The story involves the power struggles and intrigues of a group of good-looking nuns at the Sant Arcangelo Convent and in particular the machinations of Sister Julia (played by former Miss Great Britain Anne Heywood) as she attempts, by any means possible, to succeed to the position of the dying Mother Superior.
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00:02:10Spain is plundering the richest territory in the world.
00:02:13Spain, with the help of God, has brought Christianity to the New World.
00:02:16By slaughtering the Incas and converting the survivors by force.
00:02:20The Viceroy ceases their welfare.
00:02:22The Viceroy has enslaved them.
00:02:24He provides work for those that want it.
00:02:25Yes, in Spanish gold mines.
00:02:27Like criminals in chains.
00:02:29You're forgetting, Caraba.
00:02:31Almighty God must have granted compensation to that poor land.
00:02:34By giving it precious minerals.
00:02:37It is not the Almighty's will that issue here, but...
00:02:41But our complacency.
00:02:43You must understand, Caraba.
00:02:45With our signature, we can assign someone a part of those riches.
00:02:49And these privileges gain the church valuable friendships.
00:02:53I will grant this privilege.
00:02:55But bar that name.
00:02:57He is a fraud.
00:02:59He is devoted to the church.
00:03:02And the nominee of the monarchy.
00:03:04And the nominee of the monarchy.
00:03:06And the nominee of the monarchy.
00:03:08And the nominee of the monarchy.
00:03:10And the nominee of the monarchy.
00:03:12And the nominee of the mother superior of Sant'Arcangelo.
00:03:15Remember that by tradition, the superior of that convent is the person who designates the candidate.
00:03:20We grant this privilege too.
00:03:23The present superior of the nuns of Sant'Arcangelo.
00:03:26They say is mortally ill.
00:03:31Ah?
00:03:32Let's see what happens.
00:03:35Ah, wait.
00:03:39I should let the next superior offer me this name.
00:03:42No.
00:04:12No.
00:04:42No.
00:05:12No.
00:05:42Holy virgin, I've seen the devil.
00:06:12Holy virgin, I've seen the devil.
00:06:27Until the new mother superior is duly appointed, I am in charge here.
00:06:31As I am the oldest.
00:06:36You, mother Julia, go and toll the bell.
00:06:42And you, mother Chiara, see that the church is in mourning.
00:06:45I must go and summon all the postulants here.
00:06:47Our rule prescribes that they alone drag the body to the church.
00:07:01I know you will be our next mother superior.
00:07:12I know you will be our next mother superior.
00:07:42I know you will be our next mother superior.
00:07:44I know you will be our next mother superior.
00:08:14I know you will be our next mother superior.
00:08:21In the name of our Lord.
00:08:32Ah, Agnes.
00:08:33Will you help me, Agnes?
00:08:34Mother Julia.
00:08:37Mother Lavinia.
00:08:39Will you allow Agnes to help me?
00:08:41You may go, Agnes.
00:08:44Agnes.
00:09:14Agnes.
00:09:28The door's open.
00:09:44Agnes.
00:10:12Carmela.
00:10:14Agnes.
00:10:31Afraid?
00:10:32No.
00:10:33Not with you, mother Julia.
00:10:36Agnes.
00:10:38You will be a novice soon.
00:10:40I promise I will always protect you.
00:10:42And spare you the heavier tasks.
00:10:45Even when my niece joins our order.
00:10:47When will she arrive here?
00:10:48Very soon.
00:10:50What's her name?
00:10:51Isabella.
00:10:53Don't worry.
00:10:54You will always be my favorite.
00:11:04Are you sorry the mother superior's dead?
00:11:07Well, I'm glad the poor woman is no longer suffering.
00:11:10Once the soul has gone, the body has little value.
00:11:14Of course, our souls have not departed yet.
00:11:17But the bell is pealing joyfully.
00:11:20It's only the wind.
00:11:40Agnes.
00:12:10Agnes.
00:12:40Agnes.
00:13:10Agnes.
00:13:23I'll submit this document to his eminence.
00:13:25It's a notarized deed and quite in order.
00:13:29As I should expect.
00:13:31Forgive me, your excellency.
00:13:34I trust I have stressed the urgency.
00:13:36The interested party is very, very anxious.
00:13:40To have the rank of mother superior.
00:13:43I imagine.
00:13:45I should think that the vocation of mother Carmela is beyond any doubt.
00:13:52His eminence will judge that.
00:13:59Mother Carmela's family asked me to tell you, your excellency.
00:14:04That they will express their gratitude personally.
00:14:10Naturally, I shall tell them how helpful you have been.
00:14:15You can tell them I am different from the others.
00:14:20Yes.
00:14:21But it is their custom.
00:14:26I'm of Neapolitan blood.
00:14:29And I'm not a party to Spanish etiquette.
00:14:40Sant'Arcangelo.
00:14:42Another one has come.
00:14:44One from a supplicant.
00:14:51The family of mother Lavinia again have reinforced her claim.
00:14:56Quadrupling her dowry.
00:14:59And she has a son.
00:15:01And a son.
00:15:03And a son.
00:15:05And a son.
00:15:06Quadrupling her dowry.
00:15:09Mother Lavinia's main advantage in our eyes is she's the eldest.
00:15:13She was suspect in morals and faith.
