Portobello (2025) s01e01 Episode Script
Episode 1
1
82 International Film Festival
Venice Biennale 2025 Official Selection
[man reading]
Portobello, a TV program on RAI
from 1977 to 1983, and in 1987.
It broke records in Italy
with unprecedented viewership.
New Organized Camorra, NCO,
a criminal organization
founded in Campania
by Raffaele Cutolo in the '70s,
involved in international drug trafficking
and extortion.
In the early '80s, it expanded,
seeking to annihilate rival clans in a war
resulting in hundreds of murders.
Giovanni Pandico, known as the Lunatic,
part of Raffaele Cutolo's
New Organized Camorra,
sentenced to life for multiple homicides.
Enzo Tortora, Italian
television personality and journalist,
host and creator of Portobello.
Loved by millions,
he was considered to be one
of the most influential figures
in Italian television.
[woman] Slow down, eh?
And be careful. The floor is wet.
[indistinct chatter]
[sniffs]
[floor manager] We're ready.
You can come in now.
We're starting soon. Thank you.
Quickly, quickly.
Quickly. Thank you.
Find your seats, please.
Ma'am, you can sit right there.
The first one you find, thank you.
We'll start soon.
[music playing]
Good evening.
[floor manager] Dim the lights.
How are you, friend?
-[Portobello squawks]
-Oh.
Say, "Oh."
[announcer] Coming to you live right now,
it's Portobello,
the Friday market hosted
by the one and only, Enzo Tortora.
Theme song.
[theme song playing]
FIRST EPISODE
Portobello ♪
Come on, give me
a giant round of applause.
I want to hear all your voices.
Folks, is that all you've got?
-[audience applauding]
-More! Come on.
Let's get a little energy going.
This is the top broadcast in all of Italy.
Let's hear it. Come on.
[theme song continues]
Portobello ♪
Break a leg. Break a leg. Break a leg.
[both] How we love you, dear Italy.
Go!
MILAN
JULY 1ST, 1977
-[audience applauding, cheering]
-Louder!
-No more, no more, no more.
-[applauding, theme song stops]
Ladies and gentlemen,
it's incredible to have you here
at the recording
of our sixth episode of Portobello.
Before we begin, I'd like to start
by thanking our audience.
When the series started,
we had, according to the statistics,
5.5 million viewers.
And with time, it has grown.
This last Friday night,
we were able to reach,
or you reached, an audience of 12 million.
[audience applauding]
Our phone operator switchboard
is literally about to explode here.
It's time to get back
into our first announcement
-of this evening.
-[operator] Portobello.
Blow a little air into your instruments,
and music.
[music playing]
[floor manager] Go, go, go. Come on.
[music continues]
Let's hear it.
They're good.
What's he doing?
I was a Bersagliere.
[chanting]
[music stops]
-[audience applauding]
-That's it.
Thank you, Marshal, my good sir,
I would like to thank you, first of all.
-Your name?
-[marshal] Leandro Bortuzzo.
Do you want to go ahead
with the delivery of these hats
to your talented men?
Yes, I do. March.
The delivery of the hats.
Come on. Come on, guys.
And there they go. Yes. Great.
Now we're talking. Look at that.
[theme music playing]
[Enzo] Let's jump into the heart
of our show.
Starting with the first segment
of tonight's broadcast,
All for Sale and All for Hire, again,
at our market right here on Portobello.
There's a job to do.
Help change this raggedy old bell
to a shiny brand new one.
Come out, Father Pietro.
Opening up a window in the middle
of the Po valley's my recommendation.
The only place to do it
would be right here
at the Turchino Pass.
Level the entire thing.
-Level the mountain.
-[audience laughs]
Another offering, a tenor with experience
seeking engagement in a major opera house.
[singing opera in Italian]
[Enzo in English] A performance
to tug the heartstrings.
I'd feel the same
as any ordinary Italian girl out there,
and I'm looking for a husband.
[audience cheering]
[Enzo] Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Now, as of this broadcast,
I can say that Portobello
is now set to be broadcast
and shown tonight in color.
-Yeah!
-[audience applauding]
And all of us here
are immersed in color, too.
Look around, look around.
Girls, take control
of that phone switchboard of yours.
And now
-[all clamoring]
-Call the police! He shot him.
-[indistinct conversation]
-[man] What the hell!
Hey. Was I good up there?
You were splendid.
-Sure?
-You'll see the ratings tomorrow.
[Enzo] If you help me
Now let's see.
Tell me if this is right.
So what happens now, exactly?
This mask sends electrical impulses
to smooth out the texture of your skin.
Can you feel it?
-[mask buzzing]
-I feel it. [laughs] Definitely.
The package ready now?
-Yeah.
-All right. Now
"To the gracious Mr. Tortora,
I'm honored to send you
these fine creations
which I made for you by my own handiwork,
with certainty that they will satisfy
your most illustrious interest.
I look forward to hearing what you think
and wish you luck
with all your future work."
-I'll put your signature.
-Better than a cross.
"Domenico
Barbaro."
It's never too late
to properly learn how to write.
[Enzo on TV] What an outrage, sir.
Excellency.
Those who've taken, taken, taken.
Those who've given, given and given
No one as pathetic
as those who mock a way of talking.
They're just awful at it.
[Enzo] What are you waiting for
Pathetic joke.
-A cuckold, too.
-He's a cuckold now, too?
Perchance.
[Enzo] Excellent.
Now, we all know we're not the French.
You won't see us doing the can-can
because we've got something
much, much better than that.
Who in the audience can help?
The tarantella.
-The tarantella!
-[applause]
["Simmo 'E Napule Paisa" playing]
[singing in Italian]
[in English] Making fun of us. Look.
In a world without us,
he would cease to exist.
You stalk and feed,
you thrive and sustain on our tragedies.
Can't be bothered to respond.
Fucking bastard.
Any idea how full of shit you are?
Asshole heard me.
How could he have heard you?
[singing in Italian continues]
[in English] Thank you. Yes.
A huge thanks and applause for our guests,
-the Guarracini.
-Without our suffering,
you'd be absolutely nothing.
We're shouldering the weight,
and you sit there and cash in.
You don't think about us,
of Giovanni Pandico,
or anybody else here,
like Domenico Barbaro.
We sent you a package.
Wrote letters to you.
Why don't you reply?
You did all right.
Your benevolence, generosity,
what do we get? Nothing.
Only dust under the table.
Beware your own gluttony,
and think of what Epulone got
when he finally died.
Epulone?
[Enzo] Salvatore Totaro
of the Guarracini.
Mr. Tortora, I serve as the head
of the group.
[Enzo] Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Why are you making that stupid face?
For you to evolve, be at the top,
one must continue reading, studying,
furthering their education.
Drop that for now?
He doesn't reply this time either,
I'll cause a scandal for him
in the media circuit.
I'll feed him to the press.
Whoa, that's a look.
See that? That made him scared.
-[Enzo] Here we are
-Who? He can't see you.
What do you mean, who? Right there.
Tortora?
to play a great game, Portobello.
You really didn't see?
Because he heard what I said, I'm sure.
You know, we emit these certain
electromagnetic forces, all of us.
They travel through the walls
and mountains and oceans.
Because of that, he heard it.
I saw it. When I insulted him,
when I shouted,
I saw him flinch for just a second.
Not much.
If I turn the press against him,
I'll completely ruin him.
Telepathy.
Through telepathy?
Powerful thing.
Shouldn't you be using it right now?
Try it.
[Enzo] Terrible, terrible animal.
We'll give you 30 seconds,
which you'll use
to then attempt
to get him to say, "Portobello,"
before the clock runs out. Go.
[show clock ticking]
[girls] Portobello. Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
Portobello.
-[girl 1] Portobello.
-[girl 2] Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
[girl 2] Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Porto.
-Bello.
-[both] Portobello.
[girl 1] Portobello.
[all] Portobello.
-Porto.
-He's getting ready to say it. Come on.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
Portobello.
[both] Portobello.
[girl 2] Portobello.
-[alarm rings]
-Portobello.
Times up, girls. Time's up. I'm sorry.
Bastard. That was on purpose.
Can see him getting ready.
Now I'll write a little poem for you.
[Enzo] at the end of the day,
these parrots are nothing more
than brightly-colored chickens.
Please come, take a seat.
Dear illustrious Sir Tortora
[Enzo] Thank you for joining us.
I'm convinced and feel it's my duty
as an inmate
of a correctional institution
very soon, next Friday,
please come back once more.
to prevent anybody
from extracting any profits
or material gains in kind In kind,
out of my situation
or from my current status
as an inmate.
The package in question
was sent and delivered
directly to the RAI offices
at 27, Corso Sempione.
DOMENICO BARBARO
PENITENTIARY - PORTO AZZURRO
Its contents included
20 handmade lace doilies,
embroidered by me, personally,
as I've already written
several times before.
Should you fail to resolve
the issue in question,
within 20 calendar days
of receiving this registered letter
I will bring a suit against you
under Article 646
of the Italian criminal code
for embezzlement
and under Article 485
of the Italian criminal code for fraud.
In addition,
I will be forced to expose you
and this matter to the press.
Domenico Barbaro.
[Enzo] "Dear Mr. Domenico Barbaro,
I'm filled with regret to inform you
that I was never aware
of your package at all,
and I never saw any trace of it.
[lively piano music playing]
Mr. Tortora,
I can tie knots with my tongue.
Later, later.
-[Enzo] Good morning.
-[assistant] Good morning.
Have you found it?
No. There's nothing.
We looked for the package everywhere,
but the lace doilies, it appears,
never arrived here.
Perhaps they were misplaced
by the RAI team.
When I tell you
that they are completely incompetent,
you all say I exaggerate.
Yes, but it can't be that big of a deal.
It could happen to anybody.
Somebody's error. But if I may,
it's my face attached to this.
It's not the first time.
He sent letters before. You know.
-[Barby] Where was the letter sent to?
-It was addressed to my house.
Ugh.
Just a second. I'm confused.
How could an inmate have your address?
If his number's in the phone book already,
I guess his address is, too.
Should I have you unlisted?
For this year,
-it's already too late.
-Do we know this person?
Is there any information on this Barbaro?
Is this guy a psycho, a murderer, a lifer?
Is there a difference?
There's absolutely a difference,
because it's one thing entirely
to be a bank robber, or a killer,
and a very different thing to be a thief
or some guy selling cocaine.
Do we at least know
if he's a low-level guy,
or if he's a part of a large organization,
a gang?
