THE LEOPARD
JUNE 1860
AFTER TWO MONTHS OF FIGHTING, GARIBALDI AND THE THOUSAND CONQUER SICILY.
THE ISLAND IS ON THE VERGE OF BECOMING PART
OF THE NEW KINGDOM OF ITALY.
There are so many soldiers. Look at them all.
As far as the eye can see.
-So many. -One thousand.
Excuse me, signora.
Do you happen to remember that you saw to it, not so long ago,
anybody wearing those colours would have to be shot?
Indeed.
You're aware what they say, Prince, I'm sure.
"A tree of strength bends with the wind."
So now we have to be accommodating towards our new patrons.
What is this I hear about needing these new permits?
A permit required for travel.
Ah.
Summer is here, but I've seen that every road to exit the city
now has a blockade.
At this time of year, I take my family to Donnafugata,
but I'm being told that I must have some kind of permit or other.
Of course, the charming palace of Donnafugata.
The crystal-clear water and mountain air…
Nowhere near the hellish heat of a city that has just been occupied.
It's nothing any different to what we always do.
We have been travelling there as a family for many centuries.
But to make the journey, you need my permission.
No.
Only your confirmation.
Anyway…
it's no longer in my power who does or doesn't get a permit.
Who does have that power?
Did you see that man with the red beard on a horse?
He does.
Wonderful, wonderful.
Long live Garibaldi!
Look, it's Tancredi.
Tancredi!
Tancredi.
Over here!
Tancredi!
Long live Italy!
Tassoni, Cavriaghi.
Meet my uncle, the Prince of Salina, the Leopard.
And my aunt, the princess.
-My pleasure, Prince. -My Princess.
They thought we didn't speak Italian. That we had our own language.
What language did they think Sicilians spoke?
Arabic.
Is it true there's only 1,000 of you?
Used to be. Now there's a few more.
Tancredi, what did you do to your eye?
Captain Tancredi, Aunt Stella.
It's nothing. It won't stop me from marching.
Concetta!
Where is she?
Concetta!
-Concetta. -Make way.
-Concetta, don't be worried. -Ah.
What happened to your eye, Tancredi?
You don't need to worry about me. Promise you won't.
Long live Garibaldi!
What are those men doing?
They're prisoners. Who knows?
Aren't prisoners supposed to be locked up in jail?
They were set free on General Garibaldi's orders.
Long live Italy!
Time to get my family out of here.
-Let's go. -Come on.
-Delighted. -Chiara, Caterina, let's go.
Come on Let's go, girls.
-Francesco. -Arrivederci.
Chiara?
Concetta!
May I?
You may.
See you later.
-Why? What are you doing? -I have some business with Tancredi.
What is it, Fabrizio?
Pirrone, you come with me. As a guarantee.
Arrivederci, Tancredi.
-You will visit us soon, won't you? -As soon as I can.
Come on, let's go.
Hey!
Let's celebrate! Garibaldi's here!
-Out of my way. -Do you want a drop, Father?
If we'd have been up against an army of soldiers
like the prince, none of us would have made it.
Come upstairs, little priest! I have to confess!
Bombello is the commander of the advance forces.
If you need a permit, he would have to sign it.
Where is he from, this colonel?
He's Milanese.
I will get this permit, one way or another.
Even If it takes asking in Arabic.
I'm telling you, it won't make any difference.
-Get out of my way. -Oh, how rude.
I will convince him to grant it. Everyone has a price.
Yes, Uncle, but no one here was paid to fight, remember?
What are you doing? You can't leave me here!
-You're with us. -You can't leave me!
They're here because they believe in this, Uncle.
You must have lots of cloaks at home.
Open the gate.
Let us in!
Colonel Bombello.
My uncle, the Leopard, Prince of Salina.
People tell me you're a count, yes?
Would you prefer it, then, if I addressed you by your title?
Lieutenant Cavriaghi is also a count here,
and even if his manners make us forget, so is Lieutenant Tassoni,
would you believe.
I prefer not to confuse our lines of command.
Ah.
There's still a war on, remember?
I prefer to label it as an occupation.
But I'll get straight to the point.
My family and I will go to our family estate as usual--
Prince, please…
-In Donnafugata. -No one leaves here without permission.
The countryside is still in open insurrection.
Ah. Here in Palermo, it's much the same as it is out there.
Back to the point.
I understand that you're concerned about our safety,
And I am prepared to relieve you of that responsibility, even in writing.
You don't have the authority to do that, at this time.
You're on my island, you're aware.
And this is my city.
Yes, take me. You're so handsome, Prince.
Hmm.
