo.

MATEO
What do you want, Rispoli?

RISPOLI
(sneering)
I just want a few minutes with my
favorite Jewish Government
minister.(Beat) You know your days
are numbered. Il Duce will come to
his senses, and throw all the Jews
out of Italy, or better yet, turn
them over to the Germans. They
know how to handle Jews

MATEO
You think so?

RISPOLI
I know so, and your pal Ciano
won't be able to protect you then.
I'll have your bank, your house,
and maybe even your wife. I never
fucked a Jew whore before.

Mateo is enraged. He lunges at Rispoli, and begins choking
him. Rispoli struggles to get free.

RISPOLI
(Choking)
Let go! You filthy Jew!

Mateo keeps choking Rispoli. Rispoli's eyes bulge and his
feet are flailing.

MATEO
You Nazi pig. What you say, may
happen, but you'll never live to
see it.

A POPPING SOUND is heard. Mateo has crushed Rispoli's
trachea. Rispoli slumps forward, dead.

47.

TONIO
(Excitedly)
Minister, we have to get the other
pig too. If we don't, we'll both
be arrested.

MATEO
(Panting)
Tonio, I don't want to get you in
trouble.

TONIO
It's no trouble Sir. It will be my
pleasure. I hate these bastards
too.

Tonio drives to the other car. He gets out, and calls the
driver.

TONIO
Excuse me, Minister Rispoli wants
to see you.

RISPOLI'S DRIVER, 40s, gets out of his car.

TONIO
Your right rear tire is going
flat.

RISPOLI'S DRIVER
Thank you, I'll check it.

The driver goes around to the rear of the car. Tonio grabs
him around the neck, and with one swift powerful twist,
breaks his neck.

TONIO
Minister, I need some help with
this.

MATEO
Tonio, murderers don't have to
stand on ceremony. Call me Mateo.

TONIO
I can't Sir, it doesn't seem
right.

Mateo and Tonio take Rispoli's body and puts it in his car.
they then put the drivers body in with him.

MATEO
Now what?

48.

TONIO
I'll be back shortly.

Tonio drives Rispoli's car into the woods. About twenty
minutes later, an EXPLOSION is heard, a few minutes later,
Tonio comes walking out of the woods.

TONIO
(Smiling)
All cleaned up.

MATEO
What did you do?

TONIO
I set fire to the gas tank. When
they are found, it will appear
that the driver lost control,
rammed into a tree, and the car
exploded.

MATEO
Do you think we'll get away with
this?

TONIO
Everyone hated Rispoli, even
people who agreed with him. I
don't know about the driver
though.

MATEO
I'll be indebted to you forever,
Tonio.

TONIO
No, I'm indebted to you
Excellency. You have treated me
and my family so well, that I
could never repay you.

MATEO
Thank you Tonio.

They continue their trip in silence.

CUT TO

49.

INT. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON D.C., NOV., 1943 - DAY

Alessio, now a Major in the U. S. Army, is meeting with
GENERAL "Wild Bill" WILLIAM DONOVAN, the chief of military
intelligence, known as OSS (Office of Strategic Services.

GENERAL DONOVAN
Major Ascarelli, your knowledge of
Italy could be a tremendous help
to our war effort, but why do you
want to go there? Can't you help
us from here?

ALESSIO
I could, General, but now that
Italy has surrendered, and the
Germans have occupied most of it,
I want to help, and the best place
to do that is in Italy.

GENERAL DONOVAN
O.K. Major, if that's what you
want to do.(beat) I see from your
file that your brother who was
finance minister sent you here in
1940. Why was that?

ALESSIO
I'm sure you're aware that I am
Jewish. My brother Mateo thought
it was time to leave. Mussolini
had gotten very close to Hitler.
He was impressed by the early
German victories. Mateo sent his
sons to Argentina, and deputized
me for a trip to New York.

GENERAL DONOVAN
Have you been able to contact your
brother?

ALESSIO
No sir, I have not. If you allow
me to go to Italy, I'm going to
try to get in touch with Mateo,
and his wife, Gina.

GENERAL DONOVAN
Major,(beat) I'm going to
authorize this mission. But
first, put these eagles on.

He puts three eagle insignias on the desk.

50.

GENERAL DONOVAN
(Continues)
You are now Colonel Ascarelli.

ALESSIO
(Astonished)
Thank you sir.

GENERAL DONOVAN
You have quite a bit of work ahead
of you, and you need to get
started now.

Alessio stands and salutes. General Donovan stands too, and
offers his hand. Alessio shakes hands with the general,
salutes again, and leaves.

EXT. TWO KM. FROM MEZZEGRA, FEB., 1944 - NIGHT

A CLEARING. THE GROUND IS SNOW COVERED.

A small group of men are in a tight circle.

ALESSIO
It's wonderful to see you Tonio.
Do you know what happened to my
brother and his wife?

TONIO
No Colonel, I don't know. I drove
him to see the King after the
Grand Council voted to dismiss
Mussolini. But after the Germans
occupied Rome, I left and joined
the resistance. I hope that he
and Mrs. Ascarelli are well.

ALESSIO
Ah, we can only hope and pray.
(Whispers)
We've got to be careful. I know
that you five men are loyal, but
I've gotten word that the Germans
have a spies in the resistance.

PARTISAN #1
Nazi bastards!

ALESSIO
My sentiments exactly. (beat) I've
received word that some German
commandos are coming through here.
They took a boat from
(MORE)

51.

ALESSIO (cont'd)
Switzerland, and are a few
kilometers from here near Lake
Como. Their mission is to sneak
Mussolini out of Italy. Our
mission is to find them, stop
them, and kill them.

TONIO
That's the kind of mission I like.

PARTISAN #1
When do we go, Colonel?

ALESSIO
Now. (beat) there's no time to
lose. They will be headed for
Milan, so they have to come this
way.

The six men get into a truck and drive away.

INT. ROAD TO LAKE COMO, TRUCK, FEB., 1944 - NIGHT

ROAD TO LAKE COMO

ALESSIO
Tonio. pull off the road up ahead.
The Germans should be coming
through in about an hour.

Tonio drives about a half km. and then pulls off the road,
and drives into a cluster of trees. The six men exit the
truck, and huddle together.

ALESSIO
Christ it's cold.

PARTISAN #2
I'm a communist. I just want to
kill Nazis.

TONIO
Who cares if you're a communist.
That's the trouble with you Reds,
no sense of humor.

ALESSIO
O.K. men, we have to be quiet and
wait. The Germans will have us
outnumbered three to one, so we
have to catch them by surprise.

52.

LATER THAT NIGHT.

Vehicles can be heard coming down the road.

ALESSIO
Tonio, quick, drive the truck to
the road, get out and put the hood
up. Wave down the Germans. When
they stop, tell them your truck
broke down. If they stop ,wait
for an opening, and open fire.
(beat) use grenades if you can,
but we only have a few, so aim
carefully. If they keep rolling,
we'll have to regroup and try
something else. Everybody
understand?

TONIO
Yes, Colonel.

Tonio jumps into the truck, and drives it to the road. He
stops, gets out, and puts the hood up. In a few minutes,
the Germans approach in three open vehicles. Tonio waves
his arms. The Germans stop.

GERMAN COMMANDO
What are you doing? Why are you
stopped?

TONIO
Thank you for stopping. My truck
just stalled.

GERMAN COMMANDO
Get off the road you Italian pig

Alessio and the four other men open fire. Tonio shoots the
German commando he was talking to, and throws a grenade into
the last vehicle. It's over in a few minutes. There are
twelve Germans, and they are all killed, or wounded.

ALESSIO
(Panting)
Everybody O.K?

PARTISAN #1
Yes, Colonel, we're all here. We
have to make certain they are all
dead.

Just then, one of the Germans that they thought was dead,
throws a grenade into the group. Alessio, and Partisan #2

53.

are killed instantly. Partisan #1 kills the German, and
makes sure that the other German commandos are dead,
spraying their bodies with machine gun fire.

TONIO
(Screaming)
Take that you Nazi bastards.

Partisan #1, Tonio, and the other two survivors, pick up
the bodies of their fallen comrades and put them in the back
of their truck. They drive away.

EXT. ROME, MARCH, 1944 - DAY

Scenes of Italian Jewish men, including Mateo Ascarelli,
being rounded up by German soldiers, and put in the back of
trucks.

