The Big Party

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?

Well, what've you got?

I... well, not much, but I've got a couple of...

We can't continue to postpone the hearings indefinitely

just because you won't do your job.

Uh, your honor!

I don't think you realize the importance of this case, Vázquez.

National security could be at stake.

- If I could only have a few more days... - Oh no.

We've almost got the evidence. It's just a couple of days!

Oh damn it, you've been singing that same song

ever since we made the mistake of putting you in charge.

I'm doing my best, but you have no idea how tight the Spanish can...

I'm not interested in excuses. I'm interested in results.

- These people have applied for citizenship! - Alright.

For all we know, we're dealing with a bunch of goddamn spies!

Now Judge Cropper, you've gotta trust me.

I'm this close to getting my hands on...

All right, sure, sure. Keep on trying.

You may have something before the war is over.

No, no, listen!

I've got a contact.

- What is he, a Spaniard? - Yeah.

All right, when are you going to move?

Tonight, we're breaking in tonight.

On Monday, Vázquez.

That's your last chance.

Hey.

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...