Difference between pages "Cannaregio 1943" and "Jaffa Citrus"

From Episodia
(Difference between pages)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Fixing map display - removed openLayer configs)
 
m (Fixing map display - removed openLayer configs)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
 
'''OUTLINE'''
 
'''OUTLINE'''
  
−
''[[Isabella]] Altaras, 19, moved to Venice from Torino when she was 15 to study sculpture and painting at a prominent art school. She lives with her uncle's family, who are Venetian traders of Jewish descent. She is secretly dating [[Anastasio]] Xanthis, 17, the son of a merchant marine family which moved its operations from the greek island of Kastelorizo to Venice in the early 20's. Anastasio is the first family member to be born in Venice. Isabella calls him her Greek God as she spends endless days painting and sculpting his naked body in various erotic poses. It is the end of the summer in 1943. Mussolini's regime has collapsed and the German Army is about to occupy the northern half of the country.
+
''Having escaped Italy, [[Isabella]] is smuggled into Palestine on Christmas Eve 1943. With the help of a young Arab boy, she eventually reaches a Moshav farming coop where she is employed until she becomes mixed up with Jewish terrorists.
  
−
[[R1a1a|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]]  -  [[Jaffa_Citrus|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
+
[[Cannaregio_1943|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]]  -  [[U-3955|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
  
 
{{
 
{{
−
#display_map:45.44461, 12.32558
+
#display_map:32.05360, 34.75000; 32.3504, 34.8721; 31.740833, 35.458611
−
|zoom=13
+
|zoom=9
 
}}
 
}}
  
  
−
====ATTIC OF AN ABANDONED HOUSE, CANNAREGIO DISTRICT, VENICE====
+
====PORT OF JAFFA, CHRISTMAS EVE, 1943====
  
−
[[File:Cannaregio.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Cannaregio]]
+
[[File:JaffaPort.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Port of Jaffa]]
  
−
Isabella<br/>
+
The ship carrying Isabella docks in Jaffa. Two British Sailors get aboard. They are greeted by [[Adair]], the ships Irish Captain.
−
(in Italian)<br/>
+
 
−
Lower your arm a little more.
+
BS#1<br/>
 +
(jokingly as he looks around the deck)<br/>
 +
So what are you bringing from Cyprus? Gorgeous sirens.
 +
 
 +
Captain<br/>
 +
(looking at his list)<br/>
 +
Oh no, only the dry stuff my friend! Not much actually. Only Indian tea and rice for Trans-jordan.
 +
We're here to pick up a load of citrus bound for Southampton.
 +
 
 +
BS#2<br/>
 +
(sarcastic)<br/>
 +
Pretty hairy journey to lighten up ones cup of tea! (looking at back at the dock) Here are your crates. They were dropped here this morning. Don't they grow lemons in Cyprus?
 +
 
 +
Captain<br/>
 +
Well, not as juicy as yours apparently. We would like to load tonight and sail tomorrow. Try to be back home for the new year.
 +
 
 +
BS#2<br/>
 +
Well I'm afraid that this will not be possible my friend. The port will close as of 9 pm... (looking at his watch) in less then half an hour. So no loading or unloading until Monday 6 am.
 +
 
 +
Captain<br/>
 +
Well those lemons can't sit here in the sun for 2 more days... they'll get spoiled before we even load them up.
 +
 
 +
BS#1<br/>
 +
If you'd been stuck in this shit hole like us for the past 4 years, dealing with terrorists and thieves, you'd understand that Christmas is a holly mark that we intend to respect and that the only thing we'll do for the next 2 days, is drink loads of beer and stuff ourselves with turkey. Not count boxes of tea and bags of rice.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
BS#2<br/>
−
Which one?
+
We'll clear your crew and seal off the ship though (looking at his watch)... We have to carry a preliminary inspection and stamp the passports. How many aboard? Any Germans or Italians?  
  
−
Isabella<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
The one you're leaning on, the left one.
+
No, three Indian hands and a Portuguese mechanic. Let me get him to escort you while I get my things in order.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
====INTERIOR, SHIP CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS====
−
That's the right one my love.
 
  
−
Isabella smiles as Anastasio lies on a thick wooden table in a dark attic where scattered sun rays penetrate through an opening in the roof.
+
The Captain unlocks the door to his room and finds [[Isabella]] hiding behind it.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Now can you get your thingy to be a little more... like bigger.
+
Are they gone?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
Give it a rest my love, it needs time to revive itself.
+
No, Joao is walking them through the ship. You have to hide here until Monday.
  
−
Isabella<br/>
+
He removes a plank from the wall where gold bars and guns are stashed.
−
Well, help it. It was not like that before.
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Captain (con't)<br/>
−
You want me to touch myself?
+
Get in here fast and wait at least 2-3 hours before getting out.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
If you have to.
+
(nervous)<br/>
 +
I don't have a watch.
  
−
Isabella carves the abs of a full size clay representation of Anastasio as he tries to get his penis to grow.
+
Captain<br/>
 +
(getting her to hurry)<br/>
 +
Count to 10,000. And don't forget to replace the plank properly....
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
This is my favorite part.
+
(getting inside as Captain close the wall)<br/>
 +
OK. But what do I do next... for 2 days.
  
−
Anasatsio<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
I prefer when you do it!
+
(thinking)<br/>
 +
Can you swim?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
No, not this idiot. Your belly.
+
(surprised)<br/>
 +
Yes...
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
Why don't you come and sculpt the real one instead.
+
So wait till just before dawn then crawl to the side of the ship, opposite to the dock towards the back. Let your self hang... and jump! (he continues fixing the plank) If you get caught, don't tell them you were aboard this ship, don't tell them you're Italian either...
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Cause I can't let it dry...<br/>
+
But what do I tell them?
−
(admiring her work)<br/>
 
−
My Greek God.
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
Just five minutes. I need to stretch a little.
+
(short of ideas)<br/>
 +
That you had a fight with your lover and that you wanted to die.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
We "stretched" like 15 minutes ago.
+
(with her thick Italian accent)<br/>
 +
In English?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
Yes but now you got me excited again.
+
(pensive)<br/>
 +
Well tell them in Hebrew...
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
You're getting yourself excited.
+
I hardly know any Hebrew...
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
You asked me to touch myself.
+
Neither do the Brits.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
I asked you to take the same pause, and your thingy was all wrinkled, what can I say.
+
What about my trunk?
  
−
====ALTARAS TRADING OFFICE, CANNAREGIO DISTRICT====
+
Captain<br/>
 +
We'll find a way
  
−
The office is located on the ground floor of a commercial building at at the dead end of a narrow street. Isabella's uncle, a man in his sixties, speaks in Hebrew with another man wearing a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippah Kippah] who is around the same age age. The atmosphere is tense.
+
Knocks on the door.
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
I can't leave the business, they are not going to bother with Venice. They need us anyways.
+
(loud)<br/>
 +
Coming!<br/>
 +
(low to Isabella)<br/>
 +
And don't you even think of stealing my gold!
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
More knocks on the door.
−
The Italians need us, the German won't.
 
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Captain<br/>
−
What about the armistice?
+
(walking towards the door and opening it to find the two British Sailors and Joao.)
 +
Ready folks! Would you care to taste some fine Irish whiskey while doing the paperwork.
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
BS#2<br/>
−
It won't hold. The Germans will be here any day...
+
Too late for paperwork tonight. We'll just hold on to your passports until the unloading inspection. (looking at his watch and colleague) but we won't say no to the whiskey.
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Stuck behind the wall, Isabella is trying not to breath too hard as the 4 men are drinking in the Captain's quarters.
−
They have enough worries in the south, and with the Russians. Venice is safe. It's always been. Anyways, where would we go.
 
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
====PORT OF JAFFA, DAWN, CHRISTMAS DAY, 1943====
−
Palestine. The route is still open.
 
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Isabella throws a bundle of goods wrapped in her clothes from the ship onto the deserted dock. She walks to towards the back, hangs on the side of the ship and drops in the water. She swims to an iron ladder, climbs onto the dock, picks up her bundle and takes refuges next to the citrus crates. She unwraps the bundle from which she grabs a dress, a pair of shoes and a sweater. As she pulls off her wet closes, she hears a cracking noise behind where she finds [[Yasser]], a 15 years old boy hiding.
−
I know the route is open. We're the ones keeping it open. And that's why they need us. Besides, what would we do in Palestine, work in a Kibbutz?
 
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Better then being deported to the north.
+
(in broken Hebrew, surprised, covering her breast)<br/>
 +
What are you doing here!
  
−
Isabella walks into her uncle's office and kisses him on both cheeks. She greets the other man.
+
Yasser<br/>
 +
(in Arabic, scared)<br/>
 +
What? I only took five or six!
 +
 
 +
He opens up the flip side of his shirt which holds a dozen oranges.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(in Italian)<br/>
+
(in Hebrew then Italian, gesturing)<br/>
−
Hi Uncle. Did you get news from Torino?
+
Turn around!
 +
 
 +
Yasser realizes that Isabella is naked and that she seems as surprised by their encounter as he is. He glances at her in awe, the turns around shyly.
 +
 
 +
Isabella (con't)<br/>
 +
(in Italian then English as she quickly dresses up)<br/>
 +
What are you doing here? Hey you can turn around now. What's you name?
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Yasser<br/>
−
(in Italian)<br/>
+
(in broken English)<br/>
−
No, my sweetheart. The Allies have bombarded telephone and telegraph lines throughout Italy.
+
Yasser. My name is Yasser, Madam Lady.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(worried)<br/>
+
(in English, extending her hand)<br/>
−
And the city?
+
Don't call me Madam, my name is Isabella.
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
Yasser<br/>
−
(in Italian)<br/>
+
Why you no clothes? Here danger for lady. Too many British Soldiers and thieves.
−
Some plants have been hit. Where is your house?
 
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
In the south part of the city, they're OK.
+
I need to get to the center of town. Tel Aviv. Can you show me how to get there... Without being seen leaving the port?
  
−
The other man looks at the uncle with skepticism.
+
Yasser<br/>
 +
You Jewish lady?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(to both men)<br/>
+
Well, I'm Italian and also Jewish. And you, are you from here?
−
And who is being deported to the north?
 
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
Yasser<br/>
−
Us, young lady, us.
+
(half in English and Arabic)<br/>
 +
I'm from desert Madam Lady. I Bedouin.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
But not in Italy. The Pope said he would not allow for Jews to be deported. And what about the King, and the new government?
+
How old are you.
  
−
Other Man<br/>
+
Yasser<br/>
−
The Germans don't listen to the Pope and the King is gone...
+
(in Arabic, showing with his fingers)<br/>
 +
Fifteen.
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
====JAFFA, CHRISTMAS DAY, 1943====
−
They won't come to Venice. I know it.
+
 
 +
Isabella and Yasser are walking through the busy streets of Jaffa. Isabella is surprised to see mostly Arabs people and signs in Arabic.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(concerned)<br/>
+
This is Tel Aviv?<br/>
−
And Torino?
+
 
 +
Yasser<br/>
 +
(showing directions)<br/>
 +
No Lady Isabella. This Jaffa. Arab old city. Tel Aviv Jewish city long walking.
 +
 
 +
People in the streets of Jaffa offer assistance to the couple as the make their way towards Tel Aviv. They buy food, are invited for tea and asked questions about their connection and journey. As they continue their journey, Isabella becomes more and more fearful of European looking people and entrusts her faith with Yasser. Although, she doesn't stand out, she becomes paranoid and hides at the sight of British Soldiers and Police.
  
−
====PORTO MARGHERA, COMMUNE OF VENICE====
+
A couple of nuns ring a bell next to their convent to gather funds.
  
