I'm going to call.
TRANSPLANT COORDINATION
National Transplant Organization.
- Manuela, Ramón y Cajal Hospital. - Yes, Manuela?
We have a possible donor.
We've done the first EEG, and the family has given consent.
Give me the details.
Male, 35 years old.
Blood group?
O positive. Weight, about 155 pounds.
LIVER
LIVER RECIPIENTS
Not a single drop!
With Dodoti diapers...
you won't feel a drop!
Mom, the movie's starting.
I'm coming.
Eve Unveiled.
They always change the title!
All About Eve should be Todo Sobre Eva.
But that sounds odd.
What are you writing?
Nothing. Future Pulitzer winners.
ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER
Eat now. You have to put on a few pounds.
In case you have to work the street someday to support me.
You don't need pounds for that. You need a big dick.
Where did you learn to talk like that?
You asked.
I was joking.
- And you? - What about me?
Would you prostitute yourself for me?
I've already done just about everything for you.
Eat up.
Autograph fiends! They're not people.
They're little beasts who run in packs like coyotes.
They're your fans.
They're nobody's fans!
They're juvenile delinquents, mental defectives.
They're nobody's audience.
They never see a play or a movie. They're never indoors long enough.
Well, there's one indoors now.
I've brought her back to see you. Come in, Eve.
I thought you'd forgotten about me.
Not at all.
Margo, this is Eve Harrington.
How do you do, my dear?
Would you like to be an actress?
It was hard enough becoming a nurse.
If you were an actress, I'd write parts for you.
I was in an amateur group when I was young.
I wasn't bad.
I must have a picture somewhere.
I'd love to see it.
I'll look for it later.
Look, Esteban.
I found a picture.
We were doing a show on the writings of Boris Vian.
Cabaret for intellectuals.
Happy birthday.
- Already? - It's midnight, sweetheart.
Music for Chameleons. How did you know I wanted it?
I know you like Capote.
Read me something, like when I was little.
Preface.
I started writing when I was eight.
See? I'm not the only one.
I didn't know that I had chained myself for life
to a noble but merciless master.
When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip...
and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation.
That's enough to put you off writing.
Don't be so lame.
It's a wonderful preface.
How do you want to celebrate your birthday?
I'd like to see one of your seminars.
Why?
I'm writing a story about you for a competition.
I'd like to see you act in those organ donation courses.
Well, I'd have to check with Mamen,
the psychologist in charge.
Fine. Do it.
I don't think I like you writing about me.
Your husband is dead, ma'am.
That can't be.
We just saw him in the ICU. He seemed to be breathing.
We've explained that, ma'am. A machine is breathing for him.
Would you like us to notify anyone in your family?
I have no family.
Just my son.
My God! How will I tell him?
While he was alive, did your husband say anything
regarding organ donation?
Did he care about such matters?
While we was alive, he cared only about living.
But I presume he was concerned with the lives of others.
I don't understand.
What my colleague means is that your husband's organs
could save other patients' lives.
But for that we need your authorization.
You mean you could give him a transplant?
Not exactly.
The other way around, actually.
Now we'll discuss what happened in the simulation.
Look when you cross the street!
- What were you thinking? - I had an idea.
An idea! Give him the tickets.
Why are you looking at me like that? Do I look awful?
No, you look better than ever.
Look, that must be the gentleman you were expecting.
You aren't Mr. Huntleigh!
Neither are you!
These fingernails have to be trimmed.
The jacket, Doctor.
Ask her to let go of me! Please!
Let her go.
Come on, get up.
Lean on my arm...
Miss DuBois.
Thank you.
Whoever you are...
I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
Come on, baby. The worst is over.
Don't touch me. Don't ever touch me again, bastard!
Watch your language!
Stella, come here.
I'm never coming back to this house.
Never!
I'd like to get Huma Rojo's autograph.
- In this weather? - What's that matter?
What if no one comes out?
Let's wait a while. It's my birthday.
Look, autumn's here already.
- So long. - See you tomorrow.
Nina Cruz really moved you, didn't she?
No, not her. Stella.
Twenty years ago, we did Streetcar with the drama group in my town.
I played Stella.
Your father was Kowalski.
Some day you'll have to tell me all about my father.
I only know he died before I was born.
- It's not an easy story to tell. - I guess not...
or you'd have told me by now.
I nearly asked for that as a birthday present.
- I'm not sure it would be a nice present. - You're wrong.
It would be the best present ever.
Then I'll tell you everything when we get home.
Working in theater is worse than being a nun!
You think not being able to get stoned all day is being a nun!
Yeah, I do!
Alfonso XII Street, number 30.
Come on! Forget about it!
My son!
Tomorrow I turn 17, but I look older.
Boys who live alone with their mothers have a special look,
more serious than normal, like an intellectual or a writer.
In my case that's normal, because I'm also a writer.
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
This is Lola, at Ramón y Cajal.
Yes, Lola?
We have a possible donor. He's in the ICU.
They've done the first EEG,
but the mother hasn't yet given consent.
Can I have the details?
I don't have them. It's Manuela's son.
The Manuela I know? The coordinator?
Yes. He's dead. It's awful.
Unfortunately...
the result of the EEG is what we feared.
We have to make a decision immediately.
CONSENT BY NEXT OF KIN
OPERATING ROOM
HEART
It's the hospital!