Because if it's the latter,
this letter could be a warning
from a damn mafioso. Ugh!
He's in the 'Ndrangheta.
He trafficked pharmaceutical drugs.
No, so this guy is really
in the 'Ndrangheta?
Now I'm even angrier
just by knowing all of that.
'Ndrangheta is one
of the most ferocious organizations
on the damn planet!
What you're saying
is that someone in the 'Ndrangheta
sent a letter to my home,
and as clear as day,
made severe open threats to me?
-[Angelo] Don't worry about it.
-I am!
I'll tell the team at RAI
and the executives.
Don't just do that. You'll demand that RAI
reimburse this gentleman
for the value of his laced doilies.
-[Angelo] All right.
-Resolve this!
All right, Enzo.
[Barby] Let's give the main office a call.
Don't you think you exaggerated?
I don't know. I could have.
[Anna] What's the problem?
We're unable to recognize
or distinguish what's important here.
Our last broadcast, we reached 17 million.
I don't know if you realize that.
We're doing pretty well.
We're beating out everyone.
That's the thing. Seventeen, 21,
they're just numbers, Anna.
You're content when they're going up
and terrified when they go down.
We should be more than content.
We're exactly where
we've always wanted to be.
NAPLES - POGGIOREALE PRISON
1 YEAR LATER
-Hey, Giuse'.
-Hey.
-You're hiding something.
-I need to bring it to the Professor.
Good morning, Professor.
I hope I'm not bothering you.
Can I get you a coffee?
AKA THE PROFESSOR
HEAD OF THE NEW ORGANIZED CAMORRA
I was taking in the view a bit.
Hey, Scribbler,
how do I look this morning?
-Amazing, sir.
-You're wrong. Look closer.
-My left sideburn got cut too short.
-Can't even tell.
You feel like it's too short.
Feelings are important, kid.
Especially mine.
Some gifts I brought for you,
from my mother.
And the salami from Nola.
I remember how you liked it.
And there's one more thing.
I really wanted to give it to you.
Years ago, I carved
the entire thing by hand.
I was thinking of you.
In the prison in Lecce. Remember?
Had to fight through hell
to find the Virgin Mary.
I used to be quite gifted.
My old professor in drawing
There's only one true Professor.
I have the honor of seeing him
in front of me. Anyway,
this small-time professor
told me I could become someone great
like Donatello, Michelangelo.
But my parents didn't want
to hear about it.
I had to get my diploma,
and so I uselessly became an accountant.
Provincial mentality they had.
Heads as hard as wood.
It's butt ugly. Put it over there.
Sure, sure. It was How do you say?
It was just a thought.
Fortunate is the man who knows
his own talents and limits.
Wise words, Professor.
-I should write to my sister. Sit down.
-Right away.
Ready for you whenever you want.
"Rosetta, my dearest sister.
Our great family"
"Our great family"
"is more than large enough
to give all the love we got
to everybody that has love for us as well.
And to defend against all of those
who wish us for dead."
"All of those who wish us for dead."
"We don't allow any type of"
"Threats."
"Secessions." Write that.
"Secessions." All right.
-"We do not allow secessions."
-"Secessions."
"I would like
for you and the others
to answer "Yes"
to the very kind wedding invitation
of the Tortoras of Castellammare.
Attend the wedding
and present the sacred gift
of the Professor to them."
Graciously spoken.
They all must be disposed of.
What? Why is that?
They haven't done anything yet.
-They're new.
-The suspicion should be enough.
We make them disappear
ahead of them getting one over on us.
Kill them all, Professor.
Just write.
"Kindly, as always.
And of course, with my love for you all,
Raffaele."
I'll pretty it up for you. Don't worry.
Scribbler.
Bring that statue with you.
Whoa.
I'm joking around.
I'll find the right spot for it later.
-All right.
-Thank you, Professor.
Go on.
[Enzo] Now, welcome
our wonderful guest this evening,
a real and incredible hypnotist.
And without further ado, Marco Zecca.
Good evening. Good evening.
Good evening, Mr. Marco.
Let's not waste any time.
Let's jump straight into it.
Look out into the stands
and choose someone,
any audience member you see,
-and do your hypnosis exercise on them.
-No, Mr. Tortora.
I would like to use this instrument
to hypnotize everyone.
The whole of Italy.
Guy says he's a hypnotist, huh?
[Enzo] I'll just take a step back
and very happily leave you here
with cameras and all of Italy.
Dear television viewers,
please stand in front of your TVs
and get as close as you can,
because we're about to perform
an experiment in hypnosis
for the first time in Italy
on an incredible scale.
Don't participate if you're home alone.
The rest of you, prepare yourselves,
and combine your hands
and fingers like this.
Lock your fingers together
as tightly as you can.
Tighten your hands and your fingers.
Very good.
-What are you doing that for?
-Screw off.
[Zecca] Harder.
-I'm already
-Tighten your fist.
Look straight into my eyes,
breathe deeply, look at me
-as your fingers tighten
-Start breathing.
as if they're glued together,
impossible to separate.
Keep looking at me intently.
Concentrate on your hands
as they get restricted
-What happened? They're stuck.
-I can't pull them apart.
[Zecca] Keep staring.
Stare into my eyes intently.
The more you stare,
the more your hands tighten.
They become bound, completely stuck.
Straight into my eyes.
Now breathe deeply and look at me.
The more you look at me,
the more immovable they become.
They'll stay stuck together until I snap
on the count of three.
One. You can feel a slight separation.
Two. Stay concentrated.
Breathe. Concentrate.
Three. Okay, now separate them.
Pull them apart. Separate them.
They're free. They're completely free.
They're separated.
You'll feel much better now.
-All right?
-[Enzo] Mister, wow,
-thank you.
-Mama. Michele!
Thank you. Come here.
Come here, Mr. Marco.
We also had a bit of a problem here
with our crew member.
Take your fingers apart, Nonna.
You can't do whatever you see on TV.
-[Enzo] Would you like to say anything?
-I didn't hear a thing.
Someone might still have
their hands stuck.
[all clamoring]
They're stuck. What do I do?
What the hell did he do?
They're still stuck! Oh!
-Knock it off.
-Enough!
-You can never have a laugh.
-I'm trying to relax here.
[on TV] Palermo-Varese, 2-1,
Villa-Pescara, 1-1
NOVEMBER 23RD, 1980
Anything else, sir?
[turns off TV] Go.
Wait.
-Have the heat turned up.
-Consider it done.
"Oh, brothers," I said,
"who, amid 100,000 perils,
have come unto the West
to this so inconsiderable vigil."
[singing in Italian]
[in English]
"Be unwilling to deny the experience,
following the sun
of the unpeopled world."
[singing in Italian]
[in English] "Consider your origins.
Ye were not made to be brutes,
but for the pursuit of virtuosity
and of knowledge.
-[rumbling]
-So eager were my"
[inmates clamoring]
[Giovanni] Professor!
[alarm blaring]
Guard! Let me out!
[inmate 1] Let us out!
Guard! Open up this goddamn cell!
You want our blood on your hands?
[inmates yelling]
You're coming with me.
Come with me.
[alarm blaring]
Over here. Come on, come on.
-[guard 1] Go, go, go!
-[guard 2] Let me out!
-Pasca'! The Professor, where is he?
-Out of the way!
Holy shit! Come on, we gotta run.
Grab that dickhead!
[Barra] Sasa'!
Go and take care of him. You know who.
[grunting]
[guard 1] Keep it moving.
Come on, come on.
Keep it moving. Let's go.
-Everyone out!
-[guard 2] Behind me.
-[guard 1] Don't crowd the door.
-[guard 2] Let's go.
Come on.
We got four for sure.
Four out of five is a good percentage.
Now they know who's running Poggioreale.
We have to kill all of them.
This isn't your part of the game.
Go clean yourselves up.
Thank you, Professor.
From this point forward,
we're vigilant proletarians.
No gloating for now.
You hear him?
[journalist] A tragic toll
from the earthquake in the south.
According to Carabinieri sources,
821 deceased
have been extracted from the rubble.
Several thousand injured.
The area affected by the earthquake
covers 26,000 square kilometers
and has seven million inhabitants.
These are agonizing hours
following a disaster.
People are doing their best
trying to cope.
Also tonight,
I would like to express my gratitude
for the truly unique generosity
of the sincerely great, immense people
and country of Italy.
Allow me to say that.
The starting bid,
as the illustrious brokers
over at Christie's say,
-is set at
-[announcer] One million.
One million to bring home
the prize of this first mink coat.
Who starts with the first bid?
There it is.
1,250,000 from the lady.
And now 1.5 million there
as our second new offer.
There in the audience,
more hands going up now.
1,750,000
A new offer of 2 million.
A caller is offering 2 million.
Now, 2,250,000,
as the number grows and grows and grows
on our sign of total funds raised.
Rising higher by the second.
Now at the astonishing amount
of 2 billion,
seven-hundred and twenty million raised.
It's truly incredible. It really is.
I'll say to you all
and all that are tuned in,
we're continuing this auction
as well as this broadcast
until we've raised
at least three billion tonight.
[Forlani] I am very proud to make
this announcement to all of you today
in this grand auditorium
of this most glorious university.
Mostly because even the young people
in our society have the chance to see
that the Italian political leadership,
in particular, the Christian Democrats,
as they are today,
are well controlled and worthy
to govern Italy through this hardship.
[audience whistling]
-What is that whistling?
-Your Excellency,
it's how they display their enthusiasm.
We're gathered here today
to make an important announcement.
The government has allocated to you
a 50 billion reconstruction package
in the wake of this earthquake.
That is 50 billion,
not million.
And I would now like to solemnly pledge
before all of you today
to do everything in my power
to ensure that this reconstruction effort
is fast and efficient,
and that all the contracts
are transparent.
-Thank you.
-Once our region has
all that cash rolling in,
we'll ensure it holds on
to every little bit.
-To our earthquake!
-Yeah!
[man 1] To our earthquake.
-God bless the earthquake.
-I would say this earthquake
has been a blessing after all.
It could easily become a curse.
Pasca', how about thinking positive
once in a while?
Our enemies are on us like starving hounds
and there are bodies in here
and out there.
Too many to number. And ours especially.
Pasca', remind me of my name.
-The Professor.
-In Ottaviano, what name did you have?
-The student.
-Listen to the Professor.
We've got 50 billion reasons
to be optimistic.
Come on, Pasca'. Raise a toast!
To our beautiful earthquake!
CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY SECTION
ALDO MORO
Yes, but I'm saying an entire winter
has passed, as well as spring,
now it's the end of April,
it seems incredible
that we're still in this situation.
Mr. Tortora, when will the funds
you raised be distributed?
The money is being held
in two banking institutions,
safely backed by the protection
of guarantors, including myself.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
Good morning, sir.
Why haven't you dispersed any funds?
I would like to tell you confidently,
the money we collected for reconstruction
was collected for your sake
and only for your sake.
It's entirely possible to do this.
We must be sure that your funds
are safe from the hands
of the dishonest profiteers.
The unruly, greedy hands of the Camorra
must be prevented from taking
even a single cent of yours.
Nothing more.
[music playing in Italian]
-[in English] Did he say where he's going?
-Showers.
Get him out.
Go get him. Bring him up here.
[grunts]
Pasca'!
They killed Marciano!
Those guys killed Marciano!
-They killed Marciano!
-Professor, they killed Marciano.
Close this cell door.
Close it and lock it!
Close the door!
Close the whole block down!
Everyone inside!
Lock the cell door!
Let's go.
Why do I need to change cells?
You want to go out
like your buddy Marciano?
-Okay, where am I going?
-They're transferring you.
-What? Why?
-Again? Really?
For your safety, that's why.
I couldn't care less.
You can keep killing each other,
but for the sake of the warden,
this war needs to end fast.
What do I do with these books?
They'll go to storage
and get shipped to your house.
I don't have a house.
My mama's living in a container.
Quickly. Let's go.
Just take the basics.
What are you doing?
What kind of racket is this?
Your boss is gone.
He transferred out.
How is that possible?
He didn't request to get transferred.
I write all of his letters,
and he never asked for a transfer.
It's the end of the time
Cutolo gives an order and everyone obeys.
Watch your mouth
when you're speaking of the Professor.
He's like the word of God.
Jesus Christ on Earth.
Once upon a time.
Move it, Scribbler.
Fun's over now. Come on.
-[Giovanni] "My dear Professor
-[typing]
please allow me to disturb you
for the fourth time,
as this utterly miserable company
has saddened me,
and I long for the splendid old days
of Poggioreale,
when I had the honor
of serving as your secretary,
-interpreter of your thoughts."
-[cell mate] Stop it!
"Here they had the nerve
-to speak the impossible."
-Enough!
"They say you've made a deal
with the authorities to shield yourself
from the attacks of our enemies.
They try to discredit you.
-They'll pay for it."
-Stop!
"They'll pay for this.
-[typing]
-I'll wait patiently for you, and resist.
I dutifully await your orders
in the certainty that your sudden transfer
is just a small hiccup
in the context of your grand design."
Morning. I'd like to send out this letter.
Good morning. Has anything come in for me?
There's nothing.
So, no response or mail
from the Professor yet?
Wait, wait.
There's a letter from your mother here.
It's odd. I've sent four letters
since this transfer.
There's nothing.
There's nothing.
MASS MURDERER PASQUALE BARRA
KILLS MILAN MAFIA BOSS
Pasquale Barra, known as "the Animal,"
mass murderer and prominent member
of the New Organized Camorra,
an organization led by Raffaele Cutolo,
has decided to cooperate
with the authorities as well as the state.
Barra, a staunch loyalist
of Raffaele Cutolo,
also known as "the Professor,"
has been determined to be responsible
for the brutal murder of Milanese
mob boss, Francis Turatello,
who was savagely gutted
in a surprise knife attack last month
in the Badu 'e Carros Prison.
Barra, who has been deemed responsible
for 66 homicides in total
There's your buddy on the TV.
- is perhaps one of the most
-Who's Barra?
That guy did 66 murders.
-I don't know him.
-[bunkmate] You don't know him?
You talked to him in Poggioreale.
We talked back in Poggioreale,
but we were never friends.
[news anchor] gave the order
to murder Turatello.
The murder of the Milanese mob boss
shocked the criminal underworld
of northern Italy.
[Giovanni] "My dear Professor,
they're saying Pasquale is ready
to cooperate with the authorities.
I find it to be remarkably unfortunate.
But I am not afraid of him.
The only thing that one should fear
is fear itself.
I swear to you, I have no fear.
Because I know that you're there.
You're always there."
-Good morning, sir.
-Good morning.
Nothing here for me?
Nope.
-Sure?
-You know I am.
Look more. Give me the courtesy.
You don't want to get on my shitlist.
[upbeat instrumental music playing]
-Thirty-five anybody?
-Not over here.
Not over here either.
I got a 45.
[Giovanni] "My dear Professor,
I wish you a very happy New Year.
They're celebrating here in the prison.
It's an unfortunate sight.
But let's not try to dwell
on such trifles."
We're live on the first day
of January, 1982.
With us tonight, with 82 candles
is Paola Borboni.
[Giovanni] "I've read about it,
I've heard of comrades
who have sold themselves out
to our enemies."
[Enzo] Congratulations.
[Giovanni] "A shameful set of betrayals.
Happy birthday. Here you go.
[Giovanni] I can't fathom that Pasquale
Barra is cooperating with the police.
Better to be dead than a traitor."
To all of Italy watching us tonight,
Paola is truly extraordinary
[Giovanni] "I'm in need
of a sign from you.
Some form of reassurance."
To everyone out there,
you're a great lesson in true optimism,
in youth, in enthusiasm.
[Giovanni] "Why don't you respond to me?
I need it like the very air
that I breathe."
Yes, yes, that's very true.
I've always been one you'd describe
as a hard worker, considering my age,
as I've been around a very long time,
you're able to see.
I've always been entirely centered
and committed to the most serene thing,
and it's that search,
search for liberty.
"Libertà." Because I'm free on the inside.
To be free is to be young.
Who the hell is this maniac?
Maniac?
It's a performance.
She's an amazing actress.
to be open to all possibilities,
and importantly,
to the things which exist beyond.
[Enzo] Paola, I'd be truly happy
if on this wonderful evening,
while we're here for your birthday,
if you could channel the beyond,
if you'd do that for us,
and finally make
this terrible animal speak.
[Paola] There's the little parrot.
[on TV] I would love to. Yes.
And there's even a sorceress cloak
befitting the occasion.
Would you like that?
Wow. Hand me the cloak, I'll wear it now.
How lovely.
Help me to put it.
There you go. Sandro Massimini
is there as the cloak assistor.
Would you help me tie it, Sandro, darling?
Can you help me?
I don't think I mentioned it,
but we've got a hat.
Oh, how lucky!
I got 89 over here. The old lady.
[Paola] How lucky am I! It's so beautiful.
[men groaning]
My, how wonderful, thank you, thank you!
I want it a bit more askew. There.
Is it pretty?
Do I look pretty in this wizard's hat?
To me, she looks like a fairy.
-She's so pretty.
-The fairy from Pinocchio.
Paola, you'll get
just 30 seconds to do your trick.
Ready? Now let's see
if you can use your powers
to break the spell.
We're off.
[show clock ticking]
Portobello.
-No way she can do it.
-I know you can do it.
-Let's go.
-[man and woman] Now.
Portobello.
[all] Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
We're not doing a silent film,
Paola. What are you doing?
[squawks]
Portobello.
Hey, hey.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello!
Portobello.
-[Portobello] Portobello.
-There!
Portobello!
[Enzo] That was incredible.
Ladies and gentlemen
He said it. Did you hear it?
Bravo. Smart parrot.
He's still going.
The marvelous and talented Paola
I was the one that did it.
[Enzo] broken the spell.
-What's he saying?
-I was the one that did it.
-He's full of shit.
-[laughs]
[Enzo] Ladies and gentlemen, Paola tamed
this beastly little animal,
and Portobello finally spoke.
They get it all while others get nothing.
Fucking son of a whore.
[Enzo] incredible, inimitable artistry
of Paola Borboni!
[audience applauding]
-Happy New Year to you.
-[Enzo] See you next Friday.
See you all next Friday.
[Paola] Happy New Year!
Hello, ma'am.
You are absolutely divine.
That's so kind to say. Thank you.
With the utmost sincerity,
you were so moving.
-May I accompany you?
-Yes, you can.
Happy New Year to all of you.
Happy New Year, everyone.
They'd give him a show if he was garbage?
Are you hearing yourself?
Be quiet. Hey.
No more. Let's watch the show.
[song playing in Italian]
-[in English] How was I tonight?
-Don't you see it?
You're like a kid up there.
Impeccable as always.
Thank you, Barby.
Good morning, sir.
That was it?
You haven't even checked.
Listen, you're such a colossal pain
in the nuts
that whenever I'm on duty,
the first thing I do
is check if you got something.
There's never been anything. Not a thing.
It's impossible that the Professor
wouldn't respond.
He just hasn't been responding?
Let me speak to the warden.
Get the fuck out of here. Go to your cell.
This is your doing.
You've been throwing away
the Professor's letters to me!
It was you!
Get up. Come on.
Soon we'll be the ones in power.
You'll be spitting blood. Wait and see.
You've reached 28 million now.
Yes. I mean, it's as shocking to me
as everyone else.
What now that the word "Portobello"
has been exhausted?
Well, we have a new one.
-"Brazil."
-[Anna] Enzo.
You're not supposed to say it.
It's not public yet?
Remove it. You can't write that.
The article will be published
in four days.
It's only four days until it's out.
Radiocorriere's the newspaper for RAI.
You can write it. Write it.
[Scopelliti] Do we want to say
why it's "Brazil"?
We chose it in honor of a poor little boy
who was left disfigured
after a horrible accident
and Mrs. Borboni offered
to have him flown to Brazil
to get an operation with one
of the greatest surgeons in the world.
A feel-good story is the basis?
What's the issue with a feel-good story?
Why is that a bad thing?
I'm not asking you,
but I would really like to ask
all those contrarians
and all those snobs, all the people
who sit there and judge my show,
and label the entire thing
as provincial and tired,
and paint it as tear-jerking garbage.
Everyone's can voice their criticism,
but these people should be obligated
to start their own program,
and pull together
their own semi-decent audience.
Look, I don't have political comrades,
or saints up there looking out.
My saints are down here,
sitting at home in their chairs
every Friday night.
You know what I have to say?
You're trying to convince yourself
and not addressing your critics.
Mmm.
What if it's because I'm tired
of it all and can't stand those critics?
-[Scopelliti laughs] Can I put that in?
-[Enzo] Yeah.
And if RAI kicks you out again?
