Moonstruck

INT. ZITO'S BREAD STORY - DAY Several dozen loaves of golden Italian bread are standing on end in a shaft of morning sunlight. They are standing on end in bins. In the window, ZITO'S can be read in reverse. We leave the loaves and DRIFT DOWN TO a Progresso Products calendar, which hangs from the wall by a nail. The month is November. Various phone numbers and delivery dates have been penned in in a rough scrawl. Now WE GO TO a white formica counter, scuffed and pocked from long use. On the counter, in a rinsed out olive jar filled with water, are three fat red roses. The TITLE APPEARS IN BLACK SCRIPT AGAINST THE WHITE BACKGROUND. MOONSTRUCK Now WE FAINTLY HEAR THE VOICE of Zito himself, and a low TAPPING SOUND. SOME CREDITS ROLL. ZITO'S VOICE -LRB- barely discernable. -RRB- Three times they cancel the order with me, and three times they come back. Who they kidding? They cheap, cheap, cheap. The other bread they get is no good. They save pennies. Everybody complain and they come back. `` Zito, your bread is the best.'' They're like children stupid in school who can not learn. The water. It's the water. You buy bread in Hoboken, you get Hoboken water. Hoboken water is dry. Ask anybody who knows. Ask your father. He knows. During Zito's plaintive words, WE LEAVE the roses and MOVE DOWN the counter TO a calculator being tapped very efficiently with the eraser end of pencil. When the results appear, the pencil notes the figure in a threadbare old ledger. NOW WE SEE ZITO He's a middle - aged Italian man with a kind face. But it's early in the day, and he's already been working for hours, so he's a little tired and disgruntled. ZITO You want me to make you some coffee? NOW WE SEE LORETTA FOR THE FIRST TIME She's entering a few final figures in the ledger. LORETTA is Italian, 37. Her hair black, done in a dated style, is flecked with grey. She's dressed in sensible but unfashionable clothes of a dark color. LORETTA What d'you know about coffee? Gim me a loaf of bread.

EXT. ZITO'S BREAD STORE - DAY Loretta emerges with her little weathered leather bookkeeping satchel and a loaf of Zito bread in a white paper bag. She moves off briskly.

EXT. A.J. CONTI FUNERAL CHAPEL - DAY This is a little Italian funeral parlor.

INT. THE "WAKE" ROOM" A generic little room filled with many flowers and wreathes, many folding chairs, a few OLD PEOPLE sitting and, up front, the star of the show, the CORPSE on display in his gold and formica casket. Before the casket is a little kneeler. We discover an OLD LADY there, who crosses herself and rises. She goes and sits by RUBY, another old women. She leans over and says. OLD WOMAN He looks great. RUBY That Al Conti is a genius.

INT. OFFICE OF THE FUNERAL PARLOR First WE SEE a name plate on a desk. The plate reads ALFONSO CONTI. We HEAR his VOICE. CONTI'S VOICE I am a genius. The SHOT WIDENS TO INCLUDE the loaf of bread which is half cut up and being buttered. Next to the bread are two steaming mugs of coffee. We HEAR the subdued TAPPING of Loretta's tabulations. LORETTA'S VOICE If you're such an artistic genius, why ca n't you keep track of your receipts? How am I going to do your income tax? CONTI'S VOICE I am an artistic genius. The SHOT WIDENS and now we can see Al Conti and Loretta sitting at the desk having Zito's buttered bread and mugs of coffee. Loretta's got her calculator going and is entering figures in Al's black, gold - lettered ledger. LORETTA If you're an artistic genius, how come you got butter on your tie? He looks down and sees the stain. He's at a loss. LORETTA Give it here. I'll give you this, Al, you make good coffee. She downs her coffee, accepts the stained tie which Al has taken off, and slams the ledger shut.

INT. ROBERT'S DRY CLEANERS - DAY - MORE CREDITS ROLL We are looking at a wall of dry - cleaned clothes bags. They are hanging from an automated grid. As we watch, the wall starts to move off to the left. A gap appears where no clothes are hung. The gap creates visual frame. In the frame is ROBERT. He is operating the grid with a little stick shift. He stops it and takes down a garment. He leaves the frame, heading off to the counter. When he moves away, WE SEE that Loretta is behind him, working her calculator, entering in a ledger. She slams the ledger shut, waves goodbye, and goes. After beat she reappears, produces Conti's tie, says something to Robert, who is out of view, leaves the tie, and

INT. BUTCHER SHOP - DAY WE SEE a cleaver whacking an oxtail into section. Now WE SEE Loretta, a few feet away, tabulating on a chopping block that is partially obscured by a row of hanging rabbits, unskinned.

INT. A FLORIST SHOP - DAY A long white box is being filled with red roses. We HEAR the FLORIST'S VOICE. FLORIST'S VOICE Red roses. Very romantic. The man who sends these knows what he's doing. Now WE SEE Loretta tabulating and the Florist working on the box of roses. LORETTA The man who sends those spends a lot of money on something that ends up in the garbage can. The Florist gives her a look and then smiles. FLORIST I'm glad everybody ai n't like you, Loretta. I'd be outta business. LORETTA Without me, you'd be out of business. I like flowers. She gives him a sudden, brief, blinding smile. It's the first time we've seen her smile. She has gold work around one of her two front teeth. The Florist grunts and hands her a red rose. Camera moves close to Loretta and the rose. END OF CREDITS

EXT. THE GRAND TICINO - AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT A red neon sign hangs in the window. It's a quaint downstairs restaurant in Greenwich Village. A YOUNG COUPLE stop, look at the menu, become more interested in each other, kiss, and decide to go in.

INT. THE GRAND TICINO - NIGHT White tablecloths and dark green walls, a tiny bar up by the door. The WAITERS all look a little alike. That's because they're all related. The place is about half full, and bustles along pleasantly. MUSIC A VIOLIN PLAYS a melancholy Neapolitan air. MR. JOHNNY and Loretta sit at a table for two talking quietly. They have their menus and glasses of red wine. Mr. Johnny is Italian, around 42. His wavy salt - and pepper hair is impeccably combed back ; but there is so much that it threatens to fall forward someday and engulf his face. He is wearing a pinky ring, a dark suit, a gold watch, and, on his face, a mustache and a look of incredible seriousness. Loretta is Italian, 37. Her black hair, done in a dated style, is flecked with grey. She is wearing a dark blouse, black skirt, and high heels. One of her teeth is framed with gold work. Mr. Johnny is really timid of life, an overgrown boy, who hides these qualities behind a veil of dignity. Loretta is tough and efficient, loyal and watchful ; she watches out for Mr. Johnny, and defends him against life. BOBO, an Old World Italian waiter, comes over to take their order. BOBO Are you ready? MR. JOHNNY Hello, Bobo. How are you tonight? BOBO Very good, Mr. Johnny. MR. JOHNNY We will both have the Salad Ticino. BOBO Uh - huh MR. JOHNNY And I'll have the special fish. LORETTA You do n't want the fish. MR. JOHNNY No? LORETTA It's the oily fish tonight. Not before the plane ride. MR. JOHNNY Maybe you're right. LORETTA Give him the manicotta, Bobo. Me, too. BOBO Yes, Miss Loretta. LORETTA -LRB- to Mr. Johnny. -RRB- That will give you a base. For your stomach. You eat that oily fish, you go up in the air, halfway to Sicily you'll be green and your hands will be sweating. MR. JOHNNY -LRB- smiles. -RRB- You look after me. They HEAR a distinguished MAN'S VOICE rise out of the babble. They turn and look. The man's name is PERRY. PERRY AND PATRICIA FROM LORETTA'S POV Perry is a university professor. PATRICIA is his girlfriend/student. He's in his 50's. She's about 25 years younger. She's getting her coat on in a huff. PERRY Patricia, please do n't go! PATRICIA What do you think I am, a talking dog? PERRY I was just making a point about the way you said. the way you stated your aspirations. PATRICIA You can kiss my aspirations! Professor! She storms out, leaving Perry muttering to himself. PERRY Kiss my aspirations. Oh, very clever. The height of cleverness. Waiter! An abnormally SHY WAITER stops. SHY WAITER Yes? PERRY Could you do away with her dinner, and any evidence of her, and bring me an big glass of vodka? SHY WAITER But absolutely! THE SHY WAITER begins to efficiently clear. MR. JOHNNY AND LORETTA EXCHANGE A GLANCE Mr. Johnny is amused. Bobo serves them their salad. MR. JOHNNY A man who ca n't control his woman is funny. LORETTA She was too young for him. Mr. Johnny considers this a point well taken. BOBO AND HIS NEPHEW EDDIE STAND NEAR THE KITCHEN Which can be seen through a serving window. They can look out over the restaurant tables. Bobo is melancholy and philosophical. EDDIE is a young waiter. EDDIE What ` samatter, Uncle Bobo? BOBO Tonight Mr. Johnny's gon na propose marriage. EDDIE How you know that? BOBO He arranged it with me. When he asks her, then he'll wave to me and I'll bring champagne. Good bachelor customer for twenty years. But who knows? Maybe he'll lose courage. EDDIE Heavy duty stuff. PERRY, FEELING NO PAIN, COLLARS THE SHY WAITER He holds out his empty glass. PERRY Can I get another one of these? SHY WAITER Definitely! Perry takes his arm. PERRY May I presume to ask you a question? SHY WAITER Sure! PERRY Do you have a girlfriend? SHY WAITER I am alone in the world. Perry lets go of his arm. He and the Shy Waiter commiserate a moment. Then, wordlessly, the Shy Waiter goes. PERRY That's very sad. BOBO IS CLEARING THE REMAINS OF MR. JOHNNY'S DINNER. He's already cleared Loretta's. BOBO How's things? LORETTA Fine, Bobo. We'll take the check. MR. JOHNNY No, I want to see the dessert cart. BOBO Very good. Bobo goes. Loretta is surprised. LORETTA You never have dessert. MR. JOHNNY Never is a long time. Mr. Johnny is uneasy. He massages his head. LORETTA What's the matter? MR. JOHNNY My scalp is not getting enough blood sometimes. Loretta looks at him strangely. Bobo rolls up the dessert cart. WE SEE Loretta and Mr. Johnny through the frame of the dessert cart. They turn and look at the desserts. MR. JOHNNY Have Something. LORETTA I should n't. MR. JOHNNY Will you marry me? LORETTA What? MR. JOHNNY Will you marry me? LORETTA Bobo, take the cart away. He does. LORETTA -LRB- continuing. -RRB- Are you proposing marriage to me? MR. JOHNNY Yes? LORETTA You know I was married and that my husband died. But what you do n't know is I think he and I had Bad Luck. MR. JOHNNY What do you mean? LORETTA We got married at the City Hall and I think it gave bad luck the whole marriage. MR. JOHNNY I do n't understand. LORETTA Right from the start we did n't do it right. Could you kneel down? MR. JOHNNY On the floor? LORETTA Yes, on the floor. MR. JOHNNY This is a good suit. LORETTA I helped you buy it. It came with two pairs of pants. It's for luck, Johnny. When you propose marriage to a woman, you should kneel down. MR. JOHNNY Alright. Mr. Johnny slowly gets out of his chair. There's not enough room for him to kneel down. He has to ask two off - duty PRO WRESTLERS who are eating dinner to move their chairs. They do so with bemused expressions. Their names are BOB and MOOK. SHY WAITER BRINGS PERRY A FRESH GLASS OF VODKA ASKS THE SHY WAITER PERRY Is that man praying? MR. JOHNNY ON HIS KNEES ADDRESSES LORETTA JOHNNY So. Will you ma. LORETTA -LRB- interrupting. -RRB- Where's the ring? MR. JOHNNY -LRB- at a loss. -RRB- The ring? BOB AND MOOK ARE WATCHING MR. JOHNNY'S PERFORMANCE They are deadpan mugs. BOB -LRB- to Mr. Johnny. -RRB- A ring. That's right. MOOK I woulda sprung for a ring if it was me. BOBO AND EDDIE STAND NEAR THE KITCHEN WATCHING BOBO She's got him on his knees. He's ruining his suit. LORETTA AND MR. JOHNNY LORETTA You could use your pinky ring. MR. JOHNNY I like this ring. LORETTA You propose to a woman you should offer her a ring of engagement. Mr. Johnny takes off the ring and holds it out to her. MR. JOHNNY Loretta. Loretta Castorini Clark. On my knees. In front of all these people. Will you marry me? She meekly accepts the ring from him and takes his hands. LORETTA Yes, Johnny. Yes, John Anthony Cammareri. I will marry you. I will be your wife. Mr. Johnny slowly stands up, brushes off his knees. The restaurant has fallen utterly silent. Loretta smiles. They embrace. Loretta kisses him quickly. A MIDDLE - AGED WOMAN, SUSAN, IS MAUDLIN FROM THE PROPOSAL Bobo stands very near her table. She is about to applaud the proposal. She brings her hands together. Bobo's hand flashes out and neatly captures her hands before they can part again. The single sound dies abruptly in the silent room. LORETTA AND MR. JOHNNY Mr. Johnny is in control now. He looks around once, regally. MR. JOHNNY Bobo! The check! PERRY AND THE SHY WAITER LOOK AT MR. JOHNNY AND LORETTA PERRY I feel like I have just witnessed a car accident. The Shy Waiter sits down at Perry's table. SHY WAITER When I was twenty - seven years old, in Jersey City, I asked a woman to marry me. She had red hair. She smelled a jasmine. She wore black shoes with pointy white tips. PERRY What happened? SHY WAITER She did n't hear me. She asked me to repeat, so she could understand what I said. But I would n't repeat it. Outta shyness. So I'm a bachelor. MR. JOHNNY AND LORETTA He's helping her on with her coat. LORETTA What time is it? MR. JOHNNY Seven - thirty. LORETTA So we'll pick up the car, we'll make the plane in plenty of time. Mr. Johnny puts on his coat. MR. JOHNNY My mother will be happy I'm getting married. Bobo approaches with the bucket of champagne. He's flustered. BOBO I forgot to bring the champagne, Mr. Johnny. MR. JOHNNY I forgot to wave. We'll have it at the wedding.