00:15:16When she was young.
00:15:17A suspicion that was found untrue.
00:15:20The needs of the church are expensive.
00:15:23Met by accepting rich families daughters with no vocation for it.
00:15:28They pay us to make convents a refuge from parentally arranged marriages they oppose.
00:15:32A means to untie their estates from their heirs.
00:15:35Or provide for their friends through their new found power.
00:15:46We cannot change the social structure nor can we discriminate.
00:15:51Since every donation is like the widows one might in value.
00:15:55And acceptable in the eyes of God.
00:15:57And acceptable in the eyes of God.
00:16:22Mother Julia.
00:16:24Mother Superior.
00:16:25Mother Julia's niece has arrived.
00:16:55Isabella.
00:16:57Aunt Julia.
00:17:04You must call me Mother Julia here.
00:17:07Welcome to the convent of St. Archangelo.
00:17:11Come in.
00:17:13Come in.
00:17:15Come in.
00:17:17Come in.
00:17:20Come in.
00:17:22Come in.
00:17:23Archangelo.
00:17:25Come.
00:17:31How nice to see you Mother Julia.
00:17:35Isabella has been giving us lots of trouble.
00:17:39I find that she thinks she's in love.
00:17:44What's happened to the boy?
00:17:46Don't worry he's been sent far away.
00:17:51Any important news?
00:17:53Pastor Rivera will go in person to the Archbishop to announce the bequest.
00:17:58He also told me he will come to see you soon.
00:18:02Good.
00:18:04I'm keeping an eye on the situation.
00:18:06Sister Carmela and Mother Lavinia have both made their moves.
00:18:10You have strong opposition to overcome.
00:18:13Their families are quite influential.
00:18:16I know.
00:18:23Isabella.
00:18:37Mother Julia.
00:18:40It's not right to ask me to inspect my niece Mother Lavinia.
00:18:44Mother Carmela.
00:18:53Sit down.
00:19:07Sit here.
00:19:23Sit down.
00:19:39Don't worry Agnes.
00:19:48No.
00:19:51Be firm.
00:19:53Be firm.
00:20:02No.
00:20:04No.
00:20:13No.
00:20:16No.
00:20:19No.
00:20:23No.
00:20:29No.
00:20:53No.
00:21:23No.
00:21:53No.
00:21:58Oh Lord help me.
00:22:01Oh Lord God help me.
00:22:04Oh Lord help me.
00:22:23Oh Lord.
00:22:48Forgiveness.
00:22:51Forgiveness.
00:22:53Forgiveness.
00:23:00Forgiveness.
00:23:04I humbly address myself to you.
00:23:07To your charity.
00:23:09I have asked to have my vows revoked.
00:23:12Yes, she has made a formal application.
00:23:16I'm still waiting.
00:23:18I'm still waiting.
00:23:19We tried to make her recognize the sad impression her request for release would make.
00:23:23And what has brought about your abrupt treaty to leave the order?
00:23:26My health.
00:23:27I suffer dreadfully.
00:23:28Yes, dreadfully.
00:23:33What ailment do you have?
00:23:35In appearance you are very well.
00:23:37A case of nerves.
00:23:40And largely imagined.
00:23:43You are Sister Chiara.
00:23:45Are you not?
00:23:46Yes, Your Eminence.
00:23:48The Holy See has placed your petition in my hands.
00:23:50Consequently, the Congregation of Religious Orders has asked my opinion.
00:23:54And I am forced to deny you.
00:23:57Poor Sister Chiara needs some distraction.
00:24:00Let her devote some time to embroidery.
00:24:03It shall be done, Your Eminence.
00:24:04It shall be done.
00:24:20Your Eminence.
00:24:22Your Eminence.
00:24:24Your Eminence.
00:24:26Your Eminence.
00:24:28Your Eminence.
00:24:30Your Eminence.
00:24:32Your Eminence.
00:24:34Your Eminence.
00:24:36Your Eminence.
00:24:38Your Eminence.
00:24:40Your Eminence.
00:24:42Your Eminence.
00:24:44Your Eminence.
00:24:46Your Eminence.
00:24:48Your Eminence.
00:24:50Your Eminence.
00:24:52Your Eminence.
00:24:54Your Eminence.
00:24:56Your Eminence.
00:24:58Your Eminence.
00:25:00Your Eminence.
00:25:02Your Eminence.
00:25:04Your Eminence.
00:25:06Your Eminence.
00:25:08Your Eminence.
00:25:10Your Eminence.
00:25:12Your Eminence.
00:25:14Your Eminence.
00:25:16Your Eminence.
00:25:18Your Eminence.
00:25:20Your Eminence.
00:25:22Your Eminence.
00:25:24Your Eminence.
00:25:26Your Eminence.
00:25:28Your Eminence.
00:25:30Your Eminence.
00:25:32Your Eminence.
00:25:34Your Eminence.
00:25:36Your Eminence.
00:25:38Your Eminence.
00:25:40Your Eminence.
00:25:42Your Eminence.
00:25:44Your Eminence.
00:25:46Your Eminence.
00:25:48Your Eminence.
00:25:50Your Eminence.
00:25:52Your Eminence.
00:25:54Your Eminence.
00:26:20Your Eminence.
00:26:22Your Eminence.