MATEO
(To himself)
I knew it would come to this.

The trucks drive a few kilometers from Rome and stop by the
Ardeatine Caves.

GERMAN SOLDIERS order the men off of the trucks. A soldier
grabs Mateo's arm.

GERMAN SOLDIER #1
Look, a Jew Fascist.

Mateo was wearing his uniform when he was taken.

GERMAN SOLDIER #2
We better ask Colonel Schmidt
about this.

He goes up to a German colonel, and points to Mateo. They
walk up to Mateo. It's Peter Schmidt.

PETER
(Smiling broadly)
Mateo, you should have left when
you had the chance.

MATEO
(Bitterly)
I see you found your true calling.

A German soldier hits Mateo with his rifle butt. Mateo falls
to the ground.

54.

PETER
(Mockingly)
I really hate doing this to an old
team mate.

He takes out his pistol and shoots Mateo in the head,
killing him instantly.

PETER
(Over body)
Soon, I'll take care of your Jew
loving friend Tomas, too.

All of the men from the trucks are taken into the caves and
executed.

EXT. BERGEN-BELSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP, APRIL, 1944 - DAY

A large group of women all wearing yellow star of David
patches on their clothes, are being herded into a large open
space. Gina Ascarelli is in this group. She talks to a WOMAN
next to her.

GINA
I can't believe this, I should
have listened to my husband.

WOMAN #1
You can believe it. I hate these
German pigs.

The women are divided into two groups. Gina and the woman
she was talking to is put in the group for "the showers".

INT. ENZO'S HOUSE, 2007 - DAY

Enzo is sitting and talking with his grandson, DIEGO, 24.

DIEGO A
Grandpa, you and Uncle Paolo have
led such interesting lives, I want
to write it all down, and I want
you to tell me everything.

ENZO
Everything?

DIEGO A
Yes, how you met after such a long
time. I'm going to go see Uncle
Paolo too. But I want to know
when you decided to become a
(MORE)

55.

DIEGO A (cont'd)
doctor, and what about doing
Argentina's first heart
transplant.

Enzo puts his head back. His mind wanders back.

INT. BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL, AUGUST,1973 - NIGHT

NOTE: DUE TO THE SIMILARITY OF NAMES, ENZO'S SON, MATEO, AND
PAOLO'S SON, ENZO WILL HAVE AN ASTERISK AFTER THEIR NAMES.

INT. RESTAURANT

Paolo, Kat, and their son ENZO* PARISI, 18 years old. are
having dinner.

PAOLO
So, big shot, you think you can
get a better education here than
in Brazil?

ENZO*
It may not be better, but I bet
it's more fun.

KAT
You're here for an education, not
fun.

ENZO*
Can't I have both?

PAOLO
Have you decided what you want to
study?

ENZO*
Well, Papa, the law interests me.
I think I'd like to be a lawyer
and maybe go into politics.

PAOLO
(Laughing)
Just what we need, a future
dictator.

56.

KAT
Quit kidding around, Paolo.

PAOLO
Well anyway, I hear the University
of Southern California is a good
school and they have hundreds of
students from South America.

ENZO*
Thousands.

In the background, a page is faintly heard on the public
address system.

PAGING ANNOUNCER (OC)
"DOCTOR ENZO ASCARELLI, paging Dr.
Enzo Ascarelli."

Paolo's face goes white. He grabs the arms of his chair.
Kat is frightened.

KAT
What's the matter, Paolo?

PAOLO
Did you hear that page?

ENZO*
(Joking)
Yeah, he's got my first name.

PAOLO
This can't be real. It's got to
be a mistake. Can there be two
people with that name?

Paolo rushes out of the restaurant, leaving a stunned Kat
and Enzo*.

INT. LOBBY, BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL, AUGUST,1973 - NIGHT

Paolo approaches the front desk.

57.

PAOLO
Excuse me, did you just page a
Doctor Ascarelli?

ROOM CLERK
I didn't, the message desk does
the paging.

He points to the message desk. Paolo starts to go to the
message desk, and about ten feet from it, he stops dead.

By now, his wife KAT, and eighteen year old son ENZO* have
caught up with him.

KAT
(Loudly)
What is going on?

ENZO*
Yeah, Dad, what's your problem?

Paolo waves for them to be quiet. They are both upset by
this. Paolo walks away.

At the message desk is a man, average height, well dressed,
and he's speaking with the clerk. It's Enzo. Paolo goes up
behind him.

PAOLO
Excuse me, PARLATE ITALIANO?

ENZO
(In Italian)
Yes, I was born in Rome.

Paolo begins to collapse. Enzo grabs him.

ENZO
Are you sick? I'm a doctor.

PAOLO
No, I'm OK. Can I talk to you for
a few minutes?

58.

ENZO
I've got a few minutes, my son
MATEO* just paged me, and I'm
going to meet him and my daughter
GINA* shortly.

When he hears the names of Enzo's children, the names of
his mother and father, Paolo grabs a surprised Enzo and
begins sobbing, hugging and kissing him. Enzo struggles to
get away.

Kat and Enzo* rush to Paolo. Enzo's son, MATEO* ASCARELLI,
18, TALL, GOODLOOKING. and daughter GINA ASCARELLI, very
pretty. 18, they are twins, also arrive at the same time.

KAT
(To Enzo*)
It's finally happened, your father
is having a nervous breakdown.

MATEO*
(irritated)
What the hell's going on here?

meanwhile, Paolo lets go of Enzo.

PAOLO
(excitedly)
Enzo! It's me, Paolo.

ENZO
(irritated)
Paolo who?

PAOLO
Your brother Paolo.

ENZO
My brother was killed in 1939, and
besides, I was taller than Paolo,
even though he was two years
older.

PAOLO
I wasn't killed, I thought you and
Uncle Rico were killed. I sprouted
up in my teens. Come here!

Enzo is stunned. The two men embrace for what seems like an
eternity. They finally separate. Everyone in the hotel
lobby is looking at them.

59.

ENZO
Oh my God! Paolo, it IS you.

PAOLO
Yes, I can't believe you're
alive.

The brothers fall into each others arms again. A MAN
walking by mutters,

MAN
Fags.

Enzo and Paolo burst out laughing. By now, their families
have surrounded them.

PAOLO
It's a miracle, I've been missing
you for thirty four years and here
you are. I should kick your ass,
I cried for weeks when I was told
you were dead, and I don't
remember liking you that much.

ENZO
Don't flatter yourself, you
weren't a very good older brother,
and I didn't take the news of your
death too well either.

PAOLO
I was told that the ship you and
Uncle Rico were on was sunk off
the coast of Argentina, with no
survivors.

ENZO
And I was told that your ship was
torpedoed in the Atlantic ocean
near Uruguay, also with no
survivors.

PAOLO
Both reports were wrong, and I
guess they never were corrected.
That's why I never looked for you.

ENZO
Uncle Rico tried to reach someone,
anyone, but the government had
stopped all telephone service out
of Argentina during the war. After
(MORE)

60.

ENZO (cont'd)
the war, he tried to find Mama and
Papa, but without any luck.

KAT
This is incredible. You two have
so much to talk about.

SMASH CUT

INT. ENZO'S HOTEL ROOM, AUGUST, 1973 - NIGHT

Enzo is laying on the bed. He's on the phone with his wife,
Maria,

ENZO
it's a miracle Maria, I wish you
were here. I've been mourning
Paolo and he's been mourning me
for 34 years. It's like a
reincarnation. He named his son
after me and Papa, Enzo Mateo,
certain that I was dead.

MARIA (OC)
that's wonderful Enzo, are they
nice? When will I meet them?
Shall I fly to Los Angeles?

ENZO
hold on, hold on. I'm flying back
home tomorrow night. I've got
surgery scheduled in 2 days. I
invited them to Buenos Aires, and
they said yes, so you'll be
meeting them in about 2 weeks,
except for Enzo. He's going to
USC, the same as Mateo. I think
they'll become great friends.

MARIA (OC)
Goodnight my love,

ENZO
Ciao, Maria, I love you so much, I
wish you were here. Goodnight.

After hanging up the telephone, Enzo just lays there, and
begins to sob with joy.

61.

