'The Meridian Circle.' -The best hotels of Southern Europe.
We're as good as any of them.
Doña Teresa Aldecoa de Alarcón?
The Meridian Circle can't afford a scandal like this.
The Meridian Circle didn't accept us?
The hotel is all we have. -Yes, and it's worth a lot of money.
Money we could use to start over somewhere else.
This time you've gone too far. Alfredo is prepared to sell his share in the hotel.
Tell me why you're here.
I'm your brother. Don Carlos was our father.
I can't serve this table anymore, now that I know.
You're right, it makes no sense. You're fired.
I've seen Andrés. I want you to recognize his rights. He's my brother.
I'd like you to come back to the hotel. If you do so...
I give you my word that you'll be recognized as an Alarcón.
Javier died in defense of his country. -Madam.
Why are you in mourning, Mother?
You deserted, didn't you? Your mother will be upset.
That officer will be back.
How did you keep them from finding you at dawn?
Maybe it was a mirage. -There is no desert there.
Save your excuses for the military tribunal.
I suppose you know what's in store for deserters.
The firing squad.
Grand Hotel
I've long been trying to get into the hotel business.
What better option than my favourite hotel?
You want to buy the Grand Hotel? -No, only participate.
But doña Teresa only lets family participate...
and she has no more daughters to marry.
And why are you talking to me? -You're the director.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but even so, my mother-in-law rules the board.
I can't help you. -But I understand you're also an owner.
You're very well informed.
Do you also need the board's approval to negotiate about your share?
No.
I offer you the most valuable property I have.
My share in the tungsten mines for your share in the hotel.
The mines you have with don Gonzalo?
I've read those mines are worth a fortune. You're very generous.
I'm asking for a lot in return.
You'd have to leave the hotel and move to Madrid with your family.
I surely prefer what you have here. The coast, the luxury, the tranquillity.
I'd understand if you rejected my offer. -Let me warn you.
If you're looking for tranquillity...
this isn't the best place.
Here it is.
Don Alfredo's 30%.
A promissory note against the yield my mines will soon produce.
A reasonable sum. -You have no reason to complain.
You've gone from a major loss to a slight gain.
Considering your gaffe, it's more than you deserve.
Never underestimate a woman.
Especially when it concerns a woman like you.
And do me a small favour. Let my cousin find out about his ruin himself.
Let's not spoil the surprise. Have a good day.
It seems the marquis will no longer be part of our hotel.
You mean your hotel, doña Teresa.
Dear, while you're on my side, you'll keep enjoying the benefits.
I'm glad to see you, inspector.
Impersonating a police officer is a serious offense.
What does that document say? What was the verdict?
The judge denied your mother's plea to have your father declared unfit.
What's it about this time, señora Murquía?
As you see, my mother tried to get my father declared unfit.
But the verdict was issued on the eve of your father's death.
It could be a coincidence.
Of course, it could be.
How is it possible that there's another inspector in Cantaloa...
by the name of Ayala, who also wears a moustache, is tall and looks like me?
Alright, I will tell you what that other Ayala and I discovered...
if you'll let us do what we're planning to do.
That depends on what it is. What do you plan to do?
Give me your word and I will tell you.
Doña Alicia, I warn you. You and your waiter are testing my patience.
Don't force me to detain him. -Then do what you have to do.
Sorry? -You heard me perfectly.
Alright.
What was that, inspector?
Alright, I give you my word.
Ángela, do you have a moment? -Of course.
Were you there when the doctor signed my father's death certificate?
I saw your father dead, if that's what you want to ask.
Do you remember the things that were in his room?
I wish I hadn't seen them.
Madam?
Or seen your father.
Is he... -Yes.
He's dead. -How?
Take all this away. I don't want to see it ever again.
Yes, madam.
And inform Benjamín.
But doña Teresa told me to take everything away.
I had to pick everything up. Some of the things were close to his body.
Now I'll never be able to forget, much as I'd like to.
Ángela, I'm going to need your help.
Was it like this?
That's how Ángela remembers it.
All that's missing is this. -Where could it have been?
I think I know.
Here.
Ángela.
Why are you alone, handsome? -Leave me in peace.
My God, are you disagreeable. -Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
Even Adela wouldn't be able to cheer him up.
Adela, there's a challenge for you.
A bottle of rum that you can't seduce him.
Hello, husband.
Get me out of here.
What's the matter?
What's all this doing here? -I don't know.
Is this your doing? -No, madam.
Who entered my room? -I don't know.
Take all this away. Get rid of it immediately.
It was you. You killed my father, didn't you, Mother?