EXT. MIDTOWN TUNNEL - A CREAM COLORED LTD SPEEDING - NIGHT

INT. THE CREAM LTD - NIGHT Loretta driving and Mr. Johnny sitting beside her. In the back seat are two suitcases. LORETTA What about the wedding? MR. JOHNNY My mother is dying. When she is dead, I'll come back and we'll be married. LORETTA How near is she to death? MR. JOHNNY A week. Two weeks. No more. LORETTA Then let's set the date. LORETTA How about a month from today? MR. JOHNNY Must it be so definite? Ca n't we just say that we will be married when I get back? LORETTA Where? At the City Hall? No! I want the whole wedding or we will have Bad Luck. For a whole wedding to be planned, a date must be set. MR. JOHNNY Alright. A month. In a month. LORETTA A month from today? MR. JOHNNY Yeah. LORETTA I'll take care of it, Johnny. I'll take care of the whole thing. All you have to do is show up.

INT. A TERMINAL AT KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NIGHT CLOSE UP ON TV MONITOR - VIDEO INSERT Dialogue on clip : -LRB- Close - up on Ava Gardner & Gregory Peck kissing. Length of clip is 1:25 -RRB- AVA Oh, you're not going. You're staying. GREGORY No, I'm going. AVA The Shawfish? GREGORY Just across the bay, at the fuel depot. The men wanted to try to get home. I ca n't explain. AVA Then, I suppose the time has come say it's been nice Dwight Lionel. It's been everything. Oh, Dwight, I'm frightened. GREGORY I know, I am so sorry for so many things. I love you, Moira. I love you. I love you.

INT. A TERMINAL AT KENNEDY AIRPORT - NIGHT Many PEOPLE, most of them Italian, are lined up to board the plane. A VOICE can be heard over the P.A. system. VOICE -LRB- over P.A. System. -RRB- International Flight Number Six - ohfour boarding for Rome and Palermo at Gate Twenty - six. MR. JOHNNY AND LORETTA ARE SAYING GOODBYE LORETTA Call me when you get in. MR. JOHNNY I'll call you when I get to Mama's house. LORETTA You've made me very happy, Johnny. He takes a piece of paper from his wallet. MR. JOHNNY There's one thing about this wedding I want you to do. Call this number. It's a business number. Ask for Ronny. Invite him to the wedding. LORETTA Who is he? MR. JOHNNY He's my younger brother. LORETTA You have a brother? MR. JOHNNY We have n't spoken in five years. There was some bad blood. I want you to call him and invite him to the wedding. Will you do it? LORETTA Sure. VOICE This is the last call for International Flight Number Six - ohfour boarding at Gate Twenty - six for Rome and Palermo. MR. JOHNNY I've got to go. He clumsily kisses her. Then he quickly turns and leaves. She waves, but he does n't look back.

EXT AIRPORT RUNWAY - NIGHT Close shot on plane's wheels and under belly as it slowly begins to move. Red lights are flashing. AN OLD ITALIAN CRONE IS LOOKING OUT THE TERMINAL WINDOW In the background we see the accordion like ramp that was loading to the departing aircraft, slowly fold up. Loretta walks up beside her, and looks out the window, too. The crone is dressed in black and has a black scarf on her head. The Crone notices Loretta. CRONE Do you have someone on that plane? LORETTA Yeah. -LRB- smiles. -RRB- My fiancé. CRONE I have put a curse on that plane. My sister is on that plane. I have put a curse on that plane that it should explode. Burn on fire and fall into the sea. Fifty years ago she stole a man from me. Today she told me that she did n't even love him. She took him to feel strong with me. Now she goes back to Sicily. I have cursed her that the green Atlantic water should swallow her up. LORETTA I do n't believe in curses. CRONE -LRB- smiles. -RRB- Neither do I. The plane takes off. Loretta looks after it anxiously. All her hopes are on that plane.

INT. A PARKING GARAGE IN LITTLE ITALY - NIGHT The LTD pulls into the entrance and Loretta gets out. An ATTENDANT appears. ATTENDANT Mr. Johnny's, right? LORETTA Right. The key's in it. ATTENDANT Good night. LORETTA Night. Loretta walks of into the night.

EXT. THE SWEETHEART LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT Camera frames the window with a sweetheart in neon.

EXT. THE SWEETHEART LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT Loretta walks up the street and enters the store.

INT. THE SWEETHEART LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT Loretta walks in. IRV and LOTTE, the middle - aged couple who own and run the place, are having an argument. LOTTE I've seen how you look at her and it is n't right. IRV How do I look at her? -LRB- to Loretta. -RRB- Can I help you? LORETTA A split of Moet. LOTTE -LRB- to IRV. -RRB- Like a wolf. IRV -LRB- getting the split. -RRB- Like a wolf, huh? You never seen a wolf in your life. IRV -LRB- to Loretta. -RRB- That's seven - fifty - seven. Loretta pays and waits for her change. LOTTE I seen a wolf in everybody I ever met and I see a wolf in you. IRV -LRB- giving the change. -RRB- That makes ten. Thanks. Have a nice night. LORETTA You, too. Loretta walks out. IRV You know what I see in you, Lotte? LOTTE What? IRV The girl I married. Lotte, caught off - guard, blushes.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT It's a big, old eccentric, three - story corner house. To one side, it's got a qated arch that leads to an inner courtyard where three cars could park. It's got two cast - iron balconies. About a third of the windows in the house are lit. From within can be HEARD the faint strains of VICKI CARR SINGING and one DOG BARKING. Loretta appears, carrying champagne, approaches the front door, unlocks it, and goes in.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - THE FRONT HALL - NIGHT MUSIC VICKI CARR is SINGING `` IT MUST BE HIM.'' The front hall is typical of big old brownstones. There's a big old oak coat rack with a built - in mirror and an umbrella stand. There are several coats hanging from it. The floor is littered with boots. There's also a side table. On the table is a large cut - glass bowl filled with a couple of pounds of hard candy. Loretta comes in and takes off her coat. A single MAD HOWL is HEARD, followed by a PANDEMONIUM OF BARKING. FIVE DOGS charge into the hall to greet Loretta. They are totally cockeyed, crackpot mutts. Their names are JUDAS, LUCY, LEO FATBOY, AND JONES. LORETTA Hello, boys and girls. Guess what happened to me? The VOICE of the OLD MAN is heard calling out from upstairs. OLD MAN'S VOICE How long must I wait? Quanto tempo devo aspettare? The Five Dogs turn away from Loretta and charge up the stairs toward the voice. Loretta walks toward the living room.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT This is the source of the Vicki Carr song, which is just ending. COSMO CASTORINI, Loretta's father is just turning off the old stereo. He is a powerful man, about 65, with a huge shock of white hair and gold wire glasses. He's wearing a big old red silk robe over blue pajamas, and royal blue slippers. The room it filled with lumpy upholstered furniture, once grand, now threadbare ; shawls and doilies cover holes in failing fabric. There's a fireplace containing a dying fire. Cosmo's wing chair, with his newspaper on it, is beside a lit fringed lamp. Cosmo sees Loretta as she comes in. COSMO Hi. He sits in his chair and puts his feet up on an old needlepoint ottoman. He starts to read the paper. LORETTA Where's Ma? COSMO Bed. LORETTA You're not sleepy? COSMO I ca n't sleep anymore. It's too much like death. LORETTA Pop, I got news. Cosmo puts down the paper and takes his feet off the ottoman. COSMO Alright. Let's go in the kitchen. Cosmo gets up and heads for the kitchen. He hums and continues as Loretta opens champagne.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT Loretta and Cosmo sit at the kitchen table. It's a big tin table with a black - and - white design. Loretta has put two old - fashioned champagne glasses on the table, the split of champagne, a bag of sugar cubes, and a bottle of bitters. She pours the champagne, drops a little lump of sugar into each glass, and adds a dash of bitters. She hands one of the drinks to Cosmo. LORETTA Here. -LRB- She Toasts. -RRB- Ti amo. -LRB- Translated : I love you. -RRB- COSMO Ti amo. LORETTA You look tired. COSMO What's your news? LORETTA I'm getting married. COSMO Again? LORETTA Yeah. COSMO You did this once it did n't work out. LORETTA The guy died. COSMO What killed him? LORETTA He got hit by a bus. COSMO No! Bad luck! Your Ma and I been married fifty - two years an nobody died. You were married, what, two years, and somebody is dead. Do n't get married again, Loretta. It do n't work out for you. Who's the man? LORETTA Johnny Cammareri. COSMO Him? He's a big baby. Why is n't he here with you telling me? LORETTA He's flying to Sicily. His mother's dying. COSMO More Bad Luck! I do n't like his face, Loretta. I do n't like his lips. When he smiles I ca n't see his teeth. When will you do it? LORETTA In a month. COSMO I wo n't come. LORETTA You've got to come. You've got to give me away. COSMO I did n't give you away the first time. LORETTA And maybe that's why I had the Bad Luck. Maybe if you gave me away, and I got married in a church, in a wedding dress, instead of at the City Hall with strangers standing outside the door, maybe then I would n't had the Bad Luck I had. COSMO Maybe. LORETTA I did n't have no wedding cake, no reception or nothing. Johnny got down on his knees and proposed to me at The Grand Ticino. COSMO He did? LORETTA Yeah. COSMO That do n't sound like Johnny. Where's the ring? Loretta shows it. Cosmo examines it. LORETTA Here. COSMO It looks stupid. It's a pinky ring. It's a man's ring. LORETTA It's temporary. COSMO Everything is temporary. That do n't excuse nothing. LORETTA So you'll come to the wedding, right? COSMO Let's go tell your Mother. She smiles. He does n't. They rise from the table. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DARKENED MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT The door to the hall opens, and the light from without dimly illuminates a massive four - poster bed. Cosmo enters, followed by Loretta. He speaks into the dark a calm and measured summons. COSMO Rose. Rose. Rose. Rose. A lamp is switched on by the bed. By ROSE. Rose is in her 60'S, and is very, very beautiful. Her abundant white tresses frame a face of porcelain delicacy. She's wearing an old and richly beautiful white nightgown. ROSE Who's dead? COSMO Nobody. Loretta is getting married. ROSE Again? Johnny Cammareri. Cosmo goes and sits on the bed. COSMO I do n't like him. ROSE You're not gon na marry him, Cosmo. Do you love him, Loretta? LORETTA No. ROSE Good. When you love them they drive you crazy cause they know they can. But you like him? LORETTA Oh yeah. He's a sweet man. I wan na have a big church wedding, Ma. And a reception. ROSE And who's gon na pay for that? LORETTA Pop. COSMO WHAT? Rose starts laughing. LORETTA Father of the bride pays. Cosmo walks out. COSMO I have no money! ROSE You're rich as Roosevelt. You're just cheap, Cosmo. Cosmo shouts from the stairs. COSMO I wo n't pay for nothing. ROSE He did n't used to be cheap. He thinks if he holds on to his money, he will never die. LORETTA It's his duty as a father to pay for my wedding, Ma. MUSIC VICKI CARR, SINGING `` IT MUST BE HIM'', starts playing. Rose looks weary. ROSE Now he's gon na play that damn Vicki Carr record. And then when he comes to bed, he wo n't touch me.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - MORNING The first golden rays of sunlight touch the great old house. The front door opens. Close shot of dogs coming into camera as door opens. The OLD MAN comes out. The Old Man, who is Cosmo's father, is 83 years old. He is taking the Five Dogs out for their morning walk. He has their five leashes bundled in one hand. In the other hand, even though it is a cloudless November morning, he open black umbrella. He walks off down the block with the dogs.

EXT. A SMALL CITY PARK SURROUNDED BY HURRICANE FENCE - DAY The Old Man and the Five Dogs appear and enter the park. He approaches a park bench where FELIX and LUCY are already sitting. Felix and Lucy are about the same age as the Old Man. They each have a well - behaved DOG. When the Old Man sits down, he lets the Five Dogs go. The Dogs run off, BARKING like mad. FELIX It's wrong to just let them go. OLD MAN -LRB- ignoring Felix. -RRB- Good morning, Lucy. LUCY Good morning. FELIX They run around, they mess up the whole park. OLD MAN What do you want me to do? Pick up after five dogs? I'm eighty - three years old. God in his heaven understands that I can not pick up after five dogs. FELIX You have too many dogs. The dogs can be HEARD in the distance. It sounds like they're killing each other. OLD MAN -LRB- goes back to ignoring Felix. -RRB- Lucy. There are big things going on in my house. My granddaughter Loretta, the only daughter of my son Cosmo, has engaged herself to be married a second time. LUCY I have heard that Johnny Cammareri got down on his knees in The Grand Ticino and proposed to her. OLD MAN My son does not like this Johnny Cammareri. He says he is a big baby. FELIX You should have one dog. Like Lucy. Like me. I wish I hadda gun. If I hadda gun, I would shoot four of your dogs. The Old Man makes a low, threatening noise. LUCY Do n't fight. OLD MAN My granddaughter wants my son to pay for the wedding. But he does not want to pay. LUCY He should pay. OLD MAN I do n't know. LUCY He owes her a wedding from the first time when there was none. OLD MAN Maybe. I do n't know. He has not asked my advice. If he asks my advice, I do n't know what I will say. The SOUND of the DOGS becomes intense again. FELIX I wo n't have to shoot those dogs. They will kill each other. OLD MAN You think so, huh, Stupid? Those dogs love each other.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DAY The gates in the big archway are opened from the inside. It's Cosmo. He's wearing a good but old - fashioned suit, an overcoat, and a homburg. He's pulled his car, a 1965 black Buick, up to the gate. Now that he has the gates open, he gets in the car and drives out to the curb. He gets out and goes back to lock the gates. As he does this, the Old Man approaches the house with the Five dogs and the open umbrella. The Old Man and the Dogs go to the front door of the house. Cosmo goes to the door of his car. The two men, father and son, see each other at the moment they grab their respective door handles. They each raise a hand in greeting ; it is the same gesture for both men, an eccentric chopping motion. Then they open their respective doors. The Old Man disappears within the house. Cosmo drives slowly away in his car.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY A RED - HOT, WELL - SEASONED CAST IRON FRYING PAN Receives a big lump of butter with a hissing gasp of satisfaction. A wooden spoon pushes the sinking lump around until the pan is coated. Two square slices of yellow bread with round holes punched in their middles land in the pan. Two circles of green pepper land next to the bread. A spatula flips over the bread which has become glistening gold on the cooked side. Two eggs are broken and dropped sunnyside into the holes in the bread. The circles of green pepper are pushed around by the spatula, scooped up deftly, and each is made to frame one of the eggs. A WOMAN'S HAND garnishes each bright yellow yolk with a slash of red pimento. The spatula reappears and lifts the results from the pan, and slides them onto two small dark blue plates. Now WE SEE that Loretta is just finishing setting the tin table for two. In the b.g., Rose is turning away from the big, old - fashioned six range gas stove where an old speckled coffee pot is steaming up a sun - drenched window. Rose comes toward the table with the laden blue plates. She's wearing a nice old apron over a blue housedress. She's thoughtful. As Rose comes to the table, Loretta in a blue denim work shirt and pants, goes to the stove and gets the coffee. As Rose puts breakfast on the table, she speaks to Loretta, who's at the stove. ROSE Will you live here? LORETTA No. ROSE Why not? LORETTA Pop do n't like Johnny. Loretta returns with the coffeepot to the table, and pours. Then she takes the pot back to the stove. ROSE So we'll sell the house. LORETTA I got married before, you did n't sell. Loretta comes to the table. They sit down to breakfast. ROSE Grandma was still alive. Chiro was still home going to school. Now he's married and gone to Florida. If you and Johnny moved in, had a baby. LORETTA I'm thirty - seven years old. ROSE What's thirty - seven? I had Chiro after I was thirty - seven. It ai n't over till it's over. LORETTA Johnny has a big apartment. We'll live there. ROSE And we'll sell the house. LORETTA I'd like to stay, Ma. I love the house. But Pop do n't like Johnny. ROSE No. He do n't. The WALL PHONE in the kitchen RINGS. Loretta goes and answers it. LORETTA Hello? Yea, this is Loretta Castorini - yeah. Is that you Johnny?

