THE BIG PARTY
As it fully enters World War II, the USA is urgently looking to ensure
the political stability of its borders in the Caribbean.
In 1942, the island of Puerto Rico, that border's main bulwark,
is experiencing a time of great tension.
Political corruption and poverty are causing unrest
and threatening that stability.
Meanwhile, the Puerto Ricans fear a possible Nazi invasion.
There are shortages of clothing, food, medicine, gasoline...
They are suffering the hardships of a war economy.
Foreign residents from enemy countries
live under constant suspicion of espionage
and the threat of detention camps.
Here's the evidence list.
And this book, which is written in the oddest language.
They say it's propaganda. Take a photo of it.
Hurry up, hurry up.
It has to make the Monday papers.
Don't let me down.
Carpio. Hello, sir.
Is he still in?
Okay, that's enough. Put it all away and close up.
This is for today.
Come on, Antonio. It's time to start closing up.
Don't worry, I'll do it.
What a guy!
Hurry up, man! We've gotta get dressed up.
No, no parties for me. Ever since Irene... I don't know.
What are you saying? You can't let me down today!
- I'm just a little tired. - You're tired? What about me?
All my bones ache.
I'd gladly go to bed...
...if it weren't for the wedding announcement tonight.
Hey, that's right!
Hey, you've got nothing to complain about there.
Your son found a real catch.
Thank God... and José Manuel's good luck!
Hey, the ragazza isn't bad-looking either, eh?
Not to mention...
...her father owns half of Ponce, and he's a coalition bigshot.
If that doesn't end up getting you American citizenship...
Huh?
Ah... yes, yes.
Certainly in that respect, I've had less luck than you.
That's because you waited too long, Manolo.
Now they're talking about freezing funds.
What makes you think I didn't request it before?
Damn it!
What the hell do I want it for, except to secure my children's future?
So... I'll see you at the casino?
Well, I don't know... maybe.
Come on!
Cheer up, you spoilsport.
Oh, and turn off the light.
You always forget.
And tonight, ladies and gentlemen, at the Puerto Rico Casino,
is the big farewell party that'll close the doors on the exclusive club.
The casino has been expropriated by the US government
for the purposes of national defense,
and will now be used exclusively to train military troops.
The registration of enemy aliens continues in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
They will have to get a card with their photo and fingerprints,
which they must carry on them at all times,
according to the proclamation signed by President Roosevelt.
Calling him a disturber of the peace and the Populars' puppet,
leaders of the coalition today denounced Governor Guy Rexford Tugwell.
Next Sunday at 10:00 AM, there will be a meeting of coalition parties,
where sources say they will demand the governor's resignation.
Regarding a possible Washington visit from such a coalition delegation,
Senator Muñoz Marín, in his editorial in El Imparcial today, writes:
"You can be sure, gentlemen of the coalition,
"that the trip would be a waste of time and money."
Irritated bladder? Discomfort and burning during urination?
Loss of energy? Dark circles under your eyes?
Live like so many other happy citizens!
I feel like a king... with Anticalculus Elbrey!
Noting the Puerto Rican people's lack of powers
and insisting that the only solution to the country's problems
is to declare itself a republic,
the Nationalist Party's leadership
today gave the press a copy of an extensive manifesto
signed by their president, Julio de Santiago.
Imports of rice have been practically halted.
Manolo, you're crazy!
How can you do that with things how they are?
This is the last straw, Teté!
I've been wearing this flag on my lapel since my first communion, damn it!
Typical Spanish idiot.
A warning to tax evaders:
The Justice and Treasury Departments
are preparing a plan of attack against taxpayers who
maliciously violate or impede tax laws. - Damn it! What's next?
Take the furniture! Take it all, why don't you!
Oh Manolo, calm down! That won't get you anywhere.
Watch who you sit with tonight. Judge Cropper might show up there.
Just leave me alone!