Listen, this time I've got a giant shield
of over 28 million Italians,
so I would say
I'm more likely to walk out.
Should I write that as well?
No.
["Fratelli d'Italia" playing]
But who are these guys, Anna?
More people for tryouts?
-No, they're real.
-What do you mean, they're real?
-What?
-Mr. Tortora.
-Hello.
-The President of the Republic
names you Commendatore of Merit
of the Republic of Italy.
-You did it.
-But you all knew about this.
-Congratulations.
-Thanks.
And thanks
to the President of the Republic.
I'm not sure what to say.
Congratulations and good day.
Thank you. Thanks.
-[staff cheering]
-We're so proud of you.
So from this moment on,
I demand that you refer to me
as Commendatore.
-Got that?
-Bravo, Commendatore.
-Cheers.
-Let's get a photo.
And here we are. Here we are. Here we are.
["Fratelli d'Italia" ends]
All right, I'm going. Bye.
Ciao.
What is it?
Don't you see? Commendatore Tortora
in a big country of commendatori.
-I'm sorry.
-You're not happy about this either.
-And why do you say, "Either"?
-Before,
when you said it could be you
that decides to go.
No, but that was just talk.
You say what you mean,
you never just talk.
You've never doubted what we're doing?
So now I'm left thinking
that we renew our contract here,
and how can we do any better
than we're doing?
By doing the same things
until we get tired?
There isn't any more time
for us to be uncertain.
-We have to decide.
-[exhales]
And the offer, economically,
just look, I mean--
No, I don't want to know.
Eight zeros. And no exclusivity.
See you tomorrow.
Ah.
Enzo
Yes?
Francesca
Yeah. What?
It's evident.
[classical music playing]
You're separated,
with a family back in Rome.
And even if it were true,
aren't I a free man?
You're a popular public figure,
with a certain demographic you appeal to.
In a pious, moralistic,
Catholic country, too.
Since we are living
in a pious, hypocritical country,
I should behave in the same manner?
I just wanted to make sure you were aware.
Ciao.
Have a good night.
[Enzo] Good night.
[snorts]
[piano music playing]
All right, now take a look.
Mmm.
Your usual level of perfection.
Thank you so much.
And thank you.
Ah. Thank you, Diego.
Thank you.
Good morning, ladies.
See you all again soon. Good bye.
-Good day.
-Thank you.
Thank you.
I'll see you later.
-[Roberto] See you soon.
-[Enzo] I'll see you again soon, Roberto.
Good to see you.
[applauding]
Okay, let's go, let's go.
It's all right,
they're all ancient anyway.
Don't look out there.
Come on.
Bravo! Bravo!
[Enzo] See you later. Goodbye, now.
See you on Friday night.
This man's an illusionist.
He makes castles out of cards.
[shuffling cards]
And how quickly is he able to build
these so-called castles?
In one episode, he'll start and he'll be
finished in time for the next one.
Eh, interesting. All right.
And her?
She can make herself cry on command.
So how come she's not crying for us?
-[Anna] It takes a few minutes.
-Well, we can't afford to be kept waiting
too long in the middle of a show,
now, can we?
Why don't we see some more?
Good morning.
And you?
The reason I'm here
is to honor my brother, sir.
[Enzo] Ah.
I swore not to cut my beard
since my brother was brutally killed.
And I'm never, ever going to,
until they've captured whoever did it.
Let's hear more of this story.
Thank you.
[Anna] And these gentlemen
Our two clowns.
[Barby] They are looking to garner more
support for elderly circus performers.
When we're too old for the circus,
we'll be out on the streets in no time.
[Enzo] A request for assistance.
All right. All right.
Hello, there.
He is a professional dog trainer.
So what's its name, then?
Her name is Nami.
A dog who thinks she's actually a horse.
Enzo, she's crying, we gotta go.
-That was nice.
-Thank you.
[dramatic music playing]
[Enzo] But why is she crying?
Or more like, what's her motive
for crying? She needs a motive.
Because her audience at home
is gonna demand to know
why this poor girl is crying.
-You're what's making her cry.
-No
Well, at least that's
what her mother said.
Her mother sent a letter into our show,
asking if we'd have her on our broadcast.
Is she in love, do you think?
-No, no.
-I don't think so.
It's a nice image either way, isn't it?
Sure, it's a beautiful image indeed,
but
I don't know if it's the right
fit for Portobello.
Look again
The poor thing's still crying.
No, sorry for the cynicism, but look,
at this point, a million viewers
could change the channel
if they hadn't already. Eh?
Sorry, uh Sir, we lost Ramon.
What do you mean, you lost Ramon?
-They left the door open out back I think.
-Then we need to find him right now.
We can always find another one, too.
No, Anna. This has never happened before.
This is a bad sign.
Come on.
We need to find the parrot immediately.
Ramon.
[door creaking]
Please, please come in.
Mr. Tortora, it's such an honor
to meet you.
-It's a pleasure.
-The pleasure is all mine.
Well, I mean, when I found him
in here earlier this morning,
he was perched on a kneeler there,
but he disappeared, so
So now what?
And now I don't know where to find him.
But I do know that he's around here.
[scoffs]
Ramon?
Commendatore, quiet.
We have to be gentle,
he must be terrified.
-Ramon?
-Ramon?
Ramoncito.
-Ramon.
-Ramon.
Ramon.
Ramon?
[squawks]
He's there. Look.
[squawks]
[assistant] Ramon.
You see what I got you?
I brought you a treat.
Ramon.
Ramon.
Ramon.
[sighing]
[assistant] Ramon.
He got down. It's working.
[assistant] Ramon.
Buddy, hello.
There you go. Bravo.
Yeah.
[squawks]
And now we're saved.
[reporter] In Rome, just a few meters
from the SISMI intelligence agency,
lies the shell of the burned out car
belonging to Vincenzo Casillo.
Not much remains.
Casillo, a fugitive, was a key member
of the New Organized Camorra
led by Raffaele Cutolo,
to whom Casillo was considered
the right-hand man
and main representative
throughout their territory.
This horrific murder leaves behind
more questions than answers.
More and more Camorra members
are being pursued
and are willing to cooperate
with the authorities.
We can mention, among others,
Pasquale Barra, Salvatore Sanfilippo,
and Salvatore Imperatrice.
They believe Cutolo was involved
in the kidnapping of Ciro Cirillo
and in the negotiations that followed
in order to secure his freedom.
And it is natural to wonder
whether the place where he died
might possess
some particular significance,
If it might contain some sort
of indication or sign
that the recipient of that message
will know how to interpret.
Now what is certain is that
the endless trail of blood
that the camera has left behind
in this voracious war
will inevitably serve as the very path
-Hey sit, sit down and eat with us, c'mon.
-No, thanks.
days of oppression by the Professor
have finally
[dramatic music playing]
[groans]
It's butt-ugly. Put it down over there.
[indistinct shouting]
[crashing]
My God, why hast thou forsaken me?
[guard] Pandico, what now?
I'd very much like to talk to the warden.
I'm calm.
There's nobody calmer.
They're gonna kill me.
I must speak to him before I die.
I have to confess to him
and do what my conscience is saying.
In the letter, it's all clear.
Dear Professor, in the general collapse
you permitted the killing
of Vincenzo Casillo,
your most loyal, faithful man,
your designated heir, your favorite.
There are certain moments in a man's life
when true courage consists
of admitting his own weakness.
Loneliness and solitude
belong to the strong man,
because they're the result
of a long, profound experience,
and convey a deeper
understanding of others.
The Camorra member
is the first victim of the Camorra.
I don't recognize you anymore.
NAPLES
PASTRENGO POLICE STATION
You never wanted to understand
that a true boss
is first and foremost,
the boss of himself.
Now, weep,
just as I weep today,
In reproach for not having killed you.
He worked for Cutolo.
He committed a massacre several years ago.
PUBLIC PROSECUTORS
He's an avid reader,
he's read all the classics,
appears to want a degree.
Mmm. Unclassifiable.
I got that much.
[knock on door]
Come on in.
Please.
We're deputies Di Persia and Di Pietro.
A pleasure. Giovanni Pandico.
Take a seat.
You confirm your willingness
to cooperate with this judicial authority?
I confirm, yes, Your Honor.
But if I may clarify
just one small thing to you first.
-Please.
-I'm not an informant at all.
Ah.
What are you, then?
I would call it, "disassociated".
if I may, Your Honor, I can say that
Well, put simply,
I've read and I've studied
and what I can say is,
an informant, should they collaborate,
gets the world.
When you're disassociated,
the difference is that you
give away everything, you get nothing.
Very well, now that that's clarified
and out of the way,
why don't we begin with
what you're able to tell us?
I agree to recount everything I know
in regards to the criminal organization
named the New Organized Camorra,
of which I'm an affiliate,
in addition to its boss, Raffaele Cutolo,
to whom I was a trusted advisor.
I know all there is to know, Your Honor.
Mr. Pandico, what brought you
to the decision to cooperate?
Because Raffaele Cutolo is a traitor.
And as a means to save his own hide,
he didn't waste any time
making deals with our enemies,
either of the family or the state,
so I didn't choose to become a turncoat,
but to be disassociated.
Right.
You can begin.
Court reporter,
you can get ready to write.
It's currently 9:10 in the morning
on the 6th of February, 1983.
Go!
Stay where you are!
-Put your hands up!
-Stay right there!
Don't move. Don't move!
Hands in the air! Move away!
Come here. Come on, come on, come on.
-Hey, let go.
-Don't make me have to pick you up.
Get up! Come on.
Stop squirming! Let's go.
[officer 1] Move it!
[officer 2] Come on, let's go!
-Now, if I ask you about a name
-What is this?
That's a photocopy of an agenda
belonging to a man
you talked about earlier.
Giuseppe Puca.
A trusted lieutenant to Cutolo.
This name.
What can you tell me about him?
So, the name?
My mother,
I want to know whether she likes
her new accommodations.
[Di Persia] We took care of it.
Unfortunately,
there were no undamaged houses,
but she's already been assigned
to a new container home.
So,
can you give me more details on this name?
Yes, he's involved, too.
Ah, and even the pet parrot?
I confirm it.
END OF EPISODE ONE
TO FRANCESCA BENEDETTI
[dramatic music playing]
Any references to real persons or events
are fictionalized for dramatic purposes.
All characters, institutions,
and entities are freely reinterpreted,
Any resemblance to persons,
living or dead,
who are not explicitly identified
is purely coincidental.