−
[[Tanos]] Xanthis, 55, owner of Xanthis Mediterranean Lines, is aboard one of his docked ship with his son Anastasio. Also aboard are the Captain, the First Officer and two Italian Custom's Agents. All crew members are Greeks.
+
Isabella and Yasser spend the night in a Christian convent as she passes for Catholic Italian and pretends that Yasser works for her. Yasser has to spend the night in separate quarters locked away from the nuns.
  
−
Custom Agent #1<br/>
+
====TEL AVIV, DECEMBER 26, 1943====
−
(in Italian)<br/>
 
−
What's in it for us?
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
''Isabella and Yasser bump into German Templers around [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarona,_Palestine Sarona]'s fenced colony.''
−
(in Italian with a thick Greek accent, showing a full pallet of Middle Eastern fruit crates.)<br/>
 
−
What more can you carry? How many kids do you have to feed anyways.<br/>
 
−
(looking at the younger Custom Agent #2.)<br/>
 
−
And you, how old are you? You're Mamma doesn't feed you well?
 
  
−
Custom's Agent #2 <br/>
+
As they get close to Tel Aviv, Isabella is being directed to a Moshav looking for workers. She convinces the driver to take Yasser along as he also needs work. The driver reluctantly accepts.
−
(to Anastasio in Venetian dialect)<br/>
 
−
Tell him to stop busting my balls.
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
====CITRUS ORCHARD, AVIHAYIL MOSHAV, PALESTINE, 1943====
−
(to CA#2 in Venetian dialect)<br/>
 
−
Let it go Francesco.<br/>
 
−
(pointing in the direction of his father and CA#1)<br/>
 
−
Let them figure it out.
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
Isabella convinces the Moshav's managers to hire Yasser although they try to find excuses not to hire him (age, language...)
−
(to CA#1)<br/>
 
−
I tell you what. Next week, we have a ship coming back from Istanbul, the Triton, filled with silk rolls. Come with you're wife and let her choose what she wants. Then come a second time with your girlfriend. That will get you some milage. At our ages, sometimes we need a little help to satisfy them.
 
  
−
Custom's Agent #1<br/>
+
Both are put to work the next day.
−
Who knows who will inspect your shipment next week.
 
  
−
====DRIVING BACK TO VENICE ON PONTE LITTORIO====
 
  
−
A caravan of German civilian and military vehicles approaches, escorted by Carabinieri vehicles.
+
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  
−
Tanos<br/>
 
−
(in Italian)<br/>
 
−
One face one race my son.<br/>
 
−
(in Greek)<br/>
 
−
If the Germans occupy Venice, things will be different. They think they can do it all by themselves. What they don't understand, is that not so long ago, they were still hitting each other with clubs while us Greeks were studying Plato.
 
  
−
Tanos' car is pulled to the side by Carabinieris, to clear the way for the German contingent.
+
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  
−
Tanos<br/>
 
−
(looking at his son)<br/>
 
−
Anastasio, the Triton is scheduled to sail back to Istanbul next week. I've been thinking about taking it all the way to Australia... Once we'd pass Suez, it's all clear until the Indian Ocean... (nodding his head) I don't know son... I don't know...
 
  
−
Anastasio is pensive, as a Carabinieri signals Tanos to move on, then suddenly orders him to stop the car again.
+
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  
−
Carabinieri<br/>
 
−
(to Anastasio)<br/>
 
−
ID!
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
====CITRUS ORCHARD, AVIHAYIL MOSHAV, PALESTINE, 1944====
−
(surprised)<br/>
 
−
I didn't bring them. I was just accompanying my father to the port for work.
 
  
−
Italian MPO<br/>
+
During the winter months, the moshav workers are subjected to hard work, building irrigation systems and getting the land ready for the spring. Isabella grows more and more concerned at the possibility being pregnant. She asks the moshav manager permission to hike a ride to Tel Aviv to send a [[Isabella%27s_letter_to_Anastasio|letter to Anastasio]] in Australia.
−
(to Tanos)<br/>
 
−
ID!<br/>
 
−
(to Anastasio)<br/>
 
−
How old are you?
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
−
17
 
  
−
Tanos hands his ID in which he slips a 500 lira bill.
 
  
−
Carabinieri<br/>
+
''Following a the botched bombing of a British radio station by Jewish terrorists, [[Yatom]], a Hungarian Engineer and [[Isabella]] settle on the shore of the Dead Sea until the end of the British Mandate in Palestine, raising [[Moshe]], her newborn son.
−
(looking at Tanos' documents while pocketing the money)<br/>
 
−
Did you get your marching orders?
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
====ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE, 1944====
−
No, I have been...
 
  
−
Carabinieri<br/>
+
On their way back to Avihayil, 3 more passengers are traveling along in the Moshav's car. They tell the [[Driver]], 22, that this was not the plan and that [[Isabella]] can't ride along. The driver says that she's an Italian refugee woking at the moshav and that she's not a risk.
−
(cutting him short)<br/>
 
−
No not you.<br/>
 
−
(looking towards Anastasio)<br/>
 
−
You.
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
The car is parked in a lane near the Jaffa GPO, the meeting point agreed upon with Isabella.
−
(hesitant, nervous)<br/>
 
−
Yes, for October.
 
  
−
Carabinieri<br/>
+
Driver<br/>
−
(to Anastasio)<br/>
+
(to isabella as he sees her approaching the car)<br/>
−
Bring you're ID and Marching Order to the Tronchetto's station tomorrow before noon.<br/>
+
Get in the back. More people are coming.
−
(to Tanos, waiving his ID)<br/>
 
−
I'll keep those until then.
 
  
−
====ATTIC OF ABANDONED HOUSE, CANNAREGIO DISTRICT====
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
(entering, in now better Hebrew)<br/>
 +
Good, you found some workers?
  
−
Anastasio helps Isabella to lower the "Greek God" on wooden beams next to an opening facing a canal.
+
Driver<br/>
 +
(looking in the rearview mirror)<br/>
 +
No, we just have to make a stop along the way to drop these guys.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(looking at the gate then at the sculpture)<br/>
+
(innocently)<br/>
−
You think it'll go through?
+
Oh, Ok, I don't mind... I enjoy seeing new places.
  
−
Anastasio peaks outside the gate and looks up.
+
Driver<br/>
 +
(cutting her off, pointing at 3 men carrying heavy bags)<br/>
 +
Here they are!
  
−
Anasatasio<br/>
+
The group's [[Leader]], 29, opens the passenger's door.
−
(hanging out the gate)<br/>
+
 
−
It's not the size that concerns me, it's the pulley...
+
Leader<br/>
 +
Who the fuck is she?
 +
 
 +
Driver<br/>
 +
She's from the Moshav. Don't worry, she's an Italian refugee. She just got here.
 +
 
 +
[[Yatom]], 34 and [[Aren]], 25, sit next to Isabella on the back seat. They smile at her as the car pulls away.
 +
 
 +
Aren<br/>
 +
(to Isabella, in Hebrew, unpacking guns from one of the bags)<br/>
 +
So you'll stay in the car or you're coming with us?
 +
 
 +
Leader<br/>
 +
Shut up Aren. She's not going anywhere.
 +
 
 +
Aren<br/>
 +
(reacting aggressively to Leader)<br/>
 +
Fuck you. Don't you fucking shut me up.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(to the Leader and Aren)
 +
Ok brothers, calm down. (to the driver) What happened?
 +
 
 +
Driver<br/>
 +
The foreman told me to drive her to the city. I couldn't say anything.
 +
 
 +
Leader<br/>
 +
(looking back towards Isabella)<br/>
 +
You didn't see us and you won't remember us. Do you understand?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Come back in now, before you fall!
+
(not understanding)<br/>
 +
Yes...?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Aren<br/>
−
(pretending to jump)<br/>
+
(to Isabella)<br/>
−
Don't worry... I'm an angel.
+
I'm Aren, this is Yatom and this in front is my big brother (making a sarcastic face), Mein Fuhrer.
  
−
Anastasio gets back in and cuddles Isabella. She squeezes him tight.
+
Leader<br/>
 +
(rolling his eyes)<br/>
 +
Nice! Why don't you give her your address while you're at it.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
I'm going to Torino. I'm worried for my family.
+
(to Aren and Yatom)<br/>
 +
Hi, I'm Isabella. I'm from Torino.
 +
 
 +
Aren and Yatom smile at her.
 +
 
 +
====SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE====
 +
 
 +
''Car is parked<br/>
 +
Leader instructs Driver to stand by.<br/>
 +
Team carries bombing of radio station<br/>
 +
British police shoots  Leader and Driver dead<br/>
 +
Isabella surprises all by picking up the wheel and driving Aren and Yatom out of arms way.<br/>
 +
She brings them to the Moshav to seek treatment for the wounded driver but he dies anyways.<br/>''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The driver slows down the car on top of a hill as they get closer to a steel tower standing next to a one story building.
 +
 
 +
Leader<br/>
 +
(to the Driver)<br/>
 +
That's it. Just a few more meters. There. (to the others) Ok, lets get out.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
You can't travel alone. Trains are being bombarded. Lets wait here, together. I heard that the Americans are moving fast. In a few months Italy will be free and you'll see your parents.
+
(arming his riffle)<br/>
 +
Lock and load.
 +
 
 +
Aren<br/>
 +
(nervous turning back towards Isabella, in Italian)<br/>
 +
Ci vediamo!
 +
 
 +
The trio grabs their bags and riffles and run to the back of the building
 +
 
 +
The Drivers turns his head all around to see if anyone's approaching.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
They say that the Germans will invade any-day now.
+
(concerned)<br/>
 +
Do we have to stay here?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Driver<br/>
−
The Germans are already here. They're waiting in Mestre. Anyways what's the difference... The Germans or the Fascists.
+
We're the getaway car. Don't worry. They'll be out in less then five!
 +
 
 +
====SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE (LATER)====
 +
 
 +
A British Army convoy approaches towards their car from the North. One jeep followed by three personnel carrying trucks.  
 +
 
 +
Driver<br/>
 +
(seeing the convoy)<br/>
 +
Shit!
 +
 
 +
He grabs a handgun from under his seat. Isabella grows nervous as the military jeep drives by and its front passenger glances towards her. The Driver feels relieved when as the convoy passes by without stopping. As he looks into his review mirror, the Driver notices that the convoy is slowing down and that the jeep is turning back towards them.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Anastasio... I'm Jewish.
+
(terrorized)<br/>
 +
What?
 +
 
 +
Driver<br/>
 +
(tightening the grip on his handgun)<br/>
 +
They're coming back. Don't say a word.
 +
 
 +
The jeep stops right behind them and the Officer on the passenger side walks out towards the car. At the same moment, a loud explosion is heard from the radio tower building and the trio escape from the smoking building.
 +
 
 +
The Driver exits the car and shoots several shots toward the British Army Officer who takes cover behind the car. As a gunfight explodes between all, the Driver is run down by the jeep's driver who's then shot dead by the Leader, leading the jeep to crash into the ditch.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Getting the urgency of the situation, Isabella jumps on the front seat, starts the car and accelerates towards the trio leaving the British Officer uncovered.
−
And next month I'll be a soldier... Still... I love you Isabella... I won't let you go.
+
 
 +
At the same time, the three personnel carrying trucks turn around and accelerate at full speed toward the scene. As Isabella reaches the dispersed trio, the Leader is hit to the chest by the [[British Army Officer]] who managed to get a riffle from the wrecked jeep. Isabella leans towards the rear of the passenger side to open the back door so that Aren and Yatom could help the wounded Leader on the back seat. numerous gunshots are now reaching them from the approaching trucks as Isabella yells at Aren and Yatom.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
I'm scared Anastasio. I'm scared.
+
(pressing simultaneously on the gas and clutch)<br/>
−
+
Hop on!
−
Anastasio grabs her entire body around his arms as she cuddles in.
+
 
 +
Aren and Yatom step on the running boards on each side of the car and grab each other's hands over the roof as Isabella releases the clutch creating a huge cloud of dust concealing their escape as they easily distance the heavy trucks.
 +
 
 +
====SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE (LATER & FURTHER)====
 +
 
 +
Aren leans on the back bench carefully applying water on the chest wound of his is unconscious brother. Isabella looks over her seat and notices blood coming out of the Leader's mouth as Yatom gets in on the passenger's side.
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
(under shock)<br/>
 +
We gotta get him to a hospital. I don't know where we are.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(looking around)<br/>
 +
I don't have a clue either. But we have to move out of here and fast.
 +
 
 +
Isabella starts the car.
 +
 
 +
====INTERIOR, RADIO STATION, ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE====
 +
 
 +
An employee from the radio station describes the trio to the British Army Officer as Soldiers are putting out the fire lit by the explosion.
 +
 
 +
BAO<br/>
 +
(on the phone)<br/>
 +
Yes, three men and a woman. One of them most likely wounded... We killed one and we'll bring his body and belongings back to Jaffa tonight... Jewish terrorists... North in a black car. Yes Sir.
 +
 
 +
====EVENING, SMALL TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL====
  
−
====ATTIC OF ABANDONED HOUSE (LATER)====
+
Isabella drives the car and its passengers through a small town. Only a few men walk in the streets lit by very few lamp posts. Sign above stores and businesses are unilingual in Arabic.
  