We have to go. We have to call.
- I'll do it. You calm down. - I am calm, but call them.
ALVEDRO AIRPORT, CORUÑA
OPERATING ROOM
REGIONAL HOSPITAL, CORUÑA
THREE WEEKS LATER
We're out now, sweetheart.
He looks great. Who'd have believed it?
He certainly didn't.
I can breathe like before.
- Even better. - With an 18-year-old's heart!
- I'll fix you some apple fritters. - No, he has to be careful.
Last night, Mom showed me a picture of when she was young.
Half of it was missing.
I didn't want to tell her, but my life is missing that same half.
I was worried.
I thought you'd never call.
I called as soon as I got to Madrid.
I mean from Argentina. I called you loads of times,
but I must have gotten your aunt's number wrong.
I wasn't in Argentina, Mamen. I went to Coruña.
Why did you go there?
I was following my son's heart.
Who told you?
How did you know?
I looked in the files
until I found the name and address of the recipient.
You shouldn't have done that.
It was wrong, and the best way to go crazy.
- Look at me, damn it! - I know that.
It's best if I quit my job and leave Madrid.
- I didn't say that. - But you think it and you're right.
I don't think I'll even unpack.
You're in no shape to travel alone. You're ill.
You have to rest up and get better.
I'll stay here tonight.
- Then come to my place. - I want to be alone.
- Try to be reasonable. - How?
Seventeen years ago, I made this same journey,
but in the opposite direction, from Barcelona to Madrid.
I was running away then too...
but I wasn't alone.
I was carrying Esteban inside me.
Back then I was running away from his father,
and now I'm going in search of him.
- Keep going? - Yes.
Stop!
Son of a bitch!
You're crazy, you faggot!
Son of a bitch!
- What did you do? - I hit him with a rock.
- Help me get him up. - Get up.
Juan, get up.
Are you okay? Stand up.
Easy now.
Let's go. Hurry.
What a fucking useless psychopath!
Look.
See that bonfire where the "tops" are?
Ask for Ursula.
Tell her Agrado sent you. She'll fix you up.
Agrado!
It's you!
Manolita!
You're hurt!
No, you got blood on me.
I'm so glad to see you, and not just 'cause you saved me!
Eighteen years with no word or letter or fucking phone call.
I thought you were dead, bitch!
You can tell me everything at home.
We'll stop by a drugstore first. Can we get a taxi here?
Over there.
With any luck we won't get mugged. You have the knife?
Yes, and a big rock in my purse.
Hey, there. Bona nit.
Sorry to wake you up.
- Come over here. - No. What do you want?
- We're not gonna eat you! - What do you want?
Let me do the talking.
Povidone-iodine, approximation sutures...
Thrombocid, sterilized gauze and...
- You have any alcohol? - No, I drank it all last night.
- I mean for disinfecting. - No.
I have Vaseline, condoms, and lots of bandages.
- Anything else? - Alcohol, please.
Oh, Manolita! The Barceloneta!
Those were the days! You remember?
Yes. Don't move your head.
Any news about her?
Who? Lola?
- Unfortunately, yes. - What happened?
I took her in. She was in a bad way.
As usual, with all the shit she takes.
I came back from working the Field all night
to find she'd cleaned the place out.
Watches, jewelry, '70s magazines that were my inspiration.
300,000 pesetas.
What hurt most was...
she took a statue of the Virgin my mother gave me.
What for? She doesn't believe in anything!
Unless she's in a satanic sect and wanted it for some ritual.
I see she hasn't changed.
To do that to me, with all she owes me!
Since we met in Paris 20 years ago, I've been like a sister to her.
We got our tits together. You know better than anyone.
- You haven't seen her since? - No, and I don't want to.
Are you looking for her?
Yes.
We have some unfinished business.
Why did you disappear like that?
You won't tell me anything?
I can't.
Some other time.
All right. Just don't disappear again.
I like to say good-bye to those I love,
even if it's just to cry my eyes out, bitch.
I can't believe it!
I look like the Elephant Man!
Stop exaggerating. It's just a bit swollen.
A bit swollen? Where can I go with a mug like this?
Come and eat.
Why did you go to all this trouble?
What a great salad!
It hurts like hell to chew!
I won't be able to suck dick.
You shouldn't work today.
What can I do?
Lola cleaned me out. I have to work.
Dulce de leche... and this salad! And my provoleta!
I need to work too. If you want, we can look together.
Yes, let's!
I haven't had a decent meal since you left.
Well, as a model, I have to watch my figure too.
The worst thing about this work is you have to look cute
and keep up with the latest advances in surgery and cosmetics.
You look terrific.
Nothing like a Chanel to make you feel respectable.
You look it.
Don't I look a bit sluttish in this?
All the better.
These nuns only help hookers and transvestites.
Is that a real Chanel?
How could I buy a real Chanel with all the hunger in the world!
All I have that's real are my feelings
and these pints of silicone that weigh a ton.
I feel so old, Manolita, and it isn't my age.
It's from the beating you took.
The beating I've taken for the last 40 years.
- Hello. - Come in.
Are you looking for someone, or can I help?
We want to see the cute nun who goes to the Field.
Sister Rosa. She's inside. Go on in.
Rosa, visitors.
Agrado!
What happened to your face?
I got beat up. Occupational hazard.
- Can we talk? - Of course.
Let's go in the lobby, where it's quieter.