INT. BEVERLY WILSHIRE RESTAURANT,AUGUST,1973 - DAY

Enzo, with his son Mateo and daughter Gina have been joined
by Paolo and Kat and their son Enzo for breakfast. They are
arguing about where the best food can be had. Enzo is
extolling the virtue of Argentine cuisine, and Paolo says
Brazilian food is better.

ENZO
I had trouble sleeping. I kept
thinking of Mama and Papa. Maybe
we could find out what happened to
them.

PAOLO
I think we should try to find out.
My bank does business in Italy,
and I can see about hiring a
private detective in Rome to look
into it.

ENZO
That's fine, and of course I'll
pay my share of the cost.

PAOLO
Don't worry about it brother,
brother. (beat) I haven't been
able to say that for 34 years.

ENZO
I phoned Maria last night, she
can't wait to meet all of you. By
the way, Maria's a good Catholic
girl.

MATEO*
Actually we're heathens.

Laughter.

PAOLO
Well, Enzo, I guess this is the
time to tell you, I not only took
the Parisi name when they adopted
me, but I took their religion too.
They were wonderful....
(MORE)

62.

PAOLO (cont'd)

ENZO*
WHAT? You were adopted, and were
born Jewish. That makes me half
Jewish, right? You also never
told me our real last name was
ASCARELLI!

ENZO
I don't care what your name and
religion are. I still can't
believe this is happening. It's
like a dream. We would have lived
our whole lives without each other
if our sons hadn't wanted to go to
school here.

In a side conversation, Kat and Gina are discussing Maria.

GINA*
I phoned Mama myself last night.
She can't wait to meet you

KAT
I can't wait to meet her either.

GINA*
We'll have a great time. We can
party, and of course go shopping

KAT
(Laughing)
Of course we'll go shopping.

Enzo* and Mateo* are talking about school in another side
conversation.

MATEO*
(To Enzo*)
Do you have your room assignment
yet?

ENZO*
No, why don't we get a place
together? Hey Papa, Mateo and I
want to be roommates. We'd like to
(MORE)

63.

ENZO* (cont'd)
rent an apartment off campus?

KAT
I don't think so.

ENZO*
Aw, come on.

ENZO
Kat have you been to the campus
yet? It's in a rather run-down
part of town.

ENZO*
See, Uncle Enzo knows.

ENZO
Uncle Enzo, (beat). I have to get
used to being an uncle.

PAOLO
(Smiling)
Me too. (beat) We’ll discuss it.

Kat shoots Paolo a dirty look but keeps quiet.

MATEO*
(Hushed to Enzo*)
and of course, we'll need cars.

PAOLO
(to Enzo)
We can go to the airport together
tomorrow, OK?

ENZO
Sure, that's fine.

INT. L.A. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RESTAURANT,AUG.,1973 - DAY

Paolo and Kat are sitting with Enzo having lunch.

64.

PAOLO
We're looking forward to visiting
you and Maria soon.

ENZO
Good. Make it soon, Maria's going
to be a real pain until she meets
you two.

KAT
(smiling)
that's a terrible thing to say.

PAOLO
On a more sober note, do you think
the boys will soon get set up in
L.A.?

ENZO
Oh yeah. Gina will light a fire
under them. I think that's why
she stayed, to be in charge.

KAT
(seriously)
I still can't believe this has
happened. Enzo, you were only
seven when you left Italy. How
did you handle it?

ENZO
Pretty well, I think.

PAOLO
(to Enzo)
Do you remember much about our
lives in Rome?

ENZO
I remember all of it.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. LAX RESTAURANT,AUG.,1973 - DAY

ENZO
Paolo, we landed on August 31st,
and I was anxious for you to come
the next day.

65.

PAOLO
So was I. I don't think I slept,
the whole voyage.

ENZO
(pensively)
Thirty four years, lost.

KAT
Don't be so serious, fate is on
our side, and we have plenty of
years left to enjoy, together.

ENZO
(to Paolo)
Kat's right. We can't get the
lost years back, but we can live
the rest of our lives, happier.

By the way, Paolo, what happened
when you landed in Rio?

PAOLO
All hell had broken loose.....

INT. ENZO'S RANCH, OCTOBER, 1973 - DAY

LIVING ROOM

MARIA
Why did you buy Mateo a car?

ENZO
I had to. The boys school
schedule aren't the same, Paolo
bought his Enzo one, and frankly
after we looked around the
neighborhood of that college, we
all felt much better about the
boys getting their own apartment
off campus.

MARIA
I guess you're right. How do you
feel about Paolo changing his name
and religion?

66.

ENZO
I don't think anything about it.
He was nine years old when we left
Italy. I had the Garabaldi's. He
had no one. He thought I was
dead, he didn't know what became
of our parents, he was in a
strange new country and sent to
live with strangers. They did a
wonderful job of raising him, and
I don't care what his name is,
and he could pray to a Coke bottle
for all I care.

MARIA
I was just asking, don't get mad
at me for asking.

ENZO
I'm not mad, but I am excited for
their visit here.

INT. RESTAURANT, RIO, 1973 - DAY

Paolo and his friends, MARIANO, JAVIER, and EDUARDO, all in
their 40s, are talking about the discovery of Enzo, not only
being alive, but a famous heart surgeon. Paolo is puffed up
with pride as he recounts their meeting in California. He
also says he wants Enzo and Maria to visit them in Rio.

PAOLO
I tell you, when I heard that page
for Doctor Enzo Ascarelli, I
thought I was going to drop dead,
my heart was pounding so hard.

MARIANO
I'm really happy for you Paolo.
Family is important, and since
your father died, god has returned
you to your other family. That's
nice.

A look of astonishment on his, Javier and Eduardo faces.

67.

PAOLO
That's the nicest thing you've
ever said to me. I'm going to
have to reassess my view that
you're a big prick.

He puts his hand on Mariano's shoulder.

EDUARDO
Quick Paolo, call your brother I'm
having a heart attack.

They all laugh.

JAVIER
You're not thinking of moving to
Argentina are you

PAOLO
Of course not.

INT. EZEIZA INTL. AIRPORT, BUENOS AIRES, OCT.1973 - DAY

INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL

Paolo and Kat's plane has landed.

ENZO
There they are, PAOLO, KAT, (beat)
over here.

Paolo and Kat walk over to Enzo and Maria. The brothers hug
and kiss. Enzo kisses Kat.

ENZO
How are you? How was your flight?

PAOLO
Fine and Fine.

ENZO
I'm glad. Oh by the way, this is
Maria.

Paolo and Kat hug and kiss Maria.

68.

MARIA
What do you mean, OH by the way?
Its wonderful to meet both of you.
Enzo's been on cloud nine since
returning from Los Angeles. You're
all he wants to talk about.

ENZO
After 34 years, I'm entitled.

Paolo and Enzo get the luggage, while Maria and Kat talk.

INT. ENZO'S CAR, LATER - DAY

They get in Enzo's car.

PAOLO
How many Italians live here?

ENZO
It seems like millions. You can
always tell the Italians by the
waving arms. In fact, I think if
you cut off an Italian's arms, he
wouldn't be able to talk.

They laugh.

PAOLO
Where do you live, in Chile?

ENZO
Not quite, we've got a small ranch
about 50 kilometers from the city.

PAOLO
Any horses?

ENZO
Horses, cattle, chickens, dogs,
you name it.

69.

PAOLO
Who runs it, you, Maria?

MARIA
Not on your life, we have a ranch
manager, that takes care of the
place.

They arrive at the ranch and go inside.

INT. ENZO'S RANCH - DAY

MARIA
I'm sure you're tired after your
trip. Would you like to freshen
up before we have lunch around
noon?

KAT
That would be nice.

Enzo and Maria take them to the guest suite. Bedroom,
sitting room and fully loaded bath with an interior jacuzzi.
A servant has taken their luggage for them.

            PAOLO
      (pointing to
       jacuzzi)
Aha! that's my first stop.

ENZO
We'll get out of your way so you
can unpack, and rest if you want
to.

Maria and Enzo leave. A servant turns the jacuzzi on and
leaves.

Paolo undresses and gets in the Jacuzzi.

PAOLO
Are you coming in?

KAT
I don't think so.

70.

PAOLO
Enzo has done very well for
himself.

KAT
You've done pretty well yourself.
Listen, Paolo, Enzo is a world
famous heart surgeon now, and if
you didn't meet in Los Angeles, we
would have heard of him, sooner or
later, and you'd have met
sometime.