[intriguing music playing]
82 International Film Festival
Venice Biennale 2025 Official Selection
[man reading]
Portobello, a TV program on RAI
from 1977 to 1983, and in 1987.
It broke records in Italy
with unprecedented viewership.
New Organized Camorra, NCO,
a criminal organization
founded in Campania
by Raffaele Cutolo in the '70s,
involved in international drug trafficking
and extortion.
In the early '80s, it expanded,
seeking to annihilate rival clans in a war
resulting in hundreds of murders.
Giovanni Pandico, known as the Lunatic,
part of Raffaele Cutolo's
New Organized Camorra,
sentenced to life for multiple homicides.
Enzo Tortora, Italian
television personality and journalist,
host and creator of Portobello.
Loved by millions,
he was considered to be one
of the most influential figures
in Italian television.
[woman] Slow down, eh?
And be careful. The floor is wet.
[indistinct chatter]
[sniffs]
[floor manager] We're ready.
You can come in now.
We're starting soon. Thank you.
Quickly, quickly.
Quickly. Thank you.
Find your seats, please.
Ma'am, you can sit right there.
The first one you find, thank you.
We'll start soon.
[music playing]
Good evening.
[floor manager] Dim the lights.
How are you, friend?
-[Portobello squawks]
-Oh.
Say, "Oh."
[announcer] Coming to you live right now,
it's Portobello,
the Friday market hosted
by the one and only, Enzo Tortora.
Theme song.
[theme song playing]
FIRST EPISODE
Portobello ♪
Come on, give me
a giant round of applause.
I want to hear all your voices.
Folks, is that all you've got?
-[audience applauding]
-More! Come on.
Let's get a little energy going.
This is the top broadcast in all of Italy.
Let's hear it. Come on.
[theme song continues]
Portobello ♪
Break a leg. Break a leg. Break a leg.
[both] How we love you, dear Italy.
Go!
MILAN
JULY 1ST, 1977
-[audience applauding, cheering]
-Louder!
-No more, no more, no more.
-[applauding, theme song stops]
Ladies and gentlemen,
it's incredible to have you here
at the recording
of our sixth episode of Portobello.
Before we begin, I'd like to start
by thanking our audience.
When the series started,
we had, according to the statistics,
5.5 million viewers.
And with time, it has grown.
This last Friday night,
we were able to reach,
or you reached, an audience of 12 million.
[audience applauding]
Our phone operator switchboard
is literally about to explode here.
It's time to get back
into our first announcement
-of this evening.
-[operator] Portobello.
Blow a little air into your instruments,
and music.
[music playing]
[floor manager] Go, go, go. Come on.
[music continues]
Let's hear it.
They're good.
What's he doing?
I was a Bersagliere.
[chanting]
[music stops]
-[audience applauding]
-That's it.
Thank you, Marshal, my good sir,
I would like to thank you, first of all.
-Your name?
-[marshal] Leandro Bortuzzo.
Do you want to go ahead
with the delivery of these hats
to your talented men?
Yes, I do. March.
The delivery of the hats.
Come on. Come on, guys.
And there they go. Yes. Great.
Now we're talking. Look at that.
[theme music playing]
[Enzo] Let's jump into the heart
of our show.
Starting with the first segment
of tonight's broadcast,
All for Sale and All for Hire, again,
at our market right here on Portobello.
There's a job to do.
Help change this raggedy old bell
to a shiny brand new one.
Come out, Father Pietro.
Opening up a window in the middle
of the Po valley's my recommendation.
The only place to do it
would be right here
at the Turchino Pass.
Level the entire thing.
-Level the mountain.
-[audience laughs]
Another offering, a tenor with experience
seeking engagement in a major opera house.
[singing opera in Italian]
[Enzo in English] A performance
to tug the heartstrings.
I'd feel the same
as any ordinary Italian girl out there,
and I'm looking for a husband.
[audience cheering]
[Enzo] Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Now, as of this broadcast,
I can say that Portobello
is now set to be broadcast
and shown tonight in color.
-Yeah!
-[audience applauding]
And all of us here
are immersed in color, too.
Look around, look around.
Girls, take control
of that phone switchboard of yours.
And now
-[all clamoring]
-Call the police! He shot him.
-[indistinct conversation]
-[man] What the hell!
Hey. Was I good up there?
You were splendid.
-Sure?
-You'll see the ratings tomorrow.
[Enzo] If you help me
Now let's see.
Tell me if this is right.
So what happens now, exactly?
This mask sends electrical impulses
to smooth out the texture of your skin.
Can you feel it?
-[mask buzzing]
-I feel it. [laughs] Definitely.
The package ready now?
-Yeah.
-All right. Now
"To the gracious Mr. Tortora,
I'm honored to send you
these fine creations
which I made for you by my own handiwork,
with certainty that they will satisfy
your most illustrious interest.
I look forward to hearing what you think
and wish you luck
with all your future work."
-I'll put your signature.
-Better than a cross.
"Domenico
Barbaro."
It's never too late
to properly learn how to write.
[Enzo on TV] What an outrage, sir.
Excellency.
Those who've taken, taken, taken.
Those who've given, given and given
No one as pathetic
as those who mock a way of talking.
They're just awful at it.
[Enzo] What are you waiting for
Pathetic joke.
-A cuckold, too.
-He's a cuckold now, too?
Perchance.
[Enzo] Excellent.
Now, we all know we're not the French.
You won't see us doing the can-can
because we've got something
much, much better than that.
Who in the audience can help?
The tarantella.
-The tarantella!
-[applause]
["Simmo 'E Napule Paisa" playing]
[singing in Italian]
[in English] Making fun of us. Look.
In a world without us,
he would cease to exist.
You stalk and feed,
you thrive and sustain on our tragedies.
Can't be bothered to respond.
Fucking bastard.
Any idea how full of shit you are?
Asshole heard me.
How could he have heard you?
[singing in Italian continues]
[in English] Thank you. Yes.
A huge thanks and applause for our guests,
-the Guarracini.
-Without our suffering,
you'd be absolutely nothing.
We're shouldering the weight,
and you sit there and cash in.
You don't think about us,
of Giovanni Pandico,
or anybody else here,
like Domenico Barbaro.
We sent you a package.
Wrote letters to you.
Why don't you reply?
You did all right.
Your benevolence, generosity,
what do we get? Nothing.
Only dust under the table.
Beware your own gluttony,
and think of what Epulone got
when he finally died.
Epulone?
[Enzo] Salvatore Totaro
of the Guarracini.
Mr. Tortora, I serve as the head
of the group.
[Enzo] Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Why are you making that stupid face?
For you to evolve, be at the top,
one must continue reading, studying,
furthering their education.
Drop that for now?
He doesn't reply this time either,
I'll cause a scandal for him
in the media circuit.
I'll feed him to the press.
Whoa, that's a look.
See that? That made him scared.
-[Enzo] Here we are
-Who? He can't see you.
What do you mean, who? Right there.
Tortora?
to play a great game, Portobello.
You really didn't see?
Because he heard what I said, I'm sure.
You know, we emit these certain
electromagnetic forces, all of us.
They travel through the walls
and mountains and oceans.
Because of that, he heard it.
I saw it. When I insulted him,
when I shouted,
I saw him flinch for just a second.
Not much.
If I turn the press against him,
I'll completely ruin him.
Telepathy.
Through telepathy?
Powerful thing.
Shouldn't you be using it right now?
Try it.
[Enzo] Terrible, terrible animal.
We'll give you 30 seconds,
which you'll use
to then attempt
to get him to say, "Portobello,"
before the clock runs out. Go.
[show clock ticking]
[girls] Portobello. Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
Portobello.
-[girl 1] Portobello.
-[girl 2] Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
[girl 2] Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Porto.
-Bello.
-[both] Portobello.
[girl 1] Portobello.
[all] Portobello.
-Porto.
-He's getting ready to say it. Come on.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
Portobello.
[both] Portobello.
[girl 2] Portobello.
-[alarm rings]
-Portobello.
Times up, girls. Time's up. I'm sorry.
Bastard. That was on purpose.
Can see him getting ready.
Now I'll write a little poem for you.
[Enzo] at the end of the day,
these parrots are nothing more
than brightly-colored chickens.
Please come, take a seat.
Dear illustrious Sir Tortora
[Enzo] Thank you for joining us.
I'm convinced and feel it's my duty
as an inmate
of a correctional institution
very soon, next Friday,
please come back once more.
to prevent anybody
from extracting any profits
or material gains in kind In kind,
out of my situation
or from my current status
as an inmate.
The package in question
was sent and delivered
directly to the RAI offices
at 27, Corso Sempione.
DOMENICO BARBARO
PENITENTIARY - PORTO AZZURRO
Its contents included
20 handmade lace doilies,
embroidered by me, personally,
as I've already written
several times before.
Should you fail to resolve
the issue in question,
within 20 calendar days
of receiving this registered letter
I will bring a suit against you
under Article 646
of the Italian criminal code
for embezzlement
and under Article 485
of the Italian criminal code for fraud.
In addition,
I will be forced to expose you
and this matter to the press.
Domenico Barbaro.
[Enzo] "Dear Mr. Domenico Barbaro,
I'm filled with regret to inform you
that I was never aware
of your package at all,
and I never saw any trace of it.
[lively piano music playing]
Mr. Tortora,
I can tie knots with my tongue.
Later, later.
-[Enzo] Good morning.
-[assistant] Good morning.
Have you found it?
No. There's nothing.
We looked for the package everywhere,
but the lace doilies, it appears,
never arrived here.
Perhaps they were misplaced
by the RAI team.
When I tell you
that they are completely incompetent,
you all say I exaggerate.
Yes, but it can't be that big of a deal.
It could happen to anybody.
Somebody's error. But if I may,
it's my face attached to this.
It's not the first time.
He sent letters before. You know.
-[Barby] Where was the letter sent to?
-It was addressed to my house.
Ugh.
Just a second. I'm confused.
How could an inmate have your address?
If his number's in the phone book already,
I guess his address is, too.
Should I have you unlisted?
For this year,
-it's already too late.
-Do we know this person?
Is there any information on this Barbaro?
Is this guy a psycho, a murderer, a lifer?
Is there a difference?
There's absolutely a difference,
because it's one thing entirely
to be a bank robber, or a killer,
and a very different thing to be a thief
or some guy selling cocaine.
Do we at least know
if he's a low-level guy,
or if he's a part of a large organization,
a gang?
Because if it's the latter,
this letter could be a warning
from a damn mafioso. Ugh!