INT. A DARKENED BEDROOM IN PALERMO - DAY Mr. Johnny is calling on an old European - style phone. In the b.g. is the sickbed. In the sickbed lies VESTA, Mr. Johnny's mother, her grey hair spread out on a golden pillow. By the bed are THREE MOURNERS, old crones dressed in black. One clutches a missal, the other two clutch rosaries. All three are grieving in a steady low wordless whine. Mr. Johnny speaks into the phone in a confidential manner. There is some long - distance CRACKLE. MR. JOHNNY Ssh, it's me. I'm calling from the deathbed of my mother. LORETTA ON THE PHONE LORETTA How was your plane ride? MR. JOHNNY ON THE PHONE MR. JOHNNY The waitresses were very nice. -LRB- glances over at his mother. -RRB- My mother is slipping away. LORETTA ON THE PHONE VESTA -LRB- calling to the Heavens. -RRB- Quanto tempo devo aspettare? -LRB- now she aims more at Johnny. -RRB- How long must I wait?! MR. JOHNNY I ca n't talk long. LORETTA Have you told her we're getting married? MR. JOHNNY ON THE PHONE MR. JOHNNY Not yet. I'm waiting till a moment when she's peaceful. We HEAR Loretta's VOICE over his receiver. LORETTA'S VOICE Just do n't wait until she's dead. MR. JOHNNY Have you called my brother? LORETTA'S VOICE Not yet. MR. JOHNNY Will you do it today? Call him, make him come to the wedding. Five years is too long for bad blood between brothers. Nothing can replace your family. I see that now. LORETTA ON THE PHONE LORETTA Alright. I'll call him. Today. Listen, Johnny. Call me after you tell your mother. Alright? Alright. And do n't stand directly under the sun. You've got your hat, use your hat. Alright. Bye - bye. Loretta hangs up the phone. She thinks. Rose speaks from the table, where she's still sitting. ROSE How's the mother? LORETTA She's dying. But I could still hear her big mouth. ROSE Did he tell her? LORETTA Not yet. That old lady makes him sweat. -LRB- to herself. -RRB- Where's that card? Rose gets up and takes the dishes to the sink, Loretta fishes in her pocket and comes out with the business card Mr. Johnny gave her. She dials the number. ROSE Who Are you calling?

INT. CAMMARERI PASTRY SHOP - DAY -LRB- INTERCUT W/LORETTA IN KITCHEN -RRB- CHRISSY, a woman with a Queens accent, answers. CHRISSY Cammareri's Bake Shop. LORETTA Is Ronny there? CHRISSY Hold on. -LRB- yells into intercom. -RRB- Ronny, the phone!

INT. CAMMARERI PASTRY SHOP - OVEN ROOM - DAY -LRB- INTERCUT W/LORETTA IN KITCHEN -RRB- RONNY Yeah, this is Ronny. LORETTA I'm calling for your brother Johnny. He's getting married and he wants you to come. There's a long pause. Ronny's voice returns, hoarse with emotion. RONNY Why did n't he call himself? LORETTA He's in Palermo. RONNY What's wrong can never be made right. -LRB- hangs up phone. -RRB- LORETTA Let me come and talk to you. Loretta hangs up the phone. She looks at the card again, makes a decision and pockets the card. THE TOWNHOUSE/INT. THE BUICK - DAY As Cosmo drives away. He's in a very good mood. He's WHISTLING. He laughs to himself. CAMMARERI'S PASTRY SHOP - DAY And the street in front of it. Loretta arrives. She's wearing a long, navy - blue cloth coat and a knit hat. She looks up at the sign and at the business card in her hand, and enters the shop.

INT. CAMMARERI'S PASTRY SHOP - DAY It's a nice Italian bake shop. Three Italian women, CHRISSY, BARBARA, and MA wait on THREE WOMEN SHOPPERS at the counter. CHRISSY and BARBARA are in their late 20's or early 30's ; MA is old, old. Loretta comes in and speaks to CHRISSY. LORETTA Is Ronny Cammareri here? CHRISSY He down at the ovens. What do you want? LORETTA I would like to speak to him.

EXT. CAMMARERI'S PASTRY SHOP - DAY Chrissy comes out and Loretta follows. They walk around to an outdoor staircase that descends into the sidewalk. Chrissy shouts down. CHRISSY Hey, RONNY.

EXT. AN OLD DOOR AT THE FOOT OF THE STAIRCASE - DAY The door slides open, revealing ROCCO, a baker missing a few teeth. He is surrounded by bread. ROCCO What! CHRISSY'S VOICE Somebody to see Ronny. Rocco slides back the door all the way. Chrissy and Loretta make their way past him. He slides the door three quarters shut behind them.

INT. THE BASEMENT OVEN ROOM - DAY There are two coal - fired ovens, one at either end of the room. There is a large wooden table roughly center. And various pieces of baking equipment, dough - mixers, etc., scattered willy - nilly. And everywhere there is bread. PIETRO, a baker, is working at one of the ovens with a long wooden spatula. RONNY is working at the other oven. Actually, he is just staring in the open door at the baking bread and burning coals. He's dressed in black jeans streaked with flour, a white restaurant shirt, white cotton gloves, and around his neck, a red handkerchief. He is black - haired, handsome and intense. ROCCO Ronny! RONNY What! ROCCO Somebody here to see you. Ronny turns and takes in Loretta. RONNY Have you come from my brother? LORETTA Yes. RONNY Why? LORETTA I'm going to marry him. RONNY You are going to marry my brother? LORETTA Yes. Do you want. RONNY I have no life. LORETTA Excuse me. RONNY I have no life. My brother Johnny took my life from me. LORETTA I do n't understand. Everything in the oven room has stopped and everyone is watching. RONNY And now he's getting married. He has his, he's getting his. And he wants me to come? What is life? He picks up the wooden spatula and slides it into the oven. LORETTA I did n't come here to upset you. Ronny slides a bunch of loaves out of the oven on the spatula, turns them around, and slides them back in. RONNY They say bread is life. So I bake bread, bread, bread. -LRB- He's picking up loaves of bread from one of the boxes on the floor, and casually tossing them across the room. -RRB- And the years go by! By! By! And I sweat and shovel this stinking dough in and outta this hot hole in the wall and I should be so happy, huh, sweetheart? You want me to come to the wedding of my brother Johnny?! Where is my wedding? Chrissy! Over by the wall! Gim me the big knife! CHRISSY No, Ronny! Barbara appears in the doorway and comes down the stairs into the room. RONNY Gim me the big knife! I'm gon na cut my throat! LORETTA Maybe I should come back another time. RONNY No, I want you to see this! I want you to watch me kill myself so you can tell my brother on his wedding day! Chrissy, gim me the big knife! CHRISSY I tell you I wo n't do it! RONNY -LRB- to Loretta. -RRB- Do you know about me? BARBARA Oh, Mr. Cammareri! RONNY Nothing is anybody's fault, but things happen. -LRB- holds up his left hand to Loretta. -RRB- Look. He pulls off the glove. The hand is made of wood. RONNY It's wood. It's fake. Five years ago I was engaged to be married. Johnny came in here, he ordered bread from me. I put it in the slicer and I talked with him and my hand got caught cause I was n't paying attention. The slicer chewed off my hand. It's funny'cause - when my fiancé saw that I was maimed, she left me for another man. LORETTA That's the bad blood between you and Johnny? RONNY That's it. LORETTA But that was n't Johnny's fault. RONNY I do n't care! I ai n't no freakin monument to justice! I lost my hand, I lost my bride! Johnny has his hand, Johnny has his bride! You come in here and you want me to put away my heartbreak and forget? He goes to the big table, which is floured and covered with bread. He sweeps everything off the tabletop during the next. RONNY Is it just a matter of time till a man opens his eyes and gives up his one dream of happiness? Maybe. Maybe. All I have. Have you come here, Stranger, Bride of my Brother, to take these last few loaves from my table? Alright. Alright. The table is bare. He stares at it blankly. He wanders away, to the back room where the flour sacks are kept. We hear a single sob escape him from that room, and then silence. Everyone in the oven room looks after him. Then Chrissy approaches Loretta. She holds the big knife at her side. CHRISSY This is the most tormented man I have ever known. I am in love with this man. He does n't know that. I never told him cause he can never love anybody since he lost his hand and his girl. She holds out the knife. CHRISSY Here. Why do n't you just kill him? It would be so much more kind than coming here and inviting him to a wedding like he'll never have. Loretta considers Chrissy, decides what she's going to do, and goes to the flour room.

INT. OF THE FLOUR ROOM - DAY Many 50 lb. bags of flour are stacked under a bare electric bulb. A rough stone staircase opposite is lit by daylight from above. Ronny, quietly distraught, stands leaning by his forehead against a stack of flour. Loretta approaches him. She feels for him. LORETTA Where you live? He points to the stone staircase. RONNY Upstairs. She touches his shoulder. LORETTA Come on. He follows her up the stairs.

EXT. THE STAIRCASE ENTRANCE ON THE STREET Loretta and Ronny emerge. He gestures. They enter the apartment building behind the bakery.

INT. THE PEACOCK CAFE — DAY It's a dark Italian coffee and dessert house. Reproductions of Roman statuary adorn grottos and alcoves. In the back is a glass case displaying various desserts, and behind the case, a big burnished gold cappuccino machine. The place is almost empty. MUSIC An album of `` NEAPOLITAN FOLK SONGS'' is PLAYING on the cafe's SOUND SYSTEM. The CAMERA TRAVELS along the face of an exposed brick wall, DISCOVERING busts of Romans occasionally, and then IT COMES TO the figure of COSMO. He's sitting at a table which is inset into a nook, so we can not see who he's with. DARK NOOK IN THE CAFE At a little table away from prying eyes, Cosmo sits with MONA, his girlfriend. Mona is a pretty but overripe Italian woman in her late forties. She's all done up, and she looks at Cosmo with adoration. COSMO And then there is copper, which is the only pipe I use. It costs money. But it costs money because it saves money. MONA And what did they say? COSMO The man understood me. The woman wanted to be cheap, but the man saw that I was right. MONA You have such a head for knowing. You know everything. COSMO I brought you something. He takes out a small velvet box and hands it to her. COSMO It's a present. She opens the box. It's a gold bracelet with a pattern of stars and birds. MONA Oh, Cosmo! COSMO They are little stars and birds. Birds fly to the stars, I guess.

EXT. RONNY'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY A three - story walk - up above Cammareri's Bakery.

INT. RONNY'S APARTMENT - DAY It's a two - bedroom apartment. The decor reflects Ronny's love of the opera. The furniture is overstuffed, fringed in the colors of Italian passion. But it is all a bit faded, the remains of an old flamboyance. The walls are decorated with opera posters ; and over the fireplace there is a painting depicting a scene from `` La Boheme'' : Mimi is standing in the snow. Ronny stares at the picture of Mimi in the La Boheme poster. Loretta comes in from the kitchen and sets down a cup of coffee. LORETTA You ready for the coffee? Loretta moves back into the kitchen. Ronny turns and watches as she walks down the hall. RONNY Loretta. What's that smell? LORETTA I'm making you a steak. RONNY You do n't have to help me. LORETTA I know that. I do what I want. RONNY I like it well done. LORETTA You'll eat this bloody to feed your blood.

INT. RONNY'S APARTMENT -DINING ROOM - DAY CU of Ronny's artificial hand, holding a fork stuck in a steak. With his right he is cutting his steak. He switches hands and eats hungrily. Loretta watches. RONNY This is good. Uhh. LORETTA Loretta. RONNY Where'd Johnny find you? LORETTA He knew my husband who died. RONNY How'd he die? LORETTA Bus hit him. RONNY Fast. LORETTA Instantaneous. RONNY When you get engaged? LORETTA Yesterday. Ronny drops his knife and fork and turns away. Loretta is not surprised and does not move. RONNY Why? LORETTA Why what? RONNY I do n't know. LORETTA -LRB- smiles. -RRB- So. Five years ago your hand got cut off and your woman left you for another man. No woman since then? RONNY No. LORETTA Stupid. RONNY When your husband get hit by the bus? LORETTA Seven years ago. RONNY How many men since then? LORETTA Just Johnny. RONNY Stupid yourself. LORETTA No. Unlucky. I have not been lucky. RONNY I do n't care about Luck, you understand me? It ai n't that. LORETTA What? Do you think you're the only one ever shed a tear? RONNY Why you talking to me? LORETTA You got any whiskey? How ` bout giving me a glass of whiskey?