PAOLO
Thank you darling. I have to do
very well just to keep you in the
lifestyle you've become accustomed
to. If the Olympics ever have a
spending venue, you'd win a gold
medal.

Kat tip toes into the bathroom and dumps a bucket of ice on
Paolo's head.

PAOLO
You witch.

He grabs her, clothes and all and pulls her into the
jacuzzi. She screams, but he starts kissing her, which
quiets her down.

INT. ENZO'S RANCH, LIVING ROOM, OCTOBER, 1973 - DAY

LATER

Maria and Kat are talking.

KAT
I'm glad we're having this chance
to talk.

MARIA
Me too.

71.

KAT
They really are brothers, they're
so much alike.

MARIA
Not in height, Paolo's about three
or four inches taller than Enzo.
Maybe we should call them "Mutt
And Jeff".

They both laugh.

KAT
Tell me Maria, is Enzo a good
lover?

Maria has a startled look on her face

MARIA
Good enough.

KAT
Don't get me wrong, Paolo's
terrific. I'm just curious, I
don't mean to pry.

MARIA
Remember, Enzo's a doctor. He
knows places on me that turn me on
that I didn't even know existed.

KAT
Maybe he could give Paolo lessons.

They are laughing, as Enzo and Paolo walk in.

ENZO
What are you two laughing about?

72.

MARIA
(Laughing)
I'll tell you later.

PAOLO
What about me? Kat, you'll tell
me?

KAT
I'll tell you now. You're going
to school.

At that, Kat and Maria really howl and laugh so hard they
have tears in their eyes.

ENZO
WOMEN!

PAOLO
Can't live with them, can't live
without them.

INT. ENZO'S DINING ROOM - DAY

            PAOLO
These empanadas are terrific, they
melt in your mouth, the crust is
so flaky. What's this?
      (He points to a
       plate)

MARIA
Flautas.

KAT
Maybe I could get the recipes from
you for these.

Maria and Enzo start laughing.

MARIA
I don't have the recipe. Consuela
guards it with her life.

73.

PAOLO
(Yelling)
Consuela! how'd you like to move
to Brazil?

ENZO
(Laughing)
How'd you like to die for real in
Argentina?

KAT
I hope the boys are doing well in
Los Angeles. Enzo only phoned us
once.

MARIA
Us too, Mateo, one call.

ENZO
I suspect the phone calls will
increase as the bank balance goes
down.

PAOLO
I think it's great that our sons
get along so well. On a serious
note, I think we'll hear
something from the Ruggerio
Detective Agency shortly. I asked
Nick Ruggerio to phone us here, I
hope that's OK.

ENZO
Are you crazy? Of course it's OK.
It's more than OK it's necessary.

MATEO
Aha, It's coming back to me, what
a little pain in the ass you were.

They all laugh.

74.

ENZO
Did you say Ruggerio? Remember,
Papa's driver? His name was
Antonio, and I'm sure his last
name was Ruggerio.

PAOLO
I'll ask Nick if there's any
connection.

INT. ENZO'S HOUSE, OCTOBER, 1973 - NIGHT

SPLIT SCREEN. Enzo and Paolo are both holding telephones in
different rooms, listening to the detective from Rome,
who's speaking to them in Italian.

INT. NICK RUGGERIO'S HOME - NIGHT

NICK (OC)
My father's name is Antonio.
Everyone calls him Tonio.

PAOLO & ENZO
(yell)
TONIO!

PAOLO
He brought us candy or fruit when
he came to the house.

NICK
Anyway,he knows what happened to
your parents and uncle. He told
me...

DISSOLVE TO

INT. ENZO'S HOUSE, OCTOBER, 1973 - NIGHT

Nick has quit speaking.

PAOLO (On phone)
(quietly)
Thank you Nick, at least now we
know.

ENZO (On phone)
yes, thank you. Please send your
bill to me. Do you have the
address?

75.

NICK (OC)
No, there is no bill. I did no
work. I got all my information
from my father, and there's no
charge for that.

PAOLO
We can't let you do that, Nick.

NICK (OC)
With respect, it's not up to you.
There is no bill.

ENZO
Thank you, Nick. By the way, how
is your father?

NICK (OC)
Feisty as ever, he's 62, and still
working. Very good health too.

PAOLO
We'd love to see him. Since you
won't send a bill, will you at
least let us bring your father to
visit?

NICK (OC)
Oh God, he would love that. When
I told him I had spoken to both of
you, he cried.

ENZO
We'll set it up. Thanks for
everything, Nick, good-bye.

PAOLO
We'll be in touch, good-bye, Nick.

NICK (OC)
Ciao.

Paolo and Enzo hang up, and just sit for a few minutes.

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Maria and Kat are waiting for them. They suspect the news
was bad.

KAT
Should we do something?

76.

MARIA
No, we should just be here for
them.

Finally, both Paolo and Enzo open their doors at about the
same time. They walk towards each other, and when they
meet, they both burst into tears. Maria and Kat rush to
comfort them.

The four of them go outside to the pool area, and sit around
a table. They are quiet, finally, Paolo speaks up.

PAOLO
I can't believe Mama went through
that. I hate the fucking Germans.

ENZO
I do too. Papa at least had a
quick end.

PAOLO
We have to do something to
remember them.

ENZO
We could have a monument erected.

KAT
Where would you put it, here?

ENZO
No, we can have it erected in the
Sephardic Jewish cemetery, La
Tablada, and have a memorial
service to dedicate it. What do
you think?

PAOLO
That's a good idea, and this is
the right place to have it. After
all, I'm not even Jewish now, and
they were. I do, however,
remember the Shema.

ENZO
(Startled)
That's amazing, I'm not sure I do.

77.

PAOLO & ENZO
(Together)
"Shema Yisroal Adonoi elohanu
Adonoi echod"

Kat and Maria look at each other and then their husbands in
amazement.

MARIA
What's that mean?

PAOLO
I don't know, but Papa taught it
to us.

ENZO
I was told by a colleague at the
hospital, that It's the prayer a
Jew is supposed to say before
dying. The translation is "Hear O
Israel The Lord Our God, The Lord
Is One"

INT. PAOLO PARISI'S HOME, JANUARY, 1974 - DAY

PAOLO
I heard from Enzo today, The
monument has been erected at the
cemetery. We need to have what's
called an unveiling.

KAT
What's that?

PAOLO
Enzo explained to me that the
Rabbi he talked to about
officiating at the memorial
service, told him what it was.
When a monument or headstone is
erected in a Jewish cemetery, it
is covered with a gauze covering.
Then at a later date there is a
religious ceremony where the
family and friends say their
final goodbyes, and remove the
covering. It's a way of giving
(MORE)

78.

PAOLO (cont'd)
closure to the death.

KAT
That's nice, Catholics should have
something like that. When will it
be?

PAOLO
Probably in February. But we have
to decide. It's got to be when
the kids can be there.

INT. BEVERLY HILLS, JANUARY, 1974 - NIGHT

ENZO* AND MATEO*'S APARTMENT

They've got their first visitor, a classmate from West
Germany, BERND MAYR, 19.

ENZO*
You know Mat, I'm glad Dad let me
move in with you, and bought me a
car, but I'm pissed that he never
told me our real name was
Ascarelli and he was Jewish. Maybe
he's ashamed of it. You know, I
don't know anything about your
religion

MATEO*
It's not my religion. Like I
said, we're heathens. We don't
practice any religion. Papa's
what's called a Delicatessen Jew.
He likes Jewish food, but doesn't
practice religion, and my Mom's
Catholic but not too good at it.

ENZO*
I'd like to learn something about
the Jewish religion, what do you
think?

79.

BERND
You know, it's funny, not ha ha
funny but weird funny, young
people feel more guilt in Germany
about the Nazis than the older
ones do. They won't admit it,
but you can see it in their eyes.

ENZO*
Well things are OK in Germany now,
aren't they?

BERND
For the most part, but we've still
got Nazis around, though they're
pretty much underground

MATEO*
To continue, we're supposed to be
descendants of Sephardic Jews,
originally from Spain. They have
a language called Ladino, it's
kind of a Spanish/Italian
dialect. I found a Sephardic
temple near here. Tifereth
Israel. I was thinking of
checking it out. Wanna go with
me?