00:26:24Your Eminence.
00:26:26Your Eminence.
00:26:28Your Eminence.
00:26:30Your Eminence.
00:26:32Your Eminence.
00:26:34Your Eminence.
00:26:36Your Eminence.
00:26:38Your Eminence.
00:26:40Your Eminence.
00:26:42Your Eminence.
00:26:44Your Eminence.
00:26:46Your Eminence.
00:26:48Your Eminence.
00:26:50Your Eminence.
00:26:52Your Eminence.
00:26:54Your Eminence.
00:26:56Your Eminence.
00:26:58Your Eminence.
00:27:00Your Eminence.
00:27:02Your Eminence.
00:27:04Your Eminence.
00:27:06Your Eminence.
00:27:08Your Eminence.
00:27:10Your Eminence.
00:27:12Your Eminence.
00:27:14Your Eminence.
00:27:16Your Eminence.
00:27:18Your Eminence.
00:27:50Where are you, where are you?
00:27:59Little Gina, little Gina,
00:28:07How are you?
00:28:15I am here, little Gina,
00:28:24I am here, little Gina,
00:28:30I am here, little Gina,
00:28:38I am here, little Gina,
00:28:47I am here, little Gina,
00:28:56I am here, little Gina,
00:29:04At Chippewa, I'm a loomsponser.
00:29:33At Chippewa, I'm a loomsponser.
00:30:02My mother, Lavinia, says she will not let you out of here until you've finished all the embroidery.
00:30:09Here, it's almost done.
00:30:12I haven't slept for over three nights doing it.
00:30:16Please, for my sake, finish it.
00:30:23They must not know at the Archbishop's Palace that I am ill.
00:30:28Then you don't want the doctor?
00:30:31Your order only allows a doctor in very serious cases and only with the Bishop's written permission.
00:30:38A good thing that I have you, Mother Julia.
00:30:42I've brought you some medicine.
00:30:44I think it will help you.
00:30:48I've plenty of it.
00:30:50I've had the same symptoms as you, Mother Lavinia.
00:31:20I am grateful for your forgiveness, Mother Lavinia.
00:31:36Pay your respects to Mother Julia.
00:31:38I think she'd appreciate it.
00:31:43I'm glad you finished the embroidery.
00:31:57Thank you.
00:32:28Do you like them?
00:32:31Yes.
00:32:32They are for you.
00:32:34Thank you.
00:32:36I'll take them to the altar.
00:32:53I well know the healing power of your hands.
00:32:57But now your care is all for Mother Lavinia.
00:33:03What do you mean?
00:33:05At times you frighten me.
00:33:07You don't talk to me or see me anymore alone.
00:33:10We only see each other in crowds now.
00:33:13You hardly notice me.
00:33:23I'll take them to the altar.
00:33:46Isabella.
00:33:51Here.
00:33:58I hope it's not something forbidden.
00:34:01It was the gatekeeper nun who gave it to me.
00:34:03She said I'm above suspicion.
00:34:06You should be proud.
00:34:08Why?
00:34:09It's a mortal sin.
00:34:16Good news?
00:34:17Wonderful news.
00:34:18He's no longer far away.
00:34:20Who is he?
00:34:22Fernando.
00:34:24I hope to see him soon.
00:34:26How?
00:34:28There is a way.
00:34:29He suggested it.
00:34:42Do you love him?
00:34:43More than anything.
00:34:46And Mother Julia, your aunt, does she know about this?
00:34:51That one knows everything.
00:34:53Maybe she even had a hand in separating me from him.
00:34:57It seems strange to talk about love with you.
00:35:00Why?
00:35:01Love is the most wonderful feeling that exists.
00:35:05What you mean by love is something else.
00:35:08Yes, but perhaps because of this I can understand you better.
00:35:12Will you keep it a secret?
00:35:14Yes.
00:36:03Isabella.
00:36:05Oh, Fernando.
00:36:08So much time has passed.
00:36:09It seemed endless.
00:36:11Five months and 12 days.
00:36:13Do you remember the last time we saw each other?
00:36:16Millions of times I've relived that meeting.
00:36:19I've also dreamt it.
00:36:21But then something always separated us suddenly.
00:36:24You disappeared and I couldn't see you anymore.
00:36:27I was never able to dream of you.
00:36:29Who knows why?
00:36:30Perhaps it's because in the daytime I imagine you're always by my side talking to me.
00:36:34I tell you all the time that I love you.
00:36:37I say it too, all the time, that I love you.
00:36:44Let's move.
00:36:45We might be able to get closer.
00:36:48Speak.
00:36:49I beg you.
00:36:50Let's fill every second of our meeting.
00:36:53How was your voyage?
00:36:54Tiresome.
00:36:55Did your parents send you far away, dear?
00:36:57Oh, yes.
00:36:58It was awful not knowing where you were.
00:37:01I didn't know where you were either.
00:37:03Even so, you finally found out where I was.
00:37:05Yes.
00:37:06And how did you manage to leave?
00:37:08I wrote to my parents and told them I wanted to meet her.
00:37:11Who?
00:37:12That girl they want me to marry.
00:37:15And have you met her?
00:37:17No.
00:37:18I was to meet her the day before the wedding.
00:37:20She must be very ugly.
00:37:25Over there.
