The Horseman on the Roof

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Angelo!

Angelo!

Run! Run!

What are you waiting for?

Godspeed!

THE HORSEMAN ON THE ROOF

- You want a room?

- No, only a rest.

But your horse looks worn out.

Put some wine in his oats.

My sister's ill...

Do as I asked!

Why are they ringing?

For the doctor. He's out,

but at least five people are ill.

The water's gone sour.

Is Manosque far?

You won't be there by tonight.

It takes a day.

Are you sick too?

Dear Mother,

You wanted me to live recklessly.

Today, I would make you proud.

Once again, I am fleeing.

I left Aix.

Don't write me there.

Austrian spies are in France.

They found our trail.

All Italian patriots are in danger.

I must find them in hiding

to bring word.

I am going to the town of Manosque

where many of our exiled friends live.

I hope this letter will reach you.

Are you still in Turin?

Italy seems so far away,

and there are so many perils.

Maggionari!

At Aix, they got Giacomo!

They nearly got me too!

No, not you, Paolo.

Maggionari, where are you?

I'm here!

Always fleeing.!

When can I face the enemy,

so you may see your son's valor?

You taught me how to live,

and every day I thank you.

I hear your words of advice.

You are always present.

I want to free Italy single- handedly...

to make you proud and find you again.

Lay down! Lay down!

- Let go!

- Lay down!

- Are your legs cold?

- They're fine!

Stay calm! You're all white.

Show me your eye!

Do you feel this?

Stop. Stop it!

Drink this!

- What is it?

- I'm a doctor. Drink!

It's kept me standing for three days!

Were you in the village?

- Anybody ill?

- Dead people everywhere.

- Did you touch them?

- No, I...

Stay here! Mind the horses.

I'll take a look.

But they're all dead!

Some hide. One was in a pigeon coop.

It's the same all over!

What is the same?

What has happened?

Cholera! Asiatic cholera!

Where have you been?

It's the greatest epidemic ever!

Wait!

Let me... Can you see me?

You recognize me now?

Don't be afraid...

I'm going to cure you.

- Let me help you!

- No! Run! Don't stay here!

Who do you think I am?

Tell me what to do.

Well, hold him then!

Don't let him go!

God, it happens fast!

Why so fast?

Rub, that's all you can do...

to stimulate the circulation!

Hold him tight!

I knew them all, you see.

This is my valley.

I come winter and summer,

and now I'm losing them all.

I must go to La Gardiole now.

There's nothing left to do here.

I'm on my way now.

Maybe someone is still alive there.

What a curse!

Go free the animals,

or they'll starve to death.

Would you like one?

Why not, after all...

I've never smoked but now...

You smoke like a rich man.

And your boots... nobleman's boots.

I'm a colonel.

Oh, sorry.

Colonel in the Hussards.

Not here. In Italy.

Did you earn it in battle?

Never. My mother bought my rank.

The "mama" is generous.

Anyhow, I'm no one anymore.

An outlaw?

An outlaw, yes.

In Turin, I'm sentenced to death.

Poor Italy!

Austria's got her on a leash.

Get away!

Don't touch me! Get out of here!

Hurry north!

Stop! Calm down!

Drink!

Poisoner!

There!

- What did you put in the water?

- Where's the poison?

He took it from the bag!

Get off!

- Move back!

- Get up!

Leave him to us!

Hang him! Hang him now!

Murderer! Murderer!

Did the government pay you

to kill the workers...

and say it's cholera?

You're as good as dead, pretty face!

Look at his boots! A nobleman!

- Leon!

- Chief.

Find the box?

I'm sure it was there.

Someone's moved it.

No, it's no use. I already looked!

- What?

- Another one.

Fine. Put him there.

It's all right.

- Leon!

- I can't find it!

Holy Christ. Hurry up!

Look at that.

All ratting on each other!

Even in the same family. What a pity.

They blame priests, Jews...

The cholera's a b*tch,

but this is far worse!

- I'm...

- I know.

A fountain prisoner.

You're the third since yesterday.

It keeps them busy.

They'll end up hanging me.

Some have seen angels,

bearded snakes, rats singing Hail Marys.

Why are you in this mad town?

To see a friend.

You still have friends?

It's cold in here.

I've never been so cold in this season.

What does it mean?

Come on. Burn it up. Burn it all up!

Come on!

It's getting late.

Giuseppe?

There he is! That's him!

Hey, where did they come from?

He's here. I'm sure.

He's there! I see him!

I'm not dead.

Give me that.

You're a fearless cat.

My mother would like you.

Could you take a message to her?

These days she's in Milan.

You'll find her easily.

All the cats know her.

A duchess who talks only of revolution.

Tell her what is happening to me.

Coming?

Murderer!

Stop him!

Poisoner!

Come on, children! Hurry up!

Quick!

Are you right to like men?

Beware when they're scared.

You see the Austrian?

He came from Italy to kill me.

A long journey just to bring me death.

And, now, look.

Perhaps God wants to end it all...

with mankind, at least.

What will you cats do without us?

Stay here.

Come here!

Don't be afraid.

I'm a gentleman.

Why should I be afraid?

The whole town is afraid.

- You too.

- Me? No.

- Then why hide there?

- No, I...

It's a bit complicated.

I ran all day across roofs,

fleeing death.

I haven't slept in two days.

I came in the attic to rest.

I know. I heard.

I am sorry. I woke you?

You must be hungry?

I'm very thirsty.

I was about to eat. Come.

No, wait.

What?

I'm a mess. I'll frighten them.

Who? There's no one.

I won't intrude.

You're not. I invited you.

I'm really sorry.

I look like a criminal.

And you dare to welcome me?

It's my aunts' home.

They're...

No, they left three days ago.

Come.

They only left tea, bread

and some honey. Is that all right?

It's fine. Perfect.

The bread's stale.

You must break it up.

Why are you standing?

You're tired. Please sit.

- Is the cat yours?

- Yes.

Well, no. He follows me.

He broke a glass.

If I survive,

my aunt will never forgive me.

I'm sorry.

Enough! Stay there!

Wait for me!

I'm making horrid noises.

Sorry. My throat's dry.

Stop apologizing.

You'll make me nervous.

- Sorry.

- I'll make tea.

Am I depriving you?

Nobody's depriving me.

You can't stay in this town.

You're alone, but you let strangers in.

You're very rash.

You think so?

I didn't open my door.

You fell from the sky.

You should have gone with your aunts.

Why didn't you?

Why?

I don't answer all questions.

- I'm sorry.

- Not again.

Are you always like this, so formal?

It's ridiculous?

Not at all. It's reassuring to meet

a person like you in these times.

I congratulate the person

who raised you.

Was it your mother?

How old?

Twenty-five.

That old.

I won't bother you.

What are you doing?

Thank you for tea.

Good-bye, madame.

- What did I say?

- I will not be ridiculed.

I didn't, at least not on purpose!

- You're so sensitive.

- Very.

Don't leave. Please...

stay a bit longer.

I'm scared too.

You hide it well.

Thank you.

I'll find it. Don't worry.

They always hide their plums and brandy.

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