−
Isabella wakes up in a panic.
+
Aren<br/>
 +
(rising his head from the back seat to look through the rearview window)<br/>
 +
This is a fucking Arab village. We won't find a doctor here.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(standing up from under a thick cotton cloth on top of the table where he was previously posing)<br/>
+
At least, there doesn't seem to be any English!
−
What's going on? Someone's coming?
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(looking for her clothes, in a hurry)<br/>
+
(Seeing a bearded old man wearing a turban)<br/>
−
No, I'm late for school. Shit! It's the first day presentation. Why did you let me sleep!!!
+
Let's ask this men if there is a doctor.
  
−
She kisses him as she storms down the stairs.
+
Yatom reaches a bag on the back seat floor to cover the guns.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(to Aren)<br/>
 +
Hide the blood.
 +
 
 +
Isabella slows down the car next to the Arab man.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(off screen)<br/>
+
(in broken Arabic)<br/>
−
I'll lock from the outside. Jump out the window!
+
Salam Aleikum
 +
 
 +
Old Man<br/>
 +
(looking at Isabella and the 3 others)<br/>
 +
Shalom!
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(in Hebrew, bending over Isabella to speak through the driver's window)<br/>
 +
Our friend is very sick and we need to bring him to a doctor
 +
 
 +
Old Man<br/>
 +
(in broken Hebrew, looking over on the back seat at Aren and his brother)<br/>
 +
Unfortunately the doctor only comes here once a week... But, the pharmacist's son lives at the edge of town. He can maybe help out.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
Great, that's will do. How can we get there.
 +
 
 +
The Old Man gives them directions and Isabella drives off.
 +
 
 +
====EVENING, IN FRONT OF HOUSE/PHARMACY, EDGE OF TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL====
  
−
Anastasio stares at his sculpted twin as he hears her locking the lock.
+
The [[pharmacist]], a 24 Arab looking man in western clothes, is examining the Leader's wound on the back seat of the car.
 +
 +
Pharmacist<br/>
 +
(in English, to Yatom and Aren)<br/>
 +
This looks pretty bad. I don't think we have anything to operate this man here. This is my uncle's Pharmacy. He died two month ago.
  
−
====MAIN STUDIO, ART SCHOOL, CASTELLO DISTRICT====
+
Yatom and Aren don't understand a word and turn towards Isabella.
  
−
Isabella arrives late for the first class of her last year in art school as students unveil their summer projects in front of a group of professors. Isabella settles in and has nothing to show. Professor Vittorio Bertolucci, 62, the newly appointed head of the school looks towards her empty table.
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
(in English to the Pharmacist)<br/>
 +
Please sir, you have to help us. We have been driving for two hours and he lost too much blood.
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
Aren<br/>
−
Ms Altaras... Did you spend a pleasant summer.
+
(in Hebrew to Isabella but looking at the Pharmacist)<br/>
 +
Tell him to do something or I'll kill him.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(to Aren)<br/>
 +
Calm down...(looking towards Isabella) What's going on?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(a little embarrassed as she arranges her messed up hair)<br/>
+
(in Hebrew)<br/>
−
Yes sir. Thank you.
+
He's saying he doesn't have instruments to operate...
 +
 
 +
A woman peaks at the scene from inside the house/pharmacy's window.
 +
 
 +
Pharmacist<br/>
 +
Bring him inside. We'll try to stop the hemorrhaging until the doctor gets here.
 +
 
 +
Yatom, Aren and the Pharmacist carry the Leader as Isabella walks ahead opening the house/pharmacy door.
 +
 
 +
====EVENING, INSIDE HOUSE/PHARMACY, EDGE OF TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL====
 +
 
 +
Isabella, Aren and Yatom stand next to the Pharmacist as the Leader is resting and banded up on the pharmacy's main table. An older English looking woman comes back from a adjoining room.
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
English Woman<br/>
−
Great. Very glad to see that our students are coming back reinvigorated.
+
(in English, to all)<br/>
 +
I spoke to the Doctor. He should be here by the morning if the roads are clear.
  
−
Laughs are heard amongst the students.<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
(to the woman)<br/>
 +
Thank you Madam.
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
Aren<br/>
−
(continuing)<br/>
+
(to Isabella)<br/>
−
But did you forget to to work on your summer project?
+
What's she saying? Is he in danger?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
No sir, I actually did work almost everyday. But the size of my achievement prevented me from bringing it in today.
+
She doesn't know, but she saids the doctor will be here in the Morning. We should leave him here resting.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(in Hebrew to Aren)<br/>
 +
We can't stay here Aren. The Brits are going to bust us.
 +
 
 +
Aren<br/>
 +
(looking at his brother, then at Yatom and Isabella)<br/>
 +
You go... I'm not gonna let him die alone.
 +
 
 +
Isabella gets near Aren and hugs him as he breaks a tear. Yatom gives Aren a pat on the back. Aren looks back at him with a smile.
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(sarcastic)<br/>
+
(in Broken English, looking at the Pharmacist and the English Woman as he drags Isabella away)<br/>
−
Oh. Are you the one who restored the facade of [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinagoghe_di_Venezia#Scola_Ponentina_o_Spagnola The Schola Spagnola]?
+
Thank you...
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
No, Sir. I sculpted a full size human body.
+
(to the Pharmacist and looking towards Aren)<br/>
 +
He's going to stay here until the doctor arrives... We have to get going. Sorry.
  
−
General laugh.
+
====INTERIOR CAR, NIGHT, DRIVING IN PALESTINE====
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(still sarcastic, looking at the rest of the group)<br/>
+
He's not gonna make it till the morning.
−
A full size human body. And where do you keep this body?
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
In an attic, in Cannaregio.
+
(slightly crying)<br/>
 +
I know.
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
They both stare at the road.
−
In Cannaregio... In an attic...
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Yes sir.
+
I have no idea where we're going.
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
And did you name your piece.
+
Me neither, let's just drive...
 +
 
 +
====DAWN, SIDE OF THE ROAD, EASTERN PALESTINE====
 +
 
 +
Isabella and Yatom are are awakened by goats passing by their parked car in a rocky field. A couple of Arab kids are guiding the herd. At first surprised and apprehensive, Isabella rises her head and smiles as she sees the young  kids peacefully walking against the rising morning sun. Still lying down on the back seat, Yatom observes her smiling.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(waking up)<br/>
 +
Where did you learn to drive?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(a little embarrassed)
+
When I was a kid. My father is in the car business.
−
"My Greek God"
 
  
−
General laughs.
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
(thinking he knows)<br/>
 +
Fiat!
  
−
Professor<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Well, as we wouldn't want to intrude into the intimacy of your creative process, would you mind bringing your "Greek God" to school next week.<br/>
+
He actually sold paint for cars. Every Sunday, we'd go to car shows or races. I started driving on his lap at around 7 or 8. By 13, I think I drove my first lap at Monza, alone in an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alfa_romeo_8C_.jpg Alpha Romeo].
−
(pause)<br/>
 
−
The still one that is... the still one.
 
  
−
General laughs as Isabella smiles shyly.
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
(Rising)<br/>
 +
Monza! Wow.
  
−
====OUTSIDE THE ART SCHOOL, LATER====
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
You know about cars.
  
−
Isabella walks out with two other young female students.
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
Not much. I remember seeing the Monza Grand-Prix accident on the news-reel. (smiling) Where I come from, we're still using horses.
  
−
Student #1<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
(intrigued)<br/>
+
And guns...
−
So who is it?
 
  
−
Student #2<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(teasing her)<br/>
+
That, I actually learned here.
−
That's why we didn't see you all summer.
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(reacting)<br/>
+
(looking at the kids and goats moving away)<br/>
−
Did you see how he changed!
+
You think he's dead?
  
−
Student #2<br/>
+
Yatom acknowledges her question with a sorrowful nod.
−
Who, we don't even know who he is...
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
No, Bertolucci. Last year he was always going on about my work... Isabella this... Isabella that... And now he acts like a jerk. What happen to Pier Paolo?
+
I don't know what he died for?
  
−
Student #1<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
Nobody knows... All we know is that Bertolucci is now the school's director.
+
Our land. The land of our people. A land for our children.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Great...
+
(still looking at the kids)<br/>
 +
Who's children?
  
−
====XANTHIS FAMILY HOUSE, RIELLO SANTA SOFIA====
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
Jewish children.
  
−
Tanos' wife [[Caliope]], a sophisticated 39 year old woman, is stitching bundles of British Pounds into the lining of a fashionable winter coat. The room is decorated with art deco furniture.
+
Isabella discreetly touches her belly looking away.
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
====MORNING, OUTSIDE THE HOUSE/PHARMACY, EDGE OF TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL====
−
(in Greek as she retreads the Singer sewing machine)<br/>
 
−
I will not wear a winter coat in September across the Suez Canal.
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
Two black cars park in front of the pharmacy as a military jeep blocks the back exit. Armed British and Jewish police officers walk out of the cars and knock on the door.
−
(firm)<br/>
 
−
Don't you leave this coat for one second! I want you to sleep with it.
 
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
Inside the house, Aren is wakened up by the knocks and looks at the body of his brother lying on the table. As he sees no signs of the pharmacist and of the English woman, he reaches for his bag, but is shot down as he opens it.
−
Let me figure out what I'll wear at night. Why don't you tell your whore to wear one when she'll come over!
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
The British Army Officer is standing outside the back window holding the smoking gun.
−
(angry)<br/>
 
−
I told you a thousand times that if you and the kids don't leave by next week, they'll take Anastasio away.
 
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
The Police officers storm in at the same moment to find Aren lying on the floor next to his dead brother. The Army Officer walks in at the same moment.
−
Convenient, to use your son as an excuse to fuck her in my house.
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
Army Officer<br/>
−
(kicking the bed's black lacquered wooden frame with his leg)<br/>
+
(looking at the scene)<br/>
−
You're fucking crazy. I don't know why I trust you with my money.<br/>
+
He was reaching for his gun in this bag.
−
(loud through the door)<br/>
 
−
Anastasio... Come up here.
 