My friend and I want to quit the street, but we need to work.
Cleaning stairs, whatever. We don't care.
There isn't much else.
Well, garbage collector, or learning handicrafts here.
Embroidered tablecloths, dried flowers.
I think I'd prefer garbage collector.
What can you do, apart from the street?
I've worked as a cook.
She's practically a surgeon.
Look at this face. She did it.
Better than Pitanguy. She's a compatriot of Lola's.
Really? Any news of her?
I haven't seen her in 18 years.
She cleaned out my place.
She was here about four months ago.
We helped her through detox.
I cared for her through withdrawal,
but then she just disappeared.
I'd like to see her before I go to El Salvador.
El Salvador?
Maybe I'll sign on.
I've always thought I could make it big in the Third World.
Then come. I won't be so alone.
The street's getting worse here every day.
The whores were bad enough, but the drag queens are wiping us out.
I can't stand the drag queens. They're sleazebags.
They confuse drag with a circus.
Worse, with mime!
A woman is her hair, her nails,
lips for sucking or for bitching.
Have you ever seen a bald woman?
I can't stand them. They're all sleazebags!
I doubt El Salvador has much drag, but there's a war going on.
Really? I didn't know.
I'm replacing some nuns who were murdered.
I'm not sure a war is what I need right now.
You're terrible.
So you were a cook.
Yes.
Who? This one?
The best!
What a surprise!
Hi, Mom. Are we interrupting?
It doesn't matter. We see you so rarely.
- This is Manuela. - Nice to meet you.
Don't stand there in the doorway. Come inside.
Manuela is a cook,
and since Florinda left, I thought...
Thank you, darling. Vicenta and I can manage.
But how? Dad alone needs two people.
- Where is he, anyway? - Out with the dog.
- On their own? - Of course.
What if they get lost?
The dog knows the way home. Don't worry.
Too bad. I really wanted to see them.
We'll go look for them, but first we have to talk.
Come into the studio.
I'm sorry you came for nothing.
- It's all right. - Try her for a few days.
Think of Dad. Manuela's a nurse.
As well as a cook?
I prefer to look after your father myself.
I understand perfectly. Thanks anyway. I'll be going.
Good-bye.
Manuela, wait here. I won't be long.
How dare you bring a whore here!
It isn't easy to find help who'll put up with you.
But a whore!
That's no reason to be so rude.
I don't like strangers to see me forging Chagalls.
Can't you understand?
Manuela isn't a whore anymore. She's given it up.
How long have you known her?
Since this morning.
This morning?
You're incredible.
My work is to help people, even if I've just met them.
Well, mine isn't.
And don't give me that look. It doesn't mean I'm intolerant.
- I'll make you a deal. - A deal?
I'll give that woman a chance if you don't go to El Salvador.
Mom, don't give me any more doubts. I have enough.
And so you should. That trip is suicide!
No, it's parricide!
Well, I have to go.
Manuela's waiting.
Sure! Any whore, any Salvadoran, is more important than your parents!
- Don't start. - You should see a psychiatrist instead.
You're right.
It wouldn't do either of us any harm.
Didn't you want to see your father and the dog?
Another day.
Are you all right?
Good-bye, Mom.
- Hello, Vicenta. - Rosa, sweetheart.
- You're so thin. Aren't you eating? - Yes, I am.
- Did you see a blonde woman downstairs? - No.
- So long. - Take care and eat!
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Sorry about my mother.
Forgive me.
Shall we go?
I can't deal with my mother. She drives me crazy.
- Have you got parents? - They're dead.
So you're alone.
I guess so.
You look awful.
I don't feel very good.
I feel like throwing up.
I have some...
Here.
Have you seen a doctor?
You should. It could just be gastritis.
Could we go to your place until this passes?
Well...
You have a place?
I just rented one, but it's barely furnished.
The place is a mess.
I moved in four days ago.
Want to lie down for a while?
No, I'll just sit on the sofa until it passes.
I'll just take this off.
Who's this handsome boy?
Esteban... my son.
I thought you were alone.
He died in an accident.
Oh, I'm sorry!
Don't touch the notebook, please.
Come on, baby. The worst is over.
Don't touch me! Don't ever touch me again, bastard!
Watch your language!
Stella, come here.
I'm never coming back to this house.
Never!
DRESSING ROOMS
Come in, Nina.
It's not Nina. My name's Manuela.
You're not allowed in here.
Nina left.
What?
Where's Nina?
I don't know. I just saw her run out.
She said she'd wait for me in her dressing room!
I can't believe it.
We've only been together two weeks.
She can't do this to me.
You have a car?
No. Where do you want to go?
I don't know.
Can you drive?
Yes.
Don't tell anyone, but Nina has problems with junk.
You know where people here go to score at this hour?
No, but it's easy to find out.
Thank you.
Whoever you are...
I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
I don't know how to drive.
Nina does the driving.
- Want one? - No, thanks.
I started smoking because of Bette Davis.
To imitate her.
By 18 I was smoking like a chimney.
That's why I called myself Huma.
It's a very pretty name.
My life's been nothing but smoke.
But you've known success.
Success has no taste or smell.
And once you're used to it, it's as if it didn't exist.
Dear God, where has that girl gone?
I think that's her.
You stay here. I'll go.
He's a son of a bitch. He rips everyone off.
And since I'm not from here...