Between you and the Americans and that partner of mine,
you're going to give me an ulcer like a volcano crater!
That's what you get for coddling lazy, jealous people.
You should've gotten away from Antonio a while ago.
I wish I'd never mentioned him!
- Mom, can you zip me up? - I'll be right there.
Oh, what a beauty! Clearly worthy of her father!
"Prisoners live on hope."
Mari Tere, please... I don't want you talking to that guy tonight.
That could really hurt your dad.
Don't stress him out. He has enough problems at work.
Promise me, dear!
- But Mom, if you met Angel Luís...! - I don't need to.
It's enough to know that he associates with those crazy nationalists.
- Hey, are we going? - Oh, you look so handsome!
Rita will faint when she sees you.
Where's my new wallet?
Why not tell him now?
Dote on him while you can. Soon he'll have someone else to do it.
You're in such a hurry!
Can't wait to see Rita, eh? Hey, with good reason.
- How long has it been? - I don't know, about three weeks.
You kids sure are strange, my God!
Thank goodness the wedding is near,
because at this rate, another man will snatch her up.
- That's what I wanted us to discuss. - Come on, Teté, we're late!
This woman will be the death of me.
Don Alfredo, looking sharp!
Hey, I didn't know you'd arrived.
You look so pretty!
Manolo, so glad you made it.
I wouldn't miss it! It's the casino's last party!
Manolo!
Well, how are you?
Mom is watching.
Excuse me!
María Teresa, you remember Doña Luisa, right?
That's what you get for being a firebrand!
- Repent and pray, sinner. - You're the one who should pray.
You'll need it more than me when the fiancée and the leftist meet.
- Raquel is here? - I haven't seen her yet, but...
It sure is odd that your leader let you come tonight.
Oh no, Angel, not this again!
You know why I started working with the government, right?
Look, José Manuel. To be frank, no. I don't know.
And I don't understand why your attitude changed so suddenly.
What's wrong? I just want to help this country now,
not sit and wait for something that won't come.
You do? You haven't talked that way in a while.
That's right, it has been a while.
But now we have to resolve the status impasse.
That's the important thing.
Speaking of impasses, look who's coming this way.
She was Queen of Carnival just a few years ago.
Life sure is cruel.
Good evening.
- Doña Tula. - Good evening.
- How are you, Don Miguel? - I'm well, José Manuel. And you?
- Hello. - You look so pretty.
- So how is Ponce? - Better than San Juan, of course!
I don't think José Manuel agrees, because we hardly ever see him there.
Shall we?
I'm dying for them to get upstairs already.
Ah, Doña Tula.
Come on, Manuel.
- I hope you all come visit us again. - Of course, we'd love to.
They tell me that your love is impossible,
that your kisses won't be for me,
though I love you so.
Desire for a love now lost,
hopes that left my life forever.
In my heart you left...
I told you, Tula. Don't worry so much.
Look at how happy she looks.
Yes, but...
Something is up with him.
I don't know, but since we arrived...
...he's seemed a bit off. - Oh, please.
Stop always expecting the worst.
What could happen? He won't...
But what if Rita told him something? What if she said something?
Because he doesn't look right.
We bought the fabric in Ponce,
but it was really hard to get the Brussels lace.
Luckily, my Dad has a friend on the Chamber of Commerce.
Now the dress...
...Patria Monelo.
I really like it.
(Music:) ...the memory of your eyes, which I'll never forget.
Yes, I agree completely with Mr. Muñoz.
It would be preferable to create an agency at the state level
to control the supply of water.
That way, we'd both ensure a vital service for the community
and avoid further trading of the people's necessities.
- Okay, I think she... is really right. - I've been saying it for ages.
- But there are other priorities. - The people need...
Raquel!
What do you think of "Water Resources Authority"?
What?
"Water Resources."
Oh, I don't know. That sounds... I don't know.
How about...
"Gutter and Sewer Administration"?