00:37:28Oh, Fernando, I'm glad you waited for me.
00:37:31You have taken the vow.
00:37:33I'm a novice.
00:37:34I can still be released from it.
00:37:36I've written to some friends of my family.
00:37:39Nobody has answered.
00:37:41Love will take care of us.
00:37:44Love has wings.
00:37:45Yes, my love.
00:37:47And life has no meaning if I can't have you.
00:37:50Don't steal my thoughts, Isabella.
00:37:58I love you.
00:38:28In my fingers, there is all of myself.
00:38:30I have never touched anything more wonderful.
00:38:34Swear that you will always be mine.
00:38:37I swear.
00:38:38I swear the same.
00:38:39By what?
00:38:40By God Almighty.
00:38:42But you, your vows, you've taken another oath.
00:38:46I continue to pray to God because God is love.
00:38:58You must go now.
00:39:00Goodbye, my love.
00:39:02No, not goodbye.
00:39:05Till we meet again.
00:39:23Mother Lavinia is ill.
00:39:25She's sorry she can't greet you personally.
00:39:27Is dear Lavinia's health becoming any worse?
00:39:30Her condition is certainly not improving.
00:39:35Well, I don't think we should dispatch her to heaven before her time.
00:39:40According to the Vatican, an invalid may not be appointed Mother Superior.
00:39:46You're free to move.
00:39:47Thank you.
00:39:50I must also thank you for the gifts.
00:39:53Especially the medicine, the elixir.
00:39:57It was very kind of you, Don Carlos.
00:40:00And Isabella, how is she?
00:40:02My niece is very well.
00:40:04Have you checked her?
00:40:06Of course.
00:40:07Everything all right?
00:40:09She is exactly as she was born.
00:40:12Hmm.
00:40:14We saved her from that young scoundrel just in time.
00:40:20Don Carlos.
00:40:22Yes, Reverend Mother?
00:40:24Are the documents all in order?
00:40:26Hmm.
00:40:28They are.
00:40:30When it's a question of increasing their land holdings, the Church never says no.
00:40:36Your appointment is all but assured.
00:40:39I could say, as sure as Isabella's virginity.
00:40:48Once you become Mother Superior, there will be nothing to prevent you from sending her to me.
00:40:57I will move into my villa at Valliano and wait for her there.
00:41:01It's not far from here.
00:41:04I hope I won't have to wait long.
00:41:08You never mentioned this before, Don Carlos.
00:41:10Oh, didn't I?
00:41:12Well, I mention it now, Mother Julia.
00:41:16I thought you were only interested in the rights to the mines abroad.
00:41:22It hasn't been so easy to clear the way for your becoming Mother Superior.
00:41:27There have been applications from other convents, too.
00:41:33I haven't told you before, but I have spent much more than we anticipated.
00:41:41You cannot draw back now.
00:41:44It would mean ruin for your family.
00:41:47That's true, Don Carlos.
00:41:51Sister Carmela also has a friend in a high position.
00:41:57What do you know about this Carmela?
00:42:00Enough to eliminate her.
00:43:15What a scandal.
00:43:19Don't go alone.
00:43:21Sound the alarm.
00:43:23Yes, of course, Mother Lavinia.
00:43:28Wake up.
00:43:31Wake up, wake up.
00:43:33What is it?
00:43:34Oh, Mother, it's terrible.
00:43:35I think there's a man in the convent.
00:43:39What is it?
00:43:40Oh, Mother, it's terrible.
00:43:41I think there's a man in the convent.
00:44:10Mother Carmela.
00:44:13Mother Carmela.
00:44:39Mother Carmela.
00:45:10I have the authorization of Mother Lavinia.
00:45:12It's an abuse.
00:45:36Yes, it's true.
00:45:38Yes, it's true.
00:45:41I wanted to escape.
00:46:08It's true.
00:46:38It's true.
00:47:08A little more of that medicine of yours.
00:47:32I'm afraid it's all finished.
00:47:34And since we don't know the nature of your illness,
00:47:36I think it's better that you don't take any more.
00:47:39You know, Mother Lavinia, you might be infectious.
00:47:43I think, for the safety of everyone,
00:47:46we should have you transferred to the isolation cell.
00:47:51There you will get the best attention,
00:47:54material and spiritual.
00:47:59This cell must be scrubbed clean immediately.
00:48:10We shall put my family coat of arms here.
00:48:28It's hot.
00:48:59Congratulations.
00:49:17Isabella, I have a job for you.
00:49:21I want you to take a message to the Villa Baiano.
00:49:25Do you know where it is?
00:49:27Of course, Aunt Julia.
00:49:29Of course, Mother Superior.
00:49:32Good. Then you can go by yourself.
00:49:36When?
00:49:37Tomorrow.
00:49:39Till tomorrow?
00:49:42Till tomorrow.
00:49:53How was your journey, Your Excellency?
00:49:55Long and uncomfortable.
00:49:57Anything new occur here?
00:50:02Another anonymous letter from the convent of Sant'Arcangelo.
00:50:05Who is the new Mother Superior?
00:50:08It's Mother Julia, of the Duke of Mondragone's family.
00:50:16His eminence is here?
00:50:18Yes, Your Excellency.
00:50:20Bring in all the records of Sant'Arcangelo.