Everything's still the same as normal, hmm?
Around here, women like me are still putting pots of basil in their windows.
Same as always.
And doing great business with the invaders, I'd imagine, huh?
Hmm.
Does the Leopard feel a little invaded?
Hmm?
Is he going to get his claws out? Hmm?
If Bombello does not hand me the permit to go to Donnafugata,
I shall indeed show him my claws.
Mm.
Is it so unbearable, being here with me? Hmm?
I'm done for today.
Wake up, Father.
I hope you haven't been lonely, robbed or molested.
I'd rather you didn't keep staring at me in that way.
It's clear I'm a man who is without willpower.
But what I am is a man of vigour.
And passion, as well.
How can I settle for a woman who, after every single embrace,
has to recite an Ave Maria.
Five children, we've had together.
And she's never even allowed me to see her bellybutton.
Would you like to make a confession?
-Ah! -Ah, bah, bah, bah.
Do as you see fit.
I mean It's your soul, yeah?
But I'm expecting you to stop involving me in everything you're doing.
I'm going home without my cloak.
You have to question the value in it, though, don't you?
I thought we just conquered them, did we not?
Now here we are, riding through an oven to bow down to a Prince of Bourbon.
A prince is a prince, Tassoni.
Yeah, sure.
Anyway, we're all Italians now.
Hmm. Come on, you polenta faces.
A rather impressive family home, Tancredi.
I tried to warn you, Cavriaghi.
Don Tancredi, is your colonel considering attacking us with that toothpick?
Signor Russo, good morning.
We appreciate the warm welcome, though.
No doubt it'll get even warmer as the day progresses.
Boys, come, take their horses.
Your Excellency, we are honoured by your hospitality.
There's no need to stand on ceremony.
-May I introduce my wife? -Princess.
Oh, goodness.
Ah, here she comes, the impressively punctual one, Concetta,
Tancredi!
Show some restraint.
You're very welcome, all of you.
The pleasure is ours, Donna Concetta.
Shall we?
Tancredi.
Concetta.
The colonel sent an invitation to our ball, but it was declined.
He was most unimpressed.
Which ball?
Your father didn't tell you?
What on earth does he do all day, I wonder?
He's getting nervous. It's almost July, and we're stuck here.
So I see, Concetta.
Aren't you going to the convent this year?
Not while the anarchists are still there.
Actually, please do your duty badly and make sure it continues just so.
I'll do my best to be bad.
We've had a little buffet prepared. Nothing special.
Please do go ahead and help yourselves.
-Something to drink? -Would you like some pastries?
-I would love some. -Don't worry. I'll convince him.
They're delicious. Sicilian pastries are famous.
Prince, I'd been told of the wonders that lay hidden here but…
Were you born here?
Yes, we've always lived here.
They're rather delightful, I suppose?
Marvellous, yes.
Why don't we get you up there, to take a closer look?
Yes, come on. Let's make a little podium for you.
Move that little table over there. That'll do nicely.
Mario, put a chair there as well. That will make a perfect little step.
Then the Colonel can climb up.
Please do.
It's Janus.
The first of the Gods.
The God of passages.
From war to peace, or from one life to another.
I have to say when you're surrounded by such things, after a while,
I'm afraid to say you barely notice them.
This palace of ours is full of frescoes.
Much the same as all of our houses, I have to say.
The frescoes are particularly wonderful in Palazzo Donnafugata.
And how would I go to Donnafugata?
I would have to give you permission.
Brandy?
♪ Fly, my thoughts ♪
♪ On wings of gold ♪
♪ Go settle upon the slopes ♪
♪ And the hills ♪
I have to say that, despite the unbearable heat,
this island holds many wonders.
Regarding my invitation to our ball, I'd like to address your refusal.
As you can understand, it was disheartening.
It disheartened the general.
So the great Garibaldi pays particular attention to my family's non-presence
at this ball?
When the family choosing not to attend is yours,
he certainly does.
We're not averse to balls, though, are we, Tancredi?
However, with its title, "The Ball for Liberation,"
it makes it very difficult for us to accept the invitation.
Many of the other great families of the island
have confirmed that they're coming.
We Sicilians appreciate nothing in the world
more than a welcome so insincere.
Don't look so affronted. I'm having fun with you.
You mustn't take us so seriously. I'm joking.
Hm.
-I'm not used to it here yet. -Here's what we'll do.
All of my family and I will accept your invitation
for the Ball for Liberation.
In return, perhaps you'll be able to sign to give us permission
to go to Donnafugata.
Prince, am I to believe, then, that your friendship isn't sincere?
It couldn't be more sincere.