...but my mom says that brides have to look very feminine.
What do you think?
- Huh? - Your head's in the clouds.
Mind telling me what you're thinking about?
What else? You.
In my heart you left...
...the memory of your eyes, which I'll never forget.
I loved you then, I love you now,
and you'll always be...
...my crazy temptation.
Well, it's the last dance at the casino,
and the honorable governor still hasn't shown up.
He must be shut up in his dovecote in Fortaleza,
peering out the telescope hoping a ship will come save him.
- Will the President of the Senate come? - This isn't the place for him.
He's bound to have a door close on him, right?
That little trip did wonders for Rita de la Torre.
- Excuse me a moment, please. - Of course.
It's true, that Swiss air is absolutely miraculous.
Don Miguel, excuse me.
Can we talk?
Can you... can you come outside with me?
Sorry, ma'am. Excuse me.
On St, Eugene's Day, heading to the park, I met him.
He was the boldest, most gallant bullfighter in all of Madrid.
He was riding in a carriage, looking for a fight,
and when I saw him, I trembled.
And he, upon seeing this, exited the carriage,
and approached me very elegantly.
He arrogantly threw down his cape...
(Angel Luís:) You're in for it now.
You don't know that.
What's with that look?
Wasn't it you who said Raquel was a "wartime fling"?
I said that?
Exactly three weeks ago.
What if I told you I'm about to break up with Rita...
...to marry Raquel?
Oh God.
But... is it that serious?
He realized he was wounded, and he looked to me.
And he removed a reliquary from his breast,
which I recognized at once.
When the bullfighter...
Of course, it's obvious that...
- Excuse me. - Thank you.
It doesn't suit anyone for Tugwell remain in Fortaleza.
He's doing more damage than the San Ciriaco hurricane.
Six more months, and he'll hand over the Fortaleza to the rabble.
It's not that bad, Vázquez.
What has me worried is that 500 Acres Law business.
In Ponce, there's even talk of going to Washington.
Maybe you won't have to travel so far.
There's a federal case...
involving nothing less than the father of one of the governor's aides.
What is it, nationalist stuff?
Worse, worse.
I'm talking about a huge scandal.
Tugwell will have to go to the North Pole with his whole cabinet...
...to escape this storm.
...which I recognized at once.
As the bullfighter fell lifelessly, in his delirium he said:
"Tread, my dark beauty, tread gracefully,
"because a reliquary, because a reliquary I will make,
"with the shred of my cape...
And whe... when...
- When do you plan to tell her? - This very night.
Really, here? With her parents and everything?
There's no other way. The wedding announcement is today.
What I'm worried about is Rita's reaction.
I don't want to hurt her.
And she's so young...
What I wanted to know is if we can count on your support,
because we know you're a man of great prestige,
and very influential in the party.
Well, it's just that, having only just heard it,
I couldn't commit to it without knowing all the details.
- It'd be irresponsible to... - Of course.
Of course, Don Miguel.
I wouldn't dare to act without the evidence in my hands.
And when will you have it?
This very night.
- Here it is. - Let's go.
- What about that? - Ignore it.
Okay, let's go.
See you later. Behave yourself.
Look who's talking, damn.
- Quite the company you had, eh? - Not as good as yours.
You look lovely.
I really want to hug you.
I wouldn't recommend it. It could hurt you.
That ends today. I'm going to talk to her.
Trust me.
I do.
- Do you trust me? - Ladies and gentlemen...
Puerto Rico has always distinguished itself by its good heart
and its devotion to just causes.
Tonight we have a worthy representative of the justest cause known today:
The French Resistance.
Those glorious combatants
who fight against the sinister forces of the Nazi occupation
in the divine, the incomparable France.
He has come here to thank our people for the support they've given
in these terribly painful times for the homeland of Victor Hugo.
Ladies, young ladies, and gentlemen...
I have the great honor
of leaving you with the distinguished French gentleman
Monsieur Henri Bergé.
