12:08 East of Bucharest (A fost sau n-a fost?)

12:08, East of Bucharest

Hello?

Good morning!

Just a second.

- Who's that? - It's Jderescu.

Hello?

Hi, Virgil.

Yes.

What's this about?

You called to ask if I drank last night?

The talk show, right...

Listen, who else is coming?

OK.

Anything else?

Got it: honk and I'll come down.

Later.

Rodica!

- Rodica! - What?

- Where's that damn dictionary? - What dictionary?

- Of Mythology! - It's in the bookcase.

- Where exactly? - With the other dictionaries.

And where's that?

On the bottom shelf.

Where?

- Did you find it? - No.

- Look behind the bearded guy. - Which one, Aristotle or Plato?

Hold on.

There!

Why not put it on the top shelf? It looks nice.

I got your suit ready.

Your socks and underwear are on the armchair.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Liliana called.

What did she want? More money?

Just to wish you good luck with the show.

Thanks.

These were in the suit you wore yesterday.

- Do you need them? - And how! Good thing you found them.

Mr. Vasilache, this is Jderescu.

I'm calling to confirm if you can make it to the show tonight.

If you can get back to me, my home number is 321 666,

and my office number is 321 747.

I repeat, 321 747.

The best and cheapest wine! Find it today at Racova Supermarket.

Always with your dratted wine!

Now what?

16 years ago today, the magic moments of the Romanian Revolution were underway.

Romanians won their -

- to turn back time to December 22nd 1989.

Today, "The Issue of the Day" offers you a significant debate

on the events of December 1989, which have changed our lives forever.

The host, well-known journalist Virgil Jderescu,

will have as guests two witnesses of the events.

Join us today, at 3 PM, to find out -

To find out what?

Bastard!

Damn that TV!

Bunch of hooligans!

What's with that ugly thing?

That's what I wondered last night, when you brought it in.

I brought it in?

- You don't remember? - No.

Then you don't remember singing the national anthem, either.

I didn't sing that!

Then it must have been Beethoven's 5th.

Was I loud?

Just enough to wake up half the neighbourhood.

Today, come right back home with your pay!

- I want a real Christmas this year. - Of course.

If you don't bring it all home, down to the last dime -

- How do I look in this? - Don't dodge!

I know exactly how much money you make.

I know. You know even better than I do.

- What was that? - I said I'd bring it!

- I won't let you in otherwise. - I have a key!

And I'll tell Ana what a drunkard you are!

I'll bring it, I swear to God.

Just please, don't tell Ana.

Now, what do I wear?

The black suit.

Black and white? I'll look like in a Laurel and Hardy film.

Whatever. Just bring home that salary.

These flowerpots need changing.

Hello, is this the Grigoriu residence?

May I speak to Mr. Grigoriu?

Virgil Jderescu speaking, from TV.

Do you know where he is?

When he comes back, can you please tell him I called?

I invited him to my talk show, I'd like to know if he's coming.

All right, thank you. Goodbye.

Stop eating plain bread.

Mr. Vasilache, it's Virgil again.

Please tell me if you're coming to my show or not.

You said you'd call by 9 AM, it's already half past.

Please, I'll be waiting for your call.

Shithead!

They'll turn up, you'll see.

Everybody wants to be on TV.

Here.

- Did I mention Liliana called? - Yes.

- She needs another 500 lei. - What for?

To go to Sinaia for New Year's.

Didn't I give her money last week?

Yes, but she wants to buy a pair of skis.

Tell her to go sledding and stop being a spoiled brat.

Come on, dear, all her friends have skis.

You won't fool me again with your firecrackers.

- Come on in! - Good morning, Mr. Pișcoci.

- Come on in, neighbour. - We're in a hurry.

Just come in, people will talk.

Good morning, Mr. Pișcoci.

- Come in! - Alright, just for a moment.

Stay with Mum, we'll only be a minute.

No, I really can't stay. I just have a favour to ask.

Could you be our Santa this Saturday?

He won't get it.

My brother-in-law broke his leg, I have no one to ask.

I remembered you used to do Santa a while ago.

- Years ago - - Do you have a costume?

- No, the moths got it. - I have one.

I can adjust it for you.

- Bring it over, then. - I'll be back in an hour.

I got nothing to do, anyway.

Petrică, we have to go!

Look, Mr. Pișcoci has a bell for you.

I'm bringing my brother-in-law some food in the hospital.

What did you cook?

Meat stew, meatballs from my mother-in-law...

And quinces - have one!

Here's for the soul of the dead.

Bless you! Petrică, let's go!

Don't forget your bell for carolling!

- We'll talk about the money later. - I don't want any money!

What's the damage?

- The whole tab or just last night? - The whole thing.

Let me see, I've got Alecu...

Cornel, Sofronea... Mănescu!

192 plus 48...

With the one yesterday, it's 326 lei.

- That much? Let me see! - You spent 100 lei last night alone.

Bullshit, I didn't drink champagne!

No, but you bought vodka for everyone.

Hand me that broom, will you?

Gigi, I told you to stop me when I get drunk!

I tried, but there was no getting through to you.

Let's see...

Here's the deal.

Give me a bottle now. I'll get my pay from school and settle.

- No way, Mr. Mănescu. - Come on, Gigi!

- I'm going to a talk show, I'm nervous. - What show?

- It's about the Revolution. - What Revolution?

Gigi, don't upset me even more!

Jesus, Teach, you drive me nuts!

Want a cigarette?

I should've failed your ass when you were my student.

Fine, here's the deal:

You get your bottle.

But if I don't have the money by tonight, I'll come to your place to get it.

- Did I pick on the Chinese guy? - Yes.

- Really hard? - No, just the usual.

I'm such an idiot!

You owe me 340 now.

I don't like this girl at all.

She's so fussy.

- Was that the best you could find? - Hush.

Hello? Is this the Grigoriu residence?

Oh, you know who I am...

Where is he, for Christ's sake?

Tell him next time he promises something he'd better keep his damn word!

Tell him he's an imbecile

and he won't talk crap politics on my show ever again!

- Virgil... - Fuck him!

Look at this picture I found.

- Who's that? - Liliana, at a Christmas party.

She was so chubby!

How old was she? Four, I think.

- And who's that? - That's you.

- No the other guy. - That's Santa Claus.

- Who was Santa? - I can't remember.

- Look how happy Liliana was! - Can you pass me that jacket?

There you go.

- I've got no money. - Only 500, dear!

- Will you give me a break? - Fine.

- Rodica! - What?

Bring me the phonebook, will you?

- It's red. - You don't say.

If this is red, I'll hang myself.

- What colour is it, then? - It's got spots all over!

- Where? - All over!

It looks like you've mopped floors with it!

You call this white? If it is, I'll hang myself again!

What am I supposed to do?

I can't afford a new one, we'll have to make do.

- And the bag? - What bag?

For the presents, of course.

- You can just hold them, Mr. Pișcoci. - Who's ever heard of that?

Hello?

Speaking.

Mr. Virgil, what a nice surprise!

Yes, I've heard about it.