But on this island, being friends also involves
other transactions, and… sometimes that's favours.
No, this is a precedent, see?
And it's insulting too.
For the grace of God.
I offer you my friendship,
but for some reason you try to turn it into an insult.
Captain Tancredi, go and tell our men choir rehearsal is finished for today.
Yes, Colonel. Excuse me.
-It was a pleasure to meet you. -Goodbye, Caterina.
-Likewise. -Aunt.
Tancredi.
-Until soon, I hope. -I hope so too, son.
Arrivederci, Tancredi.
Concetta.
Donna Concetta…
It was indeed a great pleasure to be a guest here,
if only for a short while this time.
You are always welcome to visit us.
I'm grateful, Princess.
Colonel, notwithstanding your Teutonic rigidity,
I would say you're clearly not a bad person at all.
You're welcome to come back here.
My prince.
Well, then?
I think we'll be needing Balsamo. Can you arrange that?
She always wants the same dresses as me.
There's no point arguing.
-I'll always be the best-dressed, anyway. -Beautiful, my dear.
-It looks perfect, Concetta. Really. -Let go.
-I really like this one. -What's your opinion, Concetta?
I don't find the colour displeasing.
What do you think?
Is it possibly a bit… little-girlish?
I'm going to have a dress made.
-Hmm. -Balsamo.
Could you make her look like a young lady, not like a little girl?
Certainly.
-My Prince. -Yes.
You'll see, you'll see.
-Go, go. Carefully. -All right.
-Caterina, it's you. -Coming.
-No, no, Caterina, it's my turn. -Chiara.
Be careful!
You'll never change.
They treat us as if we're already obsolete,
and we're just supposed to take it and pander to them.
Paolo, I've been to hundreds of balls in my lifetime,
more often than not, held by people I didn't care for.
-Like this. -Just so?
It's not a bad way of keeping the peace, is it?
You'll kowtow to them.
-Huh? -You'll kowtow to them.
No, not at all. They'll kowtow to me.
You can't eat sweets. They've taken your measurements.
I'll eat as much as I please.
And what if these Redshirts want to make a whore of your daughter?
You saw the way that colonel looked at Concetta.
-I know that you saw that. -Silence.
Shame on you.
Just like you, Father Pirrone? Always playing dumb.
Even when the prince visits his harlot.
Excuse me, Mother.
Excuse me, everyone.
Please carry on, Balsamo.
Prince, you came.
I thought you had declined the invitation.
Very wise of you to come, I'd say.
Good evening, Governor.
Signor Russo.
Reassure me that your man has started shafting this chap already, hasn't he?
Baskets and baskets on a daily basis.
Wonderful.
Uncle, the colonel is thrilled that you're here.
Uncle, why has the dancing not begun yet?
It's one thing is to accept the invitation,
it's another thing altogether to turn up and enjoy yourself.
Cesco, dance with Concetta.
Go. Do as I say, son.
Go and find two dancers for your cousins.
-Certainly, Uncle. -Junior officers only. Hmm?
He hasn't stopped staring at you since we arrived.
Tassoni, Cavriaghi, follow me.
A pleasure.
Chiara, Caterina…
Yes, Papa.
Be brave, my boy. Be brave.
Tancredi, Concetta, how about a dance?
Is it classed as insubordination if I ask him to stop staring at me?
Concetta, how many times have we danced with each other?
Once. Right here.
No, impossible.
Yes, I would have recalled it.
If you're doing what you appear to be doing…
you scolded Paolo
just for being well aware of your intention, you know.
Me? I scolded him?
I believe it was you who struck him, if I'm not mistaken.
Look at him.
He would eat the medals on his chest to be able to touch her hand for just
for just one minute.
My father has a woman in the city.
Are you not shocked by that?
Actually, I'm not, Concetta.
I'm just surprised that you know.
It's common knowledge. But it seems not to bother anyone.
Concetta, he's the Leopard. He decides how the world operates.
And we just have to do everything he says, is that right?
Yes, it's a little like that.
I can understand why Bombello's been staring at every moment.
I shall go and get two glasses of champagne.
-Prince-- -What a wonderful evening.
A perfectly marvellous event, Colonel.
You and your family have done us an honour.
I was wondering…
Would you grant me the honour of dancing with your wonderful daughter, Concetta?
But of course.
Of course you may. But first, I have to ask you something.
Might you still be determined to see us unhappy?
For a small favour between us, huh?
Come on, Colonel.
Such a fuss about a simple signature for me?
You agree?
Concetta.
Concetta?
Would you like to dance with our new friend Bombello?
It'd be a pleasure.
Brilliant. Off you go, then.