EXT. STREET NEAR BAKERY - DAY SHOT OF COSMO & MONA IN THE BUICK The car has just come to a stop. We see Cosmo & Mona kiss. She exits car. Cosmo glances around with a slightly guilty look and pulls away. LORETTA AND RONNY AT THE TABLE WITH A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY Camera is close on Scotch being poured into two glasses. Loretta picks up her glass and swallows a healthy dose. RONNY She was right to leave me. LORETTA You think so? RONNY Yes. LORETTA You really are stupid, you know that. Loretta pours herself another shot. RONNY You do n't know nothing about it. LORETTA I was raised that a girl gets married young. I did n't get married until I was twenty - eight. I met a man. I loved him. I married him. He wanted to have a baby right away. I said no. Then he got hit by a bus. No man. No baby. No nothing! I did not know that man was a gift I could not keep. I did n't know. You tell me a story and you think you know what it means, but I see what the true story is, and you ca n't. -LRB- she pours them both another drink. -RRB- She did n't leave you! You ca n't see what you are. I can see everything. You are a wolf! RONNY I'm a wolf? LORETTA The big part of you has no words and it's - a wolf. This woman was a trap for you. She caught you and you could not get away. -LRB- She grabs his wooden hand. -RRB- So you chewed off your foot! That was the price you had to pay to be free. -LRB- throws his hand down. -RRB- Johnny had nothing to do with it. You did what you had to do, between you and you, and I know I'm right, I do n't care what you say. And now you're afraid because you found out the big part of you is a wolf that has the courage to bite off its own hand to save itself from the trap of the wrong love. That's why there has been no woman since that wrong woman. You are scared to death what the wolf will do if you make that mistake again! RONNY What are you doing! LORETTA I'm telling you your life! RONNY Stop it! LORETTA No! RONNY Why are you marrying Johnny? He's a fool! LORETTA Because I have no Luck! RONNY -LRB- pounding on the table. -RRB- He made me look the wrong way and I cut off my hand. He could make you look the wrong way and you could cut off your whole head! LORETTA I am looking where I should to become a bride! RONNY A bride without a head! LORETTA A wolf without a foot! Ronny stiff - arms everything off the dining table and grabs Loretta. They kiss passionately. He pulls her up on the table and over the table to him. They are in each other's arms. They are on fire. Loretta pushes him away, gasping for air. LORETTA Wait a minute! Wait a minute! She changes her mind and lunges into another kiss. They stop again after a long moment. They really have n't breathed. They both suck in air and look at each other in wonder and fear and passion. RONNY It's like I'm falling! It's like I'm in the ocean! They kiss again. When they pull apart again, Loretta is crying. LORETTA I have no Luck! He picks her up in his arms. RONNY Son of a bitch! LORETTA Where are you taking me? RONNY To the bed. LORETTA Oh. Oh God. I do n't care about anything. I do n't care about anything! Take me to the bed. He carries her away, into the bedroom. MUSIC : `` O SOAVE FANCIULLA'', from `` La Boheme.'' The MUSIC CONTINUES THROUGH THE NEXT SCENE.

INT. RONNY'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM Ronny is laying her down in the bed. He is over her. They look into each other's eyes. RONNY I ca n't believe what is happening. LORETTA Me neither. RONNY I was dead. LORETTA I was dead, too. They kiss. When they part there is a drop of blood on Loretta's lips. RONNY Your blood. LORETTA All my life I have never reached a man. I knew that I would reach my husband, but I took my time and he was dead. Ronny. RONNY Loretta. LORETTA I want to cut you open and crawl inside of you. I want you to swallow me. RONNY I've got you. LORETTA Get all of me. Take everything. RONNY What about Johnny? LORETTA You're mad at him, take it out on me, take your revenge on me! Take everything, leave nothing for him to marry! Hollow me out so there's nothing left but the skin over my bones. Suck me dry! RONNY Alright. Alright. There will be nothing left. Their eyes are boiling with fierce animal tears. They have opened their souls to each other and they are coming together. The MUSIC SWELLS to a terrible triumph.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT Dog whines over exterior.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - AN UPSTAIRS BEDROOM - NIGHT With five beds for dogs. Four of the beds are empty and on the fifth Judas is whining. He looks around at the other beds. Where is everybody? He goes out the bedroom door. THE CASTORINI STAIRCASE - NIGHT Judas is running down the stairs and into the hall. We FOLLOW HIM down the hall. The hall is only dimly lit. He finds the four other dogs. They are crowded at a narrow doorway. From the doorway comes a golden light.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT THE PLEASED FACE OF COSMO THROUGH A VEIL OF STEAM The CAMERA PULLS BACK. We are in the Castorini dining room. Cosmo sits at the head of the table, a napkin tucked into his shirt. Rose has just laid down a massive platter of steaming baked fish. Already on the table is a platter of pasta, loaves of bread, a big bowl of salad, two bottles of wine, and an appetizer plate of salami and pimento. Seated at the table is COSMO, the Old Man, and RAYMOND and RITA CAPPOMAGGI. Raymond is rotund, moon - faced, bald, somewhere in his fifties. He has a pencil - thin mustache over his small mouth. His wife, Rita, looks very like him, except she has hair on her head and none on her lip. Raymond is Rose's brother. There are two empty places at table, for Rose and Loretta. COSMO Where's Loretta? We're gon na start without her. ONE OF THE ENTRANCE WAYS TO THE DINING ROOM There is an accordion gate across it. Behind the gate, the Five Dogs stare at the people having dinner. ROSE'S VOICE She must be eating out. RAYMOND'S VOICE She do n't know what she's missing. ROSE'S VOICE It's not like her not to call. RITA'S VOICE Well, she's got a lot on her mind. THE DINING TABLE - RITA IS LOADING UP HER PLATE RITA I mean, can we talk about it, Rose? Everybody's heard. She's getting married again. COSMO I do n't wan na talk about it. RAYMOND Johnny Cammareri. I think it's great and about time. What's she gon na do with the rest of her life she do n't get married? COSMO I do n't wan na talk about it. The Old Man has piled his plate high with food. Now he stands up, walks over to the Dogs, and puts the plate down in their midst. The Dogs attack the food and each other. The Old Man walks back to the table and sits down. He looks down at the empty place in front of him, a little sad. COSMO My father needs a plate. Rose gets another plate from a sideboard and puts it in front of the Old Man. He immediately, methodically begins to fill his new plate. Rose goes to her place and sits down. RAYMOND Cosmo. Many years ago, when they told me you were marrying my sister, I was happy. When I told Rose I was marrying Rita, she was happy. RITA Marriage is happy news. The Old Man laughs uproariously, subsides, goes back to filling his plate. COSMO Rose, pass the wine. RAYMOND I never seen anybody so in love like Cosmo back then! He'd stand outside the house all day and look in the windows. I never told you this cause it's not really a story. But one time I woke up in the middle of the night cause this bright light was in my face. Like a flashlight. I could n't think a what it was. I looked out the window, and it was the moon! Big as a house! I never seen the moon so big before or since. I was almost scared, like it was gon na crush the house. And I looked down, and standing there in the street was Cosmo, looking up at the windows. This is the funny part. I got mad at you, Cosmo! I thought you brought this big moon over to my house cause you were so in love and woke me up with it. I was half asleep I guess and did n't know no better. COSMO You were altogether asleep. You were dreaming. RAYMOND No. You were there. Raymond stares at Cosmo, nodding, remembering. There's a lull at the table, the SOUND of SILVERWARE. COSMO I do n't wan na talk about it. ROSE -LRB- suddenly angry. -RRB- Well, what do you wan na talk about! COSMO Rita. Pass the wine. ROSE Why you drinking so much? The Old Man gets up with his newly filled plate and heads for the Dogs. ROSE Old Man, if you give another piece of my food to those dogs, I'm gon na kick you till you're dead! The Old Man reverses direction and heads back to his chair. He sits down and starts to eat.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT Over the house is a great big full moon.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT The lights in the bedroom are still on. Cosmo is in bed, in his pajamas, asleep. Rose comes in her nightgown. She looks at Cosmo. He's snoring lightly. ROSE Cosmo? He does n't stir. She goes to him and runs her hand through his hair. ROSE You drank too much and now you sleep too hard, and later you'll be up when you should be down. She kisses his cheek. Then she turns out the lights. When the electric lights go out, moonlight floods the room. She goes to the window and looks out through the curtains at the moon. Rose puts her face in her hands and quietly cries.

EXT. ROSE'S POV SHOT OF MOON FROM CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT RESUME INT. CASTORINI HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT -LRB- Rose crying.

INT. RONNY'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT The bedroom is flooded by moonlight. Loretta wakes up, a little alarmed. LORETTA What's that? Ronny wakes up, a little alarmed. RONNY What? LORETTA That light. RONNY I do n't know. I think it's the moon. Loretta goes to the window wrapped in a white sheet from the bed. The window is glowing with moonlight. The moonlight strikes her, and she is caught in its spell. LORETTA Oh. Ronny appears behind her, pulling on a robe. They speak in low voices, as if they were in church. RONNY It's so bright. LORETTA I've never seen a moon like that. RONNY It makes you look like an angel. She turns and looks at him. They kiss. They break apart. Ronny looks up at the moon. RONNY Yeah. Looks like a big snowball.

EXT. THE CAPPOMAGGI HOUSE NIGHT Shot of the house with the moon overhead.

INT. RAYMOND AND RITA CAPPOMAGGI'S BEDROOM - NIGHT There is a big window right by the bed, and in the window is the moon. Raymond and Rita are in their bed, asleep. Raymond wakes up, and sees the moon in the window. He's stunned and excited, but he too speaks in this low voice of respect. RAYMOND Rita. Rita. RITA -LRB- waking up. -RRB- What? What? RAYMOND Look. RITA Oh. RAYMOND It's Cosmo's moon. RITA What are you talking about, Raymond? Cosmo ca n't own the moon. RAYMOND I mean it's that moon I was talking about at dinner. -LRB- looks through the window, down into the street. -RRB- Is he down there? No. RITA Is who down there? RAYMOND Cosmo. RITA What would he be doing down there? RAYMOND I do n't know. RITA You know, in this light, and with that expression on your face, you look about twenty - five years old. Raymond smiles at her meekly.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT Over the house is still the great big full moon. The front door opens and out comes the Old Man with the five Dogs. The Old Man is in a greatcoat and a felt hat, and he's smoking a cigar. He stops on the top step and lets go a huge plume of cigar smoke. Then he starts off with the Dogs down the street.

EXT.. EAST RIVER - NIGHT The moon and nothing else. Then a cigar is thrown into it and sends it shimmering. It was the moon reflected in water. Now the CAMERA PULLS BACK and WE SEE the Old Man and the Five Dogs are standing on a ruined pier. The moon gleams up from the Hudson River. The Old Man speaks to the Dogs. OLD MAN Alright now. Howl. Howl. The Dogs do not howl. So the Old Man, by way of demonstration, howls at the moon. He looks to the Dogs to follow suit. They do nothing. He howls at the moon again. The Dogs do nothing. The CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK until WE CAN SEE the whole pier, with the Old Man and the Dogs on it, and the moon above them. The Old Man, frustrated now, cries out. OLD MAN How long must I wait? Quanto tempo devo aspettare! The Dogs start to HOWL. The Old Man, pleased as the Mad Hatter he is, laughs and laughs.

EXT. EAST RIVER - DAY Transition from moon reflecting in the water to dawn.

INT. RONNIE'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY Morning sun floods the room. Close on Loretta, she wakes up. LORETTA Oh my God. RONNY What? Loretta jumps from bed, grabs her clothes to cover herself, and backs into closet. LORETTA What? What have we done? RONNY -LRB- perturbed. -RRB- Take it easy. LORETTA -LRB- from closet as she hurriedly gets dressed. -RRB- This time I was trying to do everything right. RONNY -LRB- he grabs a bathrobe, pulls it on, puts it on and moves towards the closet. -RRB- Do n't just become excited. LORETTA I thought if I stayed away from the City Hall, I wo n't have that Bad Luck I had again. RONNY You're trying to make me feel guilty. LORETTA I'm marrying your brother! RONNY All right, I'm guilty. I confess! LORETTA You're invited to the wedding! It's in a few weeks. Why did n't you do like him and be with your dying mother in Palermo? RONNY She did n't like me. LORETTA You do n't get along with anybody! RONNY What did you do? LORETTA What did I do? RONNY You ruined my life. LORETTA That's impossible! It was ruint when I got here! You ruint my life! RONNY Oh no I did n't! Loretta emerges from the closet, tucking in her blouse. LORETTA Oh yes, oh yes you did! You've got those bad eyes like a gypsy! Why did n't I see it yesterday! Bad Luck! Is that all I'm ever gon na have? Why did n't I just pick up a stone and kill myself years and years ago? I'm gon na marry him! RONNY What? LORETTA Last night never happened, you hear me? I'm gon na marry him anyway and last night never happened, and you and I are gon na take this to our coffins! RONNY I ca n't do that! LORETTA Why not? RONNY I'm in love with you! Loretta stares at him in alarm, slaps his face, then studies his face to see the effect of the slap. She is dissatisfied and slaps him again. LORETTA Snap out of it! RONNY I ca n't! LORETTA Alright. Then I must never see you again. The bad blood will have to stay there between you and Johnny for all time. You wo n't come to the wedding. RONNY I'll come to the wedding. LORETTA I'm telling you you ca n't. RONNY But he wants me to come! LORETTA But that's cause he do n't know! RONNY Alright. I will not come. Provided one thing. LORETTA What? RONNY That you come with me tonight. Once. To the Opera. LORETTA What are you talking about? RONNY I love two things. I love you, and I love the Opera. If I can have the two things that I love together for one night, I will be satisfied to give up the rest of my life. LORETTA Alright. RONNY Alright. Meet me at the Met. LORETTA Alright. Where's the Met? CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LITTLE ITALY - DAY Camera moves from stained glass windows to confessional. Loretta is next in line of THREE SINNERS waiting to go into the confessional. A FORGIVEN WOMAN emerges from the curtained booth and walks off to pay her penance. Loretta goes into the booth.