With the same poison he tried to kill you with.
And how will you prove it?
Do you have anything to add? -No, Your Honour.
Let the defendant rise.
This military tribunal declares you guilty of desertion...
and sentences you to death by firing squad seven days from today.
Son.
I won't let anything happen to you.
The lawyer says we only have one last resort: a royal pardon.
Who do I have to talk to? -Only the king can grant it.
My God. What are we going to do?
You're my brother's only hope.
My mother has no one else to turn to.
Well, she hasn't talked to me. I suppose she's afraid I'll refuse.
Why would you refuse?
She's left us without anything.
The mines I received in exchange for my share of the hotel are hers.
She's claimed them at the registry office. That deed is worth nothing.
Did that crook rip you off? -No, it wasn't him.
It was obviously her doing. Your mother has won again.
She has the hotel and the mines, and we, we don't have anything.
Thanks anyway. Goodbye.
How can you look at me, Mother? She's sold my husband.
You've left him without anything.
And you expect Alfredo to save Javier?
Besides being my son, Javier is your brother.
How can you ask Alfredo for a sacrifice when you've robbed him of what's his?
Come in.
Excuse me, agent Hernando insists he has to see you in person, madam.
Are you doña Teresa Aldecoa de Alarcón?
Spare me your antics. What's that? -A court order, madam.
The judge summons you as party to the murder of don Carlos Alarcón.
Have a good day.
I curse the day I gave birth to you.
You've brought charges against your own mother? How could you?
I didn't do anything like that. -You said you'd prove...
Of course it was you. -I swear...
Shut up. Get out of my sight. Get out of my sight.
Why did you do it? Tell me why you did it.
You couldn't come this far and keep quiet.
Let go of me. Of course I could, you idiot.
She's my mother, and it's my life. How dare you decide about my life?
I had to do this. Ayala agrees. The judge will issue an indictment.
He already did.
He's just summoned my mother as a defendant. Thanks a lot, Julio.
Alicia... -Don't touch me.
How did my daughter know her father tried to poison me?
The only ones who knew were my husband, you and me.
I never told Alicia, and the dead don't talk.
Neither did I, madam.
There's a fourth person who knew.
Did you ask yourself who gave your daughter the bottle of poison?
Only one person comes in question.
Benjamín? -She went to see him in prison.
What am I going to do?
For once I don't know, madam.
Francisco Rodríguez. 2nd Sapper Company from Melilla.
Javier.
How long have you been here? -Four days.
The worst thing isn't knowing that you'll be shot.
The worst thing is not knowing when.
Tell your husband to make that call.
I'll give him back the hotel, or the mines. Anything.
Nothing's worth more than your brother's life.
Pangs of conscience, Mother?
Good day, inspector. -You're braver than I'd imagined.
What's going to happen? -Are you referring to your mother?
The examining judge will hear our witnesses. The insurance broker...
the doctor who certified your father's death and the defendant, your mother.
Why the doctor? He lied before. He's not going to tell the truth now.
Trust me. The judge has allowed me to conduct the case myself.
What worries me is something else.
We've asked for the summons of these witnesses.
Do you know how many the other party has summoned?
You mean the defense? -Yes, your mother.
How many? -None.
What does that mean? -Either of two things.
Your mother won't defend herself and will accept the charges...
or she has an ace up her sleeve and knows she'll win the game.
How many Circle members have confirmed for New Year's Eve?
All eleven of them, madam.
And the press? -Thus far all responses are positive.
Allow me to wish you luck, madam. -I only hope justice will prevail, Mateo.
Madam. -What do you want?
I saw Belén, in the tavern. -Really?
She finally found a job at her level.
She's my wife. -Look on the bright side.
It will be easier to get an annulment now. You should ask for one at once.
An Alarcón married to a prostitute. What would people say?
I want Belén to come back to the hotel. To her old job.
Fine with me. You're part of the family now. It's your right.
Thank you, madam.
We've fired enough staff to cover the renovations.
If you want Belén to come back, pick a maid and I'll fire her on the spot.
Guillermo, I'm in a hurry.
You attested that don Carlos Alarcón died of natural causes.
Indeed.
But as was established by autopsy, he'd been poisoned with arsenic.
Didn't you see signs of poisoning when you saw the deceased...
on the morning of February 10, 1905?
My attest answers your question. No. -Now that you mention it...
why did you put a date on it that doesn't match the date of death?
Out of confusion, undoubtedly. -Undoubtedly.
And what can you tell me about this payment two days later...
to the amount of 30,000 pesetas?
Does it have anything to do with this or is it also due to some confusion?