Donna Concetta.
Make way.
Who is in charge here?
I am.
Your permit.
It is signed by Colonel Bombello.
Thank you. On you go.
Ah.
Colonel Bombello
would like to write to you when he gets back to Milan.
Are you going to permit that?
Maybe I should respond saying you are returning to the convent, hmm?
He is a count, though.
Not a bad partner.
Eh.
It's you who's forcing me to return to the convent, though.
Hmm?
What are you saying?
Telling me off, are you, young lady?
You are forcing me.
Otherwise, I'd be able to stay in Palermo, like you've allowed Paolo.
The point is with Paolo,
he needs to stay there to make sure the house is looked after.
Anyway, he's happy, planning a counter-revolution.
Maybe we could ask him to plot an assassination of Bombello.
How do you think he'd do?
He'd completely mess it up and probably end up as his prisoner.
Yes, that wouldn't go well.
Concetta. Come and join me.
Would you like a drink?
No, thank you.
What happened to your eye, Tancredi?
I remember you promised you wouldn't worry about me out there.
You're mistaken. You asked me not to worry about you,
but I didn't promise not to.
Concetta, I have to return to them.
Bombello gave me leave to escort you all to Donnafugata,
but then I must go back to my unit.
Do you ever think about what it would be like
not to have been born where we were born?
Or when we were born?
Or if we hadn't been born at all? Do you ever think about that?
All of a sudden, you're a philosopher now, are you?
Concetta, listen to me.
Don't return to the convent.
We could escape from here, Concetta, you and I.
We could take two horses, a boat… and go anywhere we want.
Together, we could run away, and it would stay the same.
Can you imagine, just me and you?
Just picture that, Concetta.
I could talk to my father about it.
That would be the end of me.
He's nowhere near as terrifying as he'd like to think.
He'd have me shot. You mustn't say a word.
I couldn't possibly run away, Tancredi.
They're here!
Our lord the prince is here!
Wake up!
Come!
Come! The prince has arrived! Wake up! Come!
Our lord the prince is here!
Our lord the prince has arrived. He's arrived. Finally.
He's here! He's here. Our lord the prince has arrived.
-Wait? -Yes?
-Come here. You… -Yes.
-Go and wake up the bandmaster. -What shall I do?
Give me the sash.
Which one? Which one?
The red one.
Help me.
They're coming.
They're coming. Move. Out of the way.
Uh, maestro, play. Play now.
My dear Prince.
Prince, the violence and oppressive heat are now behind you.
You'll have no harassment here, Prince.
Political bandits won't find you here, just the traditional ones.
Signor Russo and his men are no longer needed.
Russo, it would seem that you're able to go now.
My prince.
Mayor, I see you haven't raised any flags, not the old one or the new one either.
No, uh, my, uh, Prince. I suppose I thought it better to wait.
Each town, ours included,
must vote on whether we wish to unify with the mainland, with Italy.
We, the conquered, are asked for our opinion
on whether we wish for our conquerors to remain here
or simply go away.
They should have asked us this question before coming here.
We could've saved them the effort of invading us at all.
Just up there.
That flag there, yes.
Use the old one there.
-Yes. Yes. -For now, anyway.
Yes. Erm…
Tonight, as is customary, you are cordially invited to dine with us.
Along with your wife as well.
An honour as always, my Prince,
but my wife is terribly unwell, I'm afraid.
When I last saw her, she wouldn't even open the windows.
Every year, though, you answer the invitation
with an identical response.
In truth, I'm doubting whether she even exists here.
Of course she exists, Prince.
I... I could bring someone else, with your permission. My daughter?
-Angelica? -Yes.
-She's still a baby. -She's 18 now.
I don't believe it any more than you do, believe me.
Every day, I think, "You're nothing to do with me, are you?"
So, bring her, then.
We would normally recommend formal evening wear,
but we don't stand on ceremony.
I have it. I have it, Prince.
Princess.
Lady Concetta.
Goodness, my!
Look at how grown they are.
-Don Calogero. -How marvellous, marvellous.
Marvellous. Please, on you go.
-How are you? Good. -Welcome.
Enough. Enough. Maestro, enough! Enough!
-There will be ten dining this evening. -Very good.
The journey feels longer. It's unbearable.
I hope we'll have time to freshen up.
-I hope so. -Come on, hurry up.
Enough, come on.
Whoa.
Be careful, Francesco.
Ah.
That's not fair. Wait for me.
Come on!
Yes?
-Father. -Concetta.
I hope that I can confide in you.
Of course you can.
This bandage is filthy.
Go and fetch something new for me.
Yes, Don Tancredi.