INT. CHURCH - CONFESSIONAL - DAY Loretta kneels. The slide opens and an OLD PRIEST'S FACE can be seen in outline through the screen. LORETTA Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It's been two months since my last confession. PRIEST What sins have you to confess? LORETTA Twice I took the name of God in vain, once I slept with the brother of my fiancé, and once I bounced a check at the liquor store - but that was really an accident. PRIEST Then it was not a sin. But what was that second thing you said, Loretta? LORETTA I. a. slept with my fiancé's brother. PRIEST That's a pretty big sin. LORETTA I know. PRIEST You should think about this. LORETTA I know. PRIEST Alright. This is your penance. Say two rosaries and. be careful, Loretta. Reflect on your life. LORETTA Alright. PRIEST I absolve you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

INT. CHURCH - DAY Loretta comes out of the confessional and enters a pew. She crosses herself. Then she recognizes the back of a woman's head a few pews down. She gets up, walks down the aisle, and kneels down next to her mother, Rose. LORETTA Hi. ROSE -LRB- looking up from her prayers. -RRB- Where you been? LORETTA I do n't wan na talk about it. ROSE Just like your father. I lied to him. He thinks you came home last night. LORETTA Thanks. What's the matter with you? ROSE Cosmo's cheating on me. LORETTA What! How do you know? ROSE A wife knows. LORETTA Then you do n't know. You're just imagining it. He's too old. Rose starts to reply, but then decides it's not worth the argument. LORETTA I wo n't be home for dinner. Loretta crosses herself quickly, gets up, and leaves. Rose looks after, and then goes back to her prayer.

INT. CAMMARERI'S BAKERY - DAY Feminine hands apply the final decorative touches of blue icing to a wedding cake. Then the hands set the plastic bride and groom on the pinnacle. The CAMERA PULLS BACK. Barbara is viewing her handiwork, a wedding cake on a stainless steel wheeled cart. She's in the back part of the bakery. Barbara is pleased with her creation. We TRAVEL WITH HER as she rolls the cart out to the front of the store where Chrissy is waiting on a huge man named HARVEY. She hands him a tiny box, which he takes meekly. HARVEY See you tomorrow, Chrissy. CHRISSY Okay, Harvey. Harvey lumbers off as Barbara enters the front of the store with the cake on its cart. Barbara calls Chrissy's attention to the cake. BARBARA So what do you think? CHRISSY About what? BARBARA The cake! CHRISSY -LRB- without enthusiasm. -RRB- Where's Ronny? How come he ai n't come down? BARBARA How should I know? The PHONE RINGS. Chrissy answers it. CHRISSY Hello, Cammareri's? Hi. Uh - huh. Okay. She hangs up. CHRISSY That was Ronny. He do n't feel good. He ai n't gon na be down today. Chrissy comes out from behind the counter. She's staring at the cake. BARBARA What, is he still upset? Without warning, Chrissy whacks the little bride and groom off the cake and on to the floor. CHRISSY It's that bitch! Barbara looks at her, shocked.

EXT. CAPPOMAGGI'S ITALIAN PROVISIONS - DAY An Italian specialty store in Little Italy.

INT. CAPPOMAGGI'S STORE - DAY Provolones and salamis hang from above. To the one side is a deli counter, to the other a series of tables displaying cheeses by the pound, packaged cakes, etc.. In the back are a few tables and a kitchen with counter. Up front, behind the deli counter, stands Rita Cappomaggi in a blue apron. Out by the tables, Raymond unpacks some jars of olives. In the back, a TRUCK DRIVER can dimly be seen eating his lunch. RAYMOND -LRB- to Rita. -RRB- I feel great I got no sleep but I feel like Orlando Furioso! RITA -LRB- looks around cautiously, then speaks. -RRB- You were a tiger last night. RAYMOND And you were a lamb. As soft as milk. RITA Shut up. They'll hear you in the back. RAYMOND So what? The pleasure of marriage is you sleep with the woman and then you do n't worry about nothing. Hey, how about a date tonight, Rita. Let's eat pasta and roll around. RITA -LRB- scandalized. -RRB- Raymond, Raymond, lower your voice! What's got into you? RAYMOND I do n't know! That moon! That crazy moon Cosmo sent over! Loretta walks in. LORETTA Hi. RAYMOND Hey there. -LRB- sings. -RRB-. YOU WITH THE STARS IN YOUR EYES. LORETTA -LRB- to Rita. -RRB- What's the matter with him? RITA You got me. RAYMOND You see that moon last night? LORETTA -LRB- suspicious and guilty. -RRB- What about the moon? RAYMOND Did you see it? LORETTA -LRB- she lies, nervous. -RRB- No. RAYMOND Oh. LORETTA Listen, I got ta go. I'll take the deposit to the bank but I'll do the books tomorrow. I got ta go. RAYMOND You got ta date? RITA What are you talking about, you fool? Her fiancé's in Palermo. RAYMOND Oh. Right. LORETTA I got things to do. RITA Sure you do. You got all that wedding stuff. LORETTA Right. RAYMOND Well, that's romantic, too. -LRB- SINGS. -RRB-. IS N'T IT ROMANTIC. He is walking towards the back now. He shouts to somebody in the kitchen. RAYMOND HEY. Make me a bowl of minestrone. The women are left alone. RITA What's the matter? You look crazy. LORETTA I got a lot on my mind, Aunt Rita.

INT. A CHURCH BASEMENT It's been set up for a church bazaar. There are several wheels of fortune, many stuffed animals, coffee urns, cakes, a game of ring toss, etc.. AS THE CAMERA inventories the contents of the various stands - a LITTLE NUN sleeps in one of them - we HEAR the Old Man's VOICE. OLD MAN'S VOICE I've got a lot on my mind. Things are getting bad in my house. My daughter - in - law is mad at my son because he will not pay for the wedding. A TUB OF APPLES FLOATING IN WATER An old, gnarled hand reaches in and pulls one out, dries it with a towel. The CAMERA PULLS BACK REVEALING that the hand belongs to Lucy, who is standing behind a table with the Old Man and Felix. She hands the apple to the Old Man, who drives a small wooden stake into it with a little wooden hammer. Then the Old Man hands this staked apple to Felix, who dips it into a deep metal pot. It emerges shining with red candy goo. Then Felix sets the candled apple onto a papered tray where a dozen already sit. They repeat this process. But the Old Man, because his thoughts are elsewhere, takes forever to drive the stake into the apple. This frustrates Felix. OLD MAN At dinner, my daughter - in - law threatened to kill me. Things are very bad in my house. FELIX Hurry up. LUCY Do n't fight. OLD MAN If I hit the stick too hard, the apple will split. If I am too timid, the apple will fall off the stick. FELIX We're supposed to do fifty apples. We only got twelve done. OLD MAN I do n't know what to advise my son. I think he should pay for the wedding, but it is important that he do n't look ridiculous. LUCY Do n't make yourself sick. OLD MAN Cosmo drank five glasses of wine at dinner. LUCY Talk to him. OLD MAN I will. But I must find the right moment. LUCY Did you see the moon last night? The Old Man's eyes light up. He looks at Lucy. OLD MAN Yes! FELIX -LRB- in despair. -RRB- Hurry up, hurry up. We open in five minutes.

INT. CAPPOMAGGI'S STORE - DAY EIGHT NEAT STACKS OF MONEY BEING RUBBERBANDED By a woman's hands. The last stack is topped with a filled out deposit slip. The banded stacks are then stuffed into a night - deposit bag. The CAMERA PULLS BACK a bit to INCLUDE a ledger. A last entry is made, and the ledger is shut. The CAMERA PULLS BACK more, and now WE SEE Loretta reaching for her coat. She puts it on, picks up the deposit bag, and sees Rita. LORETTA Bye, Aunt Rita. RITA Bye, bye, honey. See you tomorrow? LORETTA Yeah, I'll be in. Loretta goes out the door, with Rita looking after, thoughtful.

EXT. THE CINDERELLA BEAUTY SHOP - DAY Loretta walks - down the street and comes to the CINDERELLA BEAUTY SHOP, fidgets a moment, looks around to see if anybody's looking, and goes in. WE SEE her through the window talking to MILDRED, who handles appointments. Mildred nods, points, and Loretta goes back into the store.

INT. CINDERELLA BEAUTY SHOP - DAY WE DISCOVER an uneasy Loretta sitting in a beauty chair with BONNIE, her hairdresser about to start. Bonnie is a little bored. BONNIE So? You want the usual? LORETTA I want you to get rid of the grey. TRANSFORMATIONAL MUSIC STARTS HERE AND CONTINUES THROUGH THE FOLLOWING SCENES. This music should convey that Loretta is turning from a frumpy pumpkin into a sleek and beautiful coach. Bonnie wakes up upon hearing this startling news and gets very excited. BONNIE I've been wanting to do this for three years! Let me show you some magazines! You've got to get a manicure! And your eyebrows! Sheila! I'm gon na need help! SHEILA, another beautician, joins Bonnie, and they both get very excited and start showing Loretta and each other magazines. They argue merrily about what they should do, leaving Loretta far behind. A MANICURIST joins them, with her stuff and starts soaking Loretta's nails. A MONTAGE FOLLOWS They're plucking her eyebrows. They're cutting and dying her hair. They're painting her nails.

EXT. CINDERELLA BEAUTY SHOP-DAY Loretta comes out. Her hair is jet black and done in a much more stylish way. She looks great. She looks around as if she has committed a crime, and walks off quickly

EXT. A DOWDY DRESS SHOP - DAY Loretta looks in the windows, is dissatisfied, and walks on.

EXT. A BOLD DRESS SHOP - DAY A stylish dress shop called INSINUATION. Loretta looks in the window, is intimidated, and walks on. A moment passes. She reappears. Tentatively, she enters.

INT. INSINUATION - DAY Loretta approaches a young woman, MER, who works there. Mer is about thirty, trendily dressed, and French. Mer and Loretta greet and talk. Loretta makes vague gestures trying to convey what she wants, but the truth is she does n't know what she wants. Mer takes the situation in hand. There follows a MONTAGE of Mer showing Loretta various dresses, some outlandish, some beautiful, some incomprehensible. Loretta tries on several of the dresses in a big triple mirror. Some horrify her, some frighten her because they're so sexy, one bores her. We do n't see the dress that she ultimately does buy.

EXT. INSINUATION - DUSK Loretta walks out with a big shopping bag. She walks away down the street. WE FOLLOW Loretta away down the street. She comes to a BRIDAL SHOP with a big bride dummy shown off in the window She stops and looks at the bride. She walks close to the window and stares in hard. Then she slowly backs up from the bride. Two NUNS are walking by. Loretta, backing up from the dummy, bumps into the Nuns. She's flustered, makes a brief apology, and hurries away, casting a furtive last glance at the shop window. END OF MUSIC THE TRANSFORMATIONAL MUSIC COMES TO A CLOSE.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DUSK Night is falling. Loretta appears and enters the house.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - THE FRONT HALL - NIGHT As Loretta enters she drops her bag and, as she takes off her coat, calls. LORETTA Ma! Grandpa! No? Okay. A SINGLE BARK is HEARD from the top of the stairs. She looks up. A WOODEN ACCORDION GATE SEALS OFF THE TOP OF THE STAIRS Visible behind the gate are a couple of dogs.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT Loretta goes through a door and into the kitchen. She opens the refrigerator and a cabinet, and makes herself a scotch on the rocks. She sips it and starts to HUM in an understated way. She takes her drink and wanders out of the kitchen. LORETTA WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM She walks to each lamp in the room and turns it on. There are many table and standing lamps throughout the room. LORETTA IS LIGHTING THE FIRE Which was already built in the fireplace. It catches on nicely. She puts her drink down and gets a big standing antique mirror on rollers from its place against the wall. She wheels it to a central place in the room. Satisfied, she picks up her drink again, leaves the room for a moment, and then returns with her shopping bag. She throws it on a chair. Then she goes to the stereo and looks through the albums. She selects one and puts it on. MUSIC Loretta waltzes around in front of the mirror, flirting with herself in a very serious way. She starts to unbutton her blouse.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT The moon is overhead as music continues to PLAY. The CAMERA SOARS UP CLOSE to the moon, until it completely FILLS THE FRAME with its magic. The moon dissolves into :

INT. THE CASTORINI LIVING ROOM - NIGHT CLOSE - UP of LORETTA'S FACE as she puts the final touches on her make - up. Music continues to PLAY. The CAMERA PULLS BACK. WE SEE her full figure. She has changed into her evening dress and put on her heels. She's swaying to the music. The evening dress is sensational. She leans forward and kisses the mirror. WE SEE THE LIPSTICK KISS ON THE MIRROR In the mirror, all around the kiss, is reflected the fire.

EXT. EAST RIVER NIGHT The moon is reflected in the water as WE SEE the dock of the night before. We can SEE Jersey lit up across the river. But then something starts to replace Jersey. It's a huge white liner coming down the river now, all of her lights burning, heading back out to sea. FLASHBULBS go off along the deck. We watch the length of the great ship pass as the MUSIC PLAYS END OF MUSIC

EXT. LINCOLN CENTER PLAZA - NIGHT LINCOLN CENTER - LORETTA'S POV CROWDS OF PEOPLE in beautiful clothes fill the plaza created by the three great buildings. A glorious fountain filled with lights forms the centerpiece. Behind the fountain, grand and splendidly lit, is the magical Metropolitan Opera House. Two huge Chagalls, one to the right and one to the left, inhabit the face of the building, filling it with marvelous color. LORETTA COMES TO THE FOUNTAIN The fountain is quiet and dark now. Loretta is puzzled. She remembers that it was going. While she looks, it lights up. Then small jets of water begin to appear. Then larger jets. Then with a roar the central shaft of water rises high, higher into the night sky. She follows the column of water with her eyes up into the sky. Right above the crest of the water, like a beanball on a seal's nose, is the moon. FROM OVER LORETTA'S SHOULDER WE SEE THE RUSHING WATER Forming an opaque wall before her. Then the fountain, for its next piece of aquatic choreography, drops away to nothing quite suddenly. And there, facing Loretta, on the opposite side of the fountain, is Ronny. He's looking incredibly handsome and dashing in a tuxedo and topcoat and, of course, gloves. He smiles slightly and raises a hand in greeting. Loretta, caught off guard, smiles brilliantly at him. Then she remembers her situation and starts to put on her usual serious expression. But the fountain has rushed up into the sky again, obscuring her attempt at composure from, Ronny. Ronny COMES INTO VIEW again, walking toward Loretta around the fountain's perimeter. He comes close to her. RONNY Hi. LORETTA Hi. RONNY You look beautiful. Your hair. LORETTA I thought I'd try it. -LRB- qrudgingly. -RRB- You look good. RONNY Thank you. He goes to kiss her. She takes a step back. LORETTA I said I'd go to the opera with you. Nothing else. Ronny immediately relents, gently takes her arm, and they walk off in the direction of the opera house. ONE OF THE CHAGALL'S FROM IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF THE MET Ronny and Loretta looking up at it. LORETTA Who painted that? RONNY Marc Chagall. A Russian. LORETTA Kinda gaudy. RONNY He was having some fun. Yeah, well he's dead. -LRB- he smiles. -RRB- Come on, let's go in. Ronny and Loretta join the crowd streaming into the building.