Well, Doña Tula.
That wedding is going to be the event of the year.
Ponce tradition and San Juan modernity.
Who is going to make the dress? Madame Claire, I suppose.
- Bonsoir. - Um, excuse me.
My Spanish isn't very good,
but I want to say...
to Monsieur Carlí...
of the committee "Les Amis de la France",
and very especially...
to mademoiselle Raquel Acosta.
President of the Committee... - Bravo, Raquel!
for Food and Clothes... - Bravo! - Bravo, Raquel!
...for the Civil Defense.
- Bravo, Raquel! - Bravo!
In the name of France...
and our national motto...
"Liberté, égalité, fraternité."
Merci beaucoup.
Thank you very much, Puerto Rico.
- Hurrah! - Bravo! - Bravo!
For a Frenchman, he speaks Spanish very well,
except for that "r".
Excuse me.
There we go!
There's nothing here but olives and bell peppers.
- I think that... - Just keep looking.
Something has to turn up.
I'm going to ask you to exercise the greatest discretion.
Do you understand?
My name must never be mentioned in this matter.
It's something that... I find painful.
Of course, Antonio, of course.
I imagine it must be very difficult to do what you've done.
Just remember, you're doing your duty
as the good American citizen that you are now.
And don't forget:
National security is at stake.
Yes, that's precisely why I've chosen to act.
You also understand that you have a duty to fulfill, right?
- Well, of course. - That's why...
I need a small favor, and I hope you won't say no.
Sure, of course. What is it?
Serve as a witness for me at the citizenship hearings next week,
and repeat everything you've told me to Judge Cropper in court.
But you promised me...!
Back then, we weren't aware of the extreme gravity of the case.
- But... isn't there some other way? - Look!
The only one with in-depth knowledge of Manuel Gonzalez's activities...
...is you.
But if you don't want to testify, that's your business.
But I'm warning you...
You risk being named as an accomplice.
After all, you're partners.
And...
God forbid, but...
Who knows, they might even revoke your citizenship.
- Hey. - How are you, dear? - I'm okay.
Look at what a beautiful goddaughter I have.
She sure is.
Excuse me, miss.
So what do you think?
Well, this Monday we'll consult with Lugo,
and by Thursday at the latest,
you'll have the money you need at your disposal.
Don Miguel, thank you for all you're doing for us.
You're very generous, a real gentleman.
Please, Don Manolo, there's no need to thank me.
- After all, we'll be family soon, right? - Yes, we sure will!
The Nazis don't play around.
If they made mincemeat of a power like France,
what'll they do to a small island like this?
Not even God can save us. We're goners.
Things are getting real ugly in the Caribbean.
Bombers in Aruba, torpedoes in Trinidad, and Martinique fell to the enemy.
One of these days Hitler will cruise into San Juan Bay.
Don't believe me? You will once the blitz starts.
If we run out of rum, we'll import wine from Spain.
- This Manolo... - Excuse me.
Hey, you haven't visited in a while. Have I got a wine for you!
No, I'll come, I'll come. Things just aren't great now, Julián.
After all my hard work and struggle, I'm nearly out in the street.
This damn war will put us in the grave without bombs or torpedoes!
Shit, but not you, because there's always sick people.
I still don't understand why he was sent from Washington.
And the people Cristiano has around him,
all those young guys who spent time over there,
they think they can come here and change the world.
Did you speak to Don Miguel?
Yes...
...and no.
What do you mean? How'd it go?
I told him something to get him used to the idea,
but I left out the important part.
I don't know, Vázquez...
- I've got a bad feeling. - Don't tell me you're getting cold feet.
Didn't you say at the Roosevelt Theater that Tugwell had to be ousted...
...no matter what? - Not so loud!
- So what about... his partner? - It's all under control.
He's ready to declare that Manolo Gonzalez
was a Franco sympathizer and made monthly payments to the Falange.