ENZO*
Yeah, I do. I'm curious. (beat)
Are you getting religion?

MATEO*
I don't think so, just interested
in the heritage.

ENZO*
Enough about heritage and
religion, what about girls. You
like girls, don't you?

80.

MATEO*
I like girls, but I think you're
kind of cute, isn't he Bernd?

BERND
(Laughing)
I'm not getting in this
conversation.

ENZO*
You want to be a doctor? I could
never do that, I can't stand the
site of blood.

MATEO*
But you no problem being a blood
sucking lawyer? Hey Bernd, what
are you want to be when you grow
up?

BERND
A millionaire.

They laugh.

EXT. TEMPLE TIFERETH ISRAEL, BEVERLY HILLS,JAN.1974 - NIGHT

A FRIDAY EVENING

Mateo and Enzo are standing around in front of the Temple.
Bernd is with them. The three of them are watching people
go inside. A young couple, DREW AND DEBBIE GOLDMAN, late
teens, approaches them and says hello. Enzo whispers to
Mateo,

ENZO*
That's the most beautiful girl
I've ever seen.

DREW
Hi, I'm Drew, this is Debbie, my
sister.

81.

There is absolute joy in Enzo's face, on hearing that
they're siblings.

DEBBIE
Hello. Are you new in town?

MATEO*
Yeah, we're cousins. I'm from
Buenos Aires. My name's Mateo,
and this is my cousin Enzo from
Rio de Janeiro.

DEBBIE
You both have Italian names.

ENZO* & MATEO*
(together)
It's a long story.

DREW
I'm Drew.

BERND
Hello Drew, hello Debbie. I'm
Bernd.

DEBBIE
Hi Bernd, from your accent, I'd
guess you were German?

BERND
Yep.

The five of them engage in conversation. After a few
minutes,

DREW
We better go in.

The five of them go inside the temple for Friday night
services.

82.

INT. PAOLO PARISI'S HOME, FEB., 1974 - DAY

LIVING ROOM

PAOLO
I can hardly wait to go to Buenos
Aires I just wish my father was
alive.

KAT
I'm sure he's smiling down from
heaven.(beat) I'm happy that Enzo
will have a cousin in Los Angeles.

PAOLO
Me too, I think it's great, it's
like through our sons we can
capture the time we missed
together.

EXT. LA TABLADA CEMETERY, MARCH 1974 - DAY

LA TABLADA, SEPHARDIC JEWISH CEMETERY IN BUENOS AIRES. A
monument has been erected by Paolo and Enzo to their
parents, and the unveiling ceremony is about to begin.

Enzo turns and walks over to Enrico Garabaldi. He and Amelia
are sitting with Rochina Parisi, Paolo's adoptive mother.

ENRICO
I never thought I'd live to see
this day. Your mother and father
would be so proud. What fine
looking men,What wonderful
families you both have.

ENZO
Uncle Rico, you and Aunt Amelia
made my life possible. Without
you two, I would never have gone
to medical school. You really
were my parents.
(to Rochina)
Mrs, Parisi, you did a wonderful
job with Paolo. Thank you!

ROCHINA
Thank you Enzo, call me Rochina. I
just wish Antonio was here to see
this. He'd be so proud.
(MORE)

83.

            ROCHINA (cont'd)
      (she wipes a tear
       away)

PAOLO
Mama, why are you crying?

ROCHINA
It's nothing, these are happy
memory tears.

Paolo hugs her.

Amelia who is very frail is sitting in a wheelchair. Enrico,
Paolo and Enzo go over, stoop down, and the four of them are
hugging, laughing and crying.

AMELIA
(Tearfully)
Your mother and father would be so
proud of you. This is a sad day,
but it's happy too. You've both
grown into such fine men.

RABBI
YIS-GA-DAL, VA-YISH-KADDASH, SHEMA
RABBO.....

After the prayer for the dead, the Rabbi switches to
Spanish.

RABBI
We are gathered here this Sunday
morning, to honor and celebrate
the lives of Mateo and Gina
Ascarelli, father and mother to
Paolo and Enzo, and their uncle
Alessio.

Paolo!, Enzo!, please remove the
cover.

Paolo and Enzo, remove the gauze covering.The monument is
Italian marble imbedded in a rock like nest of granite. It's
about four feet tall, and three feet wide. A tree of life
is carved in the marble on the left side, photos of Mateo,
Gina, and Alessio that were supplied by the Garabaldi's are
encased in glass frames, and the inscription reads:

" IN LOVING MEMORY OF GINA FERMI ASCARELLI
MATEO SAMUELE ASCARELLI.
ALESSIO JOSHUA ASCARELLI

84.

MOTHER, FATHER AND UNCLE OF
PAOLO ASCARELLI PARISI
and ENZO ASCARELLI.

THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF ITALY AND WORLD
HUMANITY." 1944

When Paolo looks at the inscription, he is overwhelmed that
Enzo had used his adopted name on the monument. They hug
and cry a little. Many in the group have tears in their
eyes.

PAOLO
Thank you Enzo, this is wonderful.
The monument is beautiful.

ENZO
There's no need to thank me, the
Parisi's did a great job,
considering what they had to work
with.
(laughing)
We better get going.

KAT
What a beautiful monument.

ENZO
I can't take the credit, Maria
designed it and had it made

PAOLO
It's magnificent, Maria.

MARIA
Thanks

KAT
You're too modest Maria, Paolo's
right, the monument is wonderful.

ENZO
We better get going, we need to
get home before people start
arriving.

85.

EXT. ENZO'S RANCH - DAY

The men are playing football, Argentina against Brazil.

DIEGO
You guys stink. This is the
worst game of Football I've ever
seen.

MARCO
Shut up Diego. You better hope
your malpractice insurance is paid
up if you're needed.

ENZO
What malpractice insurance?

PAOLO
It's not the score, it's the
fellowship

The Argentineans yell GO BACK TO BRAZIL.

Just then, Mariano scores one for the Brazilians, that sets
off a cheer.

EDUARDO
Nice play, Mariano.

MARCO
I protest, he cheated

PAOLO
What cheated? We're going to beat
your Argentine asses.

ENZO
Don't be so sure, brother.

He then scores, tying the game.

86.

EXT. SWIMMING POOL AREA - DAY

Enzo*, Debbie, Mateo*, Gina and several of their friends are
in the pool playing water volleyball.

BERND
This is fun, but I'd like to ride
a horse. Can we go horseback
riding?

MATEO*
Sure, One of the Gauchos can pick
out a nag for you, so you won't
get hurt.

ENZO*
Debbie and I have better things to
do than ride horses.

DREW
Like what? Remember I'm your
chaperon.

GINA*
Drew, how would you like a tour of
the ranch?

DREW
I'd love it. Debbie, Enzo,
you're on your own.

Maria has just shown up at the pool with Kat.

MARIA
Thanks for leaving some water in
the pool.

MATEO*
(Grinning)
Your welcome Mama.

The young people begin to leave the pool area.

EXT. GAZEBO - DAY

In a Gazebo.

87.

GINA*
Do you like Buenos Aires?

DREW
I like any place you are. Why
don't you transfer to USC? We
could have a lot of fun together
in L. A.

GINA*
(Laughing)
I bet we could.

Drew pulls her close, and they start kissing.

DREW
I'm serious Gina, Why not USC?

GINA*
I'll think about it. Why don't
you come here during your Summer
break?

DREW
That would be great.

GINA*
You know, your summer's, our
winter.

DREW
I don't care.

GINA*
Good. Now let's find the others.
No quickie for you.

They both laugh and leave the Gazebo. They go to the
stables, where Bernd is holding on to a horse for dear life.
The horse is an old nag, but doesn't like being ridden
anymore. Bernd is yelling, and everyone else is laughing.

88.

INT. ENZO'S HOUSE, MARCH, 1974 - DAY

ENZO
Paolo, lets have a drink.

PAOLO
Sure. Just us or everyone?

ENZO
Everyone. Come on men, let's eat
drink and be merry.

He raises his glass, and looks to the right.

ENZO
Uncle TONIO! have a drink.

TONIO
I have one, Enzo.

ENZO
Paolo and I are very happy that
you and Nick are here.

PAOLO
Papa would be so happy to know you
are here. He's probably looking
down from heaven with Mama and
smiling.