INT. THE OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT Ronny and Loretta enter, giving tickets to usher.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - COATCHECK - NIGHT Ronny and Loretta checking their coats. Ronny's coat is already off, and he's helping Loretta off with hers. He hands her coat to the CHECKER and pockets the check. Then he turns and sees Loretta in her dress for the first time. He's stunned by her beauty. He's at a loss. He mumbles. RONNY Thank you! LORETTA For what? RONNY I do n't know. For your hair. For your beautiful dress. For. you know, I feel like a man again. You know I love the Opera. You know it's been a long time since I've been to the Opera. His eyes are bright with tears. Loretta is touched and starts to put her hand out to him. But she stops herself. LORETTA So. Where are we sitting? RONNY Come on. He takes her arm. They pass under the great chandelier and go into the house. THE OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT THE CAMERA PICKS OUT A SERIES OF COUPLES The first couple is PEGGY and CLIVE, a very distinguished pair of silver - haired lovers dressed magnificently. They are in their seats, delighted to be where they are, holding hands. Next is the CELEBRITY COUPLE. Maybe Jackie O and her son, John. They are seated and people are looking at them. Next is Cosmo and Mona. Cosmo is helping Mona to sit down, something she could probably handle herself. He's wearing good but old - fashioned suit. She is in a dress that makes her look like a big piece of hard candy. Next is Ronny and Loretta. They are sitting in the first row of the First Circle ; in other words, very good seats. They are holding their programs. Loretta opens her program. THE OPEN PROGRAM - LORETTA'S POV The opera is LA BOHEME. But then the page fades away into the dark as the house lights go down. WE SEE RONNY AND LORETTA FROM BEHIND Ronny leans his head toward her and whispers. RONNY Here we go. As the lights come up in the orchestra pit. The CONDUCTOR takes his place. The AUDIENCE APPLAUDS. He bows and turns to the orchestra. The OVERTURE begins and PLAYS UNDER NEXT.

EXT. THE GRAND TICINO - NIGHT The OVERTURE PLAYS THROUGH this ESTABLISHING SHOT and then FADES AWAY at the start of the NEXT SHOT. WE SEE Rose enter the restaurant.

INT. THE GRAND TICINO - NIGHT The dinner crowd is in and most of the tables are occupied. The entranceway door opens and Rose enters. She's got herself up very nice. The host, JIMMY, quickly approaches her. She's very dignified. JIMMY Hello, Mrs. Castorini. Who's coming? ROSE It's just me. I want to eat. JIMMY Okay. JIMMY I got a table for you right now. Jimmy leads her to a table for two against the wall. JIMMY This alright? ROSE Fine. He seats her. JIMMY Enjoy your meal. Jimmy breezes off. There's another table - for - two against the wall to Rose's front. WE SEE a woman's back from Rose's POV, and a pretty head of hair. This woman, whose name is SHEILA, is having an argument with the man across from her. But the man's face is blocked by Sheila's back and head, and the argument is too low to be made out. Bobo approaches Rose's table. BOBO Good evening Mrs. Castorini. You eating alone tonight? ROSE Hello, Bobo. Yes. Let me have a martini, no ice and two olives. BOBO Very good. Bobo heads off for the bar. The couple at the next table catches Rose's attention again, and their argument becomes a little louder. SHEILA'S VOICE I'm trying to explain to you how I feel. Every time I try to explain how I feel, you explain how you feel. I do n't think that's really much of a response. UNSEEN MAN'S VOICE Well, its the only response I've got. Bobo reappears with the martini and serves it. BOBO You wan na see a menu? ROSE Not yet. I'll wave. Bobo is gone. Rose is mildly intrigued with the argument at the next table now. She tries to see past Sheila, to see the man, but she ca n't without making too big a move. The argument goes on. SHEILA'S VOICE I really do hate it though, when you take that tone with me. Like you're above it all and is n't it amusing. MAN'S VOICE But it is, is n't it? SHEILA'S VOICE Not to me! This is my life, no matter how damned comical it may seem to you. I do n't need some man standing above the struggle while I roll around in the mud! MAN'S VOICE I think you like the mud and I do n't. That's fair, is n't it? If I do n't care to. Sheila stands up abruptly and flings a glass of water in the man's face. She pulls her coat off the back of her chair and stalks off. This whole operation took about two seconds. When she stalks off, the face of the man becomes visible to Rose for the first time. It's Perry, the professor in his 50's, who appeared and was treated in a similar way in the earlier scene in this restaurant. His face is covered with beads of water. He pats his face with his napkin and apologizes to CUSTOMERS at neighboring tables. PERRY Sorry about that, folks. She's a very pretty mental patient. The Shy Waiter arrives to assist Perry in drying himself. PERRY Do n't mind about me. But could you do me a favor and clear her place and take away all evidence of her, and bring me a big glass of vodka? SHY WAITER Absolutely! The Shy Waiter heads for the bar. For the first time, Perry notices Rose. They are facing each other with no obstacles in the way now. PERRY I'm sorry if we disturbed you. ROSE I'm not disturbed. By you. PERRY My lady friend has a personality disorder. ROSE She was just too young for you. The Shy Waiter serves Perry his drink. PERRY -LRB- to the Waiter. -RRB- Thanks, comrade. SHY WAITER It's nothing! The Shy Waiter goes. PERRY -LRB- Rose's comment strikes home. -RRB- Ouch. Too young! I just got that. You know how to hurt guy. How old are you? ROSE None of your business. He drops his posturing. PERRY Sorry. That was rude. ROSE Will you join me for dinner? PERRY Are you sure? She nods. PERRY Then I'd be delighted. I hate eating alone, and it's amazing how often I end up doing just that. ROSE AND PERRY ARE HALFWAY THROUGH THEIR DINNER ROSE What do you do? PERRY I'm a professor. I teach communications at N.Y.U. ROSE That woman was a student of yours? PERRY Sheila? Yes she was. Is. Was. ROSE There's old saying my mother told me. Would you like to hear it? PERRY Yes. ROSE Do n't shit where you eat. PERRY -LRB- taken aback, then recovering. -RRB- I'll remember that. What do you do? ROSE I'm a housewife. PERRY Then why are you eating alone? ROSE I'm not eating alone. Can I ask you a question? PERRY Go ahead. ROSE Why do men chase women? PERRY -LRB- considers. -RRB- Nerves. ROSE I think it's because they fear death. PERRY Maybe. Listen. You wan na know why I chase women? I find women charming. PERRY I teach these classes I've taught for a million years. The spontaneity went out of it for me a long time ago. I started off, I was excited about something and I wanted to share it. Now it's rote, it's the multiplication table. Except sometimes. Sometimes I'm droning along and I look up, and there's this fresh young beautiful face, and it's all new to her and I'm this great guy who's just brilliant and thinks out loud. And when that happens, when I look out among those chairs and look at a young woman's face, and see me there in her eyes, me the way I always wanted to be and maybe once was, then I ask her out on a date. It does n't last. It can go for a few weeks or a couple of precious months, but then she catches on that I'm just a burnt out old gasbag and that she's as fresh and bright and full of promise as moonlight in a martini. And at that moment, she stands up and throws a glass of water in my face, or some action to that effect. ROSE What you do n't know about women is a lot.

INT. THE OPERA HOUSE-LOBBY-NIGHT INTERMISSION. THRONGS OF PEOPLE talking, talking, talking. Piled up at the bars to get drinks.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - LOBBY/WOMEN'S BATHROOM - NIGHT Outside the women's bathroom, with its huge line waiting to get in.

INT. OF THE WOMAN'S BATHROOM Loretta and THREE OTHER WOMEN freshen their makeup before a mirror. The woman next to Loretta leaves and is replaced by Mona. Mona and Loretta stand side by side freshening their makeup.

INT. OF THE OPERA HOUSE - LOBBY - NIGHT MANY PEOPLE pressing to the bar to buy drinks. Cosmo and Ronny achieve the bar's perimeter at the same moment, and start to order.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - LOBBY - NIGHT A CONCESSIONAIRE selling special glossy LA BOHEME programs. ELSEWHERE IN THE LOBBY DURING INTERMISSION Ronny and Loretta are standing by a column holding drinks. Loretta is looking around. LORETTA They get some turnout for this stuff. RONNY It's the best thing there is. LORETTA I like parts of it, but I do n't really get it. IN ANOTHER PART OF THE LOBBY DURING INTERMISSION Cosmo and Mona are sitting on a bench. MONA You have n't once said you like my dress. COSMO I like your dress. -LRB- he thinks. -RRB- It's very bright. He looks around. MONA Why you looking around so much? COSMO I do n't know. I got a feeling. MONA I'm wearing your bracelet. He nods, still looking around. CHIMES SOUND THROUGHOUT LOBBY Indicating the end of intermission. The Audience starts to file back into the theatre.

EXT. THE GRAND TICINO - NIGHT Rose and Perry emerge from the restaurant. PERRY May I walk with you a ways? ROSE Sure. They set off to the left.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT The door opens, and the Old Man comes out, in his great coat and hat, with the Five dogs. He strikes off to the right.

EXT. STREET I - NIGHT Rose and Perry come around a corner and pass a store. They pause and look at the Christmas decorations in the window. They continue walking.

EXT. STREET II - NIGHT The Old Man and the Dogs have stopped by a big tree. Which the dogs adore.

EXT. STREET I - NIGHT Rose and Perry walking. They exit camera left.

EXT. STREET II - NIGHT The Old Man drags the Dogs away from the tree and sets off camera right.

EXT. STREET I - NIGHT Rose and Perry walking to the left.

EXT. STREET II - NIGHT The Old Man and the Dogs walking to the right.

EXT. STREET I - INTERSECTION OUTSIDE LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT Rose and Perry are walking towards camera. Rose stops short, stunned and alarmed by what she sees before them.

EXT. STREET II - INTERSECTION OUTSIDE OF LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT The Old Man pulls up the Dogs. Aghast by what he sees before him.

EXT. STREET III - INTERSECTION OUTSIDE LAUNDROMAT Perry and Rose face the Old Man and the dogs. In a silent standoff. Perry is puzzled, but has the sense to say nothing. After a long moment, the Old Man silently steers his dogs past them. He walks away down the dark street, silently disappearing into the gloom. Perry and Rose never move, but follow his slow progress until he disappears. PERRY You knew that man? ROSE Yes.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT THE STAGE - THE OPERA IS IN PROGRESS It's the SCENE in which MIMI is standing in the falling snow. She SINGS to RUDOLPH. It is a beautiful, poignant moment. The snow is falling, falling. Mimi is SINGING her heartbreaking aria of farewell. The lighted tavern window is behind them, glowing with a golden light. WE SEE RONNY'S FACE He's staring intently at the stage with shining eyes. He wants to share this moment with Loretta, but he is timid she will not feel as he does. WE SEE LORETTA'S FACE A single tear trails down her cheek. Otherwise, she is almost succeeding in hiding that the opera is moving her. She notices Ronny's hand creeping towards hers, but makes no move towards it. THE STAGE - MIMI STILL SINGING SADLY IN THE SNOWFALL She and Rudolph join hands. RONNY AND LORETTA grab each other's hand fiercely. At last, they look at each other. She is admitting that she is affected by the opera. He is grateful that she admits it.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - AUDIENCE — NIGHT Audience exits.

INT. OPERA HOUSE-LOBBY - NIGHT The lobby overflowing with the AUDIENCE coming out.

INT. OPERA HOUSE - COATCHECK - NIGHT Ronny and Loretta at the coatcheck. Loretta dabs her eyes and blows her nose. LORETTA That was just so. awful! RONNY Awful? LORETTA Beautiful. Sad. She died! RONNY -LRB- giving the check to the checker. -RRB- Yeah. LORETTA I could n't believe it! I did n't think she was going to die. I knew she was sick. Ronny gets the coats and helps her on with hers. RONNY She had TB. Ronny is putting on his coat. LORETTA I know. She was coughing her brains out. And still, she had to sing all the time. Loretta has stopped suddenly, transfixed by the sight before her. Loretta and Ronny are standing face - to - face with Cosmo and Mona. Mona's wearing a coat like a wrapper for hard candy. Cosmo is wearing his coat and has his hat in his hand. Stunned at seeing Loretta, he unconsciously puts his hat on. Then he thinks about it and takes it off again. He looks at Ronny. Then he looks at Mona. LORETTA Pop? Ronny looks at Loretta. He waits to follow her lead. COSMO Wait for me by the doors, Mona. Mona obeys after looking curiously at Loretta. LORETTA Pop? What are you doing here? Cosmo approaches Ronny. COSMO Excuse me. He takes Loretta's arm and steers her a distance away for a confidential exchange. LORETTA Mona? COSMO What'd you do to your hair? LORETTA I got it done. COSMO What are you doing here? LORETTA What are you doing here? COSMO Who is this man? You're engaged! LORETTA You're married. COSMO You're my daughter. I wo n't have you acting like a tramp! LORETTA You're my father. COSMO Alright. I did n't see you here. LORETTA I do n't know whether I saw you or not. Cosmo puts on his hat again. He glares at Ronny. He looks at Loretta, but he's at a total loss. At last, he stalks off. Loretta looks after him, angry and disturbed. COSMO AND MONA GOING OUT THE DOORS FROM LORETTA'S POV LORETTA LOOKING AFTER THEM, STRICKEN Ronny appears at her side, solicitous. RONNY Let's get outta here. I'll buy you a drink. Loretta, still looking after, slowly shakes her head. LORETTA That was n't my mother.

