The Fiances (1963)

Carlo Cabrini: Giovanni

Quotes 

• Giovanni : [narrating - part of a letter he's writing back home in reply to Liliana]  What beautiful letters you write, dear Liliana. You're so good at expressing yourself. I'm not as good, and I often can't say everything I feel. But I'm sure you understand me just the same, because the feelings you express are the same ones I feel. You speak for both of us.

• Giovanni : For once a poor guy like me gets the chance to get ahead and all she can do is whine.

• Old folks home official : How old is he?

  Giovanni : Seventy.

  Old folks home official : They're treated well. They can't complain. The only problem is loneliness. They feel abandoned and if they don't get used to it, after awhile, they just waste away. Is he a relative?

  Giovanni : No, he's...

  Old folks home official : Your dad?

  Giovanni : Yes.

  Old folks home official : Well, if you have no other choice, I guess you'll have to accept it.

• Giovanni : If I don't take it, there are ten others who will. They're going to promote me to specialized worker. What are you afraid of? You think I'm just going to disappear?

• Transferred Plant Worker : It's not that they're lazy. They do their work. They're just a little crazy. The sun's real hot and they never have a chance to blow off steam. Want a cigarette?

  Giovanni : No. No, thanks

  Transferred Plant Worker : Take one.

  Giovanni : No, I just had one.

  Transferred Plant Worker : I was one of the first to come down here. You should have seen it. It was full of Algerians back then. They'd bring their lunch wrapped up in a rag. Now they all carry briefcases and look like executives. They've moved up in the world.

• Giovanni : Where are you from?

  Costumed Dancing Partner at Sicilian Festival : Catania. How about you?

  Giovanni : I'm from up north.

  Costumed Dancing Partner at Sicilian Festival : Poor thing, so far from home. I'll give you a kiss, just to console you.

  [Giovanni starts to lift her veil] 

  Costumed Dancing Partner at Sicilian Festival : No, that's not allowed.

  Giovanni : It won't be any fun then.

  Costumed Dancing Partner at Sicilian Festival : You'll see. It'll be wonderful.

• Giovanni : [narrating from a letter written to Liliana]  Do you still go dancing at night? I've stopped going. There are no dance halls here. But that's not the only reason. I was used to dancing with you. I'm not comfortable with other girls.

• Giovanni : [narrating from a letter written to Liliana]  On Sundays I don't know what to do. I just wander around aimlessly. Besides, without my motorcycle, I can't really go anywhere.

• Giovanni : [narrating from a letter written to Liliana]  Write me when you get the chance, because it's nice to get home at night and have the lady at the pensione tell me I have mail.