Stromboli (1950)

Renzo Cesana: The Priest

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Quotes 

• The Priest : Those who have gone away help those who are left behind. And I, well, I act as the middle-man.

  Karin : Then try to help us, Father. I can't take a life like this. Antonio is still a boy. Yes, I love him, but he doesn't understand how a woman like me feels.

  The Priest : I think he does. I know how hard he tried to get work. The fishing season has started. And the boats have full crews already. You see, there are only four boats from Stromboli. The rest come from other islands. Yet, Antonio has managed to find a place. He sacrificed his pride. He owned a boat of his own, once, you know. He has done it all for you. I know it, because I talked with him.

  Karin : Yes, I suppose he's doing his best, but... can't he realize that I can't live here, and that he should take me away?

  The Priest : You need money to emigrate - and a place to go.

  Karin : Those who are born here, all they wanted was to leave. You can imagine how I feel here, Father, a stranger. These black rocks, this desolation, that... that 'terror.' This island drives me mad, Father. Won't you help us, please?

  The Priest : You are both young. Make Antonio save his money instead of spending it. Help him. And perhaps you will be able to leave too, someday. But while you are to stay here, make a good home for yourself and for him. It will make it easier for both of you to wait. If you do this, merciful God will help you.

  Karin : With me, God has *never* been merciful!

• The Priest : San Bartolo, our patron saint, will bless you. It was San Bartolo who stopped the lava and the fire up there with his hands and saved our homes. You will be happy here, won't you? This is your home now.

  Antonio : Grazie a Padre.

  Karin : Good-bye, Father.

• Karin : Oh, I am so ashamed, Father. I may have done wrong. But, all I want now is a little happiness. Where I was born we had a nice home. We lost everything in the war. I met a man, an officer, in the invading army. He seemed more human than the rest. He was young and always gay. I was trapped, like all the rest. I-I have sinned, but, I've paid. You're a sensitive, experienced man.

  The Priest : I am only a poor priest.

  Karin : But, I can be frank with you. I couldn't with Antonio. You are the one man who can give me comfort.

  The Priest : I'm no more than the parish priest of a little community of fishermen.

  Karin : But, your human qualities, I can see.

  The Priest : I am a priest! And I can only assist you during confession or to prayer.

• The Priest : May the Lord guide you. Compose yourself! Meditate! Think.

• The Priest : With a little time and patience, everything will be all right.

  Karin : Everything? You mean this island and the volcano too?

  The Priest : No, I mean your home and you.

• The Priest : I was wondering how you're getting along.

  Karin : You can see for yourself. I stay out here. My house is filled with little old men who speak about America all the time.

• The Priest : Maybe I can help you, I told your husband it was all right to take the tiles from the Moletta house. The Molettas left this island 26 years ago. I don't think they'll mind. You see, I'm a sort of trustee for property of those who have gone abroad. I think the tiles will make your home a little brighter and nobody will mind a little robbery.

• The Priest : Antonio is a good, simple boy. In all his life, his only experience has been his military service.

  Karin : Yes, I understand him too, Father, but who understands me? You are the only man here who can understand, perhaps. Please advise me. Help me. I'm going mad. I'm so unhappy, Father. I suffer, believe me.

  The Priest : You must have courage. I told you, you're both young.

  Karin : Must I waste my youth here? It's inhuman. I can't go on.

• The Priest : What I have for you is a deep feeling of pity.