00:50:22At once.
00:50:25Scurrilous habits.
00:50:28To the point that convents contaminated by the plague of immorality...
00:50:32...are not abodes of virgins consecrated to God...
00:50:36...but in their place are veritable brothels.
00:50:40These sad facts were attested to by Cardinal Giuseppe Gandarini...
00:50:45...in the 15th century.
00:50:48But we happen to be in the church of the 16th century...
00:50:52...and other conditions prevail.
00:50:54Perhaps not for the better.
00:50:56In the convent of Sant'Arcangelo, for example.
00:50:59Do you suppose I would act on a letter from an unknown person?
00:51:02No.
00:51:03I merely suggest we verify the true facts.
00:51:07The new Superior will see to that.
00:51:09She has character.
00:51:11Oh, of that I'm sure.
00:51:13The proper character to have got where she is.
00:51:18Our religious orders are only veiled centres of privilege and despotism.
00:51:24They've ceased to obey the message Christ taught.
00:51:28Should we fail to maintain the church's temporal power...
00:51:31...shall we be overthrown and our realm divided?
00:51:37Our Lord and his apostles had a greater power.
00:51:41They produced a profound enthusiasm...
00:51:45...because they were able for the first time to convince us...
00:51:48...that there are basic human rights...
00:51:51...by their example set every day.
00:51:54The church has been organised to safeguard those rights.
00:52:00Grant this to me, Carapha.
00:52:02If you destroy the church, you throw the example away.
00:52:05Heaven forbid.
00:52:07I did not mean our mother to return to her original poverty...
00:52:11...and lack defence...
00:52:13...but avoid monstrous speculations affected in her name.
00:52:17The privileges accorded to honour a convent's mother Superior...
00:52:21...lead to the lowest intrigues.
00:52:23Since you allude to the convent of Sant'Arcangelo's merciful privilege...
00:52:27...you should know that property it has in the neighbourhood was extended...
00:52:30...by the piety of Don Carlos Ribera.
00:52:33And in exchange...
00:52:35...he accepts complete possession of riches in another land...
00:52:39...across the ocean.
00:52:41Does that meet your scruples?
00:52:43And grandee of Spain's, yes.
00:52:45He is unfit.
00:52:53I will allow you the possibility to see everything...
00:52:55...at the convent of Sant'Arcangelo.
00:52:58All is in order there.
00:53:01I will make my inspection...
00:53:04...provided they have no suspicion of my arrival.
00:53:07Then go now.
00:53:37THE CONVENT OF SANT'ARCANGELO
00:53:42THE CONVENT OF SANT'ARCANGELO
00:54:03Give this personally to Don Carlos Ribera.
00:54:12Isabella...
00:54:14...the message is very important.
00:54:17Don't worry, Mother Superior.
00:54:28Isabella, be careful!
00:54:35Isabella!
00:54:41Isabella!
00:55:11Isabella!
00:55:41No! No! No!
00:55:52The relics of Saint Damien.
00:55:54Saint Damien evidently weighed a ton.
00:55:56In every convent I've seen there are pieces of it.
00:55:59For some people, these things are very important.
00:56:07Open your cell for inspection, Mother Julia.
00:56:12By whose authority?
00:56:14The authority of His Eminence in care of this diocese...
00:56:17...in which I exercise the vicariate.
00:56:19A written one, Your Excellency?
00:56:21Yes, I'll show you that.
00:56:42Do you offer devotion to God...
00:56:44...or to the objects of your vanity on earth?
00:56:47I cannot renounce my family.
00:56:52When you pronounced your holy vows...
00:56:54...you chose the family of Christ.
00:57:11The relics of Saint Damien.
00:57:42And what is that?
00:57:45Medicine.
00:58:07There's a door there.
00:58:11A door that's locked.
00:58:13It's the isolation cell...
00:58:15...for the very sick.
00:58:17Is it occupied?
00:58:19Yes.
00:58:21She's infectious.
00:58:23I am immune.
00:58:25I'm not afraid of being infected.
00:58:42A bestial practice.
00:58:45I know.
00:58:46But it's the rule, isn't it?
00:58:49You might have broken it.
00:58:51The disciplinary cells, Your Excellency.
00:58:53So I see.
00:59:02Mother Carmela.
00:59:04She tried to escape.
00:59:06I've sent a complaint.
00:59:08She tried to escape.
00:59:10I've sent a complete report to the Archbishop.
00:59:13I've read it.
00:59:16Put her back in her cell.
00:59:39And what is this?
00:59:41A souvenir?
00:59:44Or does it mean you're visited in secret?
01:00:08This hand is not unknown to me.
01:00:10Those are her personal confessions.
01:00:13I don't see how they can possibly be...
01:00:15I'm quite sure of it.
01:00:21Get out.
01:00:23Get out!
01:00:24Get out!
01:00:26Absolutely no one must pass in or out.
01:00:28No exceptions.
01:00:38Get out.
01:01:09It's getting late.
01:01:11Let's go.
01:01:14Where?
01:01:15To the castle of Baiano.
01:01:17Who cares about that now?
01:01:19I do.
01:01:20All right.
01:01:29Oh, you dirty boys, get out.
01:01:31Away with you.
01:01:32Do your unnatural acts somewhere else.