NICK
Papa, tell Enzo and Paolo about
the time you and the minister
killed that asshole, forgive my
language.

ENZO
Yes, tell us about that.
(surprised)
My father killed someone?

TONIO
Yes he did. We were on our way
from your house to Rome, and were
pulled over by the head of state
security, a man named Rispoli. He
hated Jews in general, and your
father in particular.

He got in our car and sat next to
your father in the back seat. He
began spewing his filth, and your
father just listened. But then he
said some terrible things about
(MORE)

89.

            TONIO (cont'd)
your mother, and your father
choked him to death. It was
wonderful.
      (seriously)
Your father then said that
murderers could use first names,
and I should call him Mateo. I
couldn't. To me he was always Mr.
Minister.
      (grinning)
Of course, I then had to kill his
driver, which I did. We then set
fire to and blew up their car.

PAOLO
WOW! That's an amazing story

ENZO
Unbelievable! Good for you and
Papa.

NICK
Papa was with your uncle when he
was killed too.

PAOLO
How did it happen?

TONIO
Alessio by 1944 was a colonel in
the American army. He sneaked
back into Italy, undercover, and
became the leader of a partisan
unit. I was his number 2.

ENZO
This stuff is amazing, you should
write a book.

TONIO
Well, in Feb. 1944 we were on a
mission near Lake Como. We
surprised and killed a German
patrol. One of the soldiers was
just wounded though, and threw a
grenade, which killed Alessio and
another partisan. I then made
sure that that asshole was dead.

PAOLO
Uncle Tonio, when we leave here,
I'd like you to come back to Rio
de Janeiro and visit us for a
(MORE)

90.

PAOLO (cont'd)
while. O.K.?

TONIO
Are you sure?

PAOLO
Absolutely!

TONIO
I would really like to hear about
your lives, after you left Italy,
and were grown up.

Enzo and Paolo look at each other for several seconds.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. BUENOS AIRES, SIDEWALK CAFE, 1960 - DAY

A SIDEWALK CAFE

Enzo is sitting with Carlos and Diego good friends in their
late 20s, who are drinking mate. Enzo is having coffee. All
three of them are doctors.

DIEGO
Are you two ready for President
Eisenhower's visit?

CARLOS
There's nothing to get ready.
Traffic will be terrible.

ENZO
If Frondizi and Eisenhower stay
out of my way, I'll stay out of
theirs.

DIEGO
That's a lousy attitude, what's
your problem?

ENZO
No problem, just a lot on my mind.
The twins are at that awkward age
when they don't listen, and Maria
thinks I spend too much time at
the hospital.

91.

CARLOS
That's what surgeons do. She
should know that by now. How are
Mateo and Gina other than not
paying attention?

ENZO
(Laughing)
Frankly, they're two little pains
in the ass.

DIEGO
Don't talk about our god children
that way.

CARLOS
Yeah, after all these years of
knowing you, I'm sure it's you
that's the pain in the ass.

ENZO
Thanks, Amigos.
(seriously)
I'm meeting the head of the
cardiovascular surgery department
later today, and I hear he's not
thrilled to have a Jew on his
team.

DIEGO
What is he, one of the goddamned
Nazis that Peron let in?

CARLOS
Screw him. He's probably worried
that you'll show him up.

            ENZO
      (Rising from his
       chair.)
I better get going, I'm meeting
Lucca there too.

He leaves.

INT. LOBBY, HOSPITAL ITALIANO, 1960 - DAY

Enzo, is speaking with his brother in law, LUCCA SARMIENTO,
a doctor in his late 20s . Both men have been appointed to
the staff of the hospital. Enzo is a heart surgeon, and
Lucca is an internist.

92.

LUCCA
Did you ever think we'd be here?

ENZO
(Joking)
I never thought you'd be here.

LUCCA
Smart ass. Seriously, how are
things going?

ENZO
At home? The usual, I work too
hard, I don't spend enough time
with the kids, I'm selfish, want
more?

LUCCA
No, I'm sorry I asked. Are you up
for a row this weekend?

ENZO
Sure. Come by Saturday morning for
breakfast. That will make it
easier, you can help me finesse
Maria.

LUCCA
Fight your own battles, but I will
come for breakfast.

INT. DINING ROOM, ASCARELLI HOUSE, LATER - NIGHT

Enzo and Maria, are having dinner.

ENZO
Sofia phoned today. She only
called because she got a call
from Uncle Rico. They really like
being back in Italy?

93.

(OS) their kids, Mateo and Gina are loudly arguing.

MATEO
(In Italian)
Shut up, we can hardly hear
ourselves.

MATEO*
(Yelling)
Papa, I don't understand you,
blah, blah, blah, blah.

            ENZO
      (rising from his
       chair.)
I'll give you, blah, blah, blah.

Maria touches his arm and he sits down.

MARIA
Well, Doctor, how did it go today?

ENZO
I was shocked. I had heard that
Dr. Herter didn't want me on his
team, because I Jewish. But that
seems to be bullshit. He greeted
me like a long lost son.

MARIA
That's wonderful Enzo. Who told
you that stuff?

ENZO
One of the nurses.

MARIA
Maybe she has a problem with Jews.
If I were you, I'd steer clear of
her.

ENZO
I plan to. (beat) Now back to our
kids. I think god makes babies
cute and cuddly, so you won't kill
'em, because when they get older,
you sure as hell think about it.

94.

Maria realizes that Enzo is irritated.

MARIA
Dreams again?

ENZO
Yeah, Paolo and I are playing, and
my father comes in. He's in his
full dress Colonel's uniform, but
drops to the floor and starts
wrestling with us, uniform and
all. You know, he only did that
once, but now I dream about it all
the time. Then I see Paolo
reaching out to me. That's when I
wake up.

DREAM SEQUENCE: Young Paolo and Enzo are playing on the
floor in their home in Italy. Their father Mateo comes in
wearing full military uniform, he gets down on the floor and
begins tickling both boys.

Enzo wakes up.

MARIA
I think you should see someone
about these dreams

ENZO
I don't think so. (beat) Enough of
that. Send Uncle Rico and Aunt
Amelia some photos.

MARIA
What else did she say?

ENZO
Sofia? I'm not sure, I wasn't
really listening, Sofia's a real
pain in the ass, and a yenta.

MARIA
What's a Yenta?

95.

ENZO
(Laughing)
You're a Yenta.

MARIA
If it means what I think it means,
you'll be spending many lonely
nights .

ENZO
(Playfully)
OK, I'll tell you. It's a
busybody, a meddler.

MARIA
REALLY! I'll be sleeping alone
tonight.

He laughs, gets out of his chair, takes Maria by the arm,
pulls her up and presses her to him.

MARIA
(smiling broadly)
What is that thing poking me?

They laugh and leave the room together.

INT. BUENOS AIRES,HOSPITAL ITALIANO 1968 - DAY

OPERATING ROOM.

Enzo, assisted by a team of doctors and nurses is operating.

DIEGO
(from the gallery)
Look at Enzo, cool as a cucumber.
If I was performing Argentina's
first heart transplant, I'd be
sweating like a pig.

CARLOS
If you were operating, it would be
over. The patient would be dead
(laughter)
What do you think, Lucca?

96.

LUCCA
(joking)
I think we should all shut up and
watch.

ENZO
O. K. sew him up.

The crowd in the gallery erupts in applause and cheering.

INT. DOCTOR'S LOUNGE, LATER - DAY

Enzo is sitting in a chair with his head back, resting on a
headrest. He's still in scrubs. Suddenly the door bursts
open, and a group of doctors, friends of Enzo's rush in
carrying bottles of champagne. They pull Enzo out of the
chair, and begin hugging him and kissing him on his cheeks.
Enzo is overwhelmed by this reaction.

ENZO
What a reception. Have I been
elected president?

LUCCA
Better, you made medical history.
Everyone is proud of you, and
what you've done. We're all
walking a little taller today

DIEGO
You were so composed, I didn't see
one drop of sweat on your
forehead.

CARLOS
By the way, what you did is better
an being elected president.
Presidents here, sometimes kill
people.

MARCO
So do doctors.

97.

They laugh and start drinking champagne out of the only
containers available, sterilized urine beakers.

MARCO
You know, this even tastes like
piss.

LUCCA
You're such a classy guy, Marco.

DIEGO
Low class that is.