That doesn't prove he's a real fifth-columner.
It's not much of a leap.
Without Miguel de la Torre's support, your case will collapse.
What do you mean "my case"?
You and the Congress are as involved in this as I am.
- Don't forget that. - Juan...
You have to be insistent with Don Miguel.
We can't risk him opposing us.
- In any event... - Don't worry, Sean Felipe.
I know what I'm doing.
I can't even see anymore.
These Spaniards' handwriting...!
Hey, their cops managed to keep getting goods during rationing.
They've got their connections.
Look at this, Pepito. Look at this.
That looks suspicious.
- Isn't that...? - Franco?
Don't look at me that way
I know you know how to lie
Your eyes are witnesses...
...to my adoration
I see myself in your pupils,
a beggar pleading for a love that's impossible
Don't look at me that way anymore
How long have you known her?
I don't know, a few weeks.
What a coincidence.
Rita, I've been wanting to talk to you for some time, but...
Don't say anything, José Manuel.
I can see in your eyes that you'll lie.
I don't want to hurt you, Rita. Don't you understand?
Is that why you didn't tell me before?
When were you planning to tell me?
On our wedding day?
On our honeymoon?
- Please calm down, Rita. - Leave me alone. - Rita, please!
May I borrow him, miss?
Don't look at me that way any more
I'm asking you please
because your burning gaze
is breaking my heart
Don't look at me any more
I'm asking you please
because your burning gaze
is breaking my heart
He's hardly spent any time with you.
He's been going back and forth, scheming all blessed night.
Darling, come here.
Have a seat.
What's wrong?
You're hiding something from me.
Want a little orange flower water? It's very calming.
- Look, there's my purse. If you want... - Please, Mom! Leave me alone!
- What happened? - Why is Rita crying?
Don't worry. She's fine, don't worry.
Don Antonio...?
But are you sure?
Just ask Mari Tere, ask your sister.
Oh, and the other one is a federal prosecutor, got it?
One of those mediocrities looking to score points with his bosses.
This is going to be a terrible blow for my father.
Just for your father?
What, it could cost me my job?
José Manuel, you and your father are just two pawns in this game.
They're after someone else, and you know who it is.
Rita Inés, I'm your mother and I'm entitled to know what's going on.
Or will I have to ask José Manuel?
No, don't you dare!
This is my business! Please stay out of it, Mom!
Quiet.
In any case, it's your father who will be hurt most by this.
Because Tugwell... will just get transferred.
And you're fine because of Juan.
But Don Manolo...
If he doesn't leave the country, they'll put him in a detention camp.
Do you think they'd dare to do something like that?
My father isn't political, Angel.
He's not a falangist or a republican or anything.
All the more reason to fight the case. You have connections, use them!
But we have to denounce this conspiracy.
I'll be your witness.
Who will believe you? It's their word against yours.
Well, that remains to be seen.
The important thing now is to warn your father.
After that, not a clue.
We'll turn to Tugwell if we need to. He won't lie down either.
I don't think that'll work, Angel.
What evidence do they have?
What witnesses?
It doesn't work like that.
In a democracy you can't accuse someone without evidence.
Democracy my ass!
José Manuel, this country has done much worse and you know it.
I don't know...
Sometimes people talk a lot, and then...
...don't do anything.
- What if it blows over? - Yeah, and what if it doesn't?
Oh, if my homeland...
had its own flag spread out in the sun...
- Raquel, very lovely dress. - Thank you.
Are you in mourning? Sorry, forgive the indiscretion.
- No, I just like mysteries. - Oh, and I love to solve them.
Oh, if there were patriots...
like Barbosa, de Diego, and Munoz were...
maybe my homeland...
wouldn't be so poor...
...and the slave of a strange nation.
Today Puerto Ricans don't own even an inch of their land.
They have nothing left but a shout that died in their hearts.
A tear of faith...
a tear of love...
José Manuel...