I don't remember what that payment was for.
How much do you charge for a house call, doctor?
Fifty pesetas.
And you don't recall why they paid you 30,000?
How can you not remember a sum over three times your annual income?
Shall I help refresh your memory?
Did doña Teresa Aldecoa pay you for not strictly medical services?
Answer the inspector, doctor. -The answer is no, Your Honour.
Stop denying it, doctor. You were paid for falsifying the death certificate.
But not at the request of doña Teresa.
The person who paid me to attest that it was natural death...
was Ángela Salinas, the housekeeper.
Inspector, it's clear that Ángela Salinas has something to do with this matter.
Shall I summon her as a witness? -I want you to arrest her.
Your Honour, do you really think a woman of humble origins...
Inspector.
Arrest her.
I'm sorry.
The judge is having Ángela arrested. -How can that be?
Help me find her, before the police arrives.
Doña Alicia wants you in her room. -I'll go upstairs when I've finished this.
Right away. -I won't take long.
You're taking too long. -Alright, my boy, alright.
Let's go. -You're going to make me fall.
Hurry up, Hernando. She must be somewhere here.
What's going on, madam? -They want to arrest you, doña Ángela.
I haven't done anything. I don't have any reason to hide.
Doña Teresa accuses you of killing don Carlos.
I'm innocent, madam.
You know what my mother is like. She won't rest till you're found guilty.
Doña Alicia, this is inspector Ayala.
Inspector, I'm half-dressed. -I'm sorry to bother you.
We're looking for the housekeeper. -She's not here, I assure you.
Alright. Thank you, and forgive me.
I'm sorry, but...
They'll recognize me. -No one will notice you.
Ángela, please.
We'll prove your innocence. Then you'll be able to come back.
The police has orders to arrest Ángela Salinas, the housekeeper of our hotel.
What has she done, madam? -That's not your concern.
I expect you to collaborate. If you have any idea where she is...
Has she fled, madam? -So it seems.
I won't tolerate mistaken loyalties.
If you know what's good for you, you'll know what side to take.
Who will appoint duties in the absence of the housekeeper?
Doña Teresa, if you agree, I've seen how my sister does it.
This way it stays in the family.
Go back to work.
Mother, why are you dressed like that?
I'm sneaking her out of the hotel. The police has come to arrest her.
Why?
They accuse her of killing my father. Our father, Andrés.
You? -I didn't kill him, my son.
Of course not. So why are you leaving?
Because it's best, believe me. -Why? She hasn't done anything.
Ángela, let's go.
I'm sorry, madam.
Tell them to give me time to change before they arrest me.
That judge must be crazy. -The judge has nothing to do with it.
Doña Teresa paid the witnesses to accuse your mother.
What will happen if she's found guilty? -It's a murder case, Andrés.
And doña Teresa would let my mother be killed?
That's what she's doing.
You're going to hurt yourself. -I already did, and I don't care.
Look at me, dressed like one of them, by the courtesy of doña Teresa.
Alicia is also part of the family, and she has no blame.
If you want to get angry at someone, pick me. All this is my fault.
Don't talk nonsense. -It isn't nonsense.
I know what doña Teresa is like, and yet I told agent Ayala everything.
I've set Alicia against her family...
and caused your mother to face death.
I'm to blame for all of this.
But I assure you I won't let it rest here.
Sebastián. I'm looking for the men who tried to dig up don Carlos.
I've seen them here many times.
I know who they are. -Where are they?
Tomorrow you'll tell the judge who ordered that job at the cemetery.
Is that clear?
Where are your companions? -Watch out.
Pilar?
My God, what happened? What are you doing?
That wound needs stitching. -Sit down.
Go on, sit down.
What do you want?
Your choice, the knife or the quill.
If you choose the knife, I'll kill you as painlessly as I can.
Let go.
Why do you think I deserve to die?
I don't, but neither do I think Ángela Salinas does.
Due to you, the judge accuses her of having killed don Carlos Alarcón.
You bore false witness against her. That's why I'll have to kill you.
Unless you choose the quill.
I need your help. -What's the matter?
It's not me, but Julio.
Here, drink up.
Andrés, look for more gauze, please.
I know you denounced my mother for my sake, and I know that you had to.
But you must understand that... -I understand.
We can't let Ángela pay for something my mother did.
And we won't.
The doctor...
has revised his testimony.
The gauze.
Spain takes leave of 1906
The party will take place here.
The restaurant will be exclusively for the Meridian Circle.
At the countdown for the New Year, the lights will go off.
When the bells peal, the display will be lit.
Madam. -Are the Circle members' rooms ready?