Bring me a silk sash or something, as long as it's clean. Hmm?
Certainly.
My instinct fights against everything I've ever been taught.
Concetta, the body… mustn't prevail over the soul at any time.
That'd be sinful.
And that would mean my father is being sinful.
As are you,
because you permit him to lie and therefore you're also implicated.
No, no, no, no, no, Concetta, no.
The weight upon your father's soul is his… Your soul, mind you, is yours alone.
Anyway…
this complicated emotion that you're currently feeling
is it not just…
How should I say?
A desire of the physical?
No.
No, erm…
It's an emotion much greater.
And a simple, calm emotion I've never been aware of before.
Hmm.
The boy in question… who is he?
His name.
Can you also share that with me?
You have to tell Don Fabrizio.
No, Princess. I mustn't.
-However, coming from a mother… -You must do it.
If it comes from me, he'll assume I'm planning something.
But are you not doing so?
Pardon me. Forgive me, Princess.
You can go.
Who is it?
I'm sorry, Your Excellency.
-What is it? -Father Pirrone.
He's insisting that he needs to see you.
At this hour? Can he not wait?
Fine, let him in.
Oh, Father. Come, now. No need to blush.
In all those seminary years,
I've no doubt you saw a lot of men's bodies, no?
Pass me that big towel over there.
That one.
-What on earth are you doing? -I'm sorry, Your Excellency.
So…
Come on.
Spit it out.
Confess all. What is going on?
Your Excellency, it's regarding Concetta.
What is it with Concetta?
Uh, she's opened up her heart, you see… regarding a question of, um…
Yes?
A question that is currently tormenting her profoundly.
Emotions are tormenting her, Your Excellency.
Concetta's in love with someone?
-Mm-hmm. -Who's she in love with? Who is it?
Tell me it's not that pretentious prig Bombello?
No, no, Your Excellency.
It is definitely not that one.
Who is it, then?
Dear God!
Girls seem to fall for Tancredi like ripe pears from a tree.
Concetta will have to stand in line with the other girls who are desperate.
Have you considered he might feel the same about her?
An identical desire for each other in both of them?
And that feeling this overwhelming love, he might just dismiss all the others.
Did you already know this was happening?
I have eyes, Fabrizio.
And a mind that's impure, yes.
Oh, I don't know… I already pay for everything for that boy.
He's a burden on my finances,
and then I'd have to give him a dowry for Concetta.
Don't think about the cost, Fabrizio.
Think about the profit.
Individually, they're the best.
Together, they'd share the burden and responsibility
of our family's history, whatever this new state holds for us.
A prince and princess of Salina.
And your heirs.
They'd be right here with you until you were no longer breathing.
And at that moment, you would be comforted
by having them by your side, and you would find peace in knowing
that your name will live on for generations to come,
starting with their beautiful children.
The mere thought of Concetta being married makes me suddenly feel
remarkably decrepit, though.
Bah.
♪ We're waiting for Sedara The man should arrive within the hour ♪
♪ And with him comes his daughter She's called Angelica ♪
♪ Last time his cologne did fill the room With magic aroma, oh my God, Angelica ♪
No doubt she'll need a good wash.
That's not a very kind thing to say of her.
Oh, Jesus. Here comes Saint Concetta.
Caterina.
-Cousins, you're all gathered here. -Tancredi.
-Good evening. -Pirrone.
Good evening, cousin. I mistook you for the mayor.
We would have smelled his perfume.
Enough.
-Good evening, Tancredi. -Good evening, Concetta.
Please.
Concetta, I owe you an apology. It's been causing me much distress.
What I said to you the other day, I…
I had no right to say that.
No. It's good that you're able to talk in that way.
Concetta, I'd been drinking, huh?
The idea of leaving here… it was a moment of folly.
But I've spoken to Father Pirrone.
About us?
Yes, of course.
Concetta, the only one worse at keeping a secret would be Francesco.
Huh?
-That's precisely why he was told. -What did you tell him?
That I love you.
Good evening.
Mama, you look beautiful this evening.
Thank you.
-She's always beautiful. -Yes, she's always beautiful.
We've made up a new song.
It's about Mayor Sedara. Would you like to hear it?
Father Pirrone liked it. Isn't that right?
Don Calogero Sedara, and Signorina Angelica Sedara.
Princess.
Don Calogero.
Don Fabrizio.
Most welcome.
Angelica?
Angelica.
What a long time it's been. Welcome. Please do come in.
-She's been in Paris, Donna Concetta. -Ah.
She's learned French.
That's not how I remembered her.
My Prince.
What a beautiful woman.
A beauty, indeed.