Rita Inés. Hey, I'm talking to you.
You didn't tell José Manuel about the incident with that guy, did you?
You couldn't have done something so foolish, could you?
Tell me! Tell me!
Tell me!
- Don Miguel, please, let me... - You and I have nothing to talk about.
Excuse me.
- Don Miguel, excuse me... - Later, Vázquez, later.
Rita, dear...
- Tula, what happened? - You know what she's like.
Is that woman who's with her José Manuel's fiancée?
No, it's Mari Tere's coworker.
From the Civil Defense.
They'll have to call the Red Cross once the blood starts to flow.
For better or worse,
the best chronicles are written in blood.
Don't you remember that ship that sank just outside Guánica Bay?
What about the fishermen who saw a sub roaming around Ponce Beach?
- And that cannon fire over Mona Island? - But you know that it's...
...the United States, France, England, and even Russia against Hitler.
- I mean... - But still, I think...
- Sorry, excuse me. - No problem.
I'm still fully convinced the island is surrounded by German subs.
- So, what happened? - We broke into his storeroom.
No...
- Did you find anything? - This was in a desk drawer.
That's it? Nothing in the house?
No, we went inside, but... there was only this.
You two are hopeless.
Pretty.
What's taking her so long?
Go check on her. She can't be left alone.
I'm just afraid she'll make another scene.
She's a wreck, Miguel.
She's capable of anything, you know that.
Remember the other time? We had to hide the knives from her.
I didn't want to come. I only came to please you.
Well, look, I'm not going through that again...
...not after last time.
You have to talk some sense into José Manuel.
I don't have to talk to anyone, least of all to him.
As soon as Rita returns, we're leaving.
Oh my God.
How embarrassing.
And to think tonight was going to be the wedding announcement.
How can I face people now and tell them...?
Maybe it's better this way, Tula.
God knows what he's doing.
I'm not criticizing you for having another woman, damn it!
For a man, that's never been a sin.
But putting on this show here, before everyone, that's unspeakable.
Forgive me, Dad, if I tell you that you're wrong.
Raquel isn't a fling to me.
Raquel is the woman I love, the one I want to marry.
Love, love... what do you know about love?
At your age, a man would go after a bitch in heat.
Son, in these hard times, with the business the way it is,
first you get into politics against my advice,
then you get a crush on the first woman to shake her behind at you.
What about us? Have you thought about us?
Dad, forgive me, but I've made my decision.
Rita already knows.
Don't you realize, fool, that your little fling could ruin us?
Don Miguel just offered to help me save the business.
Do you realize what that means for us?
Dad...
Listen closely.
- There's something very serious I must tell you. - Something worse?
What a shame, he's so handsome.
- He's so pompous! - But elegant.
Look at him.
- That Adolfo thinks he's... - He's arrogant.
Unbearable!
Ladies and gentlemen...
A moment ago...
as I drowned my sorrows in champagne
at the Chévere with other street bards,
the news reached my...
virgin ears...
that tonight...
they would have to... hand over...
I mean...
transfer...
the casino...
to the underappreciated armed forces of that uncle-in-law
whom we affectionately call...
...Sam.
Faced with... such a grand occasion,
I couldn't help but...
abandon my literary companions,
and rush over to this...
...sacrosanct site where I suffered so many terribly dull nights.
- They should throw him out. - Definitely.
If it weren't for his family...
And give to you...
I mean...
transfer to you...
...ten lines of my own inspiration.
And I'm going to dedicate them to a distinguished...
lady who's present here, by the name of...
Saltpeter affects one's memory.
No matter how hard I try, I can't remember.
"Supposedly impossible romances have filled drawers
"and the heads of poets with verbses...
"verses...
"...that are dispensable.
"I am a sensitive criollo of inconspicuous pen.
"I don't use mellifluous verses to sing to impotence.
"And my final line:
"The impossible is not Puerto Rican."
Well said.