ENZO
(Laughing)
I hate to break this up, but I
better go make sure my patient is
still alive, and thanks for the
piss.

Enzo leaves the lounge.

INT. ENZO'S RANCH, DEN. - NIGHT

THE EVENING OF THE HEART TRANSPLANT

MARIA
How do you feel, now that you're a
star?

ENZO
Great, (Beat), now I'm the Jew
doctor with the golden hands
instead of just the Jew doctor.

MARIA
Stop it Enzo, they don't talk
about you like that. I think your
more conscious of being Jewish
than your friends are, and I don't
know why.

ENZO
Well, I've heard some snide
remarks I wasn't supposed to hear.

(MORE)

98.

ENZO (cont'd)

MARIA
You don't look Jewish, you're not
religious, and as far as I can
tell, the only Jewish thing you do
is eat pastrami and bagels.

They both start laughing. Enzo jumps out of his chair and
starts to tickle Maria. She squeals. He picks her up,
carries her into their bedroom, they get into bed still
laughing and make love

CUT TO

EXT. PAOLO PARISI'S HOUSE, 1960 - NIGHT

DRIVEWAY

Paolo is standing with Mariano, Eduardo, and Javier.

EDUARDO
So Paolo, who's idea was this
party for your parents?

PAOLO
Kat's of course.(beat) Listen, If
my parents arrive when they're
supposed to, all the other guests
will be inside. But if they come
early, can I count on you guys to
delay their entrance?

JAVIER
Of course.
(laughing)
We'll get Eduardo to lay down in
front of their car to slow them
down.

They laugh, and the talk turns to Football.

EDUARDO
Are we going to the game on
Saturday?

MARIANO
I'm absolutely going. Our teams
have to be sharp, so they can kick
the shit out of Argentina in the
(MORE)

99.

MARIANO (cont'd)
Cup.

PAOLO
Yes, we're going! But right now,
I've got my parent's party to
worry about.

JAVIER
What party? Are we here for a
party, (beat) Nobody told me.

MARIANO
(loudly)
The match will be fun, unless
Paolo's going to preach to us
about the favelas again.

PAOLO
Screw you. I don't preach, I
enlighten.

EDUARDO
I have to agree with Mariano on
this one, your enlightenment
sounds a hell of a lot like
preaching.

INT. PAOLO'S HOUSE, 1960 - NIGHT

There's about 50 guests, a banner is hanging across the room
saying:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MAMA AND PAPA

and the lights have been turned off. After a few seconds,
the honored guests arrive. The lights are switched on.
Everyone yells Happy Anniversary! Paolo and Sofia rush up
to the startled couple. They greet and hug them.

ROCHINA
Paolo, you did all this for us?

100.

PAOLO
It's your 35th anniversary, of
course this is for you.

ANTONIO
I knew. Enzo* dropped a hint.

PAOLO
(Laughing)
I'll kill that big mouth son of
mine.

ROCHINA
Don't you dare touch a hair on my
grandson's head.

The band strikes up "O Solo Mio", and all the Italians in
the room join in the singing. Paolo rushes up to the band,
takes the microphone from the singer, and begins singing in
a loud voice.

KAT
What a horrible voice.

EDUARDO
That's why he should go into
politics, he sure as hell can't
sing.

ROCHINA
Shush, he's got a beautiful voice.

ANTONIO
I love my son, but his voice
sounds like a hyena.

The group laughs. After the song, Paolo comes over and
kisses his wife and parents.

PAOLO
(Looking around)
Where's Enzo*?

Enzo can be seen going off with some friends.

ROCHINA
Leave him alone Paolo.

101.

The party lasts quite a while, and is very festive. Paolo
stays with the group for a while, then goes off by himself.
Kat approaches.

KAT
Anything wrong? You look worried.

PAOLO
Nothing's wrong, I was just
thinking about Enzo.

KAT
Enzo, what happened to Enzo?

PAOLO
Not our Enzo, my brother,Enzo. For
some reason I've been thinking
about him a lot. I think back to
the day we found out that he and
Mr. Garabaldi were killed when the
German's sunk their ship. Only
seven years old. Christ!

Kat hugs him , he looks at her.

PAOLO
Do you have any idea how much I
love you? I hope we'll be
together at least 40 years. Let's
dance, this is a party. Remember?

KAT
We'll be together longer than
that. In fact I'm kind of in the
mood now.

PAOLO
In the mood for what?

Kat gives Paolo a seductive look.

PAOLO
(Laughing)
That's an offer I can't refuse.

KAT
You should be happy. When I first
met you, I thought you were a
conceited bastard, a know it all.
(MORE)

102.

KAT (cont'd)

PAOLO
That's a good thing, huh?

KAT
I'm serious. I've never told you
this, but it was Mariano who told
me what happened to your parents
and brother in the war. I
realized then, that you had put a
hard shell around yourself.

PAOLO
You're kidding! (beat) Mariano?

Just then, Mariano and his date walk up to them. Paolo
kisses Mariano on his cheek.

KAT
(Laughing)
I knew it. I always thought you
two were much too close.

The two couples go off to the dance floor.

INT. BANCO ITAU, 1970 - DAY

Paolo is talking to a bank customer. RODRIGO GINSBERG A
furniture manufacturer, late 50s, who wants to build a new
factory.

PAOLO
Mr. Ginsberg, I think we can help
you finance your factory.

RODRIGO
Very good, Paolo, and please, call
me Rodrigo.

PAOLO
OK, Rodrigo. Where do you hope to
find your work force?

RODRIGO
We're building not far from a
Favela, and I hope we can give
some of those people work.

103.

PAOLO
(Smiling broadly)
You sound like a man after my own
heart. I think...

Paolo stops in mid-sentence. He notices some commotion
outside his office, and sees a man waving a gun, BANK
ROBBER, swarthy, but muscular, mid 30s.

PAOLO
(seriously)
Rodrigo, I want you to listen to
me. There's a man in the bank
pointing a gun.

RODRIGO
(excitedly)
OH MY GOD!

PAOLO
(Quietly)
Calm down. Just sit there and
please, dont turn around.

The man with the gun has his back to Paolo's office, and is
waving for the bank customers and employees to move to one
side.

BANK ROBBER
(Agitated)
MOVE, MOVE QUICKLY!

Paolo quietly gets out of his chair and goes to his office
door.

BANK ROBBER
I'll kill the first person who
doesn't follow my orders.

Paolo very quietly opens the door. He rushes out the door.
The robber hears him, and turns around. Paolo is about two
feet from him.

BANK ROBBER
(Startled)
STOP!

Paolo runs in a crouch. The robber fires, just missing
Paolo's head. Paolo tackles the robber, knocks the gun from
his hand, and begins beating him with his fists.

104.

PAOLO
(Angrily)
You son of a bitch!

Paolo is so involved, he barely hears the cheering and
clapping. Several men pull him off the robber, who is now
unconscious.

BANK EMPLOYEE
Mr. Parisi,you could have killed
him.

PAOLO
Good.

Paolo is surrounded by customers and employees patting him
on his back, and shaking his hand.

RODRIGO
(smiling broadly)
You're my kind of banker.

PAOLO
Thank you Rodrigo. Excuse me for
a minute.

Paolo goes back to the would be robber, and kicks him.

PAOLO
You son of a bitch. That should
teach you not to try to rob Banco
Itau.

The robber has regained consciousness. and the police are
taking him away.

BANK EMPLOYEE
Mr. Parisi, please. Sit down.

Television, radio and newspaper reporters surround Paolo,
and begin throwing questions at him.

EXT. BOTAFOGA AREA OF RIO, 1970, SAME DAY - DAY

AN HOUR AFTER THE ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY

Antonio Parisi is talking with some friends on the street.
his car door is being held open by his chauffeur. The car
radio is on and an announcer is talking.

105.

RADIO ANNOUNCER (os)
Bank Itau Vice President Paolo
Parisi was shot at when a man with
a gun attempted to rob the bank,
and was holding bank employees and
customers hostage.

Antonio suddenly clutches his head with both hands, and
falls to the ground.

RADIO ANNOUNCER (os)
The would be robber missed, when
he fired his gun, and Mr. Parisi
tackled and subdued him. Mr.
Parisi suffered no injuries.
Witnesses lauded Mr. Parisi's
bravery.