01:01:34Be off, I say.
01:01:36And keep away from my sheep.
01:01:46What them boys was doing shouldn't be seen by decent people.
01:01:48Busting each other on the mouth.
01:01:50A shame.
01:02:06There's evidence enough to proceed with a trial.
01:02:10We must consider they belong to prominent families.
01:02:14It's proven they're able to influence even the King of Spain.
01:02:17Eminence.
01:02:19Don't let them escape you.
01:02:22Have the trial proceed.
01:02:24Who summons it?
01:02:25You have more than sufficient power.
01:02:27It's a cloistered nunnery.
01:02:30What sort of trial would it be?
01:02:32Investigative, Eminence.
01:02:33An inquisition?
01:02:35Defending in time of peril our mother, the Church.
01:02:41It's quite certain His Holiness Gregory XIII will appreciate your zeal.
01:02:48I'll be exposed to their worst vengeance.
01:02:57I'm ready to assume the entire responsibility.
01:03:00Untruthful.
01:03:02Vicious.
01:03:03Lying.
01:03:04Stupid.
01:03:07Anonymous letters.
01:03:09We'll all suffer for this.
01:03:14I know what you've done to Mother Lavinia.
01:03:16That elixir's worsened her.
01:03:18You know nothing.
01:03:24Keep on.
01:03:25Yes, keep on.
01:03:27Oh, keep hurting me.
01:03:31It's about time you took an interest in me again.
01:03:57Mother.
01:04:06I've made you suffer.
01:04:09And you didn't deserve it.
01:04:13Do you feel sorry for me?
01:04:27My love hasn't changed.
01:04:34How I'd like to be sure of that.
01:04:46Nothing has changed.
01:04:48Except...
01:04:50Except?
01:04:52The matter of my appointment.
01:04:58At times, I wish I were dead.
01:05:03You must never say that.
01:05:08You're with me now.
01:05:12Telling me you love me.
01:05:15Only because you need my silence.
01:05:20Do you think I don't know that?
01:05:27I love you.
01:05:57I love you.
01:06:27I love you.
01:06:57Thank you, Mercy.
01:07:00Now, wait a minute.
01:07:01I'm sure we can talk about this.
01:07:03Everything.
01:07:04Oh, I know.
01:07:05I know.
01:07:06I know.
01:07:07I know.
01:07:08I know.
01:07:09I know.
01:07:10I know.
01:07:11I know.
01:07:12I know.
01:07:13I know.
01:07:14I know.
01:07:15I know.
01:07:16I know.
01:07:17I know.
01:07:18I know.
01:07:19I know.
01:07:20I know.
01:07:21I know.
01:07:22I know.
01:07:23I know.
01:07:24I know.
01:07:25I know.
01:07:26I know.
01:07:27I know.
01:07:28I know.
01:07:29I know.
01:07:30I know.
01:07:31I know.
01:07:32I know.
01:07:33I know.
01:07:34I know.
01:07:35I know.
01:07:36I know.
01:07:37I know.
01:07:38I know.
01:07:39I know.
01:07:40I know.
01:07:41I know.
01:07:42I know.
01:07:43I know.
01:07:44I know.
01:07:45I know.
01:07:46I know.
01:07:47I know.
01:07:48I know.
01:07:49I know.
01:07:50I know.
01:07:51I know.
01:07:52I know.
01:07:53I know.
01:07:54I know.
01:07:55I know.
01:07:56I know.
01:07:57I know.
01:07:58I know.
01:07:59I know.
01:08:00I know.
01:08:01Verse 19,
01:08:21Invocing the name of the Lord,
01:08:22we, Alfonso Caraba,
01:08:23vicar of His eminence,
01:08:24Open this hearing in accordance with canon law as an act of faith in the apostolic church to question the nuns of Sant'Arcangelo at Bayano.
01:08:44Hmm.
01:08:46Thank you so much. You can't imagine how pleased I am with this message from Mother Julia.
01:08:54I sent her my congratulations for her new appointment.
01:09:02Isabel.
01:09:06Entrusting the message to her pretty little niece was a splendid idea.
01:09:14I want to tell you that I...
01:09:15Prédu.
01:09:16Don't rush off. I've been wanting to have a long talk with you for some time now.
01:09:30I really suspected all along that it might have been you.
01:09:36Certain things can be hidden only up to a point.
01:09:47Let me go.
01:09:50Let me go.
01:09:52I enjoy this. I adore young girls who try to resist me.
01:09:55Let me go.
01:09:56I enjoy them all the more.
01:09:57No.
01:10:01I'm sorry.
01:10:03I'm sorry.
01:10:05I'm sorry.
01:10:07I'm sorry.
01:10:09I'm sorry.
01:10:11I'm sorry.
01:10:13I'm sorry.
01:10:15Leave me alone.
01:10:31Isabel.
01:10:44Isabel.
01:10:57No.
01:11:03Fernando.
01:11:06Quick, we have to run away from here.
01:11:09Come on.
01:11:11This way.
01:11:15This way.
01:11:28The horses.
01:11:32After her.
01:11:34But don't take her at once.
01:11:44Let's go.
01:12:14Come on, run.
01:12:44Let's go.
01:13:14Let's go.
01:13:44Let's go.
01:14:15No.