EXT. CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT Rose and Perry stand on a sidewalk under a street light dimly shining. About half a block away stands the Castorini house. They regard it. Over the house hangs the moon, cut through now with a sharp grey cloud. Rose and Perry's VOICES can be heard. ROSE'S VOICE That's my house. PERRY'S VOICE You mean the whole house? ROSE'S VOICE Yes. PERRY'S VOICE My God, it's a mansion! ROSE'S VOICE It's a house. PERRY'S VOICE I live in a one - bedroom apartment. What exactly does your husband do? ROSE'S VOICE He's a plumber. PERRY'S VOICE Well. That explains it. The SOUND of the WIND can be heard rising up. NOW WE SEE ROSE AND PERRY CLOSE UP The rising cold wind stirs their hair. They both shiver slightly. PERRY Temperature's dropping. ROSE Yes. PERRY I guess you ca n't invite me in? ROSE No. PERRY People home. ROSE No. I think the house is empty. I ca n't invite you in because I'm married and because I know who I am. You're shaking. PERRY I'm a little cold. ROSE You're a little boy and you like to be bad. PERRY We could go to my apartment. You could see how the other half lives. ROSE I'm too old for you. PERRY I'm too old for me. That's my predicament. ROSE Good night. She kisses him on the cheek. PERRY Good night. Can I kiss you on the cheek, too? ROSE Sure. He kisses her on the cheek. PERRY I'm freezing ROSE Good night. She walks away, towards the house. Perry, shivering, looks after.

INT. THE BOERUM CAFE - A BROOKLYN BAR - NIGHT Ronny and Loretta sit at the bar. They are just finishing a couple of Old - Fashions. The barman, AL, inspects their drinks. AL Another Old - Fashion? RONNY Loretta? LORETTA No thanks. RONNY -LRB- to Al. -RRB- I think that's it. Al nods and walks off. Ronny leans forward to Loretta. RONNY What do you want to do now? LORETTA I wan na go home.

EXT. A COLD AND EMPTY MANHATTAN STREET - NIGHT Ronny and Loretta are walking. Their breath is coming out in long plumes. LORETTA It's really cold. RONNY Yeah. It smells like snow. They walk in silence for a moment, then Loretta speaks. LORETTA My mother guessed that my father was seeing somebody and I told her she was crazy. She looked like a real piece of cheap goods. But who am I to talk? Her eyes are full of tears. RONNY What's the matter? LORETTA How can you ask me that? RONNY You're making me feel guilty again. LORETTA You are guilty. I'm guilty. RONNY Of what? Only God can point the finger, Loretta. LORETTA I know what I know. RONNY And what do you know? You tell me my life? I'll tell you yours. I'm a wolf? You run to the wolf in me, that do n't make you no lamb! You're gon na marry my brother? Why you wan na sell your life short? Playing it safe is just about the most dangerous thing a woman like you could do. You waited for the right man the first time, why did n't you wait for the right man again? LORETTA He did n't come! RONNY I'm here! LORETTA You're late! RONNY We're here.

EXT. RONNY'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT She looks. It's Ronny's building. LORETTA This is your place. RONNY That's right. LORETTA This is where we're going! RONNY Yeah. LORETTA The deal was if I came to the Opera with you you'd leave me alone forever. She looks for his response. He makes none. LORETTA I went with you. -LRB- pause, nothing. -RRB- Now I'm gon na marry Johnny and you're gon na leave me alone. -LRB- pause, nothing. -RRB- Right? -LRB- nothing. -RRB- A person can see where they've messed up in their life, and they can change how they do things, and they can change their Luck. Maybe my nature does draw me to you, but I do n't haveta go with that. I can take hold of myself and say yes to some things and no to something that's just gon na ruin everything! I can do that. Otherwise, what is this stupid life that God gave us for what? -LRB- pause, nothing. -RRB- Ronny? Are you listening to me? RONNY Yeah. LORETTA I'm really afraid. RONNY Why? LORETTA I'm afraid of who I am. RONNY I was. LORETTA And you're not now? He shakes his head. LORETTA Why not? RONNY I do n't know. Everything seems like nothing now against that I want you in my bed. I do n't care if I burn in hell. I do n't care if you burn in hell. The Past and Future is a joke to me now. I see that they're nothing, I see they ai n't here. The only thing that's here is you. And me. I want you to come upstairs. Now. I tried to take everything last night, like you told me, but I could n't. I could n't take everything in a hundred years. It's the way we are. We compound each other. LORETTA Let me go home. RONNY No. LORETTA Let me go home. RONNY No. LORETTA I'm freezing to death. RONNY Come upstairs. I do n't care why you come. No, that's not what I mean. Loretta, I love you. Not like they told you love is and I did n't know this either. But love do n't make things nice, it ruins everything, it breaks your heart, it makes things a mess. We're not here to make things perfect. Snowflakes are perfect. The stars are perfect. Not us. We are here to ruin ourselves and break our hearts and love the wrong people and die! The storybooks are bullshit. Come upstairs with me, baby! Do n't try to live your life out to somebody else's idea of sweet happiness. Do n't try to live on milk and cookies when what you want is meat! Red meat just like me! It's wolves run with wolves and nothing else! You're a wolf just like me! Come upstairs with me and get in my bed! Come on! Come on! Come on! Loretta follows Ronny into his building. NOW WE SEE THE STREET Just as the door shuts. A moment passes. Lights go on in Ronny's apartment. Out of a doorway on the opposite side of the street steps the figure of a woman. She walks to the middle of the deserted street and looks up at the lighted windows. NOW WE SEE THE WOMAN CLOSE UP - IT'S CHRISSY FROM THE BAKERY Her heart is about to break. She loves this man. She looks up at the lighted windows, her feelings hanging by one slender, slender thread. MUSIC It's `` MIMI'S ARIA'' - from the snow scene in LA BOHEME. WE SEE THE STREET WITH THE FIGURE LOOKING At the lighted window above. `` MIMI'S ARIA'' PLAYS. This tableau reminds us of the scene in the opera where MIMI stands in the snow. The MUSIC PLAYS and the WOMAN SINGS for a long moment. Then, the lights in the apartment go out. Chrissy shudders almost imperceptibly. Her heart has broken. She hangs her head. Then she lifts her head and slowly walks away down the street.

EXT. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - RUNWAY - NIGHT With a great and abrupt ROAR, a big jet is landing.

INT. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - TERMINAL - NIGHT PASSENGERS are pouring into the terminal from the plane. Most of them are Italian or Italian - Americans. Suddenly, Mr. Johnny appears out of the shifting crowd, up very CLOSE to the CAMERA. He looks alert, determined, geared up for action. MR. JOHNNY AT THE LUGGAGE CAROUSEL He pulls his two suitcases off the carousel with one quick powerful jerk.

EXT. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - TERMINAL - NIGHT Mr. Johnny sticks out his hand and a cab immediately rushes to him.

INT. OF THE CAB Mr. Johnny leans forward to the DRIVER and says in a very definite, determined way. MR. JOHNNY 19 Cranberry Street.

EXT. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NIGHT The cab rushes off into the night.

EXT. CASTORINI HOUSE - NIGHT The cab pulling up to the Castorini house. The living room windows are all lit up. VICKI CARR can be made out SINGING `` IT MUST BE HIM''. Mr. Johnny gets out of the cab, gets his luggage, and heads for the front door. He RINGS THE BELL. The door opens. It's Rose. MUSIC floods out around her. MR. JOHNNY Hello. I'm sorry to call so late. Rose is a little tipsy. ROSE Moving in? MR. JOHNNY I came right from the airport. ROSE Come on in. She holds the door open for him and he goes in past her carrying his suitcases. She closes the door.

INT. CASTORINI HOUSE — THE FRONT HALL - NIGHT MR. JOHNNY Can you wake up Loretta? I need to talk to her. ROSE She's not home yet. Take off your coat and come in the living room. I'll make you a drink. I wan na talk to you.

INT. CASTORINI HOUSE - LIVING ROOM — NIGHT Rose comes in with two scotches on the rocks. He takes one. MR. JOHNNY Thank you. She turns off the stereo, and then sits down across from him. ROSE So. MR. JOHNNY Where is she? ROSE Out. I do n't know where. I was waiting up for my husband. MR. JOHNNY It's late. ROSE Yes. There's a pause. Mr. Johnny is uncomfortable with it. MR. JOHNNY Maybe I should go? ROSE What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in Palermo. MR. JOHNNY That's what I came to tell Loretta. There's been a miracle. ROSE A miracle. Well, that's news. MR. JOHNNY My mother's recovered. ROSE You're kidding? MR. JOHNNY The breath had almost totally left her body. She was as white as snow. And then she completely pulled back from death and stood up and put on her clothes and began to cook for everyone in the house. The mourners. And me. And herself! She ate a meal that would choke a pig! ROSE That's incredible. MR. JOHNNY Yes. The front door can be HEARD SLAMMING, out of view, and then Dogs can be HEARD BARKING. Mr. Johnny and Rose look to the entranceway. The Old Man appears there, holding the Five Dogs. ROSE Hello Pop. The Old Man looks at Rose. He is a specter. He stares, and then he makes a long low accusing NOISE. Then he disappears. MR. JOHNNY Who was that? ROSE That was my father - in - law, who has a wrong idea in his head. Listen, Johnny, there's a question I want to ask you. And I want you to tell me the truth if you can. Why do men chase women? MR. JOHNNY Well. There's the Bible story. God took a rib from Adam and made Eve. Maybe men chase women to get the rib back. When God took the rib, he left a hole there, place where there used to be something. and the women have that. Maybe a man is n't complete as a man without a woman. ROSE But why would a man need more than one woman? MR. JOHNNY I do n't know. Maybe because he fears death. Rose leaps up, very excited. ROSE That's it! That's the reason! MR. JOHNNY I do n't know. ROSE No, that's really it. Thank you for answering my question. The FRONT DOOR SLAMS again. Mr. Johnny and Rose look to the entranceway. Cosmo appears there. COSMO Hi. -LRB- taking in Mr. Johnny. -RRB- Hi. MR. JOHNNY Hello, Mr. Castorini. ROSE Where you been? COSMO I do n't know, Rose. I do n't know where I've been, and I do n't know where I'm going. -LRB- to Mr. Johnny. -RRB- You should have your eyes opened for you, my friend. MR. JOHNNY I have my eyes open. COSMO You do, huh? Stick around. Do n't go on any long trips. MR. JOHNNY I do n't know what you mean. COSMO I know you do n't. That's the point. I'll say no more. MR. JOHNNY You have n't said anything. COSMO And that's how much I'm saying. ROSE Cosmo? COSMO What? ROSE I just want you to know. No matter what you do. You are going to die, just like everybody else. COSMO Thank you, Rose. ROSE You're welcome. COSMO I'm going to bed now. Mr. Johnny stands up. Cosmo walks off, out of view. MR. JOHNNY I'm going. COSMO'S VOICE -LRB- from top of stairs. -RRB- Good! ROSE -LRB- to Mr. Johnny. -RRB- He does n't like you. Thank you for answering my question. MR. JOHNNY You do n't know where Loretta is? ROSE No idea. MR. JOHNNY Then tell her I'll come by in the morning. We need to talk. ROSE Okay, I'll tell her.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DAWN We watch the effect of the sun coming up on the house. It begins in darkness, and goes through the many graduations of light very quickly until it's lit by the light of bright morning. THE FRONT DOOR OPENS AND THE OLD MAN AND THE DOGS COME OUT He's got them on their leashes and, over his head, he carries the black umbrella. He walks off toward the park and disappears.

EXT. STREET - DAY - LORETTA IS WALKING Along a sidewalk a couple of blocks away. She is a wreck. She's still in her clothes of the night before. She has n't slept. Her hair's a bit funny. And she's tormented by the complications in her life. And, at the same time, she looks great. She looks like she's been loved up and down. She has a hickey on her neck. Her eyes are dreamy and her walk is slow, utterly careless, and sexual. She's carrying, crunched in her hand, her program from La Boheme. She starts SINGING. We follow her as she SINGS and walks. WE WATCH LORETTA WALKING FROM THE BACK NOW She's still muttering. She comes to a tin can. She kicks lt. She comes to it again. She kicks it again.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DAY Loretta appears kicking her can. She abandons the can and enters the house.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY Rose is at the stove. The kitchen is filled with steam and sunlight. Rose is stirring a pot filled with oatmeal. Another range has the coffeepot heating. Loretta shuffles into the kitchen, goes to the tin table, and sits down. There are red roses on the table. Rose sees Loretta. ROSE What the hell happened to you? LORETTA Well. I do n't really know where to start. ROSE Your hair's different. LORETTA Everything's different. ROSE Are you drunk? LORETTA No. Are you drunk? ROSE No. But I have a hangover. LORETTA Where's pop? ROSE Upstairs. Johnny Cammareri showed up last night. Loretta is suddenly electrified. LORETTA What? He's in Sicily! ROSE No more he's not. LORETTA He's with his dying mother! ROSE She recovered. LORETTA WHAT! She was dying! ROSE It was a miracle. LORETTA A miracle? This is modern times! There ai n't supposed to be miracles any more! ROSE I guess it ai n't modern times in Sicily. He came right from the airport. He wanted to talk to you. You got a love bite on your neck. He's coming back this morning. With a long low MOAN, Loretta lowers her head to the table.

EXT. STREET - DAY Ronny is walking along the same stretch of sidewalk as Loretta just was. He looks like hell, too. His hair is wild and he has n't slept. He's thrown on an old leather jacket and brown leather gloves. He has a love bite on his neck, too. He starts to SING `` O SOAVE FANCIULLA''. He SINGS it any old way, occasionally getting a good attack, occasionally just muttering his way through. SINGS as much of it as he remembers, which is a lot. WE WATCH RONNY WALKING FROM THE BACK NOW He's SINGING away, carelessly sauntering along. He passes an ITALIAN COUPLE of middle age. They smile as they recognize what he is singing. They start to SING along with him. They SING till they get to the ceiling of the aria, and to a resting place a little beyond. Then they nod to each other appreciatively and go on their ways, Ronny turning his back to the CAMERA, and they WALKING INTO IT.

EXT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - DAY Ronny appears and approaches the door. HE KNOCKS, waits, and then RINGS THE BELL. Rose answers the door and invites him in.