  
−
Anasatasio walks into his parents' bedroom.
+
The pharmacist walks down the stairs followed by his English aunt.
  
−
Tasso<br/>
+
English Woman<br/>
−
(showing the displaced bed to Anastasio)<br/>
+
What happened, I had set him up to sleep while waiting for the doctor.
−
Sit!
 
  
−
Caliope looks at Tasso with frustration.
+
British Police Officer<br/>
 +
(to the woman)<br/>
 +
Please stay away from the bodies. The doctor's on his way.
  
−
Tasso<br/>
+
Jewish Police Officer<br/>
−
(to Anastasio)<br/>
+
(in English with a Hebrew accent, to the British Police Officer)<br/>
−
So this is not to be discussed with anyone. Not at the office, not with your friends and especially not with your sisters. No-one will know what the plan is. Not even the the Captain. (pause). You'll stop in Paros where you will get a route change to detour through Larnaca. Although it doesn't make much sense (looking at Caliope), make sure that the Captain follows the instructions. As owner, your ranking when ashore. Once in Larnaca, the Captain and the crew will be requested to come back to Venice on another ship and a new crew from Kastelorizo will replace it. As soon as you sail out of Larnaca, rename the ship "Valletta IV" and switch to a Maltese Flag.
+
There is no gun in this bag.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
The doctor walks in accompanied by a uniformed policeman.
−
And who else will be on board?
 
  
−
Tasso<br/>
+
Doctor<br/>
−
No one, just the crew.
+
(looking at the two bodies then at the aunt)<br/>
 +
I thought there was one injured.
  
−
Silence.
+
British Police Officer<br/>
 +
This one is dead and this one just got shot.
  
−
Tasso<br/>
+
The doctor walks towards Aren to checks his vital signs and examines his wound.
−
(frustrated and angry at his wife)<br/>
 
−
We'll go over the details tomorrow... Go now...
 
  
−
Anastasio looks pensive as he leaves the room.
+
Aren<br/>
 +
(with a very low voice, in Hebrew)<br/>
 +
Is he going to make it.
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
Doctor<br/>
−
(as soon as the door shuts)<br/>
+
(in Hebrew)<br/>
−
Valletta, is this the name of your whore.
+
I believe that he passed. Sorry. Please don't speak. We're going to try to help you.<br/>
 +
(looking at the aunt)<br/>
 +
Can you bring me distilled water, cloth and iodine.<br/>
 +
(to the Jewish Police Officer)<br/>
 +
Also, cleaned up this table, we're gonna operate right here.
  
−
====NIGHT, FRONT OF ABANDONED HOUSE, CANNAREGIO DISTRICT====
+
Army Officer<br/>
 +
(approaching the Doctor and Aren)<br/>
 +
I'll need to interrogate him before he dies.
  
−
Anastasio is throwing rocks trying to reach the side shutters of the attic. He continues by calling but no response is heard.
+
Doctor<br/>
 +
(to the British Police Officer)<br/>
 +
Can you please get him out. Now.
  
−
====NIGHT, STREETS OF CANNAREGIO====
+
British Police Officer<br/>
 +
(to the Army Officer)<br/>
 +
This is a police matter. Let's step outside.
  
−
Anastasio meanders though the streets of Cannaregio, looking at door numbers and street names. Two Orthodox Jewish men walk by him and quickly disappear into the night. He finally stops in front of number 15.
+
Army Officer<br/>
 +
They killed one of our men.
  
−
====NIGHT, OUTSIDE ISABELLA'S UNCLE'S HOUSE====
+
Jewish Police Officer<br/>
 +
(helping the uniformed policeman to remove The Leader's body)<br/>
 +
And you got two of them it seems
  
−
Anastasio pulls back and notices that one of the rooms on the second floor seems dimly lit.
+
Army Officer<br/>
 +
(to the British Police Officer)<br/>
 +
Which side is he on?
  
−
Anasatasio<br/>
+
British Police Officer<br/>
−
(whispering in crescendo)<br/>
+
(to the Army Officer)<br/>
−
Isabella... Isabella... Isabella...
+
Lets step outside sir. Please.
  
−
After less than a minute, Isabella discreetly opens the door.
+
====DAY, SIDE OF THE ROAD, EASTERN PALESTINE====
 +
 
 +
Isabella and Yatom are driving in the dry landscape. At an intersection, a road sign points to Jericho 5 one way, and to Bridge to Transjordan 15, another way.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(showing the way)<br/>
 +
We should go this way. They won't be looking for us there.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(dressed in a nightgown)<br/>
+
Transjordan?
−
Are you crazy... What are you doing here... You're going to wake up the whole neighborhood... What's going on?
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
Come... We have to talk.
+
Across the Jordan River.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(looking back inside as a light goes on behind her)<br/>
+
I though you didn't know this land.
−
Now?
+
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
I don't. I just remember my school books.
 +
 
 +
====DAY, SIDE OF THE ROAD, NEAR THE ALLENBY BRIDGE====
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
The car is stopped 500 meters from the bridge. They both stare at a British checkpoint.
−
(from behind her)<br/>
 
−
Isabella... Who is it?
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(looking at Anastasio)<br/>
+
(sarcastic)<br/>
−
It's all good Uncle... Just a friend from school.
+
They didn't mentioned that Bridges are likely to be guarded in your school books!
  
−
Uncle<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(fading)<br/>
+
(pointing to the south)<br/>
−
Don't keep the door open. It's dangerous.
+
Continue this way. Go slowly. I don't think they saw us.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(to her uncle)<br/>
+
(wiping sweat off her face)<br/>
−
It's OK Uncle...I'll just be a minute.<br/>
+
I can't take this heat... Where is this leading?
−
(to Anastasio)<br/>
 
−
They've all gone crazy... Wait for me at the corner.
 
  
−
====XANTHIS FAMILY HOUSE, RIELLO SANTA SOFIA====
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
I don't know.
  
−
Caliope lies sideways on her bed, half naked under her sewed up winter coat, as Tanos sitting next to her, inspects the stitches.
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
Great!
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
====DAY, END OF THE ROAD, DEAD SEA====
−
(going through her jewelry)<br/>
 
−
Let's go to New York then...
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
[[File:DeadSea.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Dead Sea]]
−
Too dangerous. Even if we'd make it through Gibraltar, they'd sink us when we'd cross. And we have family in Australia... It'll be easier.
 
  
−
Caliope<br/>
 
−
(arguing)<br/>
 
−
'''You''' have family in Australia... You want to send me to some people you haven't even seen in 30 years... Farmers...
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
They reach the end of the road and look at each other. The landscape surrounding a vast water plane is eerily dry and no life could be seen for miles away.
−
Fishermen.
 
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
(sarcastic)<br/>
+
Great, water.
−
Great.
+
 
 +
She cuts the engine and steps out of the car.
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
(walking toward the water then removing her shoes and pants only keeping her shirt on)
 +
Don't look!
  
−
Tanos stands up and looks out the window.
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
(stepping out of the car)<br/>
 +
You sure you know how to swim.
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
You know what it took me to rebuild from scratch here... Ten years of drifting the Mediterranean on a rusted trawler. Then another twenty getting getting bum fucked by Italian bureaucrats... Only now is the fleet the size it was when we left [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kastelorizo Kastelorizio]. I don't want to lose it again. It broke my father, it broke my family. It's not going to break me.
+
I don't know where you guys are from, but us Italian girls, we swim, we drive and we...
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
Isabella dives in and disappears underwater to resurface seconds later turning her head towards Yatom. She looks at him strangely and starts screaming.
−
You make no sense. That's just what you're doing... Breaking up your family.
 
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
Only for a few months, then you'll all be back... A year at most... Anyways we can't sail if I don't have my passport. I told you.
+
(running towards her.)<br/>
 +
What happen. What happen. Did you hit something?
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Then we'll wait.
+
(rubbing her eye and trying to reach the shore)<br/>
 +
No. This thing is burning. This is not water.
  
−
Tanos<br/>
+
She reaches shore as Yatom helps her out.
−
If we go to the station they'll keep him... If we don't go, they'll show up here the next days...
 
  
−
Caliope glances around her elegant bedroom.
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
You're Ok?
  
−
Caliope<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
(in disbelief)<br/>
+
No my eyes are burning. Do something please. Get me the bottle.
−
Australia...
 
  
−
====NIGHT, STREETS OF VENICE====
+
Yatom runs to the car and comes back with a quasi empty bottle.
  
−
Isabella gets to Anastasio who's smoking a cigarette on stairs leading to a canal.
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
This is all that's left.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(rushed)<br/>
+
Pour some over my eyes. Please. I can't see!
−
Let's go... I'd don't want the neighbors to see us...
+
 
 +
Yatom carefully pours the remaining water on Isabella's eyes and removes his shirt to dry the excess water.
  
−
They walk along the narrow canal. The city is sleeping.
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
Thanks.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
My father wants to send me with my mother and sisters to Australia next week. He saids if I don't go they'll send me to Germany to fight for Hitler.
+
Better!
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Australia?
+
Yes. I guess. What was that.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom caresses Isabella's cheek with his finger to collect a thin residue off her skin.
−
We have family there...
+
 
−
(formal)<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
I wan't you to come with us.
+
(tasting the tip of his finger)<br/>
 +
Salt! He looks at the water. The Dead Sea... This must be the Dead Sea.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(surprised, gently grabbing his neck)<br/>
+
Wow. No wonder it's dead.<br/>
−
Anastasio my love, this is not going to work... I love you and we had a great time... But your still a kid. I have to go back to Torino...
+
(looking uncomfortable)<br/>
 +
I need to wash. This hurts.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom takes the bottle in his hand and empties the last drop into Isabella's mouth.
−
I'm like 2 years younger than you...
+
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
This is it.
 +
 
 +
He stare at the sun and looks around.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(looking towards the car)<br/>
 +
You can wash it out with petrol.<br/>
 +
(looking at her)<br/>
 +
Or you can... (half-embarrassed, half smiling) piss on my shirt and wash up with it.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(correcting him)<br/>
+
(grabbing his shirt, looking unnerved)<br/>
−
Three!
+
Let's save the petrol...
  
−
====BY THE DOCKS, CANNAREGIO====
+
====DAY, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA====
  
−
Anastasio and Isabella's sit on the edge of a dock as they look at the mainland across.
+
Isabella and Yatom are driving along the sea. Isabella is wearing the "wet shirt" as Yatom, shirtless, feigns to smell something.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
I haven't seen my family in over two years. I heard the Allies have bombarded Torino and now they're saying that the Germans will get there any-day. I'm worried for my family. They're all I have... I can't leave them.
+
(slapping Yatom and holding her smile)<br/>
 +
Shut up!
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Moment
−
You'll see them again... Soon the war will be over, and then we can come back. We'll have to come back anyways for my father.
+
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(looking out the window)<br/>
 +
So what is it you Italian girls do on top driving and swimming?
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
You're father is staying.
+
(holding a smile for a moment before answering)<br/>
 +
We cook spaghetti!
 +
 
 +
Still looking out the window, Yatom resumes mimicking an odor and both explode into laughter. Seconds later, the car stall and they stare at each other.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
Petrol...
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
====LATER DAY, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA====
−
Yes, they took his passport yesterday at a check point and he saids the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardia_di_Finanza Customs Guards] will find it suspicious if he's on the ship with us. But I think that he doesn't want to abandon the business... And my mother thinks it's because of his mistress...
+
 
 +
Yatom and Isabella are gathering some of their belongings from the car.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
And me? They would't let me leave either.
+
You're sure it will disappear.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
We'll hide you... (smiling) From my mother...
+
(grabbing a hand gun from the bag and slipping it under his belt)<br/>
 +
No but we can't leave it here on the road.
  