He's in the 'Ndrangheta.
He trafficked pharmaceutical drugs.
No, so this guy is really
in the 'Ndrangheta?
Now I'm even angrier
just by knowing all of that.
'Ndrangheta is one
of the most ferocious organizations
on the damn planet!
What you're saying
is that someone in the 'Ndrangheta
sent a letter to my home,
and as clear as day,
made severe open threats to me?
-[Angelo] Don't worry about it.
-I am!
I'll tell the team at RAI
and the executives.
Don't just do that. You'll demand that RAI
reimburse this gentleman
for the value of his laced doilies.
-[Angelo] All right.
-Resolve this!
All right, Enzo.
[Barby] Let's give the main office a call.
Don't you think you exaggerated?
I don't know. I could have.
[Anna] What's the problem?
We're unable to recognize
or distinguish what's important here.
Our last broadcast, we reached 17 million.
I don't know if you realize that.
We're doing pretty well.
We're beating out everyone.
That's the thing. Seventeen, 21,
they're just numbers, Anna.
You're content when they're going up
and terrified when they go down.
We should be more than content.
We're exactly where
we've always wanted to be.
NAPLES - POGGIOREALE PRISON
1 YEAR LATER
-Hey, Giuse'.
-Hey.
-You're hiding something.
-I need to bring it to the Professor.
Good morning, Professor.
I hope I'm not bothering you.
Can I get you a coffee?
AKA THE PROFESSOR
HEAD OF THE NEW ORGANIZED CAMORRA
I was taking in the view a bit.
Hey, Scribbler,
how do I look this morning?
-Amazing, sir.
-You're wrong. Look closer.
-My left sideburn got cut too short.
-Can't even tell.
You feel like it's too short.
Feelings are important, kid.
Especially mine.
Some gifts I brought for you,
from my mother.
And the salami from Nola.
I remember how you liked it.
And there's one more thing.
I really wanted to give it to you.
Years ago, I carved
the entire thing by hand.
I was thinking of you.
In the prison in Lecce. Remember?
Had to fight through hell
to find the Virgin Mary.
I used to be quite gifted.
My old professor in drawing
There's only one true Professor.
I have the honor of seeing him
in front of me. Anyway,
this small-time professor
told me I could become someone great
like Donatello, Michelangelo.
But my parents didn't want
to hear about it.
I had to get my diploma,
and so I uselessly became an accountant.
Provincial mentality they had.
Heads as hard as wood.
It's butt ugly. Put it over there.
Sure, sure. It was How do you say?
It was just a thought.
Fortunate is the man who knows
his own talents and limits.
Wise words, Professor.
-I should write to my sister. Sit down.
-Right away.
Ready for you whenever you want.
"Rosetta, my dearest sister.
Our great family"
"Our great family"
"is more than large enough
to give all the love we got
to everybody that has love for us as well.
And to defend against all of those
who wish us for dead."
"All of those who wish us for dead."
"We don't allow any type of"
"Threats."
"Secessions." Write that.
"Secessions." All right.
-"We do not allow secessions."
-"Secessions."
"I would like
for you and the others
to answer "Yes"
to the very kind wedding invitation
of the Tortoras of Castellammare.
Attend the wedding
and present the sacred gift
of the Professor to them."
Graciously spoken.
They all must be disposed of.
What? Why is that?
They haven't done anything yet.
-They're new.
-The suspicion should be enough.
We make them disappear
ahead of them getting one over on us.
Kill them all, Professor.
Just write.
"Kindly, as always.
And of course, with my love for you all,
Raffaele."
I'll pretty it up for you. Don't worry.
Scribbler.
Bring that statue with you.
Whoa.
I'm joking around.
I'll find the right spot for it later.
-All right.
-Thank you, Professor.
Go on.
[Enzo] Now, welcome
our wonderful guest this evening,
a real and incredible hypnotist.
And without further ado, Marco Zecca.
Good evening. Good evening.
Good evening, Mr. Marco.
Let's not waste any time.
Let's jump straight into it.
Look out into the stands
and choose someone,
any audience member you see,
-and do your hypnosis exercise on them.
-No, Mr. Tortora.
I would like to use this instrument
to hypnotize everyone.
The whole of Italy.
Guy says he's a hypnotist, huh?
[Enzo] I'll just take a step back
and very happily leave you here
with cameras and all of Italy.
Dear television viewers,
please stand in front of your TVs
and get as close as you can,
because we're about to perform
an experiment in hypnosis
for the first time in Italy
on an incredible scale.
Don't participate if you're home alone.
The rest of you, prepare yourselves,
and combine your hands
and fingers like this.
Lock your fingers together
as tightly as you can.
Tighten your hands and your fingers.
Very good.
-What are you doing that for?
-Screw off.
[Zecca] Harder.
-I'm already
-Tighten your fist.
Look straight into my eyes,
breathe deeply, look at me
-as your fingers tighten
-Start breathing.
as if they're glued together,
impossible to separate.
Keep looking at me intently.
Concentrate on your hands
as they get restricted
-What happened? They're stuck.
-I can't pull them apart.
[Zecca] Keep staring.
Stare into my eyes intently.
The more you stare,
the more your hands tighten.
They become bound, completely stuck.
Straight into my eyes.
Now breathe deeply and look at me.
The more you look at me,
the more immovable they become.
They'll stay stuck together until I snap
on the count of three.
One. You can feel a slight separation.
Two. Stay concentrated.
Breathe. Concentrate.
Three. Okay, now separate them.
Pull them apart. Separate them.
They're free. They're completely free.
They're separated.
You'll feel much better now.
-All right?
-[Enzo] Mister, wow,
-thank you.
-Mama. Michele!
Thank you. Come here.
Come here, Mr. Marco.
We also had a bit of a problem here
with our crew member.
Take your fingers apart, Nonna.
You can't do whatever you see on TV.
-[Enzo] Would you like to say anything?
-I didn't hear a thing.
Someone might still have
their hands stuck.
[all clamoring]
They're stuck. What do I do?
What the hell did he do?
They're still stuck! Oh!
-Knock it off.
-Enough!
-You can never have a laugh.
-I'm trying to relax here.
[on TV] Palermo-Varese, 2-1,
Villa-Pescara, 1-1
NOVEMBER 23RD, 1980
Anything else, sir?
[turns off TV] Go.
Wait.
-Have the heat turned up.
-Consider it done.
"Oh, brothers," I said,
"who, amid 100,000 perils,
have come unto the West
to this so inconsiderable vigil."
[singing in Italian]
[in English]
"Be unwilling to deny the experience,
following the sun
of the unpeopled world."
[singing in Italian]
[in English] "Consider your origins.
Ye were not made to be brutes,
but for the pursuit of virtuosity
and of knowledge.
-[rumbling]
-So eager were my"
[inmates clamoring]
[Giovanni] Professor!
[alarm blaring]
Guard! Let me out!
[inmate 1] Let us out!
Guard! Open up this goddamn cell!
You want our blood on your hands?
[inmates yelling]
You're coming with me.
Come with me.
[alarm blaring]
Over here. Come on, come on.
-[guard 1] Go, go, go!
-[guard 2] Let me out!
-Pasca'! The Professor, where is he?
-Out of the way!
Holy shit! Come on, we gotta run.
Grab that dickhead!
[Barra] Sasa'!
Go and take care of him. You know who.
[grunting]
[guard 1] Keep it moving.
Come on, come on.
Keep it moving. Let's go.
-Everyone out!
-[guard 2] Behind me.
-[guard 1] Don't crowd the door.
-[guard 2] Let's go.
Come on.
We got four for sure.
Four out of five is a good percentage.
Now they know who's running Poggioreale.
We have to kill all of them.
This isn't your part of the game.
Go clean yourselves up.
Thank you, Professor.
From this point forward,
we're vigilant proletarians.
No gloating for now.
You hear him?
[journalist] A tragic toll
from the earthquake in the south.
According to Carabinieri sources,
821 deceased
have been extracted from the rubble.
Several thousand injured.
The area affected by the earthquake
covers 26,000 square kilometers
and has seven million inhabitants.
These are agonizing hours
following a disaster.
People are doing their best
trying to cope.
Also tonight,
I would like to express my gratitude
for the truly unique generosity
of the sincerely great, immense people
and country of Italy.
Allow me to say that.
The starting bid,
as the illustrious brokers
over at Christie's say,
-is set at
-[announcer] One million.
One million to bring home
the prize of this first mink coat.
Who starts with the first bid?
There it is.
1,250,000 from the lady.
And now 1.5 million there
as our second new offer.
There in the audience,
more hands going up now.
1,750,000
A new offer of 2 million.
A caller is offering 2 million.
Now, 2,250,000,
as the number grows and grows and grows
on our sign of total funds raised.
Rising higher by the second.
Now at the astonishing amount
of 2 billion,
seven-hundred and twenty million raised.
It's truly incredible. It really is.
I'll say to you all
and all that are tuned in,
we're continuing this auction
as well as this broadcast
until we've raised
at least three billion tonight.
[Forlani] I am very proud to make
this announcement to all of you today
in this grand auditorium
of this most glorious university.
Mostly because even the young people
in our society have the chance to see
that the Italian political leadership,
in particular, the Christian Democrats,
as they are today,
are well controlled and worthy
to govern Italy through this hardship.
[audience whistling]
-What is that whistling?
-Your Excellency,
it's how they display their enthusiasm.
We're gathered here today
to make an important announcement.
The government has allocated to you
a 50 billion reconstruction package
in the wake of this earthquake.
That is 50 billion,
not million.
And I would now like to solemnly pledge
before all of you today
to do everything in my power
to ensure that this reconstruction effort
is fast and efficient,
and that all the contracts
are transparent.
-Thank you.
-Once our region has
all that cash rolling in,
we'll ensure it holds on
to every little bit.
-To our earthquake!
-Yeah!
[man 1] To our earthquake.
-God bless the earthquake.
-I would say this earthquake
has been a blessing after all.
It could easily become a curse.
Pasca', how about thinking positive
once in a while?
Our enemies are on us like starving hounds
and there are bodies in here
and out there.
Too many to number. And ours especially.
Pasca', remind me of my name.
-The Professor.
-In Ottaviano, what name did you have?
-The student.
-Listen to the Professor.
We've got 50 billion reasons
to be optimistic.
Come on, Pasca'. Raise a toast!
To our beautiful earthquake!
CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY SECTION
ALDO MORO
Yes, but I'm saying an entire winter
has passed, as well as spring,
now it's the end of April,
it seems incredible
that we're still in this situation.
Mr. Tortora, when will the funds
you raised be distributed?
The money is being held
in two banking institutions,
safely backed by the protection
of guarantors, including myself.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
-Good morning.
Good morning, sir.
Why haven't you dispersed any funds?
I would like to tell you confidently,
the money we collected for reconstruction
was collected for your sake
and only for your sake.
It's entirely possible to do this.
We must be sure that your funds
are safe from the hands
of the dishonest profiteers.
The unruly, greedy hands of the Camorra
must be prevented from taking
even a single cent of yours.
Nothing more.
[music playing in Italian]
-[in English] Did he say where he's going?
-Showers.
Get him out.
Go get him. Bring him up here.
[grunts]
Pasca'!
They killed Marciano!
Those guys killed Marciano!
-They killed Marciano!
-Professor, they killed Marciano.
Close this cell door.
Close it and lock it!
Close the door!
Close the whole block down!
Everyone inside!
Lock the cell door!
Let's go.
Why do I need to change cells?
You want to go out
like your buddy Marciano?
-Okay, where am I going?
-They're transferring you.
-What? Why?
-Again? Really?
For your safety, that's why.
I couldn't care less.
You can keep killing each other,
but for the sake of the warden,
this war needs to end fast.
What do I do with these books?
They'll go to storage
and get shipped to your house.
I don't have a house.
My mama's living in a container.
Quickly. Let's go.
Just take the basics.
What are you doing?
What kind of racket is this?
Your boss is gone.
He transferred out.
How is that possible?
He didn't request to get transferred.
I write all of his letters,
and he never asked for a transfer.
It's the end of the time
Cutolo gives an order and everyone obeys.
Watch your mouth
when you're speaking of the Professor.
He's like the word of God.
Jesus Christ on Earth.
Once upon a time.
Move it, Scribbler.
Fun's over now. Come on.
-[Giovanni] "My dear Professor
-[typing]
please allow me to disturb you
for the fourth time,
as this utterly miserable company
has saddened me,
and I long for the splendid old days
of Poggioreale,
when I had the honor
of serving as your secretary,
-interpreter of your thoughts."
-[cell mate] Stop it!
"Here they had the nerve
-to speak the impossible."
-Enough!
"They say you've made a deal
with the authorities to shield yourself
from the attacks of our enemies.
They try to discredit you.
-They'll pay for it."
-Stop!
"They'll pay for this.
-[typing]
-I'll wait patiently for you, and resist.
I dutifully await your orders
in the certainty that your sudden transfer
is just a small hiccup
in the context of your grand design."
Morning. I'd like to send out this letter.
Good morning. Has anything come in for me?
There's nothing.
So, no response or mail
from the Professor yet?
Wait, wait.
There's a letter from your mother here.
It's odd. I've sent four letters
since this transfer.
There's nothing.
There's nothing.
MASS MURDERER PASQUALE BARRA
KILLS MILAN MAFIA BOSS
Pasquale Barra, known as "the Animal,"
mass murderer and prominent member
of the New Organized Camorra,
an organization led by Raffaele Cutolo,
has decided to cooperate
with the authorities as well as the state.
Barra, a staunch loyalist
of Raffaele Cutolo,
also known as "the Professor,"
has been determined to be responsible
for the brutal murder of Milanese
mob boss, Francis Turatello,
who was savagely gutted
in a surprise knife attack last month
in the Badu 'e Carros Prison.
Barra, who has been deemed responsible
for 66 homicides in total
There's your buddy on the TV.
- is perhaps one of the most
-Who's Barra?
That guy did 66 murders.
-I don't know him.
-[bunkmate] You don't know him?
You talked to him in Poggioreale.
We talked back in Poggioreale,
but we were never friends.
[news anchor] gave the order
to murder Turatello.
The murder of the Milanese mob boss
shocked the criminal underworld
of northern Italy.
[Giovanni] "My dear Professor,
they're saying Pasquale is ready
to cooperate with the authorities.
I find it to be remarkably unfortunate.
But I am not afraid of him.
The only thing that one should fear
is fear itself.
I swear to you, I have no fear.
Because I know that you're there.
You're always there."
-Good morning, sir.
-Good morning.
Nothing here for me?
Nope.
-Sure?
-You know I am.
Look more. Give me the courtesy.
You don't want to get on my shitlist.
[upbeat instrumental music playing]
-Thirty-five anybody?
-Not over here.
Not over here either.
I got a 45.
[Giovanni] "My dear Professor,
I wish you a very happy New Year.
They're celebrating here in the prison.
It's an unfortunate sight.
But let's not try to dwell
on such trifles."
We're live on the first day
of January, 1982.
With us tonight, with 82 candles
is Paola Borboni.
[Giovanni] "I've read about it,
I've heard of comrades
who have sold themselves out
to our enemies."
[Enzo] Congratulations.
[Giovanni] "A shameful set of betrayals.
Happy birthday. Here you go.
[Giovanni] I can't fathom that Pasquale
Barra is cooperating with the police.
Better to be dead than a traitor."
To all of Italy watching us tonight,
Paola is truly extraordinary
[Giovanni] "I'm in need
of a sign from you.
Some form of reassurance."
To everyone out there,
you're a great lesson in true optimism,
in youth, in enthusiasm.
[Giovanni] "Why don't you respond to me?
I need it like the very air
that I breathe."
Yes, yes, that's very true.
I've always been one you'd describe
as a hard worker, considering my age,
as I've been around a very long time,
you're able to see.
I've always been entirely centered
and committed to the most serene thing,
and it's that search,
search for liberty.
"Libertà." Because I'm free on the inside.
To be free is to be young.
Who the hell is this maniac?
Maniac?
It's a performance.
She's an amazing actress.
to be open to all possibilities,
and importantly,
to the things which exist beyond.
[Enzo] Paola, I'd be truly happy
if on this wonderful evening,
while we're here for your birthday,
if you could channel the beyond,
if you'd do that for us,
and finally make
this terrible animal speak.
[Paola] There's the little parrot.
[on TV] I would love to. Yes.
And there's even a sorceress cloak
befitting the occasion.
Would you like that?
Wow. Hand me the cloak, I'll wear it now.
How lovely.
Help me to put it.
There you go. Sandro Massimini
is there as the cloak assistor.
Would you help me tie it, Sandro, darling?
Can you help me?
I don't think I mentioned it,
but we've got a hat.
Oh, how lucky!
I got 89 over here. The old lady.
[Paola] How lucky am I! It's so beautiful.
[men groaning]
My, how wonderful, thank you, thank you!
I want it a bit more askew. There.
Is it pretty?
Do I look pretty in this wizard's hat?
To me, she looks like a fairy.
-She's so pretty.
-The fairy from Pinocchio.
Paola, you'll get
just 30 seconds to do your trick.
Ready? Now let's see
if you can use your powers
to break the spell.
We're off.
[show clock ticking]
Portobello.
-No way she can do it.
-I know you can do it.
-Let's go.
-[man and woman] Now.
Portobello.
[all] Portobello.
-Portobello.
-Portobello.
We're not doing a silent film,
Paola. What are you doing?
[squawks]
Portobello.
Hey, hey.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello.
Portobello!
Portobello.
-[Portobello] Portobello.
-There!
Portobello!
[Enzo] That was incredible.
Ladies and gentlemen
He said it. Did you hear it?
Bravo. Smart parrot.
He's still going.
The marvelous and talented Paola
I was the one that did it.
[Enzo] broken the spell.
-What's he saying?
-I was the one that did it.
-He's full of shit.
-[laughs]
[Enzo] Ladies and gentlemen, Paola tamed
this beastly little animal,
and Portobello finally spoke.
They get it all while others get nothing.
Fucking son of a whore.
[Enzo] incredible, inimitable artistry
of Paola Borboni!
[audience applauding]
-Happy New Year to you.
-[Enzo] See you next Friday.
See you all next Friday.
[Paola] Happy New Year!
Hello, ma'am.
You are absolutely divine.
That's so kind to say. Thank you.
With the utmost sincerity,
you were so moving.
-May I accompany you?
-Yes, you can.
Happy New Year to all of you.
Happy New Year, everyone.
They'd give him a show if he was garbage?
Are you hearing yourself?
Be quiet. Hey.
No more. Let's watch the show.
[song playing in Italian]
-[in English] How was I tonight?
-Don't you see it?
You're like a kid up there.
Impeccable as always.
Thank you, Barby.
Good morning, sir.
That was it?
You haven't even checked.
Listen, you're such a colossal pain
in the nuts
that whenever I'm on duty,
the first thing I do
is check if you got something.
There's never been anything. Not a thing.
It's impossible that the Professor
wouldn't respond.
He just hasn't been responding?
Let me speak to the warden.
Get the fuck out of here. Go to your cell.
This is your doing.
You've been throwing away
the Professor's letters to me!
It was you!
Get up. Come on.
Soon we'll be the ones in power.
You'll be spitting blood. Wait and see.
You've reached 28 million now.
Yes. I mean, it's as shocking to me
as everyone else.
What now that the word "Portobello"
has been exhausted?
Well, we have a new one.
-"Brazil."
-[Anna] Enzo.
You're not supposed to say it.
It's not public yet?
Remove it. You can't write that.
The article will be published
in four days.
It's only four days until it's out.
Radiocorriere's the newspaper for RAI.
You can write it. Write it.
[Scopelliti] Do we want to say
why it's "Brazil"?
We chose it in honor of a poor little boy
who was left disfigured
after a horrible accident
and Mrs. Borboni offered
to have him flown to Brazil
to get an operation with one
of the greatest surgeons in the world.
A feel-good story is the basis?
What's the issue with a feel-good story?
Why is that a bad thing?
I'm not asking you,
but I would really like to ask
all those contrarians
and all those snobs, all the people
who sit there and judge my show,
and label the entire thing
as provincial and tired,
and paint it as tear-jerking garbage.
Everyone's can voice their criticism,
but these people should be obligated
to start their own program,
and pull together
their own semi-decent audience.
Look, I don't have political comrades,
or saints up there looking out.
My saints are down here,
sitting at home in their chairs
every Friday night.
You know what I have to say?
You're trying to convince yourself
and not addressing your critics.
Mmm.
What if it's because I'm tired
of it all and can't stand those critics?
-[Scopelliti laughs] Can I put that in?
-[Enzo] Yeah.
And if RAI kicks you out again?