What a poet!
He's a maniac.
- And he's gone. - It's about time.
I still... can't believe it.
My God.
Antonio owes me everything.
He was just an assistant.
- I made him! - Calm down, Dad.
No, this isn't over.
- I'll make that son of a bitch pay! - Dad...
You can't do that.
That would hurt you most of all.
Son...
What'll we do?
Wait, Guille, nevermind that. The worst enemy is an internal one.
I'm just saying that in 2-3 months we'll be speaking German,
and eating sausages with sauerkraut.
Get ready to hear German boots on the cobblestones.
If they take away what we've earned, we'll be very irritated.
And now they want to take power...
Come on, let's go.
Don Miguel, excuse me.
I was waiting for you. I have a photo you can use.
It's the evidence you wanted.
It leaves no doubt about that man's anti-American activities,
but please let me fill you in on the details.
Angel Luís.
No, no, him.
No, no, the other one.
Him.
Come on.
Help me, Angel Luís. That woman is...
She's worse than the Gestapo.
- Find out anything? - I think Vázquez is up to something.
And those guys are from the secret police.
Will you tell me who it is at last?
Sure.
You know him better than I do.
...no developments.
- Jose Manuel! - Huh? - What happened? What'd Dad say?
José Manuel, we have to act fast.
Vázquez is taking an envelope to the feds.
Let's talk to Cintrón. He's a friend and won't sell out.
Come on, come on.
Dad...
Where are you going?
To get a little fresh air. Leave me be.
- Well, what do you think? - But is it true?
Sure, you don't trust my word, but...
...it was Felipe who provided all the information.
- Frankly, I don't know what to say. - Sure, I understand.
Manolo, please!
Let me explain!
You traitor, you ingrate!
You piece of shit!
You're despicable!
You don't have any balls. I should kill you!
Let go of me!
Get off me!
Dad!
What is this? What's going on here?
Look, please let go of that gentleman right now.
- And who's this? - Mr. Gonzalez's attorney.
Angel Luís Tudela, at your service.
And you, who are you?
Please, guys.
- Sir... - How tactless.
This is a party.
He was disturbing the peace, and starting a fight.
Excuse them, Don Manolo. It's their first time in the casino.
You're disrespecting my father!
- Anyone who disrespects him, disrespects me! - Calm down, son.
If you think you'll get your way, think again!
- This isn't over! - Definitely.
On that, at least, we agree.
Come on, José Manuel. Let's go.
- It's not worth dirtying your hands. - Yeah, you're right.
It's not worth it.
Sir.
Don Manolo.
If I'm not mistaken...
...this is yours.
You're the lowest of the low.
- I'll stay with Dad. Are you okay? - Yeah.
- Manolo, what happened? - Nothing, nothing.
What do you mean? I heard there was an argument.
Don't exaggerate, Mom. It was nothing.
No.
You did really well. Congratulations.
That guy knows he has us by the throat.
Yes, but as far as I know, we're no pushovers.
If I were you, I'd grab that microphone and denounce those lies...
...here and now, before everyone. - It's not that simple, Angel.
If Vázquez acted, he must have support.
So what? We can get support too.
There are lots of scoundrels here, but also decent people who'll stand up...
What we have to do with Vázquez is outmaneuver him.
Move the ground under his feet.
Not a public scandal.
And I know who can help me.
Yes, he can help you, but...
...watch out.
It could really cost you.
José Manuel...
Earlier you said we had to break the impasse,
that you wanted to do something for your country now.
Is that your plan, to betray your feelings, your principles?
You boast about principles,
but I'm facing a real threat to my flesh and blood!
That's exactly what I'm talking about.
Or do you think I'm off in a fantasy world?
I don't know...
Those who risk nothing, get nothing that's worthwhile.
Forgive me, Angel, but I want to be alone.
Okay, as you wish.
You're the only one in the group without grandkids.
What's the hold-up, man?