−
They continue staring across the bay for a moment in silence until a distant sound of trucks and marching boots reaches them. They look over to see a caravan of headlights heading to Venice on the Ponte Littorio.
+
Isabella helps Yatom pushing the car into the Dead Sea. They anxiously stare at it slowly sinks.  
  
−
====GRAND CANAL, VENICE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1943====
+
Yatom closes the bag loaded with riffles.
  
−
''A small Italian Navy patrol boat sails through the Grand Canal with an Italian and several German Officers on board as Wehrmacht Soldiers line up in front of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezia_Santa_Lucia_railway_station Ferrovia] (train station).''
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
(grabbing the bag)<br/>
 +
Let's hide the guns somewhere. We shouldn't carry them with us in case we get stopped.
  
−
Italian Officer<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
(through a megaphone installed on the roof of the patrol boat.)<br/>
+
(looking around)<br/>
−
Attention, Attention.<br/>
+
How will you remember where you hid them?
−
''This is a message from the Military High Command in Rome: "Today, on this 10th day of September 1943, we have requested the assistance of the German Government to help us in our fight against our enemies both outside and inside our country. All Italian citizens are to comply with the authority that we have extended to the German Army, Navy and Air Force."''
 
  
−
Attention, Attention.<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
''This is a message from the Military High Command in Rome...''
+
(walking up hill and looking behind a rock)<br/>
 +
I don't know, we'll mark the spot.
  
−
====RADIO LONDON BULLETIN====
+
Yatom grabs a small rock and scratches a Star of David on the bigger one.
  
−
''This is London Calling... As British and Canadian forces are getting closer to Rome the Italian Army, Navy and Air Force have not only surrendered but will now join the fight against Fascism and Nazi Germany. Scores of Italian Navy ships have fled ports all over Italy amids heavy bombing from the Luftwaffe as they tried to reach Allied controlled Northern Africa ports. It has also been reported that the former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was snatched from his captors in the Italian Alps by a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Sasso_raid German commando] this past Sunday at dawn...
+
====LATER DAY, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA====
  
 +
Isabella and Yatom are walking under the Dead Sea sun. Isabella looks dizzy and stops to vomit. Yatom gently holds her head.
  
 +
====LATER AFTERNOON, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA====
  
−
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
+
Isabella is lying on the side of the road. Yatom is over her, casting a shadow over her head.
  
−
====INTERIOR, PUB, LARNACA====
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
(with a very low and dry voice)<br/>
 +
I don't feel good.
  
−
Anastasio and Isabella are sitting in an Irish pub with a bearded man in his 60s, [[Adair]].
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
Rest for a bit. The sun's going to set fast.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
So Tasso had a son!
+
(smiling with difficulty)<br/>
 +
How do you know...
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(proudly introducing Isabella)
+
(caressing her hair)<br/>
−
Yes, and this is Isabella my fiancé.
+
It always sets faster in the south.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
(very low)<br/>
 +
From your schoolbooks...
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 
(smiling)<br/>
 
(smiling)<br/>
−
Well now I recognize your father's good taste. I haven't seen him in over 20 years... and who is your mother? (looking at Isabella) Venetian?
+
Yes, from my schoolbooks.
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
I should have listened more in class.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(placing his finger on her lips)<br/>
 +
Rest now, save your breath.
 +
 
 +
====EVENING, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA====
 +
 
 +
The night has fallen and Isabella is sleeping on the side of the road. Yatom is sitting next to her looking at the starry sky when he notices a fire up on the hill. He stands up to get a better look then gently grabs Isabella into his arms and starts walking towards the fire.
 +
 
 +
====EVENING, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA====
 +
 
 +
Yatom carrying Isabella arrives at a Bedouin family camp. Lose goats, donkeys, chickens and rabbits alert the family gathered around the fire of their arrival. As he gets to near the fire, the father stands and helps him lowering Isabella under an open tent.
 +
 
 +
Bedouin Man<br/>
 +
(in Arabic)<br/>
 +
Is she hurt?
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(in Hebrew, mimicking drinking water)<br/>
 +
She needs water...
 +
 
 +
Bedouin Man<br/>
 +
(to the women)<br/>
 +
Bring some water.
 +
 
 +
Three generations of Bedouin women gather around Isabella to provide her with water and care. They signal Yatom and the father to step aside as Isabella slowly gains consciousness. The Bedouin man tells his son to bring tea and food to Yatom as he invites him to sit next to the fire.
 +
 
 +
====NIGHT, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA====
 +
 
 +
Isabella is lying under the tent and Yatom is sitting next to her.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(gently)<br/>
 +
Better?
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
(slowly awakening)<br/>
 +
Yes... How did we get here. I vaguely remember being dizzy and thirsty on the road...
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
I carried you up here.
 +
 
 +
Isabella smiles at him and looks around the camp.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(handing her a plate)<br/>
 +
You're hungry?
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
(looking at the plate then sitting)<br/>
 +
Maybe a little.
 +
 
 +
Isabella picks and choses delicately from the plate.
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
What is it?
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
I don't know. I guess it's goat.
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
(eating very slowly)<br/>
 +
Mmmm.... Good.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom pours tea in a cup.
−
No, she's also Greek. From Areopoli.
 
  
−
[[image:Flag_of_Malta_(1943).jpg|thumb|right|240px|The "new" Flag of Malta bearing the George Cross (1943)]]
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
Tea?
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Maniatika... I once had a fling in Piraeus with a woman from Mani. Crazy girl... Had to leave port when her brothers found out... Crazy! (emptying his mug and looking at the barman) Three more! (lower to Anastasio as foam drips from his mustache) So I picked up a new flag in Malta as requested in the message I got from your father. Good thing you didn't just sew one up, they just changed it! King George awarded them a "George" (mimicking quotation marks with his fingers) Cross for swallowing the Luftwaffe's jelly beans. I also have the registration from the "Valetta IV" which was sunk by the Italians in June. We found it floating in a sealed case not too far from bodies we were picking up.
+
(smiling, accepting the cup)<br/>
 +
Yeah... Thank you... You're so kind to me. I feel like a Princess in the Arabian Nights.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
That's great Mr Connelly. My family is and will forever be grateful.
+
(smiling)<br/>
 +
We're like the Bonnie & Clyde of Palestine.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Your father and I go back to the Great War. That's when we learned our trade. (smiling) Well, some aspects of it.
+
Bonnie who?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
There is one more thing... Can I call you Adair?
+
Bonnie & Clyde, they're American gangsters who were running away from the police for months.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Of course son.
+
And what happened?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(looking at Isabella)<br/>
+
(hesitating)<br/>
−
Well, my family does not know about Isabella. She's been secretly sailing with us since Venice and we can't just continue like this through Suez and all the way through Australia.
+
They got shot!
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
Beware when exiting the Red Sea then crossing the Straight of Malacca. No Germans but plenty of pirates...Worse! Better to keep her away from their sight also.
+
Nice.
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
They remain silent for a while.
−
Well, we've been discussing and since we know you're sailing to Jaffa... Would you mind taking her along?
 
  
−
Adair pulls back on his chair, pensive.
+
Isabella<br/>
 +
(looking out towards the moonlit Dead Sea)<br/>
 +
I'm pregnant.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(looking at Isabella)<br/>
+
(not knowing how to react)<br/>
−
Are you Jewish?
+
Oh...
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Yes
+
I was in Jaffa to send a letter to... my baby's father to tell him the news when all this happened.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
Where is he now?
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
Probably in Australia... Or somewhere between here and there.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
You were not married?
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Isabella<br/>
−
There is no way, I can convince my family to take her along... And yet I have to get them to Perth.
+
No... It wouldn't have worked out with my family. He is Greek... Orthodox.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(looking at Isabella)
+
And when do you think that the baby will be born?
−
And where is your family?
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
Turin...
+
If we don't get shot... End of summer I guess.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
They remain pensive for a while.
−
Well you can't go back now... But there is no way the Brits will let you into Palestine. They're turning away boatloads of refugees from the Balkans.
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
I'll hide... I managed to hide from his mother, so I can sure hide from some soldiers. (assertive) I can disguise as a man... As one of your crew.
+
(snapping out of her mood)<br/>
 +
Anyways, one day at the time.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
Wait till you see my crew... (looking at Anastasio) Son... you two are crazy. But this is a crazy world. We'll find a way.
+
I think I understood that the man offered to bring us to a Jewish farm tomorrow morning.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(joyful, kissing Adair on his bearded cheek)<br/>
+
(skeptical)<br/>
−
Adair, Grazie Grazie Grazie... Mille Grazie.
+
A farm around here?
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
Maybe I got it all wrong. We'll see.
 +
 
 +
====DAWN, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA====
 +
 
 +
Isabella wakes up as Yatom is sleeping next to her. She sit on the carpet looking at the rising sun and caressing her belly. After a moment, she looks back at Yatom and lies down by his side.
  
−
Adair<br/>
+
====MORNING, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA====
−
(turning red)<br/>
+
 
−
And who will pick you up there.
+
Isabella and Yatom are dressed in Bedouin outfits. The father is helping Isabella to mount a reluctant Donkey as the women and kids laugh at the situation.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
I guess they don't have Donkeys in your village.
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(confident)<br/>
+
City!
−
I'll find my way... it is our Promised Land after all.
+
 
 +
Isabella finally gets the Donkey to move.
 +
 
 +
====DAY, KALYA KIBBUTZ, DEAD SEA====
 +
 
 +
Isabella, Yatom and the Bedouin man arrive at a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalya settlement] where fields of date trees grow out of the desert. They get to a group of European looking workers.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(in Hebrew)<br/>
 +
Shalom.
 +
 
 +
Settler<br/>
 +
(surprised to hear Yatom speaking Hebrew)<br/>
 +
Shalom.
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(removing his turban)<br/>
 +
Is this a Kibbutz? We're from Tel Aviv and looking for work.
 +
 
 +
Settler<br/>
 +
(in Russian)<br/>
 +
You're Russian?
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
(in Russian)<br/>
 +
Bohemia... from Prague.
  
−
''Alternative: Cyprus Internment Camp''
+
Settler<br/>
 +
Oh... Then you should go to the mine. They need city people there. (indicating the way) Continue about one kilometer this way.
  
−
''As a Jew, Isabella would be expected to spend a couple of years in a Cyprus Camp prior to be allowed into Palestine....''
+
Yatom<br/>
 +
Thanks. Shalom.
  
−
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus_internment_camps
+
Isabella and Yatom unmount their donkeys and greet farewell to the Bedouin man who gets back from where he came from.
  
−
====NIGHT, HOTEL ROOM, LARNACA====
+
====DAY, ROAD TO KALYA POTASH MINE, DEAD SEA====
  
−
Anastasio and Isabella make love. She cries as she reaches an orgasm.
+
[[File:DeadSeaWorks.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Potash Mine]]
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Isabella and Yatom walk across the idyllic garden of date trees and other fruits.
−
(still in an embrace, moving hair away from her face)
 
−
I'll be back baby. I'll be back.
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(controlling her tears)<br/>
+
I though you were from some village. It's always been my dream to go to Prague.
−
I really love you Anastasio... Really... I never felt that for anyone before.
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
Yatom<br/>
−
(gently grabbing her face)<br/>
+
I am from a village, right next to Prague where I worked. But it doesn't exist anymore.
−
You promise you'll write me as soon as you settle somewhere?
 