The Chauffeur and two of Antonio's friends place him in the
car, and the drive as fast as they can to Hospital
Samaritano a few blocks away

INT. HOSPITAL SAMARITANO WAITING ROOM - DAY

PAOLO
Papa's driver said he was
listening to the radio about what
happened at the bank this morning,
when he collapsed. I would never
have done it if I thought the news
could kill my father

ROCHINA
Stop it Paolo, it's not your
fault.

KAT
Papa will be fine. He's strong as
a horse.

ROCHINA
I don't know what I would do if I
lose Antonio. I've been telling
him for months to go to the doctor
about his headaches.

106.

KAT
Mama, can I get you something to
drink?

ROCHINA
No, no, I just want to hear from
the doctor.

A few minutes later, a DOCTOR appears.

DOCTOR
Mrs. Parisi, I'm so sorry, we did
everything we could

Rochina collapses to the floor and begins shrieking. Paolo
and Kat kneel down and try to comfort her but she just gets
louder. After a few seconds, the doctor motions to a nurse
who comes over and hands the doctor a syringe. The doctor
administers a shot to Rochina. He turns to Paolo

DOCTOR
This should quiet her down for
some time.

Rochina passes out. A gurney is brought, and she is put on
it and carried out of the waiting area.

INT. ROCHINA PARISI'S HOME, 1970 - DAY

LIVING ROOM

The house is full of people. They have returned from
Antonio's funeral.

EDUARDO
Paolo, can I get you anything?

PAOLO
Thanks, Eduardo, I'm fine.

MARIANO
It was a beautiful ceremony. Your
father was a great man, Paolo.

107.

Kat comes up to them, she's looking for their son, ENZO*,
he's 15.

KAT
Paolo, have you seen Enzo? I can't
find him.

PAOLO
I'm sure he's somewhere in this
crowd.

KAT
Ah, I'll just keep looking.

She walks away.

PAOLO
Well, now I'm worried about Mama.
She looks lost.

Javier comes up to Paolo, he has just arrived.

JAVIER
I'm sorry I couldn't make the
funeral Paolo, I got here as soon
as I could.

PAOLO
Don't worry about it, Javier.
Thanks for being here. In fact
thanks to the three of you. I
really appreciate what you've
done.

MARIANO
Now that the funeral is over, I
want to hear all about the
exploits of Captain Marvel

EDUARDO
Yeah, Paolo, tell us all about it.
Aren't you getting too old to be a
hero?

PAOLO
What do you mean too old? I'm in
my prime.

JAVIER
Was the newspaper report right?

108.

PAOLO
It was no big deal. I just acted
on instinct. The only thing I
regret, is that it brought on my
father's stroke. Bank robberies
are an American problem. We don't
have them in Brazil.

JAVIER
Your father would have had his
stroke anyway, you can't blame
yourself.

EDUARDO
That's right, they call high blood
pressure, the silent killer.

MARIANO
You know, Paolo, I don't know if I
would have had the courage to do
what you did.

Paolo's three friends pat him on the shoulder, hug him and
leave.

The house begins to empty.

INT. PAOLO'S HOUSE, DINING ROOM, 2007 - DAY

Paolo and Kat are having dinner with their son Enzo*, his
wife, GLORIA, LATE 40S, PRETTY, their granddaughter, LAURA,
23 , and his great nephew, Diego.

PAOLO
So Diego, what's this I hear that
you want to write a story about
our family?

DIEGO A
Yes, Uncle. I think you and
grandpa have very interesting
stories. I couldn't believe my
ears when Uncle Tonio was telling
war tales at Grandpa's house.

LAURA
What's so interesting?

DIEGO A
See, that's what I mean. Laura,
do you know anything about our
family history?

109.

LAURA
Not really, I'm not much
interested in History.

ENZO*
You should be, young lady.

GLORIA
Enzo! How can she know anything
about that? You never talk about
it.
(to Diego)
It's a good idea, Papa, will you
help?

PAOLO
I'm getting old, I'll see if I can
remember anything.
(laughter)
Of course, What do you want to
know, Diego?

DIEGO A
Anything you can tell me about
your life before you and Grandpa
found each other after, I think it
was 34 years.

LAURA
(excitedly)
34 YEARS! I didn't know that.

PAOLO
Well, Diego, after Dinner, we can
go into the library and have a
talk. Can you stay a few days?

DIEGO A
Sure. That would be great!

INT. PAOLO'S HOUSE, DINING ROOM, 2007 - DAY

Paolo, Kat and Diego are having breakfast.

KAT
Do you have to leave today, Diego?

DIEGO A
Yes, Aunt Kat, I've got to get
ready for school.

110.

PAOLO
These four days have flown by. You
made me remember things I haven't
thought of in years.

DIEGO A
Is that good or bad?

PAOLO
(laughing)
Very good, indeed. By the way,
have you told your parents and
grand parents that you decided not
to go to medical school?

DIEGO
No yet, but I have to soon.

PAOLO
If I were you, I'd tell your
grandfather first. He's very
understanding, and e loves you
very much.

DIEGO
Thanks Uncle Paolo, I think I'll
take your advice. I better get
going, my plane leaves in two
hours.

PAOLO
Don't worry, we're driving you to
the airport.

DIEGO
Thanks again.

INT. ENZO'S HOUSE, 2007 - DAY

Enzo and Diego are talking in the Library. Enzo has a thick
sheaf of papers on his lap.

DIEGO A
(Anxiously)
Well, Grandpa, what do you think?

            ENZO
      (proudly)
What I think, Diego is that you
are a terrific writer! I can't
believe you put this together with
the small conversations you had
            (MORE)

111.

ENZO (cont'd)
with me and Uncle Paolo.

Diego jumps out of his chair, and gives Enzo a big hug.

            DIEGO
      (happily)
I'm so glad you like it. But I
didn't just talk to you and Uncle
Paolo. I had long talks with
Uncle Rico, Mrs. Parisi, Grandma,
Aunt Kat, and of course Uncle
Tonio.
      (pause)
It's interesting, Uncle Tonio put
me in touch with the nephew of
your father's best friend, the
German officer who was stationed
at the Vatican.

ENZO
(excitedly)
Are you kidding? von Freisleben?

DIEGO
No, that was his mother's maiden
name, the sister of Tomas. He's
an American, and was very helpful.
He had found letters between his
mother and uncle, and sent me
copies.

ENZO
That's amazing. But Uncle Rico,
Rochina and Uncle Tonio are all
their in their nineties? Were they
much help?

DIEGO
Their bodies may be old, but their
minds are very clear, Uncle Rico
misses Aunt Amelia very much. You
can hear it in his voice.

ENZO
So what are you going to do with
this?

DIEGO
Well, Grandpa, now's as good a
time to tell you as any. I'm
going to be a writer, not a
doctor. I'm not cut out for
medicine, the sight of blood
(MORE)

112.

DIEGO (cont'd)
almost makes me faint.

ENZO
You get that from your mother's
side. I'm not going to say I'm
not disappointed, but I believe
people have to lead their own
lives. You do what you think is
best for you.

Diego jumps up again, and hugs Enzo. He kisses him on the
head.

DIEGO
Thank you Granndpa.

ENZO
Soooo, you never answered me. What
are you going to do with these
pages?

DIEGO
I already did it. I sold the
story to "Gente", and they are
publishing it in four
installments. They came up with
the name, "Sons Of Our Father",
pretty cool, huh?

Enzo jumps out of his seat, and almost trips. Diego catches
him.

DIEGO
Easy, Grandpa, easy.

            ENZO
      (tears streaming
       down his face)
I'm so proud of you!

They hug, and Enzo kisses Diego's cheek.

EXT. CEMETERY, RIO, 2008 - DAY

Paolo is being buried. The priest has just finished the
graveside service.

PRIEST
Amen.
(he motions)
Dr. Ascarelli.

113.

Enzo stands at the head of Paolo's coffin.

ENZO
What can I say? Paolo wasn't only
my brother, he was my best friend
until 1939. For thirty four
years, we both thought the other
was dead. We were reunited in
1973, and he became my best friend
again until four days ago.

I'm sure we'll meet again, and
beome best friends,
(smiles)
later

There is faint laughter in the crowd. Enzo goes to Kat and
her family. Kat kisses his cheek.

KAT
(tearfully)
Thank you Enzo.

The crowd begins to disperse.

THE END

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