There's always time for that. Right, Don Miguel?
That's your problem, old men. I'm still young.
Don Miguel...
Excuse me.
Can we talk for a moment?
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I don't intend to force you into anything.
Distinguished attendees,
now is the moment you've all been waiting for.
The partner switch.
As soon as the music stops, everyone switch!
You can't refuse. We won't take any "no"s.
Maestro.
Switch!
Look at those two. She's not hiding it at all.
Let's get out of here! I can't take this!
We will not keep making fools of ourselves, Rita Inés.
Your father said he'd be right over. A little patience, please!
- Where's Manuel? - Oh my God.
Hey, what's going on?
Don't panic.
This might not be a bombing raid. It might just be a drill.
Ladies and gentlemen, please, let's wait in silence
for things return to normal.
And remember that the partner in your arms...
...is yours.
Hey, put that out!
Put that out!
How irresponsible!
Good heavens, how embarrassing.
God only knows what that Frenchman must think of us.
Look, Tula, right now that's the least of my concerns.
For God's sake, let's set an example of civility and discipline.
A little patience, please. We're trying to solve the problem.
Look at that.
We have to thank Dr. García for his efficient work.
Ladies and gentlemen, San Juan is in darkness,
and the casino is... alight!
And now, how about a bolero to calm the mood?
Maestro.
Forget me.
I know I can't...
...have you again,
although I know you love me
like no one you've ever loved.
And I love you...
...like no one I'll ever love.
Forget me.
I know you can't...
...you can't love me.
Forget me.
Go away.
Don't tell anyone...
that you loved me...
...and I adored you.
Promise me that even if you live very far away,
you'll at least remember my kisses,
because I'll live,
dreaming of your kisses
and those eyes that I'll never kiss.
Promise me that even if you live very far away,
you'll at least remember my kisses,
because I'll live,
dreaming of your kisses
and those eyes that I'll never kiss.
Ladies and gentlemen, the distinguished Ponce couple,
Don Miguel de la Torre and his charming wife Doña Tula,
just gave me some spectacular news
which I'm sure will be celebrated among San Juan society.
It's nothing less than the wedding of their lovely daughter Rita Inés
to the gentlemanly eldest son of the famous San Juan merchant
Don Manuel González Giner and his wife Doña Teresa,
José Manuel González López.
A hand for the happy couple!
- Congratulations, Miguel. - Thank you, Silvia.
And Mr. Arthur J. Harvey tells us...
that the Puerto Rican committee "Wings for Great Britain"
has just sent us a check for the sum of $20,658.25.
It's a product of the funds raised here
for the purchase of a fighter plane destined for the RAF.
The money was raised from Puerto Ricans
who wanted to help the democratic cause and defeat the totalitarian powers.
Long live England!
This certainly has been a night of great surprises, ladies and gentlemen:
blackouts, guests,
wedding announcements, and what's left,
because this great party will continue until daybreak.
Ladies and gentlemen...
We interrupt the music one last time
to begin the transfer ceremony.
Dr. Gandía will share some brief words with you,
before formally handing over the Casino of Puerto Rico
to the naval high command of the United States of America.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the Casino of Puerto Rico was inaugurated on June 24th, 1917.
That same year, the United States entered World War I.
The Casino of Puerto Rico cooperated then,
socially and spiritually,
with the government to best execute its plans for national defense.
Fate has willed that we bid farewell to the casino today,
under the cruel reality of another World War.
And we must respond to the call of liberty
with the same responsibility, the same unity,
and the same patriotic spirit as in 1917.
The great Puerto Rican family is united once again
for the exaltation of our most noble ideals,
and for the achievement of our common goals.
You know there is no growth without pain,
no triumph without sacrifice.
For that reason, tonight we must bid the casino farewell,
not with sadness or nostalgia,
but with the conviction that these old walls,
which have sheltered our lust for life,
will also protect our hope for a brighter future.