  
 
Isabella<br/>
 
Isabella<br/>
−
(nodding)<br/>
+
(looking around the fields)<br/>
−
Yes, I promise.
+
I heard that Prague women are beautiful...
 +
 
 +
Yatom<br/>
 +
Yes, they are...
 +
 
 +
Isabella<br/>
 +
(breathing the fresher air)<br/>
 +
I like this place...
 +
 
 +
END OF EPISODE
 +
 
 +
NEXT IN THIS THEAD
 +
 
 +
''Isabella and Yatom would marry and Yatom would recognize little Moshe as his son. They would remain in Kalya until 1948 when Yatom would join the new Israeli army and the Dead Sea region would become under Jordanian rule.
 +
 
 +
In 1946-47, Isabella could have played a role in the discovery of the Qumran Scrolls by a young Bedouin Shepherd.
 +
Maybe a son of the Bedouin who helped Yatom and Isabella.
 +
 
 +
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea_Scrolls
  
−
Slightly moving away from the embrace.
+
Yatom's czech pregnant wife would have been arrested by the Germans and deported during a raid in his village, Lidice, in the spring of 1942. As he was in Prague teaching at the University at that time, he only found out when he got back home and as he realized that he might never see her again, he made his way to Palestine trough.''
  
−
Isabella (continuing)<br/>
+
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidice
−
(smiling as her last tears drop)<br/>
 
−
But you'll forget about me as soon as you meet one of these kangaroo girls...
 
  
−
Anastasio<br/>
+
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
−
(smelling her tight)<br/>
 
−
I'll masturbate to the memory of this incense until I scent it again...
 
  
−
He then kisses and caresses her belly as she grabs his head and stares at the ceiling.
 
  
−
====LARNAKA, CYPRUS, DECEMBER 1943====
+
''NOTE FOR FUTURE EPISODE IN TIME 1
  
−
A cargo ship is leaving port en route to Palestine. Isabella stands at the stern, looking at the disappearing shore, holding her belly.
+
THIS LETTER WILL NEVER MAKE IT TO PERTH, AUSTRALIA, AND ISABELLA WILL RECEIVE IT BACK FROM THE BRITISH POST MANY YEARS AFTER THE WAR. THE SHIP CARRYING IT WAS SANK BY A GERMAN U-BOAT OFF YEMEN. IN 2010, TREASURE HUNTERS DISCOVERED TWO SEALED BOXES FROM THE ROYAL MAIL WITH STACKS ON UNOPENED LETTERS. THEIR CONTENT WAS SURRENDERED TO THE ROYAL MAIL WHICH REDISTRIBUTED IT TO THE ADDRESSEES. AS THEY COULD NOT TRACK ANASTASIO IN AUSTRALIA, THEY FOUND THE ADDRESSER, ISABELLA IN ISRAEL. ON HER DEATH BED, SHE ENTRUSTED THE LETTER TO HER CHERISHED GRANDSON, URI, WHO USED ALL IS CONNECTIONS TO TRACK DOWN ANASTASIO (DEAD), PAT (DEAD) AND FINALLY CARLA.''
  
−
[[R1a1a|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]]  -  [[Jaffa_Citrus|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
+
[[Cannaregio_1943|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]]  -  [[U-3955|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
  
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
−
[[Category:The Passengers|1.013]]
+
[[Category:The Passengers|2.001]]
−
[[Category:Follow the Money|1.013]]
+
[[Category:The Clan|2.001]]
 
[[Category:The Age of Anne (1943-1953)]]
 
[[Category:The Age of Anne (1943-1953)]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 22 December 2023

OUTLINE

Having escaped Italy, Isabella is smuggled into Palestine on Christmas Eve 1943. With the help of a young Arab boy, she eventually reaches a Moshav farming coop where she is employed until she becomes mixed up with Jewish terrorists.

<< PREVIOUS EPISODE - NEXT EPISODE >>

Loading map...


PORT OF JAFFA, CHRISTMAS EVE, 1943

Port of Jaffa

The ship carrying Isabella docks in Jaffa. Two British Sailors get aboard. They are greeted by Adair, the ships Irish Captain.

BS#1
(jokingly as he looks around the deck)
So what are you bringing from Cyprus? Gorgeous sirens.

Captain
(looking at his list)
Oh no, only the dry stuff my friend! Not much actually. Only Indian tea and rice for Trans-jordan. We're here to pick up a load of citrus bound for Southampton.

BS#2
(sarcastic)
Pretty hairy journey to lighten up ones cup of tea! (looking at back at the dock) Here are your crates. They were dropped here this morning. Don't they grow lemons in Cyprus?

Captain
Well, not as juicy as yours apparently. We would like to load tonight and sail tomorrow. Try to be back home for the new year.

BS#2
Well I'm afraid that this will not be possible my friend. The port will close as of 9 pm... (looking at his watch) in less then half an hour. So no loading or unloading until Monday 6 am.

Captain
Well those lemons can't sit here in the sun for 2 more days... they'll get spoiled before we even load them up.

BS#1
If you'd been stuck in this shit hole like us for the past 4 years, dealing with terrorists and thieves, you'd understand that Christmas is a holly mark that we intend to respect and that the only thing we'll do for the next 2 days, is drink loads of beer and stuff ourselves with turkey. Not count boxes of tea and bags of rice.

BS#2
We'll clear your crew and seal off the ship though (looking at his watch)... We have to carry a preliminary inspection and stamp the passports. How many aboard? Any Germans or Italians?

Captain
No, three Indian hands and a Portuguese mechanic. Let me get him to escort you while I get my things in order.

INTERIOR, SHIP CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

The Captain unlocks the door to his room and finds Isabella hiding behind it.

Isabella
Are they gone?

Captain
No, Joao is walking them through the ship. You have to hide here until Monday.

He removes a plank from the wall where gold bars and guns are stashed.

Captain (con't)
Get in here fast and wait at least 2-3 hours before getting out.

Isabella
(nervous)
I don't have a watch.

Captain
(getting her to hurry)
Count to 10,000. And don't forget to replace the plank properly....

Isabella
(getting inside as Captain close the wall)
OK. But what do I do next... for 2 days.

Captain
(thinking)
Can you swim?

Isabella
(surprised)
Yes...

Captain
So wait till just before dawn then crawl to the side of the ship, opposite to the dock towards the back. Let your self hang... and jump! (he continues fixing the plank) If you get caught, don't tell them you were aboard this ship, don't tell them you're Italian either...

Isabella
But what do I tell them?

Captain
(short of ideas)
That you had a fight with your lover and that you wanted to die.

Isabella
(with her thick Italian accent)
In English?

Captain
(pensive)
Well tell them in Hebrew...

Isabella
I hardly know any Hebrew...

Captain
Neither do the Brits.

Isabella
What about my trunk?

Captain
We'll find a way

Knocks on the door.

Captain
(loud)
Coming!
(low to Isabella)
And don't you even think of stealing my gold!

More knocks on the door.

Captain
(walking towards the door and opening it to find the two British Sailors and Joao.) Ready folks! Would you care to taste some fine Irish whiskey while doing the paperwork.

BS#2
Too late for paperwork tonight. We'll just hold on to your passports until the unloading inspection. (looking at his watch and colleague) but we won't say no to the whiskey.

Stuck behind the wall, Isabella is trying not to breath too hard as the 4 men are drinking in the Captain's quarters.

PORT OF JAFFA, DAWN, CHRISTMAS DAY, 1943

Isabella throws a bundle of goods wrapped in her clothes from the ship onto the deserted dock. She walks to towards the back, hangs on the side of the ship and drops in the water. She swims to an iron ladder, climbs onto the dock, picks up her bundle and takes refuges next to the citrus crates. She unwraps the bundle from which she grabs a dress, a pair of shoes and a sweater. As she pulls off her wet closes, she hears a cracking noise behind where she finds Yasser, a 15 years old boy hiding.

Isabella
(in broken Hebrew, surprised, covering her breast)
What are you doing here!

Yasser
(in Arabic, scared)
What? I only took five or six!

He opens up the flip side of his shirt which holds a dozen oranges.

Isabella
(in Hebrew then Italian, gesturing)
Turn around!

Yasser realizes that Isabella is naked and that she seems as surprised by their encounter as he is. He glances at her in awe, the turns around shyly.

Isabella (con't)
(in Italian then English as she quickly dresses up)
What are you doing here? Hey you can turn around now. What's you name?

Yasser
(in broken English)
Yasser. My name is Yasser, Madam Lady.

Isabella
(in English, extending her hand)
Don't call me Madam, my name is Isabella.

Yasser
Why you no clothes? Here danger for lady. Too many British Soldiers and thieves.

Isabella
I need to get to the center of town. Tel Aviv. Can you show me how to get there... Without being seen leaving the port?

Yasser
You Jewish lady?

Isabella
Well, I'm Italian and also Jewish. And you, are you from here?

Yasser
(half in English and Arabic)
I'm from desert Madam Lady. I Bedouin.

Isabella
How old are you.

Yasser
(in Arabic, showing with his fingers)
Fifteen.

JAFFA, CHRISTMAS DAY, 1943

Isabella and Yasser are walking through the busy streets of Jaffa. Isabella is surprised to see mostly Arabs people and signs in Arabic.

Isabella
This is Tel Aviv?

Yasser
(showing directions)
No Lady Isabella. This Jaffa. Arab old city. Tel Aviv Jewish city long walking.

People in the streets of Jaffa offer assistance to the couple as the make their way towards Tel Aviv. They buy food, are invited for tea and asked questions about their connection and journey. As they continue their journey, Isabella becomes more and more fearful of European looking people and entrusts her faith with Yasser. Although, she doesn't stand out, she becomes paranoid and hides at the sight of British Soldiers and Police.

A couple of nuns ring a bell next to their convent to gather funds.

Isabella and Yasser spend the night in a Christian convent as she passes for Catholic Italian and pretends that Yasser works for her. Yasser has to spend the night in separate quarters locked away from the nuns.

TEL AVIV, DECEMBER 26, 1943

Isabella and Yasser bump into German Templers around Sarona's fenced colony.

As they get close to Tel Aviv, Isabella is being directed to a Moshav looking for workers. She convinces the driver to take Yasser along as he also needs work. The driver reluctantly accepts.

CITRUS ORCHARD, AVIHAYIL MOSHAV, PALESTINE, 1943

Isabella convinces the Moshav's managers to hire Yasser although they try to find excuses not to hire him (age, language...)

Both are put to work the next day.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


CITRUS ORCHARD, AVIHAYIL MOSHAV, PALESTINE, 1944

During the winter months, the moshav workers are subjected to hard work, building irrigation systems and getting the land ready for the spring. Isabella grows more and more concerned at the possibility being pregnant. She asks the moshav manager permission to hike a ride to Tel Aviv to send a letter to Anastasio in Australia.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Following a the botched bombing of a British radio station by Jewish terrorists, Yatom, a Hungarian Engineer and Isabella settle on the shore of the Dead Sea until the end of the British Mandate in Palestine, raising Moshe, her newborn son.

ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE, 1944

On their way back to Avihayil, 3 more passengers are traveling along in the Moshav's car. They tell the Driver, 22, that this was not the plan and that Isabella can't ride along. The driver says that she's an Italian refugee woking at the moshav and that she's not a risk.

The car is parked in a lane near the Jaffa GPO, the meeting point agreed upon with Isabella.

Driver
(to isabella as he sees her approaching the car)
Get in the back. More people are coming.

Isabella
(entering, in now better Hebrew)
Good, you found some workers?

Driver
(looking in the rearview mirror)
No, we just have to make a stop along the way to drop these guys.

Isabella
(innocently)
Oh, Ok, I don't mind... I enjoy seeing new places.

Driver
(cutting her off, pointing at 3 men carrying heavy bags)
Here they are!

The group's Leader, 29, opens the passenger's door.

Leader
Who the fuck is she?

Driver
She's from the Moshav. Don't worry, she's an Italian refugee. She just got here.

Yatom, 34 and Aren, 25, sit next to Isabella on the back seat. They smile at her as the car pulls away.

Aren
(to Isabella, in Hebrew, unpacking guns from one of the bags)
So you'll stay in the car or you're coming with us?

Leader
Shut up Aren. She's not going anywhere.

Aren
(reacting aggressively to Leader)
Fuck you. Don't you fucking shut me up.

Yatom
(to the Leader and Aren) Ok brothers, calm down. (to the driver) What happened?

Driver
The foreman told me to drive her to the city. I couldn't say anything.

Leader
(looking back towards Isabella)
You didn't see us and you won't remember us. Do you understand?

Isabella
(not understanding)
Yes...?

Aren
(to Isabella)
I'm Aren, this is Yatom and this in front is my big brother (making a sarcastic face), Mein Fuhrer.

Leader
(rolling his eyes)
Nice! Why don't you give her your address while you're at it.

Isabella
(to Aren and Yatom)
Hi, I'm Isabella. I'm from Torino.

Aren and Yatom smile at her.

SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE

Car is parked
 Leader instructs Driver to stand by.
Team carries bombing of radio station
British police shoots Leader and Driver dead
Isabella surprises all by picking up the wheel and driving Aren and Yatom out of arms way.
She brings them to the Moshav to seek treatment for the wounded driver but he dies anyways.


The driver slows down the car on top of a hill as they get closer to a steel tower standing next to a one story building.

Leader
(to the Driver)
That's it. Just a few more meters. There. (to the others) Ok, lets get out.

Yatom
(arming his riffle)
Lock and load.

Aren
(nervous turning back towards Isabella, in Italian)
Ci vediamo!

The trio grabs their bags and riffles and run to the back of the building

The Drivers turns his head all around to see if anyone's approaching.

Isabella
(concerned)
Do we have to stay here?

Driver
We're the getaway car. Don't worry. They'll be out in less then five!

SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE (LATER)

A British Army convoy approaches towards their car from the North. One jeep followed by three personnel carrying trucks.

Driver
(seeing the convoy)
Shit!

He grabs a handgun from under his seat. Isabella grows nervous as the military jeep drives by and its front passenger glances towards her. The Driver feels relieved when as the convoy passes by without stopping. As he looks into his review mirror, the Driver notices that the convoy is slowing down and that the jeep is turning back towards them.

Isabella
(terrorized)
What?

Driver
(tightening the grip on his handgun)
They're coming back. Don't say a word.

The jeep stops right behind them and the Officer on the passenger side walks out towards the car. At the same moment, a loud explosion is heard from the radio tower building and the trio escape from the smoking building.

The Driver exits the car and shoots several shots toward the British Army Officer who takes cover behind the car. As a gunfight explodes between all, the Driver is run down by the jeep's driver who's then shot dead by the Leader, leading the jeep to crash into the ditch.

Getting the urgency of the situation, Isabella jumps on the front seat, starts the car and accelerates towards the trio leaving the British Officer uncovered.

At the same time, the three personnel carrying trucks turn around and accelerate at full speed toward the scene. As Isabella reaches the dispersed trio, the Leader is hit to the chest by the British Army Officer who managed to get a riffle from the wrecked jeep. Isabella leans towards the rear of the passenger side to open the back door so that Aren and Yatom could help the wounded Leader on the back seat. numerous gunshots are now reaching them from the approaching trucks as Isabella yells at Aren and Yatom.

Isabella
(pressing simultaneously on the gas and clutch)
Hop on!

Aren and Yatom step on the running boards on each side of the car and grab each other's hands over the roof as Isabella releases the clutch creating a huge cloud of dust concealing their escape as they easily distance the heavy trucks.

SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE (LATER & FURTHER)

Aren leans on the back bench carefully applying water on the chest wound of his is unconscious brother. Isabella looks over her seat and notices blood coming out of the Leader's mouth as Yatom gets in on the passenger's side.

Isabella
(under shock)
We gotta get him to a hospital. I don't know where we are.

Yatom
(looking around)
I don't have a clue either. But we have to move out of here and fast.

Isabella starts the car.

INTERIOR, RADIO STATION, ROAD TO AVIHAYIL, PALESTINE

An employee from the radio station describes the trio to the British Army Officer as Soldiers are putting out the fire lit by the explosion.

BAO
(on the phone)
Yes, three men and a woman. One of them most likely wounded... We killed one and we'll bring his body and belongings back to Jaffa tonight... Jewish terrorists... North in a black car. Yes Sir.

EVENING, SMALL TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL

Isabella drives the car and its passengers through a small town. Only a few men walk in the streets lit by very few lamp posts. Sign above stores and businesses are unilingual in Arabic.

Aren
(rising his head from the back seat to look through the rearview window)
This is a fucking Arab village. We won't find a doctor here.

Yatom
At least, there doesn't seem to be any English!

Isabella
(Seeing a bearded old man wearing a turban)
Let's ask this men if there is a doctor.

Yatom reaches a bag on the back seat floor to cover the guns.

Yatom
(to Aren)
Hide the blood.

Isabella slows down the car next to the Arab man.

Isabella
(in broken Arabic)
Salam Aleikum

Old Man
(looking at Isabella and the 3 others)
Shalom!

Yatom
(in Hebrew, bending over Isabella to speak through the driver's window)
Our friend is very sick and we need to bring him to a doctor

Old Man
(in broken Hebrew, looking over on the back seat at Aren and his brother)
Unfortunately the doctor only comes here once a week... But, the pharmacist's son lives at the edge of town. He can maybe help out.

Yatom
Great, that's will do. How can we get there.

The Old Man gives them directions and Isabella drives off.

EVENING, IN FRONT OF HOUSE/PHARMACY, EDGE OF TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL

The pharmacist, a 24 Arab looking man in western clothes, is examining the Leader's wound on the back seat of the car.

Pharmacist
(in English, to Yatom and Aren)
This looks pretty bad. I don't think we have anything to operate this man here. This is my uncle's Pharmacy. He died two month ago.

Yatom and Aren don't understand a word and turn towards Isabella.

Isabella
(in English to the Pharmacist)
Please sir, you have to help us. We have been driving for two hours and he lost too much blood.

Aren
(in Hebrew to Isabella but looking at the Pharmacist)
Tell him to do something or I'll kill him.

Yatom
(to Aren)
Calm down...(looking towards Isabella) What's going on?

Isabella
(in Hebrew)
He's saying he doesn't have instruments to operate...

A woman peaks at the scene from inside the house/pharmacy's window.

Pharmacist
Bring him inside. We'll try to stop the hemorrhaging until the doctor gets here.

Yatom, Aren and the Pharmacist carry the Leader as Isabella walks ahead opening the house/pharmacy door.

EVENING, INSIDE HOUSE/PHARMACY, EDGE OF TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL

Isabella, Aren and Yatom stand next to the Pharmacist as the Leader is resting and banded up on the pharmacy's main table. An older English looking woman comes back from a adjoining room.

English Woman
(in English, to all)
I spoke to the Doctor. He should be here by the morning if the roads are clear.

Isabella
(to the woman)
Thank you Madam.

Aren
(to Isabella)
What's she saying? Is he in danger?

Isabella
She doesn't know, but she saids the doctor will be here in the Morning. We should leave him here resting.

Yatom
(in Hebrew to Aren)
We can't stay here Aren. The Brits are going to bust us.

Aren
(looking at his brother, then at Yatom and Isabella)
You go... I'm not gonna let him die alone.

Isabella gets near Aren and hugs him as he breaks a tear. Yatom gives Aren a pat on the back. Aren looks back at him with a smile.

Yatom
(in Broken English, looking at the Pharmacist and the English Woman as he drags Isabella away)
Thank you...

Isabella
(to the Pharmacist and looking towards Aren)
He's going to stay here until the doctor arrives... We have to get going. Sorry.

INTERIOR CAR, NIGHT, DRIVING IN PALESTINE

Yatom
He's not gonna make it till the morning.

Isabella
(slightly crying)
I know.

They both stare at the road.

Isabella
I have no idea where we're going.

Yatom
Me neither, let's just drive...

DAWN, SIDE OF THE ROAD, EASTERN PALESTINE

Isabella and Yatom are are awakened by goats passing by their parked car in a rocky field. A couple of Arab kids are guiding the herd. At first surprised and apprehensive, Isabella rises her head and smiles as she sees the young kids peacefully walking against the rising morning sun. Still lying down on the back seat, Yatom observes her smiling.

Yatom
(waking up)
Where did you learn to drive?

Isabella
When I was a kid. My father is in the car business.

Yatom
(thinking he knows)
Fiat!

Isabella
He actually sold paint for cars. Every Sunday, we'd go to car shows or races. I started driving on his lap at around 7 or 8. By 13, I think I drove my first lap at Monza, alone in an Alpha Romeo.

Yatom
(Rising)
Monza! Wow.

Isabella
You know about cars.

Yatom
Not much. I remember seeing the Monza Grand-Prix accident on the news-reel. (smiling) Where I come from, we're still using horses.

Isabella
And guns...

Yatom
That, I actually learned here.

Isabella
(looking at the kids and goats moving away)
You think he's dead?

Yatom acknowledges her question with a sorrowful nod.

Isabella
I don't know what he died for?

Yatom
Our land. The land of our people. A land for our children.

Isabella
(still looking at the kids)
Who's children?

Yatom
Jewish children.

Isabella discreetly touches her belly looking away.

MORNING, OUTSIDE THE HOUSE/PHARMACY, EDGE OF TOWN, EAST OF AVIHAYIL

Two black cars park in front of the pharmacy as a military jeep blocks the back exit. Armed British and Jewish police officers walk out of the cars and knock on the door.

Inside the house, Aren is wakened up by the knocks and looks at the body of his brother lying on the table. As he sees no signs of the pharmacist and of the English woman, he reaches for his bag, but is shot down as he opens it.

The British Army Officer is standing outside the back window holding the smoking gun.

The Police officers storm in at the same moment to find Aren lying on the floor next to his dead brother. The Army Officer walks in at the same moment.

Army Officer
(looking at the scene)
He was reaching for his gun in this bag.

The pharmacist walks down the stairs followed by his English aunt.

English Woman
What happened, I had set him up to sleep while waiting for the doctor.

British Police Officer
(to the woman)
Please stay away from the bodies. The doctor's on his way.

Jewish Police Officer
(in English with a Hebrew accent, to the British Police Officer)
There is no gun in this bag.

The doctor walks in accompanied by a uniformed policeman.

Doctor
(looking at the two bodies then at the aunt)
I thought there was one injured.

British Police Officer
This one is dead and this one just got shot.

The doctor walks towards Aren to checks his vital signs and examines his wound.

Aren
(with a very low voice, in Hebrew)
Is he going to make it.

Doctor
(in Hebrew)
I believe that he passed. Sorry. Please don't speak. We're going to try to help you.
(looking at the aunt)
Can you bring me distilled water, cloth and iodine.
(to the Jewish Police Officer)
Also, cleaned up this table, we're gonna operate right here.

Army Officer
(approaching the Doctor and Aren)
I'll need to interrogate him before he dies.

Doctor
(to the British Police Officer)
Can you please get him out. Now.

British Police Officer
(to the Army Officer)
This is a police matter. Let's step outside.

Army Officer
They killed one of our men.

Jewish Police Officer
(helping the uniformed policeman to remove The Leader's body)
And you got two of them it seems

Army Officer
(to the British Police Officer)
Which side is he on?