INT. THE CASTORINI HOUSE - KITCHEN Rose walks in with Ronny behind her. There's no one in the kitchen. Rose calls out. ROSE It's not Johnny. Loretta comes out of a closet, where she was hiding. She's very surprised to see Ronny. LORETTA Ronny! RONNY Is Johnny here? LORETTA He's coming. RONNY Good! We can get this out on the table. -LRB- to Rose. -RRB- I'm Ronny, Johnny's brother. -LRB- Shakes her hand. -RRB- ROSE Nice to meet you. You've got a love bite on your neck. Your mother's recovered from death. RONNY Oh. Good. We're not close. I'm not really moved. LORETTA You've got ta get outta here. RONNY No. I'm gon na wait. LORETTA -LRB- arguing with Ronny. -RRB- Ronny, please. ROSE Would anyone like some oatmeal? LORETTA continues arguing. RONNY -LRB- ignores Loretta. -RRB- Yes, I would like some oatmeal. Ronny and Loretta sit down and Rose serves them oatmeal. COSMO WALKS IN dressed for business. He regards the trio, puts on his hat in shock and then takes it off again. ROSE Cosmo, this is Ronny, Johnny's brother. COSMO His brother. Cosmo sits down. Rose puts a bowl of oatmeal in front of him. He absently begins to eat it. A silence reigns. Then he puls down his spoon. COSMO You're Johnny's brother? RONNY Yeah. Cosmo picks up his spoon and they all eat silently once more. The SOUND OF DOGS BARKING comes up and then fades away. THE OLD MAN WALKS IN He looks at the assemblage. The assemblage looks at him. He points at Rose. Then his pointing drifts to Cosmo and his hand opens in a gesture of supplication. OLD MAN I am old. The Old are not wanted. And what they say has no weight. But, my son, I must speak. You should pay for the wedding of your only daughter. You are breaking your house through pride. There. I've said it. COSMO It's okay, Pop. If she gets married, I'll pay for the whole thing. The Old Man lets go a great noise of relief, sits down at the table, and waits. Rose brings him a bowl of oatmeal. He is content now, and eats his oatmeal with great relish. The others eat with a more meaningful silence. Rose puts down her spoon. She looks at the table, but she is speaking to Cosmo. ROSE Have I been a good wife? COSMO Yes. ROSE I want you to stop seeing her. Everyone stops eating. A tremendous silence falls. An old clock goes tick, tick, tick. Suddenly Cosmo smashes his fists to the table and stands. He does n't look at Rose during this. Then slowly, he sits down. COSMO Okay. ROSE And go to confession. COSMO -LRB- still not looking at her. -RRB- A man. under stands one day. that his life is built on nothing. And that's a bad, crazy day. ROSE Your life is not built on nothing. Ti amo. She puts her hand across the table to him. COSMO Ti amo. He slides his hand out and takes her hand. Slowly, he lifts his eyes. Their eyes meet. It's the first time he's been able to hold her gaze in this whole story. The DOORBELL RINGS. LORETTA It's Johnny. I'll get it. Loretta's tone is fatal. RONNY I'll get it. Rose gets up. ROSE I'll get it. She goes to answer the door. RONNY -LRB- goes for the door. -RRB- No, I'll tell him. LORETTA No, I'll tell him. -LRB- to her father. -RRB- What am I going to tell him? COSMO Tell him the truth, Loretta they find out anyway. Loretta looks at her father. LORETTA I love you Pop. It's a private moment. But who appears at the kitchen door is not Johnny. It's the CAPPOMAGGIS. They have their coats on and they look very serious and concerned and timid. RITA Hi Loretta. LORETTA Hi. RAYMOND Hi, Loretta. LORETTA Hi. Why ai n't you at the store? RITA Is there anything you want to tell us, honey? LORETTA You? No. RAYMOND We just come from the bank. LORETTA The bank. OH MY GOD, I FORGOT TO MAKE THE DEPOSIT! RITA -LRB- to Raymond. -RRB- She's got it. RAYMOND I knew she had it. Loretta runs out of the kitchen and reappears with her everyday bag. She takes out the night deposit bag and hands it to Raymond. RITA We did n't know what to think. You were so weird yesterday, and then this morning, we go to the bank and no bag. RAYMOND -LRB- a sudden outburst to Loretta. -RRB- WE NEVER SUSPECTED YOU! Raymond covers his face to hide his emotion. Rita, meanwhile is clearing the oatmeal bowls. ROSE Listen. Who wants coffee? There is a general acknowledgment. Everybody wants coffee. Rose passes out white mugs and begins pouring steaming drafts of coffee. Raymond and Rita are standing. The rest are sitting. RITA So what are we doing? ROSE We're waiting for Johnny Cammareri. Rita nods. A silence. RONNY I'm his brother. TA -LRB- taking and shaking his hand. -RRB- Nice to meet you. I'm Rita Cappomaggi. RAYMOND -LRB- taking and taking his hand. -RRB- I'm Raymond Cappomaggi. I'm Rose's brother. RONNY Nice to meet you. Silence. Then the Old Man erupts. OLD MAN Somebody tell a joke! The DOORBELL RINGS. And RINGS AGAIN. Everyone is frozen for a moment, then Rita mobilizes. RITA I'll get it. She goes. Loretta puts down her coffee and deep breathes, preparing herself. LORETTA I'm getting palpitations! She pushes away her coffee. RAYMOND I thought he was in Palermo. RITA APPEARS WITH MR. JOHNNY IN TOW Rita continues into the room, leaving Mr. Johnny in the doorway. He is in a dark, vested suit. He is a little bewildered by the crowd of people, but succeeds in hiding most of his discomfort. RITA It's Johnny Cammareri. LORETTA Johnny. MR. JOHNNY Loretta. RONNY Johnny. MR. JOHNNY Ronny! Our mother has recovered from death! RONNY Good. MR. JOHNNY Have you come to make peace with me? RONNY Well. Yeah. You may not want to. MR. JOHNNY Of course I want to. LORETTA I do n't know. But Johnny, how did your mother recover? She was dying. MR. JOHNNY We should talk alone. LORETTA I ca n't. I need my family around me now. MR. JOHNNY Well. I told my mother that we were to be married. And she got well. Right away. RONNY I'm sure she did. MR. JOHNNY It was a miracle! LORETTA Johnny, I have something to tell you. MR. JOHNNY I have something to tell you. But I must talk to you alone. LORETTA I have no secrets from my family. MR. JOHNNY Loretta, I ca n't marry you. LORETTA WHAT? MR. JOHNNY If I marry you my mother will die. The Old Man laughs a loud sudden laugh, and then subsides. LORETTA What the hell are you talking about? We're engaged. RONNY Loretta, what are you talking about? LORETTA I'm talking about a promise. You proposed to me! MR. JOHNNY Because my mother was dying! But now she's not. RONNY You're forty - two years old, Johnny, and Mama is still running your life. MR. JOHNNY And you are a son who does n't love his mother! LORETTA And you're a big liar! I've got your ring here! MR. JOHNNY I must ask for that back. Loretta struggles and pulls off the ring. LORETTA Here! Take your stupid pinky ring. -LRB- she throws it at Johnny. -RRB- Who needs it? The engagement's off. Mr. Johnny retrieves the ring. MR. JOHNNY In time, you will see that this is the best thing. LORETTA In time, you will drop dead, and I will come to your funeral in a red dress. RONNY Loretta? LORETTA What! RONNY Will you marry me. MR. JOHNNY What? LORETTA Where's the ring? Ronny looks to Mr. Johnny a little sheepishly. RONNY Could I a. borrow that ring. Mr. Johnny, in shock, hands it over to Ronny. RONNY Thanks. He kneels down before Loretta. He presents the ring to her. RONNY Will you marry me, Loretta Castorini Clark? LORETTA Before all these people, yes, I will marry you, Ronny Cammareri! She takes the ring. Ronny and Loretta kiss. ROSE Do you love him, Loretta? LORETTA Yeah, Ma, I love him awful. ROSE Oh God, that's too bad. Ronny and Loretta enter into a long kiss. The Old Man starts to cry. Cosmo leans forward to the Old Man solicitously. COSMO What's the matter, Pop? OLD MAN -LRB- Lifts his head and cries out. -RRB- I'M CONFUSED! Loretta pushes Ronny away, breaking the kiss. They have both neglected to breathe the whole time they were kissing. They are both gasping for air, especially Loretta. LORETTA Wait a minute! Wait a minute! But then she looks at Ronny, and lunges back to him, diving into another kiss like a mermaid diving into the bluest ocean. MUSIC `` O SOAVE FANCIULLA'' from `` La Boheme,'' COMES UP and engulfs the lovers, the family, the world. WE SEE the faces of the lovers swirl away into a golden and diamond light, and EIGHT FULL CHAMPAGNE GLASSES Glistening in sunlight on the white tabletop. Into each is dropped a lump of sugar. A bottle of recently employed bitters sits nearby with its cap off -LRB- like a respectful peasant in aristocratic company. And the roses in the center. Now the CAMERA PULLS BACK. WE SEE the table is surrounded. Cosmo is dropping the last of the sugar cubes in the last glass of champagne. Rose is by him. Rita and Raymond are side by side, as are Ronny and Loretta. The Old Man sits, staring at his son, intent and approving. But where is Mr. Johnny? COSMO Everybody take a glass. Everybody takes a glass. The Old Man takes one and gets up OLD MAN -LRB- to Cosmo. -RRB- Wait. The Old Man takes the glass and walks over to a corner of the kitchen where Mr. Johnny, deeply disturbed and somewhat catatonic, sits on a step - ladder. OLD MAN -LRB- continuing ; to Mr. Johnny, offering the glass. -RRB- Here. MR. JOHNNY I do n't want it. But the Old Man, wise and merry and tough, presses the glass on Mr. Johnny, who takes it. COSMO, THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY NOW, LIFTS HIS GLASS COSMO To. the family. Right? Ti amo. They all lift their glasses. CLOSE - UP OF ROSE'S FACE ROSE Ti amo. CLOSE - UP OF RAYMOND AND RITA RAYMOND That's right. Rita nods. A CLOSE - UP OF RONNY AND LORETTA DRINKING THEIR CHAMPAGNE And looking into each other's eyes. CLOSE - UP OF THE OLD MAN Who knocks back his drink lustily, and then with a glittering eye looks away from the table. MR. JOHNNY FROM THE OLD MAN'S POV Mr. Johnny sits without moving, holding his glass. A long moment passes. Mr. Johnny is thinking. Then he nods to himself. He lifts his glass and murmurs for no one to hear MR. JOHNNY To family. CLOSE - UP OF THE OLD MAN LOOKING AWAY FROM MR. JOHNNY And he laughs his laugh. This laugh could kill him. The CAMERA PULLS BACK a little. He pounds the table and knocks over the roses. A CLOSE - UP OF THE RED ROSES ON THE WHITE TABLETOP CLOSING BLACK CREDITS ROLL AGAINST THE WHITE BACKGROUND. THE END

Summary: Thirty-seven-year-old Loretta Castorini, an Italian-American widow, lives in Brooklyn Heights, New York, with her family: father Cosmo; mother Rose; and paternal grandfather. Her boyfriend, Johnny Cammareri, proposes to her before leaving for Sicily to be with his dying mother; Loretta is insistent that they carefully follow tradition as she believes her first marriage was cursed by her failure to do so, resulting in her husband's death after two years. Johnny asks Loretta to invite his estranged younger brother Ronny to the wedding.  Loretta returns home and informs her parents of the engagement.  Cosmo dislikes Johnny and is reluctant to pay for the "real" wedding that Loretta insists on, while Rose is pleased that Loretta likes Johnny but does not love him; she believes that one can easily be hurt by a partner whom one loves. When Loretta goes to see Ronny at his bakery, he reveals that he has a wooden prosthetic hand and blames Johnny for his loss in a moment of inattention, after which his fiancée left him. Loretta insists that they discuss things in his apartment, where she cooks a meal and then tells him that she believes he is a "wolf" who cut off his own hand to escape the trap of a bad relationship. Ronny reacts furiously and passionately, kissing Loretta and then carrying her to his bed where they make love. That evening, Rose's brother Raymond and his wife Rita join Rose and Cosmo for dinner and they wonder where Loretta is. Raymond recalls a particularly bright moon like the one shining now that he thought long-ago was brought to the house when Cosmo was courting Rose. The next morning, Loretta tells Ronny they can never see each other again but agrees to go with him to the opera (his other great love) that night. She then goes to church and confesses her infidelity and afterwards calls at Raymond and Rita's store to close out the cash register. On leaving, she impulsively goes to the hair salon and buys a glamorous evening gown and shoes. Loretta is deeply moved by her first opera, Puccini's La bohème.  But as they leave, she sees Cosmo together with his girlfriend Mona and confronts her father.  Since Loretta is with Ronny, he suggests that they agree that they did not see each other at all. Loretta had meant to return home, but Ronny desperately persuades her into another tryst.  That same night, Rose decides to dine alone at a restaurant and sees a college professor, Perry, being dramatically dumped by a female student. Rose invites him to dine with her instead, allowing him to walk her home but refusing to invite him in "because I’m married". Later, Johnny unexpectedly returns from Sicily after his mother's "miraculous" recovery and calls at the house; since Loretta is not there, Rose asks him instead why men chase women and agrees that it is because they fear death. Returning home next morning, Loretta is distressed to learn from Rose that Johnny will be there soon.  But it is Ronny that arrives, and Rose invites him for breakfast over Loretta's objections.  Cosmo and his father emerge from upstairs, and Grandpa insists that Cosmo agree to pay for Loretta's wedding. Rose then confronts Cosmo and demands that he end his affair; he is upset but gives in and, at Rose’s insistence, also agrees to go to confession. Both then affirm their love for each other. Now Raymond and Rita arrive, concerned that Loretta had not deposited the previous day's takings at the bank, and are relieved to learn that she merely forgot and still has the money. When Johnny finally arrives, he breaks off the engagement, superstitiously believing that their marriage would cause his mother's death. Loretta berates Johnny for breaking his promise and throws the engagement ring at him. Seizing the moment, Ronny borrows the ring and asks Loretta to marry him, to which she agrees. The family toasts the couple with champagne and Johnny joins in at the grandfather's urging, since he will now be part of the family after all.