Don't touch me.
Listen, Nina.
Huma's waiting for you.
Who the fuck are you?
She's in the car.
I've got everything.
Shit! My bag!
I've got a bag... ecstasy, toot.
- Who is it? - It's Rosa.
- Hello. - How are you?
- Are you alone? - I just got up.
- This late? - I was out late last night.
Some breakfast? You're not hungry?
So you're back on the street.
Just when I'd found a way for you to make money at home.
Tell me. I'm not a whore.
I've been fucked around a lot, but I'm not a whore.
Why did you lie to me?
It was Agrado's idea. The dress was hers too.
Now tell me. What's this way to make money at home?
I'm dying of curiosity.
How much would you charge to rent me a room?
Rent you a room? Why?
I'm leaving the center for a few months.
What about El Salvador?
I don't feel well.
I can't travel like this.
Why move in here, especially if you're sick?
I'm pregnant.
Pregnant?
What are you going to do?
Have it, of course. What do you think?
I thought I'd cause less of a scandal here.
Can't the father help you out?
The father! God knows where he is.
But you know who it is, right?
Of course. Who do you take me for?
Sorry.
It was your compatriot Lola.
That goddamn fucking bitch!
Why so upset?
How far along are you?
Three months, I think.
I'm really worried.
I'm not surprised!
I had bleeding this morning.
Have you seen a doctor?
I'm going to the Hospital del Mar tomorrow.
I wondered if you'd come along.
Yes, of course.
Thank you.
What about the room?
I'm sorry.
You can't stay here.
Good evening. May I come in?
Hello! I was expecting you.
I didn't know where to send your purse.
It's right there.
Thank you.
Everything there?
Yes, everything.
- Thank you for last night. - Not at all.
I'd love to talk, but I'm short on time.
- Any way I can help? - Could you button this?
What was your name?
Would you like to work for me?
- Doing what? - Everything.
Except sleeping with me. Nina's more than enough for me!
Well, the truth is I was looking for work.
I need a personal assistant. Someone I can trust.
- You don't know me. - What I saw last night was enough.
But Nina hates me.
Nina hates everyone, including herself and me.
Well...
when do I start?
- Right now, if you can. - All right.
Ask Nina what she wants for dinner.
- I'll just have an esqueixada. - Anything else?
Could you get a tranquilizer for Nina? She's really on edge today.
- I have some Lexatin. - Terrific!
Don't mention the father.
Why do you dislike Lola so much?
Lola has the worst of a man...
and the worst of a woman.
I'll tell you a story.
I had a friend who got married very young.
After a year, her husband went to work in Paris,
and he was to call her when he got settled.
Two years passed.
The husband saved some money and came to Barcelona to open a bar.
She came here to join him.
Two years isn't a long time...
but the husband had changed.
He didn't love her anymore.
It was more of a physical change.
He'd gotten a pair of tits bigger than her own.
Ah, I see.
My friend was very young.
She was in a foreign country.
She had no one.
Apart from the tits, the husband hadn't changed that much...
so she ended up just going along.
We women will do anything to avoid being alone.
Women are more tolerant, but that's good.
We're assholes...
and a bit lesbo.
Listen to the end of the story.
My friend and her husband with the tits
set up a bar there, on the Barceloneta.
He spent the day in a tiny bikini, screwing everything he could,
while giving her hell if she wore a bikini or even a miniskirt.
The bastard!
How can someone with tits like that act so macho?
María Rosa Sans.
Sit down.
- Who's the patient? - She is.
Well?
My sister is pregnant.
We figure she's about three months along.
This is her first checkup.
I had some bleeding yesterday and today.
Lie on the exam table and strip from the waist down.
Don't worry.
- Put this on. - Thank you.
According to the ultrasound, the fetus seems to be fine.
Do you live together?
- No. - Yes.
Which is it?
She lives with our mother but hasn't told her anything yet.
Is your blood pressure usually high?
Yes, I have hypertension.
There's a risk of miscarriage.
You must move as little as possible.
But I have to do my job.
Your only job now is to rest and refrain from further foolishness!
Tell your mother to monitor her blood pressure.
She has to follow a salt-free diet and rest.
I'll tell her.
Doctor, I work with a high-risk population,
so I'd like the lab to include an AIDS test.
What's your job?
She's a social worker. When can we pick up the results?
In two weeks.
You have to tell your mother.
You need to be looked after.
I found a job yesterday, so I'll be busy all day.
Listen, you have no right to ask me to be your mother.
You have a mother, even if you don't like her.
We can't choose our parents. They are who they are.
Oh, God!
Please don't blackmail me!
I don't know if I was right to call the clinic.
What else could you do?
I can't believe her story and go on living with Stanley.
Then don't believe her. What matters is you and your baby.
- But what if my sister told me the truth? - Blanche?
Blanche is in no shape to tell the truth
even if she wanted to, poor thing.
Where is my heart?
She means her heart-shaped jewelry box.
I think it's here somewhere. Look, here it is.
- I need a necklace. - We'll look for one.
What's the gentleman's name?
Huntleigh.
Did he call while I was bathing?
- No. - How strange!
Why are you looking at me like that? Do I look awful?
No, you look better than ever.
- I'll look better with this necklace. - Shall I help you?
So you're going on a trip.
You're so lucky. I'm green with envy.
There he is.
That must be the gentleman who's come for you.