Yes. You have a call. Shall I put it through to the booth?
Who is it? -He wouldn't say, doña Teresa.
Teresa Aldecoa speaking. Tell me, doctor.
For what I paid you, they should have used that knife.
Please, don't stop the fight for me. -What are you doing here?
I believe you have something of mine.
Doña Ángela, when did you find out your son Fernando Yanes...
or Ángel Alarcón, was still alive? -A little less than two years ago.
The eve of the death of don Carlos Alarcón?
Doña Ángela, I'm Ángel, your son.
Yes.
I assume this made you wish for don Carlos to die.
I don't wish for anyone to die, Your Honour.
I find it hard to believe it left you indifferent.
It made me hate the man whom I'd loved my whole life.
Did you kill him? -No.
But you removed everything from his room that had to do with his death.
Didn't you?
Yes.
And you concealed the real date of his death.
Yes.
With permission, Your Honour.
Why did you do so?
Doña Teresa ordered me to.
Take all this away.
Throw it away. I never want to see it again.
Did you pay doctor Bernárdez to falsify his attest?
No. -He maintains you did, madam.
Your Honour, as you can see from this document...
doctor Bernárdez has withdrawn his previous testimony this morning.
Did he tell you how this 'rectification' came about?
A bad conscience, I suppose. -Thank you, señora Salinas.
Call the next witness. Bring in doña Belén Martín.
Did you see doña Angela Salinas on the evening of February 9, 1905?
Yes. -Where?
In the maids' room on the first floor. -What was doña Ángela doing there?
She took something from the cupboard with chemicals.
That's a lie. -Señora Salinas, please.
Are you sure you saw her there?
Yes.
Do they also keep arsenic in that cupboard?
Yes, Your Honour. It's used as an insecticide, and also for the wood.
Thank you, señora Martín.
As you know, yesterday the police arrested Ángela Salinas.
We can't afford to be without a housekeeper.
Have you hired a new one, madam? -Indeed.
Come in.
I didn't think you'd congratulate me.
Go back to your work. Who are you?
The cook. My name is Violetta Salinas.
Madam. -Madam.
The same name as my mother-in-law. Is that a coincidence?
No, I'm her sister.
You don't look like her. I hope that's true in general.
Go back to work.
Yes, madam.
Why did you testify against my mother?
Didn't you want me to come back? -Not like this.
Don't you realize they may sentence her to death?
There was no other way, Andrés, and you know it. Get used to the idea.
If doña Teresa wants to get rid of someone, she will, no matter what.
I know from experience.
I don't want to dishearten you, but I don't have much influence anymore.
Doña Teresa can pay whatever you need. Her mines are worth a fortune.
Money won't buy a royal pardon for her son.
You didn't need to come this far to tell me so.
How important to you is your brother-in-law?
My wife is important to me. If I can save her brother from death...
Cost what may? -As I said, money won't be a problem.
As I said, it's not about money. But there is a way to buy the pardon.
I know that woman was here. What did she say?
For good or bad, everything has its price. So does saving your brother.
Whatever my mother has to pay to save my brother's life is well-spent.
Please, sit down.
Why? -Sit down.
I'd be the one to pay the price. Or rather, we, not your mother.
That makes no sense.
Joaquina says that the only way to obtain a pardon...
is to sell the title of Marquis de Vergara to the right person.
You didn't say yes, did you?
I'm prepared to save your brother's life. And you?
But it's not fair to you. -Saving your brother's life comes first.
I wish you weren't so good. -Do you realize what you're saying?
Of course I do. -It's what we have to do.
Yes. I'd never forgive myself if he were executed while we're able to prevent it.
Javier Alarcón. -Yes.
For you.
What's the matter?
It's from my sister Sofía.
Her husband got them to pardon me.
Congratulations. -I'm sorry.
Forget it, I'm happy for you.
You deserve it. -No, I don't.
I wasn't even in the war.
I deserted as soon as we disembarked.
Later on my unit was attacked. They thought I was dead.
That's how it was.
I really am a coward.
No one deserves to die for being afraid.
They've granted a pardon to Javier. He's been reprieved.
Thank God.
I don't want to seem sacrilegious, but the Lord had nothing to do with it.
I don't understand. -Alfredo bought Javier's pardon.
Or so your husband told you. With what money? Alfredo is ruined.
I'm aware of our financial situation. And of what caused it.
Alfredo has sold his title in order to save him.
A very noble gesture. -Yes, indeed.
I just hope that this time you'll show your appreciation.
Of course, daughter.
If not, it may seem that your son's life wasn't of very much importance to you.