01:14:16No, let go of him.
01:14:18No.
01:14:20Let go.
01:14:21No.
01:14:23Don't hurt him, I beg you.
01:14:25I know everything.
01:14:26I warn you.
01:14:35I know every detail of what my Aunt Mother Julia has done to become Mother Superior.
01:14:39And what you stand to gain in rights to the lands of the new world.
01:14:42Release her.
01:14:44Yes.
01:14:45And I'm also aware of what Mother Julia has been doing inside the convent walls.
01:14:51The gifts that you sent her.
01:14:53The medicine.
01:14:55Not to mention the reception your men gave to Mother Carmela's visitors.
01:14:59Hold your tongue.
01:15:01Now I advise you to let us go.
01:15:04Threatening me doesn't afford you any protection.
01:15:07You couldn't kill me if you were the king.
01:15:09I thought of that too.
01:15:10Because if you do, the scandal will be the end of you.
01:15:23Are you trying to bargain?
01:15:24Yes, haven't I as much right as you?
01:15:29Why did you spy on the other nuns in the convent?
01:15:33I want to be freed from my vows.
01:15:35I'd hope to use the opportunity of my mission to you to discuss it at least.
01:15:40But you never gave me a chance to talk.
01:15:43In brief?
01:15:45You're not attracted to convent life.
01:15:48Oh, my dear, I must say I can't really blame you.
01:15:52All right.
01:15:54I'm going to take you back to the convent.
01:15:56I'll advise you what to do, and what to say.
01:16:00In your own interest.
01:16:06In the interest of both of you.
01:16:12Well, I think in the interest of all three of us.
01:16:18I'm going to take you back to the convent.
01:16:22I'm going to take you back to the convent.
01:16:27I'm going to take you back to the convent.
01:16:36Was it this?
01:16:38I think so.
01:16:40You have to reply precisely whether or not you've recorded.
01:16:43I am ill. It is hard to remember.
01:16:53And do you, Mother Julia...
01:16:56recognize this bottle?
01:16:58Yes.
01:17:03You admit you knew what the contents were?
01:17:06It's medicine.
01:17:10You have had it examined.
01:17:12Tell us the exact nature of the contents.
01:17:17It's a poison.
01:17:22Is it fatal?
01:17:23That depends on the dose.
01:17:26It's a medicine.
01:17:30Is it a fact they use this poison in medicine?
01:17:33Yes.
01:17:36Well.
01:17:38And how did you happen to possess this medicine?
01:17:42I brought it with me when I entered the convent.
01:17:45I've had it for years.
01:17:47I've always found it a very effective medicine.
01:17:50I've had the same sickness, too.
01:17:54Ask Mother Lavinia.
01:17:57It's true.
01:18:14In this letter, you are said to have known the effect
01:18:17In this letter, you are said to have known the effect
01:18:19of excessive use of that medicine.
01:18:23That's an anonymous letter.
01:18:26The person who wrote this letter...
01:18:30is here among us.
01:18:32You wrote it.
01:18:37Is it my handwriting?
01:18:46Compare them.
01:18:52They appear to be written in the same manner.
01:18:55By using perhaps the other hand,
01:18:56the anonymous letter writer and the author of the journal
01:18:59could well be one and the same.
01:19:02Can you swear they are?
01:19:04Swear? No.
01:19:12I found your diary.
01:19:15Of very pertinent interest and most astute.
01:19:18You read my confessions.
01:19:21The letters and the diary are the same.
01:19:25The same phrases.
01:19:28Your confessions...
01:19:31mention...
01:19:34medicaments Mother Julia had administered to Sister Lavinia.
01:19:39I only meant to bring out Mother Julia's gesture.
01:19:41What kind of gesture?
01:19:43Of her goodness.
01:19:47Here's another letter without a name.
01:19:49Please mark it.
01:19:50This one is different from the others.
01:19:54It is also the most important in its disclosure.
01:20:03An outsider was fully informed of the scandalous misconduct
01:20:07within the walls of this convent?
01:20:09He knew of secret visits by a man to one of the nuns.
01:20:13He even knew the spot in the shadow of the convent
01:20:15where someone murdered and buried Mother Carmela's lover Pietro Lanciani.
01:20:40And who did it?
01:20:43Had one of your family learned of your infamous conduct?
01:20:47His rival then?
01:20:54Have you favoured other men?
01:20:58You must answer.
01:21:01You will force us to use other methods.
01:21:03Apply it then.
01:21:06Apply the strongest method.
01:21:10I meant it as a threat to your eminence.
01:21:12I order it.
01:21:37Did you copulate with him?
01:21:39Insist she answer.
01:22:10For pity's sake, stop!
01:22:13Mother Chiara has suffered enough.
01:22:19Mother Julia, did you and Mother Chiara have a sinful relationship?
01:22:27Make her admit it.
01:22:29In obedience to God.
01:22:39Oh!
01:22:55Tell everything. Every sin.
01:22:58You'll save your soul.
01:23:10No!
01:23:28I did it! I poisoned Mother Lavinia!
01:23:40No, the novice Agnes need not attend.
01:23:45Before I go on with the inquisition, she must leave.
01:24:10It wasn't easy.
01:24:13I was able, though, to do something for you.
01:24:17You'll only have to stand your trial as a penitent.