TWO WEEKS LATER
- Second call. Fifteen minutes. - Come in.
- They're not here yet? - I don't know where they are.
I was at the TV studio all day.
- Where's Nina? - Wasn't she with you?
I just left her at home, in bed.
- In bed? - What's wrong?
Must be food poisoning. She was very sick this morning.
Why didn't you tell me when I called?
We didn't want to upset you.
- Has a doctor seen her? - Yes.
She has gastroenteritis. She'll be better tomorrow.
So we cancel?
- I'd like to speak to Huma, please. - Wait outside.
Five minutes.
All right!
- Tell me the truth. - She's wasted. She can't even talk.
She went out after you left. She didn't think I'd drop by.
She thought I'd be with you.
What are we going to do?
If it won't give you a heart attack, I could do her part.
I memorized it from hearing it over the loudspeakers.
But can you act?
I can lie very well, and I'm used to improvising.
I've seen that.
My son said I was a very good actress.
I didn't even know you had a son!
Third call. Five minutes.
Huma, what do we do? We can't wait any longer.
Happy birthday, Blanche.
This is your present.
Thank you, Stanley. You shouldn't have.
I hope you like it.
Why, it's...
A bus ticket.
A return ticket for Tuesday.
Are you insinuating I should leave?
What do you think?
- Why did you do that to her? - I'm sick of her insults.
I'm tired of you two whispering behind my back all the time!
Please don't go!
- You tore my shirt! - Brute!
Brute? I was a brute when we met.
But I'll remind you that it was never a problem for you.
One day you showed me a snapshot of your house,
a mansion with lots of columns.
I pulled you down off those columns and taught you to be happy.
We laughed and were happy together
until your sister Blanche showed up.
What's wrong?
Take me to the hospital, please!
Congratulations on last night. I heard you were great.
It was amazing. Too bad you couldn't come.
I felt awful. Agrado called to tell me about it.
She must have called half of Barcelona.
Are you doing everything the doctor told you?
- I just saw him. - And?
- I went to get my results. - I forgot it was today.
I'm HIV positive.
We'll have the tests redone.
Why the hell did you screw Lola?
Don't you know she's been shooting up for 15 years?
What world do you think you're living in?
I don't know.
Have you told your mother?
The other nuns?
No.
We'll go get your things now, and you'll move in here.
Thank you.
Hi, Manuela. You were just terrific last night.
Thank you.
- Good evening. - Here's the wolf in sheep's clothing!
What?
You had it all planned, you bitch!
Nina, don't be so rude.
Just like Eve Harrington. You learned the part on purpose.
It's fucking impossible to learn it over the loudspeakers.
You think I'm an idiot?
The loudspeakers helped me remember it.
I've known the role for years.
- You don't say! What a coincidence! - If you only knew.
What did I tell you?
Why were you here that first night? Or was that a coincidence too?
No, it was no coincidence.
I won't bother you anymore. I'll get my things and go.
Manuela...
I think you owe us an explanation.
A Streetcar Named Desire has marked my life.
Twenty years ago, I played Stella with an amateur group.
That's where I met my husband.
He was playing Kowalski.
Two months ago, I saw your version in Madrid.
I went with my son.
It was the night of his birthday.
It was pouring rain, but we waited outside,
because he wanted your autograph, Huma.
It was crazy to wait in the rain,
but it was his birthday, so I couldn't say no.
You two got in a taxi, and he ran after you.
A car coming down the street ran into him.
He was killed.
That's the explanation.
That's the explanation, Huma.
Move, Rosa. I can't get past.
Huma, what are you doing here?
Hello. I came to pay you.
You left yesterday without your pay.
This is my sister Rosa.
- Hello. - How are you?
Let me help you.
Let's get the elevator. Where's Nina?
I left her with Mario.
She says hi.
Put the bags down here.
You go rest for a while.
- I'm not tired. - Don't argue.
Have a seat.
Something to drink?
No, thank you.
She's like a little girl.
I couldn't sleep all night thinking about your son.
I remember perfectly his face in the rain...
and the notebook in his hand.
I can see him now.
I don't want to talk about my son.
I can't.
Of course.
Besides apologizing, Nina and I want you to come back.
Rosa's sick.
She needs looking after all day. I can't leave her.
I'm sorry.
I don't know what to do.
Why don't you check Nina into a clinic?
If we don't fulfill the contract, the company will sue me.
Find a replacement and finish your run with the company.
Without Nina I can't do the play.
She's hooked on junk, but I'm hooked on her.
- Who was that? - Agrado.
And you buzzed her in?
You should have said we were busy. I'm thinking of you.
Come lie down and stop moving around.
What's wrong with you exactly?
An accident.
What kind?
Why didn't I think of it before?
- Agrado could take my place. - Of course!
The one you didn't want to let in?
That's something between us, but she's perfect for you.
How old is Agrado?
Pretty old. Between 30 and 50.
Is Agrado her real name?
No, it's a stage name. Like Huma.
You know why I took that name?
Yes. Manuela told me.
I see. What else has she told you?
Everything. She told me everything.
About you and Nina...
the junk...
and how it'll end badly.
Is that right? What else did she say?
I'm very curious.
That you're a wonderful actress...
but you're really mixed up as a person.
What else?
That I shouldn't say anything.
What's in the bag?
- Cava and ice cream. - What for?