Listen, this time I've got a giant shield
of over 28 million Italians,
so I would say
I'm more likely to walk out.
Should I write that as well?
No.
["Fratelli d'Italia" playing]
But who are these guys, Anna?
More people for tryouts?
-No, they're real.
-What do you mean, they're real?
-What?
-Mr. Tortora.
-Hello.
-The President of the Republic
names you Commendatore of Merit
of the Republic of Italy.
-You did it.
-But you all knew about this.
-Congratulations.
-Thanks.
And thanks
to the President of the Republic.
I'm not sure what to say.
Congratulations and good day.
Thank you. Thanks.
-[staff cheering]
-We're so proud of you.
So from this moment on,
I demand that you refer to me
as Commendatore.
-Got that?
-Bravo, Commendatore.
-Cheers.
-Let's get a photo.
And here we are. Here we are. Here we are.
["Fratelli d'Italia" ends]
All right, I'm going. Bye.
Ciao.
What is it?
Don't you see? Commendatore Tortora
in a big country of commendatori.
-I'm sorry.
-You're not happy about this either.
-And why do you say, "Either"?
-Before,
when you said it could be you
that decides to go.
No, but that was just talk.
You say what you mean,
you never just talk.
You've never doubted what we're doing?
So now I'm left thinking
that we renew our contract here,
and how can we do any better
than we're doing?
By doing the same things
until we get tired?
There isn't any more time
for us to be uncertain.
-We have to decide.
-[exhales]
And the offer, economically,
just look, I mean--
No, I don't want to know.
Eight zeros. And no exclusivity.
See you tomorrow.
Ah.
Enzo
Yes?
Francesca
Yeah. What?
It's evident.
[classical music playing]
You're separated,
with a family back in Rome.
And even if it were true,
aren't I a free man?
You're a popular public figure,
with a certain demographic you appeal to.
In a pious, moralistic,
Catholic country, too.
Since we are living
in a pious, hypocritical country,
I should behave in the same manner?
I just wanted to make sure you were aware.
Ciao.
Have a good night.
[Enzo] Good night.
[snorts]
[piano music playing]
All right, now take a look.
Mmm.
Your usual level of perfection.
Thank you so much.
And thank you.
Ah. Thank you, Diego.
Thank you.
Good morning, ladies.
See you all again soon. Good bye.
-Good day.
-Thank you.
Thank you.
I'll see you later.
-[Roberto] See you soon.
-[Enzo] I'll see you again soon, Roberto.
Good to see you.
[applauding]
Okay, let's go, let's go.
It's all right,
they're all ancient anyway.
Don't look out there.
Come on.
Bravo! Bravo!
[Enzo] See you later. Goodbye, now.
See you on Friday night.
This man's an illusionist.
He makes castles out of cards.
[shuffling cards]
And how quickly is he able to build
these so-called castles?
In one episode, he'll start and he'll be
finished in time for the next one.
Eh, interesting. All right.
And her?
She can make herself cry on command.
So how come she's not crying for us?
-[Anna] It takes a few minutes.
-Well, we can't afford to be kept waiting
too long in the middle of a show,
now, can we?
Why don't we see some more?
Good morning.
And you?
The reason I'm here
is to honor my brother, sir.
[Enzo] Ah.
I swore not to cut my beard
since my brother was brutally killed.
And I'm never, ever going to,
until they've captured whoever did it.
Let's hear more of this story.
Thank you.
[Anna] And these gentlemen
Our two clowns.
[Barby] They are looking to garner more
support for elderly circus performers.
When we're too old for the circus,
we'll be out on the streets in no time.
[Enzo] A request for assistance.
All right. All right.
Hello, there.
He is a professional dog trainer.
So what's its name, then?
Her name is Nami.
A dog who thinks she's actually a horse.
Enzo, she's crying, we gotta go.
-That was nice.
-Thank you.
[dramatic music playing]
[Enzo] But why is she crying?
Or more like, what's her motive
for crying? She needs a motive.
Because her audience at home
is gonna demand to know
why this poor girl is crying.
-You're what's making her cry.
-No
Well, at least that's
what her mother said.
Her mother sent a letter into our show,
asking if we'd have her on our broadcast.
Is she in love, do you think?
-No, no.
-I don't think so.
It's a nice image either way, isn't it?
Sure, it's a beautiful image indeed,
but
I don't know if it's the right
fit for Portobello.
Look again
The poor thing's still crying.
No, sorry for the cynicism, but look,
at this point, a million viewers
could change the channel
if they hadn't already. Eh?
Sorry, uh Sir, we lost Ramon.
What do you mean, you lost Ramon?
-They left the door open out back I think.
-Then we need to find him right now.
We can always find another one, too.
No, Anna. This has never happened before.
This is a bad sign.
Come on.
We need to find the parrot immediately.
Ramon.
[door creaking]
Please, please come in.
Mr. Tortora, it's such an honor
to meet you.
-It's a pleasure.
-The pleasure is all mine.
Well, I mean, when I found him
in here earlier this morning,
he was perched on a kneeler there,
but he disappeared, so
So now what?
And now I don't know where to find him.
But I do know that he's around here.
[scoffs]
Ramon?
Commendatore, quiet.
We have to be gentle,
he must be terrified.
-Ramon?
-Ramon?
Ramoncito.
-Ramon.
-Ramon.
Ramon.
Ramon?
[squawks]
He's there. Look.
[squawks]
[assistant] Ramon.
You see what I got you?
I brought you a treat.
Ramon.
Ramon.
Ramon.
[sighing]
[assistant] Ramon.
He got down. It's working.
[assistant] Ramon.
Buddy, hello.
There you go. Bravo.
Yeah.
[squawks]
And now we're saved.
[reporter] In Rome, just a few meters
from the SISMI intelligence agency,
lies the shell of the burned out car
belonging to Vincenzo Casillo.
Not much remains.
Casillo, a fugitive, was a key member
of the New Organized Camorra
led by Raffaele Cutolo,
to whom Casillo was considered
the right-hand man
and main representative
throughout their territory.
This horrific murder leaves behind
more questions than answers.
More and more Camorra members
are being pursued
and are willing to cooperate
with the authorities.
We can mention, among others,
Pasquale Barra, Salvatore Sanfilippo,
and Salvatore Imperatrice.
They believe Cutolo was involved
in the kidnapping of Ciro Cirillo
and in the negotiations that followed
in order to secure his freedom.
And it is natural to wonder
whether the place where he died
might possess
some particular significance,
If it might contain some sort
of indication or sign
that the recipient of that message
will know how to interpret.
Now what is certain is that
the endless trail of blood
that the camera has left behind
in this voracious war
will inevitably serve as the very path
-Hey sit, sit down and eat with us, c'mon.
-No, thanks.
days of oppression by the Professor
have finally
[dramatic music playing]
[groans]
It's butt-ugly. Put it down over there.
[indistinct shouting]
[crashing]
My God, why hast thou forsaken me?
[guard] Pandico, what now?
I'd very much like to talk to the warden.
I'm calm.
There's nobody calmer.
They're gonna kill me.
I must speak to him before I die.
I have to confess to him
and do what my conscience is saying.
In the letter, it's all clear.
Dear Professor, in the general collapse
you permitted the killing
of Vincenzo Casillo,
your most loyal, faithful man,
your designated heir, your favorite.
There are certain moments in a man's life
when true courage consists
of admitting his own weakness.
Loneliness and solitude
belong to the strong man,
because they're the result
of a long, profound experience,
and convey a deeper
understanding of others.
The Camorra member
is the first victim of the Camorra.
I don't recognize you anymore.
NAPLES
PASTRENGO POLICE STATION
You never wanted to understand
that a true boss
is first and foremost,
the boss of himself.
Now, weep,
just as I weep today,
In reproach for not having killed you.
He worked for Cutolo.
He committed a massacre several years ago.
PUBLIC PROSECUTORS
He's an avid reader,
he's read all the classics,
appears to want a degree.
Mmm. Unclassifiable.
I got that much.
[knock on door]
Come on in.
Please.
We're deputies Di Persia and Di Pietro.
A pleasure. Giovanni Pandico.
Take a seat.
You confirm your willingness
to cooperate with this judicial authority?
I confirm, yes, Your Honor.
But if I may clarify
just one small thing to you first.
-Please.
-I'm not an informant at all.
Ah.
What are you, then?
I would call it, "disassociated".
if I may, Your Honor, I can say that
Well, put simply,
I've read and I've studied
and what I can say is,
an informant, should they collaborate,
gets the world.
When you're disassociated,
the difference is that you
give away everything, you get nothing.
Very well, now that that's clarified
and out of the way,
why don't we begin with
what you're able to tell us?
I agree to recount everything I know
in regards to the criminal organization
named the New Organized Camorra,
of which I'm an affiliate,
in addition to its boss, Raffaele Cutolo,
to whom I was a trusted advisor.
I know all there is to know, Your Honor.
Mr. Pandico, what brought you
to the decision to cooperate?
Because Raffaele Cutolo is a traitor.
And as a means to save his own hide,
he didn't waste any time
making deals with our enemies,
either of the family or the state,
so I didn't choose to become a turncoat,
but to be disassociated.
Right.
You can begin.
Court reporter,
you can get ready to write.
It's currently 9:10 in the morning
on the 6th of February, 1983.
Go!
Stay where you are!
-Put your hands up!
-Stay right there!
Don't move. Don't move!
Hands in the air! Move away!
Come here. Come on, come on, come on.
-Hey, let go.
-Don't make me have to pick you up.
Get up! Come on.
Stop squirming! Let's go.
[officer 1] Move it!
[officer 2] Come on, let's go!
-Now, if I ask you about a name
-What is this?
That's a photocopy of an agenda
belonging to a man
you talked about earlier.
Giuseppe Puca.
A trusted lieutenant to Cutolo.
This name.
What can you tell me about him?
So, the name?
My mother,
I want to know whether she likes
her new accommodations.
[Di Persia] We took care of it.
Unfortunately,
there were no undamaged houses,
but she's already been assigned
to a new container home.
So,
can you give me more details on this name?
Yes, he's involved, too.
Ah, and even the pet parrot?
I confirm it.
END OF EPISODE ONE
TO FRANCESCA BENEDETTI
[dramatic music playing]
Any references to real persons or events
are fictionalized for dramatic purposes.
All characters, institutions,
and entities are freely reinterpreted,
Any resemblance to persons,
living or dead,
who are not explicitly identified
is purely coincidental.
[intriguing music playing]