01:24:22But don't worry.
01:24:24As long as you do what I told you, everything will be all right.
01:24:40For the evidence I want, we'll have to go even further.
01:24:43Who's above them?
01:24:45My dear Carapa, there's no murderer that I can see.
01:24:48Mother Lavinia is surviving for the moment.
01:24:52A sentence to long imprisonment at hard labor is all that's required for the disobedient.
01:24:57For the nun Julia, as superior, a death sentence is prescribed, though.
01:25:01Mother Julia's position is an ecclesiastical mistake.
01:25:05I must judge her as if she had nothing to do with it.
01:25:07I must judge her as if she had never been selected.
01:25:10But then the Don Carlos donation is annulled.
01:25:13That donation has to remain valid, regardless of all that has occurred.
01:25:18But consequently, the enormous privilege we have awarded to Don Carlos Ribera,
01:25:23regarding his gold concessions, as well as other rights, will have to remain valid.
01:25:28Then as far as I'm able to comprehend, the problem reduces itself to this.
01:25:32If Mother Julia is superior, her sentence can only be the death penalty.
01:25:37And the Church has saved a huge donation.
01:25:40And Don Carlos' privilege.
01:25:49But if we annul her appointment,
01:25:52we assume that Mother Julia has been acting in a simple nun's capacity,
01:25:56and her sentence is incarceration, probably for life.
01:25:59At least we'll be able to prove that.
01:26:02At least she will live.
01:26:04Then the Church must renounce this conspicuous donation.
01:26:08And Don Carlos, his privilege.
01:26:21This lamentable trial is what you wished.
01:26:24Don't forget, Carafa.
01:26:27Now you must finally consult the Inquisitorial Council to sum up the issue.
01:26:32And decide the verdict.
01:27:02Amen.
01:27:18Amen.
01:27:22By the grace of God and His Holiness the Pope,
01:27:25we, Archbishop of the Glorious Diocese of the Kingdom of Naples,
01:27:28at the conclusion of this most sacred Inquisition,
01:27:31convened to question the nuns of Sant'Arcangelo at Baiano,
01:27:35in the name of our Lord, the Holy See,
01:27:38and the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church, decree thus.
01:27:43The nun Carmela, of the noble title of the Princes of Costante,
01:27:49is sentenced to imprisonment for life.
01:27:51The nun Chiara, ex-Baroness of Arcamone,
01:27:56is sentenced to ten years in prison,
01:27:59where she will be held in solitary confinement.
01:28:08The novice Isabella, Countess of Montragone,
01:28:14is to revoke her vow.
01:28:17All her patronage,
01:28:18donated to the convent of Sant'Arcangelo as her dowry,
01:28:21are to revert to the Diocese of Naples.
01:28:25Trusting in God, and in all conscience,
01:28:28we hold the nun Giulia, ex-Duchess of Montragone,
01:28:32culpable of criminal conduct, corruption, and cruelty.
01:28:36We decree, however, that her appointment as superior
01:28:39remain valid.
01:28:42There is no doubt,
01:28:43that her appointment as superior remain valid.
01:28:48Therefore, in applying the only sentence that we may
01:28:51from the Church's canon law,
01:28:53a sentence stipulated in the regulation
01:28:55as a capital penalty,
01:28:57we decree that it be carried out immediately,
01:29:00and if she so wishes, by taking poison,
01:29:04to spare her the secular arm.
01:29:06The other nuns are to be transferred to other convents,
01:29:09where they will dispel, through prayers and isolation,
01:29:13the doubts which have assailed their faith.
01:29:16You are judging me for corruption and cruelty.
01:29:21Am I mean?
01:29:24Am I a liar?
01:29:27Am I a liar?
01:29:30Am I a liar?
01:29:32Am I a liar?
01:29:34Am I a liar?
01:29:36Am I a liar?
01:29:38Am I a liar?
01:29:40Am I a liar?
01:29:42Am I a liar?
01:29:44Am I more cruel and corrupt than you?
01:29:50A sinful relationship?
01:29:52Yes, I seized the only chance of affection I had.
01:29:58Or am I accused of wanting power?
01:30:04What do you want?
01:30:09I was forced into this place,
01:30:12and here the only security is power.
01:30:16You are speaking blasphemy.
01:30:18I will not suffer it.
01:30:19No!
01:30:22I'm speaking the truth,
01:30:24as I can now, for the first time in my life.
01:30:30The law of the church is inhuman,
01:30:33and it made me inhuman too,
01:30:35like you!
01:30:41But I know I have a soul.
01:30:50And at last,
01:30:55I'm free.
01:30:57I'm free.
01:31:11I'm ready.
01:31:26I'm ready.
01:31:56I'm ready.
01:32:26I'm ready.
01:32:56I'm ready.
01:33:26I'm ready.
01:33:57I absolve you of your sins.
01:34:00In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.
01:34:04Amen.
01:34:12And the Lord pardon us
01:34:15for the pain we have inflicted
01:34:18in the church's name.
01:34:23Oh, Lord!
01:34:25Oh, Lord, forgive those who have offended you.
01:34:31Oh, Lord, forgive us our sins.
01:34:54Amen.
01:35:24Amen.
01:35:54Amen.
01:36:24Amen.
01:36:26Amen.