To celebrate your success last night, bitch.
Thanks. Come in.
What a surprise!
Three single girls in an empty house always reminds me of...
How To Marry A Millionaire.
- How are you, Sister Rosa? - Huma, this is Agrado.
My pleasure. I'm "fans".
How are you?
Huma, you're a goddess, a living legend.
Like I said, I'm "fans", in the plural...
but my Manuela was too much the other night.
I bawled my eyes out at the evening show.
Shouldn't you be in El Salvador?
Yes, but I'm not going now. I'm staying here.
Agrado, I'm not working for Huma anymore,
and we were just saying you could take my place.
Me play Stella? I see myself more as Blanche.
Replacing me, not Nina, much less Huma.
Thanks, Manuela, but I don't...
Try her for a few days. She isn't as clueless as she seems.
Yes, I am. Worse. Right now I'm totally in the dark.
So I'll give you the bottle. It'll cheer us up.
I brought ice cream.
Let's have a drink and relax a bit. I'll get the glasses.
I'll just have some ice cream. I can't drink alcohol.
Well, I'll have a drink.
Hey, what's up with Manuela? She's acting so strange.
Success hasn't gone to her head already, has it?
She wants to dump you on Huma.
I think Prada is ideal for a nun.
My problem is everything suits me, so I'm very eclectic.
I've had chilblains since I came to Barcelona...
The bottle's finished. Should I go get more?
It sounds lovely, but no.
- Where's the bathroom? - Straight that way.
Excuse me.
Fill me in here. I'm not some stranger.
- I'll tell you tomorrow. - No, don't!
She can't keep her mouth shut.
I can too!
I played along like an English lady so she wouldn't catch on.
I'm a model of discretion, even when sucking cock.
I've sucked tons of cocks in public places,
and no one's noticed except the recipient.
It's been ages since I sucked a cock!
I love the word cock.
And prick!
I have to go.
- Are you all right? - Better than ever.
Can you go help her get a taxi?
I nearly forgot. This is for you.
Thank you.
- Well, good-bye, girls. - So long.
You have to teach me to bark. I mean it!
I think I was a bit rude to Huma. I said all sorts of things.
Really? It doesn't matter.
They're very different for sisters, aren't they?
- Are they sisters? - That's what Manuela said.
If she says so.
- I think you're all bullshitters. - You just have to get to know us.
Can you drive?
- I used to be a truck driver. - Really?
In Paris, before I got my tits.
Then I gave up the truck and became a hooker.
- How interesting! - Very.
A check.
- 150,000. - How generous.
What is it?
Huma's autograph, for Esteban.
Dear Esteban... This is the autograph I never gave you,
though not because you didn't try to get it.
I have been foolish, casting my pearls before swine.
- You mean me? - You and your friend, Mr. Mitchell.
He came to see me and repeated the slander you'd told him.
- So I gave him his walking papers. - You did, huh?
He returned with a box of roses to beg my forgiveness.
Forgive me, he said, but some things are not forgivable.
Cruelty is not forgivable.
It is the one unforgivable thing.
What's this?
- Are you learning the part too? - Of course not.
- You should, just in case. - You think?
May I have some privacy?
So you can get your fix? Can't wait till the end?
If you know, why ask?
If you don't want me to tell Huma, do it in the bathroom.
I don't need to see these things.
All right.
Keep an eye on the door.
I know that when you're young... though you're no child...
you don't value these things.
But you're cute, nicely proportioned...
kind of small, but cute.
You've lost weight... it's all the drugs, of course...
but the important thing is you've lost weight.
You have talent...
limited, but still.
And, above all, a woman who loves you.
And you trade it all for junk.
You think it's worth it? Well, it isn't.
It isn't worth it.
I trade it for a little peace. Come help me.
You're getting flat as a board.
Compared to you, sure.
You're a nasty one!
Agrado, haven't you ever thought of cutting it off?
I'd get no work.
Clients like us pneumatic and well-hung.
Rheumatic? Guys are so odd.
Not rheumatic. Pneumatic.
Tits hard as newly inflated tires
and a big dick too.
Show me your cock.
That fix didn't agree with you!
Maybe I'll like it too.
You have enough problems as it is.
You're on now. And don't throw up on anybody.
Audiences love it. They think it's because I'm pregnant.
You're not pregnant in this scene. You've had a doll.
That's right.
Will you show me your cock later?
Sure, and you can lick it.
Young people will try anything!
MONTHS LATER
I'm going to call him Esteban.
Your son?
Why?
After yours.
This baby will belong to both of us.
If only.
If only we were alone in the world
with no other commitments.
You and your son, just for me.
But you have a family.
I'll do your hair and make you up a bit.
- Why? - I like to see you look nice.
And I called your mother.
She's coming to see you today.
My mother?
You have a mother. Don't you remember?
What will I tell her?
That you love her. I don't know.
Come in, Huma.
It's not Huma. May I?
Of course, Mario. Come in.
- You're very early today. - Yes.
- What are you doing? - Just a bit of ironing.
Anything wrong?
I didn't sleep very well last night.
I've been on edge all day.
Would you give me a blow job?
Can't you all get it into your heads that I'm retired?
I don't want you to think that.
I've just been on edge all day, and I think a blow job would relax me.
You give me one. I'm on edge too.
Well, it would be my first time sucking a woman's cock,
but if that's what it takes...