British Police Officer
(to the Army Officer)
Lets step outside sir. Please.

DAY, SIDE OF THE ROAD, EASTERN PALESTINE

Isabella and Yatom are driving in the dry landscape. At an intersection, a road sign points to Jericho 5 one way, and to Bridge to Transjordan 15, another way.

Yatom
(showing the way)
We should go this way. They won't be looking for us there.

Isabella
Transjordan?

Yatom
Across the Jordan River.

Isabella
I though you didn't know this land.

Yatom
I don't. I just remember my school books.

DAY, SIDE OF THE ROAD, NEAR THE ALLENBY BRIDGE

The car is stopped 500 meters from the bridge. They both stare at a British checkpoint.

Isabella
(sarcastic)
They didn't mentioned that Bridges are likely to be guarded in your school books!

Yatom
(pointing to the south)
Continue this way. Go slowly. I don't think they saw us.

Isabella
(wiping sweat off her face)
I can't take this heat... Where is this leading?

Yatom
I don't know.

Isabella
Great!

DAY, END OF THE ROAD, DEAD SEA

Dead Sea


They reach the end of the road and look at each other. The landscape surrounding a vast water plane is eerily dry and no life could be seen for miles away.

Isabella
Great, water.

She cuts the engine and steps out of the car.

Isabella
(walking toward the water then removing her shoes and pants only keeping her shirt on) Don't look!

Yatom
(stepping out of the car)
You sure you know how to swim.

Isabella
I don't know where you guys are from, but us Italian girls, we swim, we drive and we...

Isabella dives in and disappears underwater to resurface seconds later turning her head towards Yatom. She looks at him strangely and starts screaming.

Yatom
(running towards her.)
What happen. What happen. Did you hit something?

Isabella
(rubbing her eye and trying to reach the shore)
No. This thing is burning. This is not water.

She reaches shore as Yatom helps her out.

Yatom
You're Ok?

Isabella
No my eyes are burning. Do something please. Get me the bottle.

Yatom runs to the car and comes back with a quasi empty bottle.

Yatom
This is all that's left.

Isabella
Pour some over my eyes. Please. I can't see!

Yatom carefully pours the remaining water on Isabella's eyes and removes his shirt to dry the excess water.

Isabella
Thanks.

Yatom
Better!

Isabella
Yes. I guess. What was that.

Yatom caresses Isabella's cheek with his finger to collect a thin residue off her skin.

Yatom
(tasting the tip of his finger)
Salt! He looks at the water. The Dead Sea... This must be the Dead Sea.

Isabella
Wow. No wonder it's dead.
(looking uncomfortable)
I need to wash. This hurts.

Yatom takes the bottle in his hand and empties the last drop into Isabella's mouth.

Yatom
This is it.

He stare at the sun and looks around.

Yatom
(looking towards the car)
You can wash it out with petrol.
(looking at her)
Or you can... (half-embarrassed, half smiling) piss on my shirt and wash up with it.

Isabella
(grabbing his shirt, looking unnerved)
Let's save the petrol...

DAY, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA

Isabella and Yatom are driving along the sea. Isabella is wearing the "wet shirt" as Yatom, shirtless, feigns to smell something.

Isabella
(slapping Yatom and holding her smile)
Shut up!

Moment

Yatom
(looking out the window)
So what is it you Italian girls do on top driving and swimming?

Isabella
(holding a smile for a moment before answering)
We cook spaghetti!

Still looking out the window, Yatom resumes mimicking an odor and both explode into laughter. Seconds later, the car stall and they stare at each other.

Yatom
Petrol...

LATER DAY, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA

Yatom and Isabella are gathering some of their belongings from the car.

Isabella
You're sure it will disappear.

Yatom
(grabbing a hand gun from the bag and slipping it under his belt)
No but we can't leave it here on the road.

Isabella helps Yatom pushing the car into the Dead Sea. They anxiously stare at it slowly sinks.

Yatom closes the bag loaded with riffles.

Yatom
(grabbing the bag)
Let's hide the guns somewhere. We shouldn't carry them with us in case we get stopped.

Isabella
(looking around)
How will you remember where you hid them?

Yatom
(walking up hill and looking behind a rock)
I don't know, we'll mark the spot.

Yatom grabs a small rock and scratches a Star of David on the bigger one.

LATER DAY, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA

Isabella and Yatom are walking under the Dead Sea sun. Isabella looks dizzy and stops to vomit. Yatom gently holds her head.

LATER AFTERNOON, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA

Isabella is lying on the side of the road. Yatom is over her, casting a shadow over her head.

Isabella
(with a very low and dry voice)
I don't feel good.

Yatom
Rest for a bit. The sun's going to set fast.

Isabella
(smiling with difficulty)
How do you know...

Yatom
(caressing her hair)
It always sets faster in the south.

Isabella
(very low)
From your schoolbooks...

Yatom
(smiling)
Yes, from my schoolbooks.

Isabella
I should have listened more in class.

Yatom
(placing his finger on her lips)
Rest now, save your breath.

EVENING, ROAD AROUND THE DEAD SEA

The night has fallen and Isabella is sleeping on the side of the road. Yatom is sitting next to her looking at the starry sky when he notices a fire up on the hill. He stands up to get a better look then gently grabs Isabella into his arms and starts walking towards the fire.

EVENING, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA

Yatom carrying Isabella arrives at a Bedouin family camp. Lose goats, donkeys, chickens and rabbits alert the family gathered around the fire of their arrival. As he gets to near the fire, the father stands and helps him lowering Isabella under an open tent.

Bedouin Man
(in Arabic)
Is she hurt?

Yatom
(in Hebrew, mimicking drinking water)
She needs water...

Bedouin Man
(to the women)
Bring some water.

Three generations of Bedouin women gather around Isabella to provide her with water and care. They signal Yatom and the father to step aside as Isabella slowly gains consciousness. The Bedouin man tells his son to bring tea and food to Yatom as he invites him to sit next to the fire.

NIGHT, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA

Isabella is lying under the tent and Yatom is sitting next to her.

Yatom
(gently)
Better?

Isabella
(slowly awakening)
Yes... How did we get here. I vaguely remember being dizzy and thirsty on the road...

Yatom
I carried you up here.

Isabella smiles at him and looks around the camp.

Yatom
(handing her a plate)
You're hungry?

Isabella
(looking at the plate then sitting)
Maybe a little.

Isabella picks and choses delicately from the plate.

Isabella
What is it?

Yatom
I don't know. I guess it's goat.

Isabella
(eating very slowly)
Mmmm.... Good.

Yatom pours tea in a cup.

Yatom
Tea?

Isabella
(smiling, accepting the cup)
Yeah... Thank you... You're so kind to me. I feel like a Princess in the Arabian Nights.

Yatom
(smiling)
We're like the Bonnie & Clyde of Palestine.

Isabella
Bonnie who?

Yatom
Bonnie & Clyde, they're American gangsters who were running away from the police for months.

Isabella
And what happened?

Yatom
(hesitating)
They got shot!

Isabella
Nice.

They remain silent for a while.

Isabella
(looking out towards the moonlit Dead Sea)
I'm pregnant.

Yatom
(not knowing how to react)
Oh...

Isabella
I was in Jaffa to send a letter to... my baby's father to tell him the news when all this happened.

Yatom
Where is he now?

Isabella
Probably in Australia... Or somewhere between here and there.

Yatom
You were not married?

Isabella
No... It wouldn't have worked out with my family. He is Greek... Orthodox.

Yatom
And when do you think that the baby will be born?

Isabella
If we don't get shot... End of summer I guess.

They remain pensive for a while.

Isabella
(snapping out of her mood)
Anyways, one day at the time.

Yatom
I think I understood that the man offered to bring us to a Jewish farm tomorrow morning.

Isabella
(skeptical)
A farm around here?

Yatom
Maybe I got it all wrong. We'll see.

DAWN, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA

Isabella wakes up as Yatom is sleeping next to her. She sit on the carpet looking at the rising sun and caressing her belly. After a moment, she looks back at Yatom and lies down by his side.

MORNING, BEDOUIN CAMP, DEAD SEA

Isabella and Yatom are dressed in Bedouin outfits. The father is helping Isabella to mount a reluctant Donkey as the women and kids laugh at the situation.

Yatom
I guess they don't have Donkeys in your village.

Isabella
City!

Isabella finally gets the Donkey to move.

DAY, KALYA KIBBUTZ, DEAD SEA

Isabella, Yatom and the Bedouin man arrive at a settlement where fields of date trees grow out of the desert. They get to a group of European looking workers.

Yatom
(in Hebrew)
Shalom.

Settler
(surprised to hear Yatom speaking Hebrew)
Shalom.

Yatom
(removing his turban)
Is this a Kibbutz? We're from Tel Aviv and looking for work.

Settler
(in Russian)
You're Russian?

Yatom
(in Russian)
Bohemia... from Prague.

Settler
Oh... Then you should go to the mine. They need city people there. (indicating the way) Continue about one kilometer this way.

Yatom
Thanks. Shalom.

Isabella and Yatom unmount their donkeys and greet farewell to the Bedouin man who gets back from where he came from.

DAY, ROAD TO KALYA POTASH MINE, DEAD SEA

Potash Mine

Isabella and Yatom walk across the idyllic garden of date trees and other fruits.

Isabella
I though you were from some village. It's always been my dream to go to Prague.

Yatom
I am from a village, right next to Prague where I worked. But it doesn't exist anymore.

Isabella
(looking around the fields)
I heard that Prague women are beautiful...

Yatom
Yes, they are...

Isabella
(breathing the fresher air)
I like this place...

END OF EPISODE

NEXT IN THIS THEAD

Isabella and Yatom would marry and Yatom would recognize little Moshe as his son. They would remain in Kalya until 1948 when Yatom would join the new Israeli army and the Dead Sea region would become under Jordanian rule.

In 1946-47, Isabella could have played a role in the discovery of the Qumran Scrolls by a young Bedouin Shepherd. Maybe a son of the Bedouin who helped Yatom and Isabella.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea_Scrolls

Yatom's czech pregnant wife would have been arrested by the Germans and deported during a raid in his village, Lidice, in the spring of 1942. As he was in Prague teaching at the University at that time, he only found out when he got back home and as he realized that he might never see her again, he made his way to Palestine trough.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidice

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


NOTE FOR FUTURE EPISODE IN TIME 1

THIS LETTER WILL NEVER MAKE IT TO PERTH, AUSTRALIA, AND ISABELLA WILL RECEIVE IT BACK FROM THE BRITISH POST MANY YEARS AFTER THE WAR. THE SHIP CARRYING IT WAS SANK BY A GERMAN U-BOAT OFF YEMEN. IN 2010, TREASURE HUNTERS DISCOVERED TWO SEALED BOXES FROM THE ROYAL MAIL WITH STACKS ON UNOPENED LETTERS. THEIR CONTENT WAS SURRENDERED TO THE ROYAL MAIL WHICH REDISTRIBUTED IT TO THE ADDRESSEES. AS THEY COULD NOT TRACK ANASTASIO IN AUSTRALIA, THEY FOUND THE ADDRESSER, ISABELLA IN ISRAEL. ON HER DEATH BED, SHE ENTRUSTED THE LETTER TO HER CHERISHED GRANDSON, URI, WHO USED ALL IS CONNECTIONS TO TRACK DOWN ANASTASIO (DEAD), PAT (DEAD) AND FINALLY CARLA.

<< PREVIOUS EPISODE - NEXT EPISODE >>

Retrieved from "http://episodia.org/index.php?title=Cannaregio_1943&oldid=4786"