The whole company is obsessed with my cock!
It's like it's the only one around! Don't you have a cock?
Yes.
Do people ask you to suck their cocks because you have one?
No, right? Well, then?
Look, I'll suck you off to show you
how open-minded and sensitive I am about these things.
Where's the goddamn phone?
Don't worry. I'll see to everything.
Shall we go to my room? In case Huma comes...
Huma's in the hospital, and so is Nina.
What happened?
They nearly killed each other.
Fuck!
Here.
- We'll have to cancel. - Don't say a word.
- We have to say something. - It doesn't have to be the truth.
I'll come up with something.
And what about...?
- Hello. How are you? - Hello.
Come in.
- Where is she? - In the bedroom.
And here I was so worried, thinking you were in El Salvador.
I see you've learned to lie.
I didn't know how to tell you.
What will you do now?
Leave the order? Get married?
Mom, the things you ask!
One never knows with you.
At least I don't.
Even this I had to learn about through your friend.
Manuela...
What would I have done without her?
How's Dad?
Same as ever. I don't know.
Worse.
If you don't mind, I'd rather not tell him anything.
He wouldn't understand anyway.
- And Sapic? - Fine.
Rosa, I don't know what to do.
What do you expect me to do?
Nothing, Mom.
You expect nothing from me?
It's not that.
I just mean don't make it any harder.
Okay?
Would you like something? I'm making tea.
No, thank you.
What exactly is wrong with her? I didn't understand over the phone.
According to the ultrasound, she has placenta previa.
When the time comes, she'll need a caesarian.
Meanwhile, she needs complete rest.
Should I take her home?
I have to look after her father as if he were a child.
You're her mother...
but I think Rosa's better off here.
That's the impression I got too.
If you need money, just ask.
And please keep me informed.
- Don't worry. - Thank you very much.
- I'll see you out. - Don't bother.
I don't know where I went wrong with Rosa.
Ever since she was born, she's been like an alien.
Do you have children?
Yes, a son.
Do you get along well with him?
He died.
I'm sorry.
Due to reasons beyond their control,
two of the actresses who triumph daily on this stage
cannot be here tonight, the poor things,
so the show has been cancelled.
Those who wish can get their money back,
but for those with nothing better to do,
it's a shame to waste your rare visit to the theater.
If you stay...
I promise to entertain you with my life story.
Good-bye. I'm really sorry.
If I bore you, just pretend to snore... like this.
I'll get the idea, and I swear you won't hurt my feelings.
Honestly.
They call me "La Agrado"...
because I've always tried to make people's lives agreeable.
Besides being agreeable, I'm as authentic as they come.
Look at this body!
All made to measure.
Almond-shaped eyes... 80,000.
Nose... 200,000.
A waste of money. Another beating a year later left it like this.
It gives me character, but if I'd known,
I wouldn't have touched it.
Going on.
Tits... two, because I'm no monster.
70,000 each, but I've more than earned that back.
Silicone in...
Where?
Lips, forehead, cheeks, hips, and ass.
A pint costs about 100,000.
You work it out, because I've lost count.
Jaw reduction... 75,000.
Complete laser depilation... because women come from apes too...
60,000 per session.
It depends how hairy you are. Usually, two to four sessions.
Of course, if you're a flamenco diva, you'll need more.
As I was saying...
it costs a lot to be authentic.
And one can't be stingy in these things,
because you're more authentic
the more you resemble what you've dreamed of being.
I'll turn you around.
- Be careful, please. - Don't worry.
Let's lift it a bit.
That's it.
- Are you okay? - Yes.
I'll help her inside.
- I'll put this away. - Thank you.
- Can you manage? - Yes.
To the Hospital del Mar, please.
Could we go by Medinaceli Square?
Aren't we meeting your mother at the hospital?
- I just want a quick look at the square. - All right.
Stop here!
I played here as a child.
Sapic!
Come here, boy!
Hello, Sapic.
That dog goes with anyone.
Do you have a dog?
No, but I really like them.
- How old are you? - Twenty-six.
- And how tall are you? - Not very. Five foot six.
Come on.
Go back to Dad.
Good-bye, Dad.
- You aren't in any pain? - No.
Great! Painless childbirth.
When does she go into surgery?
In an hour and a half.
Then I have time to go check on your father
and come back.
You don't have to come back, Mom.
I want to be here with you.
Give Dad a kiss for me.
I'm keeping this one for myself.
See you later.
Good-bye.
I hope the third Esteban is the definitive one for you.
The third Esteban?
Lola was the first. Your son was the second.
So you knew Lola was the father of my son too.
Of course.
It didn't take a genius.
Lola doesn't know we had a son.
I never told him.
Did your son know that?
No.
Let's not talk about sad things. This is a big day.
They've put Videla in jail, and your son's going to be born.
- Promise me one thing. - What?
- If anything happens... - What could happen?
Promise you won't hide anything from the child.
I don't have to. You can tell him whatever you want yourself.
Promise me.
If it makes you feel better.
Very well. I promise.
We're here today to bid farewell to our sister Rosa...
Manuela, I'm so happy to see you. Too bad it has to be here.
It couldn't be anywhere else.
You aren't a human being, Lola. You're an epidemic!
I've always lived life to excess,
and now I'm very tired.
Manuela, I'm dying.
Come.
I'm saying good-bye to everything.
I robbed Agrado to pay my ticket to Argentina.
I wanted to take one last look at our town...
the river... our street.
And I'm happy I can say good-bye to you too.
Now I just have to see Sister Rosa's child.
My son.
I always dreamed of having a son. You know that.
When I left Barcelona, I was carrying your child.
What?
You mean you too...
Did you have it?
A beautiful boy.
I want to see him. Is he here with you?
He's in Madrid, but you can't see him.
Even from a distance. I promise he won't see me.
It's my last request.
You can't see him.
Manuela, please.
Six months ago...
he was hit by a car.
He was killed.
I only came to Barcelona to tell you.
I'm sorry.
The baby!
Where have you been?
You haven't taken Sapic out yet?
You weren't here.
I'm here now.
- He's hungry. - The bottle's heating.
Bring it here, will you?
Vicenta, please don't let my husband in here.
He's convinced the baby is yours!
I know.
He's very jealous.
I told him the baby was yours.
I don't dare tell him the truth. He wouldn't understand anyway.
If only he were mine.
What is it?
Who's that woman?
Manuela, the new cook.
She's been with us for four days.
We fixed up this room so she can stay here with her child.
I told you. Remember?
- How old are you? - Thirty-eight.
- How tall are you? - Five foot seven.
All right.
Off you go on your walk.
Sapic, go on!
There, there.
- The bottle, ma'am. - Thank you.
Thank you.
We're going to eat right now!
Yes?
Don't tell anyone about the antibodies.
Do the nuns know?
I see.
ONE MONTH LATER
Hello, Lola.
Take him.
What did the doctor say?
He's fine. Perfectly normal.
You're with Daddy.
- Can I give him a kiss? - Of course.
My son, I'm sorry to leave you such an awful inheritance.
Don't say that.
There's no reason he should develop the disease.
Let me have him.
This is our Esteban.
You called him Esteban too?
Thank you.
He wanted to be a writer.
This is his notebook. He carried it with him everywhere.
He wrote this the morning of the day he died.
Read it.
Last night Mom showed me a picture.
Half of it was missing.
I didn't want to tell her, but my life is missing that same half.
Keep reading.
This morning I looked through her dresser
and found a bundle of pictures.
They were all missing a half.
My father, I suppose.
I want to meet him.
I have to make Mom understand I don't care who he is...
or what he's like...
or how he behaved toward her.
She can't deny me that right.
Keep the picture.
Thank you.
I don't like just anyone kissing the baby.
Who was that woman in the bar?
That woman is his father.
What did you say?
That was his father, and he's very sick.
That monster is the one who killed my daughter?
Don't think about that, Rosa.
Some people think children are made in a day.
But it takes a long time.
A very long time.
That's why it's so horrible to see your child's blood on the ground.
A stream that flows for a minute but cost us years.
When I found my son...
he was lying in the street.
I soaked my hands in his blood and licked them.
Because it was my blood.
Animals lick their young, don't they?
My son's blood doesn't disgust me.
You don't know what it's like.
In a monstrance of crystal and topaz...
I would place the earth soaked in his blood.
Keep kneading.
Let the sadness pour down into your hands.
You have to work it.
- My cold isn't too noticeable? - It's fine.
Out! You shouldn't be in here.
I have a bouquet for Agrado and Huma Rojo.
- Really? - Sign here, please.
- You're sure it's for Agrado? - That's what it says.
Know why they call me Agrado?
I've always tried to make life agreeable for others.
I see.
Dear Agrado and Huma.
I'm running away again with no good-byes,
though I know how much you like them, Agrado.
The situation with Rosa's parents has become unbearable.
The grandmother fears the slightest scratch will infect her.
I'm taking Esteban where he won't have to endure such hostility.
Agrado, you know how much I love you.
Take good care of Huma and yourself.
I'm sorry to miss the opening,
but I'm sure the homage to Lorca will be a great success.
I'll write you later...
but for now it's better if you don't know any more.
Oh, and tear up this letter. Your Manuela.
TWO YEARS LATER
I'm returning to Barcelona after two years...
but this time I'm not running from anyone.
I'm going to an AIDS conference organized by Can Ruti Hospital.
My Esteban has neutralized the virus in record time,
and they want to study his case.
I'm so happy.
May I?
My Manolita!
Hey, she's mine too!
You look beautiful! Your hair's gotten so long.
- Yours too. - No, this is a wig for the play.
Your earring's loose. I'll fix it.
Learn, you animal!
I'm an animal, but who takes better care of you?
It's great about your son!
So he neutralized the virus practically overnight?
Yes. Esteban's case proves the virus can disappear.
They're still trying to find out why, but it's a miracle.
I knew it. How I've prayed for that child!
Why not stay with us while you're in Barcelona?
- Of course. - We're staying with his grandparents.
Rosa's mother is just thrilled.
That woman has changed so much.
- Five minutes! - I have to go!
You have Esteban's picture.
Lola gave it to me before she died.
I was keeping it until you came back.
Keep it.
Thank you.
And Nina?
I have to go.
Nina got married. She's back in her home town.
Has a baby too. A fat, horrible little thing.
Ugly as sin!
I'll see you later.
To Bette Davis, Gena Rowlands, Romy Schneider...
To all actresses who've played actresses,
to all women who act,
to men who act and become women,
to all who wish to be mothers